January is always a time for reflection and planning the year ahead. This year is no different. It's time to brainstorm the big ideas, set audacious goals, and cook up strategies that will catapult us to new heights.

We experienced achievements because of your trust and investment in us. Your support has fueled our success, and we can't thank you enough. 

In 2023, MEDCO completed more than 100 business visits to ensure proactive support of the local community employers and employees. During these visits, we learned that almost two-thirds of respondents saw an increase in sales and that forty percent indicated plans to expand or modernize. As our resilient business community overcame new and lingering challenges in 2023, our team remained committed to driving competitive advantage for local businesses and for Marion. 

As an organization, MEDCO exists to be a leader in economic development by driving the competitive advantages of Marion. But community development is a collective effort, so we engage many strategic partners such as the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Uptown Marion, and the City of Marion who support our standards and best practices. Sharing ideas and knowledge to enrich all our stakeholders. In 2024, we want to continue to strengthen these relationships and through them, increase the value to our community. 
 
MEDCO will lead in promoting the many assets of our community for outward marketing to attract new industry, draw additional commercial development, support the expansion of existing businesses, foster a locally grown workforce, and continue to support in the creation of amenities that makes Marion such a special place to live, work, and play.

In 2024, we will place a renewed focus on:

• Owner-occupied workforce housing solutions
• More proactive targeted industry recruitment
• Community-wide visioning and planning
• Commercial development attraction
• Business retention and expansion efforts
• Regional workforce initiatives

Let's make 2024 another year of remarkable growth and success!