Southwest Missouri News--Branson

by Carol Harris, Branson area, and Mary Engler-Guccione, Joplin area

The Missouri Department of Economic Development, through its Community Assessment Program, has designated Branson an All-Missouri Certified City. Branson received the designation by participating in a self-assessment process to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the community.

Branson Alderman Al Moon chaired the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce's Quality of Life Committee that assembled the reports needed for consideration of Branson as an All-Missouri Certified City. Moon said the designation would enhance Branson's economic development efforts.

"The fact that we took the time and effort to examine ourselves and fix problems tells a company looking to relocate here that we care enough about our community to take the hard look and identify for them those services and programs that may be a little better than others," Moon said in a news release.