Wow, great start to the first of the year. We've grabbed over 1,000 regular readers. This isn't as impressive to me as who reads this publication. Traffic from several major publication and Jefferson City were noted today..hmmmmm
Branson Has Some New Things Coming This Season - Here's the Lowdown from the Chamber as is:
• Andy Williams and Glen Campbell perform together again at The Moon River Theatre.
• The Welk Resort Theater hosts B.B. King, The King of the Blues, February 18-19; Ronnie McDowell, March 4-5; Ray Price, April 5-6; The Welk Reunion Show, Sept. 5-9; and Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood together in November and December.
• The musical The Promise returns to Branson and can be seen during the 3 pm time slot at Mansion America Theatre.
• The Branson Variety Theater presents “I Can’t Stop Loving You, The Music of Ray Charles Lives On” (April – Oct.); Debbie Reynolds (Sept.19-Sept. 22); Frankie Avalon and Brenda Lee together (Sept. 26 – 29 & Oct. 3 – 6); Neil Sedaka (Oct. 17 – 20); and Bobby Vinton Christmas Concert (Nov. 1– Dec. 8)
• Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex presents Rock Legends of the 50s and 60s. Grammy Award-winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Comets, Fabian, Bobby Vee, The Chiffons, Brian Hyland, Chris Montez, Gary Lewis and The Playboys and others will perform. The complex will house The Patch Collection in a 32,000 square foot exhibit that takes visitors on a walk down memory lane through lifestyle displays that recreate the mood and spirit of 1957, including a museum-quality collection of classic cars, all vintage 1957. The complex will also include a 12,000 square foot Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill.
• The Grand Palace presents Martina McBride with special guest The Warren Brothers (March 10); Merle Haggard (March 11); Regis Philbin (April 7); and George Jones (June 17).
• The nationally-known touring bluegrass band, Goldwing Express, is moving to the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre for Bluegrass and BBQ with Goldwing Express at 5pm.
• “Liverpool Legends” open at the Caravelle Theatre. They are the only Beatles Tribute Band endorsed by Louise Harrison, sister of George Harrison.
• Bart Rockett, illusionist, ventriloquist, magician and musician, returns to Branson and can be seen at Hwy. 76 at The Bart Rockett Theater. He’ll be joined by #1 Hits of the 60’s
• The Kirby Van Burch magic/variety show moves to the theater at 2353 State Hwy 248.
Attractions
• In the tradition of the magnificent expositions showcasing the technological wonders of the late 19th Century, Silver Dollar City presents an all-new development for 2006 – the Grand Exposition! An $8 million expansion in a new region of the theme park, the Grand Exposition recreates the pageantry of a triumphant American tour of discovery, including 10 new family rides that soar, whirl and fly.
• Celebration City partners with leaders in kids’ entertainment to present new family adventures for 2006, from interactive movie fun from Movie Magic to the extreme sport of Mountain Boarding. A whole new section of the park is added to accommodate the big-air outdoor Mountain Boards show, showcasing the freestyle athletics of this sport combining the movements of skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing and mountain biking in an exciting, high-flying extreme stunt show. Also new, movie fun takes center stage with Movie Magic: Lights, Camera, Action and YOU! – the live show that lets kids star in great movies like “The Pink Panther”, “Legally Blonde”, “Agent Cody Banks” and “Rocky.” America’s favorite vegetables Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and all their Veggie friends star when VeggieTales premiers two new movies at Celebration City. Kids can meet Bob and Larry after the movie, and also build LEGO structures from castles to race cars in a new LEGO activity area.
• Silver Dollar City adds a 6th dynamic festival, Southern Gospel Picnic (Aug. 31 – Sept. 10), to its world-class events throughout the year. Southern Gospel Picnic features the sweet sounds of Southern Gospel music and a golden fried chicken spread with all the fixin’s.
• Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest (April 6 – May 7) presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the highly-acclaimed Moscow Circus.
• Silver Dollar City’s The Bluegrass & BBQ Festival (May 13 – June 4) features a special appearance by the legendary Ricky Skaggs.
• Silver Dollar City’s National Kids’ Fest, (June 9– Aug. 20) welcomes Jim Fowler and his exotic animals to the stage, along with Extreme Parrots and Purina’s K-9s.
• Titanic: The World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction, on Hwy. 76 across from Legends Family Theater, features re-creations of first class staterooms, third class austere accommodations, the Grand Staircase, plus an interactive area for passengers to experience the touch of an iceberg. Visitors can view over 400 priceless artifacts and will be able to share the personal, heroic and tragic stories of its passengers. Opening is set for March 8. Regis Philbin will christen the ship on April 7.
