In 2014, I was honored to be selected by MEDCO’s Board of Directors as president of the organization. On day one, I recall a conversation from past Board Chair Tom Barnes saying, “Welcome to MEDCO, you’d better go find some more partners to support what we do.” On day two, I had the opportunity to meet Mark Weems at Legacy Manufacturing who said,” We’d like to buy the first parcel of ground in the Marion Enterprise Center, can you figure out how to make that happen?” On day three, I was invited to lead a rather tense meeting with a family-owned business that didn’t feel appreciated by the community. I’m not sure I mumbled more than a “sorry” or “how can we do better.” It was an interesting start to a career that would eventually provide some of my most fulfilling professional experiences.
In the weeks, months, and years that followed, we figured a few things out. We increased partnerships with businesses like yours by nearly 60%. We got that ground sold to Legacy and recruited a few neighbors in the years that followed. We also healed a relationship, kept that business in Marion, and turned them into one of our largest champions.
As I depart Marion Economic Development, I cannot fully express the gratitude that I have for each of you who “Choose Marion” every day. We had a great time sharing stories around this theme at MEDCO’s Annual Lunch in May. These are the stories that make our work as economic developers so rewarding.
There’s the story of Chad Pelley, an individual who grew up here as kid, was best friends with a few Marion cops (sorry Chad), and today is leading a successful development company based in the Marion Enterprise Center.
There’s the story of Jim McGrew who walked to school every day along 3rd Avenue in Marion. Today he owns Suburban Lumber and donates building materials to Marion Community Build where students are actively fixing deteriorated homes in the neighborhood where he grew up.
There’s the story of Brooke Hernandez who moved to the community because Marion Process Solutions wanted to equip her to be a fabricator at the age of 23. She chose Marion because of a dynamic career path that called her name.
There’s the story Fosters Kraus, a family-owned HVAC company that chose Marion because we proactively partnered with the development community to construct speculative industrial buildings. This made Marion an easy choice as they consolidated locations.
There’s the story of my MEDCO board, who is the most engaged non-profit board in the region. I’ve been honored to have the support and leadership from this board at 7:30 am on the third Tuesday of every month.
There’s the story of my MEDCO staff. I have been blessed to have a hungry, humble, and loyal team always seeking new ways to support businesses and individuals in the community.
There’s the story of partners and people who have become lifelong friends as we’ve developed community economic development strategy together. Fifteen plus years ago, I first met Mayor Nick. We were part of a morning coffee group brainstorming the future of the community. Without people like Jill Ackerman at the Marion Chamber, I may not have gotten my foot in the door to first lead Uptown Marion and be best positioned to step into this MEDCO role.
As you continue to choose Marion to raise your family and grow your business, what are your stories of gratitude? Consider what makes this community uniquely special to you and your family. Look for opportunities to tell those stories. Marion is a precious community and one that I intend to continue calling home.
Thank you Marion for the blessing of allowing me to provide a tiny bit of leadership through one of the most exciting periods in the history of this community. The best is yet to come!
Nick Glew, President
Marion Economic Development