Tish Haas Williams
Executive Director
tish@hancockchamber.org

“Hancock County is one of the fastest growing areas in Mississippi. Because of this, we need to tap all of our resources to insure that as leaders we are making smart choices for smart growth.”

Letter from the Executive Director

I am the Chamber—You are the Chamber---We are the Chamber

Actually, I am the Chamber Director. You are the Chamber. At least, that what my mother thinks, and once again, I find, she is right. O.K. I will say it now, loud and clear, I owe it all to my mother. Oh, and my father, and my husband. Most of all, I owe it to my children.

Several years ago, as we sat around enjoying each other’s company, my five year old twin daughters, Georgia and Tricia, began asking me, “Mom, who do you work for?” Good question. Great question! How, I thought, can I explain to them what I do. And, in unison, they said, “oh, that’s right, you work for everyone. You work for the Chamber!” Stunned, I said, “that’s right!” Then, I said, “Now, do you know what a Chamber does?” With blank stares, they responded, “no.” Out of the mouths of babes! It made me think, what a great idea for a column.

What is the Chamber?

The word chamber literally means an apartment, an office, a hall of justice or legislation. In many communities, the Chamber is the first stop for visitors, new residents, even retail and industrial prospects. Fortunately, Hancock County has made an investment in furthering the development of our economy to the industrial and visitor sectors through the Port and Harbor Commission and the Tourism Development Bureau. The Chamber works in concert with these organizations to support their efforts.

In Hancock County, the Chamber of Commerce is the heartbeat of this community. It is the glue that brings all segments of the community together, working toward common goals. In short, the Chamber is a voluntary organization of close to 700 business, community and governmental leaders representing close to 10,000 employees. Through the Chamber, we speak with one voice to address issues of concern to our community that affect our economy, social and civic well-being. That is our mission.

The Chamber is the vehicle that gives all of us the chance to make a difference for our community and our businesses. And, as one of the fastest growing areas in Mississippi, we need to tap all of our resources to insure that as leaders we are making smart choices for smart growth.