Hancock County Chamber to Present "Bold" New Vision for 2012 From: News Release   1/21/12   GCN A bold new vision for 2012 will be presented at the annual meeting of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce, taking place on Friday, Jan. 27th from 8am – 9am at the Diamondhead Country Club. New board members and officers will also be announced, with Angelyn Treutel handing over the president’s gavel to Judith Redshaw, who served as 2011 Chamber vice president, as well as chair and founder of the Kiln Business Council. Redshaw foresees an exciting year ahead for the Chamber, one with the theme of “Dedicated to the Advancement of Free Enterprise.” (Photo right:  2012 Chamber President Judith Redshaw (left) and Executive Director Tish Williams at the 2011 Annual Meeting) “Small business is the engine that creates most of the new jobs in this country,” says Redshaw. “The new division of the Hancock Chamber, the Hancock Business Resource Center, is the one-stop small business support systems that helps and nurtures small businesses as no other group can do." The keynote speaker for the meeting is Retired Col. Chuck Ingraham, who will provide an update regarding the incorporation of Diamondhead, which is in the process of becoming Mississippi’s newest city. The Hancock Chamber will also be unveiling its new website at the meeting and the site will go live that morning. Executive Director Tish Williams says the hundred page website is a “simple-to-use” resource that contains everything from economic development tools to visitor and relocation information. According to Williams, a look at the new website will “fire up” enthusiasm when viewers see the large scope of projects underway. “The website is the image we present to the world,” says Williams. “And we’re putting our best foot forward to make a good impression. Our new site is designed to be an invaluable marketing tool, as well as an important community resource. Casual viewers can easily find a brief overview of life in Hancock County, yet it contains an amazing array of business resources and information for serious entrepreneurs - or businesses looking to relocate to our area.” Both Williams and Redshaw note that in the upcoming year, many projects launched in 2011 will reach full fruition, including the new Business Resource Center, the Scenic Byways program and a marketing strategy promoting Hancock County’s assets as an excellent place to live, establish a business and obtain a high quality education. “2012 is our year,” says Williams. All the work we’ve done over the past year is coming together, fueling small businesses so we can restore our economic vibrancy.” Williams calls the meeting a “don’t miss” event and invites members as well as interested citizens or businesspeople who may be considering joining the Chamber. The ticket price of $20 for members ($25 for non-members) will include a full buffet breakfast. Doors open at 7:30am for networking and registration, with presentations beginning at 8am and lasting until after 9am. To reserve tickets or tables, or for more information, call the Hancock Chamber of Commerce at (228) 467-9048.