Branson Chamber of Commerce Q2 2008 Marketing Report

Samoan Government Official Arrested in Branson

Samoan Government Official Arrested in Branson Reported by: Angie Weidinger Thursday, Sep 18, 2008 @08:41pm CST (Springfield, MO) -- He may be one of the most prominent politicians to ever have been locked up in the Greene County jail. For one week, an Associate Minister of Samoa was held in the jail facing federal felony charges of posing as a U.S. citizen and misusing a U.S. passport. On Wednesday, he was released on a $100,000 bond that prevents him from leaving this area.  But the problem that put him in this predicament goes all the way back to the 1960s and it raises a lot of questions. Since last week, letters have been pouring in to attorney John Kizer's office. "A lot of people in his government has been contacting people in our government." says Kizer. Letters with seals and signatures he doesn't normally see, including the Prime Mnister of Samoa. "I'm seeing a tremendous amount of support from his fellow countrymen and people around the world.  We got daily faxes, as did the jail and the U.S. Attorney's office." syas Kizer. All with one purpose, getting the two federal felony charges filed against Hans Joachim Keil dropped. "I think the Department of Homeland Security in this case has jumped to some conclusions that they shouldn't have." says Kizer. Keil is the Samoan Associate Minister of Commerce, Labor and Industry and a member of the Samoan parliament.  Court records show he applied for U.S. citizenship in 1967 around the same time he was serving in the U.S. military. "He served for four years in the U.S. Air Force during the conflict in Vietnam.  If that doesn't qualify you for citizenship, I don't know what does." says Kizer. But even after his request, records show a certificate of citizenship wasn't issued.  He applied again in 1976.  Court records don't show what happened to that application, but in September 2006, he was issued a U.S. passport. Since that time, a spokesperson for the Duttons says Keil's visited Branson multiple times to check in on a group of Samoans performing in the Island Fire show. Then in March of this year, a United States Citizenship and Immigration Service director reported Keil is not a U.S. citizen.  But, when Keil came to the U.S. on September 6, he passed through customs in Los Angeles with no reported problems.  On September 9, he was arrested by the U.S. Marshal Service outside the Dutton Family Theatre in Branson. "I think it's been an imperfect storm; a combination of one hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing and too many bureaucracies were involved.  He's not a danger to the community and since 9/11, there are terrorists out there and he's not one of them." says Kizer. Many say this is a huge mixup, but it does raise concerns over how all of this was handled.  If the federal government knew of this issue since March, why was Keil allowed into the country earlier this month and then arrested three days later?      Keil does have a daughter who lives in the Springfield area, as well as other family in the U.S.       Keil has been a member of the Samoan parliament since 1988 and voted to pass anti-terrorism efforts in his country. (Photo of Keil: Islands Business) -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Branson leaders address budget woes

By Tonyi Crandell BDN Staff Writer tcrandell@bransondailynews.com Branson budget and finance committee officials, determined to dig themselves out of a financial pit, met Tuesday to determine just how to recover approximately $10 million. "Last year, we budgeted based on on our belief," Mayor Raeanne Presley said Tuesday. "And our belief was incorrect." City officials said that there is going to be a shortfall of $5.5 million in revenue due to the expenses of the convention center. In addition, current sales-tax shortages account for at least $900,000 of the budget reduction, while other revenue deficits account for the remainder. "Let's not candy coat it," said Alderman Stephen Marshall. "Who was asleep at the wheel?" In defense, Alderman Sandra Williams suggested that "no one was asleep at the wheel," and that once financial officials realized that there was going to be a financial problem, they "stopped the spending." Financial consultant Janice Petty suggested that overspending wasn't the real problem. "No one was overspending. The caution lights came on that the revenue was not going to be there, so they spent what they were supposed to," said Petty. Officials agreed that past inexperience of calculating financial data was to blame and that the remedy is in revamping the finance department and taking a closer look at current contracts. "We need to take a real hard look at the contracts we have so that we can effectively manage them," said Petty. Financial officials expressed that being overly optimistic regarding the budget was a mistake, and whether it be cutting operating expenses by $3 million, raising new revenue of $3 million or even dipping into the $6.3 million Rainy Day fund, financial officers said they are prepared to face the music and take action. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Herschend researcher keeps eye on Branson tourism

