Spotlight on Non Profit:
Gulf Coast Business Council
By Aimee Hester
Founded in June of 2006, the Gulf coast Business Council,
led by Chairman Anthony Trapazi, and current President
Brian Sanderson is a non profit organization with the
goal of providing a unified voice of business. Membership
in this distinguished group includes small business
members and ex-officio members to include the local
Mayors, Military Base Commanders, Economic Development
Professionals, Port and Airport Directors. In total
there are 230 members. Scott Walker, Field Representative
for Senator Roger Wicker notes, “The Gulf Coast
Business Council is an amazing organization committed
to bringing our coast back better than pre-Katrina.
The leadership of Anthony Trapazi energizes the group
to make the lives of South Mississippians better.”
The issues that drive the council towards a greater
end are; tourism, land use, transportation, and affordable
housing. Recognizing affordable housing as the Coasts’
most urgent need after Katrina wiped off the map half
of all rental properties, the council formed the Renaissance
Corporation. “The goal of this new, individual
non-profit is to create and implement a broad based
approach to land acquisition and redevelopment.”
States Brian Sanderson, “We are working with local
employers to provide assistance so that group of people
who are caught in between qualifying for government
assistance and being able to afford the higher rents.”
Mayor Warr of Gulfport concurs, “This group of
individuals possesses an in depth knowledge of issues
and work to provide a resolution to these issues, which
will affect the accomplish the right type of recovery.”
When prodded to reveal the greatest accomplishment of
the council since 2006, Sanderson stated” It has
to be the Wind pool legislation of 2007. There are outstanding
legislators such as Senator Tommy Gollot and Diane Perianch
who were instrumental in getting this important issue
through to provide a better environment for private
insurance companies to write policy once more.”
In essence, the development and redevelopment of the
coasts three counties is a puzzle that contains many
pieces. At this juncture, a well formed group such as
the Gulf Coast Business Council is the driving force
behind a unified, intelligent voice to implement the
changes that will affect the quality of life here on
the coast. The puzzle must be rebuilt in an organized
manner that is thought out to provide the boost the
Mississippi gulf Coast so desperately needs not only
to provide a greater quality of life for its residents,
but to attract tourists. The great passion and dedication
of these members will address these issues and implement
the positive changes so greatly needed for the coast.
To find out how you can get involved in the council
and be a part of the solution here on the coast, contact
the council at 228-897-2020 or on the web at
www.msgcbc.org. |