Marion Economic Development Co. Elects New Officers

The Marion Economic Development Co. has elected new class of leaders for its board of directors. 

• Tom Barnes, president and owner of Barnes Manufacturing of Marion and a 16-year member of the MEDCO board, has been elected to a two-year term as board chair. The term began on Jan. 1.
• Barnes replaces Anne Loomis, an attorney with the law firm Allen, Vernon & Hoskins PLC of Marion. She will remain on the MEDCO Board and will serve on the executive committee as past-chair.
• Jennifer Decker, an accountant with Hogan Hansen PC, was elected to a two-year term as treasurer.
• Ray Brown, the chief financial officer of The ESCO Group, has been elected to a two-year term as incoming chair. 

“I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of Anne Loomis, the MEDCO Board and the Marion City Council and Staff,” Barnes said in a statement. “Over the course of the past few years, MEDCO and the City of Marion have taken steps to position Marion for sustained economic growth. The country has been in a financial slump and thankfully we are beginning to see an economic turnaround. While I know that much hard work is ahead of us as we work together for Marion’s benefit, I also recognize that much has been accomplished.”

Barnes said he hopes help facilitate expansion of Marion’s existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurial business growths and work with regional economic development organizations to market Marion to the world.

"We now have a wealth of shovel-ready ground and Marion has a highly desirable workforce that can attract new business,” he said.