• The Track Family Amusement Center opens a new location on Green Mountain Drive behind The Grand Palace featuring Andy’s Frozen Custard and a 10,000 square foot arcade.
• Grand Country Square hosts the Grand Country Open Pro Mini-Golf Tournament on April 8.
Developments
• Opening in 2006, Branson Landing will offer 95 acres of exciting shopping, dining, a luxurious Hilton hotel, condominiums, active marinas and a new town square. At the heart of the Landing is a town square large enough to accommodate 5,000 guests for festivals and music events and featuring a $7.5 million spectacular attraction that synchronizes water, light, sound and fire, created by Wet Design, the producers of world-class shows for Downtown Disney Marketplace in Orlando, Universal City Walk in California and the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Branson Landing will also feature a scenic boardwalk along the 1.5-mile Taneycomo lakefront. In addition, in 2007, the all-new Branson Convention Center and Hilton Convention Center Hotel, both managed by Hilton Hotels, will provide the Midwest’s newest and most entertaining business gathering destination.
• The Branson Hills subdivision, under construction in 2006, will offer 1,995 homes, condominiums and apartments. The development will feature a 63,000-square-foot shopping center.
• The newest addition to Branson’s golf courses is The Tribute, an 18-hole Bobby Clampett signature course designed to honor the late Payne Stewart. Located in the new Branson Hills subdivision, the course will open in spring 2007.
• Chateau on the Lake Resort and Conference Center opens the Spa Chateau, an 18,000 square foot, $5.5 million addition to their AAA four-diamond property on Table Rock Lake. Features include 11 treatment rooms, lounges, locker rooms, saunas, steam rooms, six pedicure stations, eight manicure stations, a yoga studio, a two-story waterfall in the lobby, an outdoor patio with co-ed Jacuzzi, and much more.
Dining
• Branson’s IMAX® and McFarlain’s Restaurant present the first Montana Mike’s Steakhouse in Missouri at the intersection of Hwy. 76 and Gretna Road
• Branson Landing’s new waterfront dining options will range from gourmet restaurants to themed restaurants to intimate cafes.
• The Majestic Steakhouse, at the corner of Gretna Road and Roark Valley Road, treats guests to fine center-cut steaks and seafood.
• Traditional Italian recipes and authentic dishes at Tony Z’s Ristorante are served in an elegant and romantic setting on Hwy. 165 near the Welk Resort.
Shops
• The 65,000 square foot Branson Mill Craft Village on Gretna Rd. near Factory Shoppes at Branson Meadows includes anchor tenant Mountain Man Nut and Fruit, 150 craft exhibits, and on-site working craftsmen.
• Bass Pro Shops at Branson Landing will feature a 65,000 square foot retail store, operating marina and lakefront restaurant.
• Belk Department Store at Branson Landing will offer 68,000 square feet of ready-to-wear apparel, accessories, shoes, cosmetics, gifts, home furnishings and more.
• Branson Landing will offer a total of more than 400,000 square feet of national brand name shops, galleries and specialty gift shops.
• Branson Hills Plaza shopping center includes Target, TJ Maxx, Home Depot and other retail shops and restaurants.
Events
• “WELCOME HOME 2006” will be held June 11-18, 2006. The week-long celebration is designed to show respect and appreciation for America’s heroes by honoring our often forgotten Vietnam Veterans.
Bass Pro Branson Landing
Member of the Bass Pro Fishing team were in attendance at the ground breaking ceremony Branson Landing. Unfortunately, this is an event that I wasn't able to be as discreet as I like to be. The face of the Bass Pro shop is still evolving. But it sounds really amazing. Here's some of the details picked up today -
Major Elements
1. Floating Restaurant
2. Ability to Test Drive Boats
3. Classes and Conservation Exhibits
4. Antique feel using area "artifacts"
Huffman spoke in a separate interview about water taxis - water rides and two companies bidding on a "marina" contract. A clip of the interview is available on the Branson EDGE.
Video Clips (These are not in a streaming format and take a while to download)
Branson Landing Water Features Interview with Richard Huffman
This one is really hard to hear but the entire Bass Pro project details are outlined.
Branson Landing - Interesting Photos
It's with great certainty that the Branson Landing festivities - the Bass Pro groundbreaking will be followed with an inspiring video. The Branson Landing pictures you see here are not available anywhere - a set of work frozen in time. It's raw and there are errors - poor photos and dead links. The download times are huge and some of the links are dead. The owner of the site apologies and asks for bug reports where found.
