
Candid Community Leadership
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Join Marion Economic Development Corporation for candid interviews with prominent business and community leaders.
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
Listen in to Ray Brown, CEO of ESCO Group, as he discusses his journey from accountant to CEO of a 100% employee-owned company. Ray dives into pivotal leadership moments, the mentors who shaped his approach, and the early challenges that drove his growth. Discover how Ray leads ESCO Group—a leader in electrical construction, automation, and safety consulting—through change, innovation, and community impact. Tune in to hear Ray's insights on why Marion is the ideal place to raise a family and grow a business ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
Listen in as Tom Pientok shares about leadership and what it means to him. You may be surprised as to what his super power would be ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
In this episode of Leadership Unplugged, we sit down with Marion’s City Manager, Ryan Waller, and Deputy City Manager, Kim Downs, to discuss their journey in public service and their roles in driving positive change in Marion. Ryan, who became Marion’s 10th City Manager in 2021, brings over 20 years of experience from various Illinois communities and Indianola, Iowa. Kim, who joined the City of Marion in 2022, has over 24 years of experience and previously served as the City Manager of Hiawatha.
Together, Ryan and Kim have been instrumental in streamlining operations and fostering a collaborat ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
Today, we have a very special guest: Mayor Nick AbouAssaly. His dedication to public service is unparalleled, as evidenced by his long list of accomplishments. From his early days on the City Council to his numerous community involvements and accolades, including being named Mayor of the Year, Nick's impact on Marion is undeniable. Join us as we delve into his journey and explore what it means to be a leader in this dynamic community ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
Rapids Wholesale Foodservice Equipment & Supplies is your "one stop shop" for all things food related. If you serve food - they've got you! From their full lineup of commercial cooking equipment and refrigeration products to the plates and tables you serve your culinary masterpieces on, they've got it!
Listen in as the Rapids team shares their story, where they've been and where they're going ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
MEDCO’s Startup Spotlight hosted a conversation with Lesley Vossenkemper of Scale-Up Strategies. Lesley is the first woman in the Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Iowa City area to earn the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation. An individual who earns the CEPA credential assists business owners with the development of a strategy and plan for business succession. In a release from the CBJ in early September 2023, Lesley had the following to share, “As the daughter and granddaughter of local entrepreneurs, I have a special place in my heart for business owners and want to help them ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
The Marion Independent School Board candidates are uncontested. This portion of the recording was an open house where candidates shared their thoughts and plans for the coming term. Candidates include Denise Allison (Incumbent), Jon Fitch (Incumbent), Carl Lantermans (Incumbent), and Michelle Rains.
Please remember to vote in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 7th and enjoy listening to these individuals as they share updates and progress about the district ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
This forum featured Linn-Mar School Board candidates. Candidates include Barry Buchholz (Incumbent), Justin Foss, Katie Lowe Lancaster, Tom Law, Brittania Morey (Incumbent), Kevin Slaman, Laura Steffeck, and Jodi Treharne. This forum followed a question and answer format of predetermined questions.
Please remember to vote in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 7th and enjoy listening to these individuals as they share their perspectives and thoughts on the district.  ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
Listen in on our conversation with Lee Ulrich, the owner and operator of Iowa Coffee Roasters located on the east side of Marion. Lee has been roasting coffee for almost 20 years now and has grown a following of customers who he loves to share his passion and his coffee with. Lee shares his entrepreneurial journey as well as his lessons of small business ownership ..read more
Candid Community Leadership
3M ago
Listen to the live recording of The Story of Farmers State Bank featuring FSB’s President and CEO Gene Neighbor, current FSB Chairman Kent Neighbor, current FSB Vice Chairman Doug Neighbor, and current Executive Vice President Steve Neighbor as they recount the family history of the bank ..read more