Branson tourism district hires first executive director

Kirk Elmquist is the first executive director for the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District.

The Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District has hired Kirk Elmquist as its first executive director.

Elmquist, who has decades of leadership, marketing, sales and public relations experience at tourism and sports organizations, started in the role Oct. 3, according to a news release.

"The new position of executive director helps the board to further our goal of growing district revenues and visitation," said Derek Smith, chair of the BLATCED board, in the release, noting several candidates were interviewed for the position. "We will now have a full-time executive that is focused on district business, relationship building and helping bridge communication with our stakeholders."

BLATCED revenue is used to market Branson and the lakes area. According to past Springfield Business Journal reporting, the district tax was first approved by voters in 2005 and renewed in 2014, extending it until 2025.

Elmquist, who has worked as vice president of sports development for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau and tournament director for Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge in recent years, most recently has served as vice president of business development for HHM Facility Management LLC, according to his LinkedIn profile.

"I look forward to being instrumental in enlarging the big picture of what Branson can be and ensuring important things happen for the district as a whole," Elmquist said in the release.

The BLATCED's 2021 audited financial statement shows 2021 revenue of $11.3 million, a more than 34% increase from $8.4 million in 2020. Expenses in 2021 grew to $10.8 million from $8.5 million in 2020.

The district assesses a 1% sales tax in Stone and Taney counties, according to past reporting.