The Southwestern Missouri Better Business Bureau’s Torch Finalist plaque.

BRANSON, Mo., March 9, 2015 – “It is an amazing honor to have been selected as one of the three finalists in the 2015 Southwestern Missouri Better Business Bureau‘s ‘Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics,'” said Lianne Milton, the CEO of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “When my husband Larry and I started BTC 12 years ago, ‘excellence in customer care, marketplace excellence, advancing marketplace trust and consumer leadership’ were the cornerstones upon which we built our business model and are still the defining standards we strive to meet on a daily basis.”  These are also the principles embodied in the Torch Award.

BTC was notified of their selection as a top three Finalist for the prestigious BBB award by Tim “TJ” Loudis, BBB’s Community Outreach & Development Director. In the notification, Loudis said that their independent panel of judges were unanimous in their belief that BTC’s nomination exemplifies a business with a rich history of strong integrity and marketplace ethics.

Branson Tourism Center, established in 2003, is a marketing company specializing in packaging and individual sales of shows, attractions and restaurants within Branson to prospective visitors. Over the last 12 years, BTC has sold well over 4 million show and attraction tickets and hundreds of thousands of room nights in the Branson marketplace as it has built trusted relationships with vendors and customers alike. “Our primary purpose is to make sure our customers have a quality vacation, and we are blessed with vendors who share our commitment and work hand in hand with us to ensure that happens,” Larry Milton said.  BTC has been an accredited member of BBB since 2003 and enjoys an A⁺ BBB Rating.

Although BTC did not win the Torch award, it received a Finalist plaque at the “BBB Torch Award Banquet” on the evening of March 5 at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri. Tammy Johnson, the General Manager of BTC, received the award on behalf of BTC and said, “This award represents the ethics we apply in our daily business dealings, automatically every day, whether someone is ‘looking’ or not, simply because it is who we are. We are so grateful to be in the top three for this award.”

About Branson Tourism Center

Branson Tourism Center is the area’s largest providers of Branson travel services and employs close to 100 people. It is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri with an A+ rating. Among other organizations, it is a member of the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), American Bus Association (ABA), National Tour Association (NTA), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA), Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (BLACC), and  Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association (BLALA). Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling 1-800-978-1999.

Branson’s “amazing intangibles” are given life by by those dedicated to ensuring that you and your family have a great Branson experience.*

Branson’s amazing shows, attractions, lakes, natural beauty, shopping and many other exciting activities are experienced by millions of visitors every year. Yet, in terms of the total vacation experience its visitors will have, it is Branson’s “amazing intangibles” of service, friendliness, comfort and hospitality, as much as “the things” Branson offers, that guarantees that you and your family will have a fantastic vacation filled with the kind of memories that will bring you back again and again.

The “Branson Promise” reminds those of us who live and work in Branson how important those intangibles are to the total experience its visitors will have while in Branson. In addition, it shares with prospective visitors what “we believe” and encourages an expectation that transcends “things” and “activities.”

In addition to all the “things” Branson has to offer, you will be surrounded by people committed to not only making sure you are entertained and have fun while in Branson, but showing you that we truly “believe:”

1. In our American values and celebrate them every day, respect for God, the individual, patriotism, faith, hope, optimism, family, courage, generosity, and opportunity for all.

2. In the home.

3. A vacation is not an escape from reality but a connection to what is real, you, your family, laughter, music, pure fun, and doing the things you really want to do, together

4. In families, and that vacations can belong to everybody in the family.

5. You deserve to take a break from your regular life while preserving the security and comfort that comes from feeling “right at home.”

6. The best experiences are live and personal. They affect you – and you affect them. The most memorable experiences have always been personal and uniquely spontaneous and unexpected, not planned or manufactured.

7. That every guest can be a part of our Branson family. From headline performers to the folks who sell the tickets, we invite you to become part of the fun we create every day as the families who built this community.

8. That money is hard earned, and respect the work that sits behind every dollar spent by our guests. We still think it’s possible to be surprised about how much money can buy, especially in Branson.

