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 County
Of 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 Work
Mississippi 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 Series
Enhance 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 Reception
Held 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 Meeting
Chamber 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 Hours
Coast 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 Award
The 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 Military
More 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 Classic
Held 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!
Coast Chamber Leadership
Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce 2008 Board of Directors
Linda Watts
Chair
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
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
Membership Application
Membership Directory
Manage Your Membership
Chamber Store
The 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.
