Marion is packaged deal
After completing my first week at the Marion County Record, I am thrilled to report that: 1) I still have a job at the Marion County Record, and, 2) I am more excited than ever to promote Marion and Marion County.
As most of you know, I have been a local promoter for the past five years (unofficially more like 10 years). My job with the City of Marion was to go out and try to get something new or at least be ready for it when it comes, and then, keep it here.
I still see myself as a promoter — just from a different angle. Instead of directly going out and getting the new development, I'm hoping my stories and information will inspire it to come and stay in Marion.
Working together to make Marion a better place is a community attitude and effort. No one person, regardless of her position and abilities, can do it alone.
When we promote Marion, we're promoting the entire community (city, school, hospital, events, businesses, etc.) and county. It's all part of the "package" that prospective business developers and families consider when looking to locate to a new area.
The best advertisement for a community is not the billboards and brochures. It's the people, the residents. Their attitudes and commitment can make a good community great.
I want to write about these positive attitudes and commitments being made to enhance Marion's future.
My goals at the Record are plain and simple: Report the facts (good, bad, or indifferent), promote the positive, and praise the accomplishments.
At the present time, my beats are county, school, and hospital news. I am going to do my best to report the facts (you're smart enough to form your own opinions), be accurate, and competent.
I have two tough acts to follow: Matt Newhouse and, most recently, Jerry Buxton. (Matt, my friend, you're my inspiration. I hope I do you proud.)
I'm proud to be an employee of Hoch Publishing and I look forward to accomplishing many great things with the Marion community and Marion County. Thanks for your support.
— Susan Cooper
