Overheard

Reports in Illinois and Alabama reveal that developers in those states would like to create destination towns modeled after Branson.

A land swap is under discussion in southern Illinois, near Pinckneyville, where some 2,000 acres could be developed into a resort and theme park with an expected $100 million in private investment and 2,500 new jobs. The Associated Press reported that a development company, through state legislation, seeks to trade its land for state park acreage about 70 miles southeast of St. Louis, with the intent of creating music entertainment venues and golf courses.

Lawmakers in Alabama hope to foster a country music development in Coffee County, citing tourism success in Branson. The development would include outdoor and indoor theaters, a golf course, amusement park and new homes, the AP reported. Country music legend George Jones is said to be one of the investors in the project, which would be located off Alabama 167, a popular northwest Florida tourist route.

Liberty Bank Settles

Springfield-based Liberty Bank reached a settlement June 1 with a former employee who alleged discrimination and sexual harassment against a bank officer. Terms of the settlement, reached through mediation, can’t be disclosed, according to Kansas City attorney Denise Anderson, who represented former financial adviser Michele Osborn in her claim against Liberty Bank. Osborn alleged that Liberty Investment Services Inc. manager Phil Wannenmacher discriminated against her and sexually harassed her between February 2003 and February 2006. Osborn filed a charge of discrimination with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in April 2006, but the two sides decided in February to enter mediation before EEOC concluded its investigation.

Wright Consultant for Leggett

Carthage-based Leggett & Platt Inc. chairman Felix E. Wright has transitioned out of his CEO role with the company and into an employee consultant position. Wright began a two-year stint as consultant June 1, according to a May 31 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He will continue as chairman of the furniture manufacturing company’s board of directors. Wright will report to David S. Haffner, who succeeded Wright as CEO a year ago. During the first year, Wright will be paid an amount equal to 75 percent of his highest consecutive five-year average earnings, and he will be paid 60 percent of the average in the second year. Earnings include salary and bonus.

Slice of Nice

The city of Neosho issued a public “thank you” to John Branham and Branco Enterprises Inc. for coming to the aid of city crews in helping get the Neosho swimming pool up and running for opening day this summer. Branco Enterprises provided expertise and manpower on very short notice to replace a large section of pool bottom.[[In-content Ad]]