While many who participate in the community conversations propel the region forward, it’s the presence of strong individuals that often shape and drive the news. That’s as true on the Gulf Coast as everywhere else. For the first time, SRQ Media Group will recognize the most important newsmakers of 2017 through installments of SRQ Daily released every day this week. The individuals selected were chosen by our editorial team based on meaningful impact within the fields where they demonstrated leadership, effectively redirecting action and dialogue. In the arenas of business, politics, food, philanthropy, architecture and culture, these individuals made headlines and exacted permanent change to the course of events. Sometimes the work done by individuals came after years, or even decades, of service to a specific cause. Sometimes achievements came from fast action made with focus and efficiency. The efforts in some cases were controversial, with the priorities of the newsmakers advanced ahead of contradictory agendas, but it was the vision of these individuals that won out for better or for worse, and the Gulf Coast has been changed in lasting ways.