Branson Newsmakers

Krystal Simon was hired as director of tourism development for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. Simon oversees existing community events, creates new citywide festivals/events and contributes to CVB marketing plans. She has seven years of marketing and communications experience, most recently as Interactive Hotel Solutions’ employee relations director.

Ten Branson-area residents were elected to the Skaggs Community Health Center Board of Trustees during the health center’s board of directors annual meeting July 26.

The trustees are: Tom Boyce, of Branson, president of Tom Boyce Excavating Inc. and owner of Elite Landscapes LLC; Jerry C. Davis, of Point Lookout, president of College of the Ozarks; William “Bill” Kenny, of Reeds Spring, owner and operator of Wedgewood Gardens in Branson West and The Oaks in Branson; Dan Lennon, of Branson, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB; Chris Lucchi, of Branson, operating partner for Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater and MG Hotels; Thomas D. Motley, of Branson, owner of The Motley Law Firm PC; Pat Rose, of Branson, president of Patobin Enterprises Inc. dba Water Chute; Christina Schanda, of Forsyth, artist and dental office manager for Drs. Ed Schanda and A.H. Schanda; Marc L. Williams, of Branson, COO and principal of HCW LLC and state Rep. Dennis Wood, of Kimberling City, representing District 62, which includes parts of Stone and Taney counties.

The 2007–08 board members for Skaggs Community Health Center were also announced at the annual meeting. Scott Rossow and Raeanne Presley will serve as new board members. Other members and officers are: Leon Combs, chairman; Dennis Newkirk, vice chairman; Jim Kaneaster, treasurer; David Smith, secretary; Judy Elston and Dr. Jack Gillispie, executive committee at-large members, and David Afshar, Stephen Erixon, Russ Hoeflicker, Phil Loyd, Ann McDowell and Bob Simmons.