9. That new people aren’t strangers, just friends who haven’t visited.

10. In Branson, Missouri, nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains.”

“These beliefs are an inherent part of ensuring that our customers see and experience the spirit of Branson along with all its fun, adventure, excitement and entertainment,” said Tammy Johnson, the General Manager for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s largest provider of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. She adds, “The words of the original Branson Promise say it so beautifully; ‘We’re proud of who we are and where we are going. We’d love to show you around, because we love the ways in which we will surprise you. We’ve found what we want in Branson, and we know you’ll find what you want here too. Our doors are open, come on in.'”

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Ellen Petersen, member of the Petersen’s Family Bluegrass Band and a top 48 contestant on American Idol.

When the top 48 American Idol performers take the stage for “Showcase Week” at the Los Angeles “House Of Blues” to perform before their first “live audience” Ellen Petersen, who performs in Branson with her family in the Petersen Family Bluegrass Band, will be among them. Although the audience was “live”, the show was taped and will lead into the selection of the final 24 that America will vote on.

I had a Valentine’s Day that was special in that I got to take my “Valentine” to see the Petersen show; meet the Petersen family, the “kids,” Ellen, Katie, Matthew and Julianne, and their mom and dad Karen and Jon and interview Ellen. I will be writing about the show in a week or so, but to see this amazing family perform and interact with each other and their audience was a joy.

After the show I had a chance to interview Ellen (EP) on behalf of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC):

BTC: How long have you been singing?
EP: I have been singing “all of my life.” When we were young we used to learn Christmas carols, with all the parts and harmonies, and go around singing in nursing homes and churches.

BTC: What’s your favorite part of this show [Petersen Family Bluegrass Band]?
EP: Interacting with my family members; it’s really fun to play music with the people that you love. We have such a good time interacting on stage, it’s different every show and you never know what’s going to happen.

BTC: Have you always had a pink banjo?
EP: No, I got my pink banjo for my 16th birthday instead of a car.

BTC: Is that what you wanted?
EP: It’s what I got and I love it!

BTC: What led you to try out for American Idol?
EP: The “Bus Tour” was coming through Branson, people had suggested that I try out for it and a friend suggested that I not only try out for it, but that I yodel and play the banjo. I thought it was fun idea because you don’t see many girls trying out for American Idol yodeling and playing a banjo, so I learned “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and used it for my auditions in Branson and Kansas City.

BTC: How did that work?
EP: I auditioned in Branson and got a “Golden Ticket” to the Kansas City auditions which is what led to the opportunity that got me in front of the judges and on live national TV.

BTC: So, you are in front of the judges, sing “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and get a “Golden Pass to Hollywood” and, like thousands of contestants before you, head for the exit. Then something happened. Could you give us some insight on that?
EP: I had just received my “Golden Pass,” was excited and was pushing open the door to leave when Keith Urban asked me if I could play the “Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song.” Although I had played the song once, about four years ago, as part of our “Character Camp” at the “College of the Ozarks, I just prayed, “God, please help me remember these chords,” said “Yes” and marched my little-self back out there. They must have sensed my nervousness because Harry [Connick Jr.] said that he’d sing it with me, Keith joined him and it was a really funny moment.

BTC: Was Hollywood Week as much pressure as it seems like when you are watching it on TV?

EP: The whole premise of Hollywood Week is to put the performers under a lot of pressure and they have to cut over 200 performers down to 48. I think I slept six hours total that whole week.

BTC: What’s your most memorable part about Hollywood Week?
EP: My brother Matthew and sister Katie came out to Hollywood with me. They stayed up with me and supported and helped me throughout the whole week. Just having them there was really special and meant the world to me. In a family like ours we stick together and support each other. That’s what they did for me and it was awesome. That’s what got me through it.

BTC: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about trying out for American Idol?
EP: Go for it. Regardless of what the outcome is of my American Idol journey I have learned so much, not only in terms of my preparation, but the advice you get along the way from the judges and the shows staff.

BTC: What is one of the major ways it has impacted your life?

EP: God has used it to open my eyes to music and how it can be used to reach people emotionally and on a level that few other things can. Regardless of how American Idol turns out, just being able to play with my family and being able to have a positive impact on people’s lives is amazing.

