This past week, Marc Saluk, the Darke County Economic Development Director, resigned from his position to take a similar position in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Marc is going home. Marc is from the Philadelphia area, and his new job gets him about 50 miles away. I can’t blame him for leaving, it is what he wants, and we all like familiar places.
Since Marc has been here, Marc and I have worked on a lot of things together. I bet he won’t remember the first time we actually talked to each other?
I was still a Township Trustee with Greenville Township, and Rowland Truck and Equipment had contacted us about expanding to their current location on Children’s Home Road and 127. All of the trustees agreed to help them all we could, and I called Marc to let him know what was going on. I remember telling him that I thought this was how Economic Development should work; If anyone hears any rumors of businesses, no matter how small, we need to let the office know and let them take care of it.
That is what happened.
Marc, working with the company and us, successfully got Rowland where they wanted, and today their business is very visible and doing well. Since that time, Darke County, under Marc’s direction, has exploded with company expansion, job additions, and new business coming into the County. We are one of the leaders in the State with our workforce efforts that combine Schools, businesses, Individuals and Government together to make things better for us all. Marc was a huge part of this. His individual talents have made him a name that is recognized anywhere in the State. He has helped put Darke County on the map. Marc has an enthusiasm, and energy that will be sorely missed. I will miss him greatly. I consider him more than a business acquaintance, I consider him a good friend.
Marc, whatever path you take, I hope it is the happy one. You have done wonders here, and I know you will do the same in New Jersey, no question of that. If you ever need anything, just call, and I will do my best to help. I wish you and your family well, and may good fortune follow you all the days of your life. Farewell, my friend, and remember, you will always have a home here in Darke County.
An old Irish toast to you, My Friend:
“Walls for the windMike Stegall-Darke County Commissioner
A roof for the rain
And drinks beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you
And all that your heart may desire”
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