Branson hires economic development director

Garrett Anderson starts June 1 as the city of Branson's new economic development director.

Anderson previously was planning and community development director for Centralia, Ill., since 2005. While there, he rewrote the city's comprehensive plan, wrote and administered federal grants for housing rehabilitation, coordination downtown renovations, and had experience in tax-increment financing and enterprise zone tax incentives to attract businesses, according to a city news release.

"Protecting and promoting existing businesses, diversifying our economy, increasing year-round employment and developing work-force housing are very important issues in Branson right now," City Administrator Dean Kruithof said in a news release. "We believe he has the skills and abilities to help us address these issues in an effective manner."

Anderson is a native of Normal, Ill., and has a bachelor's degree in urban planning from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood University in St. Charles.[[In-content Ad]]