BTC: Putting American Idol aside for a moment, you are a very busy young lady. Could you tell us a little bit about that?

EP: I graduated from the “College of the Ozarks” in May of 2014 with a major in chemistry; work in Oklahoma City for the University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center as a lab technician in a pathology lab with a professor researching breast cancer and drive back to Branson on Friday night of each week, practice with the band on Saturday morning, do the show Saturday night, go to church with my family on Sunday and then drive back to Oklahoma City.

BTC: Has Branson been supportive of your American Idol journey?
EP: I have just been blown away by Branson and how supportive everyone has been. It’s an awesome humbling experience.

It was a pleasure to interview this young lady, who is enjoying the moment while fully realizing who is in control of her journey and has blessed her with her amazing talent, personality, looks and family. During the Petersen’s show, Ellen’s mom is featured in various numbers with her mandolin. The crowd urges her on by saying, “Get it momma.” I would paraphrase that and encourage Ellen, as she continues her American Idol journey with the admonition, “Get it girl! Godspeed.”

Branson “Buzz of the Month”
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                  Branson’s 66th Adoration Parade.

For those cherishing the traditional American Christmas the “Buzz of the Month” would have to be the 66th Adoration Lighting Ceremony and Parade. From an entertainment perspective, although mid-December is the end of the 2014 season for many of Branson’s live shows, an amazing number of Branson shows will be open through the end of the year and some will be having special New Year’s Eve shows.
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“Buzzin in Branson” is produced monthly by the Branson Tourism Center as a service to its customers and others interested in what’s going on in Branson. It is in a concise and easy to read format that conveniently provides pertinent and timely comments, information and a list of the major special events, shows and activities for the month being “Buzzed” which, in this case is December 2014.

66th Adoration Lighting Ceremony and Parade: “On the evening of December 7, at 5 PM, the local tradition that has been observed for far longer than Branson has been a major tourist destination, will again take place. The “Adoration Scene Lighting Ceremony,” which will light up a huge Nativity Scene on Top of Mount Branson on the east (Hollister) side of Lake Taneycomo and will immediately be followed by the ‘Adoration Parade'” which is dedicated to keeping Christ in Christmas.

The spectacular production of “Jonah” will be performing in
Branson through the end of Dec.

Branson shows open through the end of December: Although many Branson shows will conclude their 2014 season by mid-December, many Branson shows, including the following, albeit on a modified schedule will be open until the end of December:

Amazing Pets
Acrobats of China
Billy Dean Live!
Grand Jubilee
Jonah
Legends in Concert
Paul Harris & The Cleverlys
Clay Cooper’s Country Express
The Haygoods
Pierce Arrow
Comedy Jamboree
Dixie Stampede
Hamners Unbelievable Variety
Showboat Branson Belle
Almost Famous Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai
Christmas on the Trail Chuck Wagon Dinner Show
Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show
Motown Downtown
The Revollusionists
Red, Hot & BlueSwing Starring Kelli Grant

In addition, some of these shows are also offering special New Year’s Eve Shows. See list below for Dec. 31.

Major December Events

The following list of major December events and activities is sorted by date and contains a link or other contact for further information. Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for additional information by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com:

Dec 1 – Dec 31: Titanic Museum Attraction – Tribute to Musicians
Nov 1 – Dec 30: Silver Dollar City Old Time Christmas Festival
Nov 1 – Dec 30: Branson Limousine Christmas Light Tour
Nov 1 – Dec 31: Branson Area Festival of Lights
Jan 1 – Dec 31: Titanic Museum Attraction – Tribute to Musicians
Nov 1 – Dec 30: Silver Dollar City Old Time Christmas Festival
Nov 1 – Dec 30: Branson Limousine Christmas Light Tour
Nov 1 – Dec 31: Branson Area Festival of Lights
Dec 1 – Dec. 31:Trail of Lights
Nov 1 – Jan 15: White Flight at The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
Dec 3 – Dec 4:Yuletide Feast at Keeter Center
Dec 7: 66th Annual Adoration Parade & Lighting Ceremony
Dec 25: Chateau on the Lake – Christmas Day Brunch
Dec 31:Chateau on the Lake New Year’s Eve Celebration & Fireworks
Dec 31: New Years Eve Shows:

Clay Cooper’s Country Express (See Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve)
Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve
Grand Jubilee
Legends in Concert
Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute Show
Pierce Arrow
The Haygoods (See Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve)
Hamners Unbelievable Variety

Lakin Kansas High School Class of 56 on the opening night of their Branson Class Reunion.

