Saturday, April 19th
Race Time 8:00 am
Branson Landing

Registration form attached or you can register online

https://www.ozarkraces.com/Register/?event=26102

This event is to benefit the needs of our local community through our KW CARES Campaigns.

Please join us for some a wonderful time, raising money for great cause and enjoying the scenery of the Branson Landing & Lake Taneycomo!

Register by April 11 to guarantee a t-shirt & goodie bag!
Medals to be awarded by age division.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Tammy Johnson
Branson Tourism Center
417.334.4400
[email protected]

Branson Business Receives International Competition Award Presented in Mexico

Branson, MO – Branson Tourism Center’s Graphics Department was recently recognized when their Main Street Lake Cruises brochure was named a first-place Regional Winner in the International Association of Professional Brochure Distributors 2013 International Best Brochure Competition.

From a possible field of more than 19,000 brochures representing the Association membership, entries were narrowed down to a list of 73 in Mexico City. These nominated brochures were then evaluated through competitive comparisons using specific criteria.

The attractive, user-friendly brochure contained the most useful information about the yacht cruise, dining, and marina operation, while showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife of the Branson area; wildlife that includes American Bald Eagles.

Main Street Lake Cruises is conveniently located at Branson Landing adjacent to historic downtown Branson, Missouri. They offer a variety of lake cruises for groups or individuals, including romantic Dinner Cruises, beautiful Sunset Cruises, historic Sightseeing Tours, as well as Holiday Cruises and Special Events like the popular Cruise with the Stars.

For more information or to schedule a cruise, please visit www.mainstreetlakecruises.com or call
877-38BOATS (2-6287).

For more information on services provided by Branson Tourism Center, visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com or call 800-990-2024.

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Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience Press Release
From: Tina Cooper-Director of Operations
Phone: 877-317-2604
Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Clay Cooper Theatre Welcomes Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience this Summer, 2014!

Branson, MO. Clay Cooper has announced that Clay Cooper Theatre will add Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience to the summer line-up for 2014. Chris and his incredible cast of canines have put together an incredible two hour show with amazing acrobats, dizzy dancing, high jumping, incredible obstacles and much more! Chris is excited to be a part of the Clay Cooper family and has been busy preparing new sets and obstacles for his professional pooches. Chris is joined by four other trainers to ensure proper training, nutrition, and preparation to make sure our three-sided stage remains a safe environment for all the dogs as they move from one portion of the show to another.
Clay Cooper commented, “I am excited to have Chris and his ‘crew’ at our theatre this year. I went to visit him last year and couldn’t believe what these dogs could do. I can’t even get my dog to sit! But really, Chris handles his dogs like family and you can tell by the way they constantly run to him and want to play, even when the show is over! AND, it shows in the performance of these dogs, too. I can’t wait to see what Chris has in store for us at the theatre…my kids can’t wait either!” Chris is a strong supporter of animal rescue and, in fact, each superstar on his stage has been rescued!
Silver Dollar City featured Chris and his incredible cast of canines during Kids Fest the last couple years. He has travelled all over the United States for special events and private parties. Chris and his canines will be featured in the Rose Bowl Parade January 1st on the Lucy Pet Foundation float. Chris has enjoyed the Branson community and would like to stay here for more years to come!
The Clay Cooper Theatre summer line-up will include Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience at 10am, Joseph Hall’s Elvis Rock ‘N’ Remember Tribute at 2pm, Buckets N Boards at 2pm, The Haygoods at 7:30pm and Clay Cooper’s Country Express also at 7:30pm. We will also have Red, Hot…& Blue! at 10am featured in June!
Make sure you check our website www.claycoopertheatre.com for more information on our full season of shows. Mel Tillis will return to Clay Cooper Theatre this fall. The theatre will open February 14th and close with a BIG New Years Bash! No other time than a GOOD TIME at Clay Cooper Theatre!

Friends of Branson Area Regional Tourism (BART) is pleased to announce that Jim Barber has accepted to lead the team of independent business leaders as Campaign Chairman to promote the renewal of the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District 1% sales tax in April.

A new website to promote the campaign will go live January 1st, but in the meantime, all area residents and business leaders are encouraged to sign-up for current updates by visiting www.YesBranson.org.

BART Campaign Officers include Rod Glaze – Treasurer, Mike Pitman – Secretary, Steve Critchfield – Fund Raising Chairman, and Derek Smith – Financial Advisor. Additional business leaders serving the committee include Renee’ Johnson, Mel Bilbo, Randy Brashers, and Arno Wehr.

Barber is a nationally recognized entertainer who has based his career in Branson since first joining the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show in the mid 1990’s. In July he announced his year-end departure from the Hamner Barber Theater where he has co-starred for the past decade.

