Carol Turpin, our Office Administrator, split up all the major duties that needed to be completed before our open house celebration and gave us our assignments. One of my tasks included designing the Open House invite mailer. Fortunately I don't work for the corporate world anymore and therefore don't have to go through the bureaucracy of getting things approved. Given the time frame for this project (less than two hours!), I thought it turned out pretty well:FRONT                                                                                                                                                                                                  BACK 11/10/2007

The 76 bridge over Lake Taneycomo between Branson and Hollister will be closed November 12 and 13, for repair and resurfacing. The Missouri Department of Transportation said the bridge closing is needed to complete the project safely, quickly and with the best results possible. Construction crews will prepare the deck for repaving by smoothing the pavement at the joints, pouring concrete patches and cleaning away debris. They will then lay a 1-inch layer of asphalt for a new and much-needed driving surface on the bridge. Total cost of the work is approximately $29,000. 11/10/2007

Jeff and Charlie Gerken were recognized and presented with the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month Award for Gerken & Associates assistance and contribution to the Hollister community. The certificate was presented to the boys at the monthly Hollister Chamber luncheon held at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. Jeff Gerken currently serves as a Hollister Chamber Ambassador and chair of the Membership Committee. Charlie Gerken is a Branson Chamber Ambassador and was recently elected to a 3-year term on the Board of Directors. 11/10/2007

Regional election results are in! Branson voters defeated Proposition A, the one-half cent sales tax slated for the Lake Taneycomo Bridge and economic development. Voters in Hollister passed a five percent transient tourism tax. Sparta voters dismissed a sales fire protection tax and voters in Douglas County approved their water and sewer tax. 11/10/2007

Gerken & Associates attended Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley's 50th birthday party held at Catina Laredo Mexican Restaurant, located downtown at the Branson Landing. Friends and colleagues of Mayor Presley donated over 50 toys as a way to collect one for every birthday she has celebrated. All of the toys collected were donated to charitable organizations in the Tri-Lakes area who will distribute them to children in need this Christmas. 11/10/2007

Funds are still available for homeowners with septic tanks. More than 220 homeowners have participated in the successful Table Rock Lake Water Quality program which qualifies $50 back after having their septic system pumped out. Maintaining a septic system cost an average of $100 once every three to five years. The septic tank pump out program has 170 rebates still left for homeowners in the Table Rock Lake or James River area. The program is a cooperative effort of the Missouri Department of Conservation, James River Basin Partnership, Bass Pro Shops, Table Rock Lake Water Quality, Inc., and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. 11/10/2007

Kay Gerken has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the College of the Ozarks Associates. Kay previously served a six year term in which she was elected President for three consecutive years. The College of the Ozarks Associates mission is to raise awareness of the College as well as funds that enable the College to provide equipment and opportunities for students not covered by the College budget. 11/10/2007

The city of Hollister (Branson's next door neighbor) announced plans for an indoor water park, public arena, hotel, restaurants and retail stores on 112 acres of land just east of Highway 65. Local developer Justin Gage is behind the creation of one of the world's largest indoor water parks which will be built across and connected via skywalk to the publicly funded arena. The $26 million dollar arena will be financed through property and sales tax. 11/10/2007

Gerken & Associates had a phenomenal turnout for our ribbon cutting and open house celebration. Famous Daves catered the event which served over 200 friends of the firm who showed up to celebrate including the mayor. Thank you all for attending and your continued support. One of guest commented the following day, "I had so much fun hanging out in the parking lot, I forgot to go inside and check out the new space!" 11/10/2007

It's always a pleasure to get a listing through a referral. I just picked up a gorgeous house in which the seller was recommended to me by Peter Herschend, owner of Silver Dollar City. This home marks my 30th current active listing aside from the homes I have pending contract. Here's the details of this new listing: Beautiful executive home located in Oak Bluff subdivision; one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Branson. Sits on large flat lot, with sprinkler system, circle drive, large back deck, secluded park-like setting and wonderful neighbors. Truly a perfect place to raise a family! Old-school quality craftsmanship and unique details are featured throughout the house; from the custom kitchen, to the built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors and window treatments. Includes brand n... 10/21/2007

