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BAY ST. LOUIS NOMINEES

FLEURTY GIRL
Fleurty Girl is a powerful blend of Southern charm, local pride, and community connection. While Fleurty Girl offers its iconic branded merchandise, it also champions local makers by featuring handcrafted items, regional art, and small-batch products. With a cozy porch perfect for relaxing, on-site bike rentals for exploring the town, and lodging, it turns a shopping trip into a full experience. It’s a place to be, not just to buy. Founded by Lauren LeBlanc Haydel in 2009, Fleurty Girl is a business that has grown into a celebrated brand.

GULF COAST HOME
Gulf Coast Home – located on Ulman Avenue in the heart of Old Town Bay St. Louis, is a testament to the vision and dedication of sisters Wendy DeBen and Theresa Lacy. This is more than a furniture store but a destination and meeting place for their customers. Many referring to it as their “happy place.” Featuring a highly curated selection of furniture, gifts, luxurious loungewear, distinctive home décor, and locally sourced artwork- there’s truly something for everyone. Known for its warm, personalized service …what truly sets Gulf Coast Home apart is its unwavering commitment to the community.

LAGARDE’S FINE WINE AND SPIRITS
Since its founding in March of 2022, Lagarde’s Fine Wine and Spirits in the Depot District has become a
destination rooted in experience, education, and elegance. Alan is known for building strong customer
relationships and helping local groups elevate their events through expertly chosen wines and spirits. He offers an exceptional selection of products, featuring 1,250 items curated with both passion and precision. His commitment to customer satisfaction is evident—people leave not only with the perfect bottle, but with a deeper appreciation for what they’re drinking.

ROSETTI’S LIQUOR BARREL
Rosetti’s Liquor Barrel, first owned by Dina Hitt Rosetti’s parents as Dunbar Package Liquor, she and John
moved the store to Highway 90 with a new brand. Now in its 51st year, Rosetti’s is known for offering
personalized attention to customers, landing the award as Mississippi Retailer of the Year Award from Brown Forman. As a sommelier, John focuses on featuring 800 wines and a wide array of spirits, one of the largest selections in the County. They are known for their community involvement and as two of the founders of The Krewe of the Mystic Seahorse.

DIAMONDHEAD NOMINEES

ALOHA WINE & SPIRITS
Aloha Wine & Spirits offers a wide range of quality wines and spirits, thoughtfully curated to satisfy both casual shoppers and discerning connoisseurs. What truly distinguishes Aloha is its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, who provide expert recommendations tailored to every customer’s taste and occasion. Since opening its doors, Aloha Wine & Spirits has become a beloved local gem, known for its exceptional selection, personalized customer service, and deep community roots.

HODA CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
Hoda Chiropractic Clinic has distinguished itself as a cornerstone of health and wellness in Diamondhead and the Hancock County community. Beyond clinical care, Hoda Chiropractic Clinic actively engages with the community through health workshops, wellness seminars, and partnerships with local organizations,
promoting awareness about spinal health and overall well-being. This outreach has helped foster a healthier, more informed community, demonstrating the clinic’s deep commitment beyond the treatment room.

OCHSNER HEALTH CENTER – DIAMONDHEAD
Ochsner Health – Diamondhead has profoundly transformed healthcare access and delivery in Hancock
County, setting a new standard for comprehensive, patient-centered care. Through a strategically coordinated network of full-service locations, including urgent care, primary care, cardiology, orthopedics, ENT, urology, rehabilitation, laboratory services, and imaging, Ochsner has significantly expanded healthcare availability in the Diamondhead area.

KILN/HANCOCK COUNTY NOMINEES

COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES (CES)
CES is the locally owned and operated waste collection company that services the residents of Hancock County, including the Cities of Bay St. Louis, Waveland, and Diamondhead. They focus on hiring local employees which offers numerous benefits, including the support for community development, and very strong ties to the community. They are a responsible, corporate citizen that sponsors many community events such as CASA Touch a Truck, the First Responders Crawfish Boil, as well as numerous Hancock Chamber events. They pride themselves on the exceptional customer service they provide for their customers.

FNB BANK
FNB Picayune Banks’ Kiln Branch showcases outstanding service, community impact, and commitment to
financial inclusion. Since opening in August 2022, FNB filled a critical void in the Kiln, becoming the
community’s only full-service bank branch. With a Branch Manager/Loan Officer, Customer Service
Representative, Tellers with both lobby and drive through access, ATM and Night Deposit Services, they’ve
quickly become an essential resource for local residents and businesses.

MEME’S FAMILY RESTAURANT & BAR
MeMe’s Family Restaurant & Bar delivers hearty, made-to-order comfort food—from stuffed handmade
burgers and roast beef po-boys to seafood, chicken, and daily specials. Customers consistently praise its
signature dishes like macaroni and cheese, gumbo, stuffed artichokes, and beignets. The atmosphere feels like dining with family—warm, familiar, and welcoming.

WOOLPERT
Woolpert is a global architecture, engineering, and geospatial firm boasting over 3,000 employees across more than 75 locations. The Geospatial Innovation Center at Stennis International Airport in the Kiln, serves as a national hub for advanced remote sensing and geospatial technologies. This 14,000-square-foot facility supports hydrographic surveying, aerial mapping, and drone-based data capture, significantly enhancing infrastructure resilience, coastal planning, and national security. Through partnerships with local entities, agencies, and academic institutions, the center drives innovation, workforce development, and regional growth. Woolpert is ranked No. 39 on ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms list.

WAVELAND NOMINEES

BAYOU AUTOMOTIVE
Bayou Automotive is your go-to destination for exceptional auto repair services. Our full-service auto repair shop is staffed with ASE certified technicians who are dedicated to maintaining and repairing a wide range of vehicle makes and models, including commercial and fleet vehicles. Our convenient location ensures easy access for residents of Waveland and the surrounding areas.

GURLEY & ASSOCIATES WE MAKE MEDICARE EASY
Since 2017, our mission has been simple: Help People, Make Friends, and Have Fun—while guiding you
through Medicare and numerous types of health insurance with heart and clarity. We make Medicare Easy. As an independent agency, we work with top-rated carriers to find coverage that fits your life, health, and future. It’s not about selling a policy—it’s about building trust and making sure you feel informed and supported. In 2024, we were honored as a Top Blue Cross Blue Shield agency in Mississippi—a reflection of our dedication, passion, and the relationships we’ve built across the communities we serve.

KEESLER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION – WAVELAND BRANCH
Keesler Federal’s Waveland Branch, part of the $5 billion not-for-profit credit union, offers a wide range of
financial services to meet the diverse needs of its members. The Waveland branch is a vital part of the
community, sponsoring Hot Rods & Hospitality, the local event of Cruisin’ the Coast. As part of the Misfitz
Street Krewzers, the branch provides classic car financing. The branch also sponsors and provides giveaways at Waveland’s Annual Halloween event. Branch manager Jill Barnett leads the way by supporting CASA, one of Keesler Federal’s major community givebacks. Barnett was the 2024 Rotarian of the Year, offering financial literacy workshops, supporting the Senior Citizens Center & Fair, Relay for Life, and many more non-profits.

TENGDA HIBACHI
Tengda is a renowned dining destination specializing in Japanese cuisine offering a delightful culinary
experience in a vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients and traditional
cooking techniques, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Tengda’s arrival filled a long-standing gap in local dining options by offering authentic teppanyaki-style hibachi, fresh sushi and sashimi, and a wide variety of Japanese favorites. The restaurant stands out for its modern ambiance, show-style hibachi performances, and a menu that strikes the perfect balance between quality, creativity, and accessibility.

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