June, 2006

How refreshing to read Dennis Fabian’s recent letter (May 11^th) to the Marion Star answering a previous letter writer who could see no reason to continue living in Marion.  Mr. Fabian, who’s lived in many locations all over the world during his career in the Army, brought a broader perspective to bear as he listed reason after reason why his hometown is precious to him.  Sometimes it takes getting away to appreciate the virtues of home.  Thank you Mr. Fabian for reminding us of the privilege we share living in this community where you can meet a friend at every turn.

While we’re dishing out thanks, there are many more to hand out.  Thanks to the kids who sing and play at the Shining Stars competition.  The talent displayed at Buffalo Wild Wings is extraordinary.  Sheryl Rhoades of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Mike Mastro of Buffalo Wild Wings developed a winning concept and are making it happen.  Marion’s Shining Stars competition would be an excellent national model for Buffalo Wild Wings across the country.  Finalists from each state could compete for national honors while raising money for charities across the country.  It would be just one more good idea that started here in Marion.

Thank the next Whirlpool employee you meet.  Their work ethic, productivity, and attention to quality is keeping Whirlpool growing in Marion.  Close to six hundred new jobs will sprout in this community in the near future.  And, we’re already hearing from Whirlpool suppliers who now want to locate here, near the plant that will make 70% of the clothes dryers in this country.  We feel for the communities losing employment in Iowa, Arkansas, and Illinois.  But it is a credit to the professionals who make dryers here—and their management—that this plant was recognized as one of the most cost-efficient and productive in the world.  Lead-on Whirlpool—and thanks for continuing to play such an important part in the fabric of this community.

Thanks to Ted Graham for his work with Schneider National and CSX railroad.  Quietly, but dramatically, the Marion Industrial Center is turning into an intermodal facility that will shortly be handling thousands of cargo containers and piggy-back trailers for distribution all around Ohio and neighboring states.  Millions of dollars are being expended for the huge crane and track upgrades necessary to make the Marion Intermodal Center a reality.  Why is it important?  The ability to load and unload the large steel shipping containers from rail to truck and truck to rail becomes a catalyst for growth here.  Companies dependent on overseas shipments are now encouraged to locate here, near the facility where their freight arrives.  Having shovel-ready development sites and good existing buildings nearby makes it easy for them to choose Marion.

Thanks to the local and outside developers who are rapidly changing the retail and residential landscape around Marion.  Developers like John Domo, the Sens family, Lois Fisher and Associates, Kibbey Development, Sisco Development, among many others, are taking risks and developing projects that are making Marion a more attractive and convenient community.   Local officials who encourage those developments through appropriate legislation, review, and planning also deserve our thanks.

The thank-you list goes on: 

Thanks to the Marion Mayhem for bringing a new kind of fun to Marion.

Thanks to the fans who support our new home team.

Thanks to the Mayhem players who saved the life of a car crash victim.  Your heroism extends well beyond the football arena.

Thanks to Don Wolfe and Marion Landscape Service for making our corner of the city a little brighter by planting the flowers outside the CANDO/Chamber Building.

Thanks to the teachers across the county for educating and encouraging our kids.

Thanks to the parents who parent.

Thanks to the volunteers who run the art shows, attend committee meetings, support the marching bands, lend their talents to summer theater, sing in church choirs, coach little league, and in so many other ways, make this the community Dennis Fabian could write about with such pride.