Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp explains the impact of the proposed CIDs on the city.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Public hearings will be held Tue., Nov. 22, during the Hays City Commission meeting to consider creating two Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) for a proposed extended stay hotel just north of I-70 in Hays.
City commissioners voted unanimously Thu. night in favor of moving the proposal forward. Hays Extended Stay Hotel Partners LC wants to build a $9.64 million, 80-room Town Place Suites hotel south of the JT Travel Plaza currently under construction near Home Depot.
Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp explained how the CIDs would impact the city.
The first 1% CID would be for the property. The second 1% CID would encompass the hotel property and the new travel plaza. Proceeds from both CIDs would go to reimburse Hays Extended Stay Hotel Partners for costs associated with construction. The travel plaza developer, JT Travel Plaza, LLC, will not benefit from either incentive.
Each CID district would impose a 1% tax for 22 years. The hotel developer is asking for reimbursement of $1.73 million of the CID eligible expenses.
It’s estimated the two CID districts could generate $2.1 million in sales tax revenues over the 22 year period. The Marriott hotel expects to create 23 jobs. Analysis shows $939,019 in real estate taxes would be paid, $6.63 million in city sales tax generated and $2.9 million transient guest tax collected over the 22 years.
Attorney Ferdinand Niemann of White Goss, the Kansas City firm representing the Liberty, Missouri-based developer, told commissioners last week the project is “ready to start, pretty much next month, with construction.”
“People have been asking us if we need another hotel,” said Mayor Shaun Musil. “Hays almost lost the Special Olympics state basketball tourney last year because of hotel space. From the figures you showed us, it looks like we can use it.”
The proposal was approved by the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development before it came to the commission.
“I like the breakdown at the beginning of the jobs created and a lot of complete information as far as projected sales tax revenues—paints a pretty nice picture, I think,” said Commissioner Eber Phelps. Vice-Mayor James Meier commended the Coalition and Executive Director Aaron White for the “transparency and upfront numbers…I’m looking forward to another hotel in town,” he added.
All materials have been reviewed by the city’s bond counsel, Gina Riekhof, Gilmore & Bell, P.C. and found to meet the requirements of Kansas law and the city’s Economic Development Policy.
Sue Boldra (R-I) and Eber Phelps (D), 111th Dist. candidates, debate at FHSU Wednesday.
By JON ZWEYGARDT Hays Post
The two candidates vying for the 111th seat in the Kansas House of Representatives traded barbs over their experience and the direction the state is headed during Wednesday’s debate at Fort Hays State University.
Two-term Republican incumbent Sue Boldra faced longtime Democratic former state legislator and city commissioner Eber Phelps in the debate hosted by the FHSU American Democracy Project and the Student Government Association. Both are Hays residents.
Boldra, who currently serves on three House committees, acknowledged that 2017 could be rough because of what she calls a “perfect storm” of low commodity and oil prices but she says she believes the state has a number of programs that will bounce back.
“I will work very hard, again, at getting the LLC loophole fixed in our state income tax,” said Boldra.
Under the plan passed by the legislature four years ago, owners of limited liability companies are exempt from paying taxes on business income.
Phelps, who was in the legislature when the tax plan was passed in 2012, says he believes the state cannot continue the current path under two-term Republican Governor Sam Brownback.
“I assure you that I voted in opposition to the 2012 tax plan that the governor put forth,” said Phelps, “because I seemed to have listened to the right people that told us exactly where we were going to end up.”
Phelps says its “gratifying” to hear that Boldra wants to get things back on track but says she has voted with the governor 96-percent of the time over the last four years.
Boldra questioned that number and said she failed to receive an endorsement from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce because, “I didn’t vote with Brownback enough.”
“I vote for schools. I voted to fix the LLC tax loophole. I have voted against Brownback a number of times.”
She attacked Phelps for his years working in city and state government, claiming Phelps has “taken a paycheck.”
“I am not a career politician,” said Boldra. “I’m not going to serve 16 years in the legislature nor become mayor, nor city commissioner.”
Phelps said he finds it amusing when called a career politician. He said he was paid $125 for the first six years he worked in city government and $150 over the last two years.
