By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce notes that a significant sector of the Reno County economy was rocked by COVID-19 this past year.
"The hotel and hospitality industry and our restaurants were hit so hard," Teufel said. "Over 120 events that would normally have brought economic prosperity to Hutchinson were cancelled, including the State Fair."
The breadth of the economic impact is a staggering number.
"We've had a lot of talks with the hotels about what they are feeling," Teufel said. "If I could put a number to it, I think our hotel industry alone lost somewhere between $3.5 to $5 million over the last year here. We're not out of the woods yet."
There is a minor piece of hope for lodging growth in Hutchinson going in downtown.
"It's been wonderful to see Mark and Phoebe Davenport, who have invested in now, three buildings in our downtown," Teufel said. "Last year, they purchased the Plaza Towers and Leon Hotel. You probably saw, just last week, they closed on the purchase of the Hoke Building and their intent with the Hoke Building is to add about 18 boutique hotel rooms to our inventory."
The Chamber would love to see more hotel rooms added in other areas in the future, as they see that as an area where the community can still grow, as even the teams that come to town for the NJCAA tournament aren't able to be fully accommodated in the city right now.
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