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Over 370 people attended the Marion Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on October 4th to get a sneak peek at what’s NEXT for the community. The ImagiNEXT process will engage the greater Marion area in an open, all-inclusive conversation to develop great ideas that reinforce the fact that Marion, Iowa is the best place to raise a family and grow a business. Attendees at yesterday’s meeting participated in the first large-scale brainstorm for Marion. For the next several months, community members will also form groups and brainstorm ideas they think could make Marion an even better place to live, work and play. The public is encouraged to get involved and conduct their own brainstorming sessions. A gathering may be formal or informal including clubs, churches, neighborhood or coffee groups. More information about conducting a brainstorming session and a printable toolkit can be found at MarionImagiNEXT.org. All ideas can be submitted through the website. Selection Committee Applications Available The ImagiNEXT Steering Committee is now looking for interested individuals who would like to serve on the Selection Committee. This volunteer group will consist of 18 – 21 people who care about Marion and want to be a part of the process of narrowing the lists of ideas down to the final 3-5 Ideas. Applications are available at MarionImagiNEXT.org/SelectionCommittee and are due November 4, 2017. In 2009 the community took part in Imagine8 which narrowed over 1,800 ideas down to the Great 8 projects including: The Klopfenstein Amphitheater for the Arts, splash pads at Thomas and Gill Parks, and the Lindale Bike Trail to name a few. The final two Imagine8 projects, a new Marion YMCA and Library, are in final planning stages and quickly approaching ground breakings. Thank you to Marion Chamber of Commerce, Farmers State Bank, KCRG TV9, and Blue Sky Productions for sponsoring ImagiNEXT, with support from Iowa BIG and the City of Marion.