Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Developers interviewed for project

The city of Branson continues to interview developers for the construction of a convention and exhibition center.

A public meeting was held May 2 to hear an alternative convention center proposal by a local developer. But city officials said the hearing does not mean the developer will be selected nor will it change any plans for the development.

"This is only a public presentation," said Mayor Lou Schaefer. "As a board, we have an obligation to hear all input from developers interested in our convention center project."

Schaefer said the Taneycomo lakefront is the site chosen by the aldermen, and the city continues to work on the plan. He added that the board remains open to all other ideas of constructing a convention and exhibition center and redeveloping the waterfront into an appealing attraction for residents and visitors.

Motorcycle rally set for May 16-19

The "Road Trip II" Branson Motorcy-cle Rally will take place May 16-19. The rally will be taped by the Speed Channel and aired on its weekly television series, "Ride On," later this year.

The events will be at the MGH Performing Arts Center Complex located at Highway 65 and 248. Gates will be open 9 am. 6 pm. daily.

Entrance into the rally is $35 and includes a rally patch, pin and T-shirt.

Branson creates economic office

The city of Branson has created a de-partment and position to focus on enhancing the city's economic development. Michael Rankin, former executive director of the Branson Regional Economic Development Association, will direct the new Office of Economic Development beginning May 6.

"This position will allow the city to continue its vision to diversify Branson's economic base," said Branson City Administrator Terry Dody.

BREDA is a nonprofit organization created in 1997 and funded by memberships from local governments and private businesses.

"The BREDA Board of Directors' mission five years ago was to develop an organization that would recruit new businesses to the Branson area, compile demographic data and be of assistance to local businesses," Rankin said.

BREDA Board Chairman Lynn Rowe said the board will meet May 14 to decide the direction the organization will take. Rowe said the new city department may "double up" BREDA's efforts.

Monett

Jack Henry announces dividend

Jack Henry & Associates' board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.035 per share.

The cash dividend on its common stock, $.01 per share, is payable May 17, to stockholders of record as of May 2.

Neosho

Kitchen Pass to open new site

The Kitchen Pass, a restaurant in Joplin, is planning to expand to Neosho.

The Neosho Kitchen Pass will open inside the Neosho Inn Hotel and will accommodate up to 125 patrons in the restaurant. An adjoining 120-seat lounge will include a dance floor and live entertainment. In addition, a 250-seat banquet hall will feature buffet-style dining or formal dining.

Joplin

Empire Electric revenues rise

Empire District Electric Company reported an increase in revenues and a loss for the first quarter of 2002.

The company reported a loss for the first quarter of 2002 of $5 million or $0.03 per share, as compared to earnings in the same quarter of 2001 of $2.2 million, or $0.13 per share.

Negatively impacting earnings for both the first quarter of 2002 and the first quarter of 2001 were merger expenses relating to the proposed merger with UtiliCorp United Inc., which was terminated Jan. 2, 2001.

Excluding merger expenses in the first quarter of 2002 and 2001, earnings would have been $0.4 million, or $0.02 per share for the first quarter in 2002 and $0.7 million, or $0.04 per share for the first quarter of 2001.

Although revenues increased in the first quarter of 2002 as compared to the first quarter of 2001 due to the increase in Missouri rates granted by the Missouri Public Service Commission in September 2001, this was more than offset by the impact of milder temperatures in the quarter as compared to colder-than -normal temperatures in 2001.

The company reported earnings for the 12 months ended March 31, 2002 of $7.7 million, or $0.42 per share. This compared to earnings of $23.5 million, or $1.34 per share, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2001.