ALPENA — The Alpena Chamber has named the winners for its annual Chamber Awards.
According to a Feb. 13 news release, award winners include:
- Citizen of the Year – Steve Jakubcin: Steve Jakubcin has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the Sunrise Side community. He received numerous awards, including the 2024 Sunrise Side Best Photographer, the 2023 Sunrise Side Sales of the Year, and the 2024 Salvation Army Red Kettle Chairperson. He has also served on various boards and committees and has volunteered countless hours to his community.
- Business of the Year – Bay Athletic Club: The Bay Athletic Club has been a key player in promoting health in Alpena for 19 years. Since 2006, over one million workouts have been logged, impacting community wellness. The club supports local programs like APS Athletics, the Blue Line Club, and the Aliferis Memorial Race.
- Customer Service of the Year – Allegra Alpena: The Boys and Girls Club of Alpena received assistance from Ed Klimczak and his team at Allegra Alpena for their donor recognition walls, which will be displayed at their new facility. Ed and Keith dedicated extra hours to complete the project before the event in a short timeframe. Allegra Alpena demonstrated their commitment to the community and their clients through effective communication, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service.
- Culture Change Agent Award – Dennis Werner: The recipient of the 2024 ‘Culture Change Agent’ award is a manager who has challenged industry norms and taken thoughtful risks to improve the lives of his employees, the organizations he serves, and the community he is a part of. He has championed growth and development internally by providing a career path for all employees and has prioritized community support initiatives, recognizing the interdependence of community success with credit union success.
- Connecting the Classroom and Business Award – Todd Artley: Artley, a master electrician, has played a key role in developing the electrical apprentice degree and certificate program at ACC. With over a decade of experience, he has led the program by integrating industry elements into the curriculum. He has built strong ties with industry professionals, using these relationships to improve the program and offer more advantages to students.
- Ambassador of the Year – Angie Fox: The Chamber Ambassador group acknowledges the exceptional efforts of one of its members, Fox, who has consistently attended all events and demonstrated her dedication and enthusiasm. She is always ready to assist and has played a crucial role in all activities, including ribbon cuttings and 50/50 ticket sales. Her positive and cheerful demeanor has made her a valuable member of the group.
- Up and Coming Award – Nick Poli: Poli is a founding member and Creative Director of The Sunset Project, a nonprofit organization established in 2021. Since its inception, the organization has launched three community programs: The Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant, FOCUS45, and the Northeast Michigan Wellness Initiative. Nick has helped transform the organization from a budding idea to a thriving nonprofit that impacts Northeast Michigan.
- MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena Health Leadership Award, Small Business – Cliff Anschuetz Chevrolet: The company offers flexible schedules, paid health club memberships, an on-site treadmill, health insurance, and a family-oriented work environment to promote a healthy and enjoyable workplace. They also organize annual health challenges, a Thinner Winner contest with a $2,750 prize, and an annual Christmas party for retirees, spouses, and guests. The company encourages employees to prioritize their health and well-being.
- MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena Health Leadership Award, Large Business – Meijer: Meijer offers flexible scheduling, a positive work environment, education awards, tuition benefits, and other perks to its employees. The company also provides corporate programs for team members facing life challenges, online counseling, and paid holidays. Meijer’s team members can also receive education awards, short-term disability, and 401(k) benefits. Additionally, the company invests in its staff at all levels, demonstrating genuine care for its employees.
- Alpena Community College Michigan Workforce Development Award – North Eastern Michigan Rehabilitation and Opportunity Center, Inc: NEMROC has been acknowledged for its exceptional work in workforce development and employee support. They have broadened their training programs to include key areas such as learning and mental health disability awareness, and supervisory training on communication and fostering a supportive work environment. NEMROC’s commitment to building a skilled, informed team and a safe workplace for their employees and clients makes them a worthy recipient of this year’s award.
- Zonta Club of Alpena Woman of the Year – Ellen Eagan: Eagan, founder of the Sunday Supper soup kitchen at Trinity Episcopal Church in Alpena, Michigan, has dedicated 27 years to serving the hungry and vulnerable in her community. With hundreds of volunteers trained over the years, Sunday Supper has made a real difference in the lives of many, offering kindness and friendship to those who often go unseen. In addition to her work at Sunday Supper, Ellen also volunteers at the Huron Humane Society, Alpena Community College Foundation, and Tuesday Night Activities for developmentally disabled adults served through NE Michigan Community Mental Health.