Southwest Missouri News

Branson

Chamber holds Business Before, After Hours

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Business Before Hours at 7:30 a.m. May 11 in the chamber of commerce meeting room. The topic will be "Start Your Fiscal Fitness Program and Reduce 2000 Tax Stress Now," presented by Debra Haskins of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson. Its Business After Hours will be 5:30-7 p.m. May 20 at the Best Western Branson Lodge.

MDA names Outstanding Dietician

The Missouri Dietetic Association has named Lisa Frazier, of Nixa, Outstanding Dietician of the Year. She is a registered clinical dietitian at Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson. Frazier received the award during the MDA annual meeting April 15-16 in Springfield.

She has served as secretary-treasurer, president-elect and is now completing a one-year term as president of the southwest Missouri district of the dietetic association. For the past two years she has also served on the association's executive board as director-at-large.

McFaddens' Late Night Show starts May 21

The Late Night Show starring the McFadden Brothers will open at 11 p.m. May 21 and run through Sept. 6 at the Branson Mall Music Theatre. The Late Night Show will feature Lonnie and Ronnie McFadden entertaining with the sounds of swing, big band and Kansas City jazz. They will also play an 8 p.m. show on Mondays.

City receives two Revitalization Awards

The city of Carthage took home two Excellence in Downtown Revitalization Awards at the ninth Missouri Main Street Conference April 27 in Jefferson City.

Jack and Sue Vandergriff, owners of Bee Discount, received the Merchant of the Year Award. The couplerenovated into a 122-year-old building located next to their original location on the square.

The Vandergriffs have seen a 25 percent increase in sales compared to last year and have hired additional employees.

In addition, the Carthage Main Street Program purchased and placed new Victorian-style street signs in the Courthouse Square Historic District. The local group purchased the old signs for $250 and sold them as souvenirs, turning a profit of $6,000.

Four stores open at South Towne Center

Four new stores opened in April at the South Towne Center at Hollister. The Pizza Chef, owned by Jerry and Connie Harris, opened April 1 offering pizza, subs and salads made fresh daily. The restaurant is open seven days a week and offers delivery service.

Kelly Beard opened her new business, Kelly's Kutting Krew, April 1. Beard said the full-service salon, which employs a staff of three, offers hair, nail and tanning services six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

Davin Oliphant, owner of Hometown Appliance Center in Forsyth, opened a second store at South Towne Center April 1. The new Hollister store, open six days a week, will carry large appliances with such brand names as Kitchen Aid, Whirlpool and Roper.

The Sports Connection opened April 15. Its owner, Cheryl Stottle, said the store offers sporting goods, including uniforms and equipment, for a large variety of sports.

Joplin promoters meet with legislators

Fifteen Joplin promoters, headed by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, shared Joplin-made products with state legislators and legislative employees April 28 in Jefferson City.

"We are letting them know that Joplin is Missouri's fourth largest metropolitan area. Sometimes, that is forgotten," said Steve Lewis, Joplin city manager.

Heading the event were Lewis[[In-content Ad]]