The mission of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce is to, “Make Zionsville an economic leader in central Indiana and to enhance our members’ success through advocacy, member benefits, and services.” Over the years the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce has been there to provide resources, advice, and support to its members and small businesses throughout Zionsville.

The Chamber helps organize and execute a number of events throughout the year, allowing for sponsorship opportunities, networking, and access to business opportunities which otherwise may not be possible. The Chamber continues to be a driving force in the Zionsville economy.

The leader of this force is Executive Director, Allyson Gutwein, who is able to push the chamber forward, with the support of the board of directors and many Zionsville community members and businesses, into the next chapter of economic development and growth.

Allyson is an Indiana University Alumna from Springfield, Missouri. Although she grew up in Missouri, she spent her summers in Jonestown, Indiana, on her family’s seventh generation farm. After earning her degree from IU, Allyson immediately entered the world of small business and entrepreneurship. For the first three years following her time at IU she ran a home decor and garden center in Lebanon.

Eventually, Allyson found herself in Zionsville, working as the Store Manager for Midwest Jewelers. She found herself immersed in the Zionsville economy, getting to know and build relationships with the many faces and businesses that play a number of roles in the town.

When the position for Executive Director of The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce became available, Allyson applied for the job with great confidence from her years of experience working with small business owners. She understands what it takes to run a successful small business and the many hats that owners must wear.

Her passion for small business and continued development of Zionsville helped her make her transition into the current position she holds now with the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. When asked about her favorite aspects of her role with the Zionsville Chamber, Allyson talked about the passion that small business owners have and her love of being able to help these business owners move forward to reach their goals.

Allyson and the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce have continued to provide the town’s businesses with resources and support in order to help them thrive. Prior to the Pandemic the world currently finds itself in, the chamber organized a monthly Business Breakfast series for members to discuss business and hear from subject matter experts on a variety of topics. The Chamber also began hosting Microgroup meetings to talk specifically with business owners in the community in similar industries, sharing the same struggles, and striving for similar goals. On the horizon is a Zionsville Chamber of Commerce blog and podcast. The chamber wants to further its reach and accessibility of resources.

Currently, as the world pushes through this current situation, the Zionsville Chamber of commerce is communicating its resources available for members on its Business Assistance page. You can find everything from US Small Business Administration Disaster Loan applications to special offerings from other members trying to help provide assistance during this time.

Getting to know Allyson on a more personal level…

• Allyson used to rescue and rehabilitate Great Danes. She currently has a boxer named “Gorgeous George.”
• Allyson loves all things science and attended space camp five times.
• Allyson loves volunteering with the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce members and donates two hours of her time every week working for them.