[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATIONS TO JONAS ARJES FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AS THE 2016 
              PROFESSIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR

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                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2016

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jonas Arjes, the 
Executive Director of the four-year-old Taney County Partnership. Jonas 
was recognized as the 2016 Professional Economic Developer of the Year 
at the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) conference on June 
15th.
  Jonas started off his career in the restaurant business by managing 
the Plantation restaurant in Branson in the mid-1990s before going on 
to own and operate a Schlotzky's Deli franchise from 2000 to 2007. In 
August 2007, Jonas became a risk and benefits adviser with the Branson 
insurance firm Akers & Arney, where he worked until 2012. In January 
2012, Jonas was named the Executive Director of the Taney County 
Partnership.
  As Executive Director, Jonas is currently leading Branson through a 
strong reinvestment cycle with more than $300 million in new 
investments for 2016. Some of the projects that Jonas has played a 
critical role in include the Ball Parks of America Baseball Resort for 
players and coaches from the 10U to the 13U level, the Air Service 
Development committee which has raised millions of dollars to secure 
air service to Branson, and Project Bigfoot, a 225-foot free fall tower 
attraction.
  Mr. Speaker, Jonas Arjes is a shining example of the business acumen 
that makes America the great country it is. I would like to extend my 
thanks, both personally and on behalf of the 7th District, for his 
integral role in the economic development of the Branson area. I urge 
my colleagues to join me as I congratulate Jonas on this well-deserved 
award.

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