New Marshall resident Jackie Baker stood up at the end of the Main Street Connections meeting at the Weisman Center on Tuesday and told the crowd their efforts to revitalize downtown were so impressive she plans to put her money where her mouth is.

"I'm bringing my investment money here," she said.

The new Terminex branch manager also asked if an organization exists which is dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods around the downtown area, because she would like to be involved in helping them.

Ms. Baker said if such an organization does not exist, she might start one.

As Terminex branch manager, Ms. Baker said she can help sponsor various municipal activities and offered help for downtown revitalization fund-raising events.

Ms. Baker later said she spoke because "I wanted them to know their hard work is paying off, and what they are doing to the downtown will bring other investors besides myself."

Ms. Baker and husband Wayne have bought an historical home on Rusk Street, she said, which they plan to operate as a bed and breakfast inn. The couple also plans to buy other older homes and restore them for resale or rental properties.