Game Changers: Rick Huffman

Rick Huffman was the ringleader to development of the $425 million outdoor retail center along the shores of Lake Taneycomo. Branson Landing scored big in its first year, attracting an estimated 4.9 million visitors, or roughly 60 percent of those who visit Branson. But when consumer spending sunk, criticism rose, largely surrounding the tax revenue structure between Branson Landing, its tax increment financing district and city coffers. While the future will determine any missteps between those parties, Branson Landing has served as an example of how to carefully use and structure state tax incentives for development with the public interest in mind. Huffman and company also built the $54 million Branson Convention Center across from Branson Landing, bringing convention competition to Springfield’s Expo Center.

One of SBJ's 31 Game Changers in conjunction with Springfield Business Journal's 31st anniversary.[[In-content Ad]]