MEDC’s Emerging Leaders visit Coastal Mississippi
The Emerging Leaders visiting Karman Space and Defense in Gulfport, Mississippi.
As part of the MEDC Emerging Leaders program, we spend the year visiting economic development organizations (EDOs) statewide. Our recent session took place right in my backyard, Coastal Mississippi. Our cohort spent two days exploring various economic development organizations and industries throughout Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock counties. This experience gave us a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress made across the coast.
The session began in Jackson County with a visit to Fairbanks Morse Defense in Pascagoula, where we learned more about the company's operations and toured its foundry. We then visited the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation to hear about the county's approach to economic development and its industrial assets, and finished with a visit to American Baitworks in Ocean Springs.
Our group then traveled to Harrison County, where we toured Karman Space & Defense in Gulfport, which was formerly known as Seamann Composites. We explored their facilities and gained insights into their operations and rapid growth.
After the industry visit, we went to the HCDC office for a presentation and overview, along with a presentation from AccelerateMS. Sharing what is happening in Harrison County with the group was especially meaningful.
On the second day of the session, we visited the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, where we spent the morning learning about its economic development strategy, including its industrial parks and approach to site and product development.
I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Harrison County Development Commission through the MEDC Emerging Leaders program and to continue learning from the incredible leaders, industries, and communities across our state. Thank you to Mary Martha Henson of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Obie McClure of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, and Bill Lavers & Brandi Hough of the Harrison County Development Commission for taking the time to showcase the tri-coastal counties.
Each county brings a unique strength to the region's economy. Jackson County is home to Ingalls Shipbuilding, the state's largest private employer and a cornerstone of Mississippi's defense and maritime industry. Harrison County has a strong base of multi-generational industries that have built decades of expertise and directly support the U.S. Department of War and the nation's defense mission. Hancock County is home to NASA's Stennis Space Center, one of the nation's premier aerospace and propulsion testing facilities. Together, these assets demonstrate how the Coast's counties complement one another while contributing to a broader ecosystem of defense, aerospace, maritime, manufacturing, and technology.
Collin Caranna
Director, Marketing & Government Affairs
Harrison County Development Commission
