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Staff

 

 
Ross Summers

Ross Summers

President/CEO

Extension 301

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2002
  • Reports directly to the BLACC/CVB Board of Directors-Executive Committee

CHAMBER/CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Oversees all Chamber/CVB programs, operations and staff.
  • Works directly with marketing staff to develop marketing plans and materials to present to the community and other audiences-makes marketing presentations.
  • Represents the area at top level industry shows such as NTA, ABA and others, actively participating in the shows by taking appointments with tour operators.
  • Directly manages sports marketing programs.
  • Serves on area Sports Authority and attends sports tournament shows to secure tournaments for the area.
  • Serves as key contact for media including interviews for print, television and radio.
  • Represents the CVB on legislative issues affecting the tourism industry.

MEMBERSHIP AND FUNDING

     
 
Bethany Thomas

Bethany Thomas
Senior Vice President

Extension 321

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 1994
  • Reports directly to the President

CHAMBER FUNCTIONS

  • Confers with President and Executive Staff to coordinate and prioritize planning for future direction and operation of the organization.
  • Oversees the budget, programs, and staff of the Membership & Funding Chamber, and Chamber Funded CVB Departments.
  • Serves as staff liaison to three Membership Advisory Councils.
  • Monitors Chamber activities to insure they are compliant with the bylaws of the organization.
  • Manages the Premium Membership program.
  • Manages the Leadership Program.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Oversees various CVB programs (VIP, Trade Leads, Website, etc.) and assist with the preparation of the annual vacation guide.
  • Oversees the Welcome Center and Tele-response operations.

 
Kathleen Bullock

Kathleen Bullock
Director of Tourism Development

Extension 326

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2008
  • Reports directly to the Senior VP of Membership & Funding

CHAMBER FUNDED CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Manages new community events as they develop.
  • Serves as staff liaison to related committees, coordinating agendas and managing communications. Identifies and develops corporate and community sponsorship of festivals, events and promotions.
  • Develops tracking methods for all festivals/events, conducts cost/benefit analysis, analyzes the results and makes recommendations to CVB management.
  • Supervises and manages all Maintenance, Reception and Welcome Center employees.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Researches, creates and implements new community-wide seasonal festivals and events, both weekend and week-long.
  • When appropriate, make fact-finding visits to specific sites for research and development of new festivals/events.

 
Ladonna Johnson

Ladona Johnson
Director of Member Services & Fulfillment

Extension 314

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2008
  • Reports directly to the Senior VP of Membership & Funding

CHAMBER & CHAMBER FUNDED CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Schedules, promotes, prepares for and attends membership events provided as a service to members (such as BBC, BAH, ribbon cuttings, Black Tie, etc.).
  • Educates and assists members in accessing Chamber benefits and services.
  • Promotes Chamber advertising opportunities. Collects data, writes copy and supervises the production and distribution of assigned Chamber publications.
  • Assists with local tourism related events.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Assists with collecting information and managing production of select CVB publications, including the Show Guide.
  • Manages VIP and Consumer Leads programs.

 
Kathryn Buckstaff

Kathryn Buckstaff
Membership Public Relations Manager

Extension 340

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2007
  • Reports directly to the Senior VP of Membership & Funding

CHAMBER FUNCTIONS

  • Develops and maintains good working relationships with local, regional, and national media, being careful not to overlap CVB PR efforts and Chamber PR efforts.
  • Works with Chamber staff to search out and follow up on story ideas that promote member businesses.
  • Writes and distributes “human interest” stories about Chamber member businesses and their owners and employees.
  • Develops press releases and other promotional stories and articles for membership division.
  • Attends Chamber events for member newsletter stories and photos, and press releases to local/regional media.
  • Assists with Chamber-sponsored and seasonal tourism events focusing on human interest stories for release to the media and for the Chamber’s membership newsletter.

 
Debi Lipper

Debi Lipper
Membership Sales Manager

Extension 308

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2003
  • Reports directly to the Senior VP of Membership & Funding

CHAMBER FUNCTIONS

  • Manage inside and outside sales to solicit new members and advertising for the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Perform sales calls to existing members to facilitate membership renewals and to collect past due accounts.
  • Serve membership by scheduling ribbon cuttings, providing lists, labels or other Chamber benefits or services.
  • Attend area events and or luncheons as directed by the Senior Vice-President of Membership and Funding.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Manage inside and outside sales to solicit new advertising for CVB publications such as the Vacation Guide.
  • Follows up on listings, forms and artwork for Vacation Guide


 
LaDella thomas

LaDella Thomas
Member Services Manager & Graphics Coordinator

Extension 315

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2010
  • Reports directly to the Senior VP of Membership & Funding

CHAMBER FUNCTIONS

  • Manages consumer complaint process.
  • Manages membership database.
  • Event & project assistance.
  • Complies the Source Newsletter quarterly.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Provides graphic support as directed by the Graphic Artist Specialist.

