Leadership for Regional Solutions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Check out the latest news from Gulf Coast Business Council including legislative updates, events, and our members in the news.

GCBC holds 2024 “State of the Coast” Symposium 

GCBC Hosts Panel Discussion for Mississippi Sound Coalition

GCBC, Regional Partners Announce New Economic Development, Community Collaboration

GCBC Launches Quarterly Regional Policy Forum Series

GCBC PAC Announces Endorsements for 2023 Election Cycle

WHO WE ARE

Who is Gulf Coast Business Council?

Gulf Coast Business Council is a 501(c)(6) organization, advised by a Board of Directors and governed by an Executive Committee. The council is, at its core, a public policy organization with an economic focus. Our general membership consists of the lead decision-makers of companies doing business in Coastal Mississippi. The Partnership Circle engages organizations and associations, which are not private business entities but key stakeholders whose missions are aligned with that of the Business Council.

OUR MISSION

The Mission of Gulf Coast Business Council

The mission of Gulf Coast Business Council is to be the unifying voice of business and industry in public policy discourse. The council exists to inform and engage our members in order to identify, develop and advocate for solutions that enhance our competitive advantage so we can grow our economy and improve the quality of life in Coastal Mississippi.  

Flagship Members

what we do

Driving Progress

Engage the top executives of businesses, large and small, throughout coastal Mississippi.  
Pursue public policies of strategic importance to our region through leadership, collaboration and sound research. 
Serve as a facilitating organization with other civic, economic development and government organization to embrace cooperation and consensus building.  
Help develop future leaders.  
Knight non-profit

GCBC identifies, researches and advocates for the shared interests of a diverse group of economic stakeholders. GCBC has built a network of influence with considerable reach and leverage to directly influence public policy in Jackson and Washington D.C., driving positive change for the region’s businesses and residents. GCBC facilitates cooperation between private enterprise, professional associations and the public sector. GCBC also reports on economic issues and promotes initiatives to attract new opportunities, industry and necessary resources to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

What makes us different

A Stake in the Economic Future of the Mississippi Gulf Coast

The work of GCBC differs from, yet complements, the functional mission of other business organizations such as local chambers of commerce. GCBC’s tri-county scope focuses on issues that affect the region as a whole and positions GCBC as a recognized authority on governmental affairs and public policy, transportation, infrastructure, workforce development, education, land use and more. Membership includes the top decision makers of companies and organizations who have a stake in the long-term economic health and viability of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

why be a part of gcbc

A united voice for economic transformation.

As a seasoned leader and change-maker in your field, action is part of your DNA. Your expertise, insight and vision add immeasurable value to GCBC’s future. Your involvement ensures that those who allocate resources and make legislation hear and respond to your concerns. Ultimately, as a member, you will have a hand in shaping the Gulf Coast’s economic landscape and quality of life for decades to come. 

Program of Work

Common interests for all of us.

The Gulf Coast Business Council champions common economic and business interests through identifying issues, convening resources, framing public policy and finding solutions for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 

GCBC Membership

Be a Part of the Solution

Prospective members are nominated by any current member and considered by the Board of Directors and full membership. Visit our Membership Page or contact us for additional information on our Contact Page

What We are Not

We differ from, yet complement:

  • Networking Groups
  • Social Organizations
  • Business Education Resources
  • Community Fundraising Entities
  • Mentoring Groups
  • Chambers of Commerce
What we have accomplished

A Decade of Game Changing Success

Launched the Masters Class Series, a yearly single issue think tank program comprised of leaders from across the region
Established the Knight Non-profit Center
Spearheaded restoration of the State Port of Gulfport
Created the Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation
Expanded degree programs offered at the USM Gulf Park Campus
Secured an 80 million subsidty for the MS State wind pool insurance program
Introduced the Mississippi Scholars Program
Developed the tri-county premier destination tourism initiative which led to the creation of the Coastal Mississippi Tourism organization
Lobbied for the extension of GO zone legislation
Formed the regional Government Exchange and Legislative Roundtable
Researched the economic impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
United all regional chambers and GCBC for the first time in creation of the BP Task Force, a combined effort to lobby and promote protections for BP settlement funds being invested in transformation projects in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Lobbied and played a key role in the creation of the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, establishing legislation that guarantees 75% of the BP settlement will be invested in Mississippi Gulf Coast counties
Created the State of the Coast Economy Symposium, a yearly annual meeting of stakeholders from across the region for the purpose of sharing economic data, GCBC's program of work and strategic plan for the following year
Launched quarterly Regional Policy Forums that focus on individual topics of great importance or potential great impact to the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Join Gulf Coast Business Council Now.

Gulf Coast Business Council (GCBC) is a collaborative, private sector-led group of top-level business, economic and policy thought leaders from across the three coastal counties of the Mississippi Gulf Coast