Jackie Krawczak, director of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, was the speaker at the June 25 meeting of the Alpena Lions Club. She has served 12 years as the chamber director. Program chair for the meeting was Paulette Roznowski.

Krawczak began by providing the Lions an overview of what the chamber is and what it does. She noted that it has grown during her 12 years and is presently at an all-time high, with 520 members. Its program centers on advocacy, economic development, and education. 

Some of the issues she is currently working on, and which she detailed, are local elections, local issues, transportation and trucking, truck route issues, developing leaders, July 4th fireworks, and getting publicity outlets working. In conclusion, Krawczak emphasized the top things she has learned. They are: communications matter, be authentic, be kind and fair, and learn more and continually improve.

Bernie Lamp Jr. reported that the club has collected 1,800 pairs of used eyeglasses so far this year and that they have been passed on to Lions International for processing and distribution to those in need around the world.

The Lions, under the leadership of Roznowski, are planning on participating in the Alpena July 4th Parade this year.

Gary Stevens reported that the Lions have recently installed a new Children’s Play Center at the Tractor Grounds. This installation, accomplished by President Mike Centala, Randy Boboltz, and Stevens, includes a play set for young people that has swings, a climbing wall, a slide and a viewing tower. They have also repaired the handicapped swing at Sunset Park. This swing  was a Lions Club gift to the park a number of years ago.