Main Street Marion to unveil strategic development plan for Marion-Perry County Thursday night

A new strategic development plan aimed at transforming Marion and Perry County over the next three years will be unveiled during a public presentation at the Marion Technology Hub Thursday night.

Main Street Marion Executive Director, Donald Bennett, said the meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and will outline economic development initiatives, workforce partnerships and tourism projects designed to drive growth throughout the county. 

"We're going to lay out the strategic plan, talk about all the things that we're working on, the development, how we're going to get there," Bennett said. "It's a three-year plan and partnering with some of the partners that we have out of Selma with Workforce Development and Wallace College as well as what we're doing locally." 

Bennett said the effort is focused on long term growth and attracting new employers to the area.

"I'm seeking authorization to make a major announcement also about an employer potentially coming here to Perry County that would create significant employment and jobs," Bennett said. 

He expressed confidence about the area's future, adding, "In three years, Marion will not be the same Marion."

The presentation will also be streamed live online, with organizers planning to answer questions from the public and discuss how community partners can participate in the effort. 

Bennett said development plans extend beyond workforce and industrial recruitment and include projects connected to aviation, downtown revitalization and outdoor recreation. 

Marion Main Street recently secured support from the Perry County Commission for matching funds related to airport development initiatives at Vaiden Field. A SEEDS grant assessment is currently underway at the airfield, a step designed to help attract future industry and business investment, said Bennett, who is also chairman of the Vaiden Field Airport Authority.

Bennett said improvements are planned at the airfield through a $400,000 federal appropriation secured by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt. The funding will be used to upgrade airport markings and make other improvements needed to meet Alabama Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division and Federal Aviation Administration standards. 

"We're going to make sure that you're successful as an airport because we were able to bring the finances in line," Bennett said of discussions with aviation officials. 

Another topic expected to be discussed is the future of Perry Lakes Park. Bennett said redevelopment of the park could play a major role in a broader tourism strategy designed to make the county a destination for outdoor recreation. "We're making Marion County a tourist destination," 

Bennett pointed to opportunities for bird watching, fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing and kayaking, as well as the potential return of organized youth camping activities. He said the county's natural assets, including the nearby Cahaba River, position the area for expanded recreational tourism. 

"We had been held back before because people didn't have a vision," Bennett said. "Right now we're starting to get people to look at the vision and what we can accomplish." 

The public presentation is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Marion Technology Hub.