VW native to speak at Chamber dinner

Van Wert independent/Chamber of Commerce information

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Van Wert native Natalie Taylor, a FOX Sports Ohio reporter with the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team, will be the keynote speaker for the Chamber’s 90th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

The Chamber invites members of the business community and Van Wert residents to attend an evening of festivities and networking as they recognize area businesses and individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to the Van Wert area. Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service and Northwest Ohio Welch Trophy are the premium sponsors for this event.

The Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 26 at Willow Bend Country Club. Social and cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. featuring music by Eric Miglin. Dinner and awards will commence at 6:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled to welcome Natalie back home to share her story,” Chamber President/CEO Susan Munroe said. “The evening will provide a perfect blend of connecting with colleagues, recognizing the many business success stories of our community and the opportunity to hear from a Van Wert native with a successful career in an intriguing industry.”

Taylor, a 2000 Van Wert High School graduate, is the newest host and reporter for FOX Sports Ohio and will be covering the Columbus Blue Jackets this NHL season.  Taylor has more than eight years experience as a sports host, anchor and reporter and has covered everything from the Southeastern Conference for FOX Sports South to NASCAR with HDNet and, most recently, spent time in local television at WSYX/WTTE in Columbus.

Taylor said she welcomes the opportunity to “come home” to share how growing up in a community like Van Wert provided her with the self-confidence and positive experiences to tackle the obstacles she has faced along the way.

“I’m very honored and looking forward to be a part of such a special night in Van Wert,” Taylor said. “The chance to see familiar faces that I’ve looked up to in the community while I was growing up is very exciting.”

The culmination of the evening’s events will include the presentation of the following prestigious awards sponsored by US Bank and Van Wert Manor: Ray Miller, Crystal Image, Golden Shovel Awards and Milestone Recognition Awards.

To register for the Chamber’s 90th Annual Dinner, or for more information, contact the Chamber office at 419.238.4390 or email chamber@vanwertchamber.com.