Property Tax, TIF, and Main Street Iowa: 5 Questions with Marion Chamber President Jill Ackerman

Jill Ackerman has been the Marion Chamber of Commerce president since 2007, and previously was a store director for Target.

Patch: What was your reaction when you heard Marion had, after two years of trying, earned the Main Street Iowa designation, and what can Marion residents expect to see as a result of the Main Street Iowa honor in 2013?

Jill: My reaction was full of excitement and I was very proud that so many Marion business leaders, students residents and volunteers played a role in helping prepare the application, raising the start up funds necessary to make the program successful and volunteering their ongoing leadership to ensure sustainability of the program.

Patch: What is the Chamber's featured business this month?

Jill: Our featured member of the month is Hand in Hand Early Care & Education Center.

Patch: What are the top priorities for the Marion Chamber of Commerce in 2013?

Jill: Our top priorities for 2013 include:  1) Member advocacy at the local and state government levels.  2)  Organizing and executing the Main Street Iowa Program in Marion  3) Membership Growth  3) Help Marion businesses grow and bring new business opportunities to Marion.

Patch: What, from your perspective, is the biggest hurdle facing the city of Marion, and how can the chamber help over come it?

Jill: The biggest hurdle that the business community faces is high property taxes. Leveling the playing field for commercial property tax payers is a priority for the Marion Chamber.  Advocacy and building relationships with our legislators, who help make the decisions about taxes is key.

Patch: As Marion grows there will be more room for new business. What types of businesses can Marion attract, and how can the chamber serve current and new businesses?

Jill: Marion is growing and there are endless opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs in Marion.  Marion can attract any business from retail and restaurants to manufacturers and industrial types of businesses.  The Chamber, along with MEDCO can help walk businesses through funding mechanisms, like TIF (Tax Increment Financing), we can show them available properties, set up key meetings with government officials and city staff, we can help them network and market themselves. Recently the Marion Chamber and MEDCO completed a joint recruitment video to invite businesses to Marion.  The video will be launched on February 22nd at a special launch event.