McGregor-Marquette Chamber holds annual dinner, awards ceremony

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and awards ceremony Nov. 10, in the Sevens Ballroom at Casino Queen Marquette. The event highlighted the chamber’s activities from the past year and goals for 2022, and recognized individuals and businesses for their efforts in the community.

Executive Director Jessica Goltz noted that Marquette and McGregor have dealt with adversity over the years, from natural disasters to the pandemic, but remain strong and open to change. Goltz said business membership remains steady, and the chamber has welcomed over half a dozen new businesses in the past year. After taking over as executive director in December 2021, she also began to tell business stories through blog posts on the McGregor-Marquette Chamber website—some of which have reached nearly 800 views.

“Sharing these stories helped to increase sales and foot traffic to the businesses who said yes to letting us bring out their unique qualities,” Goltz said. “The goal of the blogs is to touch the heart and soul of the consumer in a way that most marketing tools cannot.”

In 2021, the chamber successfully held the annual Lazy River Beer and Wine Festival, Great River Road - Road Race, several arts and crafts festivals and, new this year, a Halloween parade and festival. It has also developed or maintained important networking connections with the Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development, MFL MarMac Community School District and Clayton County Conservation. 

That includes the Attracting Success campaign, led by Clayton County Conservation and Alpine Communications, which aims to draw new families to the area.

“With access to strong internet connections, the ability to work remotely and natural resources in our area, many people are choosing to relocate and start a new life in the Ports of Discovery communities,” Goltz shared. “As our communities grow, we will experience business sustainability, opportunities for new business development and increased enrollment within our school district.”

Chamber President Katie Ruff, owner of McGregor-based By the Spoonful, said she’s also seen growth in tourism, particularly during the pandemic.

“It made people embrace and love nature even more,” she remarked. “I’ve actually seen an increase in traffic the last couple years because people were seeking out fun and new experiences, and we have so much nature—from hiking, camping and river excursions.”

“People were renting out whole house rentals and staying at our B&Bs. They were enjoying our area, asking about all the fun activities they can do in our area and then telling me, ‘We’ll be back here next year,’ hoping to create this as a yearly place because they made some great memories,” she continued. “We see that trend staying and soaring.”

Ruff encouraged attendees to be tourists in their own backyard, to share what the Ports of Discovery area of Marquette, McGregor and Prairie du Chien has to offer. 

“I even encourage you guys, as you post on social media, since we live here in this area, make sure to tag the chamber or #portsofdiscovery, #marquetteiowa or #mcgregoriowa. Then those posts show up for us to be able to share and people can be like, ‘Oh, maybe I want to recreate that hike or trip,’” she stated.

In 2022, Goltz said the chamber will continue to build relationships, support members and attract tourists. Upcoming initiatives include developing a travel guide that highlights the Ports of Discovery and creating a guide for kayaking pools nine and 10 of the Mississippi River.

“The chamber will continue to initiate change in order to stay relevant and competitive in an ever changing world,” Goltz shared.

The night concluded with the presentation of four community awards. 

•Jean Peterson received the Lena D. Myers Award, which recognizes a person who contributes greatly to preserving the historical heritage of the area. Peterson has followed in Myers’ footsteps by volunteering countless hours at the McGregor Historical Museum, where she is always eager to welcome visitors and conduct research on buildings, businesses and individuals.

•The Alexander MacGregor Award, in appreciation of progressive leadership, went to Nauti Marina. The new McGregor business has made significant improvements in a short period of time, and the owners’ enhancements and ideas will grow tourism and make the Ports of Discovery an even greater place to live.

•Dennis Mason was the recipient of the James King Award, in appreciation of devotion and dedication to supporting community efforts. Mason has helped develop a lot of great riverfront housing in Marquette. However, the housing is not for people, but purple martin birds—an effort that has created a social environment for not only the birds but bird enthusiasts.

•The Longevity Award, in celebration of years of business, was presented to the late Cathy Corpian and accepted by her family. Corpian saw a need for bookkeeping and answering services and opened Cathy’s Office in McGregor nearly 30 years ago. During that time, she not only ran a thriving business but also dedicated countless hours to volunteering—a legacy that will carry on.