U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, Mississippi Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, and national author and historian Douglas Brinkley will speak at the Coastal Development Strategies Conference on May 5-6 at the Saenger Theatre in Biloxi. Senator Wicker will help open the conference, Brinkley will give the keynote address on the first day, and Lt. Gov. Bryant will be featured as the luncheon speaker on the second day.

The conference will address sustainable development for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ Office of Coastal Management and Planning and partner, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, are proud to host this 9th annual regional event. A variety of topics, strategies and tools will be presented as possible solutions to build sustainable communities, spur economic development and improve the quality of life in southern Mississippi.

Now is the time to learn and share ideas, experiences and challenges for sustainable development across the region. This conference is where you will want to be. Whether it is water concerns, green infrastructure, transportation, revitalization, housing, insurance or land use decisions, economic development and natural resource protection, now is the time to become involved in this educational opportunity to make the Coast a premier location and a vibrant place to work, live and play. The future of the Gulf Coast is at stake.

This conference is for you! We have grown significantly since we began and this multidisciplinary event continues to draw participation from interested individuals and those committed to building the Gulf Coast. Come meet your elected officials, share information with city and county staff, contractors, developers, bankers, planners, realtors, engineers, industry, federal and state agencies, county boards of supervisors, lawyers, private and corporate entities, environmentalists, resource managers and educators. Join us!

For information contact: Mississippi Dept of Marine Resources Office of Coastal Management & Planning Tina Shumate (228) 523-4122 tina.shumate@dmr.ms.gov Leslie Young (228) 523-4123 leslie.young@dmr.ms.gov Susan Perkins (228) 523-4124 susan.perkins@dmr.ms.gov Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Katie Sandoz (228) 604-0014 KatieS@mscoastchamber.com Register Early!

Come meet old friends and make new friends as we address together the changes, challenges, opportunities, concerns and issues of our region. National and local speakers Networking Opportunities Breakout sessions & lunch - Sacred Heart Center Exhibitors - Sacred Heart Center Cost - $125 Conference Fee Breakfasts, breaks, lunches and conference materials Student registration - $80 Continuing Education Units - realtors & appraisers Certificates provided for other professions Elected Officials Free (with completed registration form) MAY 7 - Golf Tournament at Gulf Hills Country Club Proceeds toward project on the Coast Call (228) 822-3919 for details Registration Form Agenda Conference Mailer