http://www.sbj.net/article.asp?aID=82216 Jerry Henry, corporate director of research for Herschend Family Entertainment Corp., was the featured guest at Springfield Business Journal's monthly 12 People You Need to Know breakfast on Tuesday. By Dee Dee Jacobs Springfield Business Journal Staff 9/16/2008 11:40:03 AM When Jerry Henry is asked how many people are visiting Branson, his answer is simple: "I don't care." The corporate director of research for Herschend Family Entertainment Corp. – the parent company of Silver Dollar City – is more interested in how visitor numbers are changing over time, and whether visitor demographics are trending in new directions. "I care a lot that we're down 4.7 percent (in visitors this year, as of July)," Henry says. "That matters a heck of a lot." Henry was the featured guest Tuesday morning at Springfield Business Journal's monthly 12 People You Need to Know breakfast at the Clarion Hotel's Newsroom Café. Henry oversees market research for Herschend's 20 properties across the country. Through phone and e-mail surveys, focus groups and other methods, mountains of data are collected that Henry then analyzes. "That's the fun part," he said. "The analysis is where the rubber hits the road, because data in a vacuum doesn't mean anything." That data is showing both short-view and long-view changes in Branson tourism, Henry said. This year through July, visitor numbers were down 4.7 percent and will likely close out 2008 near that figure, he said. Henry attributes the decline to record rainfall, the misconception that Branson was under floodwaters this spring like other parts of the Midwest, and the effects of a sluggish economy on consumers. The drop in visitors is historic, Henry said, but it's not long-term. Branson visitors are changing at a deeper level, too. In the past, the average visitors were in their late 50s and came to Branson primarily for its shows. Now, visitors are averaging 53 years old, and their trip agendas are much more balanced, due to attractions such as Branson Landing, he said. More visitors also are hailing from a 300-mile region around Branson, rather than outside that radius. "That (regional) base has helped prop us up" during the current economic conditions, Henry said. Average length of stay in Branson also is on the climb, with visitors staying five or six nights – a result of the economy, which is pushing people to dump their regular yearly trips to places like Orlando and visit Branson instead, according to Henry. As for the future, Henry expects the upcoming Branson Airport to position Branson for growth, particularly among baby boomer visitors who he says are more inclined to fly than drive long distances. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

It’s Only Make Believe Conway Twitty

It's Only Make Believe Conway Twitty The Man, The Music, The Legend   The long awaited musical, based on the life of superstar Conway Twitty, opens in Branson October 22, 2008 at RFD-TV The Theatre.  It's Only Make Believe is Conway Twitty's story told through the eyes and hearts of his children.  Created and directed by Randy Johnson, whose credits include Always, Patsy Cline and Elvis, The Concert, this musical will feature more than thirty of Conway's hits, performed by singer and actor Glen Templeton who was cast to portray Conway after an exhaustive national talent search.   The Branson engagement begins Wednesday October 22 and continues through Saturday October 25 with performances each evening at 8:00 p.m.  Joe Sullivan, president of SullivanShows said, "I think it is a fitting tribute to Conway to bring this fabulous production to the very last stage he played before his untimely passing in 1993."   Conway Twitty died June 5, 1993 at the age of 59.  He became ill while performing at the Ray Stevens Theatre, (now RFD-TV The Theatre), and was in pain while he was on his tour bus leaving Branson.  He died in Springfield, Missouri, at Cox South Hospital from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.     Sullivan continued, " It's Only Make Believe is an extraordinary musical entertainment experience comparable only to Conway's astonishing live performances.   Conway held the all time record of 55 number one hits and more than 30 of them will be performed in this show, including Hello Darlin', Goodbye Time, Don't Cry Joni, Crazy in Love, That's My Job, Slow Hand, The Rose and of course It's Only Make Believe."   Loretta Lynn, portrayed in the musical by Emily Portman joins Conway on their hit duets such as Louisiana Woman – Mississippi Man – After The Fire Is Gone – Feelins – I Can't Love You Enough and Loving What Your Loving Does To Me.    Tickets are priced at $39.50 and $36.50, with children twelve and under at half price.  Tickets go on sale at 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 19 at RFD-TV The Theatre Box Office, by phone at 417-332-2282 -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Aldermen approve adjustments to utility bills, higher park fees, meetings by Tri-Lakes Tribune

