Branson.com received the prestigious ‘Best U.S. Destination GeoDomain Award’ at the 2008 GeoDomain Expo held on July 10-12 at Chicago’s W Hotel City Center. The GeoDomain Expo, sponsored by Associated Geos and The Kelsey Group, is the largest and most important gathering of owners of the most successful U.S. and international ‘major city’ and ‘destination’ focused websites. Branson, MO (July 30, 2008) — Branson.com received the prestigious “Best U.S. Destination GeoDomain Award” at the 2008 GeoDomain Expo held on July 10-12 at Chicago’s W Hotel City Center. The GeoDomain Expo, sponsored by Associated Geos and The Kelsey Group, is the largest and most important gathering of owners of the most successful U.S. and international ‘major city’ and ‘destination’ focused websites.

On hand to accept the Best U.S. Destination GeoDomain Award for Branson.com were (from left) Projects Director Josh Stauffer, Owner and Founder Larry Milton, and Marketing Director Jeremia Froyland.

Branson.com’s Owner and Founder, Larry Milton, stated “I am very excited to accept this award on behalf of the entire Branson.com team. Our developers, project managers, creatives, analysts and sales managers have poured their collective hearts and souls into this site and this award is a testament to their hard work. Our focus has been to become the definitive source for all-things-Branson and, I am proud to say, that in just a little over two years of operation we have made a significant impact on our community.” Attendees of the 2008 Expo were given an opportunity to network with principals from more than 85 high-profile member websites and to participate in informative industry seminars and social events. Branson.com’s Director of Marketing, Jeremia Froyland, led a spirited presentation on Technology for GeoDomains. Among his subject areas were developmental strategies, content production, syndication, social media, metrics in the mobile markets, partnership development, widget/gadget technology features, inter-active maps, and online video.

Some of the other 2008 GeoDomain award winners were:

Best GeoDomain Technology – NewYorkCity.com Best U.S. City GeoDomain – Vegas.com Best International City GeoDomain – Acapulco.com Best U.S. State GeoDomain – Hawaii.com

About the 2008 GeoDomain Expo Sponsors:

Associated Geos (formerly Associated Cities) and its affiliated member network of over 110 innovative city and destination websites, offers targeted local content, activities and information for residents and travelers. Their extensive network reaches 6 Million monthly unique visitors delivering 60 Million impressions. The Kelsey Group is a leading provider of strategic research and analysis to help organizations evaluate business, social, economic and technology trends.

About Branson.com:

Branson.com is the most comprehensive web source for information about Branson, Missouri, one of America’s most popular vacation and leisure destination locations. Branson.com and its locally owned sister commerce sites, Branson Tourism Center, Branson Groups and Branson Travel Agency, are proven market leaders in providing Branson visitors with information, lodging, attractions, entertainment, travel and transportation solutions. Contact: Director of Marketing Branson.com 220 Branson Hills Parkway, Suite H Branson, MO. 65616 (417) 334-2360 x183

For Immediate Release: July 29, 2008

Contact Garry Ingram, Shoals Bend RV Resort
(417) 546-3000, [email protected]
www.shoalsbendrvpark.com

Shoals Bend RV Resort is rated one of the top RV Parks for 2008

Forsyth,Mo- Trailer Life Directory and The Good Sam Network has rated Shoals Bend RV Resort one of the top rated RV Parks in 2008. Of the more than 1650 parks in the network, Shoals Bend RV Resort has placed in the top 100.

“Achievement of this honor is a significant accomplishment” Says Marsha Monico, director, Trailer Life/Good Sam Network. “It takes a special commitment by management of a park to consistently maintain high standards in all areas of their operation. Attainment of a high rating in each of the three categories of the Trailer Life Rating System takes ongoing hard work and dedication.”

“It is an honor to receive this prestigious award” said Garry Ingram, Owner of Shoals Bend.

“We strive to make our guests feel as if they are visiting family when they come to our park. We will continue to strive to make our rv park a place you can bring the family and feel at home.”
Shoals Bend RV Resort is owned and operated by Garry and Debbie Ingram and is their fifth (and last) RV park.

On Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 noon, the Branson Veterans Task Force will observe Atomic Remembrance Day at the Golden Corral, 3551 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Following lunch provided by the restaurant, those who take part will attend the Rotary Meeting with special guests, The Original Comets, now playing at the American Bandstand Theater.

The ceremony commemorates the 63rd anniversary of the birth of the atomic bomb and recognizes all veterans who have been exposed to radiation in the line of military duty. In 2002, President George W. Bush declared July 16th as a national day for all military groups and veterans associated with nuclear programs.

