The new Mississippi Gulf Coast Sports Commission has attracted the support of the top business and political leadership of the three coastal couties and succcessfully launched the commission’s first regional sporting event.
The Gulf Coast Region of USA Volleyball Tournament was sponsored by the Sports Commission and the Dock Restaurant in July 12 in Gulfport. It was one of four pleminary tournaments leading up to the 2008 Grand Championships held July 26 in Gulf Shores, Ala.
Sports Commission Executive Director Scott Ratcliff said the Dock Restaurant has made a major investment to build a professional beach volleyball facility, on Seaway Road in Gulfport, to support the effort.
The board of directors of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Sports Commission is led by John Dane III, chairman and CEO of Trinity Yachts, as chairman. Dave Dennis, CEO of Specialty Contractors in Gulfport, serves as vice chairman. Secretary/treasurer is Keith Voigts of Pass Christian.
Other board members: Ashley Edwards, governor’s office; state Sen Tommy Gollot; Craig Ray, director of Mississippi Deptartment of Tourism; Myrtis Franke, U.S. Sen. Thad Cochrans office; Scott Walker, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker’s office; Dr. Willis Lott, president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College; John McKay, president, Jackson County Board of Supervisors; Kim Savant, Harrison County Board of Supervisors; Steve Seymour, Hancock County Board of Supervisors; Jon Lucas, president & GM of IP Casino; Joe Bilhimer, casino executive; Bill Holmes, executive director Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum; Chevis Swetman, president Peoples Bank; Todd Trenchard, vice presidentof public affairs, M&M Bank; Larry Barnett, Harrison County Ecenomic Development Commission; Jack Zinc, Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission; Ben Stone, attorney, Balch & Bingham LLC; Richard Myers, director, Parisi Speed School; A.M. Gillich Jr., Gulf South Analytical Sevices, Biloxi; and David McAfee, e-Fitness & Wellness Center, Biloxi.
Based on the success of the USA Volleyball 2008 Grand Championship Series in July, Ratcliff said the Commission is in discussions to host a open qualifier for the AVP Atlanta Pro Beach Volleyball Tournament in 2009 or 2010 and possibly schedule the Mississippi Gulf Cost as a regular event on the Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.
