Branson's future visitors could look down on cars and buses on the strip as they glide along a monorail if an upcoming transit study shows the numbers add up.

  The City of Branson and Taney County, Missouri have taken a first step in building a convention and expo center for the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World" by selecting a location for the proposed property.

  A convention and expo committee selected a 40-acre tract of land in the city's Branson Meadows section. The property is situated along Gretna Road, one of Branson's newer ancillary roads, and is across from the entrance to the Factory Shoppes at Branson Meadows outlet mall.

  The next phase of the convention and expo project focuses on a thorough physical structure feasibility study. The committee will hire a consultant to determine the amount of use, physical features of the facility--size, layout, number of meeting rooms, auditorium and expo hall amenities, cost, and type of financing. Current funding opportunities will require no tax hikes.

  Estimates are to have the convention center completed by 2003.

  Branson's familiar "population 3,706" will be replaced with 6,050 according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Since 1990, the number of theaters in Branson has grown from 19 to 49, while the number of restaurants have increased from 179 to 361, according to information from the city. The number of lodging establishments in Branson nearly doubled from 110 in 1990 to 205 in 2000.

  The Branson Chamber of Commerce has adopted a new advertising slogan, "Real American Entertainment," which they hope will appeal to a younger audience.

  A total of $60,000 has been earmarked for an assessment of the activities offered in Branson and how a different mix might help draw more people according to Branson City Administrator, Terry Dody.

  In anticipation of ever-increasing numbers of visitors, Branson is ready to invest $4.2 million to make sure they don't get caught in traffic.

  Anglers who take to the cold waters of Lake Taneycomo in pursuit of trout now have an additional access point just above Branson.

  Two companies now offer shuttle service between the Springfield/Branson Regional Airport and Branson.

  Branson Creek Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio and managed by Troon Golf, features a 7,000-yard championship-level, par 71 layout etched into the beautiful Ozark landscape. Other facilities slated at Branson Creek include resort hotels and timeshares, convention centers, retail stores, restaurants, theaters, other recreational attractions and a wide selection of housing. (See picture at bottom of page.)

  Branson's newest natural Park, the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area opened to the public in September 1999. The 130 acres in the heart of the city was purchased from Dr. Lyle Owen, a retired college professor, who had bought the land in the early 1930's.

 The 1,600 acre Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area was recently annexed into Branson and city officials say they plan to preserve a dream that began more than two decades ago.

 TRIP, a free Travel and Recreation Information Program, was launched recently in Branson to help visitors make the most of existing roadways and to make travel easier for drivers.

To find the latest travel and weather info and data on attractions, lodging, etc. tap into TRIP at www.branson.tripusa.com/ Once in Branson, drivers can tune to Branson TRIP Radio at 1610 AM for the latest traffic & weather.

 For the seventh year in a row, Branson is the best all-around city for motorcoach travel and tours. The results of the survey were released in February.

 Travelers are looking for more diversity and hospitality on their vacations and many are finding it in Branson, according to the seventh annual "Best & the Rest" survey conducted by American Bus Association members.