Gulf Coast Business Exchange

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Gulf Coast Business Exchange

A group of business professionals from sole proprietors to corporate partners who share common goals to achieve success.

05/05/2026

After a lot of thought and a few honest conversations, we’ve made the decision to hit pause on the Gulf Coast Business Exchange.

This group was built to bring local businesses together, spark connections, and support each other, and we’ve seen some great moments and relationships come out of it. That part makes us proud.

That said, consistent participation is what keeps something like GCeX alive and thriving, and lately we just haven’t had the momentum needed to keep it moving the way it deserves.

So, for now, we’re pressing pause… not stop.

We truly believe in what GCeX stands for, and we’re hopeful that down the road, when the timing and energy is right, we can bring it back stronger than ever.

To everyone who showed up, supported, referred business, and believed in this group, thank you. You’re the reason it mattered.

This isn’t goodbye… just a “see you later.”

Chris Vickrey, President GCEX

04/16/2026

Matt Olivari is the Education Coordinator for Gulf Coast Business Exchange (GCEX). Here is his Education Moment for Thursday, April 16, 2026:

Let me ask you a quick question…

Have you ever heard someone say, ‘I didn’t know you did that’?

That right there is a lost opportunity.

And most of the time, it comes down to one thing: attendance.

Because in a group like GCeX, referrals don’t happen just because you joined,
They happen because people see you, hear you, and start to trust you.

If you’re not here consistently, people forget.
Not because they don’t like you,
But because someone else was here, reminding them of what they do.

This is a repetition game.

Every meeting you attend is another deposit into your trust account.
Every absence? That account sits still, or worse, someone else is filling theirs.

So, if you want this room to refer you,
You’ve got to give this room something to remember.

Show up. Be consistent. Stay top of mind.

Because the businesses that grow in groups like this
are the ones people see the most.

04/08/2026

Matt Olivari is the Education Coordinator for Gulf Coast Business Exchange (GCEX). At each meeting, he shares Education Moments to members and guests on how to build and promote strong businesses. Here is a transcript of one of his presentations:

"Your Network Is Bigger Than This Room

One of the biggest misconceptions in networking is that the people in this room are our only opportunities for referrals. The truth is that this room is just the hub of a much larger network.

Each one of us probably knows 50 to 200 people personally: clients, friends, family, neighbors, church members, social media connections, and past coworkers. When you multiply that by everyone sitting here, this group potentially connects to hundreds of people.

So, the question becomes: How do we activate those networks for each other?

Here are three simple ways:

1. Listen for the problem, not just the profession.
Instead of thinking "Who needs a realtor?" think "Who mentioned moving, hiring, renovating, or expanding?"

2. Make introductions, not just referrals.
A quick text or email saying "You two should meet..." is often more powerful that just giving someone a name.

3. Share our members in our circles.
Post about a GCEX member on social media, mention them in conversations, or introduce them at other networking groups.

Remember, the real power of GCEX isn't just who is here, it's who we can reach TOGETHER. Introduce one member to someone in your personal network. If each of us does that, referrals will naturally follow."

04/01/2026

REMINDER: Join us this Thursday, April 2nd at the Gulf Coast Business Exchange for a morning of meaningful connections and powerful referral opportunities.

Come ready to build relationships, grow your network, and move your business forward—we’d love to see you there! Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum, 429 Pass Road, Gulfport, MS. Networking 11:00a - 11:15a, Meeting 11:15a - 12:30p.

03/31/2026

You're invited to visit our upcoming Thursday networking event held at the Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum in Gulfport, MS.

03/26/2026

What a fantastic turnout at today’s Gulf Coast Business Exchange Meet, Greet & Eat Pizza Networking Event hosted at the Mississippi Aviation History Museum in Gulfport, MS!

The energy in the room was all about connection, collaboration, and community! Guests had the opportunity to learn how GCEX is building strong business relationships through intentional referral partnerships—because when one of us wins, we all win! They also had the opportunity to share information about their businesses.

Everyone enjoyed four delicious varieties of Papa John’s pizza, along with iced tea, lemonade, and refreshing drinks served up by Landon Jordan’s IceBox Snackin’ Wagon food truck—such a great addition to the experience!

It was truly a pleasure to connect with so many amazing professionals who are serious about growing their businesses through genuine relationships.

Curious about how GCEX can help grow your business through referrals and meaningful connections? Join us at our next meeting Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the museum. We’d love to see you there!

03/11/2026

Let’s network over pizza!🍕🍕🍕🍕

The Gulf Coast Business Exchange will have a Pizza Meet, Greet & Eat Networking Event on March 26th from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the Mississippi Aviation History Museum, 429 Pass Road, Gulfport, MS.

Bring plenty of business cards, grab some pizza (or bring your lunch), and meet local professionals who are ready to connect and support each other’s success. Come learn how GCEX members can become powerful referral partners for your business! We can’t wait to see you there!

02/24/2026

GCEX Is Growing on the Gulf Coast!

The Gulf Coast Business Exchange is a powerful network of business owners committed to one thing: helping each other grow through intentional referrals.

If you’re a business owner who believes in COLLABORATION over competition — this is your room!

Drop your business name below and tell us what you do! 👇

Let’s build together!!

08/19/2025

Location....location....location.....
Don't miss our meeting this week by going to the wrong location.

Address

Pass Road
Gulfport, MS
39501

Website

http://gulfcoastbusinessexchange.com/

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