Today marks another milestone in my blessed life. Nineteen years ago, I was humbled to start a brand new career, stepping away from a wonderful ride in radio. Marion was starting a concerted effort to revitalize downtown, and I was led to apply for the job. The average life of a Main Street director is two and a half years, the position was only funded for two years, and Marions Downtown District had only a few apartments, nearly a third of the storefronts vacant, crumbling sidewalks, no trees or brick lined sidewalks, no Lincoln Theater, a marginal hotel that was struggling, and only two eateries. Wed just wrapped up our second national award for WMEV, and life was good. But there was this burning inside me, a call I couldnt pass up - crazy as it might have sounded. Through the dedication of the community, the leadership and sweat of property owners, business owners, and volunteers, the vision of town and state elected and appointed officials, and a fantastic support staff, Marion is now a crown jewel in the Virginia Main Street Program! Weve been certified as a National Main Street Community every year since 1995, had our share of successes and struggles, and seen so much incremental progress that I have to look through old pictures to grasp just how successful the organization has been. And the best part? The best is yet to come! As I step into my office this morning as Ive done for nearly two decades, you can bet Ill offer up a little prayer of thanks to God for blessing me with such a great community, wonderful friends, strong leaders, and the opportunity to play a tiny role in shaping the future of the town I dearly love. Thank you, Marion, for having faith in the fat radio guy they called Wimpy in high school! Strange situations, wild occupations, just livin my life like a song
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 10:18:24 +0000
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