Survey provides insight to improve, recruit businesses
"Marionites need to dream, risk, and be open to change and new ideas."
This comment was written by a respondent to a recent survey regarding businesses and business needs in Marion.
Marion Economic Development Advisory Board asked Marion and area residents to respond to the survey. Out of 2,000 sent, 150 residents responded.
"A lot of people stepped up to the plate and shared their ideas and feelings," said Eloise Mueller, chairman of the board.
Mueller said people responded with a "great deal" of information as to why they shopped in Marion, why they shopped out of town, what businesses they would like to see come to Marion, and what local businesses could do to improve.
Newton was respondents' first choice of out-of-town places to shop, followed by Wichita, Salina, McPherson, and Hutchinson.
Respondents said they purchase items via Internet or by mail five to eight percent of the time.
"The results of the survey will help Marion businesses and the city to identify areas to work together for improvement," Mueller said.
The results were tabulated in percentages to help local businesses see the amount of improvement that could be made.
Sometimes business owners who are involved in the day-to-day activities of running a business go unaware of changing customer needs. Customers sometimes do not speak out if there is a problem.
"Getting this kind of feedback is very good for business," Mueller said.
A wish list of businesses and services that are wanted and needed in the community also was formed from survey information, Mueller said, which will assist community leaders in planning future economic development.
Ideas for community improvement were shared by participants in the survey.
Residents are encouraged to become involved in beautifying the community by improving the appearance of their properties, beautifying downtown, become involved with city improvements, and promote positive aspects of living in Marion to become a more friendly community.
If individual businesses would like a more detailed report, contact Mueller at 382-3309.
