Page 27 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2018

07.24.18
COASTNOTES
JOHN HAIRSTON
NAMED ONE COAST
AMBASSADOR
OF THE YEAR
Gulfport banker John Hairston was named the Second Annual One Coast Ambassador of the Year recently at an event attended by people from across the Coast. Rich Westfall chaired the event and served as master of ceremonies.
The keynote address was given by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves who praised Hairston’s leadership in all issues facing the Coast but especially in the current push for the bulk of
the BP oil spill funds to be used in this area. “It’s more fitting to give this award to John than anyone I can imagine,” he said. “Thank you, John, for what you do for the Coast and for the state.”
Reeves also gave a positive report on the state’s finances. “We have a growing economy and ended the fiscal year with $88 million over budget,” he said. “We collected more revenue than ever in the history of the state in the fiscal year that just ended, and we have $350 million in the Rainy Day Fund, the second largest in our history.”
Retired banker and former Gulfport Mayor George Schloegel made the award presentation to Hairston. “John heads the 25th largest bank in the U.S. He’s not a spectator; he’s a leader,” he said.
Schloegel enumerated a few of Hairston’s accomplishments, including leadership in creating the regional tourism board and his work to bring
a combined services facility to the NASA space center in Hancock
County. Additionally, Hairston was
the announcer for the first Gulf Resort Classic golf tournament and started the Honor Flight to take WWII veterans to
tour monuments in Washington, D.C. On a personal note, he related that Hairston was his paper boy years ago.
The award features a pelican sculpture, symbolizing the renaissance of this bird that was once endangered and made a comeback, just as South Mississippi is having a renaissance.
Hairston accepted the award with
his wife, Ann, on stage with him. “I
am honored and think it’s a shame
we can’t give it to everyone,” he said. “I care about the Coast; my blood probably contains 50 percent salt water. I encourage everyone, especially young people, to be ambassadors for the Coast.”
The One Coast breakfast was sponsored by IP Casino Resort Spa, the Bacot McCarty Foundation and M2 Media Corp.
story by Lynn Lofton photos by Donn Hupp
John and Ann Hairston
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves
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September 2018 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 27
2ND ANNUAL