SOUTH POINT — Star National Football League quarterback Chad Pennington will be the keynote speaker at a Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce fund raising event, Thursday, May 7 at the South Point High School Cafetorium.

The former Marshall University standout and current Miami Dolphins quarterback is coming off of a stellar performance with the Dolphins being named comeback player of the year in the NFL.

Pennington passed for 3,653 yards with 19 touchdown passes during the 2008 season with the Dolphins. Pennington will be starting his 2nd year with the Dolphins after a nine year stint with the New York Jets. Pennington is a Knoxville, Tenn., native. He and his wife, Robin, have two sons.

“The Chamber of Commerce is constantly looking at ways to get better exposure, to let people know what is going on,” Chamber director Bob Smith.

“We are really trying to get the whole county involved with small businesses, networking, trying to counsel, solve problems. This is just a way for this to happen. Chad will be able to bring in a lot of people who might not want to come to a business networking event. We think he will draw a big crowd.”

The evening will begin at 6 o’clock with a networking session for all Chamber members and guests. A silent auction will be conducted simultaneously featuring autographed Chad Pennington memorabilia.

Dinner will be served beginning at 7 p.m. Corporate table sponsorships for eight people are available at $1,200.

The cost for individuals will be $100. Chamber members will receive first priority for the event until April 10 at which time the general public will have an opportunity to make their reservations.

Chamber members are urged to contact Director Bob Smith if they are interested in being a corporate sponsor. He can be reached at 740-377-4550 or via e-mail at bobsmith@lawrencecountyohio.org.