Branson Landing - Bass Pro
Bass Pro is breaking ground tomorrow at the Branson Landing. It should be a good show. The above rendering is the Bass Pro version of the Landing.
Branson Edge will be posting 104 pictures of the Branson Landing tonight - should be interesting.
Branson's Own Roy Blunt
We got to see the softer, gentler side of Roy Blunt this week as he promised to reform corruption among Washinton Lobbyists. The Democrats had a heyday citing his connection to Delay and his brand of cohorts. Political Analyst Gou Karadi once commented, "The problem with American Politics is they don't acknowledge bribery the way other countries do". Roy Blunt's has risen to leadership positions within our country quickly and currently boasts the position of house majority leader with a number of firsts for his party and age. He's led an impressive career, but, will his affilliation with lobbyists - such as his wife - a famous tobacco lobbyist - and 2 other members of his family being lobbyists provide enough pressure for the Republican party to give him the boot?
Let's face it - Corruption and Politics aren't a surprise to anyone. Perhaps, being so close to the action will give unique insight on how we can control curruption and further bribery scandal. Afterall, the one party rule of today could shift tomorrow - to another parties rule. Someone with the knowledge Blunt has - given the right bribe (top position) could really make a substantial difference in our recent trend of organized political bribery. Certainly, this is the card Roy will play. Just to be clear - Roy Blunt has never been accused of wrong doing before the Democrats very nasty press release from Jefferson City this morning.
I was taking a look at some of the last few years of Branson's Political Contributions. which led me to do some research into Roy Blunt's political funding. His support from our region is unmatched. Open secrets reports funding for Blunt Came from these Zip Codes
65804 (Springfield, MO) $347,682
65809 (Springfield, MO) $341,007
65802 (Springfield, MO) $108,160
64836 (Carthage, MO) $90,125
65742 (Rogersville, MO) $86,774
64804 (Joplin, MO) $81,132
65536 (LEBANON, MO) $79,100
65807 (Springfield, MO) $70,506
63124 (Saint Louis, MO) $63,300
63131 (Saint Louis, MO) $60,700
65806 (Springfield, MO) $59,547
65616 (Branson, MO) $54,822
65810 (Springfield, MO) $53,925
65605 (Aurora, MO) $44,527
65808 (Springfield, MO) $43,759
65801 (Springfield, MO) $38,850
64801 (Joplin, MO) $38,150
63105 (Saint Louis, MO) $36,500
65613 (BOLIVAR, MO) $32,950
65686 (KIMBERLING CITY, MO) $31,95
As I was saying - Roy Blunt is our man.
BB KING Plays Branson
BB King the legendary Blues performer will be playing in Branson Missouri Febrausry 18th. I don't really think he needs a bio but if you're under 12 he's the guy in the diabetes commercial with the steel guitar. BB King will Be performing at the Welk Theatre - bringing with him that which he has everyday - the blues come to Branson. Note** The last time I saw BB King was at the Humboldt Brewery in 92. It was a great show for an intimate crowd. Newspapers - take my advice - send female reporters.
Confessions of a Time-Share Salesman
Two weeks ago I wrote a very emotional post which was temporarily pulled. As a reporter there are many topics, issues, circumstances and details which are kept from public view.
This year I estimate that I'll publish over 400 Web pages with an average of 500 words on each page. The 200,000 words published will be on a variety of different Websites with different rules. Here, in the "blogoshpere", we live by a code. What we publish has to stay published - therefore I have an obligation to republish the article I have previously pulled.
View on the Timeshare Industry
Over my time in Branson I've developed a great disrespect for an industry with a foothold, tradition and culture of fraud. The product they sell has such little value that it's illegal to call a 30,000 dollar purchase and investment an investment. Actually, the purchase of this product almost guarantees a liabiltity for generations to come. The "con" you pull on our cities tourists often result in a purchase of thousands of dollars for a product in the end they beg or pay someone to take. It's a bit sickening and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Living here, this is something rarely reported on. The token company is prosecuted once a year as a warning. The ratio of fees paid to the government and money generated from dishonorable business practices are a million to 1 - in other words as long as selling air is so profitable - they probably won't stop. Fortunately, Attorney General Action slows the industry down as it sheds light on who and what this industry does. The last thing they want is light shed on who they are and what they do - an industry where truth makes for bad business.
