Chariton Valley (CV) (Macon, Mo.) hosted a ceremony to announce Marceline's designation as a Smart Rural Community℠(SRC) at Ripley Park in downtown Marceline. Marceline is now one of eight towns in Missouri to earn this designation. This prestigious designation highlights the use of Chariton Valley's fiber network to support the work of many community leaders who labor tirelessly to strengthen Marceline economically while maintaining its unique rural charm.
Richard Switzer, Marceline's Industrial Development Director, submitted the award application, in which he shared that the community has seen an economic resurgence since the completion of the CV fiber network in 2020. Richard reiterated some critical points from the application that contributed to the award designation.
- Job and population growth set new records.
- Three major industries moved to the community: Karvd, Nature's Grace & Wellness, and CoffeeTree Group.
- K-12 school enrollment has increased from 609 to 640 students since July 2022.
- Four new retail businesses and restaurants opened.
- Nine vacation rentals launched Airbnb and VRBO offerings.