Showing posts with label Branson Chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Branson Chamber. Show all posts

Missouri's 7th Congressional District Update

Last night during an interview with a leading area Democratic organizer issued an honest answer to the question, "What is a Democrat?" "I don't know", she responded
 When Branson's White House Theater was sold to Chinese Nationals, the official Communist Party published a press release. Having never visited their website, the headline, "China has taken over the Whitehouse", twitched my curiosity"
 I suppose with Branson's soon to be proposed, "Mayoral Stimulus and Tax Increase Assurance Plan" (Red Pit was mandatory research). Branson's "Bureau of Revenue and Tax Distribution spokesman," Ross Summers was quoted in the Communist press.

Now that Branson's economy had moved my browser directly into the written irkings of Communist  Chinese Propaganda, I clicked over to the history page. What I read knocked my political socks off.
The Chinese government publishes a five page history of the "great achievements of the party". It's commonly known that China has moved towards freer market philosophies but, this move in policy only now for the government spin.

The entire state published history argued that China wasn't moving towards capitalist models but rather bringing forth the Maoist dream through changes in "Official Party Doctrine". Hmm. Since we're all socialsts now, I thought I'd call a Missouri 7th District Congressional
The communists claim their new capitalist market isn't really capitalist at all. I'm confused. Apparently maintaining a two trillion dollar surplus is an ancient Chinese Communist accounting Secret. 
Thank God,

 But this is the problem of party worship. I understand you may have an idol of a donkey or an elephant in your living room that you want to stay true to but why? Does the iconic imagery match your beliefs?  If you take a close look you might be surprised.
Concerned that burgeoning free market economies were the result of Socialist Regimes moved far to the left I immediately connected a Democrat to my batline. Tim Davis, Missouri's sole District 7 Congressional hopeful (until yesterday's filing) pitched me his take on what's important for the nation in 2011.He said, balancing the budget. I laughed. Shortly after he left his position as Branson's city attorney, publicly battled against an illegal tax (one of many, Branson's corrupt mayor was attempting to levy).  So wait, here's an Oxford educated Southwest Missouri Democrat Economist that sets balancing the budget as the highest priority for the nation. And he fights taxes against a faux-republican politico? After he tries to sell me a textbook that he wrote on Economic Theory (published by his Alma Mater) he speaks of the virtues of Obama's agenda. He doesn't get into specifics but ribs, "Clinton was in office last time the budget was balanced."


 What if the holy Donkey Idol® magically started speaking and tells you to be fiscally conservative, or the  Elephant idol® tells you to take the US treasury and give it all to the bank and their private businesses?
Don't get me wrong, I'm all about freedom of Religion but, I'm weary of the ever-changing philosophies of political ministers.
Red State and Blue State,huh, Missouri is more, "The Color Purple" than Oprah Winfrey.

I hear this one all the time.

HE'S A LIBERAL and SHE'S A CONSERVATIVE!

And I wonder, really wonder, what do these labelsmean?

I know a lot of corporations put a cross on their logo.but I'm not sure what that means either these days I'm doing research for a National Politics Blog on politics and religion.

Personally, I'm a  Netizen I and the people that work with me, firmly believe in the unfiltered expression of ideas, idealogy and religous faith.

I only beg for personal responsibility. You may hate my opinion, but don't think it's appropriate to send anonymous death threats to my phone because the candidates campaign you're running is hurt by a diatribe of pragmatic truth and dissemination of fact. Still, stand up for what you believe in, I respect people who do that. Put your PAC's name on my website too.

So, let's take a look. Obama says your primary political demography is "God and Guns."

Ooops All Candidates, libs, dems, cons, libs are Pro-Life/Anti Abortion and the majority are carrying members of the NRA.

I'm sorry to inform you , but if your greatest political concern is making sure Guns Remain Legal and Abortion Outlawed ; You're in good hands. And if you believe, a born again Christian should be elected to MO's 7th Congressional Seat, you can use your vote to buy a democrat too. ,

Here's your choice as a constituent in Missouri's Congressional 7th District.

God And Guns Democrat or God And Guns Republican

 In fact, if the most important thing for you - that is - if you're campaign lobby is "More Abortions, Less Guns Inc.'You should probably vote Democratic.

And hey, while we're at it, if education is the most important to you - I bequeath Rep. Maynard Wallace, the only Republican endorsed by - well - every education lobby local to federal.