Growing up here I've had bitter sweet feelings about the Branson Landing. This area of Downtown Branson, MO was home to local fishing resorts and the city park which was a hang out and a place to play for everyone that has called Branson home. However as the town grew and evolved many of the resorts lost business as new hotels were being built. Plans were underway to demolish this area along Lake Taneycomo and build an entertainment, shopping, dining, and living experience with the water as the backdrop. I must say as being as sentimental as I am, I love our new downtown area. It was really done well and people come from allover just to shop, eat and stroll along the river walk. Plus I love hitting the sales-it's a lot of fun!  This picture was taken this week on a crisp fall morning a... 10/20/2007

Nestled amongst the Ozark hills and state forestry, this new home sits on 3.5 private acres in Sycamore Farms, a beautiful new neighborhood inside the Branson School district. Almost completed, there's still time to pick your own colors and appliances. Priced $20 grand under appraisal, this home features gorgeous mountain views from all sides! Multiple acreage lot features underground electric, mature trees and plenty of wildlife. Need even more elbow room? An additional 9+ acre lot right next door is now available. Slideshow: http://www.CharlieGerken.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=1322175 10/15/2007

Gerken & Associates is proud to welcome Bob Warlick to our commercial real estate division. Active in the community, Bob has served in numerous civic and municipal organizations including the Branson Board of Aldermen, City of Branson Planning and Zoning Committee, City of Branson Budget Committee, Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee and Downtown Branson Main Street Association President just to name a few. Currently Bob is a member of the Board of Directors of Mountain Country Homes of Hope (formerly Habitat for Humanity). 10/15/2007

The Taneycomo Bridge will close for six hours overnight for the next three nights between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Emergency vehicles will be allowed to cross the bridge during the closing each night, but drivers will have to find an alternate route each of the three nights. MoDOT crews will take samples from the bidge deck, columns and arches as part of a study underway to determine the best option for rehabilitating the historic structure. 10/15/2007

Thirty-two years is a long time to be in one place! Gerken & Associates is celebrating the completion of our office renovation as we honor our past and move towards the future. This Wednesday, we will be hosting a ribbon cutting and open house celebration from 4 pm to 6 pm. Hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and good times will be provided. Please RSVP Carol at 417.334.1892 if you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you there! 10/15/2007

Beginning November 1st, the 2007 Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through will be located at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane, close to the new Sight %26 Sound Theatre. The magical 1-mile drive features over 120 displays and promises to be memorable. In addition, lighting displays will be held at Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas celebration, the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Road and the Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills. From fabulous Christmas shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenic beauty, Branson is a great place to visit during this festive time of year. 10/15/2007

Welcome aboard Eugene Kartavtsev! Gerken & Associates invited Eugene on as a residential sales agent. Bilingual in both English and Russian, Eugene brings to the firm his love for all-things real estate and a great attitude towards client satisfaction - just the type of agents Gerken & Associates is known for. Wiht a degree in technology, Euguene quickly established himself as a team player and taken on a key role in being the "go-to guy" for agent's technology solutions. 10/15/2007

New Luxury Home Minutes from Branson, Branson schools, The Landing and Skaggs Hospitals. Carrie Higgs | Realty Executives | 417-230-3957 171 White Oak Circle, Walnut Shade, MO This exclusive new home in Whitetail Crossing has all the extras you would expect! Granite countertops, beautiful hardwood flooring, marble floor in k 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $389,000 Year Built 2007 Sq Footage 3,500 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 11,232 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This exclusive new home in Whitetail Crossing has all the extras you would expect! Granite countertops, beautiful hardwood flooring, marble floor in kitchen. Formal living and dining with a grand staircase make this a showcase home built for family entertaining! Lar... 10/15/2007

Located next to one of Branson's most popular subdivisions, this lot is the only one for sale and ready for a dream home! Nestled amongst the Ozark hills, but still right in the heart of Branson, this gorgeous lot features city utilities, mature trees and plenty of wildlife. With easy access to Branson amenities, it sits less than two minutes from Skaggs Hospital, downtown Branson Landing and Highway 65. A convenient commute to work! Slide Show: http://www.CharlieGerken.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=1313518 10/09/2007

Gerken & Associates is a booth vendor at the first-ever Tri-Lakes Remodeling Show held in the new convention center in downtown Branson. The weekend-long event is hosted by The Vacation Channel and Tanco Lumber Company in Forsyth. More than 150 vendors will attend the show offering helpful hints to thousands of visitors on just about any aspect of owning a home. Norma Vally, also known as the "Toolbelt Diva", star of the Emmy-nominated Discovery Home Channel show, "Tool Belt Diva" will be a featured guest and conduct two "Savvy Storage Solutions" workshops on Saturday. 10/08/2007