‘Now’s the time, Marion Mayor says

Marion Mayor Rodney Berry told members of Main Street Marion, Historic Marion Revitalization Association that “Now is the time” to move forward with plans to expand their businesses, make changes and to continue growing.

Opening with a joke, Berry said he wanted to take a few minutes to talk to the Marion Main Street business owners about being visionaries and about being “sold out for a cause.“ He used the time with the 35 or so members of the business community to say that things will be happening in the county. He asked those present to close their eyes and envision Main Street.

“I hope you didn’t see Main Street exactly as it is,“ he said, “as that’s not having a vision for what it could be.“ Berry gave examples of businesses owners and community leaders working together to help to bring other businesses to the area, saying competition is good for everyone.

“Competition enhances a place,“ Berry said. Berry, who is also the Marion County Economic Development Director, said he is busy fullfilling that role and being mayor, but that he has confidence he can do both. Berry said he has heard “a lot of folks who say ‘now is not the time for this or that,‘“ but that he believes this is the only time we have as a community and we have to move forward.

You either execute or get executed, Berry said, adding that it’s not enough for business owners to “think outside the box,“ but that they have to “throw away the box.“

Two things that are happening in the county that he is particularly happy about, Berry said, is the $1 million grant that will help shore up infrastructure and enhance the Marion County Industrial Park and the master planning that is going on at the Edwards site in Sellers.

Formerly called the “Inland Port” project, Berry said that 2,500 acre site is to be a multi-tenant park with rail access and is one of the largest in the Southeast to be marketed to potential developers.
“We’re getting inquiries ... it’s just competitive,“ he said, but “I’m extremely excited about our prospects.“

As mayor, Berry said, he is “very impressed with the city’s department heads ... I have the impression that ... when (Bobby Gerald) left, he had everything so it could run well without a mayor ... It’s a pleasure to serve as your mayor ... I am loving every minute of it,“ he added. This past Tuesday was Berry’s first city council meeting as Mayor since his April 14 election.

In other business, Millie Scott, owner of Millie’s Flowers on Main Street, received the group’s first Bobby Gerald Main Street Hero award. The award, MSM President Kelli Nolan said, is for significant and consistent contributions to Marion and the Main Street Marion progam as a merchant.

“She consistently supports all our programs and goals,“ Nolan said, presenting a plaque to Scott. Scott said she was speechless and surprised to receive the award and added “I am particularly honored ... I loved that man and he loved me.“

Board Member Jason Hulon said Chuck Funderburk will make a presentation on safety issues on June 16. At 5:30 p.m in the HMRA building on Main Street, Funderburk will help to teach business owners about ways they can better insure their safety from theft and other crime.

Karen Grice reminded board members to get their items in for the upcoming annual auction fundraiser. The event is set for May 22, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Emporium on Main Street. Items to be auctioned include vacation and rental home packages, art and more, Grice said.

New board members introduced to the group at the meeting are Sandy Levy, Ruth Brady and Steve Pool.

Below, Marion Mayor Rodney Berry is shown speaking to members of Main Street Marion during their annual meeting on May 7.