Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Realtors back center site

The directors of the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors voted to endorse the proposed Branson Meadows site for a new Branson convention center.

"Our board felt that the center and the site were ideal for the entire Tri-Lakes region," President-Elect LaNora Kay said in a press release. " A convention center will spur economic growth, enhance existing business and raise property values."

Board President Mark Weisz also said in the release, "By choosing the Branson Meadows site, we have a site that will not require millions of dollars of new roads and will not add as much to the frustration of drivers on the sometimes slow-moving strip."

The Branson Meadows location was chosen by a committee headed by Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer and Taney County Presiding Commissioner Joe Chowning.

The 40-acre parcel sits on Gretna Road across from the Factory Shoppes at Branson Meadows outlet mall. It was selected over five other possible sites. According to the release, the year 2003 is the likely target date for completion of the $40 million project.

Attractions make changes

The Welk Champagne Theatre, looking ahead to its 2001 production, announced that Dee Dee Lennon Gass of the Lennon Sisters will retire at the end of the 2000 season after 46 years in show business.

The remaining Lennon sisters, Kathy, Janet and Mimi, will continue to perform. After seven years at the theater, Jo Ann Castle will also be leaving the show.

Changes are planned for additional attractions as well.

"Rhythm of the Dance," a show of Irish music and step dance, will perform a limited engagement next year at Jennifer's Americana Theatre in Branson. The show will be featured at 2 p.m. matinees and some evenings, Monday through Saturday, from Sept. 19 through Oct. 20, 2001.

The off-Broadway musical "Smoke on the Mountain" opened Aug. 1 at the Mel Tillis Theater in Branson. Created by Connie Ray and Alan Bailey, and produced and directed by Angel O'Brien, the production will run at 10 a.m., Tuesday through Saturday, until Dec. 15.

Carthage

Firm breaks growth record

Leggett & Platt Inc. reported first-half sales set a record, up 17.4 percent from the previous year, bolstered in large part by an aggressive buying program that included 13 new operations.

The company, in a prepared statement, said first-half earnings were 75 cents per diluted share, an 8.7-cent gain from the same period a year ago.

"Seven businesses with annualized sales totaling about $255 million joined our growing family of Leggett companies (in the second quarter)," said Felix Wright, Leggett president and chief executive officer. "These new operations and the six businesses we acquired in the first quarter have collectively expanded our annualized volume by about $370 million, or 10 percent when compared with our 1999 full-year sales."

Joplin

Global strategy grows

FAG expects double-digit earning growth this year, resulting from a strategy of broadening its global operations.

Dr. Ing Uwe Loos, chairman of the managing board of FAG, said the company has been aggressive in seeking opportunities worldwide. FAG reported that its sales rose 18 percent in the first quarter this year compared to the same period a year ago, bringing revenue to $524 million.

Earnings for the quarter were $19 million, double that of the first quarter in 1999. As an example, Loos cited the company's joint venture with SKF of Gothenburg, Sweden, and NN Ball & Roller Inc. of Tennessee to form NN Euroball Aps. The new company will make chrome steel balls for the European market.

Monett

Jack Henry keeps growing

Jack Henry & Associates reported a 54 percent increase in fourth-quarter earnings and a 41 percent surge in profits, marking the 11th consecutive year of record profits for the Monett company specializing in banking technology.

In a prepared statement, the company said fourth-quarter revenues rose to $69.4 million, with revenues from software licensing and installation fees nearly doubling. That translates into earnings of $11.4 million, or 26 cents per diluted share.

The company's fiscal year ended June 30. Over the year, the company's total revenues rose 16 percent to $225.3 million, up from $193.5 million for the 1999 fiscal year.

Michael E. Henry, chief executive officer, said that the revenue surge in the final half of the year was the result of financial institutions investing in new technology after the Y2K scare.

He added that the company's aggressive buying program helped boost revenues. Over the just-closed fiscal year, Jack Henry & Associates acquired Open Systems Group, BancData Solutions, Symitar Systems and Sys-Tech.