Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Board of Directors
March 25, 2026
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors met Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Chair-Elect Cole Currier called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Brad Thomas provided the opening prayer.
Review of Minutes – Joe Loth made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2026 Board of Directors meeting as presented. Brad Thomas seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Financial Report – Treasurer Joe Loth reviewed the current financials. Rob Griffith moved to approve the financial report as presented. Pat Cox seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Ex-Officio Reports – City of Branson – Alderman LeBlanc shared a bit of Mayor Milton’s recent State of the City report.
Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) – Angela Leist reported the organization has now accumulated 20 years of TCED tax data. She provided an overview of the tax and what is exempt.
City of Hollister – City Administrator Lamar Patton reported Hollister is ending the fiscal year in good shape. The police department is now fully staffed.
Membership Report – Janet Minor reviewed the report included in the meeting packet. She noted the one member on the drop list has paid; therefore, there are no drops this month. Current membership stands at 782. Steve Scherer moved to approve the report as presented. Jeremy Bluto seconded. All approved. Motion carried.
Legislative Update – Monica Evinger provided a brief update and referred to the mid-session update included in the meeting packet.
Chairperson’s Report – Chair-Elect Cole Currier reported that this year’s staff satisfaction survey is closing soon and will be compared to results from the previous two years.
President/CEO Report – President/CEO Pam Yancey highlighted the printed strategic plan, Chamber event calendar, and “America’s 250 in Branson” materials placed around the table. Downtown Branson merchants are preparing for the upcoming Spring Fling, scheduled for May 15–16.
President Yancey also shared that the organization has partnered with Conatus for leadership development, beginning with the senior team. The program will compile team-wide data to help strengthen overall performance and collaboration.
Community Leadership Visit – The trip to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville is scheduled for June 9–11, 2026. The estimated cost is $2,700. Focus areas include regional collaboration, challenges and solutions, economic development, and the Southern Hospitality Internship Program (SHIP). Brad Thomas provided historical context about the area and insights on key takeaways.
Cynthia Carson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 a.m. Jeremy Bluto seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Present: Jeremy Bluto, Cynthia Carson, Keith Cestare, Mike Combs, Pat Cox, Steve Critchfield, Cole Currier, Jed Dinning, Derik Frederiksen, Rob Griffith, Patrick Haygood, Jeanni Horton, Becky Jewsbury, Ralph LeBlanc, Joe Loth, Bay Mourer, Raf Patel, Mike Patrick, Matt Petersen, Paul Satterwhite, Steve Scherer, Angie Teel, and Brad Thomas
Absent: Cassie Cunningham and Tom Healey
Ex-Officio Members Present: Lamar Patton (City of Hollister) and Angela Leist (TCED)