I assert the the character or the lack of character that defines this industry has substantial effect on our moral economy. The dishonorable acts served daily appear in papers accross the country - or you can watch them firsthand here in Branson, Missouri - if you have the stomach. Those trained to do these companies dirty deeds do not remain unaffected. Many of these men start as good men - honest men - many leave as they learn the truth about the peddled product. Some stay after they learn the truth, afterall, we all have to feed our families.
Personally, I don't have a problem with it - at least not enough to take the time to write a diatribe - until - once in a while - when a man stands and says "our evil is good". The particular man I'm speaking of was conducting an abhorrable act in the process.
On New Years Eve a timeshare salesman fed a concoction of cocaine and extasy to a pregnant woman. A fellow timeshare employee was shipped from the east coast to share in the sacrifice - the body of the impregnated woman.
The woman offered was carrying the child of someone so close - he could only be considered family. I would have treated this child as if it were my own. An execution by vacuum is scheduled shortly and leaves me with great anxiety. I wouldn't call it murder but something is going to die and you've taken a huge part in making sure this death happens.
I don't want to chase you - humliate you or cause you undo harm. What you do on a daily basis and the shame you bring to my community will inevitably be your industries downfall. Your other activities that's your business, but, keep far from my family.
What I'm saying is - specifially - stay away from my daughter. You are not allowed in her presence. I'm asking you nicely to avoid legal action, trouble or even time spent addressing what's already been forgiven - I want to avoid unneccesary trouble for the both of us. What you represent is something I want to protect her from - something I want far from her life.
I'm sure somewhere inside you - there is a good man - after all you were created and are ultimately a child of God. Though, today it's really hard for me to see past what you represent in the present - one who steals - one who kills.
This year I estimate that I'll publish over 400 Web pages with an average of 500 words on each page. The 200,000 words published will be on a variety of different Websites with different rules. Here, in the "blogoshpere", we live by a code. What we publish has to stay published - therefore I have an obligation to republish the article I have previously pulled.
View on the Timeshare Industry
Over my time in Branson I've developed a great disrespect for an industry with a foothold, tradition and culture of fraud. The product they sell has such little value that it's illegal to call a 30,000 dollar purchase and investment an investment. Actually, the purchase of this product almost guarantees a liabiltity for generations to come. The "con" you pull on our cities tourists often result in a purchase of thousands of dollars for a product in the end they beg or pay someone to take. It's a bit sickening and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Living here, this is something rarely reported on. The token company is prosecuted once a year as a warning. The ratio of fees paid to the government and money generated from dishonorable business practices are a million to 1 - in other words as long as selling air is so profitable - they probably won't stop. Fortunately, Attorney General Action slows the industry down as it sheds light on who and what this industry does. The last thing they want is light shed on who they are and what they do - an industry where truth makes for bad business.
I assert the the character or the lack of character that defines this industry has substantial effect on our moral economy. The dishonorable acts served daily appear in papers accross the country - or you can watch them firsthand here in Branson, Missouri - if you have the stomach. Those trained to do these companies dirty deeds do not remain unaffected. Many of these men start as good men - honest men - many leave as they learn the truth about the peddled product. Some stay after they learn the truth, afterall, we all have to feed our families.
Personally, I don't have a problem with it - at least not enough to take the time to write a diatribe - until - once in a while - when a man stands and says "our evil is good". The particular man I'm speaking of was conducting an abhorrable act in the process.
On New Years Eve a timeshare salesman fed a concoction of cocaine and extasy to a pregnant woman. A fellow timeshare employee was shipped from the east coast to share in the sacrifice - the body of the impregnated woman.
The woman offered was carrying the child of someone so close - he could only be considered family. I would have treated this child as if it were my own. An execution by vacuum is scheduled shortly and leaves me with great anxiety. I wouldn't call it murder but something is going to die and you've taken a huge part in making sure this death happens.
I don't want to chase you - humliate you or cause you undo harm. What you do on a daily basis and the shame you bring to my community will inevitably be your industries downfall. Your other activities that's your business, but, keep far from my family.
What I'm saying is - specifially - stay away from my daughter. You are not allowed in her presence. I'm asking you nicely to avoid legal action, trouble or even time spent addressing what's already been forgiven - I want to avoid unneccesary trouble for the both of us. What you represent is something I want to protect her from - something I want far from her life.
I'm sure somewhere inside you - there is a good man - after all you were created and are ultimately a child of God. Though, today it's really hard for me to see past what you represent in the present - one who steals - one who kills.
