Rick Huffman will be on the phone today with a couple of Branson City Alderman over an untimely public relation's nightmare at the Branson Landing.
Branson Salvation Army Captain Ron Keys received a phone call from a bell ringer stationed in front of the Belk Department store at the Landing begging him to come quickly. Thinking someone may have been robbed the Captain rushed to Belk finding two security guards and an unidentified Branson Landing employee threatening to remove Mrs. Davis, the wife of College of the Ozarks President from Branson Landing property. Belk management disagreed with the Branson Landing Management's position stating the Belk leases the property and the Salvation Army was invited to participate in a promotion where making a donation to the Salvation Army earns a coupon granting 20% off their next purchase. A compromise was made where the Salvation Army kettle and ringer were permitted to remain as long as they moved to another entrance where a significant drop in donations was noted. Keys stated, "The total donations made for the remaining of the day equaled the first two hours at our original location".
Ron was shaken up by the event and it's anticipated that he'll be joining opposition against future development by Huffman at the next City Council Meeting.
Branson Landing Courtesy Code’s prohibit solicitation on the property which was the policy they were citing as they attempted to remove the Salvation Army presence from the property.
The three day promotion ends today where Scotty Earls from the Vacation Channel will be ringing the bell.