Since July 16, 1945, 1,100+ nuclear weapon devices have been detonated by the U. S. More than 900 atomic detonation tests were in the State of Nevada. Two underground tests were on the outskirts of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Three were in the Aleutian Islands, while two were underwater tests off the coast of California. The remaining atmospheric tests were at select sites in the central and western Pacific Ocean. During this 63-year period, more than 450,000 U. S. military and civilian personnel participated in the U. S. sponsored atomic weapons tests, all chosen for the purposes of development, enhancement and testing of America’s nuclear program.

BVTF Board Member Dawn Easton is the chairperson for this event. The Branson Veterans Task Force holds activities year-round to commemorate important events in our history and to honor our veterans. The BVTF office is located at 138 Pointe Royale Drive in Branson. To contact the office call 417.337.8387 (417.337.VETS) or visit www.bransonveterans.com.

Rob Callahan founder of “The Honor Tour” will honor Andy Williams July 14, 2008 at the Moon River Grill. The presentation will begin at 12:30 (lunch). The Honor Tour goal is to take the WW II Veterans to see their memorial in Washington before they pass on. A year ago Andy did some public service announcements to raise money for this project. As a result Rob has several tours scheduled for this year. These trips are at no expense to the veterans. Most of the veterans would not be able to make this trip on their own. He is doing this for all the veterans in the state of Missouri. He will present Andy with a plaque and do a small presentation regarding the trips he takes. Right now Rob is doing this for the WW II Vets but as time and money becomes available he wants to extend it to the Korean War and Vietnam War Vets as well. The Moon River Grill is going to offer a 20% discount on lunch to any Veteran that will be there.

We need volunteers!!! Church Army Branson needs help with the:

Point in Time Count

Tuesday July 15th, 2008

Help us to make a difference in the community we live in and serve someone in need. We need your help in reaching out to our homeless brothers and sisters in Taney and Stone Counties, gathering their information so we can help to break the cycle of homelessness in Missouri. Come learn what you can do to help!

We will have volunteer meetings on Wednesday July 9th at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the offices of Church Army Branson, 501 S. 5th Street, Branson. For more info, or to sign up, please contact Christopher Welch 417-598-9240.

Sponsored by the Governor’s Committee to Homelessness (GCEH) in Missouri.

~Brooks Reunion Concert~
Bill Brooks, Randy Brooks, & Allen Asbury Team Up for
A Benefit Concert with Proceeds Going to the Caring People!

(Branson, Mo. 06-08) Bill and Randy Brooks, formerly of The Promise, believe in the song “Somebody’s Praying Me Through” especially when it comes to Single Moms.

This smash-hit song, recorded by their nephew, Allen Asbury, will be just one of the many hits Bill Brooks, Randy Brooks, & Allen Asbury perform at a benefit concert for the Caring People Sunday, July 20 at 8 pm at Tri-Lakes Church & Event Center.

The Caring People, founded by JoDee Herschend, reaches out to Single Moms in the Ozarks and encourages them with unconditional love and friendship on a weekly basis through Care Groups.

Bill and Randy are best known for bringing The Promise to Branson in 1995. Randy played Jesus in this dynamic, highly successful show.

Allen Asbury is no stranger to the Christian recording world. Allen has had two number one hits including “Somebody’s Praying Me Through”. This song was named as the theme for the 2003 National Day of Prayer and also for the Presidential Prayer Team.

Tickets for the July 20th benefit concert are $12 for adults and $35 for a family. For more information, contact Tri-Lakes Church & Event Center at 417.339.4041.

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Press Notes:
If you would like to schedule an interview with JoDee Herschend, founder of the Caring People, or with Cindy Shorey, Chief Operating Officer, please call Casey Rader at 417.334.0131.

Also, the Caring People has a press page where you can view past press releases, photos from events, and download our brochures and logo. Follow this link to visit the press page http://thecaringpeople.org/Resources/PressPage/tabid/420/Default.aspx.

Beginning Tuesday 15th July at 2 p.m.:

Get your Ivories Totally Tickled !!!

Internationally-flavored glitz, glamor, music and a heart-felt gratitude for his welcome to God’s country infuse this fun-filled Virtuoso’s musically-magical stage-show. Known for his outrageously entertaining antics at Myrtle Beach’s “Carolina Opry” these past 5 years – Jon will WOW you with his own fully-featured show at the Caravelle Theatre (on the Strip, next to Jim Stafford and across from Mickey Gilley’s) from Tuesday to Saturday at 2 p.m.