Jobs at the Landing
This flyer was picked up in front of corporate headquarters Branson Landing. By the way the 400 million dollar project is looking amazing and Belk's became the first company to hang a logo last week. Back to the pictures at hand. Apparently, if you can't read the fine print - Killians - a local uber-developer isn't paying union folk - so they sent out union members to protest ...like the union should right? Curious about the visitors to my town I asked about the union...what Huffman did wrong etc...when the issue of Union benefits came up. Apparently, the two union-strikers seen above aren't eligible for union benefits (they didn't know until I asked which caused and embarrasment for all of us)
Jobs
The Hilton Branson has a job-fair in Harrison this weekend
Urban Retail suggested there may be a job fair in 6 weeks
Silver Dollar City is opening earlyh
A lot of you have been inquiring about jobs here in Branson. Things don't really pick up until March at which time labor is needed in great abundance. Feel free to contact me about specific questions.
MTV Will Bend to Us - Donald Ross - Scrybe for God
Scrybe and Gear are two of the most visible artists in the midwest and for over a decade they've dominated the urban scenary of Kansas City with powerful imagery, lettering and charactures with underlying political and religous expression. Over the past couple of years they've gone their separate paths to fine tune and pursue thier artistic visions - each with it's own power an purpose. Their story will be published in a future version of the Branson EDGE so I'll spare you the detail's here.
Speaking with these two artists has the same affect on me as the countless hours I've spent in the city exploring their artwork. It's hard not to walk away without being inspired. It's like eating soul food.
The painting above is the work of Donald Ross aka Scrybe. Master's of one of the three elements of hip-hop means they get a lot of heat and pressure from the community to act within certain guidelines.
Recently, Donald has recieved a lot of attention from the religious community as the underlying messages of his work have become less "low key" and more overt. The last collaborative show I was able to attend was at the Jewish Community Center in Johnson County - Kansas City.
Yesterday, while speaking to Scrybe he mentioned that he's been getting requests from churches to do pieces for youth centers. He noted, "Some want me to make pieces that look like people broke in and did a bunch of Jesus graffiti". Scrybe spoke of the challenge and message this might be giving the youth. He speaks with authority having had many of his pieces featured on MTV. The truth we speak is cool - he notes. "We don't have to follow MTV - they will follow us - cause what we are - what we believe is cool".
If you don't have time to walk the streets of KC you can check out some of Scribe's pieces online.
Scribe and Gear's crew ATT will have a book of thier street art released in a few months.
Scribe / Gear - thank you for your work - and serving us with a perpetual source of faith - hope and inspiration.
Branson Critic - Great Google Mash-up!!
I was working on this earlier in the year...but these guys beat me to it!
I just wanted to say great job to the Branson Critic on thier Google Map integration.. good Job Guys!
http://www.bransoncritic.com
I just wanted to say great job to the Branson Critic on thier Google Map integration.. good Job Guys!
http://www.bransoncritic.com
Missouri Legislative Agenga
Every Newspaper accross the state printed this one - so I thought I'd follow...
ABORTION
Various bills again propose more restrictions on abortions. This year's debate is likely to include access to emergency contraceptives and whether pharmacists should have the right to refuse to fill such prescriptions.
BUDGET
A newly enacted school funding formula will kick in, calling for a $115 million increase in money for public schools. The Medicaid health care program for the poor continues to require more money, even after cutting some people from the program. Funding for higher education remains below its level of several years ago.
EMINENT DOMAIN
A task force appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt has recommended tougher standards for taking people's property through the use of eminent domain - a reaction to a June 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Connecticut case that upheld the government taking of private property for developments that will generate more taxes.
ETHANOL
The Republican governor and Democratic House members both back a requirement that all gasoline sold in Missouri contain a 10 percent ethanol mixture.
GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION
A commission appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt has recommended 85 ways to restructure state government, including making the lower and higher education directors accountable to the governor instead of independent commissions. Other suggestions include expanding the size of the transportation commission and merging securities, banking and insurance regulation into one department.
MEDICAID
A year after cutting or reducing Medicaid benefits for hundreds of thousands of low-income parents, elderly and disabled, the Legislature will consider whether to restart coverage for the working disabled and restore benefits such as wheelchair batteries. Lawmakers also will consider the recommendations of a legislative committee on ways to overhaul the Medicaid program.
SCHOOL BUSES
Gov. Matt Blunt wants lawmakers to require lap-shoulder seat belts on all new school buses and come up with a funding source so school districts aren't stuck with the cost.
SCHOOL SPENDING
Gov. Matt Blunt has proposed a statewide vote on whether to require public school districts to spend at least 65 percent of their money on items related to classroom instruction.
