Chamber dinner features Cavs’ reporter

VW Chamber of Commerce information

LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers mania will come to Van Wert on Monday, February 9, when Van Wert native and Fox Sports sideline reporter Allie Clifton speaks at the 93rd Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Willow Bend Country Club.

The Chamber is pleased to announce the Premier Sponsors for event: Central Insurance Companies and Alexander & Bebout Inc., and also invites members of the business community and Van Wert residents to attend an evening of festivities and networking as the Chamber recognizes area businesses and individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to the Van Wert area.

Clifton is in her third season as the sideline reporter for FOX Sports Ohio’s Cavaliers telecasts. Clifton has more than 10 years of experience playing competitive basketball and five years of experience as a sideline and sports reporter.

Clifton, a 2006 Van Wert High grad, had an accomplished high school basketball career at Van Wert that included captaining the Lady Cougars’ first and only league title team. Clifton continued her basketball success at the University of Toledo, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sports analysis and communications and a master’s degree in communications. There, she was a four-year letter winner and three-time co-captain, leading the team to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division title in 2010.

Clifton has NBA experience running camps and clinics for the Atlanta Hawks and working alongside play-by-play and color analyst Bob Rathbun and LaChina Robinson for the WNBA Atlanta Dream.

The annual dinner’s festivities will once again include a “Wine Pull” Raffle. Twenty-five names will be drawn during the dinner and the winners will choose a bottle of wine with a minimum value of $25. Tickets are available at the Chamber office or from a Chamber board member for $15 for one ticket or two tickets for $25. Only 250 tickets will be sold, with any remaining tickets available for purchase during the social hour prior to the Annual Dinner.

The culmination of the evening’s events will include the presentation of the following prestigious awards: Ray Miller, Crystal Image, Golden Shovel and Milestone Recognition. Awards sponsors include the following Chamber members: Central Soft Water Systems, Culligan, Vantage Career Center, Van Wert County Hospital and Van Wert Manor.

Last year’s Annual Dinner was a sell-out, so register soon! To register, or for more information, contact the Chamber office at 419.238.4390 or email chamber@vanwertchamber.com. Reservations will be accepted until February 2, 2015, unless the event is sold out earlier. Those interested in attending may also register online at www.vanwertchamber.com.

Award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office at 118 N. Washington St. or call or email the Chamber office.