Become a Member of the MBA

Downtown Marion is the gathering place of McDowell County and a thriving center of entrepreneurship and entertainment.

Created in 1984 and a 501(c)4 organization, the MBA has a long stable history.
The primary purpose of the Marion Business Association (MBA) is to assist new and existing businesses for them to be successful businesses.
The MBA is available to address any issue a small business may have. A database of current available commercial properties is maintained in the office.

Accredited North Carolina Main Street City since 2003 and Accredited National Main Street City since 2013.

Since July 1, 2005, the MBA serves as the City of Marion Economic Development office offering a variety of services to new and existing businesses in the city. The MBA created a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Marion Historic Foundation, to take advantage of grant writing opportunities.

MBA Board members (See Board list) are the best resource referral to Marion businesses. Board members serve three year terms, for up to two terms and are elected by the current Board of Directors.

MBA Services

Small Business Assistance

One on one counseling and business plan development
Available commercial properties
Financial & lender resources
Outreach and personal visits
Networking opportunities - McDowell Marketing Masterminds & supports Chamber networking

Special Events and Community Celebrations

Annual Calendar of Events
Parades
Mountain Glory Festival
Offers Technical Assistance for New Community Events

Committees

Active Board of Directors
Events & Promotion Committee
Mountain Glory Festival Committee
Design/Facade Committee - Administers Fa�ade Grant Programs
Economic Development Committee
Marketing Committee

MBA Member Benefits

Internet Listing on discovermarionnc.com
Networking opportunities
Small Business Technical Assistance
Fa�ade Grants City of Marion Revolving Loan Program

Marion Business Association Partners

McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) McDowell Chamber of Commerce
McDowell Tech Small Business Center McDowell Economic Development Association (MEDA)
McDowell Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Historic Marion Tailgate Market

City of Marion - The City of Marion is the primary partner of the MBA, both through city hall and public works. Without the support of the city, the MBA could not function in an effective manner.

The MBA provides citizens with a sense of community by coordinating a full calendar of events such as the Liver Mush Festival, Fourth of July Celebration, Sidewalk Yard Sales in May and August and Mountain Glory Festival.

The MBA also provides technical assistance to a variety of organizations that now host Downtown events, including the WNC Bigfoot Festival and Marion Cruise-Ins.

Since 2007, Marion Business Association has coordinated the Historic Marion Tailgate Market. The market is housed in a 5000 sf shade shelter that hosts a variety of events throughout the year like car shows and the City's fall festival.

A sense of the Past... A Glimpse of the Future

With global economic changes, now more than ever before, a strong representation for rural communities is essential. Downtowns remain the heartbeat of a community. The MBA is seeing a renewed interest in the downtown with a variety of new businesses, including a meadery, tap room, breweries, entertainment venue, and a general store.

Downtown Marion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the Depot District and nearby churches. Every effort is made by the City of Marion and Marion Business Association to protect and preserve the historic character of Marion.

Recruitment

It is imperative that organized efforts continue to represent business recruitment, beautification, and preserving the sense of community that is unique to Marion, North Carolina. To grow Marion�s entrepreneurs, the MBA provides an active entrepreneur training, Growing Entrepreneurs Marion (GEM) with classes in the fall and winter. GEM provides entrepreneurs with skills to be Marion�s future business owners and community leaders.

Operations

The Marion Business Association operates as a 501c4 non-profit business organization and is governed by an active Board of Directors (See Board Directory Attachment). The MBA is funded by the City of Marion, membership dues, and special events. Located at 58 Depot Street, the MBA staff has 2 full-time and 1 part-time employees. Marion Business Association is a certified North Carolina Main Street Community and a national Main Street City. The Marion Business Association works in close association with the City of Marion, McDowell Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Center at McDowell Technical College and the McDowell Economic Development Association of McDowell County to promote the growth of new and established businesses.

Affiliation and Accreditation

As a Main Street America^� Accredited program, the Marion Business Association is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America^� Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

A sense of the Past... A Glimpse of the Future

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