Barnes is back at McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce
Ashley Barnes
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
A familiar face is taking over as executive director for the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce. Ashley Barnes, who previously served as director from 2019 to 2020, re-entered the role this month and is excited to share her knowledge and experience.
“I love McGregor and Marquette—I love the area,” Barnes said, “and a lot of exciting things are happening. I want to keep that momentum moving forward.”
A native of Hillsboro, Wis., Barnes grew up on a dairy farm and later attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, earning a bachelor’s degree in broad area agriculture, with an emphasis in marketing communication.
Her career background includes skills in marketing, event coordination, business development and community engagement. Along with her previous experience with the chamber, Barnes has coordinated the McGregor Fall Art Festival the past few years, since the McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts took over the event.
“The Fall Festival has been my pride and joy,” Barnes said. “I enjoy the work and enjoy the people and the businesses I work with.”
Since leaving the chamber, Barnes has maintained strong relationships with people and businesses in the “Ports of Discovery” communities of Marquette and McGregor. She is excited to support the area again as executive director, through business promotion, networking opportunities, events and marketing.
Chamber efforts attract visitors to the area, support businesses and enhance quality of life in the towns.
“We live in the most beautiful place, and my goal is to make it all better for everybody,” Barnes said.
Upcoming McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce promotions include a Mother’s Day event spanning both towns on Saturday, May 9. The annual McGregor Memorial Day Parade will be Monday, May 25, then the Lazy River Beer and Wine Festival in Marquette on Saturday, June 27.
The chamber regularly shares community, event and business updates on its “Discover McGregor-Marquette, Iowa” social media, which boasts 13,000 followers on Facebook and nearly 1,400 on Instagram.
From Memorial Day through Christmas, the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce generates a weekly itinerary listing one-time and ongoing events as well as ideas for recreation, eating and drinking and shopping in Marquette and McGregor. From January to Memorial Day, itineraries come out monthly.
Additional information is available at www.portsofdiscovery.com.
