Branson fly-fishing company named Small Business of the Year

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau recognized River Run Outfitters Tuesday at an awards banquet at Chateau on the Lake, according to a chamber news release.

Owners Stan and Carolyn Parker founded River Run in 1999 and offer a full line of fly-fishing gear, guide service for trout fishing at Lake Taneycomo and lessons.

The three-employee business was selected from 12 nominees based on staying power, obstacles faced and overcome, innovative products and services, pursuit of higher quality and operational performance, and community involvement. According to the chamber, River Run is the smallest small business to receive the award.

Fellow nominees also received recognition at Tuesday’s event: Allstar Home & Commercial Loans, Branson Bank, The Bradford Inn, Gifts of Distinction, Lakeside Tire, National Institute of Marriage, Titanic Branson, KLFC Radio, The UPS Store, Vasken’s Deli and Wings of the Ozarks.

Earlier this year, River Run was given the “Orvis Outfitter of the Year Award” from Sunderland, Vt.-based Orvis Co. Inc., which endorses River Run.