Branson, MO (June 29, 2011) – The Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows has once again been selected by Choice Hotels International as “ Comfort Inn of the Year” for the Comfort Inn brand. This award was announced during the company’s 57th annual convention in Boston.

“Being selected as the best of the best from the over 1,995 strong Comfort Inn brand shows that Comfort Inn & Suites in Branson is an exceptional performer, “said Bruce Haase, executive vice president, global brand operations. “When it comes to operational excellence and guest satisfaction, this hotel stands out among its peers as the best – which is quite an accomplishment.” The Comfort Inn & Suites won the award two years ago and was a finalist last year as well, making it one of the most awarded Comfort Inns in the United States.

The best of each Choice Hotels brand is selected by reviewing the property’s guest satisfaction scores, the quality assurance scores and unannounced on-site inspections. Choice Hotels presents the awards for properties that best demonstrate lodging excellence by offering services and guest experiences that set the standards for the entire industry.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award and it reaffirms our team’s commitment to providing guests with an exceptional experience,” said General Manager Steve Graber. On hand to join in the celebration were owners Carroll and Janice Myer, Chris and Sonja Myer, and Gail Myer, of Myer Hotels. “Our staff is very committed to making sure our guests have the best experience each and every time they visit us.”

Myer Hotels is no stranger to having top ranked hotels. It has been a past finalist for “Comfort Inn of the Year” six times. Another Myer property, the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills has also been a finalist for this award since 2009. This year the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills was a close second to this prestigious award. “To have two properties in the same town in the top three is incredible!” said Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing.

About Myer Hotels

In the lodging business for over 43 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for over 25 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows, Comfort Inn West, and Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain. The properties emphasize excellent locations, countless amenities and exceptional customer service while focusing on great value in the upper mid-scale area. For more information about these hotels please visit www.myerhotels.com.
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The Missouri Women’s Golf Association is pleased to announce the Inaugural Mid Amateur Golf Championship, hosted by Payne Stewart Golf Club, a Troon course, in Branson, MO during July 25-27th, 2011. Golfers, volunteers, spotters and businesses are invited to participate in this event. Amateur women 25 years and older who are residents of Missouri or Johnson County, KS will compete for the first Missouri women’s Mid Amateur title in a 36 hole stroke play competition. Entries will be accepted through July 9, 2011.

Volunteers are needed to spot golf balls or help with logistics. Local merchants are invited to submit marketing materials, token gifts and/or coupons for the Registrants’ package. Donations will be accepted to provide golfers with health-related essentials (e.g., water, sunscreen) and recognition will be in the event program.

The local committee is encouraging golfers to bring their families and extend their visit to see all that the area has to offer. The Branson area is an excellent destination to play golf and enjoy the natural beauty, attractions, shows and shopping with family members.

The MWGA promotes women’s golf in Missouri and its competitions are open to all amateur females in Missouri and Johnson County, Kansas. Through the support of MWGA’s members and friends, the Missouri Women’s Golf Education Association annually grants scholarships to deserving high school junior golfers in pursuit of higher education.

Entry fee for contestants is $150.00. Membership in the MWGA is required at $30.00 annual dues. For those interested in golfing, visit the website for tournament entry forms and further details at www.mowomensga.org.

We hope that you will be able to join us and participate in this unique event in some way. If you are interested or have any questions or require additional information, please call the Payne Stewart Pro Shop at 877 337-2963 or email [email protected].

Talent On Parade, a national touring dance competition system, presents Kidz Roc, a full length theatrical production making its debut in Branson, Missouri. This unique show will include 40 of the “best of the best” competition dancers from 13 surrounding states who will be involved in TOP Go Pro, a pre-professional summer workshop also hosted by Talent On Parade. The goal of the TOP Go Pro workshop is to assist dancers as they make the transition to a professional dance career. Kidz Roc is the culmination of that workshop. The star and host of the show is professional singer/dancer Kim Alvarez. The show will also include a special guest appearance by the up and coming rock band Armonia. Kidz Roc will appear at the Clay Cooper Theatre 2 days only, July 23-24 with shows at 1 and 4 pm each day.

Kidz Roc has been written and produced by Doucette Entertainment of Las Vegas, Nevada, an international player in the show production industry. Doucette Entertainment partner Don Mirault has worked in the dance competition industry for more than 20 years and is excited to assist in putting Kidz Roc on the stage. “We have always wanted competition dancers to have a professional outlet for the hard work they’ve put in, and this is finally that opportunity”, said Don. The show will include dancers ranging in age from 10 to 20 years old. This full scale production will also include all the things kids love in a show like lights, smoke, live camera footage, MTV style video, rocking music, and amazing dancing.

