News
City of Batavia and Batavia Public Schools Open New Level 3 EV Fast Charging Stations at Batavia High School
BATAVIA, Ill. – The City of Batavia and Batavia Public Schools District 101 have opened four new Level 3 electric vehicle EV fast chargers at Batavia High School, now available for public use. The project was funded in part by a $320,000 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Driving a Cleaner Illinois Grant, administered under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The funding, secured by the City of Batavia Electric Utility, supports the installation and maintenance of publicly available EV charging
Turn Customers Into Champions: Smart Referral Strategies for Small Businesses
You’ve just delivered great service. Your customer is happy — maybe even thrilled. But what happens next? Too often, small business owners focus all their energy on customer acquisition while underutilizing their most powerful growth engine: existing satisfied customers. A well-executed referral strategy doesn't just bring in leads — it builds community trust and amplifies your reputation in ways paid ads never could.Why Referrals Matter — Especially Now Referrals consistently rank among the most
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Witches Flock to Downtown Batavia on October 17
Batavia, IL – Step into the magic and mystery at Witches Night Out on Thursday, October 17, from 5–7:30 PM in downtown Batavia. Last year, hundreds of witches flew downtown to enjoy this fun and festive evening—and this year promises even more enchantment!Kick off the night with a Dance of Witches performance by the Batavia Women’s Club at 5 PM and enjoy tarot readings by Annie Hex, exclusive raffles, and a Best Witch Costume Contest. Guests are encouraged to dress in their witchiest best for an evening
Enjoy Fun Fall Family Time at S'mores & More on October 4
Article by: Abbey MondiBATAVIA – There are three things you need for a perfect fall day: hotdogs, hayrides and S’mores! The family favorite Batavia Park District event S’mores & More returns on Oct. 4 at West Main Community Park. The event runs from noon to 2:30 p.m. and is packed with festive fall activities.Wagon rides through the park’s fall foliage start at noon and will run throughout the event. Families will also enjoy a creative fall craft, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house and a
ALLEN+PEPA ARCHITECTS- Designing Lasting Value!
Allen+Pepa Architects is excited to be involved in numerous projects throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond. Currently under construction, we have designed new office and work space for MSI Express, a large food processing company relocating to a 300,000 sf facility in Geneva. We also have several new daycare facilities ready to break ground in Seattle, WA and Omaha, NE and are working with a daycare provider on a prototype plan that will be used for multiple facilities throughout the United States. We
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Batavia Boardwalk Shops 2026 Applications Open October 1
Batavia MainStreet is now accepting applications for the 2026 season of the popular and well-established Batavia Boardwalk Shops, a unique small business incubator in Downtown Batavia. Applications are due January 15, 2026.Now entering its seventh season, the program continues to be admired for fostering small business growth and drawing visitors to downtown Batavia. The 2026 season aims to elevate offerings even further, seeking businesses that will attract shoppers and enhance the downtown
Launch of Quinn Design-Build Inc. Marks New Leadership and Continuation of 30+ Year Commitment to Fox Valley Construction Market
St. Charles, IL, September 25, 2025 – Quinn Design-Build Inc. (QDBI), formerly known as Schramm Construction Corporation, today announced a full rebrand that reflects a new chapter of growth, innovation, and community investment. With more than 30 years of trusted construction experience in the Fox Valley region, the company is evolving to meet today’s needs with a collaborative, design-build approach that is rooted in partnerships, trust, and lasting results. “This launch is about more than a new name –
Vanguard Gifted Academy Launches Free Community Math Circle to Inspire Young Learners
BATAVIA, IL – September 23, 2025 – Vanguard Gifted Academy is excited to announce the launch of its new community Math Circle, a free program designed to make mathematics accessible, fun, and engaging for all elementary school students. The inaugural event will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:10 a.m. to 12:12 p.m. at Vanguard Gifted Academy, located in Batavia, Illinois. The Math Circle is a unique, hands-on program that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. It focuses on
Batavia High School Receives Top Honor from the Illinois Art Education Association
The Illinois Art Education Association has recognized Batavia High School as a School of Distinction for the third time. Batavia High School is one of only five schools receiving this prestigious award.These recognitions celebrate schools with rigorous programs in art, design, and media education. To earn the School of Distinction Award, Batavia High School evidenced practices directly reflecting the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, Illinois Fine Arts and Media Standards, and Social-Emotional
