Herschends honored with Kit Bond award

The brothers behind Herschend Family Entertainment Corp. have been recognized with an award named after former U.S. Sen. Kit Bond.

Peter and Jack Herschend were recognized June 15 by the Hawthorn Foundation during the Kit Bond Citizen Leadership Award Dinner at Big Cedar Lodge, according to a news release.

The Kit Bond Citizen Leadership Award recognizes regional or statewide leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to the Hawthorn Foundation's mission, which includes supporting economic development, promoting the state and improving the workforce.

"We are proud of the Herschend family for their outstanding contributions in the Branson area and for exemplifying our Hawthorn Foundation mission to promote the economic prosperity of all Missourians," Gov. Mike Parson said in the release.

Parson, the Herschends, Bond and officials with the Hawthorn Foundation and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau were among those in attendance at the event earlier this month.

The Herschends are best known locally for Silver Dollar City, which has seen over $100 million in new investments over several years, according to the release. Officials also cited housing for seasonal workers, infrastructure improvements and additional parking at the Branson theme park.

This morning, amusement park officials announced SDC had been named the No. 1 amusement park in the nation by Tripadvisor.

"Both these men have been an inspiration to so many of us," said Cynthia Carson, Branson chamber board chair, in the release. "I believe we are all better because they have taken risks, followed their dreams and pursued hard work promoting economic prosperity throughout our region.”