NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EXPANDS SERVICE IN BRANSON
AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines, announced today daily nonstop service from Branson to Chicago and Houston

BRANSON, MISSOURI (January 24, 2012) – AirTran Airways, which will be converted to Southwest Airlines over time, will begin daily nonstop service from Branson to Chicago and Houston starting April 16, 2012.

Chicago and Houston are major Southwest markets with connecting service to many great destinations. While the airlines’ networks are not connected at this point, both carriers are working together to publish the best flight schedules to places customers want to go. When the networks are connected, people traveling to and from these areas will have access to many more cities.

“These new daily flights to Chicago and Houston are very exciting because Chicago and Houston are large visitation markets for Branson” stated Executive Director, Jeff Bourk. “Ultimately, these routes will tie into the Southwest network, giving passengers many more low cost choices to get where our passengers want to go.”
On Friday, Southwest Airlines committed to serve Branson, Missouri. Southwest Airlines made the decision to serve Branson, Missouri and to convert AirTran Airways at Branson to Southwest Airlines operations over time.
“We are committed to continuing to serve these communities—at first via AirTran, and eventually as Southwest. We know there are Southwest Customers who want access to these cities, but have never before had the opportunity, and the markets have long desired Southwest service,” said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and AirTran Airways President Bob Jordan. “We are excited about the cities we have chosen to keep in our combined network.”

For a complete list of destinations available at the Branson Airport, visit www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson Airport: Opening its doors May of 2009, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. Currently serviced by Southwest Airlines/AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency, FlyBranson Travel. The Airport offers low cost service to over 100 destinations. For more information visit www.FlyBranson.com or call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541).

College of the Ozarks Inducts Alumni Athletes into Sports Hall of Fame
By: Austin Plummer

College of the Ozarks will induct three of its alumni athletes into the College of the Ozarks Sports Hall of Fame on February 4. Cara Painter, Ralph Hagewood and the late Chris Waller will be honored during the C of O vs. Southwestern Christian University games; the women play at 3 p.m. and the men at 5 p.m.

Painter was a three year starter in basketball for the Lady Cats from 2003-2006, after transferring from Oklahoma State University. She finished her career with 1,755 points, 925 rebounds, 163 three-point shots made, 257 free-throws made, and 329 blocked shots. Painter had an 87.2 career free throw percentage and a 44.4 career three-point percentage. Her conference honors included 1st Team All-Conference all three years and MCAC Player of the Year her senior year. Nationally, Painter was named 3rd Team NAIA All-American both her junior and senior years. She also led the nation in rebounding and blocked shots her senior year. Her number 44 was retired in 2006.

Hagewood was a four year letterman in track and field from 1966 to 1970. His hard work enabled him to become a fine sprinter, and he was able to score in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, the 440 and the 880 yard relays, high hurdles, long jump, discus and pole vault. At one time, Hagewood was the school record holder in the pole vault at 14 ft. 6.5 in. He was All-Conference and All-District for three years, and he was the first athlete from School of the Ozarks to qualify for NAIA National Competition, a feat he accomplished three times. A strong leader and competitor, Hagewood entered any and all events that would help the team.

Waller was a four year letterman in basketball from 1997-2001. He ended his career with 810 points, 268 rebounds, 140 assists, and a 50.4 field goal percentage, 43.5 three-point percentage, and a 77 free throw percentage. He was named 1st Team All-Conference his senior year and an NAIA Academic All-American his junior and senior years. He was the winner of the MCAC A. O. Duer Award his junior year and was named C of O’s Outstanding Male Scholar Athlete his senior year.

For more information please contact the Sports Information office at (471)690-2393.

NOW SHOWING—Special Exhibit on the “Iron Lady” Featured at Branson Meadows Cinema for “The Iron Lady” Movie Premiere January 20-22

“The Iron Lady” is making a second appearance in the Ozarks—this time in the form of a movie. The real “Iron Lady,” Lady Margaret Thatcher, made her first appearance in 1997, visiting College of the Ozarks to speak to students and community members about “Free Enterprise and Work Ethic.”

