By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Rob Bauer did not want the judges at Thursday's Ignite Rural Business Competition live finale at the Crest Theater thinking about Wichita, Kansas City, or Hutchinson. That, he said, is what Greystone, an exquisite event space in the heart of downtown Great Bend, could offer. At the end of the night, the judges agreed. Bauer, along with co-partners Andrea Bauer, Matt Hiss, and Dena Hiss, were awarded the competition's first-place $50,000 prize.
"Greystone has really been our dream for 10 years," Andrea said. "We've been working quietly behind the scenes. With the support of the community in the last year, some of the programs Great Bend Economic Development has, we've just gained some momentum and we feel like the time is now to get this thing open and ready to serve the community."
Eagle Radio's Shannon Towns and A440 Musical Instruments' Lyle Jones hosted the evening. Kari Smith, Jason Mayers, and Jerrod Westfahl served as the judges in the "Shark Tank"-style finale.
The competition began with an idea from Great Bend Economic Development's Entrepreneurship Committee in 2021. A plan was put into place in 2022 and promotion began earlier this year. Businesses had until June 30 to submit a business plan and video pitch. Twenty-eight businesses entered the contest, and after several rounds of competition, all but 10 businesses were eliminated. The field was narrowed further to the five finalists for Thursday's live finale. Network Kansas joined to help provide the $95,000 in total prize money.
The Greystone group presented third to the panel of judges. The group purchased the Great Bend Masonic Lodge building 10 years ago. The second floor of the building, located at 2015 Lakin Ave. in Great Bend, will be the main focus of development. It includes stained glass windows and intricate wood designs. The facility has three event spaces: a grand hall, a parlor, and a dining room that can be utilized for one large event or several smaller events. In all, it can accommodate up to 300 patrons for weddings, corporate events, or non-profit gatherings. The $50,000 prize from the competition will allow the group to furnish the floor and install audio/visual components to help bring moments and memories to life.
Matt Hiss discussed the economic benefits of Greystone, telling the judges an average overnight visitor brings approximately $150 to the community. A week of events at Greystone could bring up to $30,000 into the city, benefitting not only the Greystone partners but also floral shops, restaurants, caterers, the local brewery, hotels, and gas stations.
Andrea Bauer said the group is looking into not only renovating the existing elevator but replacing it. That would give the group further options to expand to the third floor of the building. She said Thursday's win was a huge step moving forward.
"For us, this is a vote of confidence in our project," she said. "As we pursue a couple more grant opportunities here in the next 30-60 days, this seed funding, it really tells the state that we've got the support of our local community as well."
Rob Bauer's call for the judges to close their eyes and imagine the event space was a ruse to sneak in some orchestra players and flutes of wine for the judges.
Ellinwood's 10-39 restaurant took home a total of $35,000 as the second-place winner and People's Choice winner. That group of first responders plans to give Ellinwood citizens another restaurant option that will be open on evenings and weekends.
Hatchet Axtion in downtown Great Bend received $10,000 as the third-place winner. Co-owner Sage Cauley presented updates to the judges about the axe-throwing business including the addition of a bar, rage room, and escape room.
Danielle Lee with Ruhe Day Spa presented on her massage business. A Ness City native who now lives in Great Bend, Lee plans to open her full-service spa in the coming months. Kevin and Raza Manase presented their turf business. Manases Turf would be a licensed artificial turf supplier serving residential and commercial clients in Kansas and surrounding states.