...funding. As one expert said, “...unpretentious little Branson Airport could have an outsize effect it if works. It could turn what now is a mostly regional tourist spot into a national destination for tourists.” Steve Peet, the airport’s chief executive, admits that he had no idea where Branson was in 2000. But by 2004, he was convinced there was money to be made flying tourists there. He says, “If you were ever going tothink about building a private commercial airport, this would be the place to do it. How many more visitorswould come here if we made it easier and affordable for them? It seemed like an incredible opportunity.” So,using private financing, he decided to build a new commercial airport a short distance south of Branson’s popularmusic shows district. Both Peet and Jeff Bourk, executive director of the airport, continue to tackle the managerialchallenges of turning that dream into reality. Construction work on the airport terminal and the 7,140-foot runway (which can accommodate most narrow-body jets) went smoothly. Bourk believed that much of...
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