Branson Missouri: Branson Airport

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Southwest Airlines - Press Coverage (Full Coverage Links)

Southwest airlines coming to Branson

South County Mail - ‎Aug 29, 2012‎

"Southwest Airlines is proud to bring low fares, great customer service, and our red-bellied 737s to Branson," said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines' vice president of airport affairs. "We are looking forward to serving the community and offering more new ...

Southwest Plans New Service To Branson, Mo.

AviationNews.net - ‎Aug 28, 2012‎

Southwest announced that the carrier will add a 79th destination to its route map with service to Branson, Mo., beginning in March 2013. Southwest will institute service in Branson on March 9, 2013, with daily flights offering nonstop service to Dallas, Houston ...

Southwest adds daily flight from Midway to Branson

ABC7Chicago.com - ‎Aug 28, 2012‎

Southwest adds daily flight from Midway to Branson; Spirit adds flight to Houston. Tuesday, August 28, 2012. The Southwest Airlines logo is seen at the Burbank Airport on Monday, Aug. 6, 2012. (KABC Photo). Tags: consumer. Comment Now; Email · Print ...

New Chicago to Houston, Branson service announced

Chicago Tribune - ‎Aug 28, 2012‎

The once-daily flight will depart Chicago at 8:15 p.m.. Southwest Airlines said it will begin once-a-day flights from Chicago Midway airport to Branson March 9. The airline did not announce flight times. gkarp@tribune.com. Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune ...

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights

KBIA - ‎Aug 28, 2012‎

The 3-year-old Branson Airport is private owned. Southwest Airlines vice president Bob Montgomery says the company also considered service to and from the larger Springfield-Branson National Airport in Springfield, but found the numbers didn't add up.

Branson through the clouds

Amarillo.com (blog) - ‎Aug 28, 2012‎

So that answers the question of Branson having a serviceable airport. It does -- Branson Airport, privately owned and operated that also serves Frontier Airlines and something called Branson AirExpress. Of course, fans of Jim Stafford must factor in the cost ...

Southwest Airlines Takes Over AirTran Service to Branson Airport

khozradio - ‎Aug 28, 2012‎

Branson Airport officials announced that Southwest Airlines would begin service to Branson beginning March 9th. The service will include daily nonstop flights from Branson to Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby, Chicago Midway, and one Saturday nonstop ...

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights

KRCG - ‎Aug 28, 2012‎

BRANSON (AP) -- Southwest Airlines will add nonstop daily service to one city but drop direct flights to another when it begins flying from Missouri's Branson Airport next year. Southwest announced Monday that it will take over the Branson operations of its ...

Southwest Airlines gives Branson Airport details

Springfield News-Leader - ‎Aug 28, 2012‎

The Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, along with Branson Airport, announced the details in the morning, but in the evening held a splashy ceremony in front of the Branson Landing fountains with short speeches from Gov. Jay Nixon, Montgomery, singer Tony ...

Branson Airport Holds Pep Rally to Announce Southwest's March Launch

OzarksFirst.com - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

BRANSON, Mo. -- Branson Airport held a pep rally at Branson Landing Monday evening to announce the start of Southwest Airline service: March 9, 2013 . Gov. Jay Nixon joined representatives of Southwest Airlines, Branson Airport, and other local elected ...

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights

KAIT - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights

Sacramento Bee - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

BRANSON, Mo. -- Southwest Airlines will add nonstop daily service to one city but drop direct flights to another when it begins flying from Missouri's Branson Airport next year. Southwest announced Monday that it will take over the Branson operations of its ...

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights

Belleville News Democrat - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights

WGEM - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) - Southwest Airlines will add nonstop daily service to one city but drop direct flights to another when it begins flying from Missouri's Branson Airport next year. Southwest announced Monday that it will take over the Branson operations of ...

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights

KOAM-TV - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines taking over AirTran service at Branson, revising flights

The Republic - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

BRANSON, Mo. — Southwest Airlines will add nonstop daily service to one city but drop direct flights to another when it begins flying from Missouri's Branson Airport next year. Southwest announced Monday that it will take over the Branson operations of its ...

