2026 BUSINESS & INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 5:30-10PM, HOLLYWOOD CASINO GULF COAST
Known as the local version of the Academy Awards, the Hancock Chamber Business & Industry Awards Gala, held annually in August, recognizes outstanding achievements in citizenship, industry and business at the Hollywood Casino Grand Ballroom. The annual production includes a reception, sit-down dinner and video presentations featuring the award winners. A silent auction benefits the Hancock County Community Development Foundation.
Tickets for the gala are traditionally sold out with over 500 people attending.
RECOGNIZING OUR CITIZENS & BUSINESSES
Every community has people, businesses, and organizations that make a difference. The Hancock Chamber invites you to help recognize those who go above and beyond by submitting a nomination for our annual awards program.
For decades, the Chamber has honored outstanding businesses, community leaders, industries, and nonprofit organizations that help make Hancock County a great place to live, work, and do business. These awards celebrate excellence, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to improving the quality of life in our county.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Business of the Year
Recognizing exemplary businesses serving Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, and Kiln/Hancock County.
Outstanding Citizens & Citizen of the Year
Honoring individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a meaningful impact on our community. Ten Outstanding Citizens are recognized annually, with one selected as Citizen of the Year.
Industry of the Year
Presented to an industry that demonstrates leadership, innovation, economic impact, and community involvement.
Nonprofit of the Year
Recognizing a nonprofit organization that is making a significant difference through its mission, programs, and service to the community.
BUSINESS & NONPROFIT NOMINEES
Anthony's Ristorante
Coast Aesthetics at the Bay
Flying Dolly's Bay St Louis
Froogel's
Lagarde's Fine Wine and Spirits
The Sea Coast Echo
The French Potager
The Wedding Collection
Gurley & Associates-We Make Insurance Easy
Rickey's on Coleman
Sugar Pop Bakery
Warran Automotive
Coastal Environmental Services
Gulf Coast Golf Carts
Ochsner Health
Unlimited Towing & Collision Center
Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum
Bay-Waveland Garden Club
Diamondhead School of Fine Arts
Diamondhead Women's Club
Friends of the Animal Shelter
Hancock County Food Pantry
Hancock Health Foundation
The Sober Society
OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
Chad & Jill Barnett - Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast & Assumed Risk
Penny Elkins - Hancock Health Foundation
Sissy Favre - Calgon Carbon
Nell Frisbie - Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty
Sally Isaacs - The Library Foundation of Hancock County
Derek Necaise - Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission
Mary Ann Pucheu - Krewe of Nereids & St Clare Catholic Church
Doug Seal - SABIC Innovative Plastics
Cheryl Thompson - Gulfside Assembly
Ray Wesson - Chair of Hancock County Community Development Foundation & Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission Board Member
OTHER HANCOCK CHAMBER ANNUAL EVENTS
Midyear Meeting & State of the County Address
This annual signature event is held every May and is one of the largest gatherings of Hancock Chamber members — making it one of the best business networking opportunities of the year. The Midyear Meeting provides updates from the Hancock Chamber, Hancock County Board of Supervisors, the Hancock County Port & Harbor Commision, and the Hancock County Community Development Foundation. The Chamber also announces the recipient of the Jody Compretta Person of Passion Award for outstanding contributions to community and economic development in Hancock County. The late Jody Compretta was an entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist who served as president of the Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and 2004 and was the inaugural chairman of the Hancock Community Development Foundation in 2006. The marina inside the Bay St. Louis Harbor is named in his memory. The Chamber also recognizes an Ambassador of the Year and the Young Professional of the Year.
Swing for the Cause Golf Classic
The Hancock Chamber and the Hancock County Community Development Foundation invite you to participate in the annual Swing for the Cause Golf Classic. Each year in October, over 100 golfers participate for a chance to win great prizes and to help make a difference in Hancock County. The tournament raises money to benefit the Hancock County Community Development Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 public charity established by the Hancock Chamber to act as an umbrella organization for 20 non-profit causes for projects with a broad community focus. The specific purposes of incorporation are to sponsor and support educational and community programs that stimulate job creation, foster small business growth, workforce development, historic preservation and the arts. Don’t miss the chance to be a champion for our Hancock County community.
This year's event will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at the Bridges Golf Club. Click here to register your team or sponsorship (includes team registration)