Merlyn Vandervort

As a businessman involved in numerous ventures, Merlyn Vandervort recognizes the importance of promoting popular events in order to stimulate economic activity. As an event promoter in his own right, Merlyn Vandervort coordinates special attractions designed to draw tourists to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. His experience includes motorcycle rallies, benefit concerts, and power-boat races. Over the years, Merlyn Vandervort has produced and promoted concerts featuring Willie Nelson, REO Speed Wagon, Styx, the Beach Boys, Randy Travis, and the Steve Miller Band. In a decade of concert promoting, Merlyn Vandervort brought in more than 100 concerts. Overall, the concerts helped raise more than $100,000 for local children’s charities and the Kiwanis club. As a founding member of the Lake of the Ozarks Bike Fest, Merlyn Vandervort played a pivotal role in organizing the annual motorcycle rally. In a bit of marketing genius, Merlyn Vandervort suggested the event be held in September, a time when the tourist season would be drawing to a close. In doing so, he helped create an event that drew tens of thousands of bikers to the region. Merlyn Vandervort also arranged a number of charity rides, including Ride for Relief. This event, which benefits the American Red Cross, has` a reputation as the premier charity ride for the region. Merlyn Vandervort also persuaded the Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association to hold its national championship race at the Lake of the Ozarks. The event smashed records for the region, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and bringing in more than $4 million to the local economy.