GCBC, regional partners announce collaboration on economic development, community issues along the Coast

GULFPORT, Mississippi, January 26 – The Gulf Coast Business Council announced Friday it is collaborating with regional partners and members of the Mississippi Legislature on important economic and community development issues in this area.

The Business Council held a press conference to sign Strategic Regional Alignment Agreements with each partner.

“The economic future of our region is too important not to work collaboratively with other regional organizations dedicated to growing our economy and improving the quality of life,” said Jamie Miller, president and CEO of GCBC.

Miller explained that the agreements are a written acknowledgement of the need and desire to work together on important economic and community development issues facing our region.

The agreements provide a framework for how the organizations will work together on legislative priorities, data sharing and communication.

One of the goals of the agreements will be to highlight the region’s competitive advantages and pursue new ones. “The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a diverse economy made up of many sectors, including aerospace, shipbuilding, financial services, gaming, tourism and military,” Miller said. “We will all have greater success by working together.”

The groups signing the agreements are Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, Pascagoula Port Authority, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, State Port of Gulfport, Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulf Regional Planning Commission and Coastal Mississippi.

Additional statements from regional partners:

• “SMPDD knows that economic development is a team sport. We are proud to partner with the Business Council and other allies across the region to build a stronger Gulf Coast.”” – Leonard Bentz, Executive Director, Southern MS Planning & Development District
• “The Port of Pascagoula has played a significant role in South Mississippi for decades. I look forward to continuing our growth and success with key partners like the business council.” – Bo Ethridge, Executive Director, Pascagoula Port Authority
• “Today’s agreement between our two organizations recognizes the importance of working together to accomplish economic goals for our region.” Bill Lavers, Executive Director, Harrison Co Development Commission
• “These Regional Alignment Agreements represent a critical initiative to drive economic expansion and enhance the quality of life along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This collaboration aligns with MSET’s commitment to fostering growth, and I am confident that our partnership will yield positive outcomes for the Gulf Coast and Mississippi.” – Davis Pace, Executive Director of MSET
• “We greatly appreciate the Gulf Coast Business Council’s ongoing collaboration and continued advocacy for issues important to the airport and South Mississippi during the legislative session.” – Clay Williams, Executive Director, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
• “The Gulf Regional Planning Commission is pleased to enter into this agreement with the business council. I think both organizations will benefit as a result of the partnership.” – Kenneth Yarrow, Executive Director Gulf Regional Planning Commission
• “Tourism requires teamwork and partners willing to work together on common goals. This agreement to share data and communicate legislative priorities is a great step toward reaching those goals.” – Judy Young, CEO, Coastal Tourism