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.

Jim & Gayle Sutherin
THE SUTHERIN FAMILY. A love for the Marion community has been the hallmark of Jim and Gayle Sutherin for the past 42 years. Jim, Gayle, and their two daughters, moved permanently to Marion in 1975 after six years of Navy life. Jim worked as an engineering technician for Floyd Browne Associates (FBA) for 45 years. […]Read More »
Schrader Computer Watches Out for Local Customers
When the computer wheel keeps spinning, or the blue screen of death pops up, many people want to tear their hair out in frustration, but not Jeff Schrader. This local computer expert loves taking on a technical problem. “I just like fixing problems. That’s all I’ve done all of my life,” Schrader said. Schrader spent […]Read More »
Terry Cline Puts Marion in Focus
Marion native Terry Cline has always strived to make his hometown a better place to live, work, and play. Whether it’s been through the business he founded or volunteer activities, Cline has sought to use his skills in video production, marketing, and advertising to help promote a wide range of events in Marion County. Awards […]Read More »
Turning Point Highlights Hope During Suicide Awareness Month
The Marion community has been profoundly affected by suicides over the past several months. In response, local leaders took action and raise awareness during September which is Suicide Awareness Month. Vicki Kimmel, president of the Turning Point Board of Directors, expressed her deep concern, saying, “I’ve been asking myself, what else can we do? How […]Read More »