An accomplished business leader in Biloxi, Mississippi, Ivan Spinner owns and operates Spinner Real Estate, a property investment firm; TSG Agency, an insurance product developer; and Gulf Coast Exotic Auto, a collectible vehicle dealership. Outside of his work, Ivan Spinner is actively involved with multiple local and regional organizations, including the Gulf Coast Carnival Association (GCCA).The oldest and most respected Mardi Gras carnival organization on the Mississippi coast, GCCA develops and operates a Mardi Gras Day parade that many industry judges regard as the best in the region. In addition to the parade, GCCA sponsors many annual events, including the GCCA Run for the Beads 5K.For the past several years, participants in Run for the Beads have gathered early on event day at the Mardi Gras Museum in Biloxi. Starters signal the beginning of the 5K run at 9 a.m. The race ends in the heart of downtown Biloxi at Biloxi Town Green, where officials traditionally throw a catered post-race party. Officials also present a series of awards for men and women runners of different age groups.
Ivan Spinner, the owner of Spinner Real Estate as well as several other companies, holds membership in many community organizations in the Biloxi, Mississippi area. One of the organizations Ivan Spinner is involved with is the Gulf Coast Carnival Association, which hosts Biloxi's Mardi Gras parade as well as other Gulf Coast Mardi Gras activities.In operation for more than 100 years, the Gulf Coast Carnival Association began to take shape after hosting the first Biloxi Mardi Gras Parade in 1908, when it had just 17 floats, 50 flambeau carriers, and a 12-piece band. The organization coalesced into the Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association eight years later, when its initial purpose was to promote the study of literature and Greek mythology through artistic float design.The next few decades saw a steady expansion of the organization as it included other Gulf Coast cities, leading to its eventual rebranding as the Gulf Coast Carnival Association. The organization has celebrated Mardi Gras continuously since its inception, except when preempted by national or regional emergencies.
An accomplished insurance executive, Ivan Spinner brings more than a decade of experience to his work as owner of Spinner Real Estate Holdings, a real estate investment company in Biloxi, Mississippi. An active member of the community, Ivan Spinner belongs to civic groups such as the Gulf Coast Carnival Association.Along with New Orleans, Biloxi stands out as one of the centers for Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States. The Gulf Coast Carnival Association leads many of the Mardi Gras festivities in Biloxi, including the award-winning Mardi Gras float parade and the crowning of King d’Iberville and Queen Ixolib. The association dates to the first Mardi Gras parade in Biloxi, which took place in 1908 and included 17 floats. In 1916, an organization called the Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association was formed, with the goal of promoting Greek mythology through the floats in the Mardi Gras parade.In the late 1920s, Biloxi’s Mardi Gras festivities began to spread throughout the Gulf Coast region, and in 1949, the Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association was rechristened the Gulf Coast Carnival Association. Since then, the organization has conducted the Mardi Gras parade each year, even when the city’s official Mardi Gras celebrations have been canceled due to natural disasters or other tragic events.
An entrepreneur headquartered in Biloxi, Mississippi, who previously served as executive vice president of Health Benefits Direct, Ivan Spinner founded Spinner Real Estate, TSG Agency, and Gulf Coast Exotic Auto. Personally, Ivan Spinner attends Our Lady of Fatima Church.With roots dating back to a mission chapel envisioned by several women who spearheaded fund-raising for its construction, in 1955, Our Lady of Fatima Church had its first Mass on September 8, the feast of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Soon the parish added a rectory, school, and convent.After Father Patrick Mockler became the pastor in 2001, he shared with his parishioners his desire to create retirement homes for retired priests. His earnest desire won the hearts of many local residents, who generously contributed to make his vision a reality. To date, the church has built and furnished five homes to house priests who have retired from active service in the diocese.For more information about Our Lady of Fatima, its homes for retired priests, and its other ministries, visit fatima-biloxi.com.
