A Bountiful Thank You - Geneva Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
A Bountiful Thank You - Geneva Chamber of Commerce
Volume 106, Issue 8 November 2015 Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter A Bountiful Thank You It is the season to be thankful for what we have and at the Chamber we are so thankful, at every festival, for our sponsors, our merchants and members for in-kind donations and services, our restaurants, our hard-working volunteers, Kane County and the City of Geneva. Much gratitude goes out for our most recent festival, Festival of the Vine. The Festival of the Vine has been made possible through the generosity of numerous sponsors. THANK YOU to our sponsors: Bath Planet – Sponsor Booth Champion Windows · Sunrooms · Home Exteriors – Sponsor Booth Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. – Entertainment Stage & Trolley Rides Chicago Tribune – Sponsor Booth Chiro One Wellness Centers – Sponsor Booth Costco Wholesale – Sponsor Booth Geneva Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank – Kids’ Patch Gerald Subaru North Aurora – Entertainment Stage Great Western Flooring – Dining Tent The Home Improvement Network – Sponsor Booth Kane County Chronicle – Entertainment Stage Kyuki-Do Martial Arts of Geneva, Inc. – Sponsor Booth Lebin Financial Planning – Dining Tent Northwestern Medicine – Volunteers Plandscape, Inc. – Stage Sponsor Savant Capital Management – Print Sponsor SavWay Fine Wines & Spirits –Trolley Rides Shodeen Homes – Festival of the Vine Valley Insurance – Entertainment Stage Wilson Travel & Cruise Agency – Sponsor Booth Local meets local – Paula Krapf, Geneva Public Library gets lunch from Kit Willadsen, Bien Trucha during Friday’s Flavor Fare. Eric Andersen, FreshGround Roasting provided great information about coffee beans and roasting during Saturday’s presentation. Thank you to our Banner Sponsors Bria Health Services of Geneva PartnerMD THANK YOU to our Harvest Stage Demo-ers: THANK YOU for in-kind services: Continental Envelope “Pushing the Envelope” Farm FreshGround Roasting Geneva ACE Hardware Northern Illinois Food Bank The Olive Mill Advanced Disposal, Comfort Inn & Suites of Geneva, County of Kane, Fagans Graphic Design, Geneva Park District, Gregg Giesche, Nova Communications, Windy City Amusements, Bill Grossklag & Our Partners the City of Geneva Dining tent, sponsored by Lebin Financial Planning & Great Western Flooring, was busy from Friday opening to Sunday closing. Special THANK YOU to Art Sanchez for the use of his truck and his trailer to pick up the many cases of pop and water (that we sold almost all of) and to Pat Hofstetter and his winning personality for selling 50/50 tickets through the crowds all weekend. And for all the awesome volunteers, who festival after festival, give 110% with a smile! Three days of fun at Festival of the Vine, we thank you for your contributions, that made this event extremely fine! Nobel House was one of 22 restaurants participating in the Flavor Fare this year. Sending Warm Wishes This Thanksgiving Season and Throughout the Coming Holidays. Happy, smiley volunteers sponsored by Northwestern Medicine, strike a pose in front of Geneva Ace Garden Center’s display on the courthouse lawn. Geneva Chamber of Commerce www.genevachamber.com 2 SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter New Member Profiles We welcome new members and encourage you to familiarize yourselves with them and make valuable connections. Profiles are supplied by new members. Building Better Relationships Through Networking Spetember Luncheon Thanks to Eagle Brook Country Club for a delicious lunch. City of Geneva was out of commission; but Mary McKittrick, City Administrator, presented the “State of Geneva” report, bringing us up to date on what’s happening in our fair city.. October Luncheon Prairie Landing Golf Club deserves a big round of applause for the marvelous lunch we were served in October. Our networking event gave us a chance to meet someone new as well as introduce them to all the attendees. The new GWIB Board was introduced. A check was presented to our September and October “Chance for Charity”, Marklund. The donation was greatly appreciated. November Luncheon The November luncheon, November 17, will be held at Oscar Swan Country Inn, 1800 W. State Street in Geneva. Don Cummings of Blue Haven Capital, and a regular GWIB luncheon attendee, will share some money saving tips for small business owners. The November “Chance for Charity” will be Northern Illinois Food Bank, whose mission is to solve hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need in Boone, DuPage, DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will & Winnebago counties. Visit their website, solvehungertoday.org to see how you can help. 3 Ways to Make Luncheon Reservations • Go to www.genevachamber.com, click “Calendar of Events”, then GWIB event • Call the Chamber at 232-6060 • Email [email protected] • Reservations required. Walk-ins seated if room. Cancel via email/fax by prior Thursday at 4 pm. If not canceled, you will be billed. • Request vegetarian meal in advance. • Members: $30 w/reserv; $35 if invoiced • Nonmembers: $35 w/reserv. ABC Limousine Services, Inc. 1770 S. Randall Rd., Ste. A/103 • 232-9077 • abcchicagolimo.com Serving Chicagoland since 1999. Long distance travel in our comfortable Sedans, SUV’s, or Stretch Limousines can make your travel easier. We cater to all events such as service to airports O’Hare, Midway, Rockford and Milwaukee. Also to Chicago downtown or Gary, Indiana even if someone likes to go little farther distance (for those who don’t want to fly). 