Page 87 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2022

I look forward to continuing partnerships to ensure the growth of the Gulf Coast for every generation.
– Brandi Hough
2022 One Coast
AWARD
TOP TEN Under 40 Business Leader
First Corporate relocation in decades
First Buc-ee’s in MS
2020 – 2021 REAR-VIEW
• 12 sales and leases 33% increase over previous year
• 13% increase in sales volume over previous year
• 231 jobs created resulting in a 66% increase over previous year • 34 items submitted and approved by Board of Supervisors
Restored rail service to Bernard Bayou Industrial District.
Created Corporate Court, first new Bernard Bayou Industrial District subdivision since the 1990s.
First time ditches cleaned in decades.
• Bill Lavers a 2022 recipient of the CYP Forever Young award.
• HCDC Board President Frankie Castiglia, Jr. appointed to the Southern Rail Commission.
• Three Newest Commissioners: James Moody and John Carter (appointed by Gov. Tate Reeves); Billy Thornton (appointed by Mayor Billy Hewes).
• HCDC Commissioner Mike Leonard, Capt. William
(Bill) Whitmire (USN ret.) and Bill Lavers appointed to Mississippi Defense Communities Council.
Bill Lavers (fourth from left) 2022 National Technical Honor Society honoree
NEW RESIDENT OUTREACH
Harrison County checks all the boxes for anyone – young people, families or retirees – looking for an affordable, beautiful and thriving place to live. HCDC’S Coastal Partnership program sponsored by HCDC puts us in the position to promote Harrison County to prospective new residents as a premier relocation destination. COASTALRELOCATION.ORG
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
We’re doing our part to make sure valuable young talent grown here has opportunities here and hopefully stays here. Our SEA Force paid internship program is enriching the workforce by connecting talented high school students with businesses that need their skills. It has grown from an idea to a program in which businesses eagerly await the next rising star. SEAFORCEMS.ORG
Bill Lavers
Executive Director
blavers@mscoast.org
Marcia Crawford
Director of Marketing & Relocation
mcrawford@mscoast.org
Brandi Hough
Director of Business Development
bhough@mscoast.org
12281 Intraplex Pkwy, Gulfport, MS 39503 info@mscoast.org • 228.896.5020 • www.mscoast.org
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net August 2022 | 87
HCDC administers the Mississippi Coast Foreign Trade Zone for all 3 coastal counties.