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During the Gala, Derek Necaise, Board President for the Port and Harbor Commission, along with the CEO, Blaine LaFontaine will present awards for outstanding industrial excellence. Coast Electric will be recognized as the 2025 Industry of the Year and Mississippi Power will be recognized as Industry of the Century, celebrating 100 years of service.

Stepping into the spotlight for Coast Electric to receive the award will be interim CEO, Chris Rhodes and members of the Coast Electric team. From powering Port Bienville Industrial Park to fueling Stennis International Airport, Coast Electric delivers the energy behind Hancock County’s biggest economic engines. And with their high-speed fiber network, CoastConnect, they keep industries and families connected with fast, reliable service.

Coast Electric Power Association has been a vital part of Hancock County for many years, providing reliable electricity and exceptional service to its members. Their commitment extends far beyond power delivery; they are consistently involved in community development, supporting local initiatives and contributing significantly to the region’s economic well-being. Coast Electric Power Association has a long-standing history of innovation and dedication to its members. They continually invest in infrastructure improvements, embrace new technologies, and prioritize customer satisfaction. Their work is essential to the growth and prosperity of homes and businesses throughout Hancock County.


Also joining guests at the Gala are the new President and CEO of Mississippi Power, Pedro Cherry, Regional Manager TJ Pruitt, and their team of professionals. For 100 years, Mississippi Power has played a transformational role in powering more than electricity—they’ve fueled economic growth, supported our workforce, protected natural resources, and served our communities. The company has electrified our state by deploying futuristic technologies that enhance our communities and our quality of life.

Their heroic Katrina response—restoring power to all who could receive power in just 12 days—stands as a defining moment. The company received the Edison Award, the utility industry’s highest honor for its efforts. As they begin their second century, Mississippi Power remains a force for innovation and growth.

“We are grateful to receive this honor of Industry of the Century. It’s a testament to the dedication of our customer-focused employees, past and present, and the passion we have for safely providing world-class service to our customers every hour of every day.”

Mississippi Power began operations on January 1, 1925, after it acquired the Gulfport and Mississippi Coast Traction Company. The transaction included an electric railway that ran from Biloxi to Pass Christian, as well as a small generating plant that was located on the property where the company’s headquarters stands today in downtown Gulfport. From that modest start of serving 5,500 customers, the company quickly grew and today, Mississippi Power’s service territory covers 23 counties.

“We are honored to recognize the leadership and employees of Coast Electric and Mississippi Power for the quality and commitment to the service they provide to our industrial tenants, our residential community and our future development. We look forward to our continued partnership growing our county and region.” stated Blaine LaFontaine, Executive Director of Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission.

This recognition of Coast Electric and Mississippi Power underscores their significant contributions to the local economy and their ongoing dedication to serving the community with excellence.

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