MARION—The Marion Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has announced the retirement of their longtime Director Mark Holbrook. Holbrook joined the bureau in 2016, leading Marion forward in important endeavors that include:

  • Increased revenue generation an average of 9.7% annually
  • Developed the Cultural Corridor project to initiate Marion’s downtown revitalization
  • Increased marketing spending from 20.5% to 45.5% of the annual budget
  • Created the Cultural Corridor Walking Map to assist visitors in the downtown
  • Created the Eaterarian Trail to feature Marion’s unique dining locations
  • Upgraded web presence and social media impact
  • Helped to recruit a new hotel that will keep more visitors staying in Marion
  • Helped to found the Marion Community Coalition – a partnership between the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, Marion CanDo!, Downtown Marion Inc., and the Regional Planning

Is in the process of moving the Visitor Center and offices from its current location near State Route 23 to the historic downtown

Holbrook says that “I have greatly enjoyed my time here in Marion. And I am grateful to have been here to watch this community rise up to meet challenges and create their own future. The courage they have shown to take responsibility for their community is the reason why it is growing and thriving today. And it is those attributes that help make Marion a great place to visit.”

Current Visitors Bureau board chairperson Ellen Messenger says, “Mark’s love for history, background in television and radio, years with the Ohio History Connection, business acumen and his expertise in marketing helped to guide the Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to new heights. He has been a change agent. But, most of all, his passion to tell Marion’s stories has drawn tourists to our area and helped our community to grow and be proud of our past and excited for our future. We thank him for his leadership and wish him the best in his new adventures.”

Upon Holbrook’s announcement of his coming retirement, the Visitors Bureau executive board began the process of seeking a replacement. A local candidate with the experience and skills became available when Bev Ford announced her retirement as the Marion Palace Theatre director. Messenger says, “Bev is going to pick up where Mark left off. We have no doubt that it will be a smooth transition and that she will use her leadership abilities, marketing skills, and connections to continue to grow and enhance the CVB much the way she grew the Palace with wise decisions, hard work, a strong vision, and a heart for doing what is good for our community. We welcome her expertise and are confident the Visitors Bureau will be in capable hands as we move forward and relocate to Downtown Marion.”

Ford is looking forward to the new opportunity and says, “When I announced my intent to retire to the Palace Board, I wasn’t sure what the next chapter would hold. I knew I wanted to continue serving the community in a meaningful way but at a little slower pace. Shortly after the public announcement of my retirement from the Palace, I was approached by the CVB search committee and asked to consider taking over Mark’s role. After several discussions and meetings, it was clear this was the perfect opportunity to continue promoting Marion and all the unique experiences available here. Mark has done wonderful work for our community, and I look forward to continuing to promote all that makes Marion an amazing hometown and an intriguing tourist destination.”