Demster stepping down at MCOC

Demster stepping down at MCOC

Chamber president stepping down at the end of January

news@theeveningtimes.com

Marion didn’t land the next big auto assembly plant and it never did become the next Southaven and see a major retail boom.

But outgoing Chamber of Commerce President Mike Demster believes that of all the cities in the Arkansas Delta, they have definitely raised Marion’s visibility and that the city is going to see more good things come. “A lot of people just don’t get off the Interstate to get a better understanding of what a great quality of life the city has,” Demster said.

“And it is poised to continue on that track. When I look down the eastern seaboard of Arkansas so to speak I don’t know of any community that is such a bright spot in a generally depressed region than Marion. Looking out over the next two to three years there are just so many exciting things going on.”

Demster recently announced his retirement and will be stepping down as head of the Chamber at the end of the month after five and a half years leading the city’s economic development efforts. He took over the city’s economic development efforts in 2012 after having worked at the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, where he focused on biotechnology and international business development.

When he came to Marion, the country was still mired in an economic recession and retailers were not building many new stores.

Still, under his watch Marion saw the construction of a major hotel in Angelo’s Grove, the addition of a Walmart Neighborhood Market, and he leaves the job with two more hotels under construction, a major national auto parts retailer and a new Wendy’s set to build new stores.

Demster also oversaw the plan for downtown redevelopment and the formation of the Chamber’s charitable foundation.

“Its been a great experience,” Demster said. “I can’t tell you how terrific the folks here have been to me. I’ve made some great friendships and will always have a special fondness for Marion and eastern Arkansas.”

Demster said he plans to stay in the Memphis area and engage in volunteer work, but will also take more time to enjoy life and his grandchildren.

“I’m not going out to pasture,” Demster said. “I’m still going to do a mix of things. I have spent a lot of time in the economic development realm and I want to stay connected even if on a volunteer basis and participate in Rotary and things like that. But I am also going to take some time off. I’m not aware of any male in my family to make it to 70. I’ve always felt there were some things I wanted to do and probably ought to plan on getting them done because I am pushing that mark. I’m 67.” Demster said he’s proud of the job he’s done to promote Marion, but it’s also good to have a fresh set of eyes look at things.

“I think there are many good things on the horizon,” Demster said. “And I credit the leadership of Marion who have done a yeoman’s job of keeping the city on the right track to grow. We haven’t hit the grand slam in terms of landing an auto plant. But I think we have moved the ball forward a little bit. I am particularly excited about the possibilities of the downtown redevelopment opportunities that I think will add to the charm of the area. So I feel optimistic of where we are going.”

Mayor Frank Fogleman said he appreciates the work Demster has done to help Marion grow.

“I think he’s done well in the job and hit a lot of our goals,” Fogleman said.

Fogleman said the city will look for a replacement, but since the city contracts for the position with the Chamber, the Chamber will likely take the lead.

“I’m not really certain where we are going to go at this time,” Fogleman said.

“It’s a little fluid.”

Demster said he will likely stay through the end of January.

“I’m going to wrap up a few things and be out at the end of the month,” Demster said.

By Mark Randall