Marion’s growth and vitality has earned it the Small Town of the Year Award for 2018 from the N.C. Rural Center. The award was presented Friday morning during the organization’s 2018 Rural Assembly, which was held in Raleigh. The Small Town of the Year Award recognizes a town or small city “that embraces citizen engagement, values diversity, and fosters strong partnerships.” “The town must promote innovative economic development initiatives and programs as well as an entrepreneur-friendly environment,” reads the criteria for the award. “The nominee must demonstrate how they have overcome economic barriers and challenges as well as being creative, diligent, and resourceful in building an economic future for all of its residents.”