By Audrey Posten

Representatives from Guttenberg businesses gathered at the Municipal Building on Feb. 16 to discuss the community’s 2026 goals. Organized by the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by Molly Moser, the meeting drew nearly 30 attendees. 

“There was a very positive response,” said Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce President Beth Sadewasser. “It was a good turnout with good information from the businesses.”

Sadewasser said the chamber is in the process of making some structural changes in order to be more efficient while still achieving its mission statement and goals. An important step in that process is gaining perspectives from the businesses and better understanding what they’d like to see.

“I’m a business owner, and it seemed like there was not enough emphasis on businesses,” she said. “It’s important to support them or you’re going to lose them.”

Last week’s meeting asked attendees to weigh in on what the chamber is doing well and what would make the chamber even better.

Businesses advocated for affordable membership and consistent leadership, with more regular and direct contact with business members and the city. Make it clear who to contact at the chamber and what chamber operating hours are, including maintaining regular hours at the welcome center. Attendees would like the chamber to facilitate new business introductions and be a bridge between businesses so they work together. 

Other feedback included attracting new businesses and residents and engaging the community for a stronger volunteer base. Some hope funding for the chamber could facilitate seminars/classes on training in social media, advertising and leadership. 

Businesses cited a need for more frequent events and promotions—with greater lead time and notice—which bring business to town and encourage locals to shop local, particularly in winter months or slow times. Include back-up plans in case of inclement weather. Event organizers were also asked to be mindful of not closing too many streets that impact businesses during busy times.

Attendees suggested updating marketing materials to increase exposure, including brochures, billboards and commercials. Utilize the chamber website and social media to drive engagement and find ways to attract people off the highway and the river. Partner with the school to help with some of this.

Sadewasser said the feedback helped the chamber better understand what the businesses would like to see, but it also helped organizers understand what is working well.

“Sometimes we don’t appreciate all the good things we have,” she added.

Discussion will continue on Wednesday, March 4, when the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce invites the public to Community Heart and Soul, presented by Jason Neises of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. 

Sadewasser described Community Heart and Soul as “a road map for small towns and what it takes to operate: volunteerism, common goals and direction.” 

“This brings people together,” she said. “The first step was the businesses. Now we want to invite the entire community. We want to hear from you. We can guess what people want, but we don’t know. This will categorize and offer direction and things to plan and prioritize.” 

Community Heart and Soul will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Guttenberg Municipal Building.

Sadewasser said it’s important for people to get involved.

“You have to be willing to invest your time and energy and share your thoughts,” she shared.