Skip to content

Hancock Chamber Offers Businesses New Member Benefits Through Expanded Countywide Visitor & Relocation Guide

The Hancock Chamber has announced they are expanding the 2026 Play on the Bay Guide to serve as the definitive and official resource for anyone visiting, relocating to, or doing business in Hancock County. In addition to showcasing the assets of all the cities and counties, this edition will include a complete Hancock Chamber membership directory — connecting local businesses directly with thousands of visitors, new residents, and potential customers. (You can view the 2025 edition at www.hancockchamber.org.)

“All businesses in Hancock County are invited to take advantage of this expanded business development tool that creates more visibility opportunities and exclusive benefits available through Chamber membership,” said Nikki Moon, Chairman of Partners for Tourism and the Chamber Member Services Committee.

Research shows that 64% of consumers are more likely to purchase from Chamber members, recognizing the Chamber as a mark of trust and credibility. To support members, the Chamber provides:

  • Complimentary enhanced listing (in color) in the expanded Play on the Bay Guide, which now includes sections on “Visiting” and “Living” in Hancock County.
  • 15% advertising discount in the Guide, which will grow in circulation from 15,000 to 20,000 copies this year.
  • Distribution and visibility through Chamber visitor racks, Mississippi Welcome Centers, the Amtrak Station, and partner locations across the county.
  • Digital exposure reaching more than 40,000 people annually through the Chamber’s three websites and 12 social media channels.
  • Eligibility for our $50,000 small business grant program made possible by the Mississippi Power Foundation (within criteria).
  • Access to over 150 Chamber events each year, helping members connect, collaborate, and grow.

Events and meetings the Chamber sponsors throughout the year give members a platform to connect with other businesses and build relationships that lead to new business opportunities. One of the Chamber’s most popular member offerings is the Business After Hours series, which provides consistent opportunities throughout the year. Upcoming Business After Hours events include; March 19 at Boonie’s on the Bayou; April 16 at Geaux Ford; May 7 and Oct. 15 at Silver Slipper Beach Bar; June 21 and Sept. 17 at Hollywood Casino; July 16 at Coastal Environmental Services; November 5 at the Bay Waveland Yacht Club by Hancock Whitney; Nov. 18 for the Taste of Hancock Restaurant Showcase at the Bay St. Louis Community Hall; and Dec. 9 for the Chamber Christmas Party at The Club at Diamondhead.

To make it even easier to participate in these membership benefit opportunities, the Hancock Chamber is offering a special new member rate of $325 for 2026. Businesses that join by April10th will automatically be included in the Guide as part of their membership benefits. Joining is simple — just go on line to www.hancockchamber.org or contact Janice Jones directly for assistance at 228-467-9048 or by email at janice@hancockchamber.org.

“We completely understand that joining the Chamber may not be the right time for every business,” said Moon. “To ensure that all businesses in our community can still be represented, we’re offering those who are not yet members the opportunity to have a basic business listing in the Guide for a nominal fee of $100.” Moon says these listings should be reserved by April 10th and is not a charge for participation, but rather a way to help cover costs so the Chamber can continue providing this valuable county-wide resource for everyone. Chamber members will automatically receive their enhanced listing as a benefit of their membership.

#    #   #

Scroll To Top