Marion County Development premiered their county development strategic plan and announced the best of red rock winners Thursday morning at Cordova Park.
The launch of the strategic plan laid out goals for the future and development in the county that fulfills the mission of striving to accelerate economic growth. The strategic plan was highlighted by a video showcasing the county and the desire to connect businesses and communities to economic development, communicate Marion County’s story, and collaborate to grow the economy. Marion County ranks in the top 1% of US counties for percentage of jobs in manufacturing and travelers spend over $55 Million a year in the county. The strategic plan is separated into four categories of business, place, transformation, and talent.
At the event there were also the winners of the best of the red rock area contest announced. The top ten lists included ten different categories including things to do, recreation, shopping, dining, bars, arts culture and entertainment, photo spot, venue, souvenirs, and events. There were also many category winners for categories including foodie, services, lodging, and shopping. Top ten list winners include:
Things to Do – Cordova Observation Tower
Recreation – Cordova Observation Tower
Shopping – Raiment Fashions
Dining – Checkerboard Restaurant
Bars – A&P Pub
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment – The Grand Theater
Photo Spot – Lake Red Rock at Sunset
Venue – The Gathering Grounds
Souvenirs – Jaarsma Bakery Dutch Letters
Events – Pella Tulip Time
Complete winners for all categories can be found using this link. Marion County Development Commission Director Carla Eysink said this strategic plan is a great way to lay out the way the county can continue to grow and improve into the future.
“It speaks to what we feel the future of the county is progress because we’re about innovation, we’re about always improving and driven because we want to move forward. We’re not satisfied with where are at today. We think it’s an exciting time to bring partners and stakeholders together under a really defined strategic plan, and of course the best of red rock is a great opportunity to acknowledge those attractions, and businesses that really provide the special experience when visitors come to Marion County.”
The new slogan for the strategic plan is “Progress Driven”. Hear more from Eysink on an upcoming Let’s Talk Knoxville.