Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Cook named to White River board

White River Valley Electric Cooperative's board of directors appointed William Cook of Theodosia to fill the unexpired term of board member Leslie Griffith. The position, which expires in September 2001, has been vacant since Griffith's death in April. Cook has owned and operated the Theodosia Marina Resort since 1975 and has lived in the community since 1952.

Chamber names Hall, Stanfill to posts

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announced the hiring of two new staff members. Vicki Hall has been named project coordinator and administrative assistant to Bryan Harding, vice president of marketing, and Claudia Vecchio, vice president of communications and corporate partners. Judy Stanfill has been named membership development manager, filling the position left by Fran Ballard, who is the new advertising sales manager with the chamber.

Travel professionals attend conference

Branson was host to more than 400 group tour operators, travel agents and group leaders from 31 states and Canada beginning July 15 for the third annual Destined For Branson Sales & Educational Conference. According to event chairman Ed Michel, the four-day conference included two specially produced performances by area entertainers, a trade show, an educational conference and visits to attractions, hotels and theaters.

In a news release, Michel said, "There is no better marketing technique than to let this influential group of individuals experience Branson. Many businesses' sales and marketing staffs travel thousands of miles each year promoting our destination. It is much easier to sell Branson when buyers can see it for themselves."

Michel said representatives in the gateway cities of Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, St. Charles and Overland Park, Kan., greeted about 200 of the buyers arriving at these major airports prior to their arrival in Branson. Eighty-seven area businesses participated in the 1999 Destined for Branson event, which began in 1996 to promote group travel to the area.

Fisher to address hospitality expo

Bill Fisher, president and CEO of the American Hotel and Motel Association, will be the featured luncheon and workshop speaker at the Midwest Hospitality Expo Aug. 24 at Chateau on the Lake. Fisher will present "Creating Creativity Creatively" prior to the trade show opening. His morning presentation will focus on how anyone can learn to be creative. Before joining the AH&MA in 1996, Fisher was the chief staff officer of the National Restaurant Association for more than 17 years.

Midwest Hospitality Expo, sponsored by the Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association, will also showcase more than 40 vendors. Lunch begins at noon. For more information about the expo, call 332-1400.

Postal conference set for Aug 5-6

Private businesses will join the U.S. Postal Service to sponsor the Mid-America Mailers Conference and Trade Show Aug. 5-6 at the Radisson Hotel in Branson. The event will include:

?What's happening in the mailing industry

?Round-table discussions covering creative mail marketing, direct-mail costs, proper use of bulk mail, newspaper and periodical delivery and more

?Demonstrations and forums from among more than a dozen vendors.

Featured speakers will be John A. Baltes, president of the Silver Dollar City Foundation, who will present seminars on "Covey's 7 Habits" and "The Principle-Centered Community"