Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau
Board of Directors Meeting
April 24, 2024
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Meeting April 24, 2024 The Board of Directors of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB met Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Chairman Rob Griffith called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Bay Mourer provided the opening prayer.
Missouri Guardrails Presentation – Dan Chiles spoke to the Board about the organization’s efforts regarding the property rights and clean water environmental integrity project.
Review of Minutes – Bay Mourer moved to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2024, Board of Directors meeting as presented. Steve Scherer seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried. Financial Report – Treasurer Patrick Cox reviewed the financials. Steve Scherer moved to approve the financial report as presented. Marshall Howden seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Ex-Officio Reports – City of Branson – Alderman Marshall Howden reported Artie Lucas was appointed at the April 23 Board of Aldermen meeting to fill the remaining term of the seat vacated by Cody Fenton. They also welcomed Glenn Schulz who was elected to represent Ward 2.
Tourism Community Enhancement District Board – Executive Director Kirk Elmquist spoke about Branson’s presence at the upcoming event at Arrowhead Stadium for the NFL Draft. He complimented the CVB marketing team for putting together a great program for the event.
City of Hollister – City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss reported they recently purchased 145 Major Road, which is next to the parks department. Hollister is working on a workforce housing program to incentivize public/private development. Ziegenfuss discussed such a partnership for 34 homes.
Public Relations Update – Director of Communications Lynn Berry provided her last PR Update to the Board. First quarter ad equivalency was $7.6 million. Lynn is retiring this month and was recognized for her years with the BLACC/CVB and promoting the area.
Legislative Update – Monica Evinger provided a brief overview.
Membership Update – Janet Minor reviewed the report included in the meeting packet. Our current membership is 810. Cole Currier moved to approve the report as presented, including the member drop list. Brad Thomas seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Chairman’s Report – Chairman Rob Griffith discussed phishing emails going around, targeting certain industries. Joe Loth stated they are seeing an increase in fraud at the bank. Both warned to not click on the links in these messages. Call the institution directly.
President/CEO Report – President/CEO Pamela Yancey presented a token of appreciation to Lynn Berry for her 17 years with the organization. Yancey said, “We are much better because she was here.”
Pam and Monica went to Jefferson City earlier this month and met with each of our legislators and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce government affairs team. It was a great trip. All were very welcoming. We will schedule a trip with members of this board next year.
Chief Marketing Officer – Monica Griffin changed her mind about the position due to personal reasons and we are on the search again. We will keep you updated.
We are also looking to fill the Director of Communications position.
Pam thanked the City of Branson for including herself and other community stakeholders when they were vetting candidates to fill the Ward 2 seat, which was held by Cody Fenton.
We hosted an in-market FAM last week that included 33 vetted buyers, mostly in the leisure industry. It was a great event with our local partners being able to spend a lot of time with the buyers.
This meeting of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB Board of Directors adjourned at 9:48 a.m.
Present: Evan Bradley, Cynthia Carson, Mike Combs, Bryan Cossiboom, Pat Cox, Steve Critchfield, Cassie Cunningham, Cole Currier, Robert Griffith, Tom Healey, Katie Hodges, Marshall Howden, Joe Loth, Bay Mourer, John Parker, Mike Patrick, Paul Satterwhite, Steve Scherer, Scott Skoglund, Brad Thomas, and Wendy White
Ex-Officio Members Present: Kirk Elmquist, Tourism Community Enhancement District and Rick Ziegenfuss, City of Hollister