2015 Groundbreaking MERIT Center Press Release

For Immediate Release:
March 25, 2015
PRESS
RELEASE
March 25, 2015
M.E.R.I.T. CENTER GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
Marshall, MN – The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony on March 30, 2015 at
12:00 p.m. to mark the official start of the addition to the M.E.R.I.T. Center located at 1001 West
Erie Road.
Rob Yant, Director of Public Safety, said “it is very exciting to see the construction starting. We
look forward to being able to have this tremendous resource to help train drivers throughout the
region enhance their driving skills and increase driver safety for both professional and
nonprofessional drivers”. Stan Brewers is excited that the “MERIT Center will finally get the
opportunity to provide expanded training facilities to our region.”
The M.E.R.I.T. Center is an 80-acre state of the art, regional fire and rescue training facility.
The campus offers on-site customized safety training for both public and private entities
primarily through the services of Minnesota West Community and Technical College’s
Customized Training Program based in the Center. The Chemical Assessment Team (CAT) is
also located at the M.E.R.I.T. Center. For more information on the M.E.R.I.T. Center, check out
their website www.marshallmn.com.
State Farm recently awarded a $20,000 grant to the City of Marshall to allow updates to the
current Driver’s Education simulators. These new resources, along with the new M.E.R.I.T.
Center development and this grant, will allow the community to not only demonstrate but also
practice safe driving conditions that will help new and seasoned drivers be successful. The
grant, which was submitted by the Marshall Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, will be presented
to the City of Marshall by State Farm Agent Charlie Aufenthie during the groundbreaking
ceremony.
About the City of Marshall
The City of Marshall is a prominent regional center located in southwest Minnesota. With a
population of 13,680 and total employment estimated at 10,840, Marshall is a center of retail
activity holding an estimated 40,780 people in its primary trade area. Marshall is also home to
institutions of higher education including Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota
West Community and Technical College’s Customized Training programs.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please contact:
Rob Yant, Chief of Police (507) 537-7000