Harrison County Development Commission

Happy National Manufacturing Day!

Today, we celebrate the people and companies in Harrison County that drive progress in diverse sectors like aerospace, defense, marine manufacturing, and so much more. These businesses design, build, test, and deliver products for a global market, supported by a skilled workforce and strong infrastructure.

Manufacturing is essential to our economy and identity. We proudly honor the manufacturers who choose Harrison County and the people behind their success.

HCDC’s Brandi Hough served as a judge for the 33rd Annual True South Basic Economic Development Course at The University of Southern Mississippi alongside other established economic development professionals across the state.

The introductory course gives participants a hands-on look at the fundamentals and practice of economic development - from creating jobs and increasing wealth to strengthening the tax base and enhancing a community’s quality of life. It also serves as the first step toward pursuing professional economic development certification.

This year’s course wrapped up with The Game, where participants tackled a real-world scenario involving a community seeking to attract a large national animal-themed travel center chain. As a judge, Brandi evaluated participants as they put their economic development knowledge, strategy, and collaboration skills into action.

Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)'s Emerging Leaders visited Coastal Mississippi to explore economic development organizations and industries across Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock counties. This experience gave the group a valuable opportunity to discover the progress made across the coast.

https://www.mscoast.org/news/medcs-emerging-leaders-cohort-visits-coastal-mississippi

Jackson County Economic Development Foundation
Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission
NetBait
Fairbanks Morse Defense
Karman Space & Defense

MEDC’s Emerging Leaders visit Coastal Mississippi — Harrison County Development Commission 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 through

Save the Date flyer for the Mississippi Air National Guard's Fall 2026 College and Career Fair. The event will be held at the AVCRAD Army Hangar on September 30 and October 1. More details to come!

Ocean Aero is continuing to grow its operations in Gulfport with a $4 million expansion that will create 45 new jobs. The project will expand the company's manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for its autonomous maritime technology.

https://mississippi.org/news/ocean-aero-expanding-operations-in-gulfport/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT-glRwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWNRT0hKUmhvZTRhQ0FvMElzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAXcfaYmz7tu7wif4JF4GCm3VMqLc7D7Io1ZEbud_3JQCdu54EH1ZJvTZPW4_aem_p8QqNER6tklCZOZWyo4FdA

Mississippi's blue economy just got even stronger.

Ocean Aero is continuing to grow its operations in Gulfport with a $4 million expansion that will create 45 new jobs. The project will expand the company's manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for its autonomous maritime technology.

When innovative manufacturers choose to reinvest where they already operate, it says a great deal about the advantages Mississippi provides for long-term growth—and about the momentum building along our Gulf Coast.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4xYPgFr

Harrison County Development Commission

The new D7 Metals plant in Harrison County is nearing completion! They are close to finishing and preparing to open their doors and will announce the official opening dates in the coming weeks.

The plant will enhance customer service by offering higher-quality metal, faster service, and increased capacity.

Learn more: https://d7metals.com/

📷: D7 Metals

Help us connect skilled talent with new opportunities.

Following the recent announcement of the Hood Industries Wiggins plywood mill closure, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is hosting a community-wide Job Fair to connect affected employees and other job seekers across the region with employers who are hiring.

JOB FAIR DETAILS:
📅 Friday, August 14 | 12:00–6:00 p.m.
📅 Saturday, August 15 | 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍 MGCCC Perkinston Campus - Hayden Student Union, 51 Main Street, Perkinston, MS 39573

This is an excellent opportunity for employers to meet experienced candidates with backgrounds in production, maintenance, electrical, supervision, and other skilled trades.

Additionally, MGCCC will be launching short-term workforce training programs to help job seekers quickly gain the skills needed for in-demand positions.

If your company is hiring, we encourage you to participate.

To RSVP or learn more, contact Rachael Kunz at [email protected] or 228-897-4379.

Join us for a day on the course in support of those who serve our military aviation community!

The Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Magnolia Chapter is hosting a Golf Tournament on Monday, November 2, at Bay Breeze Golf Course.

Whether you're looking to network, enjoy a great day of golf, or support the mission of the AAAA Magnolia Chapter, this tournament is the perfect opportunity to connect and support aviation and defense professionals in our area while enjoying one of Coastal Mississippi's premier courses, located at Keesler Air Force Base.

Register➡️https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekPLwY2VWdr-T6MhlgnIBOZztr7CeH4T0IzJmEQyvp5E2uHw/viewform

Sponsor➡️https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTqy8rmQXSSUiwaef3k_qDrL3GzwrUbc2QlKIxoDSXvtSEeg/viewform