Downtown Marion Asks for Your Support

Downtown Marion, Inc. is suggesting that those looking for ways to support local entities with year-end gifts take a look at supporting an organization they say is working to improve the vitality of the City of Marion by improving its core – the downtown area.

A survey of Marion residents conducted by the EnVISIONing the 21st Century group overwhelmingly revealed that many felt a vibrant downtown was key to the positive development of the community.

“A strong downtown,” said Amanda Smith, a volunteer with Downtown Marion, “is something that prospective companies look at when evaluating expansion and relocation sites. 

“We’re working hard to become a full Main Street Community,” said Smith, “because studies have shown that the Main Street process works … and businesses seeking location sites often look for that Main Street designation because they know those are communities taking active steps to help local businesses succeed.”

The Main Street Program is based on historic preservation with programs designed to stimulate downtown revitalization, thereby providing Main Street designated communities with a powerful economic tool.

Smith indicated that Downtown Marion is a 501(c)3 organization and that contributions will help in the following ways:

• contribute to a community that can attract and retain new businesses;
• contribute towards beautification efforts such as planters, benches and trash clean up;
• aid in recruitment efforts to bring people downtown for events and retail experiences; and
• continue to help Downtown Marion access grants only available to Main Street Communities that will contribute to a successful and vibrant community.

“We need people to become active participants in the vitality of our downtown,” said Smith. “Downtown Marion matters because the success our downtown directly contributes to the success of our entire community in so many ways.”

Smith may be contacted at 614-725-8913. Further information may also be obtained at www.downtownmarion.com or by calling Downtown Manager Karen Herr at 740-382-2181.

Downtown Marion, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is the revitalization of downtown Marion as a central hub for the community.