24 hour service. Reservations can be made via email [email protected] or by calling us between 7 am to 9 pm M-S 232-9077. We are conveniently located in Kane County. Comparative rates and friendly family owned business, we guarantee once you use our service you will never use any other service. First American Bank 1789 S. Randall Rd. • Kelly Brizzolara • 547-8809 • [email protected] If you’re looking for a bank with the expertise and range of financial offerings you want, plus the personal attention and service you deserve, then First American is the bank for you. Our size and management philosophy make it possible for us to give you the best of both worlds: big bank financial services combined with the personal attention only a local community bank can provide. First American Bank is an Illinois-chartered, privately held, full-service bank with 50 locations in Illinois and Florida and more than $3.4 billion in assets. For over 40 years, First American has been putting the customer first – with personal attention, superior solutions and financial expertise. For sophisticated products and personal service, there’s no better choice than First American. The bank that does more for your money…and for you. HealthMarkets Agents.healthmarkets.com/kniemann • [email protected] • 674-4808 I am a Licensed Insurance agent specializing in Health, Life, Dental, Vision, Medicare and Supplemental Insurance including Critical Illness Insurance, Cancer Insurance and Accident Insurance along with Disability and Long-term Care Insurance. I provide free health plan guidance for coverage on or off exchange. I help customize benefits for individuals and small businesses. My goal is to keep you and your family protected from unforeseen events that happen in life. Choosing insurance plans can be difficult. I will help you compare plans that fit your needs. I work with nationally recognized insurance companies and give you the quality, affordable insurance you are looking for. Please call or email with any questions. Kane County Mutual Insurance Company 232-0762 * www.kanecountymutual.com We are proud to announce the celebration of our company’s 90th anniversary. We provide property insurance coverage for farms, homes, rental properties, condos, structures under construction, as well as certain types of boats and RV’s which can be added to a homeowner policy. Kane County Mutual is a small company that markets its products through various independent agencies as listed on our website. Kane County Mutual Insurance takes pride in the fact that as a farm mutual insurance company it is owned by the policy holders, which helps keep premiums reasonable since there are no stock holders to satisfy. As we move forward, the company and staff remain focused on providing its customers with a service that exceeds their expectations as we maintain good relationships with our agents and policy holders. Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 3 New Member Profiles (cont.) Kiwanis Club of Geneva P.O. Box 808 • 642-0007 • https://www.facebook.com/KiwanisofGeneva Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. The Geneva Kiwanis Club views its role within our community with a great deal of foresight. We are Ordinary people performing EXTRAORDINARY WORK - We continually evaluate children’s issues and community needs on an ongoing basis, conduct service projects to respond to those identified needs, and maintain an active membership roster of community-minded people who have both the desire and the ability to serve the Tri-Cities and Kane County through community service projects in support of our youth, senior citizens, and the community at large. The Club meets at Noon at the Northwestern Delnor Fitness Center in Geneva on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Thursday meetings include lunch, programs/speakers and Club updates. Call the number above for volunteer and/or membership opportunities. McAlister’s Deli 1492 S. Randall Rd. • 402-0340 • 402-0652 (Fax) • www.mcalistersdeli.com McAlister’s Deli is NOW OPEN! Founded in 1989, McAlister’s® Deli is a fast casual restaurant chain known for our sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™. In addition to dine-in and take-out service, we also offer catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts, a hot spud bar and more. Technomic® recognized McAlister’s twice in its Chain Restaurant Consumers’ Choice Awards; in 2014 as the top kid-friendly fast casual chain and in 2013 as the top fast casual chain for food and beverage. In 2014, Nation’s Restaurant News named McAlister’s the top limited-service sandwich chain in its Consumer Picks Survey. Like us on Facebook: McAlister’s Deli - Geneva Whole Human Health, Inc. www.wholehumanhealth.com • 487-1810 Whole Human Health is focused on keeping patients healthy and functioning at their most optimal level regardless of age. We focus on finding the real problem and fixing it through chiropractic care, corrective exercise and nutritional counseling. Research and collaborative multi-disciplinary efforts have allowed us to develop the Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Defense Program to help with snoring and symptoms of OSA. This means a better night sleep for everyone in the house! Not to mention the many health benefits of reducing OSA symptoms for both the patient and their bed partner. In addition at Whole Human Health we offer personal and small group training in our full fitness studio. Patients love our rustically designed clinic and its warming, friendly environment. Come check us out today. Ribbon Cuttings Hart Chiropractic 2172 Blackberry Dr., Ste. 102 November 9 12:30 pm Epic Med Spa, 5 N. Third Street November 11 5 pm AJ Hughes Design Build 27 N. Second Street November 18 4 pm School of Art 8-27-15 ANNIVERSARIES Congratulations to chamber members who have celebrated business anniversaries in the last couple of months. Fox River Distilling Company – 1 year Elements Massage – 3 years FreshGround Roasting – 4 years StringWorks Violin Shop 9-9-15 Summers Real Estate – 7 years Geneva Family Dental – 10 years The Olive Mill – 10 years LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, part of Northwestern Medicine – 10 years Coffee