The Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Annual Meeting & Banquet was held April 6 at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas Hope campus. Hope native President Bill Clinton served as the keynote speaker for the evening. President Clinton was joined on stage by two of his friends, Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, III, and Joseph H. “Joe” Purvis, whose friendships date back to their kindergarten days in Hope, Arkansas.

Receiving special Chamber awards during the event were: Lagrone Williams Hardware – Business of the Year; Robin Townsend – Educator of the Year; and Dixie Coffee – Citizen of the Year.