The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today the recipients of the 2004 community awards. The awards were presented at the Chamber’s annual Black Tie dinner and gala held February 25, 2005 at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO.

Corporate sponsors for the evening were Akers & Arney Insurance, Ozark Mountain Bank, ReserveBRANSON.com and Ozarks Family Vision Centre/Missouri Eye Institute. In addition to dinner and entertainment provided by The Thundering Red Rockets, the evening served as an opportunity to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the Branson/Lakes area. The awards presented at the 2005 event were:

The Mary Award, named in honor of Mary Herschend and Mary Trimble, the first recipients, was presented to Steve Weyher, operator of Golden Corral restaurant, for his outstanding service to the community and its residents. Steve has been a long-time supporter of the area’s events for veterans, and community marketing programs such as Hot Winter Fun. In 2004, Steve made a significant contribution to the “Branson’s Fun for Everyone” grassroots campaign by rallying local support for the program’s efforts to encourage visitors to Branson. Steve regularly donates his company’s services, and his personal time and energies when called upon by the community.

The Pioneer Award was presented to Jim Thomas, owner of the Lodge of the Ozarks complex, in appreciation for many years of service and dedication to the Branson community. A man of vision, Jim brought legendary entertainers such as Roy Clark to Branson for the first time, and later encouraged some of them to build their own theaters, prompting national recognition for the area. Jim was instrumental in developing Branson as a year round destination by being the first to extend his theater’s performance season. He encouraged the growth of the first convention and group tour business to Branson, and has continually upgraded his Lodge complex to provide visitors with a first-class entertainment, lodging, dining and meeting experience.

The Ambassador Award was presented to The Vacation Channel for its exemplary ambassadorship for the Branson/Lakes area. The company’s commitment to providing first-rate programming and high-quality production services has made an outstanding impression on millions of visitors to the area. The owners and staff provide professional, thoughtful customer service to their clients, and they have been recognized numerous times within their industry for their award-winning work.

The Beautification Award was given to the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks for its enhancement of the Branson/Lakes area. The state-of-the art, beautifully crafted facility and grounds provide a truly memorable sensory experience for visitors, residents and students. The new facility will provide C of O students with many wonderful learning experiences for generations to come.

The Community Spirit Award, created and sponsored by Myer Hotels, was presented to Bert Leman, owner of Artilla Cove Resort, for his outstanding efforts to promote the Indian Point and Branson/Lakes areas. He has served as the Indian Point Chamber president, as a Village Trustee, and member of the Indian Point Village Board of Public Works. His efforts to produce the Enchanted Forest Light Display at Indian Point have helped attract over 80,000 visitors to the area. Bert has been a hands-on participant on many Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce committees.

The event also included a special achievement award for Michael London, publisher of Branson’s Update Magazine, for his volunteer efforts to organize the grassroots “Branson’s Fun for Everyone” public relations campaign. Michael donated his time and resources to rally the community behind his comprehensive plan to tell visitors that Branson is a ‘fun’ place for all. Among other features, the campaign included community-wide special events and rallies, promotional materials for sponsors, a website, a trip give-away, a movie short, a theme song and the services of a PR firm that helped bring national media exposure to the Branson/Lakes Area.

Two special recognition awards were given to Branson/Lakes Area Chamber volunteers for their above and beyond service to their community and to the Chamber.

Greg Maycock, owner of Indian Point Resort, has demonstrated a tireless commitment to the area and the Chamber through his hands-on service. He has been instrumental in the development of the Chamber’s new website, the Vacation Guide and other publications, and even volunteered to help manage the marketing programs of the Chamber when the Marketing Vice President’s position was vacant. He also serves on the Chamber Board of Directors.

Lucy Epperson has a long-standing record of exemplary volunteer service as an ambassador for the Chamber. She regularly works as a welcome center volunteer and rarely misses a ribbon cutting. Lucy is a delightful role model for other community servants and a gracious and welcoming host to visitors.

