Senator Michele Hoitenga Visits Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce

Michele Hoitenga is one of two senators in the state of Michigan, representing the 36th district. She spent Tuesday in Alpena, making multiple stops around the city.

One spot she visited was the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the local businesses and winners of their annual banquet awards.

“It was wonderful,” said Hoitenga. “Getting to know everybody in Alpena, it’s a process, and I’m really excited as I learn more about the community and about the people, bringing awards to them was my honor.”

For some of the award winners, having that recognition shines a positive light on Alpena and the tight knit community they’ve formed over the years.

“We go to the annual dinner every year because we want to be part of that group, and I always go and look at that group as the group I want to be a part of, because they’re the difference makers,” said 2022 Alpena Citizen of the Year Gary Stephan. “They’re the ones who make it happen. They’re the givers, not the takers.”

Alpena’s local businesses work hard to provide a service for the city, and being recognized at a high level is a sign that that hard work has paid off.

“It’s really an honor and it shows that people are willing to make change and do things for small business owners, and really celebrate us throughout the state,” said Molly Stepanski, owner of PIFCider, winner of the Up and Coming Award.

Senator Hoitenga made the nearly four hour trip up from Lansing to recognize the award winners. Northeast Michigan is something she’s used to.

“We travel and I enjoy traveling, and I would much rather travel to northern Michigan than to be in a big city, so I really enjoy traveling the roads of rural Michigan,” she said.