“If that’s a career, I need to go talk to a counselor and get into a different field,” a comment that drew laughter from the crowd.
“What have I done? My god, I was on the commission back 20 years ago when we solved our long-term water issues here in the state of Kansas by buying the R9 Ranch,” said Phelps.
He also said he was part of the commission that “created one of the most successful curbside recycling programs in the state of Kansas.”
Phelps said the previous school funding formula – scrapped by the legislature for block grants – was a very good system and not broken like many people claim.
“It’s not broken,” said Phelps “It’s just not funded.”
Boldra said she is eager to get the opportunity to help draw up a new formula, and said the old formula was drawn up in 1992 and had its problems. Among those were Blue Valley, one of the richest districts in the state still receiving equalization funds and schools were getting paid more for online students than regular students.
She also said she would have like to have experimented with school funding using the innovative school districts because they cover a broad spectrum of schools.
With commodity prices historically low, Phelps said he hopes Kansas will once again be represented in Congress on the national level and in the agricultural committee. Kansas Congressman Tim Huelskamp was removed from the House ag committee by then-Speaker of the House John Boehner.
As a way to help local farmers, Phelps says the state needs to state investing in the comprehensive highway program.
“Our farmers, and also our oil industry, rely on great roads and we’re seeing those deteriorate,” said Phelps.
He added that would be another way to help the oil and gas industry – which is also currently dealing with low prices. He said hiring people who were laid off from the oil industry to work in upgrading roads will keep them in Western Kansas.
Boldra said they are considering allowing Kansas State University to experiment with industrial hemp which currently Kansas imports from Canada. She also praised an effort in Scott County to grow gluten-free sorghum. It is then dried out and turned into flour.
She also touted programs that are currently in place that can help bring jobs back to Kansas. Among those was JumpStart Kansas, an initiative launched this month by the Kansas Department of Commerce that will give the state’s six state universities money to help invest in business in Kansas.
“We have many opportunities in our state to grow small businesses,” said Boldra.
Both candidates agreed on expanding KanCare – Kansas’ managed health care program. KanCare is provided to all Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) consumers.
Phelps said expanding KanCare will help plug holes in the state’s budget and he believes the state has missed out on more than $1 million.
“If we were to sign on for that,” Phelps said, “we would not be seeing a lot of the problems we’re having right now.”
Boldra said any expansion must be, at least revenue neutral for her to support expansion.
The Cardiac Progressive Care Unit (CPCU), Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, Environmental Services and Outpatient Rehabilitation were recently named the patient satisfaction award winners for the third quarter of 2016 at HaysMed.
Each quarter HaysMed recognizes the patient satisfaction award winners based on results from CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) surveys administrated by HealthStream. HealthStream is the research firm HaysMed contracts with to conduct the government required Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) hospital surveys on patient experience. The CAHPS survey is the first national, standardized, publicly reported survey of patients’ perspectives of hospital care. The CAHPS Hospital Survey is a survey instrument and data collection methodology for measuring patients’ perceptions of their hospital experience.
CPCU had the highest in-patient overall rating for the third quarter of 2016. Their unit score was 82.1% and that puts them at the 83rd percentile. This exceeds the hospital goal of the 75th percentile. Their top performance areas on the survey included providing written discharge instructions, courtesy/respect of nurses and nurses listening carefully to patients.
The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute had the highest overall rating for the third quarter of 2016. Their overall rating was 94.7% and that puts them at the 97th percentile. This exceeds the hospital goal of the 75th percentile. Their top performance areas on the survey included clear communication by provider, provider listening clearly and courtesy/respect of clerks and receptionists
Environmental Services was recognized as one of the many ancillary departments that help support patient satisfaction in the hospital. This is the first time HaysMed has recognized an ancillary department with this award. For the third quarter of 2016 the inpatient cleanliness score was 80.4 % which is the 72nd percentile. The outpatient cleanliness score was 79.7% which is the 79th percentile. In addition in our recent DNV survey they were recognized for the cleanliness of the hospital for the patient areas, public areas and even the storage areas. The surveyors noted they had never seen a cleaner hospital.
