Chairman's Circle Members
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Happenings in and around the Chamber!
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To Our Valued Members and Community:
It appears the "new normal" will be around at least through April. We certainly hope that April showers might bring more than May flowers - the re-opening of all businesses and restaurants!
On Friday, April 3 Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke addressed COVID-19, sharing news and reminders from various City departments. You can watch the video
here
.
We know that many of our small business members were navigating the federal loan applications late last week. Foremost for many was to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loan forgiveness when stipulations are met regarding payroll. We have numerous resources about this program and others posted on the
home page
of our website.
Upcoming virtual events to consider:
- Paycheck Protection Program, led by consultant Bil Papp, takes place today - April 6 - at 10 a.m. Registration is required for this free event.
- COVID-19 Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources Webinar with Choose DuPage, Tuesday, April 7 at 2 p.m.; Registration details.
- Marketing Your Business in a Time of Crisis with the Daily Herald, Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m.; Registration details.
- Managing a Remote Workforce During COVID-19 and Beyond with Gordon Flesch Co., Wednesday, April 15 at 11 a.m.; Registration details.
If your business is closed and you continue to pay your employees, you may be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit:
Our office is receiving phone calls about unemployment, too. Businesses - be aware that unemployment claims made during the COVID-19 crisis will not affect your unemployment compensation tax experience rating. Learn more by reading
CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance FAQs.
Anyone can be the target of scams. The IRS issued a
statement
warning about an increase in phishing calls and emails related to the economic impact payments. The Federal Communications Commission warns about other scams, including supposed free home testing kits. Their warning, along with safety tips, is available
here
. With so many hosting virtual meetings currently, Zoom is seeing an uptick in hackers;
read this
to protect your next meeting or virtual event.
We are also aware that currently Congress is drafting a new Phase 4 Federal Relief Package, so we are hopeful more aid is coming in the near future. The Batavia Chamber is doing all it can provide essential information to you in a timely manner.
As a reminder, we have many, many resources posted on the
home page
of our website, with new items being added all the time – so, check it often.
We are also sharing your updates on our
Facebook page
when we see them! Help us out and tag Batavia Chamber of Commerce so we can help you spread your story.
Please reach out to us if you have questions, need a resource, or simply to talk. We are here for you. Stay safe and healthy!
Most sincerely,
Margaret, Patti and Shirley
Your Batavia Chamber of Commerce Staff
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Join us on Wednesday!
We think it is time to network - virtually, of course!
Join us as we move our popular BC2 online. Register
here
so we can send you a link to the Zoom event. Don't forget to get your own coffee!
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The first session is tomorrow!
Keep learning! Improve your leadership skills virtually.
Thank you to Batavia Chamber member Michael Shoultz for facilitating this timely training.
Register
to attend (at no cost to you) on our website and you will receive a unique link to access this virtual training.
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Sign Up Today for this Virtual Event
Thank you to Batavia Chamber member Matt Goles of Prairie Wellness Counseling Center for facilitating this timely topic.
Register
to attend (at no cost to you) on our website and you will receive a unique link to access this virtual discussion.
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Are you looking for a job? Do you need to fill a job? Use our Job Board!
Although unemployment filings skyrocketed with businesses temporarily shuttered because of COVID-19 concerns, many businesses are in dire need of help. Delivery companies, food retailers, etc. are actively hiring.
To help the community, we are opening the
Job Board
for anyone who is hiring. Please post your jobs
here
. We will approve the posting and boost the Job Board via Facebook in a week or so. Temporary and volunteer job postings are fine as well!
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Add a Hot Deal today!
Share your hours and accessibility. Or, share how to purchase gift certificates. Are you offering a special deal - let the community know!
Now, more than ever is the time to use your Chamber benefits - including the posting of Hot Deals. Log into your membership area and add your deal!
Questions? We are here to help! We may be working remotely, but we are happy to talk with you or answer your emails. We'll send you a link to set up a new password, too, if you have forgotten.
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Hey everyone! It is time to Take 5!
Our members may be one of the best resources anyone can ask for. They are experts in their fields and have a wealth of information to share. Check out
these tips
from Jamie Saam of
Local Connect
and
Bulldog Plumbing
.
We are excited to announce that we are sharing short, informational videos our members have happily created for you. Watch our
Facebook page
on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the latest videos!
We'd love to share your Take 5 video with our members, too.
Let us know if you'd like to make one. Keep in mind, they are informational only and should be under five minutes. What expertise can you share?
