Encore: Chamber President: Blue Zone Director to Come to Marion

Marion Chamber of Commerce President Jill Ackerman said she was contacted Tuesday by Blue Zone Project director Mary Lawyer.

The Blue Zone Project gives communities resourses and grants in order to make the community healthier and help it live longer.

Marion was apparently left out fairly early in the deciding process for this year's award designation because too many residents left Marion to go to work.

However that restriction has been lifted, according to an email from Ackerman.

In fact, they are urging Marion to apply.

Ackerman said Lawyer will be vising Marion on July 11. She said she was told to invite involved community members.

This year's designation went to Mason City, Spencer, Waterloo and Cedar Falls.