Whether it’s the natural beauty and lakes, shows, attractions, shopping or just plain down home American spirit, millions of people come to Branson each year to enjoy what it has to offer. Many of those visitors come as part of a “group” ranging from 20 to hundreds of people and covering everything from meetings and conventions to bus tours; church, bank and student groups and reunions of every type including class, military and family.

The Lakin High School, located in Lakin, Kansas, just west of Garden City, had 26 graduates in the Class of 1956. About 14 of those graduates and eight of their spouses decided to celebrate their class reunion in Branson this year. The reunion was held on September 22 – 24 and was a delightful combination of fellowship, renewing of acquaintances, reminiscing and sharing of fond memories all woven together with an opportunity for them, as a group and as individuals, to relax and experience all that Branson has to offer.

Although the events described below were seamless to the attendees because all they had to do was show up and enjoy themselves, there a lot of planning and effort by others to make that happen. “As in just about every group coming to Branson there is one or more people, ‘Group Leader(s)’ or ‘Planners’ who, whether designated as such formally or not, shoulder the responsibility for planning the trip and making sure that everything goes as planned,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC).

“The mission of the BTC Groups Department is to help the Group Leader provide their group with a greatest Branson experience possible by providing as much assistance as they want or need so all they have to do is show up with their Group and everything is ready for the event. When the ‘co-chairs’ (Group Leaders) for the ‘Lakin Class of 56 Reunion,’ Ron Edgington, Pat LeClerc and Jim Smith”contacted BTC, Preston Garrison, one of BTC’s Group Sales Managers, worked with them to help plan the reunion. After finding out exactly what they wanted he worked with them to make it happen exactly the way they wanted it at an affordable price.

LeClerc said, “With all there is to do in Branson we wanted to plan an itinerary that provided an opportunity to experience some of Branson’s shows together as a group and give our classmates an opportunity to do other things on their own, fellowship and just relax.” Edgington said that during the planning of the event, they would tell Preston what they wanted, he would give them ideas and recommendations which they reviewed, decided on and he took it from there. He said, “Basically, ‘one call’ took care of it all.” When asked if he would recommend the Branson Tourism Center for others planning a reunion he said, “Absolutely, in fact I would recommend them to individuals planning a trip to Branson.”

They were especially pleased with the service and help provided by BTC’s Garrison. LeClerc said, “Preston was very helpful, knowledgeable and attentive. We were very pleased with everything he did.” She shared that when they got the written proposal it was so low that they thought Preston had left the shows off. They were presently surprised to find out that wasn’t the case. As I attended events during the reunion there were numerous comments of appreciation about the services provided by “Preston” and BTC that helped make the event so successful.

On Day 1 the Class of 56 and their guests arrived in Branson, checked into the Stone Castle Hotel and had free time until their welcoming dinner in the Excalibur Room of the hotel that evening. After dinner the group saw a video that took them back to their youth in Lakin and some great memories of the past, pictures of their last reunion and just relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company. The Excalibur Room was heirs for the entire time of the reunion so that they could get together and fellowship with each other at their convenience.

Along with “”SIX the Class of 56 went to see the spectacular production of “Jonah” and the “Bretts.”

Day two started off with breakfast and a free morning. In the afternoon they went to see one of Branson’s hottest shows, SIX and that evening went to see the spectacular presentation of Jonah on the 300 foot surround stage of the Sight and Sound theatre.

Day three was a free day, until 4:45 p.m., for them to just relax or experience, on an “individual basis,” some of fun and excitement of Branson. Some went on Ride The Ducks, some just relaxed, some went shopping and 18 of them spent their morning at the Bretts show. I just have to share one comment made by Pat LeClerc, one of the co-chairpersons who planned the trip. While commenting on how great the show was, she said how impressed she was at the Brett’s forward thinking about the entertainment of the generation “that will come after us” and their commitment to providing a show that entertains all ages from three to 90.

