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If you care about the future of business in Hancock County, this is the one event you cannot afford to miss.

The Hancock Chamber is bringing the community together for a high-energy, festive lunch meeting in honor of National Small Business Week. Join fellow business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community influencers on Cinco de Mayo—Tuesday, May 5th—at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for the Annual Midyear Meeting & State of the County Address.

Expect more than just a meeting—this is a full experience. From powerful networking opportunities to margaritas and live Mariachi music, the atmosphere will be as dynamic as the conversations shaping our region’s future. The buffet opens at 11:30 AM, with the program beginning promptly at noon.

This is your opportunity to hear directly from key leaders, including updates from the Hancock County Board of Supervisors and the Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission on the initiatives driving economic and community growth.

But that’s just the beginning.

Attendees will be the first to learn how to access free AI training for small businesses—a game-changing opportunity. Out of 200 applicants nationwide, the Hancock Chamber was selected as one of only 50 chambers—and the only one in Mississippi—to deliver this training to 100 local businesses.

You’ll also get exclusive, first access to details about the 2026 Small Business Grant Program, launching with the support of a $50,000 investment from the Mississippi Power Foundation. If you’re looking to grow your business, this is where your next opportunity begins.

This year’s theme, “GET ENGAGED,” is more than a message—it’s a strategy for success. When you engage with the Chamber, you build relationships, discover opportunities, and position your business to thrive. As an added bonus, every Chamber event you attend gives you a chance to win a trip to Belize—with the first opportunity to enter happening at this meeting.

Not a Chamber member yet? This is the perfect time to get connected. Prospective members are encouraged to attend and discover the powerful benefits of membership, including increased visibility, marketing opportunities, and a free enhanced listing in the expanded “Play on the Bay” Guide—now evolving into a regional guide for visiting and relocating to Hancock County, with a distribution of 20,000 copies.

And for those who love a little suspense—be in the room when it happens. The Chamber will honor outstanding leaders in the community, revealing the winners of Ambassador of the Year, HYP Person of the Year, and the prestigious Jody Compretta Person of the Year award.

Seats are limited, and this event will fill quickly.

Tickets start at $45, with reserved tables available for businesses and groups. Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or engaged citizen, this is your chance to be part of the conversations—and connections—that matter most.

Secure your spot today at hancockchamber.org. Or call 228-467-9048 for more information.

Presenting Sponsors:
Hancock Chamber of Commerce
Hancock County Community Development Foundation
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast
Hancock County Board of Supervisors
Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission

Platinum Sponsors:
Butler Snow
Chiniche Engineering & Surveying
Community Bank
Coast Electric
City of Diamondhead
Hancock Whitney
John McDonald Realty
Mississippi Power
Neel-Schaffer
Ochsner Health
Silver Slipper Casino Hotel
Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District
The Longo Group

Gold Sponsors:
Ashman Mollere Realty Inc.
Old Town Merchants Association

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