Membership
Membership 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:
- Free subscription to The Journal of South Mississippi Business
- All City Chamber Programs. As a member of Coast Chamber, you are automatically enrolled in all four City Chambers-Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, and Pass Christian. Attend any event in any City!
- Seminars and Workshops-which are offered at a member rate occur almost weekly and range from computer courses to employee law.
- Monthly Breakfasts-including Breakfast with the Mayor and Morning Call, allow you to network with your coffee!
- Tapestry Awards which showcases the Small Business of the Year and many other distinguished awards.
- Business After Hours-known as BAH-provides a relaxed networking opportunity.
- Your business listed in the Chamber Directory and on the Website exposes you to businesses both in Mississippi and across the U.S.
- Referral Service-we only refer to our Chamber members online, in the office and on the phone.
- Salute to the Military-one of our biggest events. This is a chance to hear from our nation’s top military leadership and salute our neighbors in uniform each October.
- Leadership Gulf Coast-since 1988 more than 500 members have graduated form this program and assumed key roles as public or private sector leaders in our community.
- Ribbon Cuttings and Groundbreakings-Kick off your business with a ribbon cutting, free to all Chamber members. Over 2,000 people, including local media, receive the announcement of your business, and Chamber volunteers come to welcome and celebrate your business’ opening.
- Chamber Plus offers highly competitive premiums along with the cost-saving advantages of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield provider networks.
- Networking-Who you know does make a difference! Make important business contacts at Coast Chamber luncheons, seminars, and networking events or get more involved by volunteering on a committee or task force.
- Publicity and heightened name recognition through print, Internet and event exposure is available to Coast Chamber members.
- Discounts and Advantages-Save money through member-to-member discounts. Also, pay Chamber member admission prices at Chamber events.
- Learning Opportunities-Stay competitive through the Workforce Development Series. Coast Chamber seminars and workshops offer expert advice on how to operate a business in a fast-moving economy.
- Referrals-Coast Chamber only gives out referrals for its members. Plus, the Coast Chamber Web site – www.mscoastchamber.com — receives thousands of hits per month with the Membership Directory being the most visited page.
- Advertising Opportunities-Need advertising that is targeted, effective and affordable? The Chamber has opportunities for you to advertise to over 2,000 business professionals.
- Government Advocacy-Coast Chamber serves as an advocate on issues important to local businesses by monitoring local, state and federal legislation.
- Credibility-Demonstrate your commitment to the community by becoming a part of the vision and strategies of the most influential business organization in the region–Coast Chamber.
- Web Site-Take advantage of the “Members Only” link on Coast Chamber’s Web site where members can join committees, view a list of new business licenses, learn about member discount programs and member-to-member discounts, link their Web site to the Chamber’s, view the area media list and civic club directory, and sign up to use meeting room space at the Chamber.
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