The evening also included a video presentation of the “Branson Promise,” produced by The Vacation Channel and featuring dozens of area residents who donated their time in bringing to life the written statement describing the spirit of the area.

Jim Stafford, comedian and Branson theatre owner, announces the exciting addition of all new first-class seats, premium surround sound, state-of-the-art lighting, and a remodeled, spacious lobby finished just in time to kick off the 2005 season at the Jim Stafford Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

Widely acclaimed as the “Victor Borge of the guitar”, Jim will be making exciting changes in his show for 2005 by adding more of his famous guitar picking and more audience participation comedy.

“I have found that my audiences are some of the funniest people in the world,” says Jim. “Getting out in the middle of them produces spontaneous, original laughs. Nobody can write a joke as funny as people can just naturally be.”

The red carpet treatment is what it’s all about at the Jim Stafford Theatre in 2005, with the addition of VIP first-class seating in the front of the theatre. Each first-class seat has a 41” hi-back seat with a cushioned pillow top headrest, armrest with cup holder, and an ergonomic, curved design for added comfort. All new marquee seats fill the rest of the theatre with each chair having a 38” hi-back seat, cup holder, and an ergonomic, curved design. Space between each row of seats has also been increased to add more leg room. Jim says, “Ladies and Gentlemen, buckle up ’cause it’s gonna be a wild ride — with first-class seating and out of this world music and comedy!”

Not only will Jim Stafford’s audiences be seated in the most luxurious seats in Branson, but they will be able to experience the Jim Stafford Show like never before. In 2005, all new premium surround sound and state-of-the-art lighting makes Jim’s hilarious comedy, laser light show, incredible guitar licks, and 3-D Virtual Thrill Ride an unforgettable experience. Ann Stafford, Jim’s wife and co-owner of the theatre says, “What happens at the Jim Stafford Show doesn’t stay here. It’s excitement people can take with them forever!”

Operation Homecoming USA has named an Advisory Council for the planning and execution of “Welcome Home… America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans.” The weeklong event to be held this June has the specific mission of providing Vietnam Veterans the national homecoming they never received.

General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is serving as Liaison to the Advisory Council of Operation Homecoming USA for the Department of Defense. An Air Force command pilot with more than 4,100 flying hours, Gen. Myers is past Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Space Command. He became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in 2001. The individual members of the Advisory Council include:

H. Ross Perot, Navy veteran, founder of Electronic Data Systems, noted philanthropist and activist for veterans’ causes. Mr. Perot sits on the Board of Directors of Operation Homecoming USA.

James H. Amos, Jr., Marine Corps veteran of two combat tours in Vietnam, Chairman Emeritus of MBE-UPS Stores, and a national leader in the franchising industry. Amos also serves as Chairman of the Board for Operation Homecoming USA.

Gerard Arpey, Chairman, President and CEO of AMR, leads a global organization that includes American Airlines, the largest airline in the world, serving more than 250 cities in 41 countries and territories.

Brigadier General Robert F. McDermott, USAF, Retired, a World War II combat pilot now recognized as the “Father of Modern Military Education,” is Chairman Emeritus, USAA. He grew the company assets from $206 million to $31 billion during his service at USAA.

Rear Admiral Patrick D. Moneymaker, USN Retired. A decorated Navy Top Gun flier who logged a career total of over 3,000 flight hours, Admiral Moneymaker is former commander of the Blue Angels and served as Commander of Naval Space Command since 1997.

General Hugh Shelton, US Army, Retired. A former Commander of MacDill Air Force Base and Commander-in-Chief of United States Special Operations, General Shelton also served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Kenneth D. Walker, President and CEO of Meineke Car Care Centers. His leadership has made Meineke one of America’s most successful franchise corporations.

Welcome Home…America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans will be held June 13-19, 2005 in Branson, Missouri. The weeklong celebration will include demonstrations and displays, golf and fishing tournaments, the Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall Experience, a Homecoming Parade honoring Vietnam Veterans, and an outdoor Grand Finale Celebration which will include more than 15 aircraft from the Vietnam era.

