ARTICLE
The ImagiNEXT Steering Committee is pleased to announce who has been appointed to the ImagiNEXT Selection Committee. This volunteer group will drive the process of narrowing submitted ideas down to a final 3-5 ideas. Over 30 people applied and interviewed for the committee. ImagiNEXT Selection Committee Members: Amber Hoff Angie Glick Britt Nielsen David Law Dawn Cline Dennis Jordan Dennis Rigby Erik Miles Erin Steffen Frank Sherman Heather Deeter John Meyers Karen Hoyt Katrina Turner Lance Turner Madeline Jarvis Michelle Wilson Robb Loftsgard Sarah Washler Terry Sullivan Todd Parman Travis Salter Will Brandt “This Selection Committee will have a tough job starting in January,” said Marion Chamber President Jill Ackerman. “We are confident the selected individuals will represent the needs of all areas of the community.” To date, over 2,500 ideas for Marion have been submitted since ImagiNEXT kicked off on October 4. The community visioning process is engaging those who work or live in the area in an all-inclusive conversation about what would enhance quality of life and reinforce that Marion is the best place to raise a family and grow a business. “We’ve far exceeded the 1,800 ideas that were submitted during Imagine8 but we have an aggressive goal of 3,000 for ImagiNEXT,” said Ackerman. “Our schools and young people have played a big role in helping reach that goal.” Both the Marion Independent School District and Linn-Mar Community School District have engaged students in brainstorming sessions and submitted ideas. Corey Brinkmeyer, Business Education Teacher at Linn-Mar High School, said it’s a great way for the students to feel connected to the community. “By the time some of these projects are completed, many of our students may be considering a move back to Marion,” said Brinkmeyer. “It offers a way for them to give back and think about the future.” The collection of ideas will continue through January 15, 2018. Ideas can be submitted online at MarionImagiNEXT.org . Follow the Marion Chamber Facebook page for a sneak peek at the ideas being submitted. “As you are gathering with friends and family over the holidays, take a minute to think about what makes a community a great place to live,” added Ackerman. “Ideas can include programs for human services, transportation or education needs, public safety, housing or natural resource areas as well as recreational ideas that may be top of mind.” Thank you to Farmers State Bank, KCRG TV9, and Blue Sky Productions for sponsoring ImagiNEXT, with support from Iowa BIG and the City of Marion.