Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Unemployment goes still lower in area

Taney County's unemployment rate dipped lower than the statewide average for June. According to Branson Job Service, the county's rate was 3 percent while Missouri's unemployment rate averaged 3.9 percent last month. The unemployment rate for Stone County dropped slightly from 4.5 percent in May to 4.2 percent in June.

Magazine ranks city family-friendly

Branson was recognized by the editors of FamilyFun magazine in its June/July issue as the No. 1 family-friendly tourist town in the Midwest. The magazine polled 250 readers from a dozen central states to rate their favorite destinations in nine categories such as amusement parks, cities, tourist attractions, historic sites and tourist towns. FamilyFun magazine is published by Disney Publishing Worldwide and has a circulation of 1.2 million. Its target readership is families with children ages 3-12.

Branson also received high marks in another poll. According to the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, research completed by D.K. Shifflet shows that Branson has risen to No. 18 among domestic tourism destinations. The chamber reported that the ranking puts Branson ahead of other tourist areas such as Nashville, Williamsburg and Tampa. In 1997 Branson ranked 20th, and in 1996 it ranked 44th in the same survey.

Amish Country Store opens Aug. 15

Darlen Whalen, who co-owns the new Amish Country Store with her husband, Terry, said the store will open around Aug. 15. The retail shop, decorated with an Amish buggy at the front entrance and located on Gretna Road in Branson, will be dedicated to such merchandise as custom oak furniture, hand- and machine-made quilts, children's toys and Amish-supplied bulk food, spices, jams and jellies. Whalen said the Amish Country Store will have both an 1,800-square-foot retail floor and an inside workshop where customers can watch the crafting of furniture. Morton Buildings, Monett, constructed the building and the business was financed by Ozark Mountain Bank

Carthage

Leggett acquires seven furnishing firms

Leggett & Platt Inc., which has its headquarters in Carthage, has announced the acquisition of seven privately held companies with projected annual sales of about $165 million.

Five of the companies serve commercial-furnishings markets: Met Displays, Chicago