Design Workshop Kick-off
Steering Committee Kick-Off
On June 15th, Becky Zimmermann and Amanda Hindman of Design Workshop arrived in Branson for their first visit since receiving approval of their contract by the Board of Alderman in May. Upon their arrival, they held a Kick-Off Meeting for the Steering Committee members at City Hall. The goal for the meeting was to align the project team around the purpose and the organization of the project. The meeting also gave the committee members the opportunity to discuss with the consultant what the project content would be and what components and actions would be necessary to direct a successful outcome.
One of the most informative and interesting discussions of the evening came after Becky had asked the group to share where they had grown up and what they enjoyed about that place. It was such a simple question, but created a great discussion. Each response allowed the members to see into a little portion of the other members' lives. It also gave insight into what each of the member's interests were and what their contributions will be throughout this process.
In Depth Interviews
As part of Design Workshop's effort to gather as much data and information about Branson as possible, they conducted 30 interviews on June 17 and 18 at City Hall. By the end of the two day period, they had interviewed 85 individuals representing over 60 of the different groups and organizations that make up Branson. The goal for the interviews was to uncover what those specific issues might be for each group and what could be done over the next 10 to 20 years to provide support. Each interview lasted roughly 30 minutes in length, but provided an abundance of information on the opportunities and challenges that our community faces.
City of Branson Tour
Design Workshop, city staff and 11 members of the Steering Committee met on June 16th to tour Branson and the surrounding areas. The goal was to further strengthen the alignment of the team and to also meet with several community leaders to hear firsthand the issues that may influence the outcomes of the plan. The tour started with a tour of the convention center and a 45-minute trolley ride around the Historic Downtown.
After a brief break, the group transferred to transportation, which was graciously provided by Branson Gray Line, and then continued onto Hollister, the Taney County Airport and College of the Ozarks. The tour then brought the group back towards Branson by way of the Hiawatha Heights Neighborhood and then through several locations along Highway 76. Prior to a lunch break, the group enjoyed a quick go-cart ride at Track #3 as well as insight from the Lodging Association and a tour of Clay Cooper's recently renovated theater given by Clay himself. After lunch, the group ascended to the top of Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills to enjoy the view and hear the viewpoints from persons representing Shepherd of the Hills as well as Silver Dollar City. Once back on the bus, the group wrapped the tour up with stops at the Mountain Data Center, the Rec-Plex and Skaggs Hospital. Each stop provided a better understanding of Branson and the information shared by each of the Steering Committee members in between the stops was equally valuable. One member stated that “I have learned so much about our community today and I wish everyone had this same opportunity.”
