For those businesses and residents affected by the tornado on June 21, 2021, the SBA is offering disaster assistance. A Disaster Loan Outreach Center opened in DuPage County (Woodridge) on Tuesday, July 20. Customer service is available at this location through Thursday, July 29 at 5 p.m. A fact sheet and press release with more details - including address and service hours - can be accessed via this link.

Many of you enjoy these updates; here is a link to watch the video recorded on Friday, July 23. In it, he commented about upcoming community events, including Cocktails in the Park, which takes place on Saturday, July 31. Contact Batavia MainStreet for information and tickets.

We continually update our home page, bataviachamber.org when new resources and information comes out. Also, check our calendar for new events from us and the community. With summer heating up, there are many great new events from the community and our members. Make certain you check the calendars regularly!

Margaret Perreault, president and CEO, met with Chris Linden, editor of the Northwest Quarterly Magazine in June. The resulting story is featured in the business section of the Summer 2021 Elite edition. Read it here.

Later in June, Orrin Schwarz, editor of the Daily Herald Business Ledger, interviewed Shirley Mott, communications and membership coordinator for the Batavia Chamber. The story's focus is on ribbon cuttings this summer, and chambers in general, following the pandemic shutdown. You can read this story here.

We need trained volunteers from 4:30 to 11 p.m. Two shifts are available: 4:30 to 7:45 p.m. (at least 17 volunteers) or 7:30 to 11 p.m. (at least 20 volunteers). Learn more and sign up to help on our Sign Up Genius page. This is great fun and benefits our Scholarship Fund, so please join us!

Events are continually added, so keep checking our website calendar of events for updates.

Batavia Women in Business is excited to invite you to attend this fantastic event. Bring plenty of business cards and marketing materials and join us in August. Because of the format, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Make certain you register by Friday, August 5th!

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Salon By The River, under new management, at 29 S. River St., Batavia with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event took place on Friday, July 23.

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke presided over the celebration, along with salon manager, Tiffani Johannsen, who is also the owner of Nails by Tiffani. Among the well-wishers were her family and salon professionals, including Maggie Mastenbrook and Sue Heidelberg. Other attendees were Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber; Beth Walker, executive director of Batavia MainStreet; Shirley Mott, Batavia Chamber communications and membership coordinator; Chamber ambassadors and friends.

The Salon by the River is a boutique hair and nail salon located in the heart of downtown Batavia. After moving her own business here in 2019, Ms. Johannsen took over management of the shop in 2020. The Salon by the River was started by women who wanted the ability to control their own work schedule, make money and keep the money they earn, all while doing what they love. Chair rental and an incubator program are available. Visit their website, salonbytheriver.com to learn more or call (630) 862-1678.

We update our list of participating merchants as we receive new merchants. Do you want to add your business? Call (630) 879-7134.