Marion Competing in Strongest Town Competition

The Marion Community is going head-to-head with 15 other North American cities in the 10th Annual Strongest Town Contest.

Marion has advanced to the Sweet-Sixteen this week and needs everyone in Marion, in Ohio, and around the country to cast their vote for us! In this bracket-style voting tournament, Marion will compete for the “Strongest Town” title by shining a national spotlight on the work it’s doing to become a stronger, more resilient city.

Cast your vote for Marion this week and every week at strongesttown.com.

Voting is open Monday through Thursday at 1 p.m. EST

Progress, Not Perfection

The Strongest Town Contest celebrates progress, not perfection. A “strong town” is any town, big or small, that is taking tangible steps to overcome its transportation, housing, or financial challenges. Strong Towns refers to this methodology as the “Strong Towns Approach,” and this contest spotlights the work of city residents and leaders who are using this approach to become more resilient over time.

Strongest Town Voting

Here’s how voting works. Competitors advance over five, weekly rounds. Anyone can vote once per week, and votes are tallied Monday through Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Winners are notified each Friday.

In the first, risk-free round, Marion competed with three other cities for an honorary title to recognize its efforts toward “Rightsizing Parking Policy.”

All cities advanced to Round 2, when bracket-style eliminations will begin and winners will advance based on the number of votes collected that week.

Brackets

* Round 1: Meet Your Contestants (March 3-6).
* Round 2: Sweet Sixteen (March 10-13)
* Round 3: Elite Eight (March 17-20).
* Round 4: Final Four (March 24-27).
* Round 5: Championship (March 31-April 3).

Show the world how strong we are.

We Are Strong. We Are MarionMade! #MarionStrong #StrongestTown #OhioVersusTheWorld

How did Marion get nominated?

James Walker from the Marion County Regional Planning Commission nominated Marion. Read more here: Strongest Town Contest

What is Strong Towns?

Strong Towns is a 501c(3) non-profit and media advocacy organization that shifts conversations around the North American development pattern. Through reports, articles, podcasts, videos, live events and professional coaching, it provides knowledge and tools to help cities transform their communities. Learn more at strongesttown.com.

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

Community Collaborates to Perform Handel’s Messiah
In the middle of the Great Depression, local church choirs and music clubs came together to perform Handel’s Messiah. The “Hallelujah Chorus” rang out in the midst of hopelessness. During World War II, the Marion Civic Chorus formed to present Handel’s Messiah annually. The tradition has continued for generations. Family and Community Tradition for 80 […]Read More »
G&R Tavern brings world fame to Marion
If you’ve ever driven the stretch of U.S. 23 between Marion and Delaware, you’ve finally answered the question, “Where’s Waldo?” What you maybe didn’t know is that some of the best food you can find is located here. The G&R Tavern, named after founders George Yake and Roy Klingel and famous for its fried bologna […]Read More »
Survivor Supports Others Escaping Abuse with Turning Point Fundraisers
When Melissa Jolliff wanted to escape an abusive relationship five years ago, she turned to Turning Point. “I never had to stay at the shelter, but the people there were very helpful. They guided me, provided resources and helped me get to the next chapter,” Melissa said. POUND: Steps to Healing A friend’s invitation to […]Read More »
Only Ohio Blues Station Finds Strong Support in Marion
While the scorching summer heat may have some local residents singing the blues, local disc jockey and musician “Silky” Ray Macklin believes this a great time to be a music lover in Marion. “There’s very strong support for the blues in Marion,” Macklin said. The DJ with TruBlues Radio 97.5 FM is excited for the […]Read More »