Oh wait, it doesn't stop there - You're thinking property rights is the most important to the family living in your Libertarian abode? Have you met Democrat Cathy Hilliard from the Real Estate lobby.

I know, I know, you're confused; the very foundations of your religion have been rocked. If you're up early, Chritstian Rabbi Eukel is taking calls and Non-partisan Christian Conservative talk show host Vincent David Jericho just promised free advertising to companies hurt by the recession.

Really? I suppose if you're going to have such an interesting political mix it's appropriate to throw in a conservative Jewish talk show host who's really a Christian and a hard-line conservative who's handing out a personal stimulus package.

I was so confused that I called my favorite former Oil Executive and asked who the industry leaders had to bribe for expansion of Oil drilling rights. I can't divulge further details besides - Democrats. Ironically, they took away the massive health care account he invested in over 40 years of working overtime. Hmmmmm.

I can go on. But the election process in Missouri's 7th District seems to have been damaged by some strange "isms" that have little to do with the general issues.

The secret , the holy grail of Congressional politics, lays in your capacity to serve the citizens. The election speed moves too fast (once every two years) to not be responsive to constituent concerns.

Branson Tea Party? What the hell does that mean? Has there been a merger with the Red Hat Society? I'm waiting for Eric Farris to fill me in.

Come to think of it, there's some public space where a Liberty Tree once stood. The city has rights to allow public events down there....oh, wait, whooooops. Ewwwwww, what was that law past last week?

It's illegal in Branson to have a public gathering on the streets of Branson without a music theater managers approval? What, the Constitution of the United States of America is protected in the new city charter. I'm guessing someone's going to tell me some scumbag wants to double the lengh of the Mayor's term (guess who wants to do this, behind close doors). Ummmm

It's illegal to have a political march without the Money Laundering Polislut Presley? The biggest political whore in the 7th District.... we got a hardliner word for you - unbelievable , truly, you have to see it yourself. Presley's publicly lobbying group, what's the name..let me think - oh yeah, "League of Cities Against Democracy "linked me up to the historical achievements of" - Victor Berger, America's first socialist mayor. 
"Milwaukee Socialists sought to reform the legacy of the Industrial Revolution on the local level by cleaning up neighborhoods and factories with new sanitation systems, municipally-owned water and power systems, community parks, and improved education systems. Progressivism and Socialism had different leaders and spoke different languages, but were, in many ways, remarkably similar in practice. Socialists rejected the Progressive idea of government regulation of industry. Instead, they sought to replace the capitalist system with a planned economy of state-owned industries that would protect workers from business monopolies. Socialists believed that this change would be inevitable as the working class became increasingly oppressed by powerful businesses. Although they believed in a type of class warfare, Socialists did not advocate a violent revolution as a means of achieving their goals. Rather, Socialism was to come by ballots. Until that time came though, Socialists supported measures to improve conditions for the working class and to achieve a more efficient administration of government.  "

Suddenly, it all makes sense.

Branson's newest market is political tourism -24% of our recent economy.

I thought it was funny that the first Branson Tea Party was kicked out of the public square. The whole lot tried to stuff themselves on a patio at the steak joint.

If there's one thing I've learned from Branson's City Leaders is that liberal, conservative and socialist policies are fine by most individuals if they can profit from it.

Sadly, since that time - the rules of public expression and free-enterprise have eroded further in Branson. It's not really about Democracy or Republicanism or Socialism or Holierthanthouism (someone accidentally funded a highly succesful parade and made Andy Williams top dog instead a state-sponsored-entertainment family). .

But it should be about Freedom. And quite frankly it theirs a coffee party or a tea party and they don't have the courage, audacity or frankly balls to stand up to Presley Government Industrics LLC (a publicly funded venture) in the public square don't tell me about Thomas Paine, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln or Andrew Jackson. If you're going to reserve the Constitution from some political two-bit hillbilly hoedown (for a 50 dollar fee music included)  your worthy of public despise - not because you are a liberal, democrat, christian, atheist, republican democrat or for that matter lesbianalbinomidgeteskiom - because, you don't believe in standing up to the fundamental freedom that makes us American.