 
Rice

Mary Jane Rice
Receptionist

Extension 328

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2004
  • Reports directly to the Senior VP

CHAMBER/CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Operates the main switchboard and directs callers to the appropriate associate.
  • Transfers calls to an associate’s voice mailbox when the associate is unavailable.
  • Takes and distributes messages for various personnel.
  • Greets Chamber/CVB guests and visitors and directs them to appropriate staff or meetings.
  • Serves as an internal information source for other staff, e.g., weekly schedules.
  • Makes coffee for meetings and assists with meeting room set up as requested.

 
Guzman

Connie Guzman
Mailroom Clerk

Extension 350

  • Employed with the BLACC /CVB since 2004
  • Reports directly to the Senior VP

CHAMBER & CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Perform daily shipping duties for the BLACC/CVB.
  • Assist Sales/Membership departments with preparing large shipments and responsible for making arrangements for carrier pickup.
  • Responsible for keeping an adequate supply of shipping materials and postage on hand and maintaining the work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition abiding by all safety standards.
  • Track postage expenses through the postage machine and provide the generated activity reports to the finance department and to other individuals within the organization when requested.
  • Pick-up and deliver materials to vendors using company van.
  • Serve as backup for front office reception.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Serves as backup operator in the Tele-response call center.

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

     
 
Dan Lennon

Dan Lennon
Vice President – Marketing & Public Relations

Extension 322

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2003
  • Reports directly to the President

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Confers with President, and Executive Staff to coordinate and prioritize planning for future direction and operation of the organization.
  • Oversees the budget and operations of the CVB.
  • Works with staff, consultants and community marketing committees, to create and oversee the implementation of the annual marketing strategy.
  • Serves as a media contact for tourism related issues and events. 
  • Prepares matching grant proposals, quarterly billings and project summary to the Missouri Division of Tourism.
  • Monitors CVB activities to insure they are in accordance with contractual obligations with the City of Branson and the Tourism Community Enhancement Tax Boards.

 
Lynn Berry

Lynn Berry
Director of Public Relations

Extension 337

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2007
  • Reports directly to the VP of Marketing

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Oversees all communications with the national, regional and local media.
  • Works with media as necessary to generate coverage of the Branson Lakes Area.
  • Under the guidance of the PR Committee, explores all opportunities to expand Branson’s media exposure.
  • Develops and hosts themed familiarization tours for VIP’s, travel, entertainment and features editors/journalists four times annually.
  • Arranges familiarization tour itineraries for visiting journalists.
  • Develops and supervises the production of press kits, press releases, publicity brochures, handouts, direct mail leaflets, promotional videos, photographs, films or other multimedia programs.
  • Manages Public Relations employees and directs their work to accomplish the organization’s strategic goals.

 
James Little

James Little
Director of Web Services

Extension 313

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2008
  • Reports directly to the VP of Marketing

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Maintains all information on the CVB’s web site
  • Ensures that web site content is consistent with CVB’s destination marketing campaign.
  • Provides research to assist senior management in making decisions regarding internet and intranet marketing and management strategies.
  • Determines and coordinates search engine registration and metatag placement.
  • Generates and analyzes traffic reports and recommends program changes.
  • Researches, evaluates, and implements appropriate promotional programs to attract users to the web site including hyperlinks and cooperative partnerships.
  • Works with Internet Committee to address all web issues affecting District businesses.

 
Kim Heminger

Kim Heminger
Media Relations Manager

Extension 310

 

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2004
  • Reports directly to the Director of Public Relations

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Updates all media lists and journalist contact information.
  • Organizes and manages FAMs and journalist tours.
  • Updates calendar of events.
  • Oversees photography efforts.
  • Organizes and manages promotions, e.g., Gas Busters, radio giveaways, radio remotes, etc.
  • Manages, and produces e-newsletters.
  • Attends and keeps minutes of PR Committee meetings.
  • Writes, edits, proofs public relations copy for CVB publications including the  Vacation Guide.

