Update: Since returning from Jefferson City a lot has happened. The congressional community for the department of Agriculture for the State of Missouri has signed on the act ( http://dl.dropbox.com/u/96341147/MissourI%20General%20Assembly%20Joint%20Committee%20on%20Urban%20Agriculture%20Report.pdf ) and all of them are supportive of our plan and plan to present it to the Governor next week. I started a LinkedIn account and started networking. I have had two angel investors contact me and one investment firm. All have made requests for our business plan. It has now become a first come first serve play. One is from the windy city, one from the big apple and the other is from Jersey. I have made hundreds of contacts with people of power from the White house down. Our supports are Presidents, Candidates, Representatives, Senators, Governors, Dept. of Economics, The USDA, farmers, business owners, entertainers, and moms and dads. No one has stepped up to the plate yet. There is 40% of this up for grabs for 36 million Buy, Grant, or Loan, or a combination of all three. No one has been able to find a reason not to build this.

Branson Aquaponic Gardens and Educational Center will change the world for the better in time. Put people back to work growing the one thing everyone buys. “FOOD”. Lower greenhouse gases, and provide clean energy resources’ and aquaponic supplies. Most of all give people a place to get the most valuable necessity for survival, “KNOWLEDGE”. Do you remember the old saying “Give a man a fish you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish you feed him for a life time”? The best part of this whole thing when you’re asking someone to put up 36 million is location, location.

Branson is #5 in family destinations visitors. 8 million avg. per year. At the height of the season we can expect to see 20,000 people a day, from June to December. Each spends $10.00 on a tour, buys a book or a box of seeds for 20.00 more avg. $30.00 per person. You do the math it is more shocking that way. Then add a class of 20 people 5 times a day for $50.00 more, plus books. That is a $100.00 dollar investment in their family’s health and well being. After taking the class they will need supplies to get growing, canning or cooking. Where is the best place to do that BAGS (Branson Aquaponic Garden School) buy it and have it drop shipped to their door, after they return home. I have not added in the produce or sea food yet. I had one local Chef tell me he uses 500 tilapia fillies a week at the height of season. How many tomatoes do you think a subway uses a day? We got nine of them. Salad bars, Branson is full of them. Folks can just come to the BAGS market and pick it up fresh every day. Missouri also has a jobs Grant for every job created and we plan to put 400 people to work. Handicap workers welcome, we dearly love our vets. LOCATION! LOCATION! We have that and a world redound team of experts to make it happen. First come first served.

Mona Miller, CEO of Marketing
Millerm573@gmail.com 417-338-2537

Hollister, MO…As most employers battle increasing health insurance costs for their employees, one Branson organization is enjoying a substantial reduction in the costs for these benefits. Connell Insurance may sell health insurance coverages, but they also purchase such coverages like any other employer – and the costs were increasing.

In 2008, Connell Insurance recognized that a 26% increase in employee health care costs, up from 7% the previous year, was probably not going to decrease on its own. “We realized that we needed to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach,” stated Connell president, Tim Connell, “to control renewal increases and help our employees realize a healthy lifestyle at the same time.”

In 2010, Connell was paying an annual premium over $150,000, but in 2012 the premium has been lowered to just over $101,000. The drastic reduction in health care costs is partially because Connell increased the deductible from $3500 to $10,000 and incorporated a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). This type of account reduces the monthly premium by increasing the employee deductible levels. If the employee exceeds the deductible amount, then the employer and employee share in the residual costs. The combination results in savings for the employer while funding the HRA to bridge the gap between the higher deductible and the expenditure amount for employee’s insurance coverage.

Additionally, although Connell Insurance is not large enough to warrant a Wellness Officer, their Wellness Team combines a wellness program with measurement efforts that effectively gauge the program’s merit. Connell’s wellness program offers opportunities to help improve employee health, reduce absenteeism, and improve morale and productivity while reducing health care costs.

Connell’s wellness program, which began in 2008, included a Step Game in addition to Health Risk Assessments and Lunch & Learns. The next year a “Couch to 5K” training program was added, with the first 5K Run/Walk a few months later. Connell has also adopted a smoke-free workplace to further encourage better health. In 2012, the wellness program was ramped up with the hiring of BigTime Results in Springfield to handle the assessments, perform fitness tests, handle one-on-one consultations, and offer yoga and fitness classes each week.

According to the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), it generally takes about three years to see a return of typically $2-$3 saved for every $1 invested in a wellness program. That definitely is the case for Connell because in 2011, costs were improved to a mere 6% increase, down from a 23% increase the previous year, and in 2012, the overall health care costs actually decreased by 1%.

While Connell recognizes that the wellness program is not the sole reason for the reduction in health costs, they are confident that it plays a significant role, coupled with a critical review of health coverages and optional factors such as the HRA.

For more information, visit www.ConnellInsurance.com or www.BigTimeResults.com or call (417) 334-2000.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri. An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies.

Creative Solutions Marketing, LLC announced today that they have been retained as advertising and marketing consultants for LUNCH with the BRADY BUNCH show at the Yakov Theatre.

