About Coast Chamber
| Welcome to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce! Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization comprised of businesses in Harrison County and throughout South Mississippi. Through a partnership among the Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, and Pass Christian Chambers of Commerce, Coast Chamber promotes community and economic development on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. MS Gulf Coast / Harrison CountyOf the six South Mississippi counties, Harrison County has the largest population and the greatest number of cities. It is bordered on the east by industrialized Jackson County, on the west by Hancock County and the John C. Stennis Space Center and to the north by primarily rural Stone County.This strategic central position has been largely responsible for Harrison County’s diversity. Part of the Gulfport-Biloxi metropolitan statistical area, the county has a wide mix of businesses, from retail and manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and healthcare research, to composite technology and shipbuilding. Harrison County is made up of five cities: Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi and D’Iberville. Each city contributes its own industries, amenities and character to the area, and they all work together to "Move the Mississippi Gulf Coast Forward". The official website for Harrison County is www.co.harrison.ms.us. Program of WorkMississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce hosts several events and programs throughout the year to support Community & Economic Development, Education & Workforce Development, Military & Public Affairs, and Small Business Development along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.Workforce Development SeriesEnhance your education with Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce!Throughout the year, the Chamber presents a series of classes to assist the educational needs of its businesses. The Workforce Development Series covers areas such as business law, computer skills, leadership and communication, and techniques to improve work habits. Click here for a PDF version of the course listings, or visit the Chamber office to receive a copy. Want to get involved? If you are interested in presenting a future seminar, email BusinessSeminars@mscoastchamber.com. Legislative ReceptionHeld at the beginning of every year in Jackson, Legislative Reception offers the opportunity for Chamber members on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to meet with legislators in a business casual setting.Annual MeetingChamber members gather every winter to hear inspiring words from high profile keynote speakers, meet and greet with fellow business leaders and witness the installation of the Chamber's new chairman.Networking at Noon"Networking at Noon" offers Chamber members a chance to network with other members from all industries while enjoying a great lunch! In addition to informal networking, attendees selected with random "lucky dots" will have the opportunity to share their 1 to 2 minute "pitch" and promote their business to the entire group.Business After HoursCoast Chamber hosts an after-hours networking event designed for members to meet and build relationships with businesspeople from small, mid-size and large companies and organizations representing a variety of industries. The events take place between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at various locations along the Gulf Coast.The Tapestry AwardThe Tapestry Award was created to honor, reward and celebrate the achievements of outstanding small business members of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. These awards encourage all chamber members to strengthen business excellence through creativity, high standards and leadership. Small businesses are the threads that tie our coast community together-thus the Tapestry Award.
Salute to the MilitaryMore than 1,000 civilians and military personnel attend the Annual Salute to the Military to honor those who helped stabilize South Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina and continue to help with the nation’s war effort.Fall Golf ClassicHeld at Grand Casino’s Grand Bear Golf Course, this unique networking opportunity is a day of golf and networking. Twenty-four Royal Flush Sponsored teams will be allowed to compete for prizes and bragging rights, of course. After all, a little "healthy competition" is good for business!CenturionsThe Coast Centurion Association was founded by the late Colonel Henry Boardman in 1995. Centurion’s purpose is to serve as a cadre of Mississippi Gulf Coast Citizen leaders dedicated to the retention of the Coast’s military installations and presence. Additionally, the association provides financial support to the ongoing activities and programs of work of the Military Affairs Committees of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce including Biloxi and Gulfport.Coast Chamber LeadershipMississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce 2008 Board of DirectorsLinda WattsChair Mississippi Power Company John McFarland Chair-Elect The Sun Herald John Walton Past Chair Whitney National Bank Kimberly Nastasi, IOM CEO Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Rich Westfall Biloxi Chamber of Commerce President Isle of Capri Casino Resort Paul Maxwell Gulfport Chamber of Commerce President Hancock Bank Rob Stinson Long Beach Chamber of Commerce President Lookout 49 & Salute Italian Restaurant Gwenn Voigts Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce President Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty John Harral Legal Advisor Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLC Jerry Levens, CPA, CFE Finance Alexander, Van Loon, Sloan, Levens & Favre, PLLC Wes Fulmer Vice Chair, Military & Public Affairs The Peoples Bank Pam Meinzinger Vice Chair, Small Business Development Prime Outlets Linda Sherman Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing WLOX Kathy Springer Vice Chair, Membership Development Biloxi Regional Medical Center Dr. Pat Joachim Vice Chair, Education & Workforce Development University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Shane Loper Vice Chair, Economic Development & Tourism Hancock Bank Duncan McKenzie Gaming Liaison Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi Eric Kravette Coast Young Professionals Whitney National Bank Dennis Burke Leadership Gulf Coast The Peoples Bank Brian Sanderson Liaison Gulf Coast Business Council Contact Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce:11975E Seaway RoadGulfport, MS 39503 Phone 228-604-0014 Fax 228-604-0105 info@mscoastchamber.com www.mscoastchamber.com MembershipMembership is open to all businesses on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, or businesses with an interest in doing business in this area.The Chamber is composed of over 2,000 business professionals who have joined together to maximize their business opportunities. What does your investment in Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber do for you? Here’s a preview:
