Our View

Brick’s trip to Japan could put Marion on the map

We’ve got to hand it to Marion Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Brick, who also happens to head up the city’s economic development program, for her enthusiasm, her high energy level and her major involvement with a clearly growing business community. As chamber president Brick has used her position to get involved with local business leaders, mom-and-pop business owners as well as political leaders in a way probably never seen before.

Her high energy level has definitely been effective in creating some excitement among not only the long term business owners but also the young, and up and coming entrepreneurs who are interested in investing and becoming part of Marion’s future.

We’re certainly impressed over her ability to interact with the number of new business owners and her use of modern technology to promote what they have to offer in ways that have never been done before.

We are seeing Marion’s business landscape change, attracting niche businesses that cater to a unique and growing population base comprised of young and successful families. As Marion continues to grow in population Brick is certainly taking full advantage of the kind of newcomers interested in calling Marion their home. In doing so, she is managing to attract the type of entrepreneurs that can cater to their needs and wants.

Brick tenure as chamber president demonstrates what a chamber is suppose to do for its members by actively promoting what they do and what they have to offer.

Brick does this while at the same time generating enthusiasm throughout the city by putting together numerous special events such as the very popular Hogs On the Square event, holiday celebrations and many more.

If all this wasn’t enough for one person to undertake in such a successful matter, Brick heads up the city’s economic development team which has also gained the attention of onlookers who are seriously interested in Marion’s progressive economic agenda.

For example, Brick just recently returned from a special invitation trip to Japan where she was able to represent her city to Japanese business leaders interested in investing in the United States and in progressive areas such as Marion and Crittenden County.

As importantly, the trip to Japan was an educational one in that it gave Brick an important insight into the Japanese culture, work ethics and communication skills.

Tracy Brick is certainly deserving of special recognition for her accomplishment and intensive involvement in turning Marion into a trendy and modern small Arkansas city.

We also have to say Brick has been very involved in breaking down an age-old barrier between West Memphis and Marion that has stymied growth. We are seeing the two city’s chambers coming together as well as civic organizations. We are also experiencing a cooperative effort between the two city governments such as what county Judge Woody Wheeless has been able to accomplish.

Let’s just say that Tracy Brick is an inspiration that has certainly sparked much needed enthusiasm and we applaud her for all that she is doing.