Those interested in attending the show can purchase tickets from the Clay Cooper Theater by calling 417-332-2529 or toll free 877-317-2604. Tickets can also be obtained directly from the Clay Cooper Theater box office at 3216 W. Highway 76 in Branson (across from the Titanic Museum).

Family Passes are available.

SYMPHONY OF HEARTS FOR JOPLIN – BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HOMES OF HOPE – FEATURING DINO KARTSONAKIS, DENVER & THE MILE HIGH ORCHESTRA, MARK CHAPMAN & MORE!

Branson Landing invites everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening of music and hope on Monday, July 4th – benefiting our neighbors in Joplin, Missouri.

The Symphony of Hearts for Joplin Event will kick off at 8pm – Monday, July 4th, featuring and hosted by Dino Kartsonakis, Grammy Award-winning performer of our time, known as “America’s Piano Showman”, a title aptly given to him by more than 80 million people who have witnessed his majestic piano styling each year.

Joining Dino on this special evening, will be Denver & The Mile High Orchestra, a group of Belmont University students that wowed all of America as they made the finale of the FOX-TV “American Idol” spin off of “The Next Great American Band.”

Also joining the stage will be special guest, Mark Chapman, Songwriter and Nashville recording artist from Pierce City, Missouri, a local favorite of Branson Landing’s Summer Concert Series will also take the stage for a special performance, not soon to be forgotten. Mark’s new song, co-written with Bill Bruce, “Where Would You Go (If You Couldn’t Go Home)” has touched many, as it’s soulful tune depicts the loss of his Joplin neighbors from the May 2011 Tornado.

This concert event will be the inaugural fundraising event for the nonprofit organization founded in Branson and all proceeds raised at the concert will be donated to Homes of Hope Joplin. VIP Seating will be available for a $20 donation.

Homes of Hope Joplin was created to build homes for those whose homes were destroyed in the May 22, 2011 tornado. The goal is to build 20 energy efficient, cost effective, small carbon footprint homes. Homeowners will contribute to the cost of the home.

For more information or to help our friends in Joplin, please visit www.homesofhopejoplin.org today.
Homes of Hope Joplin, Building Homes – Giving Hope.

THE FRANKLIN MINT AND TONY ORLANDO:
A UNIQUE MARRIAGE OF TWO ICONS

TONY ORLANDO JOINS THE FRANKLIN MINT AS A PARTNER AND VICE CHAIRMAN

NEW YORK – June 16, 2011 – Tony Orlando, one of the most beloved and iconic American Entertainers for the past 50 years, has joined forces as a Partner and Vice Chairman with The Franklin Mint, the most trusted brand in the world for Gifts, Heirlooms and Personalized Collectibles.

“No one speaks to America with more passion and credibility than Tony Orlando. He brings a product development and marketing sensibility crafted through his accomplishments. Tony will lead The Franklin Mint’s vigorous efforts to embrace new branding in film, television and music, incorporating all digital and traditional platforms. We are honored to welcome Tony to The Franklin Mint as our Partner, and to our Leadership Team,” said Mr. Robert H. Book, Chairman of the Franklin Mint.

Orlando has also been set for a major role in the next Adam Sandler movie, I HATE YOU DAD!. The film is currently shooting in Cape Cod.

Tony Orlando’s career started at sixteen in 1961. Tony’s commitment to America’s veterans began in 1973 when “Yellow Ribbon” became the anthem for our military. For over three decades Tony was the Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and hosted the New York portion of the MDA Telethon for his friend,

“The Franklin Mint empowers Americans to share in some of the country’s most poignant moments. I have been a Franklin Mint collector since I was a child. The company has touched America’s heart with its integrity, creativity and quality,” said Tony Orlando. “I am going to work very hard with my Franklin Mint partners, and I will continue to perform around the country and the world. I’m most excited about my newest journey with The Franklin Mint.”

Under Tony Orlando’s leadership The Franklin Mint is planning to introduce the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Freedom, Wounded Warrior Sculpture, the Yellow Ribbon of Freedom Sculpture and several more products that honor the men and women of the United States military.

About The Franklin Mint

An American icon, The Franklin Mint was founded in 1964 and is known worldwide for its innovative design, meticulous attention to detail and creation of the highest-quality gifts, heirlooms, and collectibles in the world. The Franklin Mint’s peerless archives contain over 12,000 products, including Limited Edition fine art sculptures, heirloom dolls, fine commemorative coins, designer jewelry, precision die-cast models and historic reproductions.

http://www.franklinmint.com/TonyOrlando

http://www.franklinmint.com/tonyorlando_video