A new, large, bright red sign was erected over the front entrance at one of Marshall’s longtime downtown businesses on Friday. While Gambler owner Tom Pearcy told the Independent he’s hoping the sign will draw more business to his establishment, his facade improvement could also be a sign of future prosperity going into a new year and a new decade.

While it’s easy to complain about all the decisions through the years that don’t go as planned, there’s a lot to be thankful for right here in the Marshall area. Independent reporter Deb Gau’s looking back at the past decade article Monday reminded us of all the positive events and changes that took place between 2010 and 2020. And there were many.

Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes reminded us of some of those developments that are not easy to see by residents. He mentioned flood control and improvements to the city’s sanitary sewer system. But others stand out and are reminders how lucky we all are to live in a growing community.

First to come to mind is the Red Baron Arena. It’s has become a big positive for the community and mostly proved the skeptics to be wrong. And there was a lot of skepticism when this project was proposed. But the arena continues to draw people from all over the region, state and from other states to events. The people who attend these events end up spending money at restaurants, gas stations, retail stores and motels in the area.

Byrnes also reminded us that while some communities throughout the nation may still struggle economically, the Marshall area is thriving.

Some of the proof: expansion of Action Manufacturing, Runnings and Ralco. And also major retail newcomers such as Menards, Aldi, Ashley’s Furniture and Hobby Lobby.

In the article, the mayor was quoted as saying “Marshall solidified its role as Southwest Minnesota’s regional center.”

And that’s a role Marshall should be able to take into the new year and new decade.