Branson chamber targets 1,000 members

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12 People You Need to Know Live Interview Series

With just over a month on the job, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Pamela Yancey has a few early goals in mind.

Chief among them are membership and marketing initiatives, said Yancey, who spoke yesterday during a live interview by Springfield Business Journal Editorial Vice President Eric Olson. Yancey participated in SBJ's 12 People You Need to Know series at The Backlot, Alamo Drafthouse Springfield's restaurant and bar.

Membership growth is a current campaign at the chamber, said Yancey, noting the organization has an existing slate of roughly 880 members.

"We are confident that by 2025, we will meet that 1,000 number," she said. "We are working hard to get new people on board."

The organization last year ranked No. 2 on SBJ's list of the area's largest chambers of commerce, with 863 members as of June 12. No. 1 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce had 1,532 members at the time, per SBJ list research.

To grow its membership numbers, Yancey said the Branson chamber is implementing initiatives such as tiered dues.

"It's been well-received by our membership," she said.

Additionally, the chamber board is assisting with the effort and making sure staff are aware of potential members, she said.

Speaking to marketing goals at the chamber, Yancey said the organization is coming off a three-year contract with its current marketing campaign. A request for proposals is being issued for a new contract, she said.

"I'm looking forward to that," Yancey said.

Additionally, the chamber is looking to hire a marketing director, Yancey said.

Former Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Wood exited in December after nearly six years with the organization, according to her LinkedIn profile.