Gulf Coast Business Council

Developed strategic communication efforts to; create consensus and favorable perceptions for initiatives; identify target audiences and appropriately classify their perceptions; determine public perception of relevant policy issues and evaluate appropriate measures of communication for each issue; establish clear lines of communication with members, the general public, public officials, and professional media outlets. This was accomplished thru our on-line website, media press releases and interviews for local, regional and national media outlets, distribution of periodic e-mails, distribution of reports and various publications, and public speaking, interviews and presentations.

Supported civic engagements and programs of work. A legislative roundtable is held annually for state legislators who represent our region in state government to allow our representatives and senators to dialogue with our members and local government officials about important isssues which will be considered in the upcoming legislative session. The Business Council will periodically host forums or co-sponsor meetings outside of its regular meetings to explore particular topics relevant to the region.

Provided accurate research and sound policy positions. Published a quarterly regional brief containing statistics and commentary relative to the events and news that shaped the Mississippi Gulf Coast economy during the preceding quarter and provides information and insight on various economic sectors and issues such as housing, tourism, healthcare, and infrastructure. Conducted a quarterly ceo and Business owner confidence survey to gauge the confidence and expectations of regional businesses. This and other research reports and analysis have been developed and published on our website and distributed to members, media stakeholders, and e-mail receipients. The gcbc continues to work with local tourism stakeholders,community leaders, and elected officials on its premier destination tourism initiative.