From London ~ (via Ellis Island and Myrtle Beach’s Carolina Opry!) ~ into the historic Caravelle Theatre in Branson, sails internationally acclaimed Virtuoso Entertainer Jon England who weaves an emotionally-rich web of melodic-memories from across the years that will honeycomb your heart, tease your tear-ducts and stir your soul.

Mirthful merriment, scintillating songs, awesome orchestrations, jaw-droppingly glitzy outfits and a deep-seated affection for his newly adopted home infuse this classy, engaging and lovable young star’s unforgettable show along with his special “Royal” guest who will “flabber-your-gast”. His world-wide career has seen him on Britain’s BBC, America’s NBC and ABC-TV networks and his own NPR Radio Show.

Come along, sing-a-long and laugh-a-long as YOU ‘become’ the show when YOUR personal feel-good favorites are RHAPSODIZED by Britain’s Best-Kept Secret whom everyone calls, “London’s Liberace” !

An incredible Patriotic Finale confirms Uncle Sam’s newest recruit’s Green Card credentials and will have you saying – “Welcome to the U.S.A.” to Jon, after the show – where signing autographs and a joyously personal approach are his trademarks.

Groups, Individuals, Families, Seniors, Church Groups, Veterans, Convention and Tour packages, ALL especially warmly-welcomed with discount packages ….and guaranteed to leave with your ivories Totally Tickled!!

Performing at the Caravelle Theatre next to Jim Stafford and across from Mickey Gilley! Located at 3446 W Hwy 76 on “the strip”. Performances at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Call 417-334-5100 during box office hours
or toll-free 888-269-8092 (24hr manned “Velvet Piano” hotline)

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.JonEngland.com

Press Conference Confirms that Branson’s Real Estate is Alive and Well

BRANSON, MO– A Press Conference held at StoneBridge Village and Resort on Thursday, June 19th proves that there’s still plenty of energy, excitement, and innovation yet to anticipate from the trendsetters who brought you Branson’s only private gated golf community and the world famous LedgeStone Championship Golf Course. Lunch was catered by Nicol’s Fine Dining, compliments of the developer, Missouri Partners, Inc. (MPI) as they unveiled their latest masterpiece to an eager audience.

The proposed additions to the renowned master planned community of StoneBridge Village and Resort make this an expansion worthy of the attention and accolades received during Thursday’s press conference. Missouri Partners Inc., proudly revealed a comprehensive plan that includes a new nine hole expansion to LedgeStone Championship Golf Course’s already impressive 18 hole course – making it Branson’s only 27 hole private golf course.

Steve Redford, owner and Chief Executive Officer of MPI, described LedgeStone’s planned expansion as, “we’re looking down the road and trying to determine what the trends will be in the marketplace.” Mr. Redford went on to explain that, “It’s necessary to increase the capacity of play for the future. I’ve found it to be a problem when an owner calls and can’t get a tee time.”

In addition to the new nine holes at LedgeStone, members will benefit from the new lakes and nature areas; the new gated 3-5 acre estate tracts; an additional lodge, condo and patio home area; and 100 acre deed restricted ranches with full access to StoneBridge amenities and Branson schools. This was made possible in part, through the purchase of an additional 300 acres of neighboring land.

Another important focus of the new development was the conservation of the green space in which they have allocated 25-30% to this end. The 100 acre restricted ranches are another area where the green belt is deed restricted in order to preserve the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

In Mr. Redford acknowledged the challenges of the current real estate market in stating, “The market will change. You don’t take a ten to fifteen year development and base it on an eight, ten, or even eighteen month period of time.” Mr. Redford finished with saying, “StoneBridge will come out better and our investors will see growth and orderly development.”

Missouri Partners, Inc., the developer of StoneBridge Village and Resort and LedgeStone Championship Golf Course, is a full-service commercial and residential development and sales company offering complete turnkey general contracting services throughout Southwest Missouri for the past 35 years.

Branson, MO ― Branson’s First Family of Entertainment, the Presleys, reveal their behind-the-scenes journey to becoming nationally-recognized Branson icons in the new book, “The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years” by Ron Marr.

Beginning with 10-year-old Lloyd Presley’s discovery of his brother’s guitar in 1934, “The Presley Family Story” spans 74 years of Ozarks musical history and is an inspiring testament of the American Dream.

“This community is forever indebted to the Presleys for their phenomenal contributions to Branson’s entertainment industry and for memorializing their legacy in this wonderful book,” said President and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Ross Summers.

