Branson Sales Top $1 Billion Mark
By: Pellham Realtors
Major Projects Helped Boost Spending
For the first time in the city of Branson's 96-year history, it reports annual total retail sales have topped $1 billion.
Figures received by the city's finance department from the Missouri Department of Revenue show that from November, 2006, to November, 2007, total retail sales amounted to $1,002,591,743, according to a city press release.
"This reflects the fact that Branson has the products, services, and entertainment that people from around the country love to spend their money on," said Frank Schoneboom, Branson's interim city administrator.
"It's absolutely incredible that a city of 7,400 has that amount of retail sales in a one-year period, but Branson isn't your ordinary small city."
Two major retail developments that opened in 2006 helped boost consumer spending over the $1 billion mark. The Branson Landing accounted for 10 percent of retail sales and Branson Hills contributed to 5 percent of the retail sales. Both projects were funded by tax increment financing.
"Branson has become a part of Missouri's profile," Schoneboom said. "People know the Cardinals, the Arch, and they know Branson. We've done a wonderful job of providing a diversity of experiences that Branson offers."
During 2006 and 2007, the city of Branson set records in both sales tax and tourism tax revenues, according to the city's press release. With this kind of revenue being collected and with the lion's share being paid by the visitors, the city has ample funds to provide necessary services to citizens like police, fire, recreation, and transportation, Schoneboom said.
And that means taxes for basic services will not have to be increased, he added.
Springfield News-Leader Friday, March 7, 2008