Aldermen expand Branson marketing area to 15-mile radius in first reading of CVB contract amendment

The Board of Aldermen on June 14 approved on first reading an amendment to the tourism and marketing services contract between the City of Branson and the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau to permit “area‑wide” marketing within a 15‑mile radius of the city limits.

City staff described the change as removing a prior restriction that required marketing dollars to be spent only inside the Branson city limits. Solon, speaking for city administration, said the amendment “is removing the restriction that we’ve had in place” and that marketing outside the limits would require city administration approval before ads run.

The amendment text specifically identifies including major regional attractions — cited during the meeting as Silver Dollar City, Top of the Rock and Big Cedar — as part of the extended marketing area. Solon told aldermen the intent is to “enhance all businesses in Branson by driving more traffic to Branson” and to include a safety net requiring administrative approval for expenditures outside the city limits.

A representative who identified themself during public comment thanked the board for “erasing some boundaries” and said including regional partners will be beneficial for the destination. Pam and Heather (identified at the meeting as CVB representatives) also spoke in support of broader, cooperative destination marketing.

The first reading passed by voice vote with unanimous support. The board did not debate specific dollar amounts or a revised budget allocation at the meeting; Solon said most advertising funded by the city must still promote attractions and businesses “inside of the city limits.”

The change will return for final reading at a future meeting before being executed by the mayor.