Outpatient Rehab was recognized as the out-patient area with the highest patient overall rating for the third quarter of 2016. Their overall rating was 91.7% and that puts them at the 93rd percentile. This exceeds the hospital goal of the 75th percentile. Their top performance areas on the survey include patient involvement in treatment plan/goal setting, amount of time spent waiting at the facility and the ability to schedule visit on a convenient day and time.
Each area honored displays a patient satisfaction award winner banner in their department.
Work is nearing an end on the newest development in Hays, with JT Travel Plaza expected to open in phases in the coming weeks.
“We’re starting the interior setup, finishing up the interior finish work,” said Curtis Weilert, general manager. “Just the final touch-up and we’re starting to set up the equipment.”
He said the Cenex convenience store, which will have highly visible gas prices posted on two separate signs, is expected to open the week of Nov. 7 at the 41st Street location.
Schlotzsky’s and Cinnabon will open later in the month, with a scheduled opening of Nov. 17.
“We’re planning a big event for Schlotzsky’s on Nov. 17 — lots of cool specials … lots of free stuff,” Weilert said. “Most of the head Schlotzsky’s people are going to be here.”
Store manager Nick Finnegan said one of those specials will include a yearlong prize for 100 customers. The first 100 customers buying a six-pack of classic Cinnabon rolls will receive a certificate for one free Schlotzsky’s each week for a year.
The three-store development is expected to employ about 40 full- and part-time workers, and hiring is ongoing.
Applications are available at https://www.jttravelplaza.com and can be emailed, mailed or dropped off at the site, 1130 E. 41st Street .
The development is the first of several proposed at the Home Depot plaza, with the Hays City Commission recently being asked to create a Commercial Improvement District to help fund infrastructure. While JT Travel Plaza will be part of that CID, none of those fund will go to the travel plaza.
“We built this project — and we’re very proud of this — completely 100 percent on our own without any additional funding from the CID or anything else,” Weilert said, noting that future development of the Home Depot area will be a positive. “There are a lot of good things going on around here.”
Dr. Tracy Coe, Medical Oncologist/Hematologist at Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Center, HaysMed
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Dr. Tracy Coe likes to compare cancer research to the childhood game of hopscotch.
Saturday afternoon the medical oncologist/hematologist at HaysMed Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Center used a big blue piece of chalk to draw an imaginary hopscotch outline on the floor of the basketball arena at Fort Hays State University Gross Memorial Coliseum, site of the 2016 Ellis County Relay For Life.
“In hopscotch you’re always moving forward; you’re never moving back. Sometimes we move forward by one box and sometimes we move forward two boxes.” Coe illustrated as she talked, jumping forward towards to the crowed, with her microphone in hand.
“Cancer research is exactly like that right now. We have never looked back. We are moving forward, and the speed of our movement forward is astounding these days.”
Coe briefly outlined the major drug protocols that have been in use since the 1960s.
“Some extraordinary things happened in the 1960s, including tamoxifen for breast cancer–technically our very first targeted treatment–and it’s still in use today.
“Fast forward a little bit on our hopscotch,” Coe said as she jumped closer to the audience, “and in the 1970s, a brilliant researcher discovers several chemotherapies put together cure most testicular cancers.
“In the ’80s, more chemotherapy drugs are being discovered and we have more breast cancer hormones coming down the pike, so we don’t have to take women’s ovaries out for breast cancer any more.
“Move into the 1990s, and in 1992 we have the introduction of our first nausea medicine that literally shuts off the vomit center of the brain. It was a huge breakthrough to take care of patients’ nausea when they were receiving chemotherapy medicines. In 1996 we have our first intravenous-targeted treatment for lymphomas. It’s very much like a rifle targeted at a certain thing you are shooting at. These are specifically and deliberately designed in our research labs.
“In the early 2000s we have anti-body therapy–not targeted at the receptor of the cell but targeted at the DNA. Cancer puts up a fence that our antibodies can’t get through. We also have the ability in the last decade of getting past that fence.
“We’re not using poisons any more. These are targeted treatments that work in astounding ways.
“In the past 13 months, we’ve had 11 new drugs approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) that we now use in our Cancer Center. These are mind-boggling approaches to curing cancers or putting them into remission for so long that it’s a chronic illness very much like diabetes–something that we’re controlling with these medicines that eventually, is not going to take that patient’s life any more.”
