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Lewes Chamber of Commerce holds installation ceremony

U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester delivers energizing speech on bipartisan work
The Lewes Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors comprises (l-r) Executive Director Betsy Reamer, Gavin Radka, Nikky Fisher, Paul Evalds, Maggie Lingo, Jen Mason and Jeff Fried. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
August 25, 2022

Set against a clear, blue sky with various vessels floating casually by on the Delaware Bay, members of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce gathered on the decks of the Lewes Yacht Club for their annual picture Aug. 17. What troopers they were, and not just because they had to deal with a white hot sun light that hadn’t yet blanketed the area in a calming orange hue, but because they were some of the leaders who helped and are continuing to help lead the recovery of the local economy. 

Betsy Reamer, Gavin Radka, Nikky Fisher, Paul Evalds, Maggie Lingo, Jen Mason and Jeff Fried were praised for their leadership by the keynote speaker of the evening, U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester.  

Delaware Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach; State Auditor Kathy McGuiness; Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton; Sen. Ernie Lopez, R- Lewes; and Sussex County Councilman Mark Schaeffer were among the state and county leaders in attendance, while Councilman Khalil Saliba and Mayor Andrew Williams represented the city.

Public health and safety officials enjoyed an evening of drinks, food and laughter as Beebe Healthcare President Dr. David Tam and Lewes Police Chief Thomas Spell were often seen engaged in joyous conversation. When Lewes City Manager Ann Marie Townshend introduced Maintenance Department Manager Rick Melendez to Blunt Rochester, the congresswoman gushed over the incredible job she believed Melendez had been doing. 

Delaware’s lone representative delivered a rousing speech on bipartisan efforts to pass legislation aimed to stimulate domestic production of semiconductor chips and other essential goods. Blunt Rochester had toured Avatar Instruments earlier in the day and cited a conversation with owner Paul Evalds about what disruptions in the supply chain mean to businesses like his in the technology and energy sector. 

Whether it was the delicious food, enlightening conversation or the beautiful sunset the Lewes Yacht Club is famous for, a positive glow radiated throughout the dining hall. Economic challenges lie ahead, but elected officials and business leaders appear willing to engage in conversations that may produce tangible solutions.

 

Lewes Mayor Andrew Williams talks to Lewes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betsy Reamer shortly before the festivities get underway.
Ruby Schaeffer, the wife of Sussex County Councilman Mark Schaeffer, meets Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester.
Sharing a laugh are (l-r) Paul Evalds, Ellen Spell, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, Joe Reamer and Lewes Police Chief Thomas Spell.
Lewes City Manager Ann Marie Townshend introduces Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester to Lewes Maintenance Department Manager Rick Melendez. The congresswoman emphatically praised Melendez’s work.
Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester was the keynote speaker for the evening and delivered an energizing speech on bipartisanship and the road to recovery.
Becoming the first woman and the first African American to represent Delaware in Congress, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester explains why she chose to wear the fabric of the voter card of her formerly enslaved great-great-great grandfather when she was sworn in for the first time.
Responding to a question about Jan. 6, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester informed the crowd that while it was a scary moment, she felt a sense of duty to not only certify, but to help her colleagues remain safe from COVID-19 as they were in cramped quarters. She says her viral moment was her just assisting, and most were receptive.
Lewes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betsy Reamer presents Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester with a special gift: a picture taken a few July 4ths ago during the Old-Fashioned Children’s Games.
President of the Delaware Bay and River Cooperative Richard Gaudiosi talks to Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, and Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, about recent funding the two lawmakers helped DBRC secure. Gaudiosi says it will go to repair a ship that helps with cleaning oil spills in the Delaware Bay.
Beebe Healthcare President and CEO Dr. David Tam has a chat with Delaware Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf.
Who is running Lewes if these people are all sitting at one table? Shown are (l-r) Maintenance Department Manager Rick Melendez, Finance Officer Ellen Lorraine McCabe, City Manager Ann Marie Townshend, Police Chief Thomas Spell and his wife Ellen, Councilman Khalil Saliba and Mayor Andrew Williams.

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