To celebrate the life of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the premiere of the movie “The Iron Lady,” a special exhibit will be on display at the Branson Meadows Cinema January 20-22.

Full of historical pictures, memorabilia, and photographs of Lady Thatcher at College of the Ozarks, the exhibit tells the story of Great Britain’s first and only female Prime Minister and her special visit to the Ozarks.

All patrons to the cinema are invited to view the exhibit, located in the cinema’s lobby, at no charge.
Following the movie’s premiere weekend, the exhibit will be displayed at the College of the Ozarks Keeter Center.

For more information on the “Iron Lady” exhibit, please contact the College of the Ozarks Public Relations Office at (417) 690-2212. To find out show times of “The Iron Lady” at the Branson Meadows Cinema, please call (417) 332-0464 or click on the link below.

Branson Meadows Schedule for January 20-26, 2012.

Branson’s 3rd Annual Gong Show – February 22, 2012 – Benefit for the Branson’s Homebound Senior Food Program

Don’t miss the third annual Branson Gong Show set for Wednesday, February 22 at 6:49pm at the Hamner Barber Theatre. This hilarious show serves as a benefit for the Branson Senior Center and the Meals on Wheels Program. Branson entertainer Jim Barber will once again serve as host with celebrity judges. Click on the flyer below for all the details.

If you wish to audition to be in the show, try-outs are scheduled for Monday, January 23 from 5:00-8:00pm at the Branson Senior Center.

Call 335-4801 with questions.

Audition Information

Gong Show Flyer

Sponsored by the Branson Parks and Recreation, The Vacation Channel, and Castle Rock Resort and Waterpark.

College Deans Share On How Hard Work U Operates
By: Austin Plummer

College of the Ozarks Dean of Development Tim Huddleston and Dean of Work Education Chris Larsen will speak at an upcoming convocation that will address how the College operates. The convocation will take place January 31, at 7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium.

Dean Huddleston will share on the impact gift income has on the College, and Dean Larsen will talk about the importance of the Work Education Program and work ethic.

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but any seats remaining will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Public Relations office at (417)690-2212.

Art Demonstration by Artist Don Barnes at Mount Pleasant Winery – February 4, 2012

We are having an art demonstration here at Mount Pleasant Winery on Feb 4th, by renowned artist Don Barnes, from Denver Colorado. The time is 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and we will be selling wine by the glass for this event.

About Don Barnes

Don Barnes was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he lived until age twelve. He has lived in Kansas City, Los Angeles, Dallas and Denver. The last is where he met his wife and has made his home since 1976.
Although he had always been artistic, Don didn’t begin painting until 1993. His first show was a solo in 2005, which sold seven of fifteen paintings. Since that time his work has shown in galleries throughout the West. He has been juried into several national shows and has been invited three times to participate in the prestigious Nomadas del Arte’.
His friendship with gallery owner Ernest Fuller allowed Don to study the works of Rob Moore, Hollis Williford, Julie Chapman, Debora Paris and other well known artists. Likewise, with the cooperation of David Cook Fine Art, he spent much time examining the works of the Broadmoor Academy artists – John F. Carlson, Sven Birger Sandzen, Peppino Mangravite, the Magafan Sistes, and others. He feels that the ability to draw from this broad knowledge offers unique possibilities for his art.

Artists Statement
For me, it’s all about technique and experimentation. I love to try new ways of expressing what I see. Each painting comes with a new set of challenges. The excitement is in breaking them down and turning out something that communicates with someone else.

Resume’
2010 – Nomadas del Arte’- Southwest Gallery, Dallas (Invitation)
Visions of the Flint Hills, Buttonwood Gallery, Kansas City (Jury)
Russian Night in Taos, Taos Art Museum, Taos (Jury)
2009 – Nomadas del Arte’ – Southwest Gallery, Dallas (Invitation)
Plein Air Expanded – Republic Plaza, Denver (Jury)
2008 – Nomadas del Arte’- Sage Creek Gallery, Taos (Invitation)
Winter Miniatures- Rob Foster Gallery, Denver (Jury)
Plein Air Artists Colorado Annual Exhibition – Abend Gallery, Denver (Jury)
Denver Plein Air Arts Festival – Golden Triangle Museum District, Denver (Jury)
2007 – Solo show – Compass Bank, Denver (Invitation)
Denver Plein Air Arts Festival – Golden Triangle Museum District, Denver (Jury)
Plein Air Artists Colorado Annual Exhibition – Abend Gallery, Denver (Jury)
2006 – Solo Show – Lone Tree Library, Lone Tree (Invitation)
Plein Air New Mexico Special Exhibition at Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center – Grants
Plein Air New Mexico Annual Show – The Mission Gallery, Grants
2005 – Solo Show – Saxby’s, Denver

