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First National Bank, the lending agency that financed construction of the facility in 2003, assumed ownership of the property in April 2007 due to growing indebtedness of the Manning Heritage Foundation.

Bank President Gaylin Ranniger led the discussion and told the group the bank was looking for community input to help determine a future for the property.
“We don’t want to own or run a facility like this, but sometimes, a bank finds itself in this situation,” he said.

He asked those in attendance to help identify the positive and negative aspects of the facility. Comments for the positive included: the atmosphere, facility, location, good equipment and furnishings, community asset, tourism impact, space for large gatherings, large parking area, the way the facility compliments the site and its uniqueness.

Listing of the negative aspects, at times, led to lengthy discussion. The comments included: financial problems, difficult to see from the highway, hall size not quite big enough, gravel road and parking, bar too small, size of kitchen, rent fee, distance in reference to gas prices, the menu and need for simple foods, lack of lodging, the uncertainty of the facility’s future, the need for marketing and promotion.

Throughout the discussions, several people asked questions regarding the property and the financial situation. One contributor stated the community has not been told about the status of the property. People want to know.

Brief reference was made to the wisdom of decisions made in the past; however, the purpose of the meeting was to try to determine the future of the site.
Ranniger stated, “Maybe we were wrong to finance the construction, but we leveraged against the energy of the community and people who wanted to construct this.”

He acknowledged the fact that many people supplied sweat equity to construct the building. Realizing the community involvement in the construction, he said the bank hoped the community would want to help determine the future. He said he was pleased to see the turnout and interest and was encouraged that maybe something can be figured out locally.

Ranniger stated having witnessed the relocation of the Trinity Church, he is convinced that any structure can be moved; however, he was glad to hear those at the meeting express interest in keeping the facility in Manning at the Heritage site.

Financing has been a constant factor, impacting the initial design and everything that followed. Several restaurant operators and caterers were present, aiding good discussion of restaurant operation, such as, operating costs, operation problems, sales volume and the affect that conference center usage has on the financial picture.

Ranniger answered several financial questions, but stated he had not prepared for any depth of financial discussion. He stated annual taxes on the 10,400 sq. ft. facility are approximately $29,000. Insurance was stated at approximately $12,000. Initial gross sales for the facility were approximately $45,000-$50,000 and the last gross figures were approximately $35,000-$40,000.

As for ideas for future use of the facility, contributors suggested the possibility of the American Legion and VFW posts utilizing the hall and bar, renting the full facility, supporting continued use as a restaurant and conference center through a pledge system with people pledging use of the restaurant and hall, the formation of a consortium or investor group of people who wish to see the restaurant and centre continue, engaging a promotional agent.

“If we want something successful, we need the support of the community. We want to know if there is enough support to resurrect this place,” Ranniger stated.
A contributor suggested a show of hands and the formation of a committee to continue discussion. Ranniger said he was pleased when the show of hands indicated the majority of the group wanted to see continued use of the facility as a restaurant and conference center.

Bary Kienast, Garrett and Patti Littlejohn and Ron and Pam Colling volunteered to join Ranniger for continued discussion of the facility. Ranniger stated he will meet with the committee members and will schedule another public meeting this month. He wants to keep people informed.

The public is asked to note that the facility is available for rent for special events. It is also available for lease by operators who may have interest.

Anyone wishing to express a comment or suggestion regarding the Hausbarn dining facility may respond to pam@manningnews.com. Comments will be forwarded to First National Bank and will also be posted on this site.