February 24, 2020 Weekly Digest
Chairman's Circle Members
Happenings in and around the Chamber!
Welcome to Our New Member!

Come by on Tuesday to learn invaluable information!
No registration necessary.
Trip Registration is Now Open!
The Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles Chambers of Commerce are headed to Tuscany in October 2020. Book by February 27 and an optional excursion
 to  Cinque Terre , valued at $149 per person, is included! Save $100 per person if you book by March 31, 2020. Please call Batavia Chamber for more information - (630) 879-7134.

This trip is not only for Chamber members - share with friends and family!

Wednesday, March 18
8 to 9:30 a.m.
City of Batavia Council Chambers
100 N. Island St.
Batavia

A timely topic for any business, the Incentive Overview forum is the first in a series of four sessions planned for 2020. Joining the Batavia Chamber of Commerce in presenting these forums is the City of Batavia and Batavia MainStreet.
 
Confirmed speakers are:
  • Mike Algrim, Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center board member
  • Harriet Parker, Small Business Development Center manager
  • Jim Schlusemann, SCORE representative
  • Christopher Aiston, City of Batavia economic development consultant
  • Heidi Files, Energy City Brewing co-owner

Each representative will speak about the benefits and tools that their organization provides to help businesses succeed, and how to access these benefits. Chris Aiston will discuss TIF funds and their availability. Heidi Files will speak about her experiences with these organizations and their services, with how it impacted her business growth.
 
A question and answer session will follow the formal speaker presentations.
 
Coffee and water will be provided.
 
Mark your calendars for these future sessions, too:
  • June 17: Zoning, signage, etc.
  • September 16: Topics valuable for the manufacturing sector
  • December 16: Liquor ordinances and licensing

There is no charge to attend, but for planning purposes, please register here .
Net-Working It! for a Cause - Partner Charity Giving

Moose Charities shared their story as our charity spotlight partner during last week's Net-Working It! for a cause. Once again, the turnout was great as more than 50 people enjoyed Portillo's Italian beef and hot dogs, while making new acquaintances or renewing previous business friendships.

While we networked, staff members of Moose Charities told us about how the organization helps children - one child at a time. Moose Charities is the fundraising arm of Mooseheart Child City & School . Call (630) 966-2200 to learn more about how you can help.

A big thank you to our attendees - with your help we raised $245 for our partner charity! Thank you, too, to Ivan Munoz and his staff at Portillo's for graciously hosting us.

Join us next month on Wednesday, March 18 at 4:30 p.m. The Albright Community Theatre will be our charity spotlight partner when we gather at the Oscar Swan Country Inn in Geneva!
Members in the News and Local Happenings

BATAVIA, IL – The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet celebrated the long-time work of Diane Upton, director of the Clothes Closet, after the closing of her final board meeting as director on February 11, 2020. Diane has been involved in the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet for over 30 years, watching and helping the agency grow in service to the community.   Read the entire press release.


Sam is the son of Lynn and Bryan Barus, owners of Suburban Real Estate Services and Batavia Chamber of Commerce members. Congratulations to Sam and his family for this prestigious honor!

February 19, 2020 - In a ceremony on February 17, 2020 at Hallas Hall, Batavia High School Senior, Sam Barus was presented with the Chicago Bears Community Champion Award by Gustavo Silva, Chicago Bears Manager of Youth Football & Community Programs. The Master of Ceremonies was Jeff Joniak, the voice of the Chicago Bears. Read the entire press release.
Mark your calendar for all the upcoming
Batavia Chamber of Commerce Events!
We'll send out an updated version periodically as new events are added.
Do you know a Batavia High School Senior? Encourage them to apply for our inaugural Inspire Scholarships! Applications are due on Friday, April 3. The description of each scholarship is below. Applications are available via this link . Please share this information!

If you missed the Paddle Raise at Inspire 2020, we are still accepting donations to the scholarship fund. Please contact us at (630) 879-7134.
All Are Welcome - Please Come!
The 2020 Directories are in!
Batavia residents and businesses were mailed a print copy. Any member who wants additional copies, please stop by the office to pick them up. Digital copies are available here .
Every person counts! In November, a presentation was held at the Batavia Public Library about the importance of the 2020 Census for Batavia's future. To learn more, watch the video of the presentation:


Upcoming Community Events
Platinum Members
Batavia Chamber of Commerce | (630) 879-7134 | Shirley @BataviaChamber.org |www.BataviaChamber.org