Confirmed performers for the Saturday Grand Finale Celebration include the Beach Boys, the Fifth Dimension, Creedance Clearwater Revisited, the Doobie Brothers, the Supremes with Mary Wilson, the Four Tops, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Tony Orlando, Les Brown’s Band of Renown with Les Brown, Jr., Ann-Margret, Adrian Cronauer (the original “Good Morning Vietnam!” DJ), and many other celebrities will be making special guest appearances as well as noted Branson entertainers. The Grand Finale Celebration will be held on a scenic 100-acre mountaintop at Saddlebrooke, 10 miles north of Branson on Highway 65.

Along Branson’s 76 Country Boulevard, one of the hottest entertainment strips in the country, there is an oasis of waterfront recreation, White Water. Called Branson’s Beach Within Reach, White Water opens for the 2005 season May 21, with rides ranging from fast-paced to truly relaxing, and Cool Cabanas for poolside comfort.

Rides include speed slides, a 500,000-gallon wave pool and a gently moving “river” for floating or swimming. Adventure areas within the park offer play for families, with separate areas designed for kids and toddlers.

Cool Cabanas are available for semi-private gatherings for up to 8 people. The rental Cabanas have a covered area with a television, ceiling fan and locker; and an open area with a table, chairs and an umbrella.

Safety is of paramount importance at White Water. The lifeguard staff has been recognized with numerous national awards, including Platinum and Silver National Aquatic Safety Awards for consistently exceeding aquatic safety standards. Free life jackets, free tubes and a full staff of certified lifeguards are on hand.

Showstoppers! Presented On New Stage, New Comedy Act, New Talking Dog Join Cast

Branson’s grandest lake attraction, the 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new show Showstoppers! featuring the most memorable musical performances in entertainment history. A new stage and lights have been added to showcase the show, a new comedy act joins the cast for noon cruises, and nationally acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver introduces a new talking dog “Elvis” to his cast of colorful canines.

Showstoppers!, which debuts March 12, presents a talented cast of singers and dancers, with award-winning musical hits from Broadway to the big screen, from the “Lion King” to “Old Time Rock ’N’ Roll.” The cast performs the top show-stopping hits of all time on the new stage with moving screens, projections and special effects. All Showstoppers! shows present the Showboat Branson Belle Quartet and emcee, and an adagio dance team presenting a unique blend of acrobatics and dance, all accompanied by a live band.

Featured comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver, named Branson’s best variety act three years in a row, presents Elvis, the talking basset hound, who “ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog who talks,” Oliver says. Elvis joins Oliver’s famous talking dog Irving, who has been showcased with Oliver on national television shows and specials including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Irving’s pal Lucy, the first female talking dog.

Also new on noon and Sunday cruises is comedic magician Chris Linn, who blends off-beat visual magical effects with comedy and audience participation to create a unique and hilarious performance. Linn has performed in a dozen countries around the world and on numerous television shows and specials.

Popular with groups or for special occasions, the Showboat Branson Belle presents a premium dining experience in the Paddle Wheel Club Room, where guests who select this option dine in secluded elegance with spectacular views of the lake and shoreline above the gently turning paddlewheels. Paddle Wheel guests may select from an array of entrées including a Captain’s special-cut rib-eye steak, pan-seared salmon, Chicken Wellington with a mushroom duxelle sauce, and a choice of desserts. After the meal, diners are escorted to viewing boxes in the main theater area for the show.

Each cruise on scenic Table Rock Lake features outstanding views from the decks, a three-course gourmet meal prepared onboard in the Showboat’s galley, and a spectacular show in the dining theater. The noon menu features a full-course meal with beef with espagnole sauce and grilled chicken, and the dinner menu features beef medallions and Chicken Wellington. Both menus feature a grand finale of Flaming Peach Melba Baked Alaska.

The cruises include time for guests to tour the Showboat’s four decks as it cruises scenic Table Rock Lake, noted for its 800 miles of pristine shoreline surrounded by wooded hills.