His strong background in broadcasting and multimedia marketing, combined with over 35 years in the entertainment industry, uniquely qualifies Barber to represent this initiative. Behind the scenes, he has actively promoted tourism in our area for many years. He currently volunteers as Chairman of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, President of the League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers, and is a member of the Branson Area District Marketing Council.

“I am honored and excited to accept this position on behalf of the Branson Area Regional Tourism committee, and the thousands of residents and businesses who make Branson their home,” says Barber. “Tourism is the life-blood of our community. The renewal of the TCED Tourism Tax on April 8th will ensure continued growth in the area and a prosperous future for us all.”

Since collection of this tax began in 2006, it has generated approximately $7 million annually for marketing the Branson region as a major tourism destination. This has benefited residents, businesses, organizations, and visitors not only in our area, but across the state of Missouri.

“Most of the money collected from this tax is derived from millions of tourists who come to play, shop, and be entertained in our unique community,” Barber states. “These visitors are introduced to Branson as a destination, and choose to vacation here as a direct result of these marketing efforts.”

The cost of this sales tax to local residents is minimal, while the benefits are enormous. In fact, an independent study showed that if an average resident made every single taxable purchase within the district, their additional expense would be less than $27.00 over an entire year. Most items consumed by locals are not included in this tax at all. Items such as groceries, prescription drugs, gasoline, all utilities, telephone service, cable television, motor vehicles, boats, trailers, outboard motors or funeral services are not affected in any way.

Barber went on to add, “My family and I love this community and have been earning our living here since 1994. During that time, Branson has experienced growing pains, both good and bad. Many of our local businesses are currently going through struggles, but I reject the notion that this town is dying as some might suggest. On the contrary, I believe that Branson is on the verge of an exciting period of renewal in which we will see a major increase in our popularity as a travel destination, with new and exciting opportunities for our residents, shows, attractions and local businesses. Renewal of the TCED tourism tax on April 8th will keep us on track for future success.”

Yakov Smirnoff Theatre presents

YAKOV SMIRNOFF and THE RANKIN BROTHERS TO PERFORM AT THE YAKOV THEATRE IN 2014

Branson, MO – [October 29th]– Yakov Smirnoff and the Rankin Brothers are pleased to announce that the Rankin Brothers, who were chosen “Entertainers of the Year” will be moving their hit show to the grand stage of the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre for the 2014 season. “Having the Comedian of the Year and the Entertainers of the Year together under one roof makes the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre a one stop shop for entertainment in 2014. Since arriving in Branson in 2008, The Rankin Brothers have been voted “Best Show of the Year” for four out of the five years and were selected “Entertainers of the Year” in 2013. The Rankin Brothers Music Show, featuring Mark and Matt Rankin, offers a wide variety of entertainment appealing to audiences of all ages.

Mark and Matt Rankin perform more than forty classic songs spanning five decades and ranging from Elvis to Springsteen, George Strait to John Denver, Roy Orbison to Neil Diamond and The Supremes to Sonny and Cher, along with an their all-star cast and multi-talented band. The Rankin Brothers will enter their seventh season in Branson to perform their popular show at 8:00 PM beginning in March through December, with some morning shows on selected dates in the Fall. Also in October and November only, “America’s Favorite Comedian, Yakov Smirnoff will be continuing his “ 2014 All New” show “Dinner With Yakov” at 4:30 PM. Yakov’s new show provides his audience a chance to laugh there Yak-Off while enjoying his side-splitting comedy and a delectable mouth- watering feast.
For more information, please visit the website at www.yakov.com.

The Veterans Boulevard Bridge northbound lane is scheduled for closure starting at 6 am on Thursday, August 15, 2016 and will be reopened by 7 pm.  This closure will affect only the northbound traffic.  Southbound traffic will not be affected.  Veterans Boulevard Bridge is the bridge over Roark Creek just south of Cox Hospital.  Detour signs will be in place directing traffic to College St. and Branson Landing Boulevard.   The closure is being done so that the City of Branson’s contractor can install new LED street lights along the bridge.
Contact:  David Miller, city engineer/public works director, 417-337-8559

Branson, Mo., July, 2013 –  “The Titanic violin played by the bandmaster Wallace Hartley of the RMS Titanic as the famed ocean liner slipped away will be on exclusive display in Branson, MO., Thursday, August 1 through August 15, 2013 at the Titanic Museum Attraction, announces John Joslyn –expedition leader of the first private exploration dive to Titanic and owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson and Pigeon Forge, TN.

“As of August first, the only place in the world anyone can see Titanic band leader Thomas Hartley’s iconic Titanic violin – before it goes up for auction in England – is at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo.   ‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all Titanic fans to become a witness to history,’ Joslyn says.

