| Gulf
Coast featured in this issue of the DBJ |
Last
summer I wrote in this very column about a recent trip to
the Gulf Coast and how that area of the state has moved
forward economically almost beyond belief. I also wrote
about my family¹s involvement there having a summer
home in Pass Christian now for over 60 years. Just about
every summer of my childhood was spent down on the Coast
and I have always felt a great affection for that southern
most end of the state.
While visiting there last year meeting with coast businessman,
Dave Dennis, and economic development director, Michael
Olivier, the thought occurred to me that many other Deltans
also spend a lot of time on the Coast and in fact, many
Deltans own businesses there. It was at that meeting that
we at the DBJ decided to feature a special section on the
Coast and, in this, issue you will find such a section.
We are very thankful to the help of Mr. Olivier and others
for providing us with their assistance and we hope that
you enjoy this ³first² in the DBJ.
The Gulf Coast has done tremendously well in economic development
and job growth over the last several years. The region serves
as an inspiration to people all over the state. We wanted,
in this focus, to discover the thinking behind the Coast¹s
growth and progress so Delta business leaders might lock
in to some of the same patterns. These patterns might possibly
be tailored to fit our own needs.
As just a few examples, it was recently announced that Northrop
Grunman Ship Systems plans a $228 million expansion of Coast
shipyards, to hire 2,000 and also issued $3,000 bonus checks
to 6,200 workers this month alone. In addition, the Coast
casinos are expecting a major rebound after a slow first
quarter due to war fears ending. Many other economic factors
are in place that are fueling the Coast¹s astounding
growth attention to this month¹s focus to discover
what those factors are.
In closing, our sister company, Coopwood Communications,
was pleased to have once again been a corporate sponsor
of this year¹s James Herbert White Preeminence Awards
and Scholarship Gala at Mississippi Valley State University.
This outstanding school is continually proving itself to
be a leader in Delta, and in Mississippi education. Dr.
Lester Newman is to be commended for his success in leading
Valley towards its stated ³goal of preeminence².
This year¹s event, which had a Hollywood theme, featured
several well-known celebrities and personalities such as
actors Ernest Thomas and Bern Nadette Stanis, singer Freda
Payne, and 100 Black Men of America President, Tommy Dortch.
The Gala was well attended and we saw many friends and supporters
of the DBJ there who are also supporters of the Valley.
We should all get behind this fine institution and back
it in any way possible. Coopwood Communications is certainly
pleased to do so. DBJ
Scott
Coopwood
Publisher