SEX OFFENDERS
Legislative leaders and Gov. Matt Blunt are backing proposals to require certain child sex offenders to serve at least 25 years in prison.
STEM CELLS
With a prospective ballot initiative protecting stem cell research as a backdrop, legislators are likely to again debate proposals either banning or specifically allowing a controversial form of early stem cell research.
ABORTION
Various bills again propose more restrictions on abortions. This year's debate is likely to include access to emergency contraceptives and whether pharmacists should have the right to refuse to fill such prescriptions.
BUDGET
A newly enacted school funding formula will kick in, calling for a $115 million increase in money for public schools. The Medicaid health care program for the poor continues to require more money, even after cutting some people from the program. Funding for higher education remains below its level of several years ago.
EMINENT DOMAIN
A task force appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt has recommended tougher standards for taking people's property through the use of eminent domain - a reaction to a June 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Connecticut case that upheld the government taking of private property for developments that will generate more taxes.
ETHANOL
The Republican governor and Democratic House members both back a requirement that all gasoline sold in Missouri contain a 10 percent ethanol mixture.
GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION
A commission appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt has recommended 85 ways to restructure state government, including making the lower and higher education directors accountable to the governor instead of independent commissions. Other suggestions include expanding the size of the transportation commission and merging securities, banking and insurance regulation into one department.
MEDICAID
A year after cutting or reducing Medicaid benefits for hundreds of thousands of low-income parents, elderly and disabled, the Legislature will consider whether to restart coverage for the working disabled and restore benefits such as wheelchair batteries. Lawmakers also will consider the recommendations of a legislative committee on ways to overhaul the Medicaid program.
SCHOOL BUSES
Gov. Matt Blunt wants lawmakers to require lap-shoulder seat belts on all new school buses and come up with a funding source so school districts aren't stuck with the cost.
SCHOOL SPENDING
Gov. Matt Blunt has proposed a statewide vote on whether to require public school districts to spend at least 65 percent of their money on items related to classroom instruction.
SEX OFFENDERS
Legislative leaders and Gov. Matt Blunt are backing proposals to require certain child sex offenders to serve at least 25 years in prison.
STEM CELLS
With a prospective ballot initiative protecting stem cell research as a backdrop, legislators are likely to again debate proposals either banning or specifically allowing a controversial form of early stem cell research.
Note to the Branson Chamber
When my readership was quite a bit smaller I made some critical comments about the Branson Chamber of Commerce. It's very easy to be critical when you have a "small niche" that you specialize in.
An article came out yesterday in the Springfield Business Journal regarding the Branson Chamber's online budget....
Online ads boost Branson CVB's Web traffic
By Jill Slack-Henry
Springfield Business Journal Contributor
1/2/2006
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site has seen a 49 percent increase in visitors through November compared to last year. The increase was due in part to the chamber's increased online advertising budget, said Dan Lennon, vice president of marketing and public relations.
The online advertising budget for 2005 was more than $200,000, triple what it was three years ago.
Lennon said his organization elected to spend less on paid search placement because the Branson Chamber/CVB was coming up relatively close to the top in organic searches for free. An organic search is when key words are randomly typed into a search engine such as Google.
Relying on organic searches has freed up money for placing online banner ads on sites in the Branson Chamber/CVB's key markets: Kansas City; St. Louis; Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Little Rock and Fort Smith, Ark.
Other area businesses are slow to catch on to the idea of using advertising specifically to draw clients to a Web site.
Brent Atterberry, owner of AdBuilders, a full-service advertising agency, said few clients are asking specifically about online advertising opportunities to drive Web traffic.
"Most people have the 'Field of Dreams' attitude about their Web site: 'If I build it, they will come,'" Atterberry said.
Ron Marshall, owner of Greenleaf Marketing LLC, said local agencies haven't really embraced using online advertising to boost Web traffic.
"I don't mean to say I'm not going to keep my eye on it and it won't change but, frankly, when people go to a Web site they're on a search mission, kind of browsing things, and they don't click through too much to the ads," he said.
Darin Codon, an independent consultant in Branson, disagrees. He conducts research for his clients and creates and implements online marketing strategies.
"I think what (business owners) realize is … tourists are more sophisticated than a lot of the owners themselves," he said. "They see the value and they know that it's important."
That value includes determining the best keywords for clients to bid on in hopes of luring clicks by Web surfers interested in their products or services. Clients then pay the Google Adwords program for each click that generates a visit to its Web site.
Such diversification is best, according to consultant Codon, rather than using just one method, such as banners or paid search placement such as Google Adwords. He suggests allowing a Web designer or consultant to optimize a Web site so that it will rank high in an organic search.
