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For the second year in a row, Branson has set a new record for construction.
City officials announced Friday that, through October, the city had issued permits for $181 million of new construction, surpassing 2005’s record-setting total of $173.6 million.
Branson Lakes/Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ross Summers said the news is evidence that Branson is in very healthy shape.
“It is a very exciting period in Branson,” Summers said. “It’s also proof that Branson is experiencing an economic boom.”
He said all existing businesses will benefit from that boom. He was also excited about how all the new business will work with the area’s increase in marketing dollars. A new one-cent sales tax in a district in and around Branson went into effect on April 1 and is expected to generate at least $6 million a year in new funds to market the area.
“With all these new attractions and an increased means to get the word out, that’s a very powerful combination,” Summers said.
Some of the projects that have been permitted in 2006 include Bass Pro Shops and marina, Sullivan’s Steak House, the Branson Convention Center, and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, all located at Branson Landing. Also permitted this year were the Branson High School stadium and activities complex, Chili’s Bar and Grill at Branson Hills Plaza, Arvest Bank, Sight and Sound Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, MPI office building on Gretna Road, A & B office building on Buccaneer Drive, and Suds Carwash on Green Mountain Drive.
In addition, 33 single-family homes were also permitted through October.
“These exciting figures reflect the pro-business attitude of our mayor and board of aldermen’s efforts to improve the quality of life for Branson’s citizens and guests,” Branson Economic Development Director Mike Rankin said. “Where else can you have the amenities of convenience in a small-town environment?”
Source: Branson Daily News |
