Page 101 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2023

INDUSTRY
UPDATE
When the first casino opened here 30 years ago, it started a ripple, one that has had a continuous
and expanding impact that influences the Mississippi
Gulf Coast in ways that can’t fully be measured.
and fly-to patrons to spend a little time and money in an area once known as ‘America’s Rivera.’
“Before long,” Hewes continued, “thousands of people were at
work in the industry, ultimately driving new interest in our Gulf Coast market and attracting other business and industry expansions. This demand for more employees impacted competition in the workplace, and drove up wage rates and improved employee benefits in
the area.”
Those thousands of jobs on the
Gulf Coast also have a major impact on the area’s economy with workers individually contributing through taxes and local spending. That spending allows for more local businesses to flourish, which then leads to more employment and more spending. Casinos also engage vendors and suppliers whose businesses are located along the Coast.
Chevis Swetman Inducted into the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame
When it came to rolling the dice on the gaming industry, Chevis Swetman was a strong player. The Peoples Bank president helped the gaming industry get off the ground in the early ’90s and stay afloat following Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 Great Recession, and the
2010 BP Oil Spill. In June he was inducted with three other leaders into
the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame sponsored
by the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association (MGHA).
“The Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame continues its legacy of recognizing industry leaders who have contributed to the success of gaming in the Magnolia State and who exemplify the best personal
and professional qualities. Their legacy is Mississippi’s success,” said Larry Gregory, executive director of the MGHA.
A staunch community supporter, Swetman served on the Governor’s Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The steps taken by the commission, particularly on the redevelopment of the Port of Gulfport, led to a remarkable economic recovery for casinos, hotels and other businesses on the Coast.
A Celebration of Gaming was the theme at the festive gala,
which also saw the Engelstad Family Foundation, former owners of the IP Casino Resort Spa; Representative Bobby Moak; and former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
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