Drop Shop – 35 years If you have an anniversary to be share with Soundings, email Laura ([email protected]) Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com McAlister’s Deli 10-9-15 (read about in New Member Profile) 4 SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Member News If you have news to be considered for Soundings, email Laura ([email protected]) by the 10th of the preceding month. See website for double month issues. The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) has announced that Kane County Cougars athletic trainer Rafael Freitas has been selected by his peers as the 2015 Midwest League Athletic Trainer of the Year. Freitas now becomes one of eighteen league winners to be considered for Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year, which will be announced and awarded at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December. Jane Pabon Consignment Boutique is now accepting designer menswear clothing, coats, and accessories. Linda Williams, the winner of the 50/50 Community raffle, with her husband Loy, receives the $11,113.93 from Geneva Chamber of Commerce President Jean Gaines. THEN Shout out to Chianti’s, Gen Hoe Restaurant, Chick-fil-A Batavia and Stockholm’s for their generosity to the Geneva High School Varsity Boys Soccer team dinners. Dr. Melissa Jentz-Cote and staff welcome Dr. Erica Kight as an Associate General Dentist to Geneva Family Dental, celebrating 10 years! Thank you to Starbuck’s for providing coffee each month for the early morning Chamber Board meetings. Bring Niche home this Thanksgiving. Dinner with no hassle, let us do all the hard work and preparation for you, and you deliver a delicious meal to your family and friends with Thanksgiving To-Go. Call 262-1000 for more information. In addition, Niche was one of the top 10 restaurants in small towns, full article at http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/small-townrestaurants-il/. Dan Ross Allstate Agency has moved to 301 Hamilton Street. Loy Williams, long time member and past president of Rotary Club of Geneva donated his $1000 prize for selling the winning ticket to the club to support its scholarships, local and international service projects, grants to local charities, youth exchange programs and other worthy causes. Welcome New Members First American Bank Healthmarkets James from the Kitchen Kiwanis Club of Geneva Land Home Financial Services Longworth Prep My Advisor & Planner LLC Geneva Chamber was ecstatic to be a part of Hart Chiropractic Random Acts of Kindness in September. Celebrating their 14th Anniversary they gave back to the community that has shown them so much support by doing a daily Random Act of Kindness. Thanks for the fall treat! The Kane County Cougars finished in the top 30 across all Minor League Baseball clubs in terms of attendance and their overall attendance of 408,449 fans was second-best in the 16-team league. In addition to welcoming more than 400,000 fans during the organization’s 25th anniversary season, this year’s Cougars team went 84-54 (third-best record in franchise history) while winning the Western Division second half division championship. Best wishes to Donna Steele, Steel Beam Theatre, who recently resigned as executive and artistic director of the theatre after 14 seasons. Marge Uhlarik-Boller will assume her position. AAA St. Charles is now located at 540 N. Kirk Rd., St. Charles and their phone is 587-7700. Comfort Inn & Suites Geneva is a proud sponsor of the newest edition at Fox Valley Ice Arena and Fitness Center, the Chicago Steel Hockey Team. Thanks to the feedback provided on Geneva Public Library’s community survey last spring, they’ve added three iMacs to the computer work area to complement their eight PCs, and they’ve created a collaborative workspace area nearby for patrons. In addition, there is new, modern furniture in the Reference area. Savant Capital Management has been ranked fifth in the nation as a Top Wealth Magnet in Accounting Today magazine. This is the fourth time Savant has been recognized in this prominent trade magazine. The City of Geneva’s budget practices continue to garner national recognition after winning the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the sixth consecutive year. Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 5 ATTEND in 2016 Member Events If you have events to be considered for Soundings, email Laura ([email protected]) by the 10th of the preceding month. See website for double month issues. Deli Luncheons – November Seniors can enjoy luncheons Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 am-12:15 pm at the Geneva Township Senior Center. Reservations must be made by the prior Thursday; call 232-3602. Suggested donation for age 60+ is $3, $6 for under age 60. Support and Community Programs – November TriCity Family Services offers many support and community programs. Please visit www. tricityfamilyservices.org for class schedules, dates and times. You can also call 232-1070. Lunch & Tour – Wednesdays in November Oscar Swan Country Inn welcomes you to enjoy lunch and tour of this historic mansion. Choose your lunch from soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts and beverages. Groups welcome. Call to arrange a special day - 232-0173. Flat Bread & Wine Wednesdays at Preservation – Wednesdays in November Each Wednesday from 4-9 pm, Preservation Bread & Wine ovens fire up strong and friends join us for flat bread pizza night, featuring five gourmet flatbreads & four different wines at $20/bottle. A new group started this year to strengthen the local and business community by providing strategic and meaningful professional development resources, including mentoring relationships, service projects, and networking opportunities for Rising Professionals through the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. For more information, http://www. genevachamber.com/rpn.php. Anyone is welcome – look for new events in 2016. Parkinson’s Disease Exercises – Thursdays in November Delnor Glen Senior Living, part of Northwestern Medicine offers a weekly exercise class designed specifically to meet the needs of those with Parkinson’s Disease and movement disorders from 11-11:45 am. Classes run in 6 week sessions. To register please call 933-4234; TTY for the hearing impaired 933-4833. All participants will be required to sign a release on the first day of class. Afternoon Tea – Thursdays & Saturdays in November You are formally invited to spend the day with us and stay for Afternoon Tea from 2-4:30 pm in Little Traveler’s legendary tea room. Please call 232-4200 for more information. Geneva Wine Cellars Special – Saturdays in November Stop in at Geneva Wine Cellars for special wine flights all day & live local music 8-10 pm. Sunday Breakfast Buffet – Sundays in November Oscar Swan Country Inn offers a Sunday buffet from 9:30-11 am. Reservations required; $15.95/person. Visit www.oscarswangeneva.com or call 232-0173. Internet Security & Safety – November 3 Learn how to avoid malicious computer software and reduce the chance of being the victim of identity theft, at Geneva Public Library from 10-11:30 am. Proven methods of securing your information and avoiding data theft will be explained. Please note: This is not a handson class, and there is no limit to the number of attendees. Call 232-0780 X251 or visit www. gpld.org to register. Holiday Kick-Off for Merchants – November 4 The City of Geneva hosts this annual event at 8 am at The Herrington Inn & Spa. Mayor Burns will present the Mayor’s Choice Award for Significant Contributions in Business and Real Estate Development. The meeting will focus on welcoming new businesses and details on holiday events and programs. Pastries and Coffee will be provided. Please RSVP to Pat Leonard by Thursday, October 29 with store name and number of attendees. Pat can be reached at 232-7494 X4203 or [email protected]. Book & Bag It – November 4 Learn about the tragedy of the S.S. Eastland, its aftermath, and the ongoing legends that surround the 1915 sinking of the “Speed Queen of the Great Lakes,” at Geneva Public Library from 12-1 pm. This informative and thought-provoking commemorative program is presented by Terry Lynch. Call 232-0780 X251 or visit www.gpld.org to register. Continued on Page 6 Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com LEADSGroup The Leads Group is a valuable networking team. This group of Business Professionals work together to help grow each other’s businesses through referrals and a power partnership. Will meet 2x/month in Visitor Center (below our office) at 8 am. ****Industry Exclusive**** Interested members should contact Judy at [email protected]. BUS NESS after hours Business After Hours is a popular monthly event and an important facet of Geneva Chamber of Commerce networking. Who better to promote your business than you? Please come and take this opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members while you enjoy good food and drink. Reservations are not necessary. We hope to see you there! 6 SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter ABOVE & BEYOND A customer was extremely pleased with the customer service given to her at Geneva Spice House. Even though her order was small, she was given the royal treatment. Several people who have recently been to Riverside Receptions for events had told us of the outstanding meals they have been served. Member Events (cont.) How to Find a Lasting Career in the New Age of Work – November 5 Jobs with no guarantee of continued employment, wages becoming stagnant, automation, globalization and efficiency are affecting the availability and viability of future jobs. The way you work in the future will be much different than the way you worked before. Adapting to this new reality will be a challenge for both the young and old. Dr. James Huntington, author of 2 books on the changing work force, will discuss the new world of work and the 20 lasting career principles you need to know now. Presented at 7 pm at Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove. More information on www.WaubonseeTickets.com Fox River Distilling Anniversary Celebration – November 6 From 5:30-8 pm celebrate with Fox River Distilling. First 100 purchasers will receive our Signature Cocktail Recipe Booklet. Gift card raffles, meet our local suppliers, live music, tastings from local restaurants and 1st Year Anniversary Signature Cocktail. Playhouse 38 Open Mic Night – November 6 Have you ever wished for the opportunity to perform your favorite instrument, poem, or improv skills in front of a live audience? This event at Geneva Park District’s Playhouse 38 is open to all ages. Admission is free; however, seating is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. From 7-9 pm. If you are interested in performing, contact Elliott Bortner at [email protected]. First Fridays Improv – November 6 100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. 90 minutes of complete improvisation a la “Whose Line Is It Anyway” from 8-9:45 pm. With competing teams, live music and a bar who knows what the night will hold at The Hemmens Cultural Center. General Admission. Geneva Lions Club recently volunteered at Northern Illinois Food Bank. Attend a Happy Hour Jewelry Making Party – November 6 Expert jeweler Karen Hollis, K.Hollis Jewelers will help you handcraft your own beautifully conceived bracelet as she guides you through the basic concepts of jewelry design from 6:30-8:30 pm. Relax and socialize with friends as you enjoy a selection of wine, hors d’oeuvres and your own unique creations. A selection of premium beads will also be available for purchase. More information on Waubonsee Community College’s ticket site WaubonseeTickets.com. Customer Appreciation - 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off – November 6 Come join Inland Bank for