Page 53 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2020

All this productivity is set against an unexpectedly breathtaking backdrop,
the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Those who live and work here understand that the waterfront is not just beautiful, but a hub of business.
Since 1958, the Harrison County Development Commission has promoted businesses ranging from manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to composite technology and shipbuilding. And along the way, we’ve developed industrial parks such as the Bernard Bayou Industrial District, Long Beach Industrial Park, and North Harrison County Industrial Complex, and continue to market the Coast as a premier relocation destination
through our Coastal Partnership program.
We believe in our community and its leaders, the military, existing industries, and equally important, our youth, which we support through our SEA Force intern program.
Recently, Chmura Economics & Analytics conducted an economic impact on behalf of the Harrison County Development Commission
to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the county’s manufacturing sector, military bases, defense contractors, and hospitality industry. With the exception of hospitality/tourism, whose impact was dramatic, the report estimated
the job losses for the other three
sectors would be limited, with many manufacturers having experienced little or no disruption.
Harrison County Development Commission Executive Director Bill Lavers says, “The minimal impact of COVID-19 on manufacturing and the military is a testament to the resilience of our economy.” He adds, “Likewise, there’s every indication of a quick comeback for tourism as travelers reluctant to y could favor drive-in market destinations, like ours. What
an amazing opportunity to introduce the Mississippi Gulf Coast to rst-time visitors.”
Quite simply, the Coastal Partnership program, sponsored by the Development Commission, promotes the coast as
a premier relocation destination. We emphasize a ordability, opportunity and livability to a demographic ranging from Millennials to transitioning military to boomers. And, the Partnership
utilizes close to 30 volunteers, known as Ambassadors. Program director Marcia Crawford says, “They are the welcoming, knowledgeable faces who interact with visitors at welcome centers and events.”
www.coastalrelocation.org
In late summer 2018 the Harrison
County Board of Supervisors, through a resolution, designated the Development Commission to lead the county on becoming an ACT Work Ready Community. The Initiative kicked-o last October through a joint collaboration
with local partners including the Gulfport School District and Port, and we are delighted to announce that Harrison County is a now a Certi ed ACT Work Ready Community. Bill Lavers comments, “Our goal was to complete the certi cation process in one year; it was achieved in six months! So who wins? Employers, job- seekers, educators, economic developers, and most importantly, our community.”
We know the
corporations and small businesses here on the Coast are seeking the workforce of the future. Hardworking, dependable people who can learn new Skills on the job, gain life Experience and set out on an Adventure that will prepare them
for a productive career. SEA FORCE gives Harrison County a clear advantage and path to success here at home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and has placed 22 interns in local businesses since the program’s inception, including Jessica Candland from Long Beach High School who interns with J.W. Puckett & Co.
Brandi Hough, Development Commission Director of Business Development,
adds, “It is an honor working with our businesses and industries and helping place highschoolers in the internship program. It’s personally and professionally rewarding to hear testimonials from students and businesses on the importance of real life work experience.”
www.seaforcems.org
Harrison Country Development Commission
12281 Intraplex Pkwy., Gulfport 228.896.5020 • info@mscoast.org www.mscoast.org
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