News from the Branson/Lakes Area 
Chamber of Commerce and CVB
May 8, 2025

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The Missouri legislature continues working on the state budget today, which is due to Governor Kehoe by 6pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, a few more bills have cleared both chambers this week. They include:

HB 594 (Perkins, R-Bowling Green) exempts capital gains from income tax.

HB 595 (Brown, R-Kansas City) modifies provisions related to real estate transactions.

HB 754 (Oehlerking, R-Ballwin) modifies the articles of agreement applicable to bank or trust companies.

As of this morning, 22 bills have been sent to the Governor for his consideration. Session ends next Friday, May 16.

Urge Congress to Protect
Funding for BridgeUSA J-1 Program

President Trump’s Administration released its FY26 “skinny” budget last Friday, May 2. The proposal includes a 93% cut to the U.S. State Department’s international exchange programs. If Congress enacts this budget proposal, it would leave exchange programs, the organizations in the United States that use them, and the jobs of thousands of exchange professionals around the country at risk.

While the program offers employers a legal solution to meet seasonal staffing needs, it is not intended to replace domestic workers. Instead, it provides supplemental workforce support—especially in rural and resort areas, where labor shortages are most acute during peak tourism seasons. In the spring and summer of 2024 alone, 679 exchange visitors from 20+ countries were placed in the Branson area, directly supporting over 60 local businesses across our tourism economy.

We ask that you reach out to our federal delegation, through their district directors, to encourage their continued support of the BridgeUSA J-1 Program.

Senator Josh Hawley
Erin Engelmeyer
(417) 869-4433
Email Erin

Senator Eric Schmitt
Tuber Jobes
(417) 290-5000
Email Tucker

Congressman Eric Burlison
Steve Helms
(417) 889-1800
Email Steve

National Small Business Week: May 4-10

Join Us For Brew Crew

COMMUNITY NEWS

City of Branson Signs Partnership Agreement to Explore Indoor Sports Facility Development

(BRANSON, MO, May 8, 2025) The City of Branson today announced an agreement with The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) to guide the next phase of exploring the development of an indoor sports facility in Branson. SFC is a national leader in sports and recreation facility development, operations, and planning. This new partnership will allow the City of Branson to take critical next steps in evaluating, planning, and laying the groundwork for a major community asset designed to serve residents while bolstering year-round tourism. To read the full press release, click the button below:

Rally Point Branson: Vacation Like A Vet

This Memorial Day Weekend, from May 23 to May 26, 2025, Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families will gather in Branson for an event unlike any other. Rally Point Branson is a high-energy, patriotic experience designed to honor those who served, strengthen bonds within the Veteran community, and create lasting memories with family and friends. With live entertainment, competitions, exclusive experiences, and meaningful opportunities to engage with Veteran-focused resources, Rally Point Branson is more than an event—it is a movement to establish Branson as the Most Patriotic City in America by 2026.

Explore Branson Extranet Walkthrough Video

Save The Date: Ignite Branson

Join us for an unforgettable Ignite event, proudly sponsored by Central Bank, on Wednesday, June 12 at the stunning D’Monaco Luxury Resort on Table Rock Lake. This exclusive evening is designed for area professionals (ages 45 and under), offering a chance to connect, unwind, and spark new ideas in one of the most scenic settings in the Ozarks.

America Is Celebrating a Big Anniversary Next Year: 250!

Built on the foundational values of Faith, Family and Flag, Branson, Missouri has long supported Veterans, Active-Duty military and their families with annual events, parades and tributes throughout the city. In 2026, Branson will add even more celebrations, earning the title of America's Most Patriotic Destination! Make plans to celebrate in Branson in 2026 and keep up with what we're doing on our website.

America Best Golf Course - Big Cedar Lodge!

Big Cedar Lodge was honored to be voted America's Best Golf Resort by USA TODAY readers. "It’s very humbling to be recognized with this honor, especially because the voting was done by golfers and guests who have visited Big Cedar Lodge and golf resorts and destinations across America,” says Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris.

NEW MEMBERS

Edge Rail and Screen
79 Gensert Rd.
Eldon, MO 65026
(573) 789-4449

Party Magic 
827 W. Main St., Suite 105
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 334-0687

George Burrell
Individual
Branson, MO 65616

RENEWED MEMBERS

Andy's Frozen Custard
Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks
Country Market - Branson
Dolly Parton's Stampede
El Lago Mexican Restaurant
Four Rivers Financial
Grace Accounting
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency
KOLR 10 - KOZL 27 - OzarksFirst
Little Heroes Park
Olive Garden
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen
Stairway Cannabis
Tuxen & Associates