some chili from 9 am-1 pm and vote to see who makes the best chili. The winner will receive the golden ladle award. We hope to see you there. Geneva Park District’s Parent’s Night Out – November 6 & 20 Enjoy a fun night away as your children play games, make crafts, watch movies, enjoy snacks, and more! Children 3 and up (must be toilet trained). Parents must fill out an emergency information card to have on file. Pre-registration is required at 232-4542. Cost is $15 per child for residents, and $20 per child for non-residents. Rockin’ Teen Night – November 6, 13 & 20 School of Art has planned this event from 7:30-10:30 pm at their business. The event is an informal gathering for high school and middle school students. The $20 cost covers supplies. For more info call 338-3833. Congratulations to Miscella Real Estate on their first place in the City of Geneva’s Geneva Beautification Tour des Fleurs gardens contest. No matter the season, Miss Ella always shines. Coffee Brewing with FreshGround Roasting – November 7 Learn about the history of coffee and how it is grown, processed and sourced and why it’s important to know where your coffee originates, at Geneva Public Library from 9:30-10:30 am. We will also discuss and explore some of the major coffee processing methods and how that affects the flavor. Call 232-0780 X251 or visit www.gpld.org to register. Fairy Garden Seminar – November 7 Enjoy breakfast in The Little Traveler café, and then create your own mini winter wonderland with a Fairyland Christmas Tree Lighting. $30; includes breakfast, seminar, and all supplies. Sign up online, littletraveler.com or by phone, 232-4200. Continued on Page 7 Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Member Events (cont.) Candy Buy Back – November 7 McCall Family Dentistry will be promoting a sugar-free smile this Halloween with their Candy Buy Back program supporting Operation Gratitude. Children can bring their excess unopened candy from 10 am-2 pm into McCall Family Dentistry and will receive $1 per pound donated, up to five (5) pounds. Please separate chocolate and non-chocolate. All participants will be entered in a raffle to win great prizes, and will be encouraged to decorate cards and letters to support our troops overseas. 7 THANK YOU to all the Geneva Merchants who year after year continue to participate in the Painting the Town Blue tradition for Geneva Homecoming. Sunday Cinema – November 8 Enjoy The Lunchbox (Dabba), a foreign film led by the International Cultural Exchange Committee of Geneva, at Geneva Public Library from 1-3 pm. A mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s famously efficient lunchbox delivery system connects a young housewife to an older man in the dusk of his life as they build a fantasy world together through notes in the lunchbox. Call 232-0780 X251 or visit www.gpld.org to register. Wine Pairing Dinner – November 9 This is Niche’s 2nd wine pairing dinner. Doors open at 6 pm; dinner at 6:30. $65/person for this four course dinner & wine pairing. Call 262-1000 for reservations. Geneva Tire & Auto Brown Bag Lunch Series – November 10 From 12-1 pm at Geneva History Museum, presentation will be “Myths of the Civil War” with Vietnam Veteran, Van Stone. Reservations: $5/$3 Members. Business Book Discussion – November 10 The book is The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul by Danielle LaPorte. Join Cynthia Wade, an experienced facilitator, as she guides the discussion at Geneva Public Library from 7-8:30 pm. Books are available at the Check Out desk at the Library but you don’t need to read the book to participate. Handouts will be provided. Call 232-0780 X251 or visit www.gpld.org to register. Monthly Caregivers Support Group – November 10 Are you a current caregiver for someone with dementia? Could you use some additional support or resources? You’re invited to join the Monthly Caregiver Support Group at Arden Courts Memory Care Community from 1-2:30 pm. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month. Registration is NOT required; if you have questions about this group, please call 262-3900 or email [email protected]. Geneva Cleaners State Street Jewelers Rightsizing Your Life & Treasures – November 10 Whether you’re planning to move and don’t know where to start or you just want to get control of your space, downsizing expert Tammy Bilek will offer professional guidance when she presents ‘Rightsizing Your Life & Treasures’, at 10:30 am at The Holmstad. She’ll explore all aspects of what she calls ‘rightsizing’ - from space planning through sorting, downsizing, packing, moving and getting settled in a new location. For more details on this free event or to reserve a spot, visit TheHolmstad.org or call 226-7310. Proud Fox Gallery Geneva Library Foundation Speaker Series – November 11 From 7-8:30 pm at Geneva Public Library enjoy Sport & Spectacle in Ancient Rome: Chariot Racing, Charioteers, and Sports Fans. This free event will be in the lower meeting room. Reservations are not required, but suggested. You can register at genevalibraryfoundation.org. Holiday Decorating & Entertaining Seminar – November 12 Don’t miss this festive evening. Wander The Little Traveler during this private shopping event to attend mini-seminars by the experts from 6-9 pm. We’ll have you covered from head to tabletop with tips and tricks for preparing party foods, sporting seasonal fashions, and adding extra sparkle to your home. $15 ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, cookies & drinks in the café, wine tastings in the Wine Room (for those over 21), and a $10 shopping coupon. Register online, littletraveler.com or by phone 232-4200. Continued on Page 8 Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com Evernia Geneva Running Outfitters *just a few who participated 8 SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Thank you to all the restaurants that donated to our awesome Business After Hours