Page 146 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2024

FINAL SAY
KAREN
SOCK
CEO, Sock Enterprises
Living here since 2005, just 10 weeks before Hurricane Katrina, I’ve experienced first-hand the kindness, generosity, strength, and resilience of the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I have come to appreciate the huge diversity of cultures from the histo- ry of the French settlers to the seafood industry to the arts.
We are fortunate to have a strong economy with a solid base
of businesses both large and small including energy, shipbuild- ing, banking, hospitals, entertainment, hospitality, gaming, the nonprofit sector, plus small and women-owned businesses. Our community enjoys vibrant growth as we see new businesses, restaurants and hotels being constructed, as well as new neigh- borhoods and family entertainment options too. Our wide vari- ety of award-winning restaurants and dining options are second to none.
We have great high-performing schools both public and private and a wonderful community college and university network. South Mississippi has produced nationally-known celebrities born and raised here who come back and give back regularly. They are entertainers, politicians, scientists, artists, authors and more. We also have outstanding military installments, including Keesler Air Force Base and the Seabees Naval Base.
No matter your choice of neighborhoods, we have options to consider from living in a beautiful beachfront home or condo- minium to great neighborhoods on the back bays and bayous, as well as other communities steeped in history.
South Mississippi’s faith community is strong, representing a wide variety of denominations, and is actively engaged and in- vested in providing for the spiritual needs of our community members.
So in 2024, remember that South Mississippi has it all and is
a wonderful place to live a great life! Have a happy New Year, South Mississippi, and don’t forget to live each day to the fullest.
146 | January 2024
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