Showing posts with label Branson Missouri People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Branson Missouri People. Show all posts

Peter Herschend on Gambling

Pete Herschend stepped up to the plate today to discuss gambling. The co-owner of the Herschend empire had a couple other issues on his mind today that he wanted to discuss face to face. From what I gathered it's going to be a tough trip to Jefferson City tomorrow. Herschend just got back from Atlanta which he prefers to the state capital. Herschend said, "In Atlanta I have family and people don't sleep by my door." The issue of the week is the St. Louis School District who will have to yield power to a transition board due to the fact they've shown incompetence in MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) Testing. When asked about the "funding formula" suit Herschend shared the results will have little impact, certain to be heard in an appellate court.
Back to Gambling - Peter Herschend reiterated his position. "We address Casino gambling the same way a doctor addresses Cancer." Herschend's philosophy is to contain gambling in Missouri to the 13 venues gaming already has and has presented concessions to ensure those who have established equity will get on the same page as him. The elimination of loss limits was presented by the anti-gambling lobby whose allies Herschend didn't want to reveal. Herschend's concerns stem from a moral stance in addition to a corporate philosophy of good corporate citizenship. He believes Gambling would inevitably result in the destruction of Branson's economic roots saying "if a large casino were established the theater industry disappear."

Branson Pointe Royale Residents Mr. and Mrs. Udriect

Mr. and Mr.s Udriect found a package on their doorstep addressed to yours truly. The were flipping through the paper and found some photos with my name in the byline. The package contained a gift from my father. In general, you can expect this type of thing from people in our community. Still, it's extraordinary.

Branson Missouri Mourns Don Gabriel's Passing

Don Gabriel was a pillar of our community. When news of his death arrived yesterday I was sitting in the newsroom at the radio station – very little information was available at that time in regards to his death – so I studied. Don’s history, philosophies and beliefs were widely available as he was an avid writer, bold in his faith and bold in his business. In Don Gabriel’s view the objectives were intertwined.
Don wrote for several publications, including the Branson Daily Independent, who I’ve inked a humble contract with recently. I’m cautious and my guards are up when a man stands up and combines religious and economic interests. But, Don Gabriel was the real deal
One particular editorial summed up the theme of his communication to the public. It was written in 2001. Don believed in Branson. He believed that it wasn’t a convention center, shopping malls nor gambling that would save us. He believed God would save us. He believed God was using Branson as a spiritual repository and that people would continue to come as long as our spiritual springs were flowing.
It’s occurred to me as I ponder the direction and nature of the community what seems to be a divide among religious and economic interests. Over the past couple of days I’ve received correspondence from business leaders, religious leaders and political leaders alike – all share an immense respect for Don and for good reason.
. One of his ambitions involved charter flights to Branson and his economic contributions both physically and in spirit will continue to provide blessings to our community.
As the networks continue to fight for ratings this month I witness the same tricks – a little more flesh – riskier jokes. They know it works which is what makes Branson an anomaly. We may have the highest ratio of visitors to residents of any tourist destination and Don was quick to point out that our spiritual economy was a contributing factor. For many, Branson is a place of spiritual refuge and the boldness Don expressed his faith will remain long after his funeral is forgotten. There is a part of us that lives forever and Don’s words will forever live with us. God bless you Don on your transition back home! We thank God we were blessed to have you with us.

Linda Antus & The Branson Promise

Linda Antus
Linda Antus echoed the words of "The Branson Promise" to city council as she announced that she would be moving from Branson to Ohio to be closer to her family. The clip below was a tribute to Linda. It was going to run after she left on the local radio station before she left but the ice storms of Springfield shifted our coverage priorities ...First...here's the Branson Promise; Linda says we deliver and we should live it every day.



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