The show is hosted by Barry Williams, the real Greg Brady and features the new Brady kids. Dressed in the groovy fashions of the day, six young performers that look very much like the original Brady kids, will sing and dance their way into your heart with popular Brady songs and show tunes from the 70’s. This full production, multimedia show includes the best qualities of the Brady Bunch and brings them to life on stage. A free meal is served during the show.

“This is my second year in town and I have found a professional that understands my vision of making Branson my home, both professionally and personally,” said Barry Williams.

Ann Reinke, owner was responsible for bringing the CBS Daytime Television Soap Opera “As the World Turns” to Branson, (netting more than $42 million of PR exposure for the city.) She has also represented many Branson shows and entertainers in the past including Grand Country Square, Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre Complex, Starlite Entertainment, LLC- Lost in the 50’s, Stuck on the 70’s, The Kirby Van Burch Show, Country Tonite, The World Famous Platters, and featured stars including Mickey Rooney, Bill Medley, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Patti Page, Ed Ames, Carol Lawrence and Carol Channing.

“I am very excited to be representing an International brand and a star of his caliber. Barry is committed to Branson, making a permanent home for his family,” said Reinke.

Ann Reinke has a Bachelor Degree in Marketing and Business Administration from Lakeland College, Sheboygan, Wisconsin and brings eight years of Branson marketing experience to the project.

Creative Solutions Marketing, LLC services their clients with creative, copywriting, billboards, radio, television, rack cards and brochures, posters, group marketing, social media, web, press and public relations, and marketing management.

Herschend Family Entertainment CEO To Speak at Branson Area Business EXPO Breakfast – Booths Still Available

BRANSON, Mo. – Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Herschend Family Entertainment, will provide the keynote address at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at the Branson Business Expo Breakfast at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center. Doors open at 8 a.m.
This is a new event to open the Branson Area Business Expo presented by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Expo is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also at the Chateau. The breakfast is sponsored by the Taney County Business Development Partnership. General Expo sponsors include Springfield Blue Print, Mercy and North Pole Productions.
“We are so honored to have Mr. Manby as our keynote speaker for the first ever Branson Business Expo Breakfast,” said Ladona Weathers, Director of Tourism & Membership Events. “We sincerely hope this will be the first of what will become an annual event to open the Expo. Mr. Manby’s presentation is an exciting way to begin this new event for the Branson area.”
Manby has been with Herschend Family Entertainment since 1998, and has served as CEO since 2003. During his tenure, two of HFE’s properties have earned the industry’s highest honor, the Applause Award.
An expert on leadership and customer relations, Manby spent 20 years in the auto industry and was a member of the start-up team for Saturn Corporation where he was instrumental in launching Saturn’s innovative marketing and distribution strategy. After a two-year term with GM’s International Division, he was promoted to CEO of Saab Automobile USA.
In 2010, Manby was featured on CBS’s “Undercover Boss” and has recently written the book “Love Works” published by Zondervan. As President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, Manby leads a successful enterprise with love. He views love as a mode of thinking—one that has helped him deliver tangible results and position HFE as the ninth-largest themed attractions company in the world including Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and Stone Mountain Park.
A large crowd is expected to hear Manby, so don’t miss the chance to be a vendor at this event, Weathers said.
The Chamber-member Early Bird Price for breakfast is $15, due by June 1. Regular Price $20. Non-members $30. To purchase tickets, call 417-334-4084, ext. 338. Find more information about these events at www.bransonbusinessexpo.com. The deadline to reserve booth space is June 1. Each vendor will receive one ticket to the breakfast featuring Manby.

Connell Joins Business Partnership

Connell Insurance, Inc. has joined the Taney County Business Development Partnership as a board member. One of the goals of the partnership is to create and sustain jobs throughout the year as well as supporting and nurturing existing businesses within the community.

As a Taney County business owner, Tim Connell stressed the importance of this partnership opting to become a board member. “I’ve lived in Taney County all my life. I understand that while tourism is what drives the community, it’s the sustainability of jobs and local employees which will help to strengthen the community.”

The Partnership is one of several Missouri agencies coordinating relief and assistance to the businesses that were directly impacted by the February 29th EF2 tornado.

For more information, visit www.ConnellInsurance.com or call (417) 334-2000.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri. An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies.

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Jonas Arjes Named Director of Business Development

BRANSON, Mo. – Jonas Arjes, a longtime Taney County resident and Branson business leader, has accepted the position of Director of Business Development for the recently organized Taney County Business Development Partnership.

The Partnership structure has been established, and participants are still being recruited. Financial support of the partnership has been committed by Taney County, Kirbyville, Merriam Woods and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. Verbal support has come from several public and private entities, with presentations being scheduled.

Arjes’ duties will include new business development and retention, and expansion of existing business within Taney County.
Arjes has been a Corporate Sales Executive with Akers & Arney insurance since 2007. Arjes received his Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri State University. He is married to Jennifer Arjes. They have three children.

He’s a charter member of the Rotary Club of Hollister where he serves as Sergeant-At-Arms. He also is Chairman-Elect of the Board of Directors of Christian Action Ministries.

