By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Rick Rekoske, the new director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, is looking forward to “building relationships in and around Hays.”

Rekoske introduced himself to Hays City Commissioners at their meeting last Thursday. After just two days on the job, he knew the “atmosphere is very much conducive for growth opportunities in all sectors of the community,” Rekoske told the commission.

The CVB office is housed in the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine Street, along with offices for the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development and the Heartland Community Foundation.

“Strong partnerships are vital to the success of strong and growing communities,” Rekoske said about the CVB’s relationship with the other local economic development offices.

“I envision our city doing many great things including continuing and strengthening our relationship with Fort Hays State University and local businesses, and keeping our community growing.”

“Hays has a ton of assets that makes my job of marketing the community a very special one,” he added.

Rekoske previously was the community development director for the city of Bel Aire since 2013. Prior to his employment with Bel Aire, Rekoske served as finance and marketing manager for the city of Wichita’s Transit Department, and as the community development coordinator for Wichita’s Old Cowtown Museum.

Rekoske replaces the previous director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jana Jordan, who retired Sept. 19, 2014, after 26 years with the city of Hays.