CHAMBER COMMITTEES

Our committees are extremely pro-active, making vital changes for the betterment of Hancock County. Here, you can explore the range of projects we are working on and find a committee that suits your own field of interest. We invite you to join up and make a difference! Call 228-467-9048 or email sally@hancockchamber.org.

Business Retention & Expansion – To coordinate interaction with other business-related organizations and government to foster teamwork and positive outcomes on community issues; and, to provide technical assistance to fuel small businesses to recover, expand and hire more workers. Works with the stakeholders and government officials to collaborate on action items and responsibilities to overcome issues affecting business growth, devise plans to coordinate and update research and data

Government Relations Committee – To coordinate interaction with local, state and federal officials to foster positive outcomes on community issues.

Finance Committee – To provide financial oversight and to conduct monthly reviews of Chamber financial statements and records; and, to make financial investment recommendations to the board.

By-Laws & Compliance Committee – To review the governing policies of the organization. Meetings held as needed as called by the Chairman; and, to serve as compliance officer to provide additional oversight and help ensure adherence to controls, especially in regards to finances; serves as ombudsman to receive anonymous feedback on any irregularities; conduct board training at the start of each year.

Education Committee – Focuses on issues affecting educational outcomes in Hancock County, community education, and community college academic programs.

• Student Scholarships: Working with four high schools, award one scholarship for one senior at each school;
• Bookworms: Continue bookworms program in first and third classrooms in all schools in Hancock County and with Coast Episcopal. Bookworms is a reading program between the business community and first and third grade student.  The committee raises funds to purchase featured books for the schools. Click here to become a Bookworms Reader or click here to become a Bookworms Sponsor.  A printable reader/sponsorship form is available here, or you can call the Chamber at 228.467.9048.
• Teacher Appreciation: raise funds for classroom scholarships, host Annual Dinner in August
• Classroom Grants: expand the classroom grant program to increase to more than $5,000.
• Committee Guest Speakers: invite community educators to serve as speakers at monthly meetings.
• Support the EXCEL by 5 program
• Effectively engage parents and volunteers in student development
• Work with business owners and realtors to determine how to best inform them about the attributes of private, parochial and public schools to entice newcomers to select Hancock County as the community of choice
• Teacher Appreciation/Door Prize Donation Form

Beautification Committee – To promote anti-litter campaigns and beautification awards; removes blighted properties with a special emphasis on properties along business corridors; participates inCoastal Clean-up Campaign on third Saturday in October; implements Beautification Awards to businesses throughout the county in Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Kiln, Diamondhead.

Greenways & Byways Committee – To promote enhancement of natural resources, uniform codes and ordinances, improved sidewalks, streets, paths and drainage, uniform gateways.

Kiln Business Council – To promote the social, civic and economic well-being of the Kiln area.

Diamondhead Business and Professional Association (DBPA) – The mission of DBPA is to further the development of the business and professional community in Diamondhead through promotion, beautification and efforts to influence positive change and communication among the organizations members and the community.