March 13, 2023 Weekly Digest

Chairman's Circle Members
Happenings in and around the Chamber!

Welcome to Our New Member!



Brighten Counseling & Wellness

If the name Donna Dallesasse sounds familiar, it should! We give a Donna Dallesasse Award every year, kind of our equivalent to a chamber member of the year designation. We found this informative clipping in our archival dig, so this week we'll share a few tidbits about administering the Chamber.


Donna was the fifth professional administrator for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, but the first with the title "Executive Director." Prior to her accepting the role in October 1983, various people held the title of "professional administrator."


There was also a period of time between 1960 and 1983 when there wasn't any person tasked with professionally administrating the Chamber. Instead, the board of directors worked alongside an executive secretary to take "care of the business of the Chamber."


Three people followed in Donna's footsteps as Executive Director. When Holly Deitchman took over in February 2014, the position was renamed President and CEO. In 2019 Margaret Perreault became the new president and CEO, becoming the 10th professional Batavia Chamber administrator.

Do you have a story or photo that you'd like to share? We'd love to see it! Please send it to shirley@bataviachamber.org. Thank you!

Join us on Wednesday - No Registration Necessary!

Rumor has it that new member DAMO BBQ will also provide food, along with Fernando's Street Kitchen. Yum!


Congratulations to Jennifer Zack -

Our February Ambassador of the Month!

Jennifer is the engaging owner of Welcome Home Batavia & North Aurora. Her welcoming attitude is evidenced as she interacts with fellow attendees at the many Chamber events she attends. You’ll also find her supporting new businesses and members at ribbon cutting ceremonies. Beyond her Chamber affiliation, she supports many area nonprofits as a faithful volunteer. Jenny is in her ninth year as being an ambassador and we are thankful that she continues to bolster our members.


As the owner of a greeting service, she welcomes new residents of Batavia and North Aurora, introducing them to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, our community and area businesses. She is proud to call this area home and presents partner businesses to these newcomers with a smile. Give her a call to learn how she can present your organization to those looking to make Batavia and North Aurora their home.


Jenny’s continual effort is valued and deeply appreciated by our members, the Board of Directors, and Chamber staff. Thank you for all you do to support the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and the community!

Mark Your Calendars!

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings!

All are welcome - please join us!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Precisely Practical at Batavia Chamber Office, 106 W. Wilson Street, Batavia at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21


Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Fox Valley Hands of Hope, 200 Whitfield Drive, Geneva at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 28

What's in Kane County's Future?

Find out where we are today and where we are headed to in this virtual town hall meeting on Friday! Register today to receive the Zoom link.

Job & Volunteer Fair at the Batavia Public Library


Saturday, April 8 - 10:30 a.m. to Noon


Bring your resume and get ready to meet local businesses and organizations from the Fox Valley area that are looking for seasonal or part-time employees!


Are you a business or volunteer organization?


Get more information and fill out a form HERE to reserve a table! Space requests are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Once space is filled, no more applications will be accepted. 


Created by the Libraries of the Fox Valley.

New members - this will be especially helpful to you!

Space is limited - register today.

Registration is Now Open!

Sponsorships are going quickly; email Patti Anselme at patti@bataviachamber.org to reserve yours today.

Congratulations to Guardian Radon Mitigation and Construction Services!

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce was excited to celebrate new Batavia Chamber member Guardian Radon Mitigation and Construction Services with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, March 6. The event was held in the lobby of the Batavia Chamber’s office, 106 W. Wilson St. in Batavia. Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke presided over the celebration, along with the owner and Batavia resident, Michael Christerson. Also attending were Michele Morgan, public relations and marketing for Guardian.


Guardian Radon Mitigation & Construction Services provides expert-level installation of radon mitigation systems for home, remodeling or new construction projects. The west suburban company can also repair existing systems and activate passive and/or skeletal systems. Guardian is fully licensed as both a radon mitigator and electrician. More information about Guardian Radon Mitigation and Construction Services can be found by visiting the website guardianservices.biz. You can also check out their Facebook page. Contact Mike and his team by calling (630) 417-4038 or email Mike@guardianservices.biz.

Congratulations to Smarty Pants Café!

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce was excited to celebrate new Batavia business and chamber member Smarty Pants Café with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, March 7. The event was held at the café’s location, 817 N. Randall Road in Batavia. Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke presided over the celebration, along with the owner Michael Kandah.


The Smarty Pants Café concept fulfills Michael Kandah’s vision to bring together people who want a neighborhood spot to drop-by, listen, talk, and participate in group science discussions and events. When searching for a location, the proximity to Fermilab was a draw for Mike. The coffee shop features Caffé Umbria coffee, various hot and cold teas and other beverages as well as a number of healthy snack options. During the ribbon cutting, Mike unveiled a 3’ x 5’ photo from the James Webb deep space telescope images collection as part of the shop’s science-related décor and focus. More information about Smarty Pants Café can be found by visiting the website smartypantscafe.com. Current hours are Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also check out their Facebook page or contact Mike by calling (312) 730-5422.

All of the ribbon cutting photos from last week are courtesy of Lori Botterman, communications manager with the City of Batavia. Thank you!

Click here to apply!

News and Updates from Our Members

Egg Hop Returns to Downtown Batavia


Grab your Easter Basket and hop on down for the annual Downtown Batavia Egg Hop brought to you by Batavia Mainstreet and the Congregational Church of Batavia. Held in Downtown Batavia on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Egg Hop is sure to be a great time.  Read the entire press release.

Upcoming Business & Community Events

Virtual General Information Volunteer Meeting | CASA Kane County


Coffee Club with Edward Jones


Into the Woods (musical) at the Paramount Theatre


Worship at the Table - Every Wednesday


Soups On! Batavia United Way's Soup Tasting Returns


St. Patrick's Sip & Paint


Prom Dress Giveaway


Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Groups


Countryside's Spring Opening


Toolbox Talk for Dementia Caregivers


Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt


Hands Around the Courthouse - Child Abuse Awareness Month


Teen Job and Volunteer Fair


Easter Brunch at Prairie Landing Golf Club

Platinum Members


Connect with our community partners! Sign up for their e-newsletters:


City of Batavia

Batavia Public Library

Batavia Public School District 101

Batavia Park District

Batavia MainStreet

Batavia Parks Foundation


Batavia Chamber of Commerce | (630) 879-7134 | Shirley@BataviaChamber.org |www.BataviaChamber.org

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