Marion, IA – Nick Glew, Marion Economic Development’s President since 2014, has announced plans to step down from his role to pursue a new opportunity in the region.
Glew has been a highly influential and visible leader in the Marion community for the past 15 years, having served on the Marion City Council (2008-2011), hired as the founding director of Uptown Marion (2013), and appointed leader of Marion Economic Development (2014). During his time as President, Glew represented the Marion community on several state boards including the Iowa Great Places Citizens Advisory Board, Professional Developers of Iowa, Iowa Workforce Development, Main Street Iowa Advisory Council, and the Iowa Association of Business & Industry. He has twice been recognized as one of the Corridor 250 Most Influential Leaders and is a past CBJ Forty Under 40 Honoree.
“Mr. Glew is one of the most gifted leaders that I know,” says MEDCO Board Chair Steve Neighbor. “Marion is stronger today because of the work supported by Nick and his team. He will be greatly missed by all those who got the chance to work with him at MEDCO.”
Under Mr. Glew’s leadership, Marion Economic Development significantly elevated its influence and image within the region. Accomplishments include:
- Directly supporting more than $375M of new investment in the Marion community.
- Supporting projects that created and retained more than 2,500 jobs.
- Completing land sales in the Marion Enterprise Center, that propelled $55M of industrial expansion.
- Increasing supporting business partnerships 55%.
- Developing an expedited process for businesses to apply for financial incentives in partnership with the City of Marion.
- Launching Marion Community Promise and Marion Community Build, initiatives supporting the next generation of workforce and revitalizing core neighborhoods.
- Opening Cowork 1107, Marion’s first and only coworking business.
- Leading countless state advocacy trips and meetings in partnership with the Marion Chamber, City of Marion, and Professional Developers of Iowa.
- Advocating for the responsible use of Tax Increment Financing and becoming a respected statewide leader in educating elected officials and policy makers on the mechanics of TIF.
“Leading Marion Economic Development has been my most rewarding and humbling professional experience,” says Glew. “I could not be prouder of the MEDCO team, its Board of Directors, our Chamber partners, and City leaders who rally around a common goal to make Marion the best place in Iowa to raise a family and grow a business. Economic development isn’t about what we’ll do this year or next, it’s about staying committed to a long-term vision. I have no doubt Marion’s momentum will continue and community leaders will stay focused not on today, but on the next ten years. I look forward to supporting our growth from a different seat on the bus.”
The MEDCO Executive Committee has started a search process for Glew’s replacement. Mr. Glew will lead the organization through June 30th. He and his family plan to stay in the Marion community.
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ABOUT MEDCO: The Marion Economic Development Corporation exists to be economic development thought leaders who drive competitive advantage for Marion.