Now Accepting Board of Director Applications for the Tourism Community Enhancement District

Branson's government wants to fill space in the Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) Board of Directors, according to a city press release.

(BRANSON, MO, July 15, 2024) The City of Branson is seeking applicants for two expiring terms on the very important and influential Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) Board of Directors. The seven-person volunteer TCED Board oversees some $10 million in tourism tax, while guiding decisions pertaining to marketing and sales functions of the region. The application process opens today, July 15, and will close on July 29 at 4:30pm.

The Tourism District’s geographic boundaries unite the tourism community across county lines to include the City of Branson, the Village of Indian Point and tourism-oriented portions of Taney and Stone Counties including Silver Dollar City. With staggered terms, each director serves for three years beginning October 1 and ending September 30. These open terms expire in 2027.

“Individuals are appointed by elected officials to oversee the spending of tax dollars for the purpose of promoting tourism to the area,” said Branson Mayor Larry Milton, explaining that the City of Branson appoints three directors, the Village of Indian Point appoints two, and Taney and Stone Counties each have one appointment. “We take these appointments very seriously as every Board member must understand marketing principles in today’s ever-changing landscape of how people consume information when determining vacation and spending decisions. Each Board member must also understand finances and budgeting,” said the Mayor.

The Board of Aldermen will vote on the applicants the Mayor selects to be considered from these who apply. Applications and additional information at www.bransonmo.gov or at the City Clerk’s Office, 110 W. Maddux Street, Suite 205, Branson, 417-337-8522.

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BACKGROUND: The Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District was established by a Taney County ordinance in 2001. Specific legislation was enacted and later revised to govern the District. Voters within the Tourism District approved a 1% sales tax to be utilized for marketing the area in November 2005. Tax collection began on April 1, 2006. That original ballot included a 10-year tax sunset. On April 8, 2014, District voters approved renewal of this 1% tourism marketing tax for an additional 10-year period, continuing tax collections through September 30, 2025. A second 10-year renewal was approved in 2023, with 69% of voters in favor of extending the tax. The current sunset date or the tourism marketing tax is September 30, 2035. The District’s enabling legislation can be found at RSMo Sec. 67.1950 through Sec. 67.1979. More at https://www.blatced.com.

The above press release is from the Branson government.