Recap of the Gulf Coast Business Council’s November General Membership Meeting at Infinity Science Center, featuring updates on the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund and a panel discussion on innovation, aerospace, defense, and workforce opportunities at Stennis Space Center and across Coastal Mississippi.

Accelerate 2025 brought founders, funders, and innovators together for its 26th year, showcasing Mississippi’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem at its new, larger venue — the Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center. Powered by mTrade.

Governor Tate Reeves announced the launch of Mission 3, the state’s first regional defense and military community support organization, following a year-long initiative by the Gulf Coast Business Council’s Masters Leadership Class. The new nonprofit unites business, military, and community leaders to strengthen installations, support military families, and grow Coastal Mississippi’s defense economy.

GCBC President & CEO Jamie Miller outlines how the Gulf Coast should deploy remaining Gulf Coast Restoration Funds: prioritize transformational, region-wide impact, leverage private capital, and align around innovation, workforce, and strategic infrastructure.

The Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Advisory Board held its first meeting of the 2026 session on October 2, reviewing 87 submitted projects and narrowing the list to 55 for further discussion.

Our September meeting brought together members, Delta Utility leadership, and five newly elected mayors to discuss budgets, infrastructure, and the path forward for Coastal Mississippi.