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.

Documents Reveal City of Branson Released False Reports Regarding Nelly Concert Permits

In order to add transparency to the journalistic process source documents are posted above. Updating throughout day

Branson's City fathers are frowning on Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley who commanded the city's public relations department issue a press release that has proved to be of a fraudulent nature.

Rumblings in the backrooms of Branson City Hall prompted a post here on the  Branson Missouri Blog July 6th asserting that Presley's censorship efforts were waning.

Outside of a regular meeting, during a planning session, city leaders came to consensus and rejected a permit claiming Grand Palace owners posted an announcement for the event before a permit was filed. As demonstrated, the release was a dishonest statement.

Apparently, Lawson asked Dunn to fill out another form in July a month after the original was submitted and 20 days after the city of Branson has the ability to protest according to statute.

At the order of Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley a press release was sent to millions of people across the nation. Under contract with the owners of the local ABC and NBC affilliates KSPR and KY3 Presley currently has complete control over content distributed over a Branson television channel.

Preliminary data suggests the accusation that Dunn didn't file a permit before July was distributed across hundreds of media outlets nationwide. The press release also provided a number of "hoops" Dunn had to jump through to get a permit to hold a concert outdoors. Dunn complied submitting response to the concerns 48 hours ago. The city was open producing the document for public view after this post was initially published

 Gang of Mayor and Tax Funded City Employees Pressure Dunn in Private Meeting
**At Dunn's request information about a meeting with city leaders previously posted is being pulled. Dunn didn't deny the facts of the meeting; but wanted to protect other members of the community who may be harmed by the information. The information will be published at a later date after appropriate clearance is given.

In order to censor "un-Presle"y approved exercises of free speech and specifically to block an annual event titled, "Promenade of Stars", the board of alderman, led by Presley's command changed the "right to assemble" from a neutral process to one which the mayor can reject.

Presley Censorship Act of 2010
The ordinance change is contained in section 450 of the Branson Municipal Code known to civil rights supporters as the "Branson Censorship Act of 2010" forces approval of permits for outdoor gatherings from the parks board to Jim Lawson's department. Lawson came on board in April after a whistle-blower who accused Presley's administration of fraud was fired.

The event is a Macy's type parade where internationally recognized stars and some of Branson's lesser known acts such as the "Presley Cave Jubilee" are given national airplay.

Branson Tea Party activist Gary Bartlett has financed the parade through business development deals, importing internationally recognized  talent and inking major brands to bring the event to a wide audience.The family friendly event was held last year on Branson's 76 strip.

The Branson Chamber of Commerce figures estimate the parade is worth millions  in revenue and unlike the Presleys, doesn't require tax funding to market aka finance.

City officials confirmed that last month  a meeting was held at city hall which included a representative from the Branson Chamber of Commerce to negotiate with leaders who have been working to censor the event. 

Bartlett's application hearing is being held in August. The issue of whether Presley has the right to censor free speech in Branson has not yet been challenged but disrespect for the veterans who have fought and died for the right is inherent.

Unfortunately, individuals with specific business interests are participating in an ad-hoc process which flagrantly violates 1st Amendment rights. According to the Constitution of the United States the right is granted by the almighty not a business competitor.

Dunn Protests Denial of Nelly Outdoor Concert Application
On Wed. July 21st at 10:36 a.m. Dunn submitted documents appealing the decision. In the  48 hours prior Dunn received a note of support from neighboring businesses which included Andy Williams theater. Other issues including parking were also resolved and supported with documentation.

(This story is being posted in parts in an open source manner in hopes press outlets that distributed false information at the request of the city of Branson will correct the record)