The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Board of Directors
March 22, 2023
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors met Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Chair Cynthia Carson called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Mike Patrick provided the opening prayer.
Review of Minutes – Joe Loth moved to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2023, Board of Directors meeting as presented. Craig Wescott seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Financial Report – Treasurer Phil Cox reported on the current financials of the organization. He is working with staff to include additional information in the report. There was brief discussion regarding the Tourism Community Enhancement District contract and budget, as well as the City marketing plan. Joe Loth moved to approve the financial report as presented. Cassie Cunningham seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Ex-Officio Reports – City of Branson – City Administrator Cathy Stepp reported they are holding a retreat for directors next week. She discussed the recent hiring of a new HR Director, Director of Planning and Development and Public Works and Engineering Director. The City is hiring Joe Lauber for legal services, who will be in-house two days a week.
Tourism Community Enhancement District – Executive Director Kirk Elmquist reported they are doing research to determine the best time to put the tax renewal on the ballot, August or November.
City of Hollister – Rick Ziegenfuss reported on Branson Airport’s recent announcement that Sun Country will have direct flights to and from Minneapolis August 31 to November 11 as a trial this year.
Turn lanes will be added in front of Kirbyville Middle School. The work will begin soon and take about three weeks to complete.
Meetings & Conventions Department Update – Samantha Gutting provided a “Destination Sales and Services” update. 2022 was a record year across the board, leisure, sports and conventions. Takeaways from 2022 include, shorter booking window, sports related travel returned to pre-pandemic levels, leisure saw a strong uptick to motorcoach industry. Also highlighted were economic impact, RFP numbers for community and recognitions.
Explore Branson Sports Experience will host 20 rights holders (invitation only) in September. Membership Update – Janet Minor reviewed the report included in the meeting packet. Current membership is 869. Phil Cox moved to approve the drop list as presented. Mike Combs seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Legislative Update – Monica Evinger provided a brief update.
Chairperson’s Report – Chair Cynthia encouraged all to note the mission and vision statements are included in each meeting packet and to keep them top of mind. She commended the team on the annual membership luncheon held March 21.
President/CEO Report – Interim President/CEO Jonas Arjes reported he will meet with each staff member in the next two weeks. Senior staff is holding a brief retreat next week to do a SWOT analysis that will be presented to the Executive Committee. We look forward to being the voice of business and focusing on what’s best for the community.
Governor’s Trade Mission – Arjes extended his thanks to the Taney County Partnership Board for allowing him to go on the trip. It was a great trip and the relationships built could pay dividends down the road. Steve Critchfield commended Jonas on what he has built with the TCP since its inception and reminded all that Jonas was asked to go on the trade mission.
June 15 – Kit Bond Citizen Leadership Dinner – Pete and Jack Herschend are being honored that night at Big Cedar Lodge. This is a Hawthorn Foundation event. Kit Bond started the Foundation when he was governor, as tax dollars cannot be used for such things as trade missions. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry is holding their quarterly board meeting in Branson for that reason. Our State of the State luncheon is also June 15.
Joe Loth made a motion to adjourn into executive session at 10:00 a.m. Lynne Yaggy seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Present: Cynthia Carson, Mike Combs, Phil Cox, Steve Critchfield, Cassie Cunningham, Jon Davidson, Robert Griffith, Katie Hodges, Joe Loth, Raj Patel, Mike Patrick, Steve Scherer, Scott Skoglund, Brad Thomas, Craig Wescott, Lynne Yaggy and Pam Yancey
Absent: Scott Bailes, Clay Cooper, Bryan Cossiboom, Tom Healey, Sam Voisin and Wendy White
Ex-Officio Members Present: Kirk Elmquist and Derek Smith, Tourism Community Enhancement District Cathy Stepp, City of Branson Rick Ziegenfuss, City of Hollister
Executive Session Board Members Present: Cynthia Carson, Mike Combs, Phil Cox, Steve Critchfield, Cassie Cunningham, Jon Davidson, Robert Griffith, Katie Hodges, Joe Loth, Raj Patel, Mike Patrick, Steve Scherer, Scott Skoglund, Brad Thomas, Craig Wescott, Lynne Yaggy and Pam Yancey