Pass Christian Chamber
Pass Christian 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, 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, Pass Christian Chamber also focuses on the businesses within the Pass Chrisitan community.
City of Pass ChristianThe City of Pass Christian is a quiet resort community with timeless charm and beauty. Located just a short distance from the business and transportation hub of Gulfport, Pass Christian is a great place to get away for the day or to settle down and raise a family. A simple, laid-back lifestyle can be enjoyed without sacrificing the conveniences of a larger city.Commercially, it is a perfect setting for bed and breakfasts, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques; but it is also home to the Pass Christian Industrial Park with resident manufacturers like concrete fabricator Gulf Coast Pre-Stress. Visit the City Pass Christian’s Web site at www.ci.pass-christian.ms.us. Program of WorkPass Christian Chamber hosts events and programs that support its Chamber member businesses and Pass Christian community in the areas of Community & Economic Development, Education & Workforce Development, Military & Public Affairs, and Small Business Development.Community & Economic DevelopmentBreakfast with the Mayor and Board of AldermanHeld twice annually, the Pass Christian Chamber hosts this event at various locations within the city. Area business owners, individuals, and community leaders attend this event, where Mayor Chipper McDermott speaks on behalf of the City of Pass Christian on topics of importance and the State of the City and the Board of Alderman are available for questions and discussion.Education & Workforce DevelopmentMusic in the AirThe first Music in the Air event was held in 1999 and has remained a significant fund raiser for the Pass Christian Chamber. Held each year in early March, this elegant cocktail party is traditionally held in a local, privately-owned home and features a variety of musical entertainment and food. Proceeds from the event are used to fund educational scholarships for area students and other educational efforts, like Celebrate Our Schools.Celebrate Our SchoolsAfter Hurricane Katrina destroyed 3 of the 4 schools within the Pass Christian School District (PCSD), though faced with unimaginable physical and emotional obstacles, the administration, faculty, employees and students of the PCSD worked together to produce outstanding test scores and attain Level 5 status – the highest rating possible. To honor their achievement, the Pass Christian Chamber, with the support the City of Pass Christian and numerous corporate and individual sponsors, organized a day of celebration with free food, games, entertainment, and enjoyment for all members of the PCSD and their families. The Pass Christian Chamber has had the pleasure of organizing this event for the past 2 years and has pledged to continue the celebrations as long as the Level 5 status is maintained. Way to go Pirates!Small Business DevelopmentChristmas in the PassOn the first Friday evening in December, the Pass Christian community and its friends gather on Davis Avenue, located in the heart of the downtown business community, to welcome the Holiday Season with a festive celebration with lighted decorations, food and merriment. Beginning with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at the gazebo in War Memorial Park, Santa and Mrs. Claus parade down the streets to welcome all who attend. Music, food, art, crafts and gifts of all kinds are available from local vendors, as well as pictures with Santa and the opportunity for children to shop for gifts for parents, grandparents and siblings at Santa’s Secret Shop for pennies on the dollar. Registration is limited to only those organizations and businesses located or operating in the Pass Christian community, so that special attention and focus are directed to participants just in time for Holiday shopping. Many local organizations and non-profit groups use the event as a fundraiser for their charities or clubs and money raised by the Pass Christian Chamber is used toward general expenses incurred throughout the year.Military & Public AffairsOutstanding Citizen of Pass ChristianIn conjunction with the Pass Christian Rotary Club, the memberships collectively nominate candidates for consideration based on outstanding performance of civic duties, charitable works, etc. outside their normal occupation. Winners are selected by a secret committee and are announced at the Pass Christian Chamber/Rotary Annual Dinner held in December.Ribbon CuttingsAs is true in any town, but particularly in a small town, it’s a great day when a community can welcome a new business to the area. The Pass Christian Chamber is proud to organize, announce and oversee ribbon cuttings for new members and businesses to the community. Promotion of the products and/or services they offer is just a small part of our commitment to our members.BeautificationThrough special appointment by the Mayor, Pass Christian Chamber members and other participants comprise a committee designed to assist with improving and maintaining the aesthetic charm of our beloved Pass Christian.Pass Christian Chamber Leadership2008 Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce Board of DirectorsExecutive CommitteeGwenn VoigtsPresident & Beautification Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty Scott Naugle Past President BancorpSouth Insurance & Pass Christian Books Jennifer Burke Vice President, Finance Pass Christian Isles Golf Club Steve Dick Vice President, Military & Public Affairs Evelina Shmukler Vice President, Communications & Marketing The Gazebo Gazette Ken Austin Vice President, Membership Development Mississippi Coast Realty Michael Spruill Vice President, Small Business Development Gulf Coast Pre-Stress Alicia Ellis Vice President, Community Development Connie Jenkins Vice President, Education & Workforce Development Southern Printing & Silkscreening Monica Wittman Vice President, Economic Development Hancock Bank Joseph Piernas Vice President, Governmental Affairs City of Pass Christian Alderman Kathryn Holland Liaison Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce Board MembersJeffrey TaylorCo-Chair, Beautification Taylor Made Lawn Care Ben Midgette Co-Chair, Military & Public Affairs DuPont Delisle Plant Mimi Parker Thomas Co-Chair, Small Business Development Parkers, Inc. Diana Gonzalez Co-Chair, Community Development The Peoples Bank Cathy Broadway Co-Chair, Education & Workforce Development Pass Christian High School Alice Russell Chair, Music in the Air Contact Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce:11975E Seaway RoadGulfport, MS 39503 Phone 228-604-0014 Fax 228-604-0105 funinthepass@bellsouth.net www.passchamber.com www.mscoastchamber.com |
