Alpena Chamber

05/28/2026

We know this is an issue our community cares deeply about and that passion speaks to how much people value Alpena and its future.

We were approached by the paper to discuss the potential impact that online discourse surrounding the Blackwater project could have on future development. Our concern is that the tone and nature of social media conversations, coming from all sides of the issue, can influence how outside investors perceive our community.

As the Chamber, our role is to serve as a voice for the business community as a whole, not to take sides on individual projects. We represent a wide range of perspectives, and it’s important to recognize that there are valid viewpoints across this conversation. To better understand where our members stand, we distributed a survey to our full membership. While we appreciated the feedback received, the 29 responses did not provide a large enough sample to be considered broadly representative, something we noted during the interview and was reflected in the article.

We fully support open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the right for individuals to ask questions and express opinions. Those conversations are not only valid, but they’re also necessary. Strong communities are built when people engage thoughtfully around important issues.

What we are encouraging, however, is how those conversations happen.
More open, respectful, and ideally face-to-face dialogue is what moves a community forward. Social media can be a starting point, but it rarely allows for the kind of understanding that comes from listening to one another in person, asking questions, and working through concerns together.

We also want to be clear: threats, personal attacks, and harassment, from any side of an issue, do not belong in our business community or our civic discussions. That type of behavior does not reflect who we are, and it does not help us reach better decisions.

Alpena has always been a place where people care, show up, and work together. We believe we can have thoughtful, and even difficult, conversations in a way that reflects that spirit: respectfully, constructively, and focused on both our shared values and our long-term success.

Let’s keep the conversation going productively.

Chamber shares concern about future development
Backlash online may tarnish Alpena’s image
https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/2026/05/chamber-shares-concern-about-future-development/

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, our office is closed Monday, May 25, 2026.
We pause to remember and honor the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26th at 9am. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

05/20/2026

🌟 May Outstanding Service Award Winner 🌟

Our May winner is Lakeshore Plumbing, Heating & Cooling!
Here’s what one grateful customer shared:

“I woke up at 5:30 am to a 57° home and called Lakeshore Plumbing & Heating at 7 am. They are open an hour earlier than most. They showed up at 7:30 am, even though the whole area was trying to recover from the ice storm. He removed the ice from the exterior meter and had my heat back on before he walked in the door. My hot water was also out because the high winds found a way to extinguish the pilot light. He took his time to make sure it stayed lit and reset it for me. Hot water and heat so quickly. How do you thank someone for recognizing how critical the services they provide are? You nominate them for an outstanding service award.”

👏 In challenging conditions, Lakeshore Plumbing, Heating & Cooling showed up early, worked quickly, and made sure everything was safe and working before they left. That kind of dedication is exactly what this recognition is all about.
Please join us in congratulating Lakeshore Plumbing, Heating & Cooling on this well-deserved honor! 💙

05/18/2026

Congratulations!

KUDOS FOR THE KIWANIS CLUB OF ALPENA.
The Kiwanis Club of Alpena received prestigious kudos on Saturday at a KiwanisOne meeting held in Ga***rd, MI. The club was recognized as a Kiwanis International Distinguished Club for the 2024-2025 Kiwanis year—one of only 190 clubs in the United States and one of five in Michigan to be so recognized. This is impressive, as Kiwanis International has more than 7200 clubs worldwide, with the vast majority of the clubs in the United States. Receiving the award for the Alpena club were the 2024-2025 Club President, Rocky Roland and the 2024-2025 Club Secretary, Judy Greer. Rocky was also the Lieutenant Governor of Division 21 for that same Kiwanis year.
Michigan is the "birthplace of Kiwanis”. The first Kiwanis club was founded in Detroit in 1915. The Michigan District of Kiwanis currently consists of approximately 140 to 150 clubs. These clubs are organized into 18 administrative divisions, each led by a Lieutenant Governor.
The Kiwanis family of clubs and organizations includes a wide range of service organizations beyond adult clubs. These include youth-oriented Service Leadership Programs: K-Kids: Elementary school clubs; Builders Clubs: Middle school; Key Clubs: High school: Circle K International (CKI): Collegiate-level; and Aktion Club: clubs for adults living with disabilities.
The Kiwanis International Distinguished Club Award is a prestigious recognition given to clubs that meet specific standards of excellence in membership growth, service impact, and leadership development. While exact requirements can shift annually based on the Kiwanis International President's priorities, clubs generally must earn 100 points across various categories to achieve distinguished status. To earn the required points, clubs are evaluated on several key pillars: Membership Growth: Achieving a net increase in membership or meeting specific recruitment goals, such as the "Strive for 10" initiative. Service & Community Impact: Participating in impactful service projects. Maybe the most visible project in Alpena is the Alpena Flags of Honor project, with nearly 650 American flags honoring our local heroes displayed on five holidays throughout the year. Other Alpena projects include sponsoring Service Leadership Programs (SLP) like Key Club or Builder’s Club. Family Involvement: Active engagement with other branches of the Kiwanis family and attendance at district or international conventions. Administrative Excellence: Submitting monthly club reports on time and ensuring club officers complete Club Leadership Education (CLE). Financial Support: Donating a minimum specified amount per member to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund and/or The Kiwanis Foundation. Clubs that achieve distinguished status receive several honors, typically presented at a KiwanisOne, District convention or mid-year event. A special patch to be added to the club's official banner. Distinguished pins for both the Club President and Secretary. Finally, the club receives a formal letter of recognition from the Kiwanis International President.
If you want to learn more about Kiwanis or the things they do in the Alpena area contact the current club president

05/18/2026

We’re excited to welcome our newest members to the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce!

Thank you for choosing to invest in our business community—we’re so glad you’re here. Each new member brings fresh energy, ideas, and opportunity, helping make Alpena an even stronger place to live, work, and do business.

Be sure to check them out and help us give them a warm welcome!

05/15/2026

The President & CEO of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce talks about the power of community, why getting involved in local groups matters and how those connections strengthen the entire community.

In my limited free time, you’re most likely to find me snuggled on the couch with a fur babe in my lap, watching a good documentary. A few weeks ago, one stopped me in my tracks: Join or Die. It was thoughtful, accessible, and quietly a powerful reminder that joining groups isn’t just a hobby [....

05/14/2026

The Alpena Area Chamber was proud to celebrate with Joshua Tree Studio & Spa for a special day of milestones this week! ✂️✨

From their Ribbon Cutting to their Anniversary & Open House, it was truly a wonderful day.

Thank you for inviting us to be part of your celebration and for the positive impact you bring to our community. We’re grateful to celebrate alongside you and wish you continued success! 💛