Geneva Vasser Dummer helps Gulf Coast businesses thrive as the owner/operator of The Meeting Place.
     Her vibrant Biloxi-based company assists clients with the management of their office costs. Its productivity center provides Coast people with a terrific work space, a print center, shipping center, and a state-of-the-art conference room equipped with video conference capability and SMART board technology.

      “The concept is a simple one – we take care of standard office overhead expenses so our clients can focus on their businesses.’’

Geneva Dummer, owner, The Meeting Place

     Simply put, their business model has proven to be successful.
And to top that, The Meeting Place staff offers education services across a variety of fields so small businesses prosper amid America’s economic ups and downs. Her innovative Meeting Place enterprise dates back to 2012. With Geneva serving a seven-year stint in the Navy as an avionics technician, she makes it a point to reach out to assist former USA military members transitioning to civilian life.
    Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Zeta that slammed the Gulf Coast, Geneva’s company is seeing economic gains in the new year. It’s been a tough 12 months for so many businesses across the nation, with millions of people suddenly jobless during the worldwide health emergency.

    “Honestly, Zeta hurt us more than COVID did,’’ the energetic businesswoman says. But The Meeting Place presses on to sign up more clients in 2021. “Business is good.’’
    Her hard work year-round may explain the company’s persistence to ably serve people in the midst of hard economic times nationwide.
    Away from The Meeting Place, Geneva wears many hats in her favorite region of the country. Since 2012, the Florida native has served as an administrator at the Heritage Trails Partnership of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She’s an online sales consultant at Discovery Toys and a busy Mom with two active children.
    Citizens with the Heritage Trails Partnership support a safe coast-wide network of diverse trails. They hope to connect neighborhoods to businesses, schools, and green spaces. Members of the nonprofit want everyone to enjoy historic, educational and natural areas. The group is part of America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.
    Geneva and colleagues keep folks informed about trail-related projects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Members seek matching funds for grants to put trails in place. The Gulf Islands National Seashore-Davis Bayou Area Trails is one of the scenic places that locals take pride in.

    Geneva’s smarts are certainly off the charts. She studied molecular biology at the University of Wyoming. And the Wyoming grad later dived into the books to learn about microbial pathogenesis, inflammation and immunology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. It’s difficult to even think about the subject. But the Tennessee Vol managed to grasp it quite well as a member of the Class of 2008.
    Another awesome life-changing moment was when Geneva Vasser got married to Stephen W. Dummer, a Biloxi attorney. Words like incredible Gulf Coast power couple come to mind. On social media, friends made comparisons of the stunning and joyful Coast couple to the Royals on their wedding day.
    Busy on the home front with kids involved in sports and dedicated at work, Geneva Dummer makes time to delve into local theater productions. “Crimes of the Heart’’ penned by Jackson, Mississippi native Beth Henley remains a favorite. Reading is another hobby. “Behave Like a Boss’’ is among her go-to books. It’s an invaluable read for talented entrepreneurs who desire to do their best.
    Certainly, Geneva behaves like a wonderful boss, mom, community leader and mentor with a big heart for the Gulf Coast, friends say.
    Marcia Crawford, a staff member with the Harrison County Development Commission  raves about her.
    “She’s not afraid of challenges or getting involved and always focuses on solutions rather than obstacles,’’ Crawford said. “Geneva’s passionate about her family, community and avocations (local theater), and deeply cares about others.’’
    They’ve been friends and business colleagues for more than five years. “An outstanding role model, I value Geneva’s intellectual curiosity, encouragement and attentiveness.’’
    Crawford serves as the director of marketing and relocation with the commission in Gulfport.
    Another admirer is Ashley Edwards, president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Business Council. He gives her a ringing endorsement for a sea of achievements.
    “Geneva is more than just a businesswoman who supports her community. She’s also someone who cares deeply about staying ahead of the curve,’’ he said. “She appreciates innovation and good public policy. She’s a positive voice for change in the community.’’
    Embracing the unique challenges on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Geneva is “a problem solver and an innovator,’’ Edwards said. The Mississippian “is willing to tackle the difficult issues. She leads by example.’’

   Born and raised in South Florida, Geneva Vasser joined the U.S. Navy after her high school graduation. Her father and grandfather both served in the Navy. The avionics technician worked her way up to quality assurance inspector.
    A graduate of the University of Wyoming and the University of Tennessee College of Medical Health Sciences with a master’s degree, she moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Geneva made her mark as the manager of Human Resources, Risk Management and Information Technology with the Diamondhead Property Owners Association. She also managed financial operations at Arguelles Automotive, a used auto parts store in Biloxi.
    Launching The Meeting Place nine years ago, Geneva always goes the extra mile as a “virtual assistant’’ for several clients on numerous projects. She never stops learning. Geneva completed Leadership Gulf Coast in 2013, and the Gulf Coast Business Council’s masters class in 2017. Dummer was awarded the first Small Business Leadership Award by the Gulf Coast Business Council and William Carey University’s College of Business in 2019.
    In addition, Geneva serves on several nonprofit boards, such as membership chair for the PRAM Beach Chapter. She’s the vice president of the South Mississippi Contract Procurement Center Board of Directors.
    Both of her parents are deceased, but played a big role in shaping her life. “They did inspire me to be a hard worker.’’
    Geneva Vasser Dummer doesn’t have a magic formula that made her a splendid achiever in business, with her wonderful family and life itself. But what’s she’s accomplished provides an excellent road map for young people who dream big. “I adapt and overcome well – after years of practice,’’ Geneva says with a laugh.
    But, in all seriousness, her effectiveness as a businesswoman with a zeal for her Gulf Coast community speaks volumes.
    Geneva officially opened The Meeting Place at 770 Water Street, Biloxi, in 2016. And it has recently expanded into a second facility nearby at 796 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, where coworking spaces will soon be up for grabs.  For more information, visit their website at www.tmp-ms.com. Find them on Facebook at The Meeting Place. 

Andy Kanengiser

Mississippi College’s university news coordinator, Andy Kanengiser, spent three decades as a newspaper reporter. For much of his career, the New Jersey native worked at “The Clarion-Ledger.” Andy also serves as the advisor to the “Mississippi Collegian,” MC’s student newspaper. Pearl residents, he and his wife, Sunuia, stay busy with their five adult children and 10 grandkids! An avid table tennis player, Andy captured gold and silver medals at the Mississippi Senior Olympics, (and State Games). He’s in his 13th season sponsoring the MC team, national collegiate champs in 2015 and No. 2 in 2019.