The following column was submitted by the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.
Something happened in Marion the other evening. It was big. It was the start of something even bigger. The start of a movement, at 6:35 pm, on a Thursday evening, in… Marion? Yes! A group of Marion’s leaders, new leaders, largely unknown, not elected, not appointed, non-political or partisan, without connections or influence, got together last Thursday evening, in Marion (it bears repeating), and decided at 6:35 pm that the night was still young. They declared, “It’s Time!”
The “Leadership Marion!” class of 2014 hosted an event that at 6:35 pm wildly exceeded expectations. That won’t happen again. That’s right. I said it won’t happen again. Why? Some of us held expectations going in that were simply not high enough, clouded from an old perception of Marion. The old “woe is me” Marion view. At 6:35 pm, we saw it was a view from the past. It’s a view one has from standing in a hole like the one left by the departure of a big shovel. It’s a deep hole but it’s an old hole. Leadership Marion! class of 2014 demonstrated that we don’t need to stand in that hole. Marion will not be buried in that old hole. It’s 6:35pm and the night is still young. It’s time to climb out of that hole. It’s time to set and achieve even higher expectations.
The recipe for success is not particularly new but the ingredients that will make it happen simply must be fresh. A full measure of fresh information is essential. It’s time to build on the old stories of the past and replace the current stories of drugs and vandalism with fresh stories like the ones we heard from the courageous individuals who stood on stage the other night and shared their successful experiences at the Rushmore Academy. We need to share these success stories as a community. To the fresh information, add a generous helping of inspiration. At the event, the nearly 200 attendees heard inspirational words from Beth Meadows who challenged the audience to build on the past, belong in the present, and believe in the future. The crowd was indeed inspired, with several bursts of vocal enthusiasm. The most critical ingredient to our recipe for success is engagement. Bread won’t rise without active yeast. Our Marion culture must become one of participation, active participation. The event showcased more than 20 local agencies who presented opportunities for the community to become engaged in creating a vibrant new Marion. For a list of those opportunities, please visit the Marion United Way. They house a database of such opportunities that are available to everyone.
Finally, the 2014 class of Leadership Marion! wishes to publicly thank all those who made the nine month experience the success it was. It was an opportunity to become exposed to so many of Marion’s positive assets. For some who have recently moved to Marion it was an introduction. To others who have grown up in Marion it was a reminder of what Marion has to offer. Our community’s charge now is to share that information, inspire others to join in the movement, and to engage a community that is ready to change the way it views and projects itself. It’s time.
Check out the video, “It’s Time” – Instill Pride in Marion: http://youtu.be/-xP5mj3CL5A. Feel free to share the link. Own a business place it on your web site. Know people that are thinking about moving to Marion, send them the link. Let’s be intentional and spread positive, upbeat information about Marion County. If you have any questions, please call the Marion Area Chamber 740.382.2181
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