Branson Newsmakers

River Run Outfitters, owned by Stan and Carolyn Parker, received the 2006 Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year award from Sunderland, Vt.-based The Orvis Co. Inc. Recognition includes acknowledgement of River Run Outfitters in an Orvis catalog and on its Web site, www.orvis.com. The award is based on customer surveys submitted by Orvis guides and outfitters.

Patrick Patton was named vice president of clinic administration for Skaggs Community Health Center. He leads and directs the physicians employed by Skaggs and the 20 associated clinics where they practice. Patton has more than 17 years of administrative experience, most recently in Odessa, Texas, where he served as administrative director at Medical Center Hospital.

Nanette Bess joined The Vacation Channel Inc. as its office manager. She is responsible for day-to-day office functions, including human resources and accounts payable. Bess previously worked for Employee Benefit Design in Springfield.

Skaggs Foundation received a $100,000 gift from Stanley Ball, a Branson community leader, who now resides in Springfield. The donation was given in memory of Ball’s late wife, Elaine. During his time in Branson, 1955–1987, Ball owned an insurance agency, served as city alderman for nine years and was mayor for a four-year term. He was active on many boards, including those for Skaggs Community Health Center, the Branson Chamber of Commerce and Branson Christian Church. His gift will be earmarked for Skaggs Cancer Center, now under construction on the Skaggs Community Health Center campus; the center’s reception area will be named for Elaine Ball.[[In-content Ad]]