To help businesses understand new sales tax rules, the League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers has invited staff from the Missouri Department of Revenue to a meeting at noon Friday (Dec. 18) at the Radisson Hotel on Mo. 76.

The meeting is open to anyone impacted by the new ruling. There will be representatives there from industries including ticket resellers, theaters, hotels and tour operators.

The public is invited to ground-breaking for a new bridge over Lake Taneycomo at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 17) at the south end of the Branson Landing parking lot near the Branson Lakeside RV Park.

Work is already under way on the $12.2 million bridge and a round-about designed to ease congestion for Branson’s workforce, residents and visitors. The first step will be moving in equipment and clearing trees and brush. Demolition of part of the bluff is expected to start in January, said MoDOT Senior Construction Inspector Brett Foster.

Once the new bridge is completed in about a year, work will begin repairing the old bridge, also a year-long project. The new bridge and round-about is being funded by $7.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

Your child is invited to have Supper with Santa.  It’s $6.00 per child and includes a Hamburger, Fries, a Drink and a Special Gift from Santa.  Be sure to bring your camera.  Dates and locations:

Dec. 16: 7 pm in Branson (Main); 417-334-1490
Dec. 21: 7 pm in Branson West; 417-272-8193
Dec. 22: 7 pm in Branson (Main); 417-334-1490

Advance reservations and payment are required.  If you have additional questions you, may call Rhonda Hall at 336-5774.

Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa will host the 12th annual “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 19th from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch.

The event will feature a wonderful breakfast buffet, Santa arriving on a fire engine with toys for the children, a clown making balloon animals, face painting, kid’s crafts and activities, and holiday movies. Tickets are $14 for adults, $7 for children ages 4 – 12, and free for children 3 and under.

Call 334-1161, ext. 1711 for reservations

The last day of school in 2009 will be Friday, December 18.  Classes will resume January 4.

The regular Friday dismissal schedule will be in effect December 18.

Pepper Bellies Mexican Restaurant i sback.  Remember that great Mexican food we used to get down at 305 Main St. in Branson before the Landing was built? Well, we’re back and under the same ownership as before.

Our new location is is 5378 State Hwy. 265 (formally, Zoey’s Mediterranean Restaurant).
Open 6 days a week (closed Mondays). 10% discount to Stone & Taney county residents. Phone: 338-1058.

Join your fellow [Branson] Chamber Members to “Meet the Board” at Business After Hours hosted by the Titanic Thursday, December 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Enjoy good food, drink & prizes provided by the BLACC & CVB Board of Directors. This will also be one of your last chances to see the Titanic Movie Exhibit before it goes back into storage!

Please RSVP by 12/15/09 to [email protected] or call 417-334-4084, ext. 399. This event is free with donations being taken for Church Army – Branson & Christian Associates.

BRANSON, Mo. (Dec. 11, 2009) – Suddenlink announced today that 100 percent of its local broadband technicians and supervisors have earned one or more professional certifications from the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE).

In addition to Suddenlink’s own comprehensive training program, the company launched an initiative called “Careerlink” last year to help its technical workforce nationwide achieve SCTE certifications, boosting and confirming their knowledge and skills for installation and service of television, Internet and phone.

“Our goal is to maintain the most highly trained and respected group of broadband technicians anywhere in the industry,” said Andy Parrott, Corporate Vice President of Technical Operations, who helped create and oversees the administration of “Careerlink” among other responsibilities. “We’re convinced that goal is directly related to the progress we have made – and will continue to make – in improving customers’ experience with Suddenlink.”

Suddenlink (www.suddenlink.com) is among the 10 largest cable broadband companies in the United States, supporting the information, communication and entertainment demands of approximately 1.3 million residential customers and thousands of commercial customers in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia, and elsewhere. Suddenlink simplifies its customers’ lives through one call for support, one connection, and one bill for TV, Internet, phone, and other services.

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (www.scte.org) is a professional association that provides technical leadership for the cable telecommunications industry, serving its members for 40 years through professional development, standards, certification, and information.

The Taney County Health Department will offer free H1 N1 vaccinations on Saturday, December 12 at the Junior High School.  Vaccinations will be given from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.

Anyone meeting the following criteria will be vaccinated:
Children age six months to 18 years of age
Parents or caregivers of children under age six months
Pregnant women with a written doctor’s order
Children under age nine who have already received the first dose of the vaccine (please bring records verifying the first dose)

Parents or guardians must be present with children under the age of 18.

Source: email Branson Schools

The 1st annual Christmas Run for CAM (5k or 1 Mile run/walk) is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 12 at 9 a.m.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Dewey Short Visitor Center parking lot, Hwy. 165 near Table Rock Dam. Event will be out & back course on the Lakeshore Trail—-gently winding, asphalt surfaced trail. Entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for age 18 and under.

Each entrant receives a high-quality long-sleeved t-shirt with Christmas themed design.  Call 417-334-1157 or 294-4775
for further information; online at www. OMRR.org or www.ChristianActionMinistries.org for entry form.