Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Board of Directors Meeting
September 22, 2021
Chair Mary Kellogg called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Mike Patrick provided the prayer.
Review of Minutes – Pam Yancey made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 25, 2021, meeting. Wendy White seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Financial Report – Treasurer Pam Yancey reviewed the current financials. Wendy White moved to approve the financial report as presented. Craig Wescott seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Sports Facilities Companies – Jonas Arjes introduced Jason Clement of SFC. They manage and operate Ballparks of America, as well as 29 other successful indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Clement discussed their brands and services, and the economic impact sports facilities have on communities.
City of Branson – City Administrator Stan Dobbins provided an update on the budgeting process. He discussed the need for use tax to be placed on an upcoming ballot and approved by the citizens. Dobbins encourages people to get involved with city government.
Tourism Community Enhancement District Board – TCED Chair Derek Smith reported August was another great month for tourism. $1.4 million has been added to the budget since the beginning of the year. He’s excited to see where TCED ends the year. The tax is set to expire in 2024. The board is discussing the best time to put the renewal on the ballot. The City of Branson and Village of Indian Point are expected to make their appointments to the TCED board soon.
City of Hollister – City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss reported their sales tax is up 24% over last year. Part of that is due to the use tax they have in place. He reported on the public improvements that have started for the new Imagine Resorts. Three other projects are in process. Sidewalks are being installed on Business Route 65.
Membership Update – Janet Minor reviewed the report included in the packet. Pam Yancey moved to approve the membership drops as presented. Dathan Atchison seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Veterans Week – Tom Forster, chair of Branson Veterans Task Force addressed the board about this year’s Veterans Homecoming Week activities (November 5-11) and National Wreaths Across America Day (December 18). He invited all to participate in these special events honoring our Veterans.
Chairperson’s Report – Appointment of Election Judges – Election Judges are responsible for certifying the board election results. Chair Kellogg presented the following as this year’s judges: Jim Barber, Tracey Barton, Jennifer Gregory, Pam Jenkins, Jody Madaras. Pam Yancey moved to approve the Election Judges as presented. Wendy White seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
Appointment of Officers Committee – The Officers Committee determines the slate of officers to be voted on by the 2022 board at the November 2021 meeting. Chair Kellogg presented the following as the 2022 Officers Committee: Joe Loth (chair-elect), Dathan Atchison, Jamie Keys, Mary Kellogg, and Craig Wescott. Pam Yancey moved to approve the Officers Committee as presented. Wendy White seconded the motion. All approved. Motion carried.
President/CEO Report – Jason Outman complimented Sheila Dutton and The Duttons, as they were invited by Governor Parson to perform at the Bicentennial Inaugural Ball. Sheila shared highlights of their experience that evening.
The 10-year destination master plan process has started. Focus groups will be held the week of October 18. The entire process will take several months, with it wrapping up in May 2022.
Outman discussed the cooperative marketing program to help promote live entertainment through SEM targeted words. The allocated dollars were dedicated quickly. Hope to be able to expand in the future.
This meeting of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB Board of Directors adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
Present: Dathan Atchison, Scott Bailes, Jeff Bourk, Linda Cherry, Cassie Cunningham, Sheila Dutton, Tom Healey, Tammy Johnson, Mary Kellogg, Joe Loth, Chuck O’Day, Raj Patel, Mike Patrick, Craig Wescott, Wendy White, Pam Yancey
Absent: Cynthia Carson, Clay Cooper, Phil Cox, Jon Davidson, Jamie Keys, Tim Scott
Ex-Officio Members Present: Stan Dobbins, Derek Smith, and Rick Ziegenfuss