The Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors. The newly elected members are Warren Reid, Sharon Harrup and D. Brandon Hennessey. “We are thrilled with the addition of these accomplished community leaders and each bring diverse and unique experiences that will be assets to our Chamber,” stated Executive Director Joy Stump.

Reid is the manager for Bland Reid Funeral Homes and he owns Reid Executive Group LLC, a social enterprise that creates events for small-business owners and helps to market them. Reid is also the state director of the Farmville Jaycees, which shows his incredible involvement in the Farmville community. He attended Prince Edward County Public Schools and received a bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University. He has a wife, one daughter, and another daughter on the way. Reid says he wanted to join the Chamber “to make sure that smaller businesses have a voice and are allowed more of a say in what goes on in Farmville.”

Harrup is the President and Chief Executive Officer of STEPS, Inc., an internationally accredited, multifaceted regional nonprofit with a history of positive results to help people break the cycles of poverty. STEPS creates effective partnerships with local governments, state agencies and other nonprofits, private businesses and faith communities to achieve success. Harrup graduated with a master’s degree from Longwood University and is the Chair of Centra Southside Community Hospital’s Board of Directors. “I am honored to once again serve on the Chamber board. This Chamber is vibrant and the growth in membership is testimony that businesses and organizations see the value that Chamber membership brings. I am looking forward to contributing to its success,” Harrup states.

Hennessey comes to the Chamber as the Business Analyst for the Longwood SBDC, a nonprofit organization that provides education, consulting, and economic research for potential and existing businesses throughout Southside Virginia – at no cost. Prior to his work with SBDC, he taught in the Prince Edward County school system so he brings a great range of experience with the community. Hennessey has his undergraduate degree, as well as his MBA, from Longwood University. He resides in Farmville with his wife and young son. Hennessey expressed, “Becoming a Farmville Chamber of Commerce board member will enable me to advocate and promote the development of our incredible community; in which, I am humbly grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

“Our chamber is growing and thriving and with such a strong and diverse board, these three new members will only help us continue our good works for the community in the future,” said Board Chair Chris Brochon.