Keynote speaker Jeremiah Gerald of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, spoke at the first Chamber Breakfast of 2008.

Gerald, Air Service Development Manager of GPT, spoke about the many renovations GPT is making to the facility.

Gerald explained that the airport is double in size, they have added two new ticket counters, and have also added several more gates. Gerald said, “People are saying, ‘We’re a real airport now’.”

The airport is still planning several eateries in the non-secured sections in the next couple of weeks, an area set aside for the military, and they hope to have their newly covered parking garage completed in 7-8 months. Construction for the parking garage is already underway.

The airport has added four new airlines, making the total eight, and they plan to add a ninth in May. Current airlines are AirTran, allegiant air, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, DirectAir, NWA, and Skybus.

The airports economic impact statistics include employing 600 employees and they spend about $60 million dollars annually. “We are a huge economic indicator for the region,” said Gerald.

Gerald gave away two tickets to Orlando at the end of his presentation, and announced he would also be speaking at the Friends of Crosby Library “Travel Program” that was to take place at the Crosby Library the following evening.

The Greater Picayune Area Chamber of commerce held their first monthly breakfast of the year on Wednesday, January 16, at 7:30a.m., at the Sun Roamers RV Resort. The breakfast is a networking opportunity and a guest speaker is usually on hand, making the event informative for the members.

The next Chamber breakfast will be held on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at Magnolia Columns. It will be sponsored by First National Bank, and the guest speaker will be Dick Brodbeck of the Better Business Bureau.