Mike Nowak

I am very proud to say I was born, raised, and have lived my whole life in Alpena. My parents are Richard (Stretch) and Elaine Nowak. I have four brothers; Jack, Jim, Dave, and Joel and one sister; Sue (Leeck). I am married to my best friend and Army Veteran Laurel and I feel very fortunate to have three sons and two daughters who call me dad. Ryan, Cameron, and Allison all currently reside in Alpena. Our son Eleazar lives in Miami Beach, Florida and our daughter Sylvia lives in West Memphis, Arkansas.

Education & Early Community Involvement
In 1983 I graduated from Alpena High School and in 1985 I graduated with an Associate's Degree in Business Management from Alpena Community College. While attending Alpena High School I joined the Key Club. Collectively, we worked on several community projects and I learned the importance of giving back to a community that has given so much to me. While in the Key Club I worked on radio programs, raised money for our club, and publicized our group's activities. I held a variety of positions with this program and served as the club's on-air personality, sales person, and General Manager.

Work Experience & Continued Community Involvement
Growing up in Alpena, through high school and college, I gained valuable work experience through part-time jobs. My first job was working as a DJ for Thunderama; former roller skating rink in Alpena. During this time my friend and I started a disc jockey service for wedding and parties; "Mike and Doug's DJ Service". I went on to work in retail businesses in Alpena at Records Etc. and Walden Books. My first full-time position was with Camelot Music (the corporation's northern most store) as a Shift Supervisor and worked my way up the corporate ladder as Assistant Manager, Manager-in-Training, General Sales Manager, District Training Manager, and a Store Set-Up Specialist. It was during this time where I earned the nickname "Music Man".

Also, during this time I began to volunteer with the Junior Achievement Program. While working at the Alpena Mall I was a member of the Mall Merchants Association. The purpose of the board was to promote and market the mall by putting together special events within the mall and advertising all activities. As much as I enjoyed my retail work, I was given the opportunity for a position with a local conveyor company, Endura-Veyor, Inc., working as a salesperson. Other positions I have held at Endura-Veyor, Inc. are Sales Leader for the Proactive Sales Team and Sales Manager. Currently, I am a Corporate Leader/Sales Manager and Promotion and Marketing Director.

Current Community Involvement
I am entering my 18th year working with the Junior Achievement Program. I have worked with the elementary program and the junior high program teaching basic economic history and basic business principles.

Political Background
When I joined the Key Club in high school, I became aware of my community and how I could give back to it. Through the years I have continued to volunteer and develop a strong interest in politics. This is my first official position in City government. I am not affiliated with any political party, I am a proud independent.

Interests
One of the largest benefits to living in Northern Michigan is the wonderful and scenic walking paths in our town. I enjoy walking outdoors, with my wife and our two dogs, by the lake and along the river. I am an avid golfer and I also enjoy playing volleyball. My favorite activity is camping with my family and friends. For me, nothing is more relaxing than talking around a campfire. During camping trips, my family has hosted kickball games and "Simon Says" contests at state parks around beautiful Northern Michigan.

Other Information of Interest
I believe in transparency and accessibility in government. I have held, and will continue to hold, community meetings to understand concerns of our citizens. You can reach me by email at miken@alpena.mi.us. I enjoy hearing from everyone, we are all in this together.