Marion is more than field of dreams
Progress was made in 2002 on several fronts by the City of Marion in making the town an inviting place to live and establish a business.
Several commercial sites have been improved and incentives are in place to attract businesses and encourage development along the Main Street corridor.
Phase I, Batt Industrial Park
Infrastructure on a 20-acre, seven lot tract fronting U.S.-56 was completed in 2002. The tract is the first to be developed in the 50-acre Batt Industrial Park.
Water, sewer, and gas lines were installed, as well as interior streets and a turn lane from the highway. Three- phase electricity and fiber optic services are accessible.
These improvements were made possible through a bond that is funded by a 3/4 percent city sales tax approved in 2001 by Marion voters.
According to Susan Cooper, director of economic development for Marion, the city is continuing to actively pursue businesses for the industrial park.
"Without these improvements and plans in place," she said, "Marion would have just a field of dreams like we've had in the past.
"Developers and prospective business owners don't want to see what 'could be' in a wheat field; they want to see 'what's available now' in a developed area.
"The old adage 'You build it and they will come' is somewhat true. You have to have it before they will come."
Cooper noted that sometimes it takes a long time before businesses come.
"The average is about five years for the first business, with additional businesses following more rapidly. "
Marion Business Park
The business park located north of U.S.-56 has had similar improvements during the past two years.
It was originally developed by former local business owner Gerry Harris. The city purchased vacant lots from Harris in 1997.
Since that time, IXC Communications, Seacat Hardware, Marion Auto Mart, and Highway 56 Truck/Auto Wash have located there, joining Pizza Hut, Trace of Copper, and Jirak Construction.
In addition, the city has completed installation of sewer and water lines, a turn lane from the highway, and interior streets. Three-phase electrical, gas, and fiber optic services also are accessible.
"There has been an increased interest in the business park," Cooper said. "It's very encouraging and makes me believe the economy is turning around."
The business park is two miles from the U.S.-56/77/K-150 junction. Cooper said she has received comments from interested parties that, once K-150 is opened, Marion's Business Park is going to be an ideal location for retail businesses.
Main Street Corridor
According to Cooper, many smaller communities in recent years have seen the complexion of downtowns change from retail to more service-oriented businesses. Retailers are attempting to capture a more regional market by locating along a major highway.
However, Cooper believes a strong, core downtown is vital to any community.
"Marion is fortunate in having several retail businesses that have been in Marion for a long period of time and have a strong customer following," Cooper said. "My goals have always included continued promotion and support of the businesses located on the Main Street Corridor."
The city's comprehensive plan seeks future improvements to the downtown area with pedestrian lighting, murals, greenery, and so forth.
"It will take a considerable amount of funding to accomplish this," Cooper acknowledged, "but it can be accomplished over time."
The Neighborhood Revitalization Program is available for qualified property owners along Main Street and some property that adjoins commercial property that fronts Main Street.
With a minimum investment — $5,000 for residential and $15,000 for commercial — qualified property owners could receive a rebate of the increased property taxes due to improvements.
"This incentive encourages established business owners to replace older structures and expand their current business operations," Cooper said.
Cooper is assisted in her efforts by an advisory board comprised of Casey Case, Eloise Mueller, Nick Nickelson, Jack Regnier, Rodney Richmond, Brad Seacat, and Steve Wear.
They meet to discuss prospects, incentives, and land use issues. They also serve as ambassadors by promoting Marion to prospective clients.
Cooper is impressed with the longevity of many of the businesses in Marion.
"This proves that Marion is not only a great place to start a new business but it's a great place to live and pass on the business to the next generation," she said.