The Showboat Branson Belle, Silver Dollar City and White Water, all Authentic Silver Dollar City Attractions, were the first properties in Missouri to achieve the prestigious honor of being designated as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by Audubon International, for preserving wildlife habitats and conserving natural resources.

NightFire! To Premiere in Spring 2005

Building on its reputation of presenting the largest and most spectacular nighttime special effects show in the outdoors of America’s Heartland, Celebration City ignites the night with an all-new 2005 show: NightFire! The high-tech dramatic presentation, one of the foremost shows of this magnitude in the United States, includes $2 million in special effects and new show elements. The five-story mountainside video projections, fire cannons with flames 150 feet in the air, three-dimensional visuals, lasers, water effects and pyrotechnics accentuate a story exemplifying the American spirit.

“Our toolbox, or our artists’ palate, is a vast array of lights, video, lasers, film, music, fire, water screens and cannons, and 3-D illuminations,” said Bettina Buckley, Chief Effects Orchestrator of NightFire! Buckley is a producer with WOW!Works, the Orlando-based company selected to produce the all-new storyline and create the enhanced effects. WOW!Works principals were part of the teams that produced Epcot’s IllumiNations, Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, numerous Super Bowl events and the 2002 Winter Olympics ceremonies.

“We’re raising the level of the mountainside production to rank among the best in the world with new lights, state-of-the-art PIGI projectors that utilize the largest film ever invented, bold music and pyrotechnics,” said Buckley, who says the show concept is as critical as the effects. “We are celebrating some of the greatest moments in America’s history – the things that make us laugh, make us play, make us America’s families. We are saluting our homecomings, our heroes, our great sporting past and present, our pop culture and many historic moments of the 20th century that make us proud to be Americans.” Buckley referenced events such as the space race with the rockets’ rumble and fire, and the electrifying fall of the Berlin Wall.

“The show is all-out, a roller coaster ride for the senses,” said Brad Schroeder, Entertainment Director for Celebration City/Silver Dollar City Attractions and co-producer for NightFire! “This one-of-a-kind show is designed to immerse the audience throughout the performance. Park guests may even become part of the show when images taken by photographers during the day are projected 50 feet tall in a salute to families.”

Also new for 2005 at Celebration City

Celebration City’s more than 30 rides and attractions are a main focus at the amazement park, however research shows families want more than rides and attractions to fill-out their experience, seeking unique atmosphere and interesting quirks. For these reasons, Celebration City is introducing its Circus Gardens where living trees and bushes become fanciful creations of the imagination, some even coming to life. Selected areas are being created to showcase the unusual in the horticulture world.

New shows in the Celebration Theatre present comedy and magic, and an interactive family game show.

The 20th Century provides the setting at Celebration City with attractions, shops and restaurants reminiscent of the past century including a vintage-style carousel and fountains, an electric boardwalk area and a historically-themed Route 66 that harks to the 1950s and ’60s drive-in diners and cool cars.

The 30-acre Celebration City features the ultra-compact, classic wooden roller coaster Ozark Wildcat that reaches speeds of 45 miles per hour and drops 8 stories, two compact steel coasters, and thrill rides. All rides at the park are free with admission.

Celebration City, a Silver Dollar City Attraction, is open selected dates and weekends in March; Fridays & Saturdays and selected dates in April and May; open Tuesdays through Sundays in June and DAILY July through late August; then back to Fridays and Saturdays in September and October.

Powder Keg Blasts Riders 0-53 mph in 2.8 Seconds

The Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri is presenting an all-new super launch coaster for Spring 2005 that shoots riders into a thrill zone within seconds of climbing aboard, launching them from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds. Constructed within the forests of the Ozark Mountains and winding down a hillside, Powder Keg is a family thrill ride unlike any other in the history of the park. It combines launching speed with spiraling turns, negative gravitational or “G” forces, and “floater” hills to create a thrill ride of great magnitude. In addition, it’s packaged in an environmentally sound design.

