Gamco Investors (GBL), Gaylord's second-largest shareholder, intends to nominate three candidates for election to the board at the annual meeting. The nominees are Glenn Angiolillo, J. Peter Kline and Robert S. Prather Jr. Gamco holds about 5.47 million shares (13.38%).

TRT Holdings wants to inspect Gaylord's records of, among other things, expense reimbursements to company executives. TRT is seeking to nominate four directors to GET's board, and intends to use the information from the records to evaluate possible "corrective measures," including possible litigation. TRT holds 6,131,930 shares (14.9%).

TRT Holdings expects to nominate four individuals to the board. TRT would focus on: (1) a disciplined business approach; (2) accountability to shareholders and (3) a fresh perspective, based on their industry experience. TRT also believes that Gaylord should separate the roles of chairman and CEO, and that management compensation is excessive.

Gaylord has an enviable franchise, and its stock looks due for a big rebound. Even after a recent pop, one analyst reckons, it's trading about 80% below the value of its businesses.

Gamco Investors (GBL) wants Gaylord's board to redeem the preferred- share purchase rights issued under a poison-pill agreement. Gaylord issued one right for each common share, exercisable if a person or group acquires ownership of 15% or more of its common. Gamco wants the board to redeem the rights or submit the issue to a vote of the shareholders, and is seeking to have its proposal included in the proxy for Gaylord's 2009 annual shareholders' meeting. Gamco owns 3,981,383 shares (9.75%).

TRT Holdings raised its stake to 5,757,500 shares (14.1%), by buying 3,757,500 from July 9 to 17 at $21.16 to $26.10 each.

Gaylord Entertainment (GET) was upgraded from Peer Perform to Outperform, Bear Stearns said. Dropping the La Cantera purchase should remove a big overhang from the stock. $36 price target.

Great hotel/resorts, expanding into new markets