County considers creation of central development office
Commission will discuss topic at June 19 meeting
The plight of the county's economic development situation may be remedied.
Marion County Commission wants additional public input at the June 19 commission meeting regarding a central office.
Information was presented May 31 to the commission regarding a county office being the contact point for business owners who are interested in moving to Marion County. The office also could be used as a point of contact for Kansas Department of Commerce, and as a resource for cities within the county.
Marion County Economic Development Council recently held a training meeting and invited economic development experts to discuss options for countywide economic development.
Jami Williams, economic development director for the City of Marion, said this option was a result of the meeting.
The office could be operated by one person who could answer a telephone, make contact with cities, and create and update a data base of information about businesses, properties, amenities, etc.
This person also could serve as secretary of the county economic development council.
The commission agreed this might be the start of organizing an economic development department that could evolve as needed.
