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Tish Haas Williams
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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 ensure 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's 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
ensure that as leaders we are making smart choices for
smart growth.
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