Southwest expands Newark service

Travel Weekly - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Also on that date, Southwest will take over service to Branson, Mo., that is currently operated by its AirTran subsidiary. Southwest will fly daily to Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby and Chicago Midway, plus every Saturday to Orlando. AirTran currently serves ...

Southwest Airlines announces three daily, nonstop flights from Branson

KY3 - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Branson, Mo. -- Southwest Airlines announced Monday it will begin daily, non-stop service to three cities in March 2013. The commitment from Southwest is a big one for the small Branson Airport that in its three-year history has yet to break even. Southwest's ...

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Supply Chain Digital (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

"Southwest Airlines is proud to bring low fares, great Customer Service, and our red-bellied 737s to Branson," said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines' Vice President of Airport Affairs. "We are looking forward to serving the community and offering more new ...

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Business Review USA (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Business Review India (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

African Business Review (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Business Review Canada (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Business Review Europe (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Exec Digital (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Business Review Australia (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines announces arrival date in Branson

Branson Tri-Lakes news - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest to launch Houston-Branson service

Bizjournals.com - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest also will offer one Saturday-only nonstop flight between Branson and Orlando, and it will expand some of its other routes — including nonstop service between Austin and Newark Liberty International Airport — from March 9 to April 12 for the spring ...

Southwest launches Austin to Newark flight

Bizjournals.com - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

... Photography/Corbis. Southwest Airlines Co. will begin offering service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Newark, N.J. next spring. ... The once-a-day flight from Austin to Newark Liberty International Airport will begin March 9. Southwest (NYSE: ...

Southwest Airlines jet lands at Spirit of St. Louis Airport

STLtoday.com - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Passengers on board Southwest Flight 3789 from Denver were either taken to Lambert by bus or were picked up at Spirit airport, said Ashley Dillon, a Southwest spokeswoman. Dillon said the plane had circled Lambert "a couple of times" but was unable to ...

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights for 2013

Springfield News-Leader - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

That issue was settled in January when Southwest announced it intended to serve the Branson Airport. Then in July, the airport and airline announced they had signed a multiyear deal and that service would begin the first half of 2013. Montgomery said that ...

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Sacramento Bee - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines announces Branson flights for 2013

Springfield News-Leader - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Beginning March 9, Southwest Airlines will fly from Branson with daily nonstop flights to Dallas, Chicago's Midway airport and Houston's Hobby airport. In addition, Southwest will also have weekly Saturday service between Branson and Orlando.

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

SYS-CON Media (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines announces it will begin Branson service March 9, 2013

KY3 - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

HOLLISTER, Mo. -- Southwest Airlines announced Monday that service to and from Branson Airport will start March 9, 2013, offering daily flights to three destinations from the privately-owned airport. In a news release that followed a post that was later pulled ...

Southwest Airlines to fly to Branson beginning next March

Dallas Morning News (subscription) (blog) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

“Southwest Airlines is proud to bring low fares, great customer service, and our red-bellied 737s to Branson,” said Bob Montgomery, Southwest's vice president of airport affairs. “We are looking forward to serving the community and offering more new ...

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

The Herald | HeraldOnline.com - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Virtual Press Office (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

PR Newswire (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. : Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights ...

4-traders - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

DigitalJournal.com (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

Daily Markets - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

“Southwest Airlines is proud to bring low fares, great Customer Service, and our red-bellied 737s to Branson,” said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines' Vice President of Airport Affairs. “We are looking forward to serving the community and offering more new ...

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares And Flights To Branson, Missouri

MarketWatch (press release) - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines to make major announcement in Branson this evening

KY3 - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines to make major announcement in Branson this evening. Gov. Jay Nixon will be on hand and will be joined by officials from Southwest Airlines, local elected officials, area business leaders and leaders of Branson Airport for what they bill as ...

Southwest plane diverts to small St. Louis airport

Springfield News-Leader - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

LOUIS — A Southwest Airlines flight scheduled to land at Lambert Airport in St. Louis instead landed at a smaller suburban airport because of a thunderstorm and a shortage of fuel, a Southwest spokeswoman said Monday. Southwest Flight 3789 was ...