Coe thanked the cancer patients for the privilege of working with and for them.
“The money that we raise here at Relay For Life is curing cancer on such an astounding level and we are reaping the benefits here at the Cancer Center,” Coe concluded to enthusiastic applause.
Deb Alvarez, RN, co-chair of Ellis County ACS Relay For Life
At the end of the six-hour event with the arena still dark following the luminary ceremony, RFL co-chair Deb Alvarez, a nurse at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Center, announced donors raised $34,409.64 for cancer research overseen by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The Insurance Planning team raised the most money–$7,357, of which employee Lonny Claycamp–a cancer survivor–raised $4,055.
The 2016 ACS Ellis County Relay For Life was held at FHSU GMC.
In an effort to save money and “go green,” Bank of Hays, 1000 W. 27th, is building a solar panel carport.
“I’ve always been intrigued about the going green aspect,” said John Clarke, president of Bank of Hays. “Ever since we built the building, I’ve been thinking about this.”
The carport will have 15 vehicle bays for employees with 176 solar panels. The solar panels will produce 47 kilowatts of power for the bank, which will be enough to supply the bank with half of its needed energy.
“The long run is to save money,” Clarke said.
The solar project itself will cost upwards of $200,000, but it is projected to pay itself off in seven years, he added.
“The projection we got said seven years, but that does not factor in the projected increases in utility rates,” Clarke said.
According to Clarke, the bank should save $8,000 in the first year and, by year 20, the bank could be saving $20,000 and will keep three million pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere over the next 25 years.
“We feel like at this time the project makes economic sense,” Clarke said.
The solar panels have a life expectancy of 25 years and Clarke has been reassured that they can withstand softball-size hail.
Clarke began looking into the project two years ago. He originally looked at putting solar panels on the roof of the bank, but the weight the panels would not work with the roof.
He began looking at solar businesses in the Denver area, but rested on Cromwell Solar out of Lawrence.
Cromwell is largest and oldest solar installation firm in the Kansas region and has experience in residential and commercial design.
The project is still in the early stages as the solar panels have to be added, but Cromwell will begin adding in the solar panels in two weeks, Clarke said.
Once the installation process of the solar panels begins, it should take three or four days to finish that portion of the project. The whole carport should be completed in the next month.
Ferdinand Niemann and Aaron White talk to city commissioners about plans for building an extended-stay hotel in Hays.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
After canceling the past two meetings, the Hays City Commission was back in action Thursday night for the first time since Sept. 22. Commissioners faced a lengthy 11-item agenda, yet were able to get through the work session in less than 90 minutes.
Economic development proposals dominated the agenda and all moved forward to the Oct. 27 city meeting agenda for further consideration.
The proposed Townplace Suites hotel would be built just north of I-70 and Vine Street.
Hays Extended Stay Hotel Partners LP is requesting two Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) for construction of a $9.64 million, 80-room Townplace Suites directly north of IHOP and Hampton Inn.
“They’re ready to start, pretty much next month, with construction,” said attorney Ferdinand Niemann of White Goss, the Kansas City firm representing the Liberty, Missouri-based developer. “Ferguson Hotel Group–a preferred builder for Marriott–is going to be the one that is actually going to do the construction. David Christie has the land now. He’s contributing the land as part of the development.”
“It’s nice to hear somebody that’s coming forward to the city with a CID that’s actually ready to start doing what they’re asking for,” Hays Mayor Shaun Musil commented, “so I appreciate that. I think the extended-stay hotel is a good idea for Hays.”
“We know the developer,” Commissioner Henry Schwaller pointed out. “This is the third project they’ve done–all of it successful. I would have no problem supporting it.” Ferguson Hotel Development also built the Hays Fairfield Inn, 377 Mopar Drive. (Corrected, 10:26 a.m., 10/21/16)
City commissioners agreed to move the CIDs request to next week’s meeting for further discussion.
“I like the transparency of the CID application,” said Commissioner Lance Jones, “just the process in general.”
All the commissioners commended Aaron White, Ellis Co. Coalition for Economic Development executive director, for his work on the project. “This is so much better than the last time we did this. I read through this several times trying to find questions to ask but if you read the packet and application, the answers are in there,” Jones added.
