Have you ever wondered what visitors think of our communities? Would you like to see what changes outsiders think would help our communities?
The results of a recent outside assessment of the communities of Marion County will be presented at two public meetings.
The presentation for Ramona, Tampa, Durham, Lehigh, Hillsboro and Goessel will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 at the Hillsboro City Building, 118 E. Grand.
The presentation for Lost Springs, Lincolnville, Marion, Florence, Burns and Peabody will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Marion City Auditorium basement, 203 N. 3rd.
The purpose of the meetings is to present the results of the First Impressions program, which is an educational, community-betterment program of K-State Research and Extension and the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
The program is offered to communities statewide.
Under this program, teams of visitors come into participating communities unannounced and evaluate several factors about the community such as infrastructure, services, cleanliness, hospitality, signage and attractiveness.
Team member comments are compiled into a written report.
The First Impressions teams visited Marion County during recent months.
A slide program and a written report summarizing the comments of team members will be presented at the public meeting.
More information about the First Impressions program is available at www.ksu.edu/huckboyd/firstimp.htm.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Questions can be directed to Teresa Huff?man, Marion County Economic Development director at 620-382-8830.
