Page 79 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2019

FRONT ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): TRICIA THIGPEN, MAYOR MARIO KING, NATASHA KING, AMY ST. PÉ BACK ROW: CHIEF BRANDON ASHLEY, SHIRLEY JOSEPH, MONICA COOPER, RODNEY SWILLEY, SUE WRIGHT, MATT PERKINS, TENESHA BATISTE AND JENIFER FRERIDGE.
re-locate their Ford and Nissan dealerships to Moss Point. Just announced last month, Bob Boyte Honda is moving to this corridor. “I also have a commitment from another dealer to locate on the Highway 63 corridor, bringing the number of new brand offerings
to five,” King said. “These dealerships will increase the city’s sale tax revenue significantly, provide new jobs, increase retail sales, and stimulate new business opportunities in the area.”
Two of the city’s ten hotels were remodeled last year and another is undergoing a major renovation to become a Red Roof Inn PLUS+ this year.
While the highways attract
large businesses, the downtown property seeks to become a mixed- use area with a variety of small
businesses. “I’m proud of our business leadership which recruits new businesses by letting them know how loyal the customer base is in Moss Point,” King said. “We have businesses that are passed down in families and others, such as Burnham Drug Store, that have been in business for generations. We take potential businesses to these places.”
Economic Development Director Sue Wright also predicts a bright 2019 for Moss Point. “We’re
already experiencing the benefits
of an improved national and state economy. Sales taxes are up and will continue to climb as major new businesses open here,” she said.
Looking ahead, the mayor quotes Abraham Lincoln, who said, ‘The best way to predict your future
is to invent it,’ and added, “As a
leader, it’s important not to be the victim, instead embrace challenges and truly work towards sustainable solutions for the benefit of all Moss Point residents.”
Tourism is projected to increase with the Pascagoula River Audubon Center as a major component that brings visitors
to the city. The Center — an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area — is the epicenter of nature-based tourism in the region and has created a conservation legacy.
The city is also home to Pelican Landing, a waterfront conference center just off I-10, and the Old Pallet Mill Welcome Center downtown that businesses, families and friends enjoy for meetings, weddings and reunions.
Additionally, events bring visitors >> January 2019 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 79
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net