Someone recently asked me why I’m so focused on this idea of a Coastal Mississippi Economic Development Alliance. I guess it’s a fair question, but my immediate reaction was to tell them to read my columns. I’ve spelled it out. There’s no mystery here.
I’d also tell them to listen to the guests I have recently had on the show and the different ways we have discussed the prospect of such an alliance. There is a compelling case for action to move forward with a bolder vision, unified leadership, and a regional alliance to propel Coastal Mississippi forward.
So, to prevent any further questions: Why am I so focused on this?
Because Coastal Mississippi is at a crossroads, and I’ve seen what happens when regions seize their moment, or let it slip away.
For years, I’ve listened to mayors, supervisors, CEOs, and everyday folks through over 1,700 conversations on my show. There’s a lot of pride here. There’s also a growing frustration with missed opportunities. There is a hunger for a bigger, more diversified future. As a former publisher and a lifelong advocate for Coastal Mississippi, I’ve watched other regions like Northeast Mississippi’s Golden Triangle and Florida’s Great Northwest turn bold ideas into transformative realities. They didn’t settle for the status quo; they built alliances, brought regional stakeholders together, and pushed hard. That’s why I’m locked onto this –because Coastal Mississippi can be an 800-pound gorilla, but only if we act like it.
The world is changing and fast, too. Industrial megasites, artificial intelligence, aerospace, trade, and tech are reshaping the economic map. Regions moving forward decisively now are winning. Those hesitating are getting left behind. I’m locked onto this because I’ve seen what disunity costs. And I’m reminded on the 20th anniversary of Katrina what is possible when we come together.
The Coastal Mississippi Economic Development Alliance I’ve proposed is a call to action for leaders – mayors, supervisors, economic development organizations, ports, Stennis Space Center (a gem ready to take off!), and business leaders – to sit at one table, align around the big stuff, and fight for a more diversified future.
Nathan Barrett, president of the Harrison County Board of Supervisors, recently joined my show and echoed this vision. He even met recently with the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation to discuss. He’s also heading over to Hancock County to meet with their economic development folks. Barrett has emphasized the need for our counties to come together on major opportunities, a sentiment that’s music to my ears and a step toward the unified, regional strategy we need.
Long Beach Mayor Tim Pierce believes we must think and act bigger, as well. He knows a rising Coastal Mississippi economic tide will lift all cities, and he’s disappointed we aren’t thinking bigger with BP money. He spent 41 years working for NASA at Stennis Space Center, even leading strategic planning.
We need more elected officials willing to speak out like Nathan Barrett and Tim Pierce.
This should not be a controversial topic. It doesn’t involve doing away with anything. It’s just about building an alliance that brings all stakeholders together on the regional big stuff. Look at Northeast Mississippi: they formed a regional alliance, landing billions in investment, and created thousands of jobs. Their leaders didn’t ask, “Why change?” They asked, “Why not us?”
I’m focused on this because I want Coastal Mississippi to ask that same question – and answer it with action – because I know what’s at stake. My family’s roots run deep here. I’ve raised kids on this coast and invested my career in its future. When I talk about “pushers,” those leaders who don’t just dream big but push hard to deliver, I’m talking about people like you, reading this now, who know we can’t afford to coast on yesterday’s wins. The global economy doesn’t wait for us to get comfortable. If we don’t form this alliance, someone else will claim the jobs, the innovation, and the prosperity that could be ours.
To the leader who asked me why I’m so focused on this – I’m locked onto it because I believe in Coastal Mississippi. I believe we can be more than a collection of great communities that can already claim they’re the economic engine for our state. We can be a powerhouse region that shapes its future and diversifies its economy beyond government and gaming. I’ve seen what’s possible when leaders unite, and I’ve seen what’s lost when they don’t. This is our moment to choose. So, let’s start asking why we aren’t all locked onto this together.
Let’s push hard, dream big, and make Coastal Mississippi the economic giant it’s destined to be. The time is now.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of SuperTalk Mississippi Media.