KOAM TV 7 Joplin and PittsburgFlight diverts to small St. Louis airport

KOAM-TV - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

KOAM TV 7 Joplin and PittsburgFlight diverts to small St. Louis airport .... (AP) - No one is hurt but there were tense moments after a Southwest Airlines jet was forced to divert from the main airport in St. Louis and land at a smaller one about 15 miles away.

Southwest Pep Rally Today at Branson Landing

HometownDailyNews.com - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

It's called the biggest pep rally ever in Branson, and it's being held today to announce the latest on the arrival of Southwest Airlines. The Branson Airport will host state and local officials for the announcement, with prizes and entertainment for everyone on ...

Southwest Pep Rally Today at Branson Landing

KRZK Radio - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines to Announce Its Plans for Branson

OzarksFirst.com - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

In July, the Branson Airport announced it signed a multi-year deal with Southwest to fly out of its facility. Southwest purchased Air Tran, which is one of the airlines currently serving Branson. The transition from Air Tran to Southwest is already underway.

Southwest Airlines Coming To Branson Airport

KTTS - ‎Aug 27, 2012‎

Southwest Airlines is coming to Branson Airport and Governor Jay Nixon will be there when the announcement at made at five this afternoon. The airline is set to announce when it will start service from Branson and which cities will be served by Southwest.

Congressman Billy Long Issues Video Press Release Welcoming Southwest to Southern Missouri

US Congressman Billy Long issued a video press release in celebration of Branson Airport's acquisition of Southwest Airlines as a carrier.

Southwest Airlines brings New Opportunity to Branson Despite Anti-Growth Efforts

A well organized welcome ceremony marked the official release of Southwest Airlines initial flight schedule to and from the Branson Airport.

Branson's Airport (BKG) is unique in that it is the only airport in the United States with international capacity that is privately owned.

At the end of the year it is estimated that the airport will have absorbed $60 million in operating losses - an investment gambled with one intention - that Southwest Airlines would enter the market.

Twice a year since taking office Branson's Mayor Raeanne Presley has openly and publicly criticized the airport ensuring regional news outlets distribute a foray of negative publicity in unsuccessful attempts to cripple the airport. While Presley's anti business development agenda proved a thorn in the airport's side the goal of bringing Southwest Airlines to Branson has been reached.

Much of Branson Airport's debts have been incurred to bring the discount airline's business to Branson. A company mirroring Southwest Airlines destinations was financed to prove feasibility of Branson as a profitable destination and scores of meetings were held to negotiate the travel behemoths' services which promises to bring prosperity. A Branson Airline was created for the sole purpose of emulating Soutwest Flight patterns.

Unlike the airport Presley served on the board for, the Branson Airport is not subsidized by tax dollars. In order to receive funds ($8.50 per passenger) Branson is only required to pay when an actual customer is delivered to the area and many months after their financial benefits are reaped. The initial calculations are based on extensive studies conducted on tourism and actual revenue brought per tourist to the area.

Some in Presley's camp fear that a higher demographic will not be as interested in the lesser known entertainment offerings that Branson has to offer.

They fear new business will raise wages and serve as a fiscal detriment to a minority of busines owners that aren't seeking growth nor an expanding demographic. Alas attempts to close Branson to a more prosperous group have been thwarted in one swift move.

The victory is for Branson at large and defeat to those that prefer poverty as a means to capitalize on cheap labor and limited opportunity. And while a more educated and younger crowd will do little for the mayor's private business it promises new opportunity and a new era for Branson.

Branson has been branded as a drive-to destination but the wisdom of leaders, mostly gone from public office, proved prudent as the Branson Convention Center, Branson Landing and Branson Airport have exceeded expectation. The three are interconnected as they are features national event planners need to enhance Branson's offering for a corporate and/or event market.

The Branson Landing and a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) opportunity are the financial means for the Branson Convention Center to stay afloat. An airport able to handle 737's and flight availability from anywhere in the country enhances the Branson offering, and an opportunity for the community to become more prosperous.