“An air launch system like this is amazing - there is great launching speed yet virtually no impact on the environment,” said Stan Checketts, founder and CEO of Powder Keg manufacturer S&S Power of Logan, Utah. S&S is the world’s leading manufacturer of compressed-air rides and the largest ride manufacturer in the United States.

Checketts said Powder Keg is one of only three like it in the world that uses clean compressed air technology for incredibly fast and energy-efficient acceleration. “Unlike traditional mechanical or hydraulic systems, this technique runs cleanly, and the ride runs smoothly while soaring through the trees at speeds up to 64 miles per hour.”

A $10 million project, Powder Keg takes riders from the initial big blast up a lift to a 110-foot drop, into spiraling and dragonfly banked turns, through a wave of floater hills with negative G forces, giving riders the experience of weightlessness above the trees. As required by Silver Dollar City policy, only those trees that had to be removed were, with three additional trees planted elsewhere for every one removed.

In keeping with Silver Dollar City’s internationally-awarded commitment to bringing the colorful history of regions to life, Powder Keg salutes the miners who worked in the great Marvel Cave, which is located below the theme park. In the late 1880s, tons of nitrogen-rich bat guano were hauled out of the cave’s massive sinkhole using an archaic pulley system. The guano was taken by stagecoach and railroads to powder mills across the state and the country where it was used to make valuable black powder.

“The Powder Keg ride begins in a powder mill amid barrels of nitro-explosives that rock and tip,” said Brad Thomas, general manager of Silver Dollar City. “As the nitro ‘explodes,’ the cars blast out of the building with special effects of fire and smoke shooting through the roof!” While the ride offers thrills, it has been designed to accommodate families. Anyone over 42 inches in height can ride, which is roughly a five or six-year-old, said Thomas, who cites guest surveys that resoundingly requested a family thrill ride as the reason for choosing Powder Keg.

A trip on Powder Keg lasts nearly three minutes and spirals around six acres on 3,500 feet of track. The ride carries more than 1,000 people per hour with 16 passengers per train. Silver Dollar City’s Corporate Development team and the Maintenance & Construction Division are handling theming and construction.

Silver Dollar City, an 1880s theme park located in Branson, Missouri, brings to life the history and heritage of the Ozark region. The park offers rides, entertainment, signature foods, and five world-class festivals during its operating season, March through December.

TVC Productions, The Vacation Channel’s video production company, is excited to announce its recent honors at the 26th Annual ADDY Awards Show hosted by the Springfield, Missouri Ad Club. The event, which celebrates excellence in advertising, was held February 5th at the Clarion Ballroom in Springfield. Competing against advertising agencies and production companies from throughout the Springfield / Branson area, TVC Productions won the prestigious Judge’s Choice Award, a Gold ADDY Award and five Silver ADDY Awards for advertisements they created during the last year.

A Public Service Announcement produced for Springfield’s branch of the American Diabetes Foundation took the much-coveted Judge’s Choice Award, in which the judges honor their favorite entry of the competition. “The Red Ball” also won a Gold ADDY in the Public Service Announcement category and a Silver ADDY in the Animation category.

Also in the Public Service category, TVC Productions was honored with a Silver ADDY for an animated commercial produced for the Branson Health Department warning about the West Nile Virus.

In the Local Television Advertising category for 60 second commercials, TVC Productions won a Silver ADDY for a commercial titled “Letter from Scrooge” produced for Silver Dollar City.

A second Silver Dollar City commercial for the “Festival of American Music & Craftsmanship” was also honored with a Silver ADDY in the animation category.

And finally, in the Sales Promotion Audio/ Visual Sales Presentation category, TVC Productions won a Silver ADDY for an extended-length video, “Room for One More,” produced for Saddlebrooke.

TVC Productions was additionally awarded 19 Honorable Mentions for various commercials and campaigns created throughout 2004.

TVC Productions is proud to offer state-of-the-art digital video production throughout the country and congratulates its staff on their accomplishments.