So, how's the local economy?  That question, or a variation on it, is asked almost daily around here.  You'd think we'd have the answer pretty much at our fingertips.  But the truth is, the answer to that question is elusive and depends a lot on where you focus.  Unemployment, for example.  Marion County's unemployment rate for July was 6.9%--higher than both the U.S. (5.7%) and Ohio (6.1%) rates, but lower than July of last year when Marion County was a 7.3%.  It's also a tenth of a point lower than June of this year (7.0%).  We're lower than Wyandot, Seneca, Crawford and Richland counties, but more than double the rate in Delaware County. 

Some of our unemployment is related to the recent shut down of the Parker Hannifin plant in Greencamp.  However, the good news is, the owner of a rubber company in northern Ohio has made an offer on the plant and is working through environmental inspections prior to closing on the property.  If all goes as planned, the company could be bringing part of its operation here to Marion County.  There would also be additional ground around the plant that could be developed into additional industrial projects.

Several other companies in the Marion area are considering expansions of facilities and jobs.  Details, at this point, could threaten the projects, but suffice to say if some of these come to fruition, it will mean additional investment and jobs in our community.

Meanwhile, mixed use and retail development is underway.  The County just sold the Eastlawn Manor site to an investor group, signaling more development likely at that location.  Rumors of new retailers continue to bubble up. 

One significant bump in the road here and in a number of other communities is school funding.  The quality of our educational product is a significant factor for site selectors and companies looking at our community as a possible place to locate a new operation.  The continued failure of school levies sends a negative message that is not easily overcome.  Yes, the state's system of funding schools is a problem and should be fixed.  But the fact remains, it's the system today-and it's a system that requires a real local effort to adequately fund our schools.  We are competing with communities who are making a significantly greater effort than we do here.  That's a fact-and it's one that is not ignored in the competition for jobs and investment.  A community that won't adequately fund its schools, site selectors will rationalize, is one that likely won't turn out a workforce as well prepared as some other place.  It's one that is harder to attract managers, engineers, and other talent to.  The quality of our schools-and our dedication (or lack thereof) to maintaining that quality plays out directly in the quality of life we're able to build here in Marion County.  If fear of the future or anger prevents us from supporting school levies, that fear and anger can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

So, how's the economy?  As always, in flux and subject to change.  The good news is, we have a lot of control over how it changes.  With a positive attitude and support for our community, we'll increase the likelihood that things will improve-that more opportunities will land here and our friends and family-our community-will prosper.  On the other hand, if we allow ourselves to descend into fear, finger pointing and negativity, we'll reap what we sow--a harvest of lost opportunities and decline.  The choice is all ours.