 
Stout

Duane Stout
Graphic Artist Specialist

Extension 363

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2009
  • Reports directly to the VP of Marketing

CHAMBER/CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Collaborates with Chamber and CVB staff to design and produce graphics for customized promotional tools, and collateral.
  • Determines size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, selects style and size of type, and arranges layout based upon available space and aesthetic design concepts.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Assists with the development of CVB publications (such as the group tour planner, reunion guide, show guide, vacation guide, etc), including responsibility for creative design, layout, listing information and photography.
  • Designs html newsletters and graphical updates for website.

 
Tamra Corbin

Tamra Corbin
Internet Image Management Specialist

Extension 327

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2007
  • Reports directly to the Director of Public Relations

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Researches internet websites containing references to Branson and checks for misinformation and outdated copy.

  • Contacts webmasters to request Branson content updates/changes when necessary.

  • Initiates contact with web administrators to place Branson content on relevant sites and to establish links.

  • Tracks progress, placement, and content of Branson-related web content.  Records all correspondence with web administrators.

  • Updates website with copy, photos, suggested itineraries, etc., provided by the Public Relations department.

  • Compiles monthly reports showing contacts made, website changes, new websites added and overall progress.

  • Performs special projects as requested by the Director of Public Relations.

 


ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

     
 
Cathy Hubert

Cathy Hubert
Vice President – Finance & Administration

Extension 304

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2002
  • Reports directly to the President

CHAMBER/CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Confers with President and Executive Staff to coordinate and prioritize planning for future direction and operation of the organization.
  • Oversees budget preparation and reconciliations
  • Oversees internal audit functions.
  • Oversees the HR, PR and Accounting functions.
  • Supervises investment of funds and manages the organizations’ risk management functions
  • Assists with contract negotiations when needed and monitors BLACC/CVB compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Assists with the preparation of quarterly billings to the Missouri Division of Tourism.
  • Schedules and prepares for three annual audits of the Chamber/CVB/TCED financial statements and billings.

 
Monica Evinger

Monica Evinger
Office Manager

Extension 303

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2000
  • Reports directly to the President

CHAMBER FUNCTIONS

  • Serves as the Chamber staff liaison to the Legislative Affairs Committee and the BLALP.
  • Assists with seasonal festivals and events as requested.
  • Attends board and DMC meetings, prepares and distributes meeting packets, takes and distributes meeting minutes.

CHAMBER/CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Serves as the Administrative Assistant to the President, and manages the organization’s day-to-day office operations including maintenance on equipment, ordering supplies and scheduling travel.
  • Posts daily cash receipts to customer accounts.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Coordinates boat/sport/travel shows by completing conference registrations, travel arrangements, and performing final budget reconciliations
  • Reviews and codes all boat/sport/travel show receipts to ensure that expenses are in line with reimbursement guidelines.

 
Aaron McCullough

Aaron McCullough
Director of IT & Facilities

Extension 323

  • Employed with the BLACC /CVB since 1999
  • Reports directly to the VP of Finance & Administration

CHAMBER/CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Perform IT maintenance and support for the BLACC/CVB
  • Maintain user profiles and password database.
  • Research and summarize information for the following monthly reports: Inquiry reports, Web Stat reports, Sprint report.
  • Assist V.P. for Finance & Administration with annual IT budget needs.
  • Maintain information and procedures manuals for IT department.

CHAMBER FUNCTIONS

  • Maintain and update information on the Chamber website.
  • Perform and or/schedules maintenance on the Chamber building.
  • Reports maintenance issues and needs to the landlord of the North Welcome Center.

 
Roberts

Gloria Roberts
Accounting Associate

Extension 312

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2008
  • Reports directly to the HR & Accounting Manager

CHAMBER/CVB FUNCTIONS

Accounts Payable

  • Processes vendor payments bi-weekly and maintains accounts payable files.
  • Makes copies of vendor checks that qualify for ET reimbursement and forwards to HR manager for billing.
  • RequestsW-9 forms when appropriate and maintains W-9 library.

Accounts Receivable

  • Processes daily deposit information by creating invoices and preparing an itemized spreadsheet of daily receipts.
  • Prepares credit card schedule by account code required for end of month reconciliation.
  • Processes and mails monthly Membership and CVB billings.

