Branson theater league seeks group benefits plan

The three-year-old league has a membership of 37 theaters and three additional productions out of 52 theaters in Branson. According to Katie Danner, executive director of the league, theater members representing about 300 employees have shown interest in grouping together for better insurance rates.

Lisa Clark, a benefit consultant with CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services of Springfield, assisted the league with its member census. The survey asked members’ responses for employee demographics, current benefit plans and structure, and prior health claims. Clark also will assist the league in request for proposal preparation.

“We are contacting theaters once more to get a final census before we go public with an RFP,” Danner said. “Obviously, if we can get 500 (employees), that would be a more attractive offering to any insurance carrier.

“Most of the theaters do provide coverage locally, but for their senior management,” Danner added. “We would like for there to be an option to cover all of their other employees.”

Danner said the league will look at proposals for health and dental insurance plans as well as life and disability benefits.

David Sandy, show producer for Branson’s Music City Centre and business partner with magician Darren Romeo, has been an enthusiastic supporter of the league’s effort.

“It seemed to be more efficient if we could form some type of cooperative … to get better rates,” he said. “It’s very competitive in Branson. We have to look at every opportunity to maximize the efficiency of our operation without sacrificing anything we give to our customers and staff.”

Sandy manages 30 full-time and part-time employees. He offers benefits to his full-time, salaried staff. “If my rates are lower, I could offer a better package to my seasonal employees and part-time employees.”

The league’s goal is to have an employee-benefit plan in place for enrollment by March 1.