ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET DRAWS LARGE CROWD TO ENJOY FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP – OUTSTANDING CITIZENS, BUSINESSES EARN AWARDS AND ADMIRATION

By Scott Jester, 04/16/24 6:07 AM

Hempstead Hall was the venue once again as a large crowd arrived for the annual Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The event provides the opportunity to gather as a community and shine the light on area organizations, businesses and individuals who represent the best of our city and county.

As guests arrived and were seated, they soon enjoyed a delicious meal of hamburger steak smothered in mushrooms and onions paired with mashed potatoes, gravy and cream corn and a delicious peach dessert all catered by Sheba’s Family Restaurant with Sheba and Milco on hand for the event.

The evening began with the presentation of our nation’s colors by Scout Troop 5 followed by the national anthem.

The featured guest speaker was motivational speaker and youth mentor Larry Bell, Jr. After being forced from New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina, he now makes his home in Monroe, Louisiana. Accompanied by his wife, Nia, Bell delivered a rousing message that focused on Hope and more importantly on the word hope. “Hope provides a chance for change and opportunity. And great things come from opportunity.  Great things come out of Hope,” he said.

The Young Leadership Award went to nine-year-old Clinton Primary Student Carter Wilcox who has helped provide books to all CPS students through various fund-raising efforts allowing students who are not able to purchase their own books to do so.

The Nonprofit of the year was awarded to United Way of Hempstead County, whose efforts throughout the year help raise money, awareness, and most importantly opportunities to many.

The Educator of the Year was awarded to Mikki Curtis, who serves as Dean of Secondary Programs at UAHT. The emotional Curtis gave thanks to many, first and foremost to God, who made the opportunities possible for success for her students.

The Business of the Year went to long-time retailer Martin’s, following a long history of providing the community with quality and stylish shoes, clothes and cosmetics for generations.

The Citizen of the Year went to Hope Police officer Jimmy Courtney. The popular Courtney doesn’t only serve and protect, he is actively involved in many scholastic affairs which are geared to bring out success in students. He is also a member of numerous organizations including the Kiwanis Club, Hope Booster Club and United Way. He and his family are members of Unity Baptist Church.

Lastly, the entertainment for the Watermelon Festival was revealed to be Country artist Rodney Atkins. Known for his first hit in 2003 “Honesty” and Atkins has since produced top ten music for numerous years.