(Article originally printed in The Daily Advocate 11-20-09)
By Christina Chalmers - Advocate Editor
GREENVILLE - The county's new Economic Development Director, Marc Saluk, was greeted by over 100 people in the community Tuesday night (Nov. 17, 2009) at a "meet and greet" held at the Bristro Off Broadway.
Saluk, who officially took over the position Nov. 2, said the community has been receptive to him so far as he has spoken to various councils and groups throughout the county.
"I've been putting my face in front of everybody. I'ts been exciting to see how excited they (the community) are about seeing growth." said Saluk about the people he's met with. "The pieces are coming together."
Most of his visits have consisted of businesses and residents talking to him about their perspective on missed economic opportunities in the past, what they felt Darke County had to offer potential companies, and some ideas for going forward with economic development in the county, he said.
John Greendyke, assistant Economic Development Director, has spent the past couple of weeks mentoring Saluk, showing him different aspects of economic develpment, the "when and how they'll come into play," said Saluk.
Darke County Commissioner Diane Delaplane said she felt energized about the hiring of Saluk. "Marc has hit the gournd running," she said. "I look forward to positive things to come."
Darke County Commissioner Mike Rhoades said he was also excited about Saluk. "He brings a lot of talent and pizzaz," he said. "I think he's going to do us good."
Randy Gump, Village Administrator of Versailles and board member of the Darke County Community Improvement Corporation, said that the evening's sucessful turnout was reflective of the positive attitude of the selection committees' choice in Saluk. "He's everything we thought he would be," he said. "Many good things are ahead for Darke County."
Over 100 people came out to meet and congratulate Marc Saluk, the new Darke County Economic Development Director at his "meet and greet" event held Tuesday at the Bistro Off Broadway. Christina Chalmers/Advocate Photo