Batavia Chamber of Commerce to Honor Richard Clark at October’s Chamber Cheers Event
2025 Winner of the Donna Dallesasse AwardThe Batavia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2025 Donna Dallesasse Award winner is Richard Clark, founder and director of Area Code Audio and host of the popular podcast Area Code: Batavia.Every year, the Batavia Chamber holds a fall celebration to gather community members together to recognize one Chamber member who has displayed an outstanding commitment and dedication to the Chamber’s mission, vision, and values. This member is honored as the
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Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry And Clothes Closet Moves to New Permanent Location
BATAVIA, Ill. (Sept. 16, 2025) – The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet will officially move to its new permanent home at the end of September. Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1, the organization will serve clients at 916 First Street, Batavia. This relocation was made possible through a $3 million Community Project Funding Grant, secured with the assistance of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. The new facility features approximately 14,000 square feet, including offices, expanded storage,
Vanguard Gifted Academy to Host Quarterly Showcase Night, Invites Community and Media to Witness Student Innovation
BATAVIA, IL – September 15, 2025 – Vanguard Gifted Academy invites the community and local media to its annual Showcase Night on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This inspiring event will feature students presenting their projects, inventions, and research, offering a direct look at how a personalized education model empowers gifted children to become confident, creative, and analytical problem-solvers.Showcase Night is a pivotal event for students to share their work with an authentic
New Batavia First Pour Fridays monthly wine tasting series kicks off the weekend
BATAVIA, IL –Raise a glass and cheer the start of the weekend at First Pour Fridays, Batavia Park District’s new monthly wine tasting series in the Sky Loft room at the newly opened Patrick J. Callahan Community Center. The first tasting will be on Sept. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. First Pour Fridays will continue with tastings from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 7. Cost is $20 if registered in advance and $25 at the door. To register in advance, visit
Vibrant ‘City of Good Energy’ Mural Coming to Downtown Batavia
Batavia, IL — The Batavia Public Art Initiative (BPAI), a subcommittee of Water Street Studios, has announced an exciting new public art installation: The City of Good Energy mural, soon to be painted on the south wall of The Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia.Designed by muralist and art educator Amy Decker of Hinkley-Big Rock High School, the mural was selected from more than 30 artist submissions in a highly competitive process. The installation will take place in September 2025 through a
Concert in the Park with the Batavia Community Band
The Batavia Community Band will be hosting two “Concerts in the Park” in 2025. One takes place on Sunday, Sept. 7, with the second one on Sunday, Oct. 5. Both begin at 3 p.m. at the Peg Bond Center on the Batavia Riverwalk. In case of bad weather, the concerts will be held in the Council Chambers at Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island St., next to the Riverwalk. These concerts will consist of music from many different genres, including marches and Broadway show tunes, as well as a dusting of a little
SciTech Awarded Microsoft Community Empowerment Grant to Provide STEM Programming at Plano Community Library District
Batavia & Plano, IL – August 11, 2025 — SciTech is proud to announce it has been awarded the Microsoft Community Empowerment Grant through the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. This generous grant will fund a new partnership with Plano Community Library District, bringing monthly STEMshops to children in Plano and the surrounding area. These hands-on STEM workshops, designed and led by SciTech’s experienced educators, will offer children the opportunity to explore science, technology,
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New Depot Museum Exhibit Tells Batavia’s Story through Quirky and Unique Objects
Article by: Abbey MondiBATAVIA – A grenade. A foot prosthesis. A painted mannequin. These are some of the quirkier items from the Batavia Historical Society's collection now on display at the Batavia Depot Museum, a facility of Batavia Park District.The new fall exhibit “Uncovered: Quirks and Curiosities of the Batavia Historical Society” opened on July 26, and will run through Nov. 23 with an opening reception on Friday, Aug. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. What do a wreath made of human hair and an Italian chair
Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners Awards $2,000 Scholarship to Graduating High School Senior, Abigail Ingersoll
The Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners congratulate Abigail Ingersoll, a graduating Batavia High School senior, for being selected for the scholarship, valued at $2000, which will support her further education and personal growth as she embarks on her college journey at Iowa State University. Abigail is planning to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Research or Horticulture.Ms. Ingersoll, a graduating senior at Batavia High School, was highly recommended by several of her teachers because of her
Your Brand Is What It Appears to Be
Every small business is selling two things: the actual product or service, and the way people feel about it. Trust doesn’t bloom in a vacuum—it grows out of consistency, personality, and attention to visual cues. Whether it’s a logo, color scheme, font choice, or even the texture of packaging, visual branding has a way of speaking long before words ever do. For small business owners, getting this right isn’t about copying the look of larger brands—it’s about creating something that feels like it could
Dressing the Digital Window: How Local Boutiques Can Win with Stunning Visuals Online
In the battle for attention online, local boutiques often feel like they're shouting into a canyon while big-box retailers and algorithm-trained influencers echo louder with every scroll. Yet the digital space doesn’t only reward the loudest—it rewards the best visuals. For small, independent boutiques, elevating their aesthetic presence online isn’t just about keeping up appearances; it’s about building identity, trust, and emotional resonance with the customer who’s looking for something that feels
Batavia Chamber of Commerce Kicks Off Chamber Eats
The ongoing program will feature a different Batavia Chamber restaurant member each month. Batavia, IL – The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to launch Chamber Eats, a new program designed to highlight our local restaurant members and encourage the community to support them. Each month, the Batavia Chamber will feature a different Chamber-member restaurant. Diners can enter a drawing for $25 in Chamber Bucks and a $25 restaurant gift card by dropping a business card or contact information card
FinCEN Requires Batavia, IL Businesses to File BOI Reports by 01/01/2025: Avoid $500 Daily Penalties
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses in Batavia, IL, to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports with FinCEN by January 1, 2025, to improve transparency and deter financial misconduct. As of today, 11-26-2024, Batavia business owners have 36 calendar days (or 27 business days) left to submit their BOI reports to FinCEN—act promptly to avoid fines of $500 per day. Action Steps for Compliance1. Confirm If Your Business Must File Deadline: ASAP"Reporting companies"
Real Estate Success Begins with Smarter Client Engagement
Success in real estate hinges on skillfully managing both operations and client relationships. Complex documentation and shifting client expectations are constant demands in this field. Yet, these challenges can open doors for growth and efficiency when approached strategically. With a focus on optimizing operations, there’s potential to streamline processes and deepen client trust. Embracing effective strategies helps create lasting connections that drive ongoing success.Revolutionizing Real Estate
Empower Your LLC with the Right Business Banking Choices
Starting an LLC is a defining step that carries a lot of energy and promise. A crucial decision early on is opening a business bank account tailored to your needs. This decision extends beyond separating personal and business funds—it can unlock several opportunities that drive your LLC forward. Access to modern banking tools and services plays a vital role in navigating the complexities of managing business finances. Thoughtful banking choices provide the foundation for long-term growth and financial
Boss Moves: How Adobe Acrobat Helps Women Entrepreneurs Get It Done
Being an entrepreneur is all about juggling, innovating, and growing—but what if you had a secret weapon to make it easier? Enter Adobe Acrobat, a powerful ally that streamlines your day-to-day, helping you work smarter while leaving more room for what truly drives your business forward. This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the ways Adobe Acrobat is empowering women entrepreneurs to elevate their hustle, simplify workflows, and realize bigger dreams. Acrobat AI Assistant: Check out
Create a Future-Ready Business by Switching to a Paperless Workflow
Imagine a world where your desk isn’t cluttered with towering stacks of paper, where finding a document takes seconds instead of hours, and where your business operations flow smoothly without manual errors and inefficiencies. Transitioning your business to a paperless workflow can make this a reality. This digital transformation not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with sustainable practices, reducing your carbon footprint. By leveraging modern technology, you can secure your data and
