Jackson County businesses recognized by Gulf Coast Outpost

The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area honored five Jackson County businesses this afternoon for their knowledge and action when it comes to protecting and fostering the Gulf Coast environment.

Honorees and guests gathered at the historic Twelve Oaks nature preserve in Ocean Springs, home of one of the organizations that also received the award, the Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education, to participate in a ceremony put on by the Gulf Coast Outpost Program.

The Gulf Coast Outpost Program is aimed at those companies whose primary business is dependent on the natural environment in Mississippi’s six coastal counties.  Jackson County Outdoor Recreation Specialist Barbara Medlock said, “We’re trying to up our game. Businesses that recognize the value of history and of culture and of taking care of our environment, conservationism, nature-based tourism, that’s really what we’re trying to do is up our game in all aspects of nature.”

The other businesses recognized were Twisted Run Retreat, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Wild at Art, and Mystic Charters. “It’s not an easy program to be recognized by. The standards are high, but they’re attainable. And the businesses that we recognized; they are environmental champions. They’re people that really do care about doing the right thing as far as nature’s concerned and our environment.”

Not only do these organizations take steps toward preserving the local environment, these institutions also promote the appreciation of nature, something the chair of the board of F.A.C.E. Lisa Authement experiences when on the Twelve Oaks property. “I think the feeling I love most right now about being on the property is hope. The feeling of hope. It’s really an empowering feeling. I think it’s going to lead to a lot more. It’s very nostalgic here. It grounds you. It brings a sense of peace and serenity, but hope is the most exciting component.”

Medlock evaluates and presents Jackson County businesses to the outpost committee on a rolling basis.