Another summit in the books

MARION - About 100 legislators and guests gathered at Kokopelli Friday afternoon for the 4th Annual Marion Chamber Legislative Summit.

The annual conference provides a forum to discuss governmental matters that could impact the community and local businesses. The topics come from the Chamber's Legislative Affairs Committee that meets monthly to monitor these matters.

That committee is made up of Gail Barger, Dalus Ben Avi, Amber Ciochetto, Sen. Dale Fowler, Hayden Gardiner, David Harp, Deborah Hogg, Robert Jellen, Janet Jensen, Mary Jo McCurdy, Dave McReynolds, Bill Nielsen, Dr. Jim Parker, DVM, Mayor Anthony Rinella, Rep. Dave Severin, Ashlee Spiller, Scott Walker, and Brian Ziegler.

It is a nonpartisan organization that makes no endorsements of candidates or political parties.

"We always appreciate elected officials who make time in their busy schedule to attend The Summit," said McCurdy, one of the main organizers of the event. "We realize all have dozens of places they could share their time, yet they chose our Marion Chamber Event."

Karen Mullins, the new executive director of the Marion Chamber, was pleased with the event.

"We are excited that so many of our elected officials were able to be part in this year's summit and share valuable information on topics that affect our economy and our citizens," she said.

McCurdy said that driving home the message of local economy, local values, and local concerns is the main focus of the summit.</group><group id="D0A06F4B-0043-42ED-A5D2-4D49CA3E8CCF" t