The combination of access to a broader population base, facilities to handle conventions and an economic engine (the Branson Landing) which has generated $100,000,000 in annual sales is brimstone to those who profit from poverty and a blessing to members of the community at large.

Branson owes a tremendous thank you to the entrepreneurs who've worked hard and invested their own funds and believe in Branson to a greater degree than the temporary leaders who've gained prosperity through marriage and heir from the true entrepreneurs of Branson's past.

Branson Airport Flying Direct to Chicago, Indianapolis

Branson Airport's Branson AirExpress public charter service, is adding flights to Chicago and Indianapolis starting in September 10,2010.

The new service, operated by ExpressJet Airlines, will operate Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday to and from Chicago Midway Airport and Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to and from Indianapolis International Airport.

Flights will begin at $59 one way to Indianapolis and $69 to Chicago, according to a Branson Airport news release which is getting play through media outlets around the nation.

Service to Chicago and Indianapolis joins Branson AirExpress' flights to Austin and Houston, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Shreveport, La.; Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.; and Nashville, Tenn.

"We are pleased with the success of our Branson AirExpress destinations and feel that the Chicago and Indianapolis routes will only continue that trend,” Branson Airport Executive Director Jeff Bourk said in the release. “These flights will expand the flexibility and convenience of getting to and from Branson.”

The airport now offers service to 11 destinations, including service through AirTran to Atlanta and Frontier Airlines service to Milwaukee and Denver.

Branson Leaders have no Intention of Honoring Airport Contract

Branson Airport executive director Jeff Bourke should be nominated for sainthood for keeping the dialogue positive while Branson city administrators show they have no intention of honoring a 2006 agreement that enabled the region to build a first-class airport.

Presley has publicly criticized the agreement while personally capitalizing on the airport at every turn.

Regarding Branson city leader's public attempts to dishonor the agreement, Jeff Bourke told Ozark Mountain News,

"airport representatives continue to work with city officials to resolve the dispute. Bourke said the relationship with the two entities is good. We'll continue to talk with them and work through this, but at the end of the day, we have an agreement and we expect to get paid"

Branson's former mayor Lou Schaefer reforms now account for 30% of Branson's economy. Unfortunately, some of Branson's theaters haven't generated new revenue for Branson in over a decade.

Theaters, such as the Presley's, owned and managed by Branson's current mayor have received increasing subsidies over the past several years, but if new revenue is the goal, Presley Theater is a dismal failure.

In a 2007 interview Branson's new mayor criticized a pay-per-performance contract the former city leader signed to bring a new airport to the Branson area. Of course, when the airport opened, Presley took the stage and boasted what a great addition the new airport is to Branson. It was all smiles and waves as Presley was toted on a pull cart through the new property. She even took the center stage with an hour long speech during the airport's opening.

Politics aside, Presley had no intention of honoring the contract and has worked vigorously to undermine the integrity of Branson's agreement.

Under the auspices of the agreement, the city of Branson is required to pay $8.24 per passenger that cites Branson as their destination. The contract has a ceiling of $500,000 per quarter. Without the agreement, Branson's international airport would have never been built.

Since Presley took office economic development has been put on the back-burner. Higher end resorts have seen increased revenues while some of Branson's traditional theaters have seen steady natural decline. As one newspaper put it, "Branson's Country Music theaters have lost their charm."

An upper-scale audience has little interest in some of the traditional venues, good for Branson, bad for some private businesses - including the mayor's.

Luckily, due to the insight of Branson's former mayor Lou Schaefer, Branson has defied the economic downturn most cities in the United States have experienced over the past three years. Branson's last three years boast the highest sales tax revenue in the city of Branson's history. Most recently, November 2009 sales tax receipts are reporting 4.9% higher than 2008 - which was a former record.

But the new administration is in a jam. Presley's social reform programs have brought new debt to Branson. And Presley has clearly ignored 2007 recommendations that Branson put the yellow light on spending.

While the city is experiencing record revenue, Presley's spending spree has promised to drive Branson into bankruptcy.