Membership Drive in September. We had many future members come and learn all the benefits of Geneva Chamber membership. A special thank you to Eagle Brook Country Club and Money Mailer of Fox River Valley. Chez Moi Café & Catering Moveable Feast & Company Nosh The Patten House of Geneva Riganato’s Old World Grille Shakou of St. Charles In addition, two tickets to the 1st Geneva Fashion Show were donated by fashion show participant C’est la Vie by Sylvie and recipient of the fundraising, Fox Valley Food for Health. This fundraiser, at Riverside Receptions, also included designs from State Street Jewelers, Evernia, Veiled in Elegance and Jane Pabon Boutique, along with many Chamber members sponsoring the event. Member Events (cont.) “The Jungle Book” – November 13 – 15 Enjoy the exciting adventure of “The Jungle Book Kids” with Mowgli, Bagheera, and Baloo. People of all ages will be captivated by the fun tale and creative characters you will meet through this intriguing story. Performances will be held at Playhouse 38 on 11/13 at 7 pm; 11/14 and 11/15 at 3 & 7 pm. $10 tickets are available for purchase at Geneva Park District’s Sunset Community Center. For more information, call 232-4542. Stress Busters - November 14 Discover unrecognized causes of stress. Learn easy, effective tips to bust the cycle of stress ways from local Wellness Experts. Integrated Natural Medicine, LLC presents this seminar at 25N Coworking at 11 am. Enjoy yummy treats. $25 fee, register at stressbusters.eventbrite.com. Birds of Prey: Migrating Majesty – November 14 Get up close and personal with at least five different Birds of Prey as Stillman Nature Center will be on-site to discuss each bird and its lifespan. Also, dissect owl pellets and look through scopes to find birds. Cost is $5 per person. Please note: pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult. At Geneva Park District’s Peck Farm; two times 11 am & 1:30 pm. French Market – Sundays thru November 15 An open air market located by the train station runs Sundays from 9 am-2 pm. For more information, http://www.genevachamber.com/festival_events.php. A Tale of Two Memoirs – November 15 The Little Traveler welcomes back entertainer, spy catcher & WWII bride Pauline Fraser and her biographer, Louise Brass. Hear amazing stories of Pauline’s experiences as an entertainer in London during the Blitz (as told in Presenting Pauline; I was a Dancer) and her life as a restauranteur during the mid-twentieth century near Naperville, IL, in the newly released book, The Secrets and Recipes of The Beef Steak Inn. Pauline and Louise will sign copies of both books. $15. Register online, littletraveler.com or by phone, 232-4200. Pitch + Catch – November 17 Pitch and Catch offers 25N Coworking members an opportunity to present their business plan, new idea, or sales pitch to an audience of mentors, advisers, entrepreneurs, and you! Pitchers prepare a 5 minute presentation and engage in 20 minutes of feedback and questioning. 25N members gain insight into possible ways they can improve their businesses and gather real time feedback. Starts at 4 pm at 25N Coworking. Sylvie Baumann, C’est la vie by Sylvie; Toni Paul & Marci Sterkel, State Street Jewelers and Susan Leigh, Fox Valley Food for Health perhaps discuss their collaborative October fashion show at September’s Business After Hours at Eagle Brook Country Club. Karen Gross and Patti Anselme, Gatherings By Design and Oliver Bulley, Zippy Shell Fox Valley enjoy September’s Business After Hours. Financial Aid Process – November 18 Going to college next fall? Get a head start at Geneva Public Library from 7-8:30 pm. with this introduction to financial aid, including grants, scholarships, student loans and FAFSA from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission Corps. Parents and students welcome. Call 232-0780 X251 or visit www.gpld.org to register. Packing Your Suitcase – November 19 This program at Oscar Swan Country Inn will show you how to pack using simple techniques to save space, taking clothing that you can mix and match, changing from one look to another and accessorizing. Lunch and program $25; from 12-1 pm. For reservations call 232-0173. Evening at The Little Traveler – November 20 Support the Geneva Academic Foundation as you enjoy private shopping, wine tastings and dinner. The Little Traveler will donate 15% of all purchases that night to the GAF. Prices are $25.00 per person and include the elaborate appetizer and dessert buffet. Individual wine tastings, of three wines each, will be available for $5.00 and glasses of wine are just $5.00 each! Only ticket holders may attend! Purchase $25 tickets at gafgeneva.org. Continued on Page 9 Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Member Events (cont.) Free Friday – November 20 Try out a Free Trial day at 25N Coworking & experience what a coworking community is all about or to learn about the impact that coworking can have for you & your business. For more information 409-1030. “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” – opens November 20 Steel Beam Theatre presents this play Fri & Sat (8 pm); Sun (3 pm). Some Thursday performances. The legendary Plaids, an all-male vocal quartet, come back to earth to spread yuletide joy with the greatest Holiday hits of the ages. Hilarious and harmonious, the nostalgic touches provide heart-warming holiday entertainment. Please visit steelbeamtheatre.com or call 587-8521 for tickets and more information. Thru December 27. Beaujolais Bash – November 20 Enjoy the release of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau at 7 pm at Chez Moi Café & Catering! A fun, drinkable wine. Live music with Dennis O’Brien. Reservations required Breakfast with Author Margaret Philbrick – November 21 Local author Margaret Philbrick will read from and discuss her books at The Little Traveler. Back to the Manger is a picture book retelling of Margaret’s family history with