300 Main Street, Suite 200, Dubuque, IA 52001
Mon – Thurs 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 12 pm
Thank you for joining us for the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce on Thurs., Sept. 3, 2026, for one of the year's most anticipated business events as we celebrated our members, recognized outstanding leadership, and looked ahead to the future of our business community.
We welcomed Robert J. O'Neill, former SEAL Team Six leader, New York Times best-selling author, and one of America's most highly decorated combat veterans, as our 2026 keynote speaker, sharing stories from his military career, "Never Quit: The Story of a Life Built on Successful Missions".
The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce presented its 2026 Chamber Chair Award to Keith Gutierrez, owner of 7 Hills Brewing Co. and Paradigm Coffee, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial vision, resilience and commitment to the Dubuque business community.
The Chamber Chair Award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to the Chamber, the business community and their respective industry or mission. Recipients are recognized for exceptional leadership, generosity and contributions that strengthen the Dubuque area and advance the work of the Chamber.
Gutierrez exemplifies those qualities through his entrepreneurial journey and continued investment in the region. What began with the opening of 7 Hills Brewing Co. in an emerging area of Dubuque has grown into a successful and expanding portfolio of businesses, creating opportunities while contributing to the continued growth and vitality of the local business community.
His journey has also been marked by challenges, from entering a new industry and navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship to persevering through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout those challenges, Gutierrez has demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a willingness to continue learning, evolving and pursuing new opportunities.
Beyond his success as an entrepreneur and business owner, Gutierrez has remained committed to the Dubuque community and the people and businesses that make it special. His continued investment in the region reflects his belief in Dubuque’s future and the importance of a strong, vibrant business environment.
“The Chamber Chair Award recognizes individuals who lead not simply for personal success, but with a willingness to contribute to something bigger than themselves,” said VP of Events & Programs, Justine Paradiso. “Keith’s entrepreneurial spirit, resilience and continued investment in our community make him an outstanding example of the kind of leadership this award represents.”
The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Keith Gutierrez on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued leadership and commitment to the Dubuque area.
