Page 62 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2023

Taking “Shop Local” to Heart
T story by Lori Beth Susman photo courtesy of Silver Slipper Casino Hotel
he phrase “shop local” is often heard as a reminder the Mustangs being given away during the casino’s summer
to residents that they should buy goods and services promotion come from Premier Ford in Waveland. When the from locally owned businesses in their community. car dealership held its grand opening recently, Ferrucci and the
The words also hold special meaning for one Hancock County business that makes it a point to keep it local whether it is purchasing food, buying supplies or securing services.
Shopping local is a core business principle at Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. From produce, poultry and seafood to linens, T-shirts and signage, considering area businesses is a priority when purchasing decisions are made at the property. “It is important to support the business community,” said General Manager John Ferrucci. “Keeping the business community strong is good for everyone.”
The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, in the produce at Silver Slipper restaurants; it comes from Gulf Coast Produce. Linens are also sourced locally, from Southern Linen Service in Long Beach. Fresh seafood is bought from Quality Seafood in Biloxi, oysters arrive daily from Crystal Seas in Pass Christian, and Dunaway Signs in Biloxi and Lightning Quick Signs in Hancock County are responsible for signage on the property.
The property serves beer brewed locally at Lazy Magnolia Brewing Co., in nearby Kiln. The brewery has even created a signature beer for the resort — the Easy Breeze Ale, a light and flavorful beer that can only be found at Silver Slipper. And,
Silver Slipper team were there to show support.
Ferrucci explained the property’s process for selecting a
vendor for any of their needs. “If we have a choice of vendors, we look first to see if they are local. And then if two or
more are local, the tie breaker is if the business is a chamber member,” he said, explaining a business that supports the chamber is a like-minded company that values supporting the community.
That mindset also works when Silver Slipper is in need of someone to do repairs or heavy maintenance. They look for local plumbers and electricians, as well as those who service air conditioners and kitchen appliances.
“We want to spend our money here, and in turn stimulate the local economy,” Ferrucci said.
By taking the phrase “shop local” to heart and incorporating it into its day-to-day operations, Silver Slipper has found
the practice to be good business. After all, supporting local businesses fosters community, stimulates the local economy, creates jobs, reduces environmental impact, and preserves the unique character of the region.
62 | August 2023
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