New ideas wanted
Marion Chamber of Commerce, like other service organizations, relies greatly on volunteerism from members of the community.
Not only are members responsible for the work, they also have to come up with the ideas to make the chamber function for the member businesses.
In the past, the chamber has been a prime moving force in getting people to town. Whether it was sidewalk sales, free ice cream, cash drawings, or store specials, people flocked to visit merchants and spend money.
Nowadays, money is tight. Marion isn't the retail trade center it once was. It takes a few unique ideas and a little more ingenuity to get people to patronize local businesses.
Ideas are out there. They come from unlikely or untapped sources. There are enthusiastic people in the community willing to share new ideas. They just need an outlet.
Chamber committees, such as retail sales and tourism, provide an excellent opportunity for idea-sharing. Perhaps the committees should invite the public to attend meetings and share ideas.
It's a win-win situation. The committee gets new ideas. The individual gets an outlet for their creativity. And conceivably, merchants get increased business.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