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Launching soon!
The public has asked for it - and we're making it happen. Batavia Chamber Bucks will become a reality when businesses are back up and running after the COVID-19 pandemic disruption. Please contact us now to be added to the participating businesses spreadsheet. Call 630-879-7134 or email
margaret@bataviachamber.org
to learn more and sign up!
There is no cost for businesses to accept Batavia Chamber Bucks. Help us get the word out to all Batavia businesses by sharing this information. Thank you for joining the program and/or sharing this news. We are excited to get this started!
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So far, the outpouring of support from the community to help others in need has been truly inspiring. Batavia United Way, ChipIn Batavia and the Interfaith Food Pantry are working together to take care of Batavians during this COVID-19 pandemic. This is one way to help.
Because of the stay at home directive, the drop off location was changed. Instead, please take your donations to the north entrance of Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Street. (Police station entrance.)
Thank you for helping!
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We urge you to support all businesses as best you can! Even if they are currently closed, you may be able to purchase gift certificates to use in the future. Click the links or photos below to access these spreadsheets.
Click here
to view a fun, useful interactive map - Find It Batavia!
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Let's Keep the Campaign Going!
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The goal of this campaign is to raise money to buy food from our Batavia restaurants and deliver it to our amazing front-line workers at our hospitals, urgent care centers, blood donation centers, retirement homes, fire departments, police departments, and more.
Donate
here
.
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Members in the News and Local Happenings
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Batavia RSVP - Retired Senior Volunteer Program temporarily shut down on March 16. Dealing with senior clients for rides, smoke detectors, etc. is too risky for our mostly senior volunteers. Everyone, including clients, are very understanding given the circumstances. The prescription medicine or Medical Assistance Program (MAP) administered through Osco is still going, thankfully, for low-income seniors. Information about Batavia RSVP can be found at
bataviarsvp.org
.
Read more
.
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The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley (CFFRV) reminds Kane County residents that, though the new COVID-19 Grantmaking Program established with other local funders does not support individuals, residents in need have another option - 211.
Read the entire press release
.
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Like United Way organizations across the country, Batavia United Way (BUW) has set up a community fund dedicated to ensuring all children, families, individuals, and senior citizens at risk have the resources they need to weather the COVID-19 storm. This fund is dedicated to Batavians and will provide added support to the agencies throughout the Fox Valley area that we are leaning on during this crisis. These agencies are experts in their fields and committed to their missions. For example, this week alone, 23 Batavia senior citizens signed up for Meals on Wheels through Kane Senior Council for the first time as they shelter at home. Batavia United Way will help offset this new enrollment.
Read the entire release.
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The Holmstad is looking for homemade masks for certain staff members and residents to wear. They let us know that if any of you are crafty and making masks, they could use them!
We imagine other area senior living facilities could use some, too. Thank you for sharing your sewing expertise and donations.
Contact Amanda Slaiher at The Holmstad via
email
or by calling (630) 879-4000.
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Construction on the Batavia Boardwalk Shops Begins
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Promising a unique addition to the corner of Wilson and Route 25, construction began this week on the Batavia Boardwalk Shops. This community project will bring a new concept to shopping in downtown Batavia!
With a targeted opening of late May, eight different small businesses will occupy these community-built shops.
The vendors have been chosen.They include: Haylie B’s Bakery, Unboring Granola, Dash Ten Works, Kiki Bowls, Desmond Brown Design, Larson Pet Boutique, The Other Six, and Light & Pine.
Photos courtesy of Batavia Chamber Ambassador Sarah Vogelsinger. Thank you, Sarah!
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Governor Pritzker Launches All in Illinois Campaign
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The Governor launched the
All In Illinois
campaign, to remind residents of our state to stay home, stay safe and stay healthy. On the
All In Illinois website
, you will find a tool kit of key messaging, social profile templates and downloadable posters for you and your family, neighbors, employees, members and constituents. Please share this toolkit with your email lists and share through social channels so that this message gets to as many people as possible.
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Rescheduled!
New date: Friday, August 28
Watch for more details in the future.
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The deadline to apply is extended to Thursday, April 30
.
Applications available
here
.
Batavia employers - this is a great benefit to share with your BPS 101 seniors who work for you!
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Reminder! Census Forms Have Been Mailed.
Fill Yours Out Today!
Every Person Counts.
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Batavia Chamber of Commerce | (630) 879-7134 | Shirley
@BataviaChamber.org |www.BataviaChamber.org
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