Excuse me for not stopping this rant earlier but I've been waiting for them to finish construction on the Taneycobama Bridge. Apparently, it's against the law to pray out there too. Is there a method of removing Reanne's Presley name from the plaque on the public square or are the personal interests of slithering the only group legislatively  protected?

I have to stop and buy some gas, There's a store, once called Dalton's in midtown Branson where I can buy alcohol, gas and a rifle in a one stop . I gotta stop, I'm going fishing, anyone have quarters for the worm vending machine?





4 out of 5 Downtown Branson Merchants Don't Trust Branson Chamber of Commerce


Talk about a twist of irony.

Quite frankly I find some of the marketing activities of the Branson Chamber of Commerce and Convention Center's Bureau unbecoming of a tax payer funded entity; but , as it turns out - I'm the biggest fan in Downtown Branson (apart from those receiving cash, high paying un-elected positions for twice the regional average pay)!

Selling the integrity of the Branson Chamber of Commerce Quarterly (Scroll Down to View 70 Page )report ended up being difficult to peddle.

And though - it would appear - to a more cynical person that you'd have to donate to a political candidate to receive the multi-million dollar jackpot - perhaps only the top 6 donors; I trust the numbers.

Historic Downtown Merchants and Downtown Branson Main Street Association

The Downtown Branson Main Street Association (DBMA) made enough headway to threaten the continuation of the Historic Downtown Branson Business Owners association (HDDBBOA)an effort supported by some of Branson's City Leaders.

Wife of Legislative Lobbyist Chip Mason, Dawn Erickson has proved to be a uniting force successfully moving downtown merchants agendas forward while keeping the purse strings within the DBMA.

The DBMA when led by Gayla Roten, focused primarily on State and Federal Grants and lobbying for Economic Development Funds. Roten has since moved to the state level after heavy criticism from Merchants operating in the Downtown Branson Area threatened the future of the DBMA.

PROBLEM: The Downtown Branson Historic District hasn't been monetarily benefiting from the Branson Landing and Convention Center admitted Branson's financial consultants in a report delivered last week to the Branson Board of Alderman.

Though Histroic Downtown Merchants have been crying foul play for three years since the Branson Landing opened; the development was supposed to increase not decrease total sales in Downtown Branson's oldest tourism district.

Branson Landing Not Economically Beneficial to Historic Downtown Branson Merchants


A complex matrix of special taxing boundaries puts the Branson Landing at an advantage; but much of the outdoor mall's success can be attributed to special events and interactive elements such as the fire and water show and paid live street musicians (much reduced this year).

Two years after the Branson Landing launched Downtown Branson's Historic District, Business owners are struggling to re-institute what was once the heart of the city.

Business owners took matters in their own hands marketing regionally without the help of the Tourism TAx District controlled by the Branson Chamber of Commerce. The merchants joined forces and purchased tens of thousands of dollars in advertising and marketing last year.

Branson Chamber of Commerce and the Press

Since Mayor Raeanne Presley and a new group of Alderman took office the Branson Chamber of Commerce and Convention Center and Visitors Bureau has become a much more closed organization evading Sunshine Law practices instituted by former Branson City Council. In fact, both districts no longer post notice at city hall when holding meetings.

Leaders meet privately, off the record weekly.

One of the primary objectives or the organization is to reduce the negative effects of bad press in a "Tourism Marketing 2.0" world. Travel journalists are often granted subsidized and/or free vacations courtesy of the Branson Chamber.

The Branson Chamber of Commerce and Convention Visitors Bureau is more than a "Business Owner's Association " they're one of the most powerful Quasi Government tax funded agencies in Southwest Missouri. In Branson, they own the Department of Revenue franchises.

The most noted effort to control media is a $400,000 Internet Campaign raising the cost of entry for journalists writing about Branson.
Due to the nature of an auction market - it could also raise the cost of entry for businesses trying to capitalize on the online tourism market.

Though such a massive campaign will help the publicly funded agency gain media power - how will it be dispersed?

*******
Though I disagree with many of the Branson Chamber of Commerce / Convention Center and Visitors Bureau spending policies and lobbying efforts - I withhold the tax district number in the Branson Chamber of Commerce report are accurate. It's just funny that I have to convince so many people - the majority of Downtown Branson Merchats

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.

Gerken and Associates Open House Tomorrow

Gerken and Associates is having an open house and ribbon cutting tomorrow.