Member Testimonials“The success of all businesses, large, small and in between, is directly tied to their ability to interact effectively with business partners, to reach their local community and political leaders and to get their message out to potential customers. The Coast Chamber provides the venue and tools that facilitate such interaction at all levels. I could not imagine operating a business in my community and NOT being a part of the Chamber of Commerce. It is an essential part of what we do day in and day out.”Ken Austin, Broker Owner, Mississippi Coast Realty, LLC, Pass Christian “The Coast Chamber provides a unique opportunity for Coast businesses to grow strong partnerships with other like-minded organizations. The Coast Chamber and Business Council have a common vision for improving the economic vitality of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We are a better community when we work together.” Brian W. Sanderson, President, Gulf Coast Business Council “I no longer use the term 'the Chamber of Commerce'. Their personal attention, quick response, caring attitude, and pertinent services - such as their workforce seminars - have made it 'our chamber of commerce.' Associated Food Equipment is investing in long-term improvement processes to be the most valued dealer-partner for the Coast's foodservice industry. Our chamber helps us achieve our goals by sponsoring up-to-date training on topics we can use immediately. We improve each day, and our chamber provides a convenient and economical venue for learning.” Maggie Dannreuther, MBA Business Analysis & Development, Associated Food Equipment & Supplies, Inc. “We are proud to be a Family Member of the Long Beach Chamber & Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. Their tireless efforts have made it possible for one more small business to enter & be assimilated into the close-knit Long Beach business community. Thanks to the Chamber for your support & help!” John Scranage and Sami Taylor, Owners, The Stone Man & The Gem Lady “The first thing on my menu was to join the Coast Chamber. Catered Thymes is a fairly new business on the Mississippi Coast. From the very beginning, the Coast Chamber has been a great partner in growing our business, from helping with our opening to introducing us to the business community. The local Camber staff has always been helpful to me, and I strongly recommend joining the Chamber to any business looking to grow.” Brandon Swanger, Owner, Catered Thymes “Our membership helped grow our startup business. As a startup technology company, our resources were limited. We joined the Chamber in 2002 for the chance to network with potential clients. AGJ Systems & Networks services clients from New Jersey to Colorado to Florida; yet 11 percent of our client base comes from active Coast Chamber members. The Coast Chamber helps us grow our local business and strengthen relationships with existing clients.” Ryan Giles, Partner, AGJ Systems & Networks, Inc. “Not only was the Chamber of Commerce instrumental in helping us to open our business, but the Chamber has also played an active role in ensuring that our ongoing business has been a success. There have been several occasions where we have asked the Chamber for assistance and where the Chamber has worked diligently to follow through and meet our needs. As business owners, we greatly appreciate how the Coast Chamber has taken a genuine interest in the success of Southern Grounds Coffeehouse, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without their help.” Scott King, Owner, Southern Grounds “For less than the price of one ad, membership to the Chamber of Commerce is a lifeline to small businesses for a whole year! Joining the Chamber not only means networking and socializing, but it's also about classes geared to the successful running of a small business and people that really care working hard for your success! I recommend you take advantage of all the opportunities of community involvement and networking that the Coast Chamber offers to help your business grow.” Romy Simpson, Owner, Negrotto's Gallery & Custom Framing “My Coast Chamber membership has been invaluable to me. I have always believed that what is good for your city is good for the entire Coast, and I feel the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce is good for the entire Mississippi Coast. It helps me not only in my business, but the networking with businesses and leaders in other communities helps me broaden my contacts. When legislation matters that affect my business arise, the contacts I’ve made are invaluable.” Liz Joachim, CEO, Frank P. Corso, Inc. “I’ll give you three good reasons I joined the Chamber. First, they promote small businesses and they help us in a lot of ways. Second, they keep us informed. Like all small business owners, I’m very busy. But the Chamber emails and newsletters keep me up-to-date on information I need. And thanks to the Chamber, I received a grant to help my business.” Lily West, Owner, Lily of the Valley Food & Deli Membership ApplicationChamber Membership Business DirectoryManage Your MembershipChamber StoreThe fabulous "Cooking in THE PASS, a Collection of Recipes" cookbook that the Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce published in 2003 was reordered-the Second Edition 2006 is available. With so many having lost their copy, we’ve had many requests to have them available again. The cost of these cookbooks is $22.00 each. They can be picked up at the Coast Chamber’s office. Please contact 228-604-0014 for more information.Missed the 26th Annual Biloxi Seafood Festival and want one of the 26 Seafood Festival posters, 8X10’s, or note cards? Stop by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce office from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick yours up! Questions? Call us at 228-604-0014. NEW! It’s happening…Jones Park! Gulfport Chamber of Commerce is selling commemorative Jones Park t-shirts for $10 each, with all proceeds going toward the rebuilding of Jones Park! For more information, call 228-604-0014. | ||||