The Little Traveler crèche. In her novel A Minor, she tells a love story that explores the healing power of music for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Breakfast presentation begins at 9 am in the Atrium Cafe. $18.00; includes a $10 shopping coupon. Register online, littletraveler.com or by phone, 232-4200. Thanksgiving Food Drive – November 23 – 25 Bring your non-perishable food items to The HomeCourt Real Estate. Last year over 1300 lbs were donated to a local pantry. Meetup After Hours – November 26 25N Coworking is hosting “Coworking in Geneva” Meetup at 25N. Come meet and network with local professionals in the area. Open sign up at the Community Manager’s desk or online at: http://www.meetup.com/Geneva-Coworking-Meetup/events/222236428/. Cash bar by Nobel House. Giving Trees & Crèche Display open – November 24 Visit Geneva History Museum’s gallery of Christmas trees decorated by local charities. Marvel at their 18th century Crèche, a history nativity scene originally displayed at The Little Traveler. Both on display thru December 23. Thanksgiving Eve Gratitude Yoga – November 25 Going To My Happy Place Yoga will be hosting a special session from 7:30-8:30 pm! Led by Happy Place instructors, this traditional yoga will focus on blending gratitude with yoga in an uplifting and serene atmosphere. Open to the public, this session is included in membership or can be attended with the drop-in rate of $17! Thanksgiving Dinner – November 26 Enjoy an old-fashioned Thanksgiving dinner at Oscar Swan Country Inn. Roasted turkey will all the trimmings, live music and the ambience of a 1902 historic mansion. Two seatings: 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Reservations please at 232-0173. 10th Anniversary Celebration – November 27 – December 4 The Olive Mill is celebrating its 10th anniversary on November 25. To celebrate The Olive Mill will have special samples and offers during the anniversary week of November 27 through December 4. Please stop in 315 James Street and see what we have in store for you! Holiday Lights at Mooseheart – opens November 27 Visit one of Chicagoland’s largest light displays at Mooseheart. Over 1.8 miles of holiday light displays! Open 5-9 pm nightly. $10/car. Visit mooseheart.org for more info. Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com 9 Crime Prevention Tips For Business Owners Theft and retail theft in particular, are not anything new in the Tri City area, unfortunately. While it may be impossible to eliminate all retail theft, there are steps which merchants can and should take to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of retail theft. As we leave summer behind and start to transition into the busy holiday shopping season, it is important to be more vigilant since stores may become more crowded, people are wearing more clothing in which to hide things they do not pay for and holiday displays tend to block your view of shoppers. The single best way to prevent theft is good customer service. As a merchant, you should trust your instincts when you find someone suspicious. Ask them if they need help and continue to provide them with good customer service. If they are planning to commit a theft, they will know you are on to them. If they are not, they will be pleased with your attentiveness. Security mirrors which turn blind spots into easily seen locations are a good deterrent, as are cameras. Checkout registers should be located at the front of the store near the entrance/exit area to deter those who may try to slip out the door unnoticed while making off with merchandise. More expensive items should be kept in a display case if possible, and always in easy view of the person working the register. Finally, if you are dealing with anyone suspicious who you feel may be of any danger or you are uncomfortable approaching, you should call 911 immediately rather than confront the person yourself. If you would like further information, you can contact the Geneva Police Department at 232-4736. Written by Geneva Crime Prevention Officer Chuck Parisi Merchant Alert Chamber Program One of your many Chamber benefits, and one way to stay informed and diligent about retail theft, is the opportunity to participate in the Merchant Alert program. The purpose of the Merchant Alert program is to warn fellow merchants of shoplifters, suspicious checks, counterfeit currency or anything else that is detrimental to legitimate consumer/merchant relations. It is a calling tree between businesses. At most, your staff would only make two calls to continue the calling tree. There is no cost for you to participate -- we just need your guarantee that your staff will make their calls as quickly as possible so that a minimum of time is lost informing your fellow merchants. If you need more information, call Mary at 232-6060. If you want to sign up email her at [email protected] 10 SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 50/50 Community Raffle Wrap Up By the Numbers 50 50 RAFFLE Charity Play With a Purpose Total amount brought in from selling tickets - $22,327.86 Amount paid to seller of winning ticket - $1,000 And all through the town… Geneva’s Christmas Walk is truly the beginning of the holiday season and we want to offer that feeling of peace on earth & goodwill to men. Let’s offer the best of the season with twinkling lights and fresh greens, where people come to greet their friends and share in the merriment of Christmas Walk. Geneva is the destination to dine with friends and family and to find that special gift in one of our shops. This is where parents bring their children to enjoy a carriage ride and get a peppermint stick from Santa or a fresh roasted chestnut. We are most fortunate to have the City contribute labor to install all the greens and lights but it takes a substantial budget to create this “picture postcard”. The dollars raised through this request help us pay for all the greens, the