Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB

Board of Directors

March 3, 2023

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB Board of Directors met Friday, March 3, 2023.
Chairperson Cynthia Carson called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Craig Wescott provided the
opening prayer.


Review of Minutes – Sam Voisin moved to approve the minutes of the January 25, 2023, meeting as
presented. Steve Critchfield seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.


Financial Report – Treasurer Phil Cox reviewed the current financial report. The 2022 audit will be
conducted by Elliott Robinson & Company in May. Craig Wescott moved to approve the financial report
as presented. Wendy White seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.


Ex Officio Reports – City of Branson – City Administrator Cathy Stepp introduced herself to the board and
provided her professional background. She thanked Jason Outman for his service to the community.
Tourism Community Enhancement District – District Chair Derek Smith reported they are close to
presenting an updated contract for us to review. District Executive Director Elmquist announced the four
new members of their Finance Oversight Committee.


City of Hollister – Rick Ziegenfuss reported Hollister’s $9.7 million proposed budget was first read this
week. The fiscal year begins April 1. The city is about to close on the sale of the property adjacent to the
Table Rock Campus of OTC.


Taney County Partnership – Jonas Arjes provided the year-end 2022 update. He reviewed project activity
since their inception in 2012, as well as 2022 activity and the 2022-2024 Action Plan. Dennis Wiggins,
Director of Business Retention and Expansion and Jonas Tavares, Workforce Development Project
Manager were introduced in the meeting.


Jonas also provided a brief update on the Highway 86 road improvements (Governor’s Cost Share, Big
Cedar investment, etc.).


Membership Update – Grant Sloan reviewed the report included in the meeting packet. There are
currently 877 chamber members. Wendy White moved to approve the drop list included in the report.
Steve Scherer seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.


Chamber Website – Grant showed the redesign of BransonChamber.com. The site now matches the
branding of ExploreBranson.com. There is a quiz to help determine which tier is best for prospective
members, and to book an appointment with Janet. Community events can be included on the calendar
but must be submitted.


Chairperson’s Report – Chair Cynthia Carson encouraged all to attend the annual meeting. She reported
a search committee will be appointed soon to begin the process of identifying the next President/CEO.
Jonas Arjes will serve as the Interim Director.


President/CEO Report – Jason Outman reported we are working to finalize 2022 “Year in Review” report
for the city of Branson and TCED.


Congratulations to Samantha Gutting for being recognized as one of the 2023 Smart Women in
Meetings.


Jason reflected on the last two years with the organization. He was very complimentary of the staff.
Old Business – Steve Crtichfield brought up the tourism tax marketing contract with the City of Branson.
Discussion ensued. Chairperson Carson expressed that she appreciates the candor. We need to continue
having conversations and she hopes we can all move toward relationship excellence.


New Business – Cassie Cunningham reported White River accepted the $47+ million grant for broadband
from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Community support was important in DED’s
decision. She stated we should thank your county commissioners for their part in this effort.


TCED renewal – Derek Smith said the board projects the renewal to be placed on the August 2023 ballot.
There was brief discussion of other tax initiatives being considered for the ballot.


Phil Cox made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 10:00 a.m. Cassie Cunningham seconded
the motion. All approved. Motion carried. Staff and ex-officio members left at this time.


Present: Scott Bailes, Cynthia Carson, Mike Combs, Bryan Cossiboom, Phil Cox, Steve Critchfield, Cassie
Cunningham, Jon Davidson, Robert Griffith, Tom Healey, Katie Hodges, Joe Loth, Mike Patrick, Steve
Scherer, Scott Skoglund, Brad Thomas, Sam Voisin, Craig Wescott, Wendy White, Lynne Yaggy, Pam
Yancey


Absent: Clay Cooper and Raj Patel


Ex Officio Present: Kirk Elmquist and Derek Smith – TCED, Cathy Stepp – City of Branson, and Rick
Ziegenfuss – City of Hollister