Marshall County is the Crossroads of America, and Jerry Chavez, Executive Director of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation presented an overview of the EDC at the April meeting of the Plymouth Lions Club. Within a 200 mile radius and less than a half day drive, a business can reach over 30 million people and access major markets such as Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Columbus. There is a regional population of over 750,000 and a workforce of 370,000 which provides a stable employment base for any interested business seeking a location to begin operations.
Chavez discussed the vision for the Economic Development Corporation, to “Grow and Strengthen Marshall County Economy.” He explained the strategic plan for business expansion & retention, a business attraction program, the workforce development program and entrepreneurial hub program. In addition, he noted that a milestone was reached with the Shell Building Construction in Plymouth. This is an initiative developed to respond to the market interest for buildings. The massive concrete panels, exterior walls, of a new 45,000 square foot shell building have been erected. This is just one of many county and regional partnerships in place to further the mission of expanding and diversifying the local economy. The economic impact of the EDC brings in 660 thousand dollars and an ancillary payroll of 7 million dollars. There were 7 expansions in Marshall County in 2014 leading to the creation of 858 new jobs in our County.
The Plymouth Lions club discussed the winners of the two Scholarships awarded each year…they will be announced on Senior Awards Day. In addition, Bob Kizer presented a background of the Kizer Award, a very coveted award also presented on Senior Awards Day, and the Lions contribution to that award.
The next fundraiser for the Plymouth Lions Club will be Saturday May 9th with a Nelson’s Port a Pit Chicken dinner. You may get your chicken from 11 am until 2 pm in the parking lot of Tractor Supply.
A new slate of officers was also nominated and will be installed at the June meeting. New members will be installed in May, and if you have an interest in joining the Plymouth Lions Club, please contact any Lions Club member. The strength of the Lions Club Organization is directly tied to its members.
