Herschend Family Entertainment names new president, CEO

Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, formerly known as Silver Dollar City Inc., recently announced changes in leadership of the family-owned and operated company. Joel Manby has been selected as the new president and CEO, and board member Nelson Schwab has been chosen chairman of the board. Manby was chairman of the board of directors prior to the promotion.

Former CEO Mel Bilbo stepped down in January after four years as chief executive. Bilbo's future plans were not available.

"This is an exciting time to be part of the Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation as we work together, employees and guests alike, to become America's favorite storytellers," Manby said.

Manby previously served as CEO of Saab Motor Cars USA, was one of the original leaders of the Saturn Corporation, and developed Family Wise, a nonprofit Christian ministry. He and his family will continue to reside in Atlanta, where Herschend Family Entertainment operates Stone Mountain Park in partnership with the state of Georgia.

"In our business, we're spread out in four and about-to-be five states," said Peter Herschend, vice chairman of the board and co-owner of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation. "The work of the CEO is on the road as much as it is in the office, and he, therefore, is as effective working out of Atlanta, where we have a major operation, as he would be out of Branson."

Schwab, a member of the board since 1986, previously served as chairman of Paramount Parks, CEO of Kings Entertainment Company, and as an executive vice president of Taft Broadcasting. He is a founding partner of the national merchant banking firm, Carousel Capital, based in Charlotte, N.C., where he and his family reside.

Founded in 1960, Herschend Family Enter-tainment's properties are located in five states, including Dollywood and Dolly's Splash Country, with partner Dolly Parton, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta; and Dixie Stampede dinner attractions in Branson, Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach, S.C., with partner Dolly Parton. They plan to open another Dixie Stampede by May in Orlando, Fla.

Local properties include Branson's Silver Dollar City, Showboat Branson Belle, White Water, The Grand Village, Talking Rocks Cavern, Silver Dollar City Campground and Ride the Ducks, which is being expanded to numerous states via partnerships. Celebration City, a $40 million theme park set on 45 acres in Branson, is expected to be fully operational by Memorial Day.

The 1880s-themed Silver Dollar City draws in excess of 2 million visitors per year. Celebration City will have a 1950s theme and will open be open later at night than Silver Dollar City.