The Myer family is thrilled that their 102-room Comfort Inn & Suites on Gretna Road was recently named Inn of the Year by the Choice Hotels International, Inc., franchisor of the Comfort Inn brand. It’s the “best of the best” among the 1,995 member properties, said Bruce Haase, executive vice president of global brand operations. The hotel was judged on guest satisfaction, quality and unannounced on-site inspections. It has been a past finalist for “Comfort Inn of the Year” five times.

Also this year, the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, also owned by Myer Hotels, was in the top five finalists for “Comfort Inn of the Year.” “To have two properties in the same town in the top five is incredible,” said Vice President of Marketing Chris Myer. General Manager Steve Graber celebrated the award with owners Carroll and Janice Myer, Chris and Sonja Myer, and Gail Myer. Myer Hotels owns five hotels in Branson. Visit www.myerhotels.com.

Source: BLACC CVB

This year’s “Small Business & Charity of the Year Dinner” is an important opportunity to honor business owners who may have faced concerns in the current economy, said Karen Hall of Ozark Mountain Bank, one of the event’s sponsors.

This is the 11th year for the event which will be held with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Buckinghams in the Clarion Hotel at the Palace. The event presented by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is a way to recognize business owners who provide a significant and consistently positive contribution to the community. This year, an award also will be given in the not-for-profit category, said Director of Membership Services Ladona Johnson.

This year’s theme is “Small Businesses Are The Heartbeat of Branson,” and that’s an accurate sentiment, Hall said. “The sustaining factor for a community of any size is their small businesses. In our community, they are not necessarily those who cater to the tourism business, but to the people who live and breathe and work here, and they know who you are, and they have what you want.”

This is a good year to let those businesses know they are important to this community, Hall said. “People are concerned about where the economy is going and if they will be able to withstand what’s happening,” Hall said.

Not-for-profit agencies also face added challenges this year. Scott Earls, owner of The Vacation Channel, is sponsoring the award for the Charity of the Year.

Reservations for the event featuring a prime rib dinner are due by June 15. Cost is $35 per person, and seating is limited. Contact Ladona Johnson at 417-334-4084, ex. 314 or email [email protected].

On July 4th, 2009 area residents, visiting families, and Branson area  tourists will witness the oldest fireworks display in Taney County.  The City of Hollister celebrates its 56th year of spectacular firework shows.  This 4th of July Show has become an annual tradition, with many families and visitors to the City of Hollister and the Tri-Lakes Area.
Pyrotechnic Don Klein, the Hollister Parks Department and Western Taney County Fire Protection District personnel have completed training in safety and show technique for executing a spectacular hand lit fireworks show.

A special aerial salute will pay tribute to Pyrotechnic Chad A Fuqua who was killed in August 2008.  3-D glasses to enhance the bright sky experience will be available, for a nominal contribution to the Fireworks Fund, at Town Hall or from a boot passer the night of July 4th.

Patriotic music will be played during the Fireworks Show on KRZK.

Bring yourfamily, friends,  portable radios, lawn chairs, blankets & non-alcoholic drinks and snacks and enjoy the show..

The City of Hollister fireworks are funded entirely by donations from residents and business in the Hollister, Branson, and Tri-Lakes Area.  This year will be no exception, your continued support is critical.  Please make a contribution by mailing a check to:

Hollister Fireworks Fund
City of Hollister
PO Box 638
Hollister, MO  65673
Call 417- 337- 8315

Neal McCoy in Concert at Yakov’s Theatre
Tour Schedule Includes 43 Show Dates in Branson MO

(Branson, MO – Tuesday, June 9, 2009) – Neal McCoy, country music superstar and two-time Entertainer of the Year, brings his show to Yakov’s Theatre in Branson MO. Neal McCoy’s show opens on June 16 at 8:00pm and runs through November 1 on selected dates. Yakov says, “Neal McCoy and I are a great team because Neal McCoy has three platinum albums and I have four…Celine Dion’s, Cher’s, Garth Brooks’, and Frank Sinatra’s. Just like those entertainers, Neal’s show is more then a concert, it’s more then country music, it’s a high energy entertainment experience packed with a variety of musical styles and it’s dynamite fun!”
Neal McCoy says “I like to entertain and have a great time with folks. here in Branson people know how to have a good time! So that’s what we’re planning on doing and you gotta love that.”
Neal McCoy, known for his fast-moving shows and fun music has received Entertainer of the Year two times and other exciting accolades including five #1 singles, five top 10 hits, 1 Gold album, and many, many others. His hits include Wink, The Shake, No Doubt About It, You Gotta Love That, They’re Playing Our Song, Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On, The City Put The Country Back In Me, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, If I Was A Drinking Man and more. Along with over 13 USO Tours, Neal has traveled around the world bringing his signature brand of entertainment to fans.
Neal McCoy, who was named Humanitarian of the Year by multiple organizations, is using his first eight shows in Branson to raise money for local charities including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, The American Heart Association, and The American Red Cross. Each charity will have a benefit night at Yakov’s Theatre. The first four shows in June also include special performances from Yakov. Neal says, “I just do what I can to help. I hope people will see the great value in being able to see two stars at a great price plus benefit their charity of choice at the same time.” If you want your charity to benefit from your attendance at any of these first four shows go to www.yakov.com or call 800-336-6542 and tell them which charity you would like to help.
For tickets and additional information about Neal McCoy’s schedule at Yakov’s call 1-800-336-6542, 417-332-1234 or visit www.yakov.com