Prior to becoming mayor, Presley had a habit of suing the city. Although Presley's attempts to pursue litigation were dismal failures, tax dollars now provide deep coffers for Presley's battle against a free market economy.To date, Presley has spent $67,000 in legal fees to fight fiscal responsibility for the City of Branson's end to the agreement.

Due to Presley's disregard for Missouri's application of the Freedom of Information Act (i.e. Missouri's Sunshine Law) some of the reports are just coming out.

Over the last three years of record sales, Presley has overspent city income by over $5,000,000 drasitcally reducing the $12,000,000 surplus at the mayor's disposal when she took office.

The overspending promises bankruptcy for Branson in three years if debt isn't restructured. Recommendations for infrastructure upgrades already exceed the City of Branson's available funds.

Shunning the agreement, 2010's budget doesn't include the expense. In an attempt to create a roadblock to payments Presley pushed a Branson Board of Alderman resolution to force an amendment to the contract before any payments are issued.

Branson Airport Snabs Media Attention

Branson Airport in the News: Branson Airport News Articles Summaries and Links

Branson Opens For Air Travel

Branson is ready for international flights as the epic opening of the airport south of Hollister launched this weeken despite some local politicos efforts to thwart the regional airport from opening.

One of the main opponents of the airport, Branson's current Mayor Raeanne Presley fought against the airport but took the spotlight during the opening ceremonies. Though Presley has repeatedly criticized the vision of Branson's former administrators, she was gracious in crediting former Mayor Lou Schaefer during the announcement of Air Tran as the first commercial airline to ink a deal to charter flights into Southern Missouri.

Employees of the airport applauded as the first planes landed carrying Branson Airport's investors and their families as they walked into Famous Dave's in the terminal which has a barn facade complete with a water wheel. Read More: Branson Airport Opens

(Photo by Melnov)

Branson Airport Announces New Airline Extends Service with Sun Country Airline

Sun County Airlines is the second provider to offer air transportation directly to Branson. The Branson airport is scheduled to open May 11, 2009.

Branson Air Show Announced

Branson Airport Press Release

U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds/Army Golden Knights

To Headline Branson Air Show

BRANSON, MISSOURI (December 15, 2008)—Branson Airport officials announced today that the United States Air Force Demonstration Squadron--better known as the “Thunderbirds”-- will be performing at the first ever Branson Air Show, May 9 & 10, 2009. The Branson Air Show will highlight the grand opening weekend of the Branson Airport, the first privately financed and operated commercial service airport in the United States.

Also appearing at the air show will be the U.S. Army Parachute Team-the “Golden Knights”. “We are thrilled that two of the country’s top precision military demonstration teams will be performing at the inaugural Branson Air Show,” said Jeff Bourk, Executive Director, Branson Airport.

The Thunderbirds are the premier demonstration squadron of the most elite air and space force the world has ever known. They fly Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, a multi-role lightweight jet fighter originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. The famed Air Force precision flying team begins their 56th season in 2009.

The Army’s "Golden Knights" have been wowing audiences at air shows, competitions for 50 years. The two demonstration teams travel all over the country performing aerial demonstrations at air shows and special events, as well as competing at national and international skydiving competitions. They are the most successful U.S. Department of Defense sports team.

-more-

USAF Thunderbirds/US Army Golden Knights

“To have the Thunderbirds, and the Golden Knights, along with many other internationally famous air show acts, will surely make the Branson Air Show one of the very best in the country,” said Bobbi Thompson, Event Director, Branson Air Show.

The first annual Branson Air Show will be an amazing two-day event featuring many of the top aviation performers in the nation including the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Patty Wagstaff, John Mohr, and many more. A number of static historical aviation displays will also be featured including a Sea Fury, Lockheed Constellation "Connie", B-25, P-51 Mustang, and a Medal of Honor AC-47 Gunship.

Tickets for the Branson Air Show are available on line at www.bransonairshow.com.

