About Us:

The Marion County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution on January 23, 1989 to create the Marion County Development Commission (MCDC). The commission was created to promote Marion County in areas of economic development, tourism and recreation. The first commission included the following individuals:

Sally Vander Linden, Pleasantville

Phil Visser, Pella

Richard Jellma, Knoxville

Barb Butler, Pella

Don Fuerhoff, Knoxville

J. Wayne Bevis, Pella

Jan Conway, Knoxville

Jay Brooks, At-Large

Duane Jones, Bussey

Gerald Dowell, At-Large

Don Lang, Melcher-Dallas

During its early history, the MCDC assisted in several projects including the Guest Housing Brochure, Volksweg Trail, TrailFest, 2015 County Meeting, Cordova Park Cabins and Trash Bash. In 1996 with the assistance of a $37,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the MCDC hired their first Executive Director. With the addition of full-time staff, the MCDC became the administrator of the Leadership Red Rock program.

The Marion County Coal Mining History video was created in 1997 while the MCDC started publication of a travel guide in 1998. In 1999, the MCDC initiated a process to create a 20-year Marion County Recreation Plan. During the spring of 2000, the MCDC launched the www.redrockarea.com or www.marioncountyiowa.com Internet sites.

The Iowa Tourism Office and Travel Federation of Iowa have recognized Marion County for the following awards:

• 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003 & 2005 Iowa Tourism County of the Year
• 1998, 2002 & 2004 Top Consumer Brochure (population 20,000 and up)
• 2000 & 2004 Hospitality Award

In addition, during 2002 the Professional Developers of Iowa awarded the MCDC the top honors for Internal Communications and Brochure.

The Marion County Development Commission is a department of county government whose 11 commissioners are appointed for 3-year terms on a rotating basis by the Marion County Board of Supervisors. The Marion County Development Commission meetings are generally held the 2nd Friday of each month at 7:15 a.m. at various locations around the county.

Current Board of Commissioners:

Officers:

Chair-Bill Lehner, Pella

Vice Chair-Connie Lamberts, Bussey Area

Secretary-Pat Whitlatch, Knoxville

Past Chair-John Franey, Pleasantville Area

Commissioners:

Dan Dennison, Melcher-Dallas Area

John Jensen, Knoxville

Lana Pol, At-Large

Sandi Robinson, Pella

Alan Terpstra, At-Large

Ruby Warren, Pleasantville Area

Vacant, At-Large

Ex-Officio:

Howard Pothoven, Marion County Board of Supervisors

Dwight Mater, Marion County Board of Supervisors

Sam Nichols, Marion County Board of Supervisors

Brian Stickel, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce

Karen Eischen, Pella Chamber of Commerce/PADCO

Vacant, Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce

Carla Ferguson, MCDC Executive Director

Volunteers & Partners:

In addition to the appointed MCDC Commissioners, the MCDC relies on volunteer citizens to assist with promotional efforts, programs and services. Each year over 150 citizens volunteer with the MCDC. This department is an outstanding example of government of and by the people.

In addition to citizen volunteers, the MCDC works in partnership with countless local organizations, agencies and businesses to enhance our economy. The theme, "accomplishing great things together" is a part of the vision of the MCDC. The MCDC also utilizes high school and college students through internships and job shadow experiences.

Office Hours:

The MCDC Office on the first floor of the Marion County Courthouse in Knoxville is open from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday except major holidays.