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opened in November 2005, is nearing the mark of three
million visitors and is helping make Atlanta a destination
city. Hotels and restaurants near the aquarium are
booming, and a quick look around the area shows a
healthy spate of new development.
"A lot of good things are happening for Atlanta and the
state as a result of the aquarium," Marcus says. "People
are coming here and spending money, which in turn is
giving the city and state a larger tax base and creating
jobs."
"That was my purpose, to create jobs. I’d rather
create a job than do almost anything."
But the work is just getting started, in Marcus’s opinion.
"We can’t turn our backs for even a single moment,"
he says. "We have to make sure visitors feel safe. And
we have to keep planning for the future. We’re already
talking about what improvements we should make and
bringing in new species of fish that we don’t have." The
aquarium has an active research program, in which
Georgia State is involved, and through educational
outreach it is raising awareness of environmental issues
such as overfishing.
Marcus realizes that entrepreneurs can’t go it alone, that
they must partner with state and local governments, with
academic institutions, and with other business partners
to enact lasting, positive change. The backing of Atlanta
mayor Shirley Franklin was vital to the aquarium,
Marcus says. He believes the state
now has a responsibility to reinvest
some of the tax revenues raised by the
aquarium back into traffic studies and
improved transportation for downtown,
what he deems a sound returnon investment. Marcus points
to Georgia State – wherehe is a member of the Hall
of Fame – as one of the first to make a commitment to
downtown, which is vital to keeping
Atlanta growing. "If we don’t invest in the
city, how are we going to pay for services? "
he asks. "Where will Atlanta get the money
without collecting taxes? The city has to
earn its way. Making it safe, providing services, creating jobs:
all that comes down to money."
In parting advice to future entrepreneurs, Marcus suggests
they get involved in charitable causes early. "There are
so many people in this world who need our help, and the
satisfaction it gives you is unlike anything else," he says. When
he looks at the contributions the Home Depot had made to
rebuilding communities destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, he is
proud of his part in creating a company that cares about the
communities it serves. When he visits the Marcus Institute
and gets a hug from a parent, he knows he’s had an effect not
just on that one person but also on an entire family. When
he goes to the aquarium – once or even twice a week when
he’s in town – and watches the faces of visitors as a majestic
beluga whale floats by, it brings him joy. Now those are the
things that money can’t buy!
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