Daily ticket prices will be:

Adults: $16.00 in advance/$18.00 at the gate

Military: $10.00 in advance and at the gate with military ID

Children ages 6-12: $5.00 in advance/$6.00 at the gate

Children under 6 are FREE

Springfield Airport Considers Branson Airport Contract

The Springfield-Branson National Airport flight blog (are they going to keep Branson in the name) ran a series of posts last week questioning Branson's negotiations with AirTran.
Raeanne Presley was gracious in acknowledging former mayor Lou Schaefer during AirTran's announcement that they would be the first carrier to provide daily flights to Branson. In a recent magazine article Presley bashed the deal as being too generous. The $8.24 passenger fee requires proof of visitation to Branson before the city makes a payout. How much more than the $2 million dollar cap paid by the city of Branson is left to speculation.

Branson Ushers In New Era - Air Tran Airways to Bring Daily Direct Flights From Atlanta

The Branson Airport is set to open in May with non-stop low cost flights from Atlanta to Branson. The photos above are of the first commercial plane to land in Branson. The carrier will be Air Tran Airways.

Branson Chamber of Commerce facing Geo-Political Complexites

Raising taxes is the least popular action politicos can take and getting voters to agree even the most difficult task.

Last year voters approved a Tourism Tax which spans eastward from Branson to Stone County. Hollister opted out of the initiative claiming the city wasn't a tourist town but rather a bedroom community supporting the regional tourism economy.

Hollister proved to be a sleeping giant bypassing the press and initiating a multi-million dollar TIF district and becoming a tourism destination strategically located between the Branson Airport being constructed (the Branson Area's new Transportation Development District TDD).

The airport effort is being subsidized with a dollar per customer payout by the city of Branson and contrary to reports - a tax subsidy in TIF like form (more on this later).

Re-formulation of the state's Direct Marketing Association (DMA) financial distribution format added to the struggle a few months ago requiring each Missouri County to designate one marketing entity to funnel and redistribute state marketing funds.

Both Hollister and Branson have established city taxes to promote tourism and the taxing districts extend differently from county political lines.

The question of representation without taxation and equity to taxpayers that pay into the pot and those that benefit from the tax will provide complications and a headache the Branson Chamber of Commerce and Convention Visitor's Bureau will have to painfully endure.

Branson Area Airport Subsidized at $8.24 per head - 417 reports

The excerpts below are from an article in 417 magazine By Tiesha Miller:

In 2006, then-mayor Lou Shaffer signed a pay-for-performance agreement. For every inbound passenger, the City of Branson is to pay $8.24—an amount that was calculated using the projected tax revenue generated by each visitor. Annually, the amount cannot exceed $2 million, and the city is more or less locked into the agreement for 30 years. Taney County declined a similar deal.

On the surface, the city’s agreement makes sense. In general, the consensus on the airport is pretty unified. Most everyone seems to see it as a great thing for Branson’s economy. People coming into Branson bring revenue, including that of the tax variety. Everyone wins. But it’s not the airport that concerns Mayor Raeanne Presley. She’s in full support. It’s the deal the city made that concerns her.

“It’s not specific enough to who we’ll pay for,” Presley says. “We don’t know if [the inbound passengers] are new to the area. If I get on an airplane, and I fly back, then the city has to pay $8.24 for me. But I’m not growing the economy.” She also points out that while this sort of deal isn’t rare, she thinks the per-passenger dollar amount is too high.

The deal also begs the question, what happens if Branson isn’t the main attraction? Today, it seems unlikely that anything else in the area will draw more visitors than Branson, but there’s no guarantee the situation will stay that way. What happens if everyone heads south?

“I don’t want to dream what things will be like in 30 years,” Presley says. “You don’t know what will be built. A big destination resort might go up next to Big Cedar.”

The argument can go in many directions. On one hand, $8.24 per passagner may be a small trade for the low-risk option of having a privately funded airport from which the city’s economy gains. Peet also says the agreement was hugely influential in securing the bond investors because they could guarantee a source of revenue. The city won’t take a loss if the airport fails because it only pays if people actually fly into the airport. Should Branson officials have been more specific on which inbound passengers qualified, and was $8.24 the ideal magic number? The question still remains whether the city’s move was business-savvy.