News editor
The Marion and Hillsboro chambers of commerce gathered Monday night at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church for their third combined annual banquet.
Marci Penner of the Kansas Sampler Foundation spoke about that organization’s work on its next Kansas guidebook, visiting every incorporated city in the state.
She hasn’t explored Marion County for the guidebook yet, but she shared things she found elsewhere that she liked. Some of them were similar to attractions in Marion County. Penner compared Lindsborg’s dala horses to Marion’s rhinos.
Penner asked all those in attendance younger than 40 to stand and be recognized. Only seven of the approximately 200 people at the banquet were younger than 40. Penner urged the guests to cultivate attractive environments for young people in business.
She said a young friend in a good business position in a small town was taking a job in a bigger city because they were frustrated with the environment in their small town — that people only wanted to do things the way they always had.
The banquet also included recognition of board members of the two chambers and a silent auction with items donated by businesses.
About 10 lbs. of roast beef prepared by John McKay American Legion Post 308 of Florence was left after everyone had eaten, so it was split in two and auctioned by Clint Seibel. Each half sold for $65.