(3:45 PM UPDATE FROM HOMETOWNDAILYNEWS.COM)

HometownDailyNews.com has learned Branson businessman Jonas Arjes has been hired as the new Director of Business Development forTaneyCounty. A current staff member at Akers and Arney Insurance, Arjes is also Chairman-Elect for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and a former Ambassador of the Year for the organization. 

In a recent job posting for the position, the Chamber of Commerce said the person hired will work on behalf of a county wide partnership with several communities, as local officials look to increase economic development in the area.  The Chamber said duties would include new business development, as well as retention and expansion of existing businesses within the county.  While the new employee will work directly for the Chamber, the position is being funded by several local communities,TaneyCountyand the Chamber of Commerce.

Arjes confirmed his hiring earlier this afternoon, but declined further comment for the time being. Officials with the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce said they were excited about adding Arjes' position and were hopeful it would provide great benefit for Brnason and the area. David Arney with Akers and Arney Insurance said Arjes has been a great staff member, and the company was excited for his opportunity to help further the community.

In a news release issued by the Branson Chamber Wednesday afternoon, it was announced that Janet Oller with Silver Dollar City will now assume the position as Chamber Board Chairman Elect for 2013

HometownDailyNews.com will have more information is it becomes available. 

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HometownDailyNews.com has learned Branson businessman Jonas Arjes has been hired as the new Director of Business Development forTaneyCounty. A current staff member at Akers and Arney Insurance, Arjes is also Chairman-Elect for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and a former Ambassador of the Year for the organization. 

Arjes confirmed his hiring earlier this afternoon, but declined further comment for the time being. Officials with the Branson Chamber say they were hopeful Arjes' position would provide great benefit for Branson and the area.

HometownDailyNews.com will have more information is it becomes available.

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(ORIGINAL STORY POSTED 2:30 PM Wednesday)

HometownDailyNews.com has learned Branson businessman Jonas Arjes has been hired as the new Director of Business Development for Taney County. A current staff member at Akers and Arney Insurance, Arjes is also Chairman-Elect for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and a former Ambassador of the Year for the organization. 

In a recent job posting for the position, the Chamber of Commerce said the person hired will work on behalf of a county wide partnership with several communities, as local officials look to increase economic development in the area.  The Chamber said duties would include new business development, as well as retention and expansion of existing businesses within the county.  While the new employee will work directly for the Chamber, the position is being funded by several local communities and TaneyCounty.

Arjes confirmed his hiring earlier this afternoon, saying a news release would be issued at some point. 

Bethany Thomas, Vice President for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is in a meeting at this hour, and unavailable for comment.

HometownDailyNews.com will have more information is it becomes available.