Clarion Chamber announces ALF leader, theme

The Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry revealed the dates, theme and chairwoman for the 2019 Autumn Leaf Festival during Saturday’s annual Chamber awards event.

Diane Brown will chair this year’s festival, and the theme is “An American Autumn.” First Sgt. Dustin Denney of Clarion submitted the theme, and Annie Seidle of Clarion designed the logo for the festival.

The celebration will begin Sept. 28 and and continue through Oct. 6.

“ALF is a timeless tradition and what a tradition it has become,” said Joe Wolf, chairman of last year’s 65th Autumn Leaf Festival. “As we celebrated the 65th year, we continued the tradition that has not been affected by the passage of time.”

Wolf said his father, George Wolf Jr., was the chairman for the 1958, 1959 and 1960 festivals.

“I was born in 1960 so I can say I was around for that one,” said Wolf. “The festival as it is today reflects the hope and vision of the founding members.”

Jennifer Keth, the president of the chamber board, said Saturday that one of her goals for the chamber is for the members to take ownership of “their chamber” and become more involved in chamber events.

She said there was progress and that a handful of new volunteers were gained.

“In 2019 we will be evaluating what works, what needs changed or updated and also what we need to let go,” said Keth. “Change is never perceived as easy but the growth that follows is always worth it.”

“I believe that 2018 was a good year for the chamber,” said Tracy Becker, the executive director of the chamber. She said the chamber added 19 new members in 2018 and six more since January.

“Our goal at the chamber has remained the same – serve and promote our members, promote our community and the continued promotion of encouraging everyone to shop and support local throughout the year,” said Becker.

Nathan Conway, chairman of the Clarion Area Young Professionals, provided an update on that organization. He said the group wants to give back to the community.

Among those attending Saturday’s dinner were 2018 Miss Petite Autumn Leaf Festival Caitlin Wolfe and Abigail Keth, who provided entertainment on her violin.