2005 has been a challenging year for many companies and Marion’s economic development organization, CAN DO, is no exception.  Unlike most however, we don’t charge for our services.  We exist largely on the contributions of Marion City and County and private sector entities.  Our 501c3 status with the IRS means you can deduct your contribution to CAN DO because our efforts bring significant civic benefits--a wider array of employment opportunities, a greater tax base, and ultimately, the economic glue that holds the community together.

With city and county funding at or below levels of thirteen years ago, and private sector contributions way below initial levels, CAN DO’s budget could scrape bottom mid to late 2006 without some significant changes.  We are taking steps now to avoid that future, because we believe this community, perhaps more than some others, needs to continue diversifying its economy. 

Marion suffered a major setback as the Industrial Midwest contracted several decades ago.  We are still in the process of rebuilding.  But the job is far from finished.  Without an organization like CAN DO pursuing job-creating companies, helping them find appropriate sites and buildings, familiarizing them with Marion and its people—those employers will go elsewhere. 

Ask Keith Wanner, president of RobotWorx.  It was on CAN DO’s website that he found the building his company now occupies on Fairground Street where 35 are employed.  Another example is Ambassador Steel.  Our first discussions with the rebar fabricator were in 2002.  They located on Barks Road in 2004 and now we’re talking to them about expansion.  Ambassador’s Administrative Manager Steve Hofmeyer wrote in a recent e-mail: 

Dave,
Thanks for all the info and your help. One of the reasons Ambassador is in Marion is the effort you put into making us feel welcome.  I look forward to working with you on this project. 
Steve 

We’ve helped bring Dofasco, Sakamura, Silver Line, Marion Industries, RobotWorx, Bradley Mills, U.S. Yachiyo, Ambassador Steel, and others to Marion.  We helped negotiate the incentive package that allowed Whirlpool to make their $90 million investment in their Marion plant, instead of moving it to Mexico.  As part of those negotiations, we worked to obtain the $3.25 million Ohio Department of Development road grant that is now turning into the Northwest Industrial Connector.  We worked for the grants necessary to acquire and develop the Dual Rail Industrial Park and complete Innovation Drive at the Marion Airport Industrial Park.  We helped develop the concept for Quarry Park and donated land to the project.  We didn’t do any of those things alone, but it is fair to say CAN DO played a significant role in all of them—and the hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars invested in our community they represent. 

We’re asking the community for its continued financial support.  We think an ongoing, strong economic development effort is vital for the long-term health of Marion and Marion County.  The payback will be a community in which you, your company, your employees and your family can thrive. 

I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about CAN DO and our mission.  You can reach me 387-2267, or drop me an e-mail at davec@marioncando.com.  If you’ve been a contributor, thank you for your past support.  Let’s keep the momentum going!  As you consider your personal and/or corporate giving this year and next, please consider the ripple effects your contribution can have.  A contribution to CAN DO is really an investment in your community’s future.  What better gift could you make this holiday season?