Our View Marion a city poised for progress

Our View

Marion a city poised for progress

The economic growth that West Memphis would probably love to enjoy seems to be happening right next door, as neighboring Marion is attracting the type of demographics that is fueling a surge in many new jobs, new retail businesses and promises of even more of the same in the near future.

It was certainly pleasant to learn that Marion, the county seat, added 150 new jobs and enjoyed an impressive $16.1 million in new and private investment in the city last year and the first half of 2016, according to Marion Chamber of commerce President Mike Demster.

What is particularly worth noting in all this positive economic development news is the type and caliber of newcomers interested in moving to Crittenden County’s second largest municipality.

This progressive leadership has certainly attracted the attention of a class of young newcomers, both single and married, who are clearly committed to making a positive investment as well as a willingness to take an active role in the future of this growing city.

It is obvious Demster was proud to brag about the fact that this year alone the city had four new business or expansion announcements, two new nursing homes, a new 70 room hotel in Angelo’s Grove, and a soonto- open hibachi grille and sushi restaurant.

It is certainly a major economic shot-in-the-arm to hear that Willowbend Nursing and Rehabilitation, a private health care provider that already has established roots in Crittenden County, plans to build a new 55,000 square foot facility, offer 118 skilled nursing beds and will include a designated wing of private rooms that will accommodate individuals requiring short-term rehabilitation stays and will employ 110 full and part-time jobs.

The second expansion project is for a unique cottagestyle nursing home facility in Angelo’s Grove. The plan is to build seven cottages which will house up to 12 residents with room for expansion for another two to three cottages on the site.

That facility will employ about 100 people with a payroll of bout $2.5 million.

And, there is more good economic growth news according to Demster with news that a 70-room Best Western hotel to be constructed next to Colton’s in Angelo’s Grove.

Let’s not fail to also mention the 32,000 square foot new Walmart Neighborhood Market on Highway 77; Shelter Insurance; Funkee’s Cafe; and Amazing Parties Indoor Fun Center.

Oh, but that is not all. Stern Cardiovascular, the largest cardiovascular group in Memphis now calls Marion its home as well as the $55 million plan to expand Hino Motors in the city’s industrial park.

Demster went on to tell about Bayer Crop Science, an international leader in agricultural industry which built a $4.8 million facility just off I-55 and Highway 64.

A clear look at Marion’s building permits issued over the last year is enough to make any proud Marionite brag a little, and rightly so.

The type and caliber of newcomers to Marion along with the surge in solid retail, commercial and industrial growth is proof Marion leaders are doing what it takes to move their city in a positive and progressive direction.