News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Jennifer Calery is seen giving a speech after receiving the 2025 Outstanding Citizen of the Year award.

ALPENA — Jennifer Calery has dedicated her time to making Alpena a home for everyone.

Calery was named the 2025 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce at the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner Thursday night.

The award is one of the most prestigious in Alpena. It recognizes a community member each year who has gone above and beyond in their dedication to the betterment of Alpena.

Bradley Somers, the executive director of the Alpena Boys and Girls Club, presented the award to Calery.

“Their dedication, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to Alpena have transformed countless lives, especially those of our area’s youth,” Somers said.

Somers also talked about Calery’s ability to mobilize people and take action during times of crisis, specifically during last year’s ice storm.

Calery has been a member of the Alpena Downtown Development Authority board in the past and she currently serves as the board chair for the Boys and Girls Club.

Calery became emotional when her name was announced and while walking up to the podium.

Those in attendance stood and clapped for Calery as she accepted her award.

She wiped tears from her eyes as she began to give her acceptance speech.

“Thank you so much,” Calery said. “I think we all make decisions in life. Sometimes we make good decisions, sometimes we make bad decisions but if you can look back and uphold the best decisions in your life, I know for me, especially looking over here, I made a decision to work for the Great Lakes Capital Fund many years ago…it led me to live in Alpena which is definitely one of the best decisions that I have ever made.”

“I love this community,” Calery added. “This community is my home.”

Calery said she considers this award the lifetime achievement award and said receiving it might mean she is getting old, which garnered laughter from the crowd.

“Alpena I love you so much,” Calery said. “This is the greatest honor of my life, so thank you.”

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.