The hotel design does not include a large gathering space, something Musil said residents want.
“Because it’s extended-stay, it’s built more for the actual occupants,” Niemann said. “There’s a little convenience store and some common areas. Each room has its own kitchenette and living space–not really a convention hotel.”
A feasibility study provided to the developer determined there’s a need for an extended-stay hotel in Hays.
“They’re projecting about 68% occupancy the first year and then get up to about 76% occupancy within four years,” Niemann added.
Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp reviews the fiscal impact of the requested CIDs.
Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp explained how the requests would affect the city.
The first 1% CID would be for the property. The second 1% CID would encompass the hotel property and the new travel plaza already under construction immediately north of the proposed hotel. Proceeds from both CIDs would go to reimburse Hays Extended Stay Hotel Partners for costs associated with construction. The travel plaza developer, JT Travel Plaza, LLC, will not benefit from either incentive.
Each CID district would impose a 1% tax for 22 years. The developer is asking for reimbursement of $1.73 million of the CID eligible expenses.
It’s estimated the two CID districts could generate $2.1 million in revenues. The Marriott hotel expects to create 23 jobs. Analysis shows $939,019 in real estate taxes would be paid and slightly more than $8 million in city sales tax generated over the 22 years.
Commissioners asked for an estimate of the hotel transient guest tax that would be generated to be provided for the Oct. 27 commission meeting.
“There are two CIDs currently in place in Hays,” Rupp reminded the commissioners. “There is a 2% CID at the Holiday Inn Express, 4650 Roth, which started collections in late 2010 by the same developer submitting the petition for the extended stay hotel. There is also a 1% CID at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, which began in mid-2015.”
“The city’s economic development policy provides that these are a pay-as-you-go incentive, meaning the developer will pay for the cost of the project upfront and then can be reimbursed for eligible costs by the CID,” Rupp explained.
“Therefore, there is no monetary liability on the part of the city of Hays on a CID.”
The retail development would consist of a 50,000 square foot building to be used by a national retailer and another 23,000 square feet of retail space.
Niemann pointed out David Christie is also involved in a separate second project to develop a 73,000 square foot retail space directly north of Home Depot which would require another 1% CID.
The Heart of America Industrial Park Second Addition development will require extension of 9th Street east to Commerce Parkway.
Commissioners agreed to move forward with that request as well as the continued development of the Heart of America Industrial Park on south Commerce Parkway in east Hays.
A benefit district would be established to fund the extension of 9th Street east to Commerce Parkway.
Since 1897, the Glik family has grown its family boutique business — and it has withstood the test of time to become the 14th oldest retail store in the United States.
“We believe small-town America is underserved in fashion for men and women. Our mission is to deliver big time fashion to small town America,” said Jeff Glik, President and CEO of Glik’s.
On Thursday morning, about 60 well-wishers came to Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, for Glik’s grand opening.
The Hays store is the company’s first foray into the state of Kansas..
“We are so excited to welcome Glik’s to the Hays community,” said Tammy Wellbrock, executive director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
Glik’s found its first Kansas home in road-trip fashion.
Jeff Glik speaks to the community on hand for the grand opening.
Glik was driving his son to college in Denver when they made a brief stop in Hays. Shortly after, he told his board they had to get store in the town.
“Hays is a great community,” Glik said. “You’ve created this amazing town in the heartland of America, and we are happy to be a part of your town.”
Glik’s put its own spin on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Jeff Glik and Joe Glik stand with chamber representatives, Hays Glik’s employees, and Big Creek Crossing representatives.
In honor of its 119-year legacy, a ribbon was created with 119 $1 bills attached to it— one for each year operation.
The $119 will be donated to the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
Glik’s offers many different types of fashion including their own clothing line, 1897, which was named after the year the company was established.
Some of the more well-known clothing lines carried by the chain include The North Face, Under Armour, Silver Jean Co., Patagonia, Sperry and Converse, Flying Monkey along with others.
Ellis County and a number of surrounding counties will get disaster relief from the federal government after a series of storms in early September.
Director of Fire and Emergency Management for Ellis County Darin Myers said Thursday morning President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding that occurred in northwest and central Kansas from Sept. 2 to 12.