The Bretts are headliners for popular German Festival

Branson entertainment family returns home after 14 successful performances at one of Germany’s largest Christmas festivals, Triberger Weihnachtszauber.

January 13, 2012, Branson, MO – The Bretts just returned from a very successful Christmas festival in Triberg, located in the Black Forest region of Germany. The festival is known as “Triberger Weihnachtszauber,” or “Triberg Christmas Magic,” and is one of Germany’s largest Christmas festivals. Over 40,000 people attend the festival each year in the little tourist town of Triberg. While there, visitors enjoy Germany’s largest waterfall, festive decorations, great food, and non-stop performances from entertainers that come from all over the world.

The festival, now in its eighth year, runs from December 25th to the 30th, and was started by Thomas Weisser and Reiner Huber. “Thomas and Rainer are both visionary men, with a very professional setup,” said Brydon Brett. The Bretts performed 14 variations of their 2011 Christmas and regular season Branson show on both indoor and outdoor stages over the six day festival. “It was a lot of work performing and rehearsing, yet fun and relaxing,” said Brydon, “The chocolate, food, and sightseeing were all great as well. It is very beautiful over there, but the German people were the best thing about the trip. We just love the people over there.”

A large variety of acts shared the stages with The Bretts, ranging from local German stars to fire shows and gospel groups, which included another Branson favorite, Voices of Glory. “This was our fourth time to perform at the festival, and it looks very positive that we will go again this year. We are excited to be back in Branson, and are preparing for an exciting 2012 show. We feel refreshed and ready for a great year!” said Brydon. The Bretts 2012 show opens on April 16th at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

More info about The Bretts visit: thebrettsshow.com
More info on Triberger Weihnachtszauber visit: http://www.triberger-weihnachtszauber.com/
To see videos of the festival: Video 1-Click Here, Video 2 – Click Here
To see photos of The Bretts performing: Photos 1 – Click Here, Photos 2 – Click Here
Information Contact: Joshua Hall 417-597-3185 or [email protected]

College of the Ozarks Hosts Associates Luncheon
By: Sarah Unruh

College of the Ozarks invites current Associates and those interested in becoming a member to attend the next Associates Luncheon on Monday, January 23, at 11:30 a.m., in the Silver Dollar City Parlor of The Keeter Center.

The Luncheon will include a buffet beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by a program at noon. Dr. Janice Williams, Director of the Nursing Program, along with several nursing students, will share about the Nursing Program.

The College of the Ozarks Associates is an organization comprised of over 350 individuals and businesses committed to the furtherance of the College’s interests and its efforts to provide higher education for deserving young men and women.

Associates seek to advance the objectives of the College through friends and corporate relationships. The Associates not only recognize the College’s unique contribution to higher education in the United States, but also the tremendous impact it has had economically and culturally in the Ozarks area of Southwest Missouri.

The cost of the luncheon is $15 per person. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 18, to the Development Office at 417-690-2209 or e-mail [email protected].

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. [email protected].

Opening January 2012
For the first time, an entire gallery will be dedicated to one of Titanic’s most popular, colorful passengers: Margaret “the Unsinkable Molly” Tobin Brown. You’ll see personal possessions, rare never-before-seen Molly Brown photographs, and priceless costumes Debbie Reynolds wore in the 1964 MGM hit movie musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
The Margaret Brown Collection is made possible through an exclusive arrangement with the Titanic legend’s great granddaughter, Helen Benziger.
For more information, please contact us at 800-381-7670.