December 4, 2023 Weekly Digest

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

Make Your Wish for Batavia!


Our windows are decked out and reflect our theme of Wishes for Batavia. We even added a tree for you to leave YOUR wish for Batavia!


Stop by our Community Wishing Tree in front of our office, 106 W. Wilson Street, anytime to make your wish for Batavia. Use our tags or bring your own. EVERYONE is welcome to make a wish Let's send some joy and good wishes to the Batavia Community this holiday season!


Special thanks to Abbey Farms for donating a tree and to Mary McHugh for her beautiful artistry on our wishing tags!

Congratulations to Kathy Barkei, Our November Ambassador of the Month!

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the November Ambassador of the Month is Kathy Barkei! Kathy has a deep love for this town and is always willing to volunteer her time whenever needed. Besides volunteering as an ambassador, Kathy is committed to the Batavia Women in Business, serving on the group's planning council. She heads the philanthropy focus and always leads the effort to gather donations for the group's annual December Holiday Luncheon. She is always ready to jump in to help us with event registration and making calls on our behalf each month to Batavia Chamber members. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated person as one of our ambassadors.


Kathy grew up in Batavia, so she knows and is committed to it, which helps with her successful real estate business, Kathy Barkei Team, Fox Valley Real Estate. Thank you, Kathy, for your continued efforts for the Chamber and the community. Your efforts are appreciated and highly valued by the Board of Directors, Chamber staff and membership! 

New Timely Event Just Added!


There are new state and federal laws that every employer needs to be aware of. How will they affect your business? Register today for Wednesday's event.

Dreams Can Come True - Informational Event is Wednesday!


We're going to Italy and you're invited - it's the ultimate stocking stuffer. Renew your passport and make plans to travel to Italy next October! Get more information at our informational event via Zoom on Wednesday, December 6 at 4 p.m. - register here!

It's the most wonderful luncheon of the year, and you don't want to miss it!


Registration closes on Friday, December 8, so sign up today. Bring new, unwrapped toys for the Batavia Access Toy Drive and gift cards for Batavia United Way's Adopt A Family and the Batavia Access Toy Drive. Lots of raffle baskets to "shop" and a wine pull, with all proceeds benefitting these two wonderful projects. Join us for festive fun!

Holiday Bucks are Sold Out. Thank you everyone - this means that at least $10,000 can flow into our more than 110 businesses who accept Chamber Bucks!


We still have plenty of regular Chamber Bucks to purchase. Who is still on your gift-giving list? Teachers, coaches, parents, stocking stuffers...


Businesses, if you aren't on the list to accept Chamber Bucks, contact us and we will fill you in on how to accept them and add your business to the list. Email [email protected] or give us a call at (630) 879-7134!

Have You Ordered your Batavia Community Flag?


The flags and stickers are in stock at the Chamber office. Click here to order!

Batavia Chamber of Commerce's Inspire Scholarships are Now Open for Applications!


The four scholarships, worth $1,000 each, are motivated by the makeup of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce membership. Please encourage Batavia Public High School Seniors to apply. Access the applications here.

News and Updates from Our Members

Small Biz Cash Blitz Returns to Downtown Batavia: A Night of Community Support and Financial Boost for Local Businesses


 Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, contributing to the vibrancy and resilience of our local economy. Yet, the challenges they face are real, with 43% of small businesses reporting that they are just 3-6 months away from having to close their doors. In an effort to fortify and uplift these essential enterprises, Start Something Studio is thrilled to announce the return of the Small Biz Cash Blitz on December 11th at Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia. Read the entire press release.

Batavia Maker Jenni Zielke with Illuminate Space Inducted into Illinois Made Program


Batavia MainStreet and the City of Batavia are pleased to announce that Illuminate Space was inducted into Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois Made Program this November. Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, elected officials, and industry leaders to announce 48 small businesses added to their program. Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of local businesses that exemplify the authentic experiences and innovative products that make Illinois an incredible destination to explore for residents and visitors alike. Read the entire press release. Photo credit: April Duda Photography

Batavia High School Announces 2024-25 Illinois State Scholars


Illinois Student Assistance Commission congratulates 76 Batavia High School students for their outstanding academic performance


Batavia High School Principal Dr. JoAnne Smith is pleased to announce that 76 students from the Batavia High School graduating class of 2024 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. A List of the BHS Scholars can be found at bhs.bps101.net/news.


The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, nearly 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958. Read the entire press release.

Batavia Boardwalk Shops Seeks Applications for 2024 Season


Applications for the popular Batavia business incubator spaces are due by January 31, 2024  

 

If you have a budding business and want to propel it to the next level, Batavia MainStreet invites you to apply for one of their 10,12x12 Batavia Boardwalk Shops spaces available. The cluster of tiny shops is located on the corner of Wilson and River Streets in Batavia. Applications are due by January 31, 2024 and are available on the Batavia Mainstreet website, https://downtownbatavia.com/business_category/boardwalk-shops/. Read the entire press release. Photo credit: April Duda Photography.

Upcoming Business & Community Events

Deck the Halls at Bardwell Residences


Winter Cheer & Christmas Joy at Abbey Farms


Fox Valley Youth Orchestra Presents "The Fall Concert"


Fox Valley Youth Chorus Presents "The Fall Concert"


Coffee Club at Edward Jones, Williamsburg Avenue


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Musical) at The Paramount Theatre


CASA Kane County General Information Volunteer Meeting (Virtual)


DAMO BBQ Pop Up at Fernando's Street Kitchen


Galactic Breakfast with Santa


Ho! Ho! Ho! Join Santa for Breakfast at Abbey Farms


Christmas Around the World Luncheons at Oscar Swan Inn


Free Live Nativity


Holiday Craft Event at Prairie Landing


Fox Valley Brass Band Presents "Holiday Traditions"


Songs & Light Community Christmas Service


Small Biz Cash Blitz Presented by Start Something Studio


New Moon: Connecting to Your Purpose Workshop


Mom'Mas Sip and Shop


Santa Brunch at Prairie Landing Golf Club


Fox Valley Orchestra & Orchestra Chorus Present "Sing Along Messiah"


Check out the many more events posted on our Community Calendar!

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 | [email protected] |www.BataviaChamber.org

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