Four generations of Presleys share their personal and often humorous tales of learning how to perform in front of an audience; building the family business from the ground up; and developing lasting relationships with their fellow cast members, and fans. “The Presley Family Story” is packed with 102 pages of never-before-shared family photos and personal interviews by award-winning author, Marr.

Lloyd’s oldest son Gary, co-producer and one of the original members of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, tells how his loveable hillbilly character, Herkimer, got his name in 1962. Lloyd’s younger son Steve, co-producer and drummer, reveals the show’s best early marketing hook. Gary’s wife Pat, and Steve’s wife Raeanne talk of the love they have for their families and their community, and about their less glamorous jobs in accounting, personnel management and wardrobe.

Lloyd’s wife Bessie Mae Presley, (1923-2007) and to whom the book is dedicated, told Marr shortly before her death ― that she tried to teach her children, by example, the value of hard work and perseverance.

Readers will cherish this book and delight in the way the author captures the warm and down-to-earth personality of each family member. Despite their tremendous success over the past 41 years, their friends and famous peers around the world know the Presleys as hard-working, humble people who enjoy fishing, golfing, and volunteering in their spare time.

Today, four generations of Presleys can be seen on stage each night in the same location where, in 1967, the family opened the first music theater on Branson’s now famous Strip.

Lloyd, who turns 84 years old on August 30, 2008, never imagined that Presleys’ Country Jubilee would someday become a landmark in a world-class entertainment destination, and his family’s story ― an inspiration to countless others boldly pursuing their dreams.

“The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years” is available at Presleys’ Country Jubilee in Branson, online at www.presleys.com, by calling (800) 335-4874, or at select bookstores.

Photo Caption: “The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years” by Ron Marr presents the remarkable story of Branson, Missouri’s First Family of Entertainment in 102-pages of interviews with Presley family members and never-before-shared photos.
Photo Credit: Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

Photo Editors: To download high-resolution photos of Presley family members and Presleys’ Country Jubilee, please visit http://www.presleys.com/newbook.html.

Branson, MO, May 28, 2008 – Branson’s most dynamic musical family, The Haygoods, are excited to announce that they are raising the bar with their ground-breaking 2009 season. These top-notch entertainers are proud to unveil two new projects—the purchase of their own state-of-the-art Branson theatre and the creation of their very own TV show—that are sure to delight audiences in Branson, as well as fans all over the world.

The Americana Theatre (across from the Presley’s Jubilee at 2905 West Highway 76), will undergo a million-dollar renovation, emerging for its Grand Opening on March 7, 2009 with a new look, new features, and new name worthy to house the all-new interactive Haygood experience. Audiences will be wowed by this indescribable entertainment adventure, which combines the Haygoods’ own brand of musical magic with state-of-the-art effects, heart-pumping sound, and effervescent energy that cannot be contained. When pure musical talent meets cutting-edge performance, the result is sure to be an electrifying ride of song, rhythm, and sound that the Haygoods’ audiences won’t soon forget.

This award-winning, family musical entertainment group, consisting of seven spirited brothers and one vivacious sister, has performed over 10,000 shows for more than 4,000,000 people during their momentous Branson career. The Haygoods, whose powerhouse performances can be seen throughout 2008 at the Music City Centre, are poised to make the jump from Branson’s best kept secret to breakout stars with the debut of their much-awaited TV show in 2009.

Vibrant and innovative, The Haygoods unbelievable harmonic feats and captivating on-stage antics have delighted Branson audiences for 18 years and will next wow viewers of the CW network with The Haygood family show! The weekly show will be broadcast across the Midwest and will include a mixture of exuberant Haygood antics and the group’s stunning live performances. Branson guests will not only be treated to the Haygoods high-octane stage performances but also be a part of the filming of their live television show as well!! Happy to include audiences who have given the group so much in their new show, Haygoods member Dominic Haygood credits the support of the group’s fans and the Branson community for making the group’s newest endeavors possible.

The Haygoods are excited to put Branson on the map for a whole new audience with their all-new 2009 television show, bringing a new demographic to the town that is sure to benefit the Branson community. As Timothy Haygood explains, the group is excited to give back to Branson: “We are so proud to be investing in our community. We love Branson and can’t wait for everyone to see the newly remodeled Americana theatre. It will be a great addition to the Branson strip!”

THE HAYGOODS CAN CURRENTLY BE SEEN NIGHTLY THROUGH THE END OF 2008 AT THE MUSIC CITY CENTRE IN BRANSON MO!!!