CVB did what they thought was best for Branson!

This paper’s June 13 edition contains a Letter to the Editor entitled “From our readers: ‘…the offending website story still appears on …explorebranson.com’” * by Michael London. In that letter, London says, “One can only presume the CVB, that is in charge of www.explorebranson.com, does not understand why Gary thinks this matter is ‘ludicrous and insulting’ to the great live shows of Branson. Otherwise, the story would be long gone.”

Give an Ole Seagull a break! Mr. London might have a “presumption” what “Gary thinks.” Even a “clue” about the source of the column, but neither he nor the source have a clue what “Gary thinks” or his motivation in writing the column.

The “matter” was the Ole Seagull’s opinion expressed in his June 6, 2025, column entitled “This is the ‘Voice of Explore Branson?’” That opinion questioned the Home Page of the Explore Branson website proclaiming the use of a non-Branson music group as the Sound Behind Explore Branson and its placement on the Home Page. The column did not mention the CVB, and for good reason.

The Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED), under a 2015 agreement with the City of Branson, controls the website. London’s attribution to the CVB aside, the Ole Seagull finds it hard to believe that his concerns set forth in the column took place without the prior knowledge and approval of the TCED based on the CVB’s recommendation and both their opinions that it was in the best interest of marketing Branson.

A column is merely the columnist’s opinion. To keep an Ole Seagull’s column and views in perspective, he constantly reminds himself, “He is but a Seagull walking after the horse in the parade picking at the droppings.” The only potential value for anything he has to say is to the extent it causes the reader to think about the issue, form their own opinion, and react as they deem appropriate.

Considering the above and the Ole Seagull’s belief in Mr. London’s intellect and his professed marketing experience, it is hard for him to understand why London thinks that either the CVB or TCED would care about “why Gary thinks this matter is ‘ludicrous and insulting.’” Or worse, they even consider removing something they have determined is in the best interest of marketing Branson from the website based on what one person, “Gary” or otherwise, thinks.

For the record, Gary Groman, a.k.a. the Ole Seagull, has complete faith in, fully supports, and applauds the efforts of Pam Yancy and Heather Herman in their leadership of the CVB marketing of Branson, both personally and professionally. Absent a breach of integrity, which he believes is inconceivable in their case, they are the marketing and personal “hill he will die on.”

*The Ole Seagull and Branson Globe’s policy is to publish Letters to the Editor about his columns without his prior knowledge. If he responds to it, as with Letters to the Editor, it will always be after the fact.