Hancock Chamber Business Resource Center Opens

Talk of the Town - February 2024

The new Business Resource Center owes its existence to the efforts of the City of Bay St. Louis and the Hancock Chamber of Commerce. 

- HCC press release

The Boards of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce and the Hancock County Community Development Foundation will host a joint ribbon-cutting with the City of Bay St. Louis to celebrate the official opening of the new Business Resource Center (BRC). The event will be on Tuesday, February 27, at 4 pm. The Center is located on the first floor of Historic City Hall at 300 South Second Street.
 

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The Hancock Chamber of Commerce, working through the Hancock County Community Development Foundation, will manage the Center as a pro bono service to the citizens of Hancock County. Recently, the City Council approved a proposed rental agreement that allows non-profits and governmental agencies to utilize the center at no cost to promote business growth in the region. For-profit companies may also utilize the facility for a rental fee of $100 for a four-hour shift and $300 per full day.
 

Haven, Rachel and Nell pose for a photo with Josh Morgerman at the recent Hurricane Preparedness Expo in the new space.

 
The Center is now fully operational, thanks to a $10,000 donation from the members of the Coast Electric Power Association through a Community Trust Operation Round-up Grant secured by the Hancock Chamber. So far, the Chamber and Foundation have spent close to $13,000 on furnishings, the internet and equipment to bring the Center into full operation.
 
“The purpose of the center is to provide a dignified space for the community to work together to promote the social, civic and economic health of the City and business community,” said Ray Wesson, President of the Foundation.
 

Rodney McKellip of NASA speaking at the recent Stennis Day reception.

 
The Center is open during normal business hours and by appointment, as scheduled through the Chamber. The Foundation provides internet services for the Center at no cost to the City or citizens utilizing the Center. The Chamber will manage the Center through a fund set up with the Hancock County Community Development Foundation. Any grants, donations and fees will be paid to the Foundation to support expenses of the Center.
 
Wesson said 45 business leaders in the community worked together to develop the operational plan and rental agreement that was approved by the City Council. “As business leaders, we strongly believe that non-profits, governmental entities, and business leaders should be encouraged to develop and implement programs and services that support the citizens and grow the community,” he said. “Managing this previously underutilized space as a Business Resource Center will support these efforts for citizens to work together to plan and collaborate,” he said.
 

The Southern Rail Commission meeting.

During the ribbon cutting, the Hancock Chamber will announce a $75,000 small business grant program supported by Mississippi Power Company that will be awarded to qualifying businesses for marketing and façade improvements at the Chamber’s Mid-year Meeting May 16 at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast. Details on how to apply will be released in March.
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