Last week, we had the pleasure to host a group from the Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) at Connect Coworx in downtown Marion. The GOPC represents a network of likeminded individuals from what they call Legacy Cities. Legacy Cities, such as Lima, Sandusky, Springfield, Zanesville, Mansfield, and Chillicothe, are those that have experienced a similar trajectory of prosperity and decline but now are experiencing revitalization and renewal by visionary and likeminded people. I have found a lot of friends in Ohio’s Legacy Cities over the last several years, because we have share many of the same opportunities and challenges.
As you can imagine, convening of a group like this was energizing and inspirational. We spent a considerable amount of our time together hearing updates from each of the representatives about what was happening in their respective communities, which projects were accelerating, which were stalling, and where they were seeing successes that we could profile and learn from.
The gathering was also an opportunity for Team Marion to shine, highlighting the high level of energy and collaboration that are occurring between City government, local agencies and nonprofits, as well as some of the recent and current projects. The day concluded with a one-hour walking tour of the
downtown where I was able to point out not only the redevelopment projects, loft apartments, and businesses we’ve been involved with, but also the other initiatives such as signage, public art, alley lighting, flowers, and marketing that Team Marion is working together to achieve.
It is always gratifying to see the progress in Marion through the eyes of outsiders. In many ways, they recognize the huge leaps forward much more easily than local residents do. We’ve found this is not a problem that is unique to us, by the way, as many communities report that their own residents’ perceptions move much more slowly than the perceptions of visitors. Marion is becoming a model that other communities are following of a vibrant ecosystem, where we do not deny the challenges of our past but embrace our ability to create our future.
Many thanks to the GOPC for allowing space for these helpful conversations and advocating on behalf of Legacy Cities and the hardworking people who are represented in the network. Also, a shoutout to Heidi Jones and the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing the Marion event and lining up the agenda, which included updates from our local leaders at OSU Marion, Downtown Marion, Inc, Marion City Schools, as well as Mayor Collins. It truly was an excellent day of sharing even within our own Marion network, as well as giving and receiving value with our visitors from around Ohio.
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It is always gratifying to see the progress in Marion through the eyes of outsiders. In many ways, they recognize the huge leaps forward much more easily than local residents do. We’ve found this is not a problem that is unique to us, by the way, as many communities report that their own residents’ perceptions move much more slowly than the perceptions of visitors. Marion is becoming a model that other communities are following of a vibrant ecosystem, where we do not deny the challenges of our past but embrace our ability to create our future.
Many thanks to the GOPC for allowing space for these helpful conversations and advocating on behalf of Legacy Cities and the hardworking people who are represented in the network. Also, a shoutout to Heidi Jones and the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing the Marion event and lining up the agenda, which included updates from our local leaders at OSU Marion, Downtown Marion, Inc, Marion City Schools, as well as Mayor Collins. It truly was an excellent day of sharing even within our own Marion network, as well as giving and receiving value with our visitors from around Ohio.
Did you miss our video on LuLu’s? Our local downtown toy store, LuLu’s Toy Co., is where you can find exclusive toys, specialty gifts, and games you can’t get at your big-box stores. From inspiring creativity to learning new skills, there’s something for everyone. This cute toy store is right in Downtown Marion, and it is all you want out of a small downtown store!
🧸 Retails small toy companies you won’t find in big-box stores
🧸 Unique toys and goodies sustainably made
🧸 Reading/play area centered around imaginative fun
🧸 Offers puzzles and games everyone can enjoy
🧸 Handwritten notes with recommendations in front of toys
Click the link to see inside the enchanting toy store!
Another significant gathering I was excited to be part of, was the Strongest Towns celebration last Saturday. If you didn’t attend, you missed a wonderful display of the beautiful and complex mix of people who make up Marion. There were folks from every age, income, and social status, who all gathered to enjoy community and celebrate our city, with all its high points as well as its blemishes. I know it was a phenomenal amount of work to orchestrate and execute, so many thanks go to our city leadership and city staff for pulling it off!
Some may not recognize or appreciate the subtle shifts that I am seeing regularly, which include increasing pride in our city which is overflowing into other areas of our community, great work being done throughout our city and county including increasing communication and collaboration, and recognition by outsiders that Marion is getting it done! We still have work to do, but sharing these experiences and observations is part of the reason we invest time in this newsletter every week. It is my goal that you are regularly educated and inspired to take part in making your community better, whether in Marion, or beyond.
Better Together,
Luke Henry Col 3:23
