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Marion Economic Development Corp. outlines capital campaign, asks Linn County to consider five-year pledge
Summary
Medco president Mark Seckman described a capital campaign with a $3.5 million goal, outlined targets including 300 new primary-sector jobs and $250 million in construction over five years, and asked the Linn County supervisors to consider continued investment.
Mark Seckman, president of the Marion Economic Development Corporation (Medco), presented an update and capital campaign pitch to the Linn County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17, asking the county to consider continuing or increasing its investment in Medco and to consider a five-year pledge.
Seckman described five core business units for Medco—community development, business attraction, business retention and expansion, workforce development and marketing—and said the capital campaign’s measurable targets include five new or expanded industrial/warehouse or office facilities, creation of 300 new primary-sector jobs, 10 new or remodeled commercial retail properties, and $250,000,000 in construction development over the next five years. "Our measurables would be 5 new or expanded industrial warehouse. Office facilities over the next 5 years. The creation of 300 new primary sector jobs," Seckman said.
Seckman told the board Medco’s campaign goal is $3,500,000 and that it has raised about $2,500,000 to date, with the city of Marion as the largest investor. He highlighted that private-sector investment has increased and now comprises a larger share of Medco’s budget. "In the past, the public sector made up 52% of our budget. Now, it's closer to 31% of our budget," he said.
Seckman described workforce initiatives that partner with Marion Independent School District and Kirkwood Community College for internships, job shadowing and apprenticeships, and a plan to recruit students across a roughly 60-mile radius to build a pipeline for skilled trades and technical jobs.
Board members thanked Seckman for the presentation, noted Marion’s recent development activity including new apartment projects and retail vibrancy, and said Marion’s growth benefits the wider county. Supervisors asked the county’s representatives to consider ongoing investment and expressed support for Medco’s collaboration with local partners.
Seckman requested continued board engagement and an investment conversation; no vote or funding decision was made at the Feb. 17 meeting. He said Medco would welcome county participation on Medco’s board and asked supervisors to consider a five-year pledge or continued investor status.
