It looks quiet in downtown Guthrie Center since restrictions were placed on some businesses due to the community spread of COVID-19 in Iowa, but its local businesses still need the community’s support.

The local restaurants have changed to offering only carry-out or delivery options, and some businesses have had to temporarily close or adjust their hours to account for residents staying at home to help contain the spread of virus. Guthrie Center Chamber President Kristen Crouthamel says it’s important now more than ever to give whatever support you can to small businesses. Being a financial advisor, Crouthamel says she’s unsure what the economic trickle down effect COVID-19 will have on business owners in Guthrie Center, “To support them: A, it probably means the world to them; but also just shows that strength of community. I’m already seeing it with the various organizations ordering a full lunch for 30 people in their office from those small businesses. So just supporting your small businesses is very important because most of the time they are the backbone of our economies and especially in rural Iowa.”

Crouthamel encourages residents to check out businesses’ Facebook pages or websites to see what online and other offers they may be having, and to check out the Chamber of Commerces’ Facebook page to learn about any operation changes for restaurants, shops, and other businesses during the public health emergency.