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To our visitors and newcomers:
As we move through the season of autumn and on to winter, it is a good time to take the measure of how the Mississippi Gulf Coast is doing at a time of challenge nationally. Yes, there have been a few signs of the national slowdown refl ected in the Coast?s economy, as has been true across the United States. The Mississippi Gulf Coast, however, has seen some excellent signs of its bright future, too. Since the beginning of the fall, we have seen the opening of the newly rebuilt Pleasant Reed House at the Ohr Museum complex, replacing the one lost in the 2005 tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. The recreated Pleasant Reed House matches the original with some extra space for better interpretation of both the Pleasant Reed story as one of Mississippi?s earliest successes of a freed former slave and the Coast?s African American heritage. You can visit the Reed House now. Then there are the wonderful new Hilton Garden Inn & Residence Inn by Marriott directly across Airport Road from the Gulfport Biloxi International Airport, which are part of the business/hospitality corridor growing in the neighborhood of the airport. And don?t miss all the new improvements at the airport, including the new parking garage nearing completion. It?s been my pleasure to go in and out of this airport at least monthly in the past year... being pleasantly surprised by the improvements each time. The Coast sure feels back to normal, too. Columbus Day Weekend was once again celebrated with thousands of classic cars, back for another Cruisin? the Coast, a nationally recognized event for auto enthusiasts, rock and roll nostalgia, and partying non-stop. It?s great to see all of our friends back from throughout the nation for this event. The future is still looking bright for the Coast. The expansion of the Coast Coliseum and Convention Center is well under way, making way for larger meetings and conventions to fi nd a higher level of service and a much more spectacular venue right here in Biloxi. It?s going to be a huge part of the attraction of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to both its residents and visitors, as consumer shows and top entertainment will be key elements in the upgrade of the convention center site. The private sector deserves a big hand, too. The private sector kicked off the unantcipated accelerated hurricane recovery and continues to invest ? particularly in the casino resorts ? to keep redevelopment moving. You can track these developments on any of your favorite Gulf Coast websites. One great thing about ?commuting? between Washington DC and the Coast on a monthly basis is how easy it is to see the dramatic changes happening in this community. It makes it so easy to understand how the Mississippi Gulf Coast is still outpacing other destinations in America, despite the temporary economic downturn. Go, go, go Mississippi Gulf Coast! Join me throughout the fall and early winter to enjoy our Coast. .
Stephen B. Richer
Public Aff airs Advocate National Tour Association steve68@aol.com 08 ? Holiday 2008 Newcomers & Visitors Guide South Mississippi