September 14, 2008 by Tri-Lakes Tribune A 5 percent increase in water rates and a 15 percent increase in sewer rates were approved on final reading by the Board of Aldermen.  The new rates will be implemented in the October billing cycle.  In September 2006, a five year water and sewer rate increase plan was presented to reverse the trend of transferring funds from the Tourism and Capital Improvement tax that is currently used to subsidize the water and sewer fund.  This is the third year of this rate increase schedule. According to city staff, water and sewer rates may have to be increased again in the 2009 fiscal year due to unforeseen jumps in the costs of electricity, chemicals and fuel. City will conduct a water and sewer rate study to fully evaluate the effects of these rising costs. Aldermen approved moving their regular bi-monthly meetings from Monday nights to Tuesday nights.  This change allows an additional day for aldermen and the public to review agendas prior to regular meetings.  The change to Tuesday nights becomes effective in October when the first Tuesday meeting would be Oct. 14.   The Board approved placing stop signs on Gretna Road at North Wildwood Drive due to the traffic increase at that intersection.   Aldermen approved the appointment of local attorney Mike Merrell as the special municipal judge for the city in the absence of current municipal judge Tom Motley.  Merrell will be paid $80 per hour. Approval was given on first reading to increase certain program fees in the Parks and Recreation Department. The cost to rent an RV space at the city owned campground will go from $23 to $25 a day.  The daily fee for the aquatic center at the RecPlex increases $1, and the fee for renting the aquatic center goes up $25 from $100 to $125.  Fees for the Pitch 'N Putt 9-hole golf course increase from $6 to $10 for adults and from $4-$6 for youth 18 and under.  The reason for these fee increases is that maintenance expenses have outpaced revenues, and also the city wants to make the programs less dependent on subsidies from other funds   The Board gave first reading approval to Anchor Fence of Springfield and Miller's Excavation of Rogersville to repair the fence and ball fields at Stockstill Park, which were heavily damaged by flash flooding in June. The cost for the fence is $19,323 and the ball fields $24,969.   At the request of City Administrator Dean Kruithof, aldermen postponed until Oct. 28 awarding a contract for the final phase of the Fall Creek Road Extension.  Kruithof cited a tight budget as the reason for the postponement, which he said would also give city staff time to look at funding options and fund availabilities.  The final phase of the Fall Creek project would straighten out the sharp curves on the road just south of the Highway 76 intersection and start constructing Fall Creek north of Highway 76 to connect with Roark Valley Road. The bid for this work came in at $3.1 million.  Aldermen approved on first reading an ordinance allowing a temporary modular building for classroom space at the new Tri-Lakes Christian Academy at the Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 Highway 248, which is also home to Tri-Lakes Church that has started the Academy.   The 24-foot by 60-foot modular building will be divided into classrooms for grades three through six.  The period is for two years and the building will be located behind the Tri-Lakes Center. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Branson's water and sewage services to cost more - Springfield News-Leader

The Branson Board of Aldermen on Monday approved a 5 percent increase in water rates andThe increase is part of a five-year plan intended to reverse the trend of transferring funds from a tourism and capital improvement tax to subsidize the water and sewage fund. This is the third year of the rate increase schedule. City officials said water and sewage rates may have to be increased again in the 2009 fiscal year because of unforeseen cost increases for electricity, chemicals and fuel. The city will study the effects of the rising costs. Aldermen also approved the first reading of a proposal to increase some program fees in the Parks and Recreation Department, including RV rental space and aquatic center admission. The increases were proposed because maintenance expenses have outpaced revenues and the city wants to make the programs less dependent on subsidies from other funds. On first reading of the bill, the board approved increasing the cost to rent an RV space at the city-owned campground from $23 to $25 a day. The daily fee for the aquatic center at the RecPlex would increase by $1, and the fee for renting the aquatic center would go up $25, from $100 to $125, the city said. Fees for the Pitch 'N Putt nine-hole golf course would rise from $6 to $10 for adults and from $4 to $6 for ages 18 and under. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Mr. Woo

