Contributed photo | www.bataviachamber.org
Contributed photo | www.bataviachamber.org
Batavia Chamber of Commerce recently issued the following announcement.
Mid-August and back to school...already! Our merchants are beginning to showcase fall décor and clothing.
New Grants
On Friday, the Batavia Chamber sent all members information about new grant opportunities. In case you missed the email, here is a brief synopsis.
Illinois announced a new $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 will be distributed on a rolling basis, based on the losses sustained. Click here for Eligibility Guidelines information. Complete grant information can be found here. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions. If you need assistance, we do have local contacts for people to help you with the application.
Another opportunity for some of our members is the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program. Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), tourism and festival businesses and entities can submit for grants of up to $1 million that may be used to establish and enhance tourism attractions or festivals planned for this year or next. For complete information regarding the NOFO, click here.
We will continue to share other grant opportunities for our members as we learn of them.
Survey for Businesses
As the COVID Delta variant has increased the current numbers of positive cases throughout Illinois, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce is requesting local chambers to ask members to take a survey. Their purpose is to gauge by region how employers and businesses are handling the uncertainty as things change daily and weekly. You do not need to supply any contact information. Once the survey closes on August 31st, we will be sent the results and will share with you. Please use this link through Constant Contact to access the survey questions.
Mayor's Weekly Update
Many of you enjoy these updates; here is a link to watch the video recorded on Friday, August 13. In it, he mentioned several things currently going on in Batavia, including the discussion about the Fox River Corridor project - Challenge dam removal. We also appreciate his mentioning our ribbon cuttings and the interesting businesses who are calling Batavia home! Speaking of ribbon cuttings, we have more on the calendar; join us in welcoming these businesses!
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. Make certain you check the calendars regularly!
As always, we are now, and will be in the future, here for you.
Most sincerely,
Margaret, Patti and Shirley
Your Batavia Chamber of Commerce Staff
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is manning the beer tent at the Windmill City Festival on Saturday, August 28. Our share of the proceeds and all tips received during our scheduled time will benefit the Batavia Chamber's Inspire Scholarship Fund.
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!
We are again partnering with Town Square Publications to publish our Community Guide for 2022!
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Mark Your Calendars and Join Us!
Please join us on Wednesday for another Net-Working It and help support TriCity Family Services!
Save the Date!
Harvest Celebration takes place on Wednesday, October 6 outdoors at the Oscar Swan Country Inn. Sponsorships are available; contact patti@bataviachamber.org for more information or to reserve your sponsorship.
Congratulations to Kings and Queens Children's Academy!
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce was delighted to celebrate the opening of Batavia Chamber member Kings & Queens Children’s Academy with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 12. The childcare service is located at 929 E. Wilson Street in Batavia and is now accepting applications for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke presided over the celebration, along with academy owners Mary and David Ojo.
Kings & Queens Children’s Academy is brightly decorated and is a place for living, exploring, and growing. The dedicated staff is excited to provide all children with quality care in a homey, safe and stimulating environment. Transportation to and from grade school is offered; contact them for more information. This childcare academy is open Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more about Kings & Queens Children’s Academy and register children to attend by visiting their website, https://kqchildrenacademy.com/. Or call them at (630) 425-3164.
Congratulations to BarnWood & BeesWax!
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce was delighted to celebrate the opening of Batavia Chamber member BarnWood & BeesWax with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Friday, August 13. The home décor store is located at 14 N. Island Avenue in Batavia and is filled with hand-crafted furniture, repurposed items, hand-poured candles, antiques and... chocolate! Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke presided over the celebration, along with shop owners Joe and Kristin Goulakos.
Besides décor and chocolate, BarnWood & BeesWax carries Fusion mineral paints and finishes. If you are looking for custom walls, shelving, and furniture fabrication, they can help with this, too. Regular hours for the boutique are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Find out the latest by following their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BarnWoodandBeeswax.
Are you running low on Chamber Bucks?
You can restock anytime!
They are perfect for friends, family, teachers, coaches, colleagues, employees...everyone!
We update our list of participating merchants as we receive new merchants. Do you want to add your business? Call (630) 879-7134.
Stop by the office to purchase your Chamber Bucks today!
News and Updates from Our Members
The Batavia Mothers’ Club Foundation (BMCF) is hosting an open house on Tuesday, August 31st at Bar Evolution in downtown Batavia (27 N. River St.) from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. This is a casual way to get to know more about the club, the club’s mission, and the women within the club. Read the entire press release to learn more.
New sessions of the Business Growth Foundations and Academy with the Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College are starting in September. Learn more about these free programs and how to apply here.
Can you help?
Donations for Batavia Apartments can be dropped off in the box in our lobby!
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