Ribbon cuttings happen so often an area newspaper decided to stop covering them. The sheer frequency and lack of return on investment for the paper provides little incentive.

Charlie Gerken never fails to attend ribbon cuttings - no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they appear. For the people establishing a business in our town - it's a very big deal.

As much support as Charlie's given just by showing up at every chance to celebrate new families taking a chance on Branson it's certain the event will be well attended.

Good times and good friends.

As for me, I've committed to attending as many of these as possible. It's a small token of support that means a lot.

Branson Chamber of Commerce to win huge powergrab


Last week I ventured into the Downtown Branson Main Street Association (DBMA) a psuedo-political government entity that was well funded through co-op programs until a move last week by the state stripping funds from both the DBMA and the Branson Veteran's Taskforce.
According to White River Valley Historical Society (WRVHS) Tax Lobbyist Donna Clevenger :
Taney and Stone county commissioners have until Nov. 1 to appoint a
destination marketing organization to administer tourism dollars if
they want the matching tourism funds from the state.

The change in the co-op program of the Missouri Division of Tourism
requires that the three organizations currently receiving state
tourism money cease operations and that those entities will no longer
be able to receive the matching reimbursement funds from the program.

According to the executive director of the Missouri Division of
Tourism, Blaine Leutkemeyer, the change will better use marketing
dollars from the state and eliminate the overlap of multiple groups
marketing spending money to market to the same advertising areas.

The total state funds available for the co-op program is $3,450,000
for the fiscal year of 2008.

The following year will have $3.8 million. Luetkemeyer said his office
is committed to help grow the program and he wanted to clarify at the
meeting that the program is not a grant. Whichever organization is
appointed by the county commissioners will use tax dollars generated
in Taney County, spend those dollars on promotions and advertisement,
then send documentation to the MDT for a 50 percent reimbursement.


Citizen reports confirm Ozark Mountain Newspaper Political Pundit and News Correspondent Gary Groman aka Ole Seagull attended the meeting. According to Clevenger the Branson Chamber of Commerce is the only entity that qualifies.

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Can someone tell me what happened here?

Branson Chamber of Commerce - Personal Response to Internet image Consultant

(In response to request for help from Branson Chamber of Commerce hired Internet Guns)
Thanks for your inquiry into my most sacred statistics and distribution tools. Because we love you (the Branson Chamber), we'll give you a peek underneath the hood of the most important web presence in Branson.

Reach - 1 out of every 5 people wihin Branson City Limits. Est. 15,000 regular viewers.

Outer Market - Our numbers for the year will top 100,000 users with millions of hits and page views in the hundreds of thousands. On an apple to apple basis we "Out Internet" the Branson Daily News

Depending on what kind of content we publish, we light up the West and East coast seaboards. Missouri viewers have the most interest, outside of our overwhelming readership within a hundred mile radius, Kansas City, St. Louis, Jefferson City and Columbia seem to enjoy our content as a means of acquiring news.

News networks also use us to acquire content which creates strong opportunities for PR agencies in Branson who need strong Internet partnerships. We made a special website for them called Branson Agent. Though features are hidden, this website has the same capacity to distribute and disseminate information. Unlike Branson, Missouri, Branson Agent is comprised of works penned by a variety of artists. As a courtesy, we've been distributing Chamber of Commerce press releases free of charge. In addition to press releases, we publish statistics and primary research - the fruits of our hard work we share with the press so they can report accurately on Branson.

We've recommended plans to the Branson Chamber of Commerce and Convention Visitors Bureau in the past. One notable heads up was published in a local business gossip publication called the Springfield Business Journal nearly two years ago.

It's good to know the Chamber is catching up with the times and investing in the Internet. Though I'm not sure of the numbers, I imagine, considering the massive budget they have to work with that the redesign of the Branson Chamber of Commerce website will exceed $50,000 - I wouldn't be surprised if the number wasn't higher.

Though I'm' certain, I've spent more time at the table with Microsoft executives than any other candidates have in Interactive Marketing altogether - when I offered my services - I didn't get so much as a courtesy response.

We even put the Branson Chamber of Commerce as our top sellout pick!

It appears as if our commitment to editorial integrity, fact based reporting and demonstration of mad skills has angered the financial interests of a couple of the Chamber elite - so much - they feel a need to belittle us in closed session - while reading us for news every chance they get. I'm a forgiving man and hold no grudges - my broken heart will heal.

