European resort owner explores Branson

Jonas Arjes came to Branson from his native Sweden when he was a child. The Missouri State University graduate is now a corporate account executive with Akers and Arney Insurance Associates. Over the years, his relatives in Sweden have heard a lot about Branson.

Recently, his cousin, Mats Arjes, brought to Branson eight members of his Swedish resort company's leadership team to see what tips they could take home. Arjes is CEO of SkiStar, an operator of European alpine destinations with three resorts in Sweden and two in Norway.

Jonas Arjes said his cousin was curious about how a town of 7,000 residents can host 8 million visitors a year. During their three-day visit, they stayed at the Chateau on the Lake, visited Silver Dollar City, Thousand Hills Golf and Still Waters Lakefront resorts, and ate at Famous Dave's, Texas Land & Cattle Co. and Cantina Laredo.

Mats Arjes said via e-mail that it is interesting to study successful concepts for ideas and inspiration. He said the group was impressed "that it was so neat and tidy in Branson. The common interest and challenge is to welcome a lot of guests in a short time and give them a pleasant experience, and it is impressive to see that a small town such as Branson is able to be so successful in the tourism industry."

Marketing circus

With more than 100 shows playing in Branson's 52 theaters, show producers must be innovative.

Some producers lease space, so theaters have two or three shows a day, while others contract with special shows for limited runs.

To contend with his peers, entertainer Yakov Smirnoff is practicing a diverse business model. For Yakov's Moscow Circus, a special show that runs through Sept. 7, he's invited schools and charities to distribute flyers offering a free child's ticket with the purchase of a $20 adult ticket. For each adult ticket sold with the flyer, Smirnoff sends the school or charity $5.

Smirnoff also performs his own morning and afternoon shows, and country music star Neal McCoy is at Smirnoff's theater, 470 State Highway 248, on select dates through Nov. 1. And Dino's Christmas Extravaganza is featured in November and December, according to www.yakov.com.

To further diversify, Smirnoff presents Positive Psychology seminars and writes columns for national magazines, including AARP. He also teaches university classes, including his Business of Laughter session Aug. 17-21 at MSU.

A secret no more

The owners of Friends Avon Store in the Chappy Mall in historic downtown Branson say their business is a "well-kept secret." Many people accustomed to door-to-door or party sales of Avon products are surprised to a find an Avon retail store, said Jacque Friend, who with her husband, Bill, owns the store. Avon began opening retail stores in 2000, and the Friends opened their shop last July.

This is the Friends' first retail venture. She was a waitress for years at Cracker Barrel, and he remains a cook at Chili's Grill & Bar.

It's taken most of the year to develop a regular clientele, he said. Help has come from entertainer Dino Kartsonakis opening his 24 Karrat Cake Co. in Chappy Mall, 204 N. Commercial St., and the new Grand Glitz boutique also brings foot traffic to the mall, he said.Kathryn Buckstaff is membership public relations manager of Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.