Gulfport Chamber
Gulfport Chamber of Commerce is an affiliate of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, 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. While working to help businesses in the Coastal region grow and prosper, Gulfport Chamber also focuses on the businesses within the Gulfport community.
City of GulfportGulfport is the second largest city in Mississippi. A hub of business and commercial activity, it is the location of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, the Mississippi State Port Authority and the Bernard Bayou Industrial District (BBID). The first and largest-to-date industrial park of the Harrison County Development Commission, the BBID includes diversified industries such as Future Pipe and Seemann Composites and shipbuilders like Gulf Ship, Trinity Yachts and United States Marine. Gulfport is also home to two colleges and two major shopping centers.The 48th city to join the Mississippi Mainstreet Program, Gulfport has a thriving and growing downtown community. Level five schools, friendly neighborhoods and easy access to shopping and entertainment, also make Gulfport a great place to live and raise a family. Visit the City of Gulfport’s Web site at www.ci.gulfport.ms.us. Program of WorkGulfport Chamber hosts events and programs that support its Chamber member businesses and Gulfport community in the areas of Community & Economic Development, Small Business Development, Military & Government Affairs, and Education & Workforce Development.Community & Economic Development MargaritaFestGulfport Chamber of Commerce kicks off the summer with MargaritaFest, a luau-themed party where the Gulf Coast community comes together for an evening of music, food, fun... and margaritas. Featuring a table decorating contest and the Big Kahuna prize drawing, the event grows more popular each year with over 2,000 in attendance. Proceeds go toward small business and education grants in Gulfport.BeautificationThroughout the year, Gulfport Chamber, in conjunction with the City of Gulfport, identifes areas of town that need special attention, focusing on physical appearance of areas that receive high volumes of tourist traffic. In 2006, the Chamber donated $5,000 for the City to construct a municipal greenhouse near Public Works.Small Business DevelopmentSmall Business GrantsThe Small Business Grant Program was created in 2006 to facilitate rebuilding efforts among small businesses affected by Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, Gulfport Chamber presented more than $12,000 in grant money to 20 businesses. That amount, which doubled from the previous year, is supported by revenue generated by the Gulfport Chamber’s MargaritaFest.Military & Government AffairsMilitary Affairs Leadership Golf TournamentThe Annual Military Affairs Leadership Golf Tournament is an appreciation event that allows military men and women the opportunity to take the day off to socialize with members of the business community. Businesses sponsor the teams, each comprised of two golfers from the military and two golfers from the sponsor business. This annual event raises funds to support the services and programs of the Gulfport Chamber Military Affairs Committee.ESGR ReceptionEach year Gulfport Chamber, in conjunction with Centurions, hosts groups of employers from around the country who employ members of the National Guard. These community leaders come to the Coast to learn about their employees’ military service and to learn more about our community.City Council ReceptionsGulfport Chamber of Commerce recognizes the value of bringing together members of the business community and our local public officials. These events create an opportunity for Gulfport Chamber to express appreciation for City Council members in an informal setting.Annual Early Birds Awards"Early Birds" is a recognition breakfast at which Gulfport Chamber honors excellence within all local military branches and first responders. Gulfport Chamber also presents the Harold Jenner Volunteer of the Year Award to a member of the community who has shown outstanding volunteer service to the Gulfport Chamber.Breakfast with the MayorThis bi-monthly event is held at various locations throughout Gulfport. Over 100 business and community leaders attend this event each month, where Mayor Warr speaks on behalf of the City of Gulfport.Education & Workforce DevelopmentCollege ScholarshipGulfport Chamber facilitates awards and scholarships to recognize excellence within the local schools and to offset high costs of education for students. Applications are open to graduating seniors at all schools within the Gulfport City limits.PartnershipsGulfport Business ClubCity of Gulfport Gulfport Main Street Association Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Gulfport Chamber Leadership2008 Gulfport Chamber of Commerce Board of DirectorsExecutive CommitteePaul MaxwellPresident Hancock Bank Dr. Eric Brown Past President First Bank & Trust of Mississippi Brandon Pike President-Elect Florence Gardens, LLC Richard “Ric” L. Williams, Jr. Vice President, Finance BancorpSouth Colleen Kershaw Vice President, Military & Public Affairs Whitney National Bank Daphne David Vice President, Community & Economic Development Garden Park Medical Center Jessica Crosby Vice President, Membership Development Wetlands Solutions, LLC Jalee Smothers Vice President, Communications & Marketing WXXV - Fox 25 Wayne Kuntz Vice President, Education & Workforce Development Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Debbie Bermond Vice President, Small Business Development Roy Anderson Corp Brent Fairley Vice President, Fundraising (MargaritaFest Chair) Goldin Metals, Inc. Elizabeth Slade Director Gulfport Chamber of Commerce Board MembersSherri BakerBeecher Carlson Kristie Barton Mississippi Power Company Tangie Carrillo Memorial Hospital Foundation Michael Hall Memorial Behavioral Health Gregg Magee Boy Scouts of America Vicki Parkhill City of Gulfport Jim Pitts Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Annette Rand Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau Mark Schloegel Roy Anderson Corp Lea Ivey Stone Hancock Bank Wade West Island View Casino Resort Josh Workman Regions Bank Contact Gulfport Chamber of Commerce:11975E Seaway RoadGulfport, MS 39503 Phone 228-604-0014 Fax 228-604-0105 gulfportchamber@mscoastchamber.com www.mscoastchamber.com |
