Wednesday morning's Hope-Hempstead Chamber of Commerce Coffee showcased the Chamber's 2023 board, eight members of whom are pictured here. From left to right are Nathanial Holyfield, Robin Cheatham, Board President Charlotte Bradley, Bren Yocom, Arnetta Bradford, Christine Holt, Aley Mendoza and Jonathan Crossley.

Despite a drenching rain that started downtown just before it began, the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce welcomed a sizeable group into its meeting room at 201 South Main for its first official coffee of 2023.

The coffee’s sponsor this morning was the Chamber’s new ten-member board of directors, which was announced last week. Many were in attendance this morning.  Chamber Executive Director Christy Burns said, “I really am excited about this new board. We have some very motivated people that are ready to do work for this service for this community just as I am.”

New board president Charlotte Bradley, whose day job is as Hope Water and Light’s Co-General Manager said, “Serving as president this year is one of the things that's been on my bucket list, because I love Hope. And Hope has been good to me and my family. Public service and giving back as a passion for me, and it's just a part of my core, my inner core to make sure that we succeed in everything that we do.”

The breakfast food was catered by Sheba’s Family Restaurant, but there were additional contributions to the spread by Chamber board members.