John E.B. Clark, Jr., town manager of Marion, Virginia, since November 2000, has seen the village hit its lowest ebb and he has seen it embark on a nice rebound. He would like everyone to know there is more to this spunky, historic town than the "Hot" and "Cold" water tanks off I-81.

For instance, there is the A&A-designed bike trail running from town toward Hungry Mother State Park, as well as the River Walk and History Walk trails over the newly renovated 1885 East Chilhowie Street Bridge.

Marion is the birthplace of Mountain Dew and last home of writer Sherwood Anderson. Downtown is anchored by the Lincoln Theatre, a stunning Mayan Revival venue staging regular concerts including the WBRA-TV bluegrass music series called "Song of the Mountains." A possible Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail affiliate, the theatre was restored with funding from the town, ARC, and state, federal, and private sources.

In 10 years, 115 buildings have been rehabilitated, including a former post office now housing Macado’s restaurant and the meticulously restored Art Deco General Francis Marion Hotel. Clark heaps credit upon Marion Downtown Executive Director Ken Heath and the Downtown Revitalization Board and property owners, noting that Marion has received so many awards from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development that other communities are studying their revitalization program.

Clark is a Smyth County native who has managed all three Smyth towns – Saltville, Chilhowie, and Marion – since he left graduate school at Virginia Tech. "I like small towns. I want to give back to the community that gave me so much," he said.

When Clark came on board at Marion, the textile and manufacturing plants that had helped Smyth County thrive had mostly said their good-byes and headed where labor was cheaper. Town and county leaders concentrated on keeping the area’s remaining businesses happy (e.g.: a $1.9 million upgrade of the town water treatment system and a $400,000 sewer project when General Dynamics needed to expand), luring others to the adjacent office park, and increasing tourist trade.

"Statistics tell how well we’re doing – our unemployment rate has been reduced by more than half – just over the national average," Clark said. "Some employers complain they can’t fill all their job openings. That’s a good problem to have."