by Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News Editor
According to Margaret Henderson, the energetic executive director of the Gulf Seafood Institute (GSI), this is a very exciting time at the organization that advocates on behalf of the entire Gulf seafood community and the its consumers.
“We just wrapped up our first full year in operation, as well as initiating our Founding Members campaign,” said Henderson while visiting Mississippi. “The outreach campaign is aimed at attracting members that can advise our board on the big picture issues as we move forward. These members will help establish what GSI is about, and what issues the organization will tackle in the future.”
According to Margaret Henderson, GSI’s relations on Capitol Hill and with other governmental and non-governmental agencies in D.C., as well as with such organizations as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, are built upon years of interfacing, advocacy and education. Photo: Henderson Strategies
GSI brings together every aspect of the Gulf seafood supply chain; from harvesters and processors, to retailers, restaurants and the communities they serve. GSI leverages its broad base of stakeholders to provide policy makers with solutions to the pressing issues facing our stakeholders. It builds consensus on the big-picture issues and approaches these challenges in a positive manner that elevates the entire supply chain.
The Florida mother of two, with one more one the way, believes GSI provides a tremendous value to anyone in the Gulf interested in advancing the region’s seafood, its culture and its way of life. The organization offers two distinct benefits over other Gulf organizations; the Gulf Seafood Newsroom and its experience and connections within the industry and in Washington, D.C.
“The media team and the Gulf Seafood Newsroom is a huge value,” she said. “GulfSeafoodNews.com provides access for GSI stakeholders to get their story told.”
According to Henderson, GSI’s relations on Capitol Hill and with other governmental and non-governmental agencies in D.C., as well as with such organizations as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, are built upon years of interfacing, advocacy and education.
“The media team and the Gulf Seafood Newsroom is a huge value,” Henderson said. “GulfSeafoodNews.com provides access for GSI stakeholders to get their story told.”
“GSI is seeking participation from those in the industry interested in seeing their business grow by creating a regulatory and legal environment that enhances what they do. . GSI has the infrastructure in place to help small businesses move forward, without taking valuable time from their day-to-day business,” said the GSI director. “We have the expertise, the newsroom, and the political access that small businesses and consumers need to keep moving forward.”
Henderson explained that a number of groups representing various aspects of the Gulf community that have similar positive, solution-based philosophies have approached GSI over the past few months to form strategic partnerships.
She feels under the GSI umbrella there is space for everyone with similar goals. The organization is perfectly positioned to serve as a clearinghouse for groups needing a little help to reach the finish line.
“These are groups that do amazing work for their particular species, or stakeholders, but are looking to become more involved in the “big picture” of the Gulf. We have in place the structure to help these organizations grow to the next level,” she said.
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