New Year, New Ideas

Our View

New Year, New Ideas

With a new year comes optimism, new ideas and for Crittenden County a time for positive growth that will create new jobs, new neighbors and economic prosperity especially in areas where our community leaders are thinking with a vision and a progressive attitude. Sadly, parts of our county have suffered over the last several years, lost population and are continue to struggle to retain their identity. Take for example Earle, once a thriving city that enjoyed strong commerce, a vibrant agricultural base and a reputation of strong community leadership.

Today, Earle is far cry from what it once was, as is the case with other small rural communities that are losing their basic identity.

On the other hand, there is one city in Crittenden County that has clearly beaten the odds, and on a progressive path into the future that we predict will be this county’s economic crown jewel of our delta region.

We’re specifically talking about Marion, Crittenden County’s county seat, a city growing in a positive direction, attracting the attention of progressive thinking leaders committed to success and the future of their community.

As our national economy improves and people now beginning to have a greater sense of hope in their future, Marion is preparing itself, through its local leaders, to be “the place” for current and future generations committed to economic prosperity and a strong quality of life.

Progressive and forward thinking leaders are creating excitement but also assuring skeptics among them that their unique city will continue to maintain its “hometown” atmosphere.

Marion’s new theme is “Small enough for a family.

Big enough for a future.” It is predicted with its bold and fresh ideas Marion will become the fastest growing areas in Crittenden County, attracting the caliber of newcomers capable and willing to play a part in their city’s future.

Marion planners are now focusing on attracting some of these progressive thinking future newcomers from the ranks of expected 525 employees who will be part of the nearby Big River Steel, the $1.3 billion plant in neighboring Osceola. The company has already started production, hired 260 workers and is committed to paying salaries averaging $75,000 annually.

Marion’s visionaries say their plan is to develop a two-phase public relations campaign to promote their city, not only to those Big River employees but also middle to upper income families from other areas of the mid-south , particularly those who are employed in downtown Memphis.

It goes without saying, such controlled growth takes careful planning, something long-time Mayor Frank Fogleman knows very well. While Fogleman is extremely protective in preserving the “Old Marion” perception he is also aware of the need to take his city into the future without taking away that good ole’ southern charm and character that are so cherished by many Marionites.