Still, I have a child to feed and need to charge in order to continue providing technical services such as those you've requested. Day rate $300 - Per hour $25. What you're looking for is achievable within a day but came at a cost of three years hard labor.

I stay true to my readers, continue publishing consistently, thoroughly, watch the numbers and publish with unceasing determination. My readers pay me back with time and influence.

The technical issue you're having is due to the constraints of Myspace. As you probably know, the general audience is children - very tribal and highly fragmented. The massive numbers boasted by the domain is relatively unreachable to any general viewer.

I'm looking for partners and our presence is about to explode again (a 400% increase this year).

New technologies are emerging that can help you utilize the massive research power the chamber has invested in.

Thanks again for your consideration, time and interest. May the Branson economy remain fruitful for generations.

Sincerely Yours,
The Editor


(P.S. We'll need to know what platform you're using!)
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Excerpt From Branson Chamber of Commerce note:
I’m trying to set up a blog for the CVB targeting our visitors. While I was reviewing your site, I noticed you had a subscription tool, providing feeds from your blog to google, aol, yahoo, etc. How many people subscribed to that so far? Can you tell me how you included those feeds on your blog.

Buckstaff snagged by Branson Chamber of Commerce

Retired Springfield News Leader journalist Kathryn Buckstaff inked a contract with the Branson Chamber of Commerce this week.

Buckstaff's writing skills will be used to help Branson acquire ink in local and national publications.

Branson Visitor Demographics - Travel Trends to be Presented by Branson Chamber

Ross Summers of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will make his quarterly presentation to Branson City Council. The presentation is part of the monthly obligation of the organization as they manage marketing dollars generated through the city's tourism tax.

Highlights of Branson Chamber Presentation to Board of Alderman
2007 revenues are moderately higher due to an increase in pricing rather than growth of tourists coming to the Branson market.
Year to date growth of the travel market is modest with a mere 0.9% increase over last years numbers which were very strong - representing a 2.4% increase over 2005.
The Chamber will report that travel experts are projecting a 1.6% increase in trip volume for the year 2007. On the domestic front, travel industry growth is strongest on the West and East Coast. Due to a weak manufacturing sector Midwest urban centers aren't experiencing growth.
Nation al resort hotel room demand is down 1.1% below 2006. Hawaii is down 8.2% and Florida is down 2.7%. Ohio visitors are up 1.1%, Illinois is up 1.2% and Tennessee is up 0.5%.

Monthly United States Hotel Room demand is somewhat of a rollercoaster with low numbers Dec 2006 - Feb 2007 were down and March 2007 - June 2007 Up. June was the strongest month with a 2.8% increase over last year.

Room Damand Variance by City Last 12 Months (Source: Smith Travel Research)
Altanta -2.8%
Chicago 1.4%
Dallas -0.2%
Houston 2.5%
Los Angeles 1.1%
Minneapolis 2.8%
Nashville 1.4%
New York 3.5%
Orlando 0.1%
San Diego -0.1%
San Francisco 2.3%
St. Louis 3.0%
Tampa -1.5%

Branson room demand is exceeding national and state averages as well as price per room.

Gasoline prices are continuing to gobble discretionary income of the middle class. For someone making $30,000 per year gasoline takes 31% up 18% in 2000.

How far do Branson visitors travel?
61% of travel in excess of 300 miles
24% travel 101-300 miles
15% under 100 miles

60% of visitors are adults and 40% are families. The percentage of families coming to Branson is on a 5 year high in 2007.

First time visitor ratio is down and 82% of our visitors are repeat customers.

86% watch a show while they're in Branson with an average of 3.66 shows per party

Average Adult age of Branson visitor 58.2

Average Branson visitor length of stay 4.17

Branson's marketing campaign " Someone You Love is Playing in Branson" will be presented.

Tax Revenues are on the rise in Stone, Taney and Indian Point

Branson Chamber of Commerce New Board of Directors



BLACC/CVB Board of Directors Election Results

Accommodations Category-Mark Hartman, Hilton Promenade-Branson and Rachel Wood, Outback Roadhouse Motel.

Attractions Category-John Joslyn, Titanic-Branson and Dustin Rogers, Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum.

General Business Category-Troy Hill, BKD, LLP and Charlie Gerken, Gerken & Associates Realtors.