Branson/Tri-Lakes News: Chopper Charter takes off at Taney County Airport

There's a new charter helicopter company at the Taney County Airport.

Chopper Charter Branson is associated with Davis Aviation, a Minnesota-based company that holds a Federal Aviation Administration air-carrier certification, said Director of Operations Mark Boyer. The charter service offers delivery of people and goods around the area, including to regional airports, and can take aerial photography. Cost is $750 an hour for up to three passengers. Also, 20-minute scenic tours are available for $95 apiece, two-person minimum, Boyer said.

At the recent ribbon cutting, the owners gave free rides. John Kalita, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce volunteer for 16 years, hopped aboard, and the pilot flew over Kalita's home. "It was a nice smooth ride," said Kalita, who's 88. "I felt like I was sitting in my living room." Visit www.choppercharter.com.

Branson Airport starts flight checks

Thales, a leading provider of air traffic management systems, has installed its equipment at Branson Airport, said Director of Operations Jeremy Berven. Next, the company will conduct a fly-over to check the instrument landing system. In January, the FAA will conduct its flight check, Berven said.

Thousands of people recently got their first looks at the airport during John Daly's Lion's Heart Invitational golf tournament at Murder Rock Golf & Country Club. The event concert drew 4,000 people to the runway, said Marketing Manager Deidre McCormick. Keep your eye on construction of the airport, where commercial flights are scheduled to start May 11, with four live video cameras at www.flybranson.com.

And for a live video look at traffic at the corner of Missouri 76 and Gretna Road, check out the Web-cam mounted on the Titanic Museum Attraction. Viewers of www.titanicbranson.com can pan 360 degrees.

Just like home

Myer Hotels is celebrating 40 years in the industry. Carroll and Janice Myer left farming to buy their first motel in 1968 in O'Neill, Neb. They now own five national award-winning properties in Branson with their sons, Gail and Chris Myer. This spring, their Comfort Inn & Suites was voted Small Business of the Year by members of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

The hotel industry has changed. "Years ago, it was the roadside court," said Gail Myer. "Today, the facilities are much bigger and more sophisticated," from high-tech communications to sprinkler systems. The switch from parking lot entry to interior corridors isn't necessarily more popular with guests, but it's energy efficient, Myer added. Years ago, going to a hotel was a special event, Myer said. "Now, it's an ancillary part of what people are doing. Today, the attitude is we want to make the hotel room feel like their home."

Best practices

Akers & Arney, an insurance agency founded in Branson in 1952, has been selected for the eighth year as a top independent agency nationally by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. It was among three honored in Missouri.

The Best Practices award is based on financial and operational data, but Edd Akers puts it in real terms: "The thing we do the best, in my mind, is build relationships as a trusted adviser," Akers said. "We focus on making insurance a profession. It's not knocking on doors."

His father, Elvin Akers, founded the agency near Dick's 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson. The agency now located off Bee Creek Road is co-owned by Edd, his son, John Akers, and David Arney.

Kathryn Buckstaff, membership public relations manager of Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, can be reached at kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com.