Counties included in the disaster declaration for public assistance are Cheyenne, Cowley, Ellis, Graham, Greenwood, Kingman, Norton, Rooks, Russell, Sedgwick and Sumner.
Those counties are eligible for funding to repair or replace disaster-damaged facilities.
Myers said state and federal officials have already surveyed the damage in Ellis County and now officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will meet with all agencies affected. He said the county is eligible to receive up to 85-percent of the funds lost due to the storms; 70-percent from FEMA, 10-percent from the state and 15 percent from the applicant.
Ellis County officials declared a state of local disaster on Sept. 7 after it was determined the damage from flooding from two separate storms caused substantial damage. In order for Ellis County to qualify for state aid, the county must sustain more than $100,000 in damage. The state must also reach the $4 million threshold to be eligible for federal relief funds. The governor submitted the request for a presidential declaration on Oct. 10.
This does not cover private property damaged by the storm. Anyone who had private property damaged in the storm can contact Emergency Service at (785) 625-1061.
New economic development in the city of Hays is at the top of a lengthy city commission work session agenda for Thursday.
In addition to two Community Improvement District requests by a group hoping to build an extended stay hotel near Home Depot, commissioners will also review a petition and application for a third 1% CID to incentivize a retail project in the same area of I-70 and Vine Street.
The project proposed by Hays Investors, LLC, differs however, in that the petition requests the district be created prior to the identification of a specific project, according to Hays Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood. “The CID would allow the developer to more aggressively market the property,” Wood explained.
The developer seeks incentives related to constructing approximately 73,000 square feet of retail space, to be located on approximately 9.1 acres at the northeast corner of I-70 and Vine Street and directly north of the Home Depot. The $13.6 million development is expected to consist of an approximately 50,000 square foot building to be used by a national retailer and another 23,000 square feet of retail space.
“At this point there hasn’t been any retailers that have been identified that would be going in the space,” Wood said, “so no big box store has been named but they are working to bring some stores in.”
If approved, the total sales tax within the CID would be 10.5%.
There will be a restriction in the development agreement that would dissolve the district if certificates of occupancy for 73,000 square feet of retail space are not issued within 36 months of approval of the CID. Also, the developer will not be allowed to request any other economic incentives as long as the CID is in place.
David Christie, manager of Hays Investors, is also a principal in Christie Development Associates, LLC, a Stilwell, Kansas based real estate development company.
The complete Oct. 20 city commission work session agenda may be seen here.
Glik’s — a family-owned boutique with a unique clothing line — officially will open this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. inside Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine.
“The chamber and anyone else in the community who would like to come out for our ribbon cutting is welcome to come,” said Christy Haudrich, regional manager.
Glik’s President and CEO Jeff Glik and Chairman Joe Glik, whose grandfather started the company, will both be present for the ceremony. Glik’s will be located next to JCPenney at the former Rue 21. The store will be open normal mall hours.
Women’s clothing
Haudrich said it would be great to get 50 or 60 in the store.
“With it being a chamber event, we are hoping for a good group of people,” she said.
Glik’s will have many items at a special grand-opening price point.
“Most of the sales will be on the men’s side. The women’s side is more fast fashion and a lot of those are already priced low,” Haudrich said.
Some sales to expect are 1897 jeans, which is Glik’s own clothing line, at $29.90, knits at $19.90, and all wovens are 25 percent off.
North face clothing will be available.
Some of the more well-known clothing lines carried by the chain include The North Face, Under Armour, Silver Jean Co., Patagonia, Sperry and Converse, along with others.
“Their clothing brands are a breath of fresh air at a mid-range price point,” Younger said.
Yeti cups and accesories
Yeti products are also carried by the chain and will be featured in the Hays store.
Glik’s is expanding into their 10th state, and the Hays store is the first one in Kansas.
“We think it’s going to be a great fit for our community,” said James Younger, Big Creek Crossing marketing director.
The appeal of the college-town atmosphere is what lured Glik’s to Hays, according to Haudrich.
“We like the fact that it’s a college town, but still a small town,” she said. “We like to bring big-town fashion to small towns.”
For more on Glik’s clothing and shoe lines, visit their website or Facebook.
