Chamber 2013 annual meeting set for Jan. 25
By
Jan 15, 2013, 17:00
An exciting new program of work will be presented at the annual meeting of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce, taking place on Friday, Jan. 25th from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the INFINITY Science Center (I-10 MS exit 13, adjacent to the Welcome Center).
New board members and officers will also be announced, with Judith Redshaw handing over the president’s gavel to Clay Wagner who served as 2012 Chamber vice president.
Wagner foresees an exciting year ahead for the Chamber, one with the theme of “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.”
Wagner, Senior Vice President and Economic Development Officer at Hancock Bank, also serves as the Hancock County appointee to the Gulf Coast Regional Tourism Partnership Board of Directors. In addition, Wagner serves on the Board of Directors for Partners for Stennis (www.partnersforstennis.org), a three-state volunteer group working to promote the growth and stability of Stennis Space Center.
Keynote Speaker for the annual meeting is Dr. Richard Gilbrech, Director of Stennis Space Center (SSC). As director, Gilbrech provides executive leadership, overall direction and management of SSC - a unique federal city that is home to more than 30 federal, state, academic and private organizations, as well as numerous technology-based companies.
Incoming Chamber president Clay Wagner notes that in the upcoming year, many projects launched in 2011 and 2012 will continue to be developed, including the Business Resource Center, the Scenic Byways program and a marketing strategy promoting Hancock County’s assets as an excellent place to live, establish a business and obtain a high quality education.
Wagner will be presenting the annual plan, which details dozens of major projects that will be undertaken in 2013 with the help of millions of dollars of grant funding, generated with the help of the Chamber.
One initiative being launched this year with the help of BP grant funding is a relocation campaign, to help reestablish the second-home market in Hancock County, as well as reach out to retirees across the country. “Love It, Live It!” buttons will be used as one tool of the campaign to encourage dialogue about the assets of Hancock County, and will be handed out to members at the meeting.
Chamber Executive Director Tish Williams calls the meeting a “don’t miss” event and invites members as well as interested citizens or businesspeople who may be considering joining the Chamber.
The ticket price of $20 for members ($25 for non-members) will include a breakfast buffet. Doors open at 7:30am for networking and registration, with presentations beginning at 8am and lasting until 9:30 am. To reserve tickets, tables, or to become a sponsor, call the Hancock Chamber of Commerce at (228) 467-9048 or email sally@hancockchamber.org or order online at hancockchamber.org.
