Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau
Board of Directors
February 23, 2022

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB Board of Directors met Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Chair Joe Loth called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Mike Patrick provided the opening prayer.


Review of Minutes – Pam Yancey moved to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2022 meeting as presented. Cynthia Carson seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.


Financial Report – Treasurer Yancey reviewed the December 2021 financials, which were included in the meeting packet. January and February 2022 financials will be presented at the March meeting.

Reminder, staff has been transitioning to a new accounting system. Steve Scherer moved to approve the financial report as presented. Cassie Cunningham seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.


Ex-Officio Reports – City of Hollister – Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss discussed city finances and developments.


Taney County Partnership Update – Jonas Arjes reported the Partnership is currently looking to hire a business retention and expansion person. Taney County has increased their contribution to the Partnership. Arjes reviewed new investors, project activity, housing, and the 2022-2024 action plan. The action plan has three areas of focus: Business retention and expansion (year-round economy), Workforce development (talent development, retention and attraction) and Business/industry attraction and marketing (asset-based development).


Membership Update – Janet Minor reviewed the report included in the meeting packet. Pam Yancey moved to approve the member drop list as presented. Mike Combs seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried


President/CEO Report – President Jason Outman provided an update on the 10-year destination strategic plan process.


Branson was named #3 in “top tending destinations in the U.S.” by Trip Advisor.


The community marketing presentation is more of an open house this year where guests can walk through the building and engage with vendors, staff, etc. It is March 29, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.


Staff is assisting with a destination optimization program kicking off in the area with Miles and Google. 1,000 businesses in the community are being targeted to receive assistance with correcting information, adding good photos, etc.


Meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.


Present: Randy Brashers, Cynthia Carson, Mike Combs, Bryan Cossiboom, Phil Cox, Steve Critchfield, Cassie Cunningham, Jon Davidson, Robert Griffith, Tom Healey, Joe Loth, Mike Patrick, Steve Scherer, Sam Voisin, Wendy White, Lynne Yaggy and Pam Yancey


Absent: Scott Bailes, Clay Cooper, Tammy Johnson, Mary Kellogg and Craig Wescott


Ex-Officio Members Present: Rick Ziegenfuss