Batavia Chamber of Commerce to Honor Richard Clark at October’s Chamber Cheers Event

2025 Winner of the Donna Dallesasse Award

The 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 annual Donna Dallesasse Award recipient.

Richard Clark quickly became a recognizable and enthusiastic presence in the Chamber after joining. He immediately jumped in as a Chamber Ambassador and is a familiar face at events, always showing up to support, connect, and build meaningful relationships. According to a nomination letter from Jamie Saam of Bulldog Plumbing, he has also elevated the business community with his creative work through Area Code: Batavia.

Launched in February 2024 with its first episode featuring Limestone Coffee & Tea, Area Code: Batavia has since produced 43 episodes, reaching more than 5,000 unique listeners, with 350 regular subscribers. The podcast not only highlights local businesses such as Beardsgaard Barbers, Bocaditos, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, Start Something Studio, Red Hive Market, and many others, but also provides them a unique marketing platform, according to Saam.

“We are thrilled to recognize Richard Clark as this year’s Donna Dallesasse Award recipient. Richard embodies the Chamber’s mission with his energy, creativity, and commitment to highlighting our business community,” stated Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. “Through Area Code: Batavia, he has given countless Chamber members a voice and a stage, while also creating a sense of connection and pride for our entire town. Richard’s passion for Batavia is contagious, and we are so fortunate to have him as both a member and an ambassador for the Chamber.”

Richard Clark reflected on receiving the honor:

“I’m a Batavia transplant who was looking for ways to feel a sense of belonging and investment in Batavia. Two years later, I found that and so much more because of the way this town has embraced Area Code: Batavia,” said Richard. “I’m honored to receive the Donna Dallesasse Award and encouraged by the many ways our town and the Batavia Chamber continue to embrace and encourage those of us who are looking to build a sense of connection among fellow Batavians.”

Richard Clark becomes the 19th recipient of the Donna Dallesasse Award at Chamber Cheers on Thursday, Oct. 2. Chamber members and the public are invited to join us as we toast Richard and other honorees at Grainology Brewstillery, 1131 Flinn St., Batavia, beginning at 6 p.m.

At Chamber Cheers, we will also present Membership Milestone Awards. Three members will be recognized for 70 years of membership: the City of Batavia, Batavia Public School District 101, and Shaw Media. Kon Printing will receive a 50-Year Award, while the Daily Herald and Kathy Barkei Team Fox Valley Real Estate will be honored for 30 years of membership. Along with applauding all milestone awardees, we’ll celebrate the Georgene Kauth O’Dwyer Ambassador of the Year honoree, Dave Purdy of McNally’s Heating and Cooling.

Tickets to Chamber Cheers cost $50 per person, which includes heavy appetizers and live music by The Old Fashioneds. A cash bar will be available and casual attire is encouraged. Registration is required. To secure your spot, please call (630) 879-7134 or visit bataviachamber.org/events.

Select sponsorships are still available, including an unlimited number of Chamber Cheer(s) Leader for $250 each. For more information, contact Patti Anselme, special events coordinator, at (630) 879-7134, Ext. 3, or patti@bataviachamber.org .