“’I’ve explored Titanic at the bottom of the sea, documented my discoveries for television and even built two giant museum attractions in tribute to this iconic ship, but when I came face-to-face with the actual violin Hartley had played that cold April night, the whole Titanic experience came into focus, bringing an emotional and melancholy close to a catastrophic chapter in the Titanic story.  I feel certain our guests passengers will feel the same,’ Joslyn adds.”

CAMO COUNTRY opens its first new retail store inside Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex.   Owners of the new store, Nathan and Anna Robb, developed this new concept from the popular TV series “Duck Dynasty” and “Swamp People”.

“We opened Camo Country because our family loves to watch Duck Dynasty,” says The Robbs, “And after making a trip to West Monroe, LA, we knew we had to bring the flavor of Louisiana to Branson!”

Camo Country is a licensed dealer for Duck Commander, Swamp People and Browning with unique gift items including t-shirts, caps, Si Tea Cups, Phil Robertson famous sauces and rubs, Mrs. Kay’s official cooking video, Duck Commander calls, Swamp sauces, real gator heads, exotic jerky and more.  The store has a large variety of camouflage items from comforter and sheet sets, purses, home décor, wine glass sets, knives with more items arriving daily.

“We fell in love with these popular products, along with the people who make them.  It’s our hope that you enjoy our new store inside the IMAX as much as we do,” says Anna Robb. “While you shop, you can enjoy samples of our famous smoked alligator and duck, along with a variety of sauces.”

This is the newest retail store inside Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, which includes over 12 other retail shops.

Randy Brashers, President of Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, is excited about the new store. “Camo Country brings a whole new variety of popular reality TV show fad items to our retail mix, along with a strong fan base for Duck Dynasty and Swamp People,” says Brashers.  Hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.

For more information contact:  Email : [email protected] or www.camocountrybranson.com

The Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad will be performing routine maintenance on the precast concrete railroad crossings located on Commercial Street just south of Branson Landing Boulevard on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 6:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m.  Commercial Street will be closed at Branson Landing Boulevard on the north side of the railroad tracks and on the south side of the railroad tracks just north of the driveway into Landmark Inn.

Alternate detours will be available during this period.  Northbound Commercial Street traffic will detour west on Oklahoma Street then north on Veterans Boulevard to access Branson Landing Boulevard.  Southbound traffic will detour to Main Street.

CONTACT:  David Miller, city engineer, 337-8559 Garrett Anderson, economic development director, 337-8589

Rockville, Md. (June 21, 2013) – The Comfort Inn & Suites of Branson, Missouri once again captured the prestigious urban Comfort Inn Hotel of the Year award by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH). Choice Hotels is one of the world’s largest hotel companies and the franchisor of the Comfort Inn brand. The coveted award was announced during the company’s 59th annual convention in Los Angeles.

The Myer Family – owners and operators of the Comfort Inn & Suites of Branson, along with several other properties in the Branson area – are long-time Choice franchisees and multiple award winners. Their Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills in Branson was a Hotel of the Year winner in 2012, with several other properties winning similar recognition in 2009 and 2011. The Myer family has been in the lodging business for more than 45 years and has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for almost 30 years.

“The Myer Family and their teams have clearly made a long term commitment to being the best of the best,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president for brand strategy and marketing of Choice Hotels International. ”For more than a decade, Choice Hotels has been proud to count them as part of our franchise family. We congratulate them on their exceptional accomplishments and their dedication to superior customer service.”

Every year, the Choice Hotels Owners Council presents the Hotel of the Year Award to a property that consistently demonstrates lodging excellence with guest experiences that set the standard for the industry. Nominees for this prestigious award all rank among the top hotels within the brand.

“Our staff and the great mountain lodge atmosphere are what make our hotel special,” said Chris Myer, VP of Marketing for Myer Hotels. “Our team does an astounding job of taking care of our guests, which is consistent with our goal: to set the standard for hospitality excellence.”

Gail Myer, VP of Operations added, “We are so proud to have been selected for this award. It underscores what our customers tell us again and again – that we exceed their expectations and provide the very best service possible.”

The 100 percent non-smoking Comfort Inn & Suites is peacefully situated in Branson Meadows near Mansion America Theatre, Sight and Sound Theaters, the Factory Merchants Branson mall, the Tri-Lakes Center multi-purpose complex and the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre. It is minutes from the Branson Variety Theater and Lake Taneycomo. Guests of this 102-room hotel will enjoy spectacular views of the Ozarks and access to a game room, sundeck, heated pool, hot tub and sauna.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises over 6,200 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of March 31, 2013, 395 hotels, representing more than 30,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 81 hotels, representing approximately 7,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other countries and territories. The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide.

Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. website, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.
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Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Privileges®, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and Ascend Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

© 2013 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.