<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Artists Helping the Homeless, the 501(c)3 started to:    -  assist those seeking help, greeting them by name and       -  providing meals with comradery       -  providing other needed goods and services       -  facilitating services others provide    -  raise awareness of homelessness In its first year, AHH has provided nearly 4,000 servings, primarily Sunday evenings at Mill Creek Park.  While the meal is important, conversations with the volunteers, including a group of students from Mid-American Nazarene University, are appreciated the most.  Working with St. Lukes, AHH has communicated available programs to provide medical services before they reach the ER level.  Last week, St. Lukes repaired a hernia through this program.  AHH assisted others in obtaining employment and moving on to new starts.  Development of for credit programs with MANU and Kansas City Art Institute CASTLE program are being explored. AHH is working with Homeless Services Coalition to develop more housing in Kansas City. Currently working with the Department of mental health &amp; housing to  learn how to provide more housing with counseling services from Truman Hospital. A homeless shelter is the eventual goal for AHH.  On the awareness front, AHH will host its first Ar t Walk and luncheons the weekend of September 19/20.  Earlier this year, AHH participated in the Kansas City Home Show. Above is a rough summary of what we are doing and trying to accomplish. </span></strong>  <div style="margin: 6pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>Artists Helping the Homeless</i>)</span></span></span></span></div>   <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"> </span></span></div>   <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"> </span></span></div>   <div style="border-style: solid none; border-color: windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 1.5pt medium; padding: 1pt 0in;"> <h4 style="border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-bottom: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">News Release – Photo Opportunity</span></span></span></span></h4></div>  =0 A<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"> </span></span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contact:<span>  </span></span></span></span></h2> <h5 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Tahoma;"><em><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kar Woo, 816-753-8808</span></span></em></span></h5> <h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"> </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"> </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Taho ma;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Artists Helping the Homeless by</span></span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Providing Meals, Housing &amp; Support to Move Forward</span></span></span></h1>  <div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"> </span></span></i></div>   <div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fundraiser Luncheons Held to Help the Homeless Start Life Anew:</span></span></span></i></div>   <div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday &amp; Saturday, Sept. 19 &amp; 20, 11 am to 2 pm., at Jardine's Restaurant<i><span></span></i></span></span></span></div>   <div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"> </span></span></i></div>   <div style="margin: 6pt 0in 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">KANSAS CITY, Missouri (August 25, 2008) – </span></span><a href="http://www.artistshelpingthehomeless.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#800080;">Artists Helping the Homeless</span></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">, a non-profit organization of artists helping homeless individuals who seek a new beginning, is holding fundraiser luncheons on </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Friday &amp; Saturday, September 19 &amp; 20, from 11 am to 2 pm., at Jardine's Restaurant.</span></span></span></span></div>   <div style="margin: 6pt 0in 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The luncheons coincide with the Artists Helping the Homeless Kansas City ART WALK – a dramatic block-long display showcasing fish "swimming" one block upstream on Main Street (between Mill Creek Park and 45 STREET).<span>  </span><i>The art walk display symbolizes the strength and determination of swimming upstream - the same tenacity and persistence of someone who chooses to start=2 0life anew.  </i></span></span></span></span></div>   <div style="margin: 6pt 0in 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Tickets for the fundraiser luncheon are tax-deductible and may be purchased for $45 online at </span></span><a href="http://www.artistshelpingthehomeless.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#800080;">www.artistshelpingthehomeless.<wbr>org </span></span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> or by calling 816-753-8808. Artists Helping the Homeless is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of artists helping homeless individuals who seek a new beginning.  Current initiatives include, serving meals on Sunday evenings in Mill Creek Park, providing temporary housing, and working with St. Luke's Hospital and other health and social service organizations to provide homeless individuals with support to move forward. </span></span></span></span></div> -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com