At 4:45 the group all boarded the 100 foot luxury yacht “Landing Princess” for a dinner cruise on beautiful Lake Taneycomo in the glimmer of the setting sun. The service was excellent, as was the smoked chicken and brisket dinner topped off by “Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding.”

After the cruise everyone met back at their hotel for a cake and coffee reception, entertainment provided by their class mates and more fellowship. The one thing that was obvious at all the events I attended was that they were having a great time and truly enjoyed each other.

This is the story of one small group and their Branson experience. The neat thing about Branson’s tourism industry and the Branson Tourism Center in particular, is its dedication to making sure that every visitor and group, large and small, has a great Branson experience that will leave them with great memories. Although my wife, who was one of the graduates in the Class of 56, and I live in Branson, if her reaction is any indication, I just have to believe that the Class of 56 left Branson with some wonderful memories of what they shared together and of Branson.

The beauty of the Ozark’s Fall foliage at its peak is something to behold.

Branson “Buzz of the Month” – The Branson autumn foliage will reach its peak color from the middle to the end of October

Buzzin in Branson” is produced monthly by the Branson Tourism Center as a service to its customers and others interested in what’s going on in Branson. In a concise and easy to read format, it conveniently provides pertinent and timely comments, information and a list of the major special events, shows and activities that are timely for the month being “Buzzed.”

Although it’s not on any event calendar etc., it is worth noting that typically, depending on the weather, the autumn foliage will reach its peak color from the middle to the end of October.

October is also an important month for those who want to see the full 2014 regular season performances of most Branson shows because it is the last month many shows will be performing their full regular season shows. Starting with their first November performance, most shows will be shifting into their Christmas show format. Except for those shows such as the Andy Williams Christmas Show, Christmas Wonderland and the Shoji Tabuchi Show that are strictly Christmas, most shows will be a blend of Christmas and highlights from their 2014 regular show.

Kids, locals and visitors alike, will enjoy the free “Harvest Festival” at “Branson Hills” near the “Home Depot” on Oct. 4 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Shoppes at Branson Hills & Branson Hills Plaza, it promises fun for all ages with free pumpkins for the kids, games prizes, face painting, a Bounce House, crafts, and candy for kids in costumes. On Halloween Day, Oct. 31 there will be a safe trick or treat event for kids, local or visitors, in costumes at both the “Tanger Outlets Mall” and “Branson Landing.”

Another unique October event is College of the Ozarks’ “Farm to Fork” event, on Oct. 25. It is a combination educational and culinary experience providing “a day of farm-to-table cooking with award-winning Executive Chef Robert Stricklin. Call the college at 417-690-2122 for costs and additional information.

Bill Cosby

The following list of major October events and activities is sorted by date and contains a link or telephone contact for further information.

Oct. 1 – 31: Titanic Museum Attraction – Tribute to Musicians
Oct. 1 – 25: Silver Dollar City National Harvest & Cowboy Festival
Oct. 1: Titanic Jewelry Collection on Jewelry Television 12 – 2 p.m.
Oct. 4: Harvest Festival at Branson Hills near Home Depot Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Oct. 10: Limited Engagement – Bill Cosby
Oct. 11: 5th Annual Paint the Landing Pink Day for Breast Cancer Awareness 417-239-3002
Oct. 11Makenna & Brock Breast Cancer Benefit Concert, Branson Landing, 417-239-3002
Oct. 15 – 20:  Titanic Museum, Book Signing, Bruce Caplan, “The Sinking of Titanic,” 800-381-7670
Oct. 17 – 19: Branson Classic: 2014 Pickleball Tournament, 417-334-5927
Oct. 19: Limited Engagement – Charley Pride
Oct 22: Limited Engagement – John Conlee & Ronnie McDowell
Oct. 24 – 25: Limited Engagement – Clint Black
Oct. 25: Farm to Fork, Keeter Center College of the Ozarks 417-690-2122
Oct. 31: Halloween TangerStyle or Treat at Tanger Mall
Oct. 31: Halloween Safe Street Trick or Treat at Branson Landing 417-239-3002