Page 26 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

COASTNOTES
Honored with Tourism Award
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photo by Michael Sunderman
For his service during the creation and development of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, known as Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast, Duncan McKenzie was recognized through
a resolution memorializing his leadership and contributions.
McKenzie currently serves as the Vice-President and General Manager of IP Casino Resort Spa and has been an executive involved in the gaming and tourism industry on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for more than 20 years.
The resolution states that throughout his tenure as an executive in the gaming and tourism industry, McKenzie has consistently set an outstanding example of servant leadership by giving of his time, energy, knowledge and experience to promote and enhance the quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The resolution was unanimously carried.
“I am humbled by the resolution received at the State of the Tourism Industry meeting from the commissioners of the Tourism Bureau,” McKenzie commented. “This team mobilized all three coastal counties to market the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast as one. I am proud to say I was among them.”
Biloxi First Honors
story by Lynn Lofton photo by Joseph Petrozzino
Veteran advertising executive Reed Guice was the honoree of the 15th annual Biloxi First Roast held at the IP Casino Resort Spa before a large audience. With Shorty Sneed serving as master of ceremonies, the program got
underway with welcomes from IP General Manager Duncan McKenzie, Biloxi Mayor Andrew “Fo Fo” Gilich and Jeff Bankston representing Biloxi First.
The Very Reverend James Roberts gave the invocation and Chris Moore sang the National Anthem. A special film presentation by Angela Guice and Vincent Creel posed the question “Who is Reed Guice?”
Roasters included David Sheffield, Judy Guice, Ricky Mathews and John Hairston. After Guice’s official response, he took the stage and sang a few of his favorite songs with the Coast Big Band.
Guice has won numerous awards for creativity, including many Best of Show honors, from the Advertising Federation. He also earned the Federation’s highest award, the Silver Medal for outstanding contributions to the advertising industry. In 2009, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Mass Communication and Journalism.
Liz Joachim and Ann Denison served as co-chairs for the event.
26 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net