"Optimization is the only thing that I've seen really be effective," Marshall said. "You pay to be one that comes up on the first few pages of the search...
Budgets and results
Herschend Family Entertainment's online advertising budget is small, said Janet Eller, marketing manager, who declined to share figures.
"We're taking a walk-before-we-run approach," she said, adding that results seem favorable. "We know that we've sold more tickets. Every year, we sell more tickets online. Next year we're hoping to get a gage of whether it's incremental and if it's coming from online sales. This year we really don't have those numbers."
Web lingo
Organic search engines are the well-known traditional search sites that use automated programs called "spiders" or "robots" to index (reference) a Web site based on its content. The information indexed goes into large databases – effectively an Internet roadmap. Position cannot be bought, but it can be influenced via search engine optimization. Almost all organic search engines now include pay-per-click listings. Example organic engines include Google, Yahoo!, AskJeeves/Teoma, Mirago and InfoSpace.
Search engine optimization is the ongoing restructuring of online content through which content is carefully rewritten from the search engine's point of view. Following search engine optimization, the search engine will rank a page higher for relevant searches.
Source: Search Engine Professionals
An article came out yesterday in the Springfield Business Journal regarding the Branson Chamber's online budget....
Online ads boost Branson CVB's Web traffic
By Jill Slack-Henry
Springfield Business Journal Contributor
1/2/2006
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site has seen a 49 percent increase in visitors through November compared to last year. The increase was due in part to the chamber's increased online advertising budget, said Dan Lennon, vice president of marketing and public relations.
The online advertising budget for 2005 was more than $200,000, triple what it was three years ago.
Lennon said his organization elected to spend less on paid search placement because the Branson Chamber/CVB was coming up relatively close to the top in organic searches for free. An organic search is when key words are randomly typed into a search engine such as Google.
Relying on organic searches has freed up money for placing online banner ads on sites in the Branson Chamber/CVB's key markets: Kansas City; St. Louis; Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Little Rock and Fort Smith, Ark.
Other area businesses are slow to catch on to the idea of using advertising specifically to draw clients to a Web site.
Brent Atterberry, owner of AdBuilders, a full-service advertising agency, said few clients are asking specifically about online advertising opportunities to drive Web traffic.
"Most people have the 'Field of Dreams' attitude about their Web site: 'If I build it, they will come,'" Atterberry said.
Ron Marshall, owner of Greenleaf Marketing LLC, said local agencies haven't really embraced using online advertising to boost Web traffic.
"I don't mean to say I'm not going to keep my eye on it and it won't change but, frankly, when people go to a Web site they're on a search mission, kind of browsing things, and they don't click through too much to the ads," he said.
Darin Codon, an independent consultant in Branson, disagrees. He conducts research for his clients and creates and implements online marketing strategies.
"I think what (business owners) realize is … tourists are more sophisticated than a lot of the owners themselves," he said. "They see the value and they know that it's important."
That value includes determining the best keywords for clients to bid on in hopes of luring clicks by Web surfers interested in their products or services. Clients then pay the Google Adwords program for each click that generates a visit to its Web site.
Such diversification is best, according to consultant Codon, rather than using just one method, such as banners or paid search placement such as Google Adwords. He suggests allowing a Web designer or consultant to optimize a Web site so that it will rank high in an organic search.
"Optimization is the only thing that I've seen really be effective," Marshall said. "You pay to be one that comes up on the first few pages of the search...
Budgets and results
Herschend Family Entertainment's online advertising budget is small, said Janet Eller, marketing manager, who declined to share figures.
"We're taking a walk-before-we-run approach," she said, adding that results seem favorable. "We know that we've sold more tickets. Every year, we sell more tickets online. Next year we're hoping to get a gage of whether it's incremental and if it's coming from online sales. This year we really don't have those numbers."
Web lingo
Organic search engines are the well-known traditional search sites that use automated programs called "spiders" or "robots" to index (reference) a Web site based on its content. The information indexed goes into large databases – effectively an Internet roadmap. Position cannot be bought, but it can be influenced via search engine optimization. Almost all organic search engines now include pay-per-click listings. Example organic engines include Google, Yahoo!, AskJeeves/Teoma, Mirago and InfoSpace.
Search engine optimization is the ongoing restructuring of online content through which content is carefully rewritten from the search engine's point of view. Following search engine optimization, the search engine will rank a page higher for relevant searches.
Source: Search Engine Professionals
Branson Are You Listening?
