The Elma Chamber of Commerce welcomed Starbucks to the city Thursday, June 20, with a ribbon cutting. Police Chief Susan Shultz decided it would also be a good time to hold a Coffee with a Cop event.

The Starbucks opened about a month ago, but the chamber decided to wait a while before holding the event. Samples of drinks and baked good were passed throughout the crowd of about 40 people who attended.

There was a coloring table for kids, where Shultz seemed to enjoy spending some time.

The coffee shop at 11 Eagle Drive employes about 20 people in full- and part-time positions.

COFFEE WITH A COP

Following the ribbon cutting, Shultz donned an apron and stepped behind the counter to learn the skills of the about 12 baristas working that day.

She made drinks and handed others out the drive-thru window, all the while she chatted with customers and members of the chamber. Afterward, she discussed her goals for events like Coffee with a Cop and the similar Chomp with the Chief, when she visits with students during lunch at Elma high School.

“We want these events to be opportunities to connect and engage with our community and allow citizens the platform to get answers from their police department about issues that matter most to them,” she said via email.

It could become a recurring event with other Elma dignitaries.

“Our hope is that Coffee with a Cop events will be a monthly event,” Shultz wrote. “The events may be a little different each time and could include other entities of the city, like the fire departments or public figures.”

But she’s happy with how last week’s event turned out.

“This event was very much a success, we have done prior ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events in other venues,” she said. “Last (week’s) event was a fun way to blend with the community. We met several visitors to Elma who left surprised and with smiles on their face after receiving a beverage or treat from the Police Chief of Elma.”