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News from the Branson/Lakes Area
Chamber of Commerce and CVB
February 27, 2025

Legislative Update

As the legislative session continues, both the Missouri House and Senate are making strides with various bills and working through the state budget. With spring break right around the corner (March 17-21), the Chamber is closely monitoring developments to ensure that the interests of the tourism and business sectors are represented.

The following bills were passed out of the Missouri Senate and have been second read in the House this week.

SB 3 (Crawford, R-Buffalo) modifies provisions relating to Department of Revenue fee offices including increases in service fees charged by the department.

SB 4 (Cierpiot, R-Lee’s Summit) is an omnibus bill related to utilities.

SB 49 (Black, R-Chillicothe) authorizes school districts and charter schools to employ or accept chaplains as volunteers.

SB 81 (K. Gregory, R-Marshall) modifies provisions relating to fireworks protections.

SB 97 (Crawford) modifies provisions relating to banks and trust companies.

SB 145 (Coleman, R-Arnold) would provide that no city shall require a business license for any enterprise owned by a person 18 or younger. (AKA the Lemonade Stand Act)

Missouri Tourism Day at The Capitol

On Tuesday, the Missouri Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (MACVB) held its annual Tourism Day at the Capitol. Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Heather Hermen, and VP of Government Affairs, Monica Evinger, attended the event in Jefferson City. During their visit, they met with state legislators to underscore the vital role tourism plays in Missouri’s economy, with a special focus on the significant contributions of the Branson area.

Corporate Transparency Act

From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

The Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting requirements are back on.

What happened: A federal court has lifted the injunction that was preventing the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) from enforcing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the CTA. Now, after numerous delays pending legal challenges, certain small business now have to file their paperwork starting as early as March.

Become a Volunteer for MoNASP

The MoNASP State Championship brings more than 4,300 student archers from across the state to Branson, MO to compete in the upcoming 2025 State Championship. MoNASP will be held at the Branson Convention Center from March 19th to the 22nd.This is an opportunity to show true Ozarks hospitality. The volunteers will be provided a MoNASP 2025 T-shirt, lunch, and chairs at all stations!

Join Us For Our Annual Membership Luncheon

Join us for this premiere luncheon at the Chateau on the Lake on Wednesday, March 12. Presented by Titanic and Dolly Parton's Stampede, the Annual Membership Luncheon highlights how your investment dollars are being used to increase visitation, advocate for pro-business policies, and grow the economy.

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB Support Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Extension

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB joined numerous chambers and associations across the nation in signing a letter advocating for the permanent extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, this initiative emphasizes the need for pro-growth tax policies to support businesses and foster a robust economy.

Lakes Area Leadership Academy Applications Open

Elevate your leadership journey with the Lakes Area Leadership Academy! Join a legacy of professionals shaping Branson's future. The program consists of nine sessions from March to November, covering a variety of topics that include marketing, tourism, government policy, and economic development. The application deadline is March 15.

New Veteran Initiatives Manager: Kody Petersen

The Branson Chamber and CVB is thrilled to welcome Kody Petersen as our new Veteran Initiatives Manager. This role marks a major step in strengthening Branson’s commitment to honoring and supporting our nation’s Veterans. We believe this is the first position of its kind in the Destination Marketing world—setting Branson apart and placing us at the forefront of serving Veterans as a destination. A special thank you to the City of Branson and Mayor Larry Milton for their leadership in making this position a reality.

NEW MEMBER(S)

Scouting America
104 Merle Lane
Ozark, MO 65721
(417) 839-3805

RENEWED MEMBERS

Bott Radio Network SW Missouri
Branson Professional Tour Guide Association
Bricktown Brewery
Glass Haus Weddings
International Residence Hall
Jordan Valley Community Health Center
Landry's Seafood House
Landshark Bar & Grill
Madden Media
Meridian Title Company
Missouri Ridge Distillery
Mouery's Flooring
Residence Inn Branson
Serenity Shores Resort
Shoppes at Branson Meadows
Snyder Construction Group
Tantone Industries
The Suites at Fall Creek

What	Ribbon Cutting: Whataburger
When	Mar 3 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)
Where	600 W Main St , Branson, Mo, 65616

What	Ribbon Cutting: Venue at Meadows
When	Mar 6 2025 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM (CST)
Where	4740 Gretna Rd, Branson, MO, 65616

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Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB
4100 Gretna Road, Branson, MO 65616

417-334-4084 | 800-296-0463

BransonChamber.com

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