Our Coast, 'One Coast.'

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you’ve ever spent time watching schools of fish dance through the water you have experienced something truly amazing. Each turn seems to be predetermined. Every fish looks to be in perfect concert with each other. There is no sense that exhaustive thought is required. They are moving as one without being directed, its instinctual. Recently I was introduced to a concept that gives the residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast a road map similar in purpose. The shared interest of our coast can be summed up with two very simple words ‘One Coast’. One or also stated unified. The idea of Unity can be so powerful. It needs no explanation. Its the idea that Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes took the time to explain in a recent conversation, “by bringing the communities of the Gulf Coast into a mindset that we can work together with a common mission thereby allowing our common interests to far out weigh any differences.”

Obviously the ability to speak to each leader in all six of our coastal counties would be unrealistic, however, I did have the opportunity to speak to a few leaders in addition to Mayor Hewes and they were synonymous in their message. Whether it was Mayor Hewes of Gulfport, Mayor Blevins of Pascagoula or Jack Norris President of the Gulf Coast Business Council, each supported the belief that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, especially as it relates to a common goal of uniting the coast as a region. Admittedly, not a new idea. However, one that could bring a valuable voice to one of the strongest regions of this state’s economic engine.

Similar to the school of fish that swims together, forced to maintain their own existence, while protecting themselves in numbers. Lessons can be learned and concepts adapted to our coastal existence based on this same principal. The communities of the coast resemble the individual fish. We’re all somewhat alike but we have our own unique spots to distinguish our diversity. Our individual communities also have safety nets setup to insure we maintain our uniqueness; organizations, local committees, interest groups and political representation. The concept of ‘One Coast’ is more grass roots, as it is owned by no-one, but at the same time it belongs to everyone. Its a mindset that we are all in this together and, when appropriate, we support one another in our common interests. It was during a municipal meeting of mayors from across the coast, being hosted by Mayor Jim Blevins of Pascagoula, that the leaders of our coast saw something take hold. A willingness of our coast leaders to ‘swim with the school’. As Mayor Blevins described, “this is an opportunity for coast-wide branding.” He added, “as each city works towards their own economic health, it aids the other cities to be stronger. Whats good for one is good for all.” Mayor Blevins believes the effects can reach further than our six coastal counties. “When ‘One Coast’ becomes the ideal, instead of the idea, then our coastal reach can be to Jackson and Washington.”

Gulf Coast Business Council President Jack Norris has observed the leaders of the coast take hold of this ideal and have made the commitment to lead by example.

“Mayor Hewes’ One Coast message is effectively advancing a mindset shared by leaders across the Coast. I think what makes it effective, is that Mayor Hewes, Mayor Blevins, and other leaders (public and private sector) across the Coast, put this mindset into practice every day—it is not a slogan—it is a core principle by which they lead. We will be more competitive and successful by leveraging our combined assets.”

You may be asking yourself, “How do I effect change on a regional level? I’m not a leader of government or industrial business or have any control over the tourism.” The ‘One Coast’ idea is a heading in a direction that benefits everyone. Mayor Hewes and his counterparts across the coast have charted a course by agreeing “This idea is for the promotion of our region. It is not to be owned by any one person. Nobody needs permission to use it and there is no agenda here, other than developing a mindset to work together where possible – an awareness that what benefits one ultimately benefits all. If you believe this is an approach worth sharing, please advance the ideal to those who might find benefit in embracing this attitude.”

Coastal Angler Magazine of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has pledged to these leaders the adoption of these principals. We will continue to work towards giving the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts examples of how we can work together. Please continue to pick up our publication and along the way let us know how we can be a greater part of each community, thereby advancing the whole coast as ’One Coast’.

Further information can be found at: http://www.gulfport-ms.gov/news/One%20Coast.pdf OR by checking with your local mayors office.