Two ribbon cuttings were held Thursday evening at the Hays Welcome Center. The first recognized the five year anniversary of the Welcome Center. Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Jana Jordan thanked everyone involved in the construction of the building which houses the CVB, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ellis County Coalition and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation.

The second ribbon cutting was in honor of Ellis County being named an E-Community. ECC Executive Director Aaron White says he pursued the revolving loan fund because he wanted a way to develop the strong entrepreneurial interest in the community.

The program also works with the Small Business Development Center and provides mentors to assist entrepreneurs in the process.