Andy Williams Moon River Grill is proud to announce the return of the musical stylings of Mike Cathcart!

Mike’s dinner music has provided a relaxing and elegant ambiance for dining since the Grill’s opening in 2006!

Please join us inn welcoming Mike Cathcart back to Moon River this weekend! Mike is a master at the art of “dinner music!” Come in and enjoy this fabulous entertainment and fine dining at affordable prices!

Moon River Grill Management, Staff, and Patrons are excited about his return this weekend! Mike will be performing at Moon River Grill from 4:30pm to 7:30pm June 12th, 13th, and 14th. (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) Don’t miss the celebration this weekend!!

Andy Williams Moon River Grill……Where the Stars Come out at Night!!

Emmy Award-winning Comedian Bob Nelson brings the gift of laughter on this week’s broadcast of the New Best of Gene Williams Country Music Television Show.
“From Radio City Music Hall, Las Vegas, The Ford Theater, Carnegie Hall, Broadway, ‘The Merv Griffin Show,’ ‘The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,’ HBO and movies ‘Kindergarten Cop,’ ‘This is My Life’ and ‘Brain Donors’ to his own Branson show, Bob Nelson is hilarious,” said Gene Williams, the star and creator of the Telly Award-winning show that was taped live at the 50’s at the Hop Theatre at the Shoppes at Branson.

The TV show with Nelson will be telecast June 13 and 14. For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.

Williams has been taking a break from the hectic schedule he has had for eight years in Branson. A hiatus from regular taping has been recommended, but he plans to return to the studio soon to tape special shows. He and his co-host, Katie Lynn, recently returned to the studio to tape updates for The New Best of the Gene Williams Country Music TV Show that includes a weekly guitar giveaway courtesy of All Star Music of Jonesboro and Batesville, Ark., and Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Click image for larger view.

The annual Skaggs Classic presented by CenturyTel is scheduled for Monday, June 15.  This year’s golf tournament is being held at the new Payne Stewart Golf Club.  Proceeds will be used to provide scholarships to patients enrolled in the Skaggs Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation program.  The featured item for live auction is a black 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe donated in part by Branson Auto Museum.  Other featured items include two trips to Arizona, a trip to Las Vegas, and a limited edition print of the late Payne Stewart.  Tickets to attend the party are $30 per person.  Please call Skaggs Foundation at (417) 348-8998 to purchase tickets or obtain additional information on this year’s event.

Hollister Chamber Monthly Membership & Networking Luncheon

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks

Cost is $15.00 per person.

Networking begins at 11:30 am with lunch and program to follow.

Our program will be
White River Valley Electric Cooperative
Climate Change Legislation and the Impact on usinesses and Our Community

Lunch Sponsor
Dazzee Integrations
(417) 334-0494

Dessert Sponsor
Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks
(417) 335-2089

Please RSVP by Noon on Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Phone: 417.334.3050
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 417.334.5501

What: Blueberry Festival & Music Festival at Persimmon Hill Farm

When:  Saturday, June 6

Where: Persimmon Hill Farm is located south of Lampe off of Mo. 86, at 367 Persimmon Hill Lane. The farm is 1 1/2 miles off of Mo. 86. A map is posted on the farm web site, www.persimmonhill.com

The event includes an annual Cobbler Contest to benefit the Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch, along with entertainment featuring the Farnum Family in an outdoor music fest. Cobbler contestants should bring their cobblers by noon on June 6. Cobblers will be judged by 1 p.m. The music fest will feature the Farnum Family of Galena, performing bluegrass and gospel music from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 417-779-5443 or visit the Persimmon Hill Farm web site, www.persimmonhill.com.