 
Terri Rogers

Terri Rogers
Director of Human Resources & Accounting

Extension 360

 

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2006

  • Reports directly to the VP of Finance & Administration

CHAMBER/CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Manages Human Resource functions for the Chamber/CVB.

  • Manages the BLACC/CVB payroll function and processes bi-weekly payroll.

  • Manages the employee benefits program.

  • Oversees the AR/AP functions of accounting

  • Assists VP of Finance & Administration with special projects and month end balancing.

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Processes TCED and Tourism Tax billings and general ledger reconciliations.

 

 


CVB STAFF

 
Bowling

Vienna L. Bowling, CMP
Director of Meeting and Convention Sales

Extension 306

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2006
  • Reports directly to the VP of Marketing

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Oversees all functions of the Meeting and Convention Sales Department.
  • Communicates ongoing activities and projects to appropriate committees and the Vice-President of Marketing.
  • Schedules, prepares for, and works at market trade shows. Processes leads and follows up with clients by phone, e-mail, and mail.
  • Qualifies accounts, develops RFP’s and RFI’s, gathers bids and prepares city-wide components.
  • Oversees & organizes all media and collateral for Meeting & Convention Market.
  • Selects promotional items and schedules advertising for Meetings and Conventions Market.
  • Communicates Branson information and events to trade publication writers. Schedules site tours & FAM’s as needed.
  • Manages Meeting & Convention employees and directs their work to accomplish the organization’s strategic goals.
  • Makes outside sales calls in feeder cities.




 
Justin Stine

Justin Stine
Meeting and Convention Sales Manager

Extension 318

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2007

  • Reports directly to the Director of Meeting & Convention Sales

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Manages and maintains Corporate and SMERF  accounts and manages contact information in the ACT database.

  • Produces and mails Requests for Information (RFIs) for the Meeting & Convention market. Generates and processes Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Converts RFIs into RFP’s through sales efforts.

  • Works in cooperation with Branson Convention Center to coordinate city-wide events.

  • Coordinates site visits for the Meeting & Convention market.

  • Performs monthly updates to the following:  Media/Internet Calendars, Trade Show Schedules, Proposal Log, and Monthly Reports.

  • Promotes Branson as a destination within the meeting and convention and sports markets by participating in local, regional, national and international travel trade shows, sales conferences, marketplaces and conventions.

 


 
Lenni Neimeyer

Lenni Neimeyer
Director of Leisure Group Sales

Extension 305

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2004
  • Reports directly to the VP of Marketing

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Works with the TTMC committee chairs and attendees to develop and execute the actions plans and budgets for the various TTMC markets.
  • Promotes Branson as a group sales destination by participating in local, regional, national and international travel trade shows, sales conferences, marketplaces and conventions.
  • Develops sales tracking methods for all Leisure Group Sales Markets, analyzes the results and makes recommendations to the TTMC committees and CVB management.
  • Develops and produces annual CVB publications, and sells paid advertisements for these publications.
  • Develops and implements FAM tours for specific markets and promotes sponsorship opportunities to area businesses.
  • Manages all Leisure Group databases and weekly trade leads program.
  • Manages Leisure Group Sales employees directing their work to accomplish the organization’s goals.

 

Yovonne Costales
Leisure Group Sales Manager

Extension 317

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 2009
  • Reports directly to the Director of Leisure Group Sales

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Manages and maintains Reunion Group accounts.
  • Provides inside sales support for all groups planning a reunion.
  • Produces and mails Group/Reunion Sales kits as requested by the Director of Leisure Group Sales.
  • Manages local events, sales conferences and FAMS for the Reunion Market.
  • Maintains qualified databases of all Reunion types.
  • Works with Director of Leisure Group Sales to sell, manage, produce and proof annual Leisure Group CVB publications.
  • Promotes Branson as a group sales destination by participating in local, regional, national and international travel trade shows, sales conferences, marketplaces and conventions.
  • Produces and sends out RFPs for Reunion Planners to eligible businesses.
  • Informs businesses within the tax district about the services provided by the Leisure Group Sales Department.

 

 

Sharon Martin

Sharon Martin
Tele-response Manager

 

  • Employed with the BLACC/CVB since 1993
  • Reports directly to the Senior VP

 

CVB FUNCTIONS

  • Supervises and manages Tele-response Call Center employees.
  • Tracks visitor inquiries and requests for information from Tele-response Call Center.
  • Manages Tele-response Call Center operations.

 

 

Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Contact Us • Phone: 417-334-4084 • Fax: 417-334-4139