The purpose of this blog was for a number of reasons far from the massive audience revieved over the last few months. Wow...
Really, it was to start some chatter. You know, like in baseball...
hey batter batter.
However, I can understand why a site such as this would get so much traffic.
When it comes to editorial integrity, sometimes, I feel like the last man standing.
hey batter batter ....
I was reading an article the other day from the Springfield News-Leader. Are they a newspaper or just a giant advertisment for a few corporate interests?
hey batter batter.....
hey batter batter.....
I was hoping to get some work out of it. You know, something that's both honorable with a wage I can actually feed my family with. That leaves out every time share company ...and in terms of wage - I can't really work for the Herchends ...and the TIFF funds...corporate welfare for more minimum wage jobs?
hey batter batter.....
hey batter batter.....
There's a house in Rockaway Beach, smaller then the "shack" at the end of Silver Dollar City. Five people live in it...one infant - "ain't barely got 'nough taeat" - it's so tiny at two the kid can't walk.
hey batter batter
hey batter batter
Here's the scoop from Branson's best-$25,000 laid down to eat dinner with the man. 2 million to stop a cities "immoral" choice of industry. $125 million to build an expansion over the winter. It would be nice if you could build on the East side...save some PAC funds ...expand traffic throughout the county and a battle that will go on for years ...a county divided. In the process you could bring some hope, jobs and peace.
hey batter batter
hey batter batter
And pretty much, as long as you let an industry run your town who proves day after day a total disregard for our visitors well being....you have no moral authority.
hey batter batter
To a certain minister, I want you to know - In China, those who don't pay debts are thrown in prison. Sometimes, beaten - even worse. Find out where the bucket is leaking. Please, there's no way out of this one. Pay the vendor - you'll save a man's life.
Hey batter batter
Hey batter batter
To the time-share salesman from bluegreen that fed a woman a concoction of Cocaine and Extasy over the New Year's Holiday - these drugs were fed to one who might not make it.
I understand that in your profession deception is both neccesary and fundamental to success. A cat and mouse game between state and federal agencies has led you to find new forms of fraud. Though your tactics change you bring one thing to our community -
Constant shame.
It's not just my community, actually, we're one of the best. It's the world today and enough to make a man drop to his knees in tears - enough to make a man pray to God. Help us Lord forgive us for what we do....
SWING
Really, it was to start some chatter. You know, like in baseball...
hey batter batter.
However, I can understand why a site such as this would get so much traffic.
When it comes to editorial integrity, sometimes, I feel like the last man standing.
hey batter batter ....
I was reading an article the other day from the Springfield News-Leader. Are they a newspaper or just a giant advertisment for a few corporate interests?
hey batter batter.....
hey batter batter.....
I was hoping to get some work out of it. You know, something that's both honorable with a wage I can actually feed my family with. That leaves out every time share company ...and in terms of wage - I can't really work for the Herchends ...and the TIFF funds...corporate welfare for more minimum wage jobs?
hey batter batter.....
hey batter batter.....
There's a house in Rockaway Beach, smaller then the "shack" at the end of Silver Dollar City. Five people live in it...one infant - "ain't barely got 'nough taeat" - it's so tiny at two the kid can't walk.
hey batter batter
hey batter batter
Here's the scoop from Branson's best-$25,000 laid down to eat dinner with the man. 2 million to stop a cities "immoral" choice of industry. $125 million to build an expansion over the winter. It would be nice if you could build on the East side...save some PAC funds ...expand traffic throughout the county and a battle that will go on for years ...a county divided. In the process you could bring some hope, jobs and peace.
hey batter batter
hey batter batter
And pretty much, as long as you let an industry run your town who proves day after day a total disregard for our visitors well being....you have no moral authority.
hey batter batter
To a certain minister, I want you to know - In China, those who don't pay debts are thrown in prison. Sometimes, beaten - even worse. Find out where the bucket is leaking. Please, there's no way out of this one. Pay the vendor - you'll save a man's life.
Hey batter batter
Hey batter batter
To the time-share salesman from bluegreen that fed a woman a concoction of Cocaine and Extasy over the New Year's Holiday - these drugs were fed to one who might not make it.
I understand that in your profession deception is both neccesary and fundamental to success. A cat and mouse game between state and federal agencies has led you to find new forms of fraud. Though your tactics change you bring one thing to our community -
Constant shame.
It's not just my community, actually, we're one of the best. It's the world today and enough to make a man drop to his knees in tears - enough to make a man pray to God. Help us Lord forgive us for what we do....
SWING
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