Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Mayor responds to critics

Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer responded to what he called criticism and rumors concerning public funding for a proposed convention center Oct. 24 by issuing a news release "to set the record straight." According to the mayor, complaints were expressed Oct. 19 during a joint public hearing between the city and county to hear presentations for a center site.

Two concerns the mayor addressed in the news release were that the convention center should be built by private enterprise, and that a publicly funded convention center would drain taxes to the detriment of other services.

"The reality is that nearly all convention centers are publicly operated and supported by the additional tax revenues that they generate," Schaefer said in the release. "The city and county would stop pursuit of a convention center today if the private sector would do the project without any public funding."

He said that while a convention and exposition center is not operationally profitable, it would produce new ancillary tax revenues that would far exceed the subsidization cost and would generate additional tax revenue.

As an example, using nationally recognized marketing projections, Schaefer said that if the convention center attracted 100,000 visitors a year and the average conventioneer spent $342 per day during a three and one-half day stay, an additional $119 million would be spent in Branson. Because both the city of Branson and Taney County have a 1.5 percent sales tax, each would receive nearly $1.8 million in new tax revenue. According to the mayor, the convention center would also produce revenues that offset operations and debt service cost, and the city would also receive additional revenue through its 4 percent tourism tax on hotels and ticketed attractions and 0.5 percent tax on restaurants.

Clinic extends hours

Branson Family Medicine Clinic has extended its hours for patients on a walk-in basis with non-emergency, health care concerns. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Skaggs Outpatient Center. Health care providers at the clinic are Dr. William Zeller, Dr. Mark Smith and Physician Assistant Ryan Pock.

Holiday display now open

The Branson Area Festival of Lights officially opened Nov. 2 and will be open through Dec. 31. The two-mile, drive-through holiday lighting display is located just north of U.S. Hwy. 65 and Bee Creek Road in Branson. BAFOL has announced a call for entries for its annual commercial and residential lighting contest. Those interested can contact the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 334-4084, ext. 315.

Holiday shows announced

Syncor Entertainment Inc. of Branson, announced Oct. 19 that the company reached an agreement with the owners of the Remington Theatre to host Syncor's Christmas shows in the building. The Remington Theatre, one of the largest in Branson with a seating capacity of 2,800, is equipped with state-of-the-art production capabilities to accommodate large production and television shows as well as major concerts.

The two featured Christmas shows are Dino's 10th Annual Christmas Extravaganza which begins performances Nov. 3 and the Oak Ridge Boys' Christmas production "Paintin' the Town Christmas" which premieres Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 13 with limited engagements.

Syncor has again partnered with Radio City Entertainment and Silver Dollar City, Inc. to open The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes beginning Nov. 3 at The Grand Palace in Branson. The Grand Palace is owned and operated by Syncor.

Joplin

Business earns honor

Spot-Not Car Washes has been selected as one of the Top 200 American Franchise Companies by Success Magazine's Franchise Gold 200 Awards.

The Joplin-based business was selected from more than 2,500 franchises based on financial management, growth, stability, and franchiser-franchisee relationships, and opportunities for growth.

Currently there are 30 franchise locations in five states.

Complex holds opening

A grand opening was held Oct. 27 for the Red Wood Towers, 1631 Rex Ave.

The development includes 24 two-bedroom, two-bath units and 12 three-bedroom, two-bath units. The complex also includes a clubhouse, exercise room, laundry room and playground.

Moving service opens

Two Men and a Truck, a moving company operation, has opened a franchise in Joplin. The company provides moving services to residential and commercial customers throughout the area.

The business is part of a national chain with more than 80 locations in 23 states.

In addition to moving services, the franchise sells boxes and packing supplies and offers complete packing services.

Truck drivers now online

Contract Freighters Inc., an international trucking company based in Joplin, is now offering free Internet service to each of its 2,400 drivers.

CFI has been working with Park 'N View, a Coral Springs, Fla., company, to offer in-cab local and long distance telephone service as well as cable television service at six of its own terminals and at truck stops around the country.

Hospital opens new facility

St. John's Regional Medical Center's Comprehensive Wound Healing Center is now open.

Located in the Medical Office Building on the St. John's campus, the center's continuum of care includes extensive wound assessment and treatment using advanced methodologies, pain management and patient education.

Neosho

La-Z-Boy expects higher profits

La-Z-Boy announced Oct. 17 that it expects sales for its fiscal second quarter to be slightly above results from one year ago. The company operates a plant in Neosho.

"While overall demand is running somewhat below our previous expectations, we believe that La-Z-Boy is doing as well or probably a little better than the industry as a whole," said Fritz Jackson, chief financial officer, in a news release.

The company's earnings would be comparable with the 44 cents per share reported in 1999.

Jackson called the overall tone of business in the industry very challenging.

"While it isn't clear whether this is due to high energy prices, increased interest rates, election year uncertainties, the stock market's recent gyrations or some combination of factors affecting consumer spending patterns, the recent slowdown in retail furniture sales should come as no surprise to anyone who follows our industry closely," he said.

La-Z-Boy's Neosho plant employs 1,400 people, making it one of the largest employers in the Joplin area.