MIKE ANDERSON RECOGNIZED FOR FIVE DECADES OF BANKING EXCELLENCE
Mike Anderson, former Chairman, President, and CEO of First Bank of the Lake, has been inducted into the Missouri Bankers Foundation 50 Year Club, recognizing his five decades of distinguished service to the banking industry. Honored at the Missouri Bankers Association Annual Convention, Anderson’s career began in Oklahoma City and included senior leadership roles at multiple banks in Oklahoma and Missouri. He joined First Bank of the Lake in 2014, guiding it through over a decade of growth before retiring as CEO in April 2025, with full retirement planned by year’s end. Anderson, a University of Central Oklahoma graduate, has lived at the Lake of the Ozarks since 2005 and remains deeply connected to the local community. His successor, Jim Larrick, highlighted Anderson’s impact, leadership, and mentorship. First Bank of the Lake, a leading SBA lender with $1.8 billion in assets, celebrates Anderson’s enduring legacy and contributions to the banking industry.
BASS PRO SHOPS
Excitement is building in Osage Beach as Bass Pro Shops announces plans to open a brand-new store at the site of the former Outlet Mall. Set to open in Spring 
2027, the 75,000-square-foot outdoor retail destination will serve as a key anchor in a larger revitalization project aimed at breathing new life into the area. Located just off Highway 54, the store will bring Bass Pro’s signature blend of outdoor gear, immersive experiences, and conservation values to the heart of the Lake of the Ozarks region.
For local residents and small businesses, the announcement is more than just a new store; it’s a sign of renewal. Many see it as a spark that will draw more visitors, boost the economy, and create new opportunities for the community.
LAKE REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM COLLABORATION WITH MAYO CLINIC
Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, Mo., has joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a select group of carefully vetted, independent health care organizations with special access to Mayo Clinic expertise. This collaboration enables Lake Regional providers to consult with Mayo specialists, access advanced resources, and participate in live case reviews, all at no additional cost to patients. CEO Kevin McRoberts calls the collaboration “a game- changer” that strengthens local care, expands treatment options, and ensures patients receive world-class health care close to home.
DICK EBLING SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
The Missouri Restaurant Association (MRA) has announced an exciting addition to its scholarship program: the newly established Dick Ebling Scholarship. This prestigious honor joins more than 20 other MRA scholarships designed to support college students pursuing careers in culinary arts or restaurant management. The inaugural scholarships will be awarded on Sunday, September 21, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield.
Dick Ebling and his wife, Kym, were true trailblazers in Lake of the Ozarks’ dining and entertainment scene for an incredible 44 years. As owners of iconic establishments like Topsider, The Poopdeck, and The Clown, they not only shaped the local hospitality landscape but also fueled economic growth and community spirit.
Greg Hunsucker, owner of V’s Italiano Ristorante and an MRA board member, shared his personal connection. “My very first memory of life was standing on The Clown at just three years old. As I grew, I watched Dick and Kym’s incredible work ethic. It set the tone for what hard work really means,” Hunsucker said.
Educators across the state are encouraged to share these scholarship opportunities with students who are eager to make their mark in the culinary and hospitality industries.