Arjes is a graduate of the 2008 Leadership Academy of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Since 2008, he has served as an ambassador for the Chamber. In 2009, Arjes was presented the Jim Langham Ambassador of the Year Award.
Arjes had been slated to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau for 2012.

“In selecting Jonas for this position, we knew we were losing a great leader, but this is the best decision for our community,” said Ross Summers, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“His active involvement in many committees and activities over the years throughout the area, and his dedication to many Chamber efforts helped us realize he could be of greater benefit to the entire community in this capacity.”

Chamber Board Chairman-Elect for 2013 Janet Oller, director of marketing for Silver Dollar City, will now assume the position of chairman for 2012.
The choice of Arjes for this position has the support of Jeff Seifried, manager of regional development for the Springfield Regional Economic Partnership.

“Jonas’ passion for relationship-building and for Taney County will be of benefit to a multi-city-county economic partnership,” Siefried said.
David Akers of Akers & Arney said Jonas has been a great staff member and will remain a good friend.
“We are extremely excited for the new opportunity Jonas has to help further our community, and everyone here wishes him the best of luck, Akers said.

For more information, contact Bethany Thomas, Senior Vice President of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. 417-334-4084. BThomas@BransonCVB.com.

Branson Businessman Elected Director to Springfield Chamber

Tim Connell, president of Hollister-based Connell Insurance, has been named to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. Tim is the first Branson/Hollister-based director in the chamber’s history since the chamber was founded in 1919. The chamber’s board currently consists of 8 executive committee members and 15 directors.

Connell, a native of the Branson area, commented, “It is a true privilege to have been accepted as a director to this vibrant chamber organization. As the president of a regional insurance agency with clients throughout the states of Missouri and Arkansas, I am dedicated to the continued and sustainable economic development in the area. That’s why we have been involved with the Springfield chamber, as well as others, for many years.”
Connell added that his goals closely match the mission statement of the chamber in serving as an advocate for business in partnership with the community, support and assist existing businesses, act as a primary catalyst in promoting the economic health of the Springfield area, stimulating jobs and improving the quality of life. As an Ozarks Greenscore award recipient, Connell Insurance also reflects the chamber’s economic impact in the Partnership for Sustainability.

In addition to holding the positions of President and Commercial Producer for Connell Insurance, Tim also currently serves on the political action committee for the Missouri Association of Independent Insurance Agents and is a board member of Developmental Connections in Taney County. Tim currently resides in the Branson area with his wife Kim with three sons. Tim and his family all enjoy outdoor activities especially ones that involve boating and hiking on and around the area lakes and rivers.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri. An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies. For more information, visit www.ConnellInsurance.com or call (417) 334-2000.

We are located right off the 76 strip across the street from Quilts & Quilts.We hand make our own primitive furniture, candles, soaps, bath salts, crafts and home decor. We offer so many different items from handmade stitchery’s to unique items that you will not find any where else. Our store adds new items every week so there are always new items to see. Come in and see our store that is like no other store! We are open Mon.- Sat. 9:30 to 5:00

Join the relief effort for Joplin tornado victims
Choose from a number of ways to reach out to our
Missouri neighbors and businesses

Following the devastating storms in southwest Missouri on Sunday evening, your immediate action is requested to assist in the Joplin recovery efforts. Many members of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry have already contributed to this recovery, but vital resources are still in need. Donate money, items or your time through a variety of organizations that are on the ground serving in the Joplin area.

Monetary Donations
Joplin-native Sen. Ron Richard is encouraging Missouri businesses that are looking to help to call the donation desk at the State Emergency Management Agency command center in Joplin at 573.526.9364. The line is being used to coordinate large shipments of supplies and monetary donations from individual and corporate donors.

You can help immediately by texting the word “Redcross” to 90999 or by donating online on the American Red Cross website by clicking here. Donations will go toward the purchase of medical supplies, food and other basic necessities that families are in desperate need of right now.

Recovery Items
A number of items are also in demand, specifically bottled water, non-perishable food, can openers, toiletries, clothing (please have boxed and labeled), work gloves, and construction-grade trash bags. To locate a fundraiser near you, please visit the Joplin, Mo.,Tornado Recovery Facebook page.

Blood Donations
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued a Code Red Alert for Type “O Negative” blood. Please consider making a blood donation at a center near you, if you are able.

Volunteer Your Time
Officials are asking for volunteers with medical skills to register at the Show-Me Response website or by calling 417-832-9500. All others are asked to wait 3 to 5 days to sign up by calling 800.427.4626 or 211.
If you have relatives or friends in the Joplin area that you have not been able to contact, please visit the Red Cross’s Safe and Well registry. Authorities are asking that you keep the phone lines clear by using text messaging and social networks on the Internet.

And to keep up-to-date on the latest news and aid requests, visit the KY3 News website.
Thanks in advance for stepping up to support Joplin as the community recovers from the tragic natural disaster. Please contact the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s office if you need further assistance as to how to make a contribution: 573.634.3511.