Downtown Branson association names director

Dawn Erickson, a lifelong Branson resident, has been hired to succeed Gayla Roten, who left late last year to be state coordinator for Missouri Main Street Connection. Erickson begins Monday.

Erickson’s experience includes serving as editorial manager of Tri-Lakes Newspapers, director of communications for Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and freelance writer and producer for tourism and economic development projects, according to a news release. She most recently served as interim director of economic development for Taney County, a position she held once before.

The association works with businesses and agencies to improve and promote downtown Branson. Erickson plans to call on merchants, service providers and other members of the downtown community to gather input on needs and priorities, according to the release.

“I’m a believer in regular communication and lots of research. I will be asking a lot of questions,” she said in the release. “I hope the downtown business operators will pick up the phone or call me inside their shops and offices whenever they want to share an idea or express a concern.”