lights, the candy and Santa’s trip from the North Pole. We depend on this fund drive to help us cover a portion of the cost. Please help us continue this wonderful tradition … send your donation. We will put your name on Santa’s list and in an upcoming newsletter. Number of non-profits involvement; each received monies for their organization - 9 Christmas Walk December 4-5, 2015 Months of raffle - 5 Please return this form with your check. Winner of $11,163.93 (see picture in this issue) - 1 Coming together as a community with the participation of CASA Kane County, Geneva Academic Foundation, Geneva Community Chest, Geneva History Museum, Geneva Lions Club, Geneva Music Boosters, Rotary Club of Geneva and TriCity Family Services. PRICELESS. Paste Magazine recently listed the top 7 suburbs worth leaving Chicago for - #3 Geneva, along with Nosh, Bien Trucha, Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream and Swedish Days getting mentioned. Read the full article at http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/09/thebucket-list-7-suburbs-worth-a-tripout-of-chicago.html Scrooge 0___________________________ Teddy Bear $1-$99______________________ Elf $100-$149__________________ Angel $150-$200__________________ Santa Claus $201-$500__________________ Name:_____________________________________________________ Please list personal or business name exactly as you would like it to appear in recognition listing Address:___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Please return to: Geneva Chamber of Commerce- Christmas 2015 PO Box 481 Geneva, IL 60134-0481 Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com SOUNDINGS…The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Newsletter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Scott Lebin ........................ Lebin Financial Planning Vice Chairman Mark Spero............ Money Mailer of Fox River Valley Treasurer Susan Huang.................. Fox Valley eValues & Deals Past Chairman Gordie Hard........................Valley Insurance Agency Secretary Lisa Nelson......................................Carlson’s Floors Congratulations to Firehouse Pizza & Grill, winner of the 2015 Lencioni Best Presentation Award at Festival of the Vine. This is the sixth year for the award named after Flavor Fare starter Chuck Lencioni. Five Star Professional and CHICAGO magazine have named Fox Valley State Farm Agent Bill Nelson a recipient of the Five Star Home/Auto Insurance Professional Award for the FIFTH consecutive year. This honor is bestowed upon less than one percent of Chicago area insurance professionals. Nelson is celebrating 25 years with State Farm Insurance this year. 11 Shout out to Comfort Inn & Suites of Geneva for advertising Festival of the Vine through an email blast to their database in September. BOARD MEMBERS Steve Burnham........................ The Paper Merchant Jamie Daniel.................................. Member Emerita George Havlicek ................... Geneva ACE Hardware Neil Johnson ..................................Sperry Van Ness Robert Langeness .......................Yurs Funeral Home Michael Olesen ..................................... Stockholm’s Tim Riley .................................................Riley Drug Martha Sanchez ...................... State Street Jewelers Mike Simon ..................................The Little Traveler Darla Yhost ............................. Geneva Bank & Trust STAFF Jean Gaines.............................................. President [email protected] Krista Andersen ......................... Member Services & Volunteer Coord, [email protected] Judy Carroll .........Membership/Sponsorship Director [email protected] Mary Miller ...................................... Office Manager [email protected] Laura Rush......................Communications Manager [email protected] Jeanne Sawtell...........................Member Services & Events Coord, [email protected] MISSION STATEMENT The primary mission of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce is to be the voice of its members and the business community on matters of economic, social and cultural concerns, and to develop, maintain and monitor selective programs of action which identify issues, provide support in areas of concern and foster community pride and recognition. SOUNDINGS IS PUBLISHED BY THE GENEVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Layout and Graphic Design Printing 3N497 N. 17th Street, St. Charles 377-8420 • Fax 377-8584 Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com HOURS ........................................ Weekdays 9-4:30 EDITOR ................................................. Laura Rush PHONE (630) 232-6060 .......... FAX (630) 232-6083 WEBSITE ......................... www.genevachamber.com EMAIL [email protected] 12SOUNDINGS Geneva Chamber of Commerce 8 South Third Street PO Box 481 Geneva, IL 60134-0481 PRSRT FIRST CLASS US POSTAGE PAID ST CHARLES, IL PERMIT #663 Christmas Walk December 4th @ 6 pm Join us we continue this special Geneva holiday tradition. With carolers, Santa Lucia, lighting of the Great Tree, roasted chestnuts, candy canes and the jolly old elf himself! Stores stay open late. Connect with us on our social media channels. Follow, Share, Tweet and Like! Christmas House Tour Dec 4 @ 11 am – 8 pm Dec 5 @ 11 am – 5 pm GenevaILChamber Five lovely homes are decorated in holiday splendor and open to visitors for self-guided tours. $30 price of the ticket includes a traditional tea and a booklet with delightful Christmas decorating and entertaining ideas. Proceeds are used to decorate Geneva for the season. Buy tickets at our office or order at 232-6060. GenevaILChamber Interested in volunteering as a host/hostess in a home? Don’t delay, contact Krista today, at [email protected] Geneva, IL – Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Area Code is 630 unless noted otherwise. www.genevachamber.com