News
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
.jpg)
Downtown Batavia Revives a Storied Tradition at 2025 Boo Boo Days
A throwback celebration with vintage ads, retro cocktails, and small-town charm during Windmill City Festival weekend, July 11-13. Batavia, IL – This July, Downtown Batavia invites you to step back into a beloved tradition at the annual Boo Boo Days, part of the city’s summer favorite: the Windmill City Festival weekend. Originating in 1956 as a modest sidewalk sale and officially dubbed “Boo Boo Days” until 1978, this long-standing event began when local merchants showcased clearance and overstock items
Depot Day on June 21 Celebrates Batavia History
By Macey McHugh, Batavia Park District BATAVIA, IL – Batavia Depot Museum opened its doors in April 1975 and over the years this Batavia Park District facility has grown and expanded as an iconic community resource. Celebrate the Batavia Depot Museum’s 50th anniversary at Depot Day on June 21 at Peg Bond Center, 151 Island Ave. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon and includes live 1970s music, a history walk, scavenger hunt, free cupcakes and a bounce house, button craft and face painting for kids. Take
.png){kind=logo}
BATAVIA LAUNCHES ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM FUNDED BY SINGLE-USE BAG FEE
BATAVIA, IL. (June 13) — Applications open June 16, 2025, for Batavia’s new Grants for Residential Energy Efficiency in Neighborhoods -- GREEN Program, which offers selected residents free home energy audits and grants for eco-friendly home upgrades funded entirely by the City’s 10-cent single-use bag fee. Residents must apply by July 18 to be considered for the first round of up to 25 free home energy audits and improvements. Applicants must be in good standing with the City and meet all eligibility
.jpg){kind=logo}
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Names Inaugural Winners of Scholarships Honoring Janice Christiansen, Longtime Leader of FlagSource
Awards Will Support Women Pursing Careers in STEM and Business SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has named the inaugural winners of the Janice M. Christiansen Female in STEM and Female in Business Scholarships. Endowed by the IMA in 2023 to support young women who pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, math and business, the scholarships posthumously honor Christiansen, the first woman to Chair the IMA Board of Directors. Christiansen, who passed away in 2023, built
.jpg)
Vendor Applications Are Open for Winterfest Art Market 2025
BATAVIA, IL — Applications now open for Batavia’s favorite holiday art and artisan market! Winterfest Art Market, a festive shopping experience presented in partnership with Water Street Studios and Batavia MainStreet, will take place Friday through Sunday, November 14–16, 2025. Shoppers can expect an inspiring showcase of fine art and handmade goods, along with live entertainment, food, and drinks all weekend long.Held throughout Water Street Studios and The Dock (150 First Street), the event takes over
Hail Storms and door knockers. What you should know.
Hail Storms and door knockers. What you should know. First, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the Batavia Chamber for their ongoing partnership and support over the years. Main Street Batavia is truly a remarkable organization, and we're proud to witness the continued growth and success of our community. Following Sunday's recent hail storm, we've noticed a significant increase in door-to-door contractors offering inspections, and the city's solicitor license line is understandably busy. This
River Rhapsody Concerts Sure to Strike a Chord this Summer
By Abbey Mondi, Batavia Park DistrictBATAVIA – It’s time to sing and dance. Batavia Park District’s free River Rhapsody concert series returns in June. This popular event will showcase eight family-friendly musical performances for all to enjoy.Leading off the summer performances on June 11 is a children’s concert with Justin Roberts that includes complimentary popsicles. This event is hosted in partnership with the Batavia Public Library. The concert series runs through Aug. 6, featuring music for all
AGS Technology Launches Injectoblend™ – Recycled Regrind Formulations that Lower Costs Without Compromising Performance
Chicago, IL – June 1, 2025 AGS Technology, a leader in injection molding solutions, is launching a new program engineered to lower per-part costs without compromising performance. By introducing a percentage of recycled regrind into virgin resin, AGS Technology’s Injectoblend™ is revolutionizing the injection molding industry. Injectoblend™ 20, 35, 50, and 100 are precision blends, formulated to meet specific and stringent standards while delivering substantial cost savings in today’s highly competitive
.jpg)
Celebrate Pride June 27 & 28 in Downtown Batavia
Batavia, IL – Pride Month is shining brighter than ever in downtown Batavia with a high-energy, community-powered Express Yourself Pride Fashion Show on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Peg Bond Center Stage (151 N Island Ave Batavia)—just steps from the iconic Peace on Earth Bridge. Hosted and organized by Paula’s Couture Consignment, this dazzling evening celebrates love, selfexpression, and inclusivity. Models will strut down the runway styled in bold fashion and vibrant accessories
.jpg)
Sip, Savor, Support: Cocktails in the Park Marks 14 Years in Downtown Batavia
Batavia, IL — Raise a glass and support your local downtown—Cocktails in the Park, Batavia MainStreet’s largest annual fundraiser, returns on Saturday, July 26 from 7:00–10:00 PM at scenic Appleton Park (behind City Hall, 100 N Island Ave.).Hosted by Batavia MainStreet, this signature summer event brings together great food, live music, craft cocktails, and community spirit—all under the stars and along the beautiful Fox River. Proceeds benefit the non-profit’s year-round programs that support downtown
Call for Artists: “The City of Good Energy” Mural to Welcome Visitors to Downtown Batavia
BATAVIA, IL – The Batavia Public Art Initiative (BPAI), a subcommittee of Water Street Studios, is seeking qualified artists to submit their portfolios for a vibrant new mural project titled “The City of Good Energy.” This mural will serve as a creative and colorful gateway into Batavia’s thriving downtown and celebrate the community’s spirit of inclusion, energy, and civic pride.This call for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) invites artists to submit samples of their work that best showcase their artistic
.jpg)
Wednesday Evening Batavia Farmers’ Market Returns to Downtown Batavia
BATAVIA,IL- Batavia MainStreet is thrilled to announce the return of the Wednesday Evening Batavia Farmers’ Market, beginning June 4, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on North River Street between Wilson and State Streets. Now in its second season, this smaller, more intimate market offers a relaxed shopping experience featuring approximately 20 vendors each week—many of them returning favorites, along with exciting new additions.Shoppers can look forward to homemade baked goods from Gather Bakery, The Cookie
.png){kind=logo}
ROAD CLOSURES ANNOUNCED FOR McKEE STREET AND VAN NORTWICK AVENUE DUE TO INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
BATAVIA, IL – The City of Batavia is notifying residents and motorists of upcoming road closures related to a critical infrastructure improvement project tied to the Pulte Ashton Ridge Development. Beginning May 27, full road reconstruction and watermain replacement will take place on portions of McKee Street and Van Nortwick Avenue, requiring both streets to be closed to through traffic for the duration of the work. The project is expected to conclude in early August. This City-directed project involves
Working – and Still Falling Short: 3 in 8 Workers in Illinois’ Most Common Jobs Struggle to Get By
New research zeroes in on households living paycheck to paycheck, yet often with income that’s too high for assistance BATAVIA, ILLINOIS – In 2023, 37% of workers in Illinois’ 20 most common jobs lived in households that couldn’t afford basics, according to new data from Batavia United Way, Fox Valley United Way, and their research partner United For ALICE. These workers – the backbone of every community – include personal care aides, cashiers, cooks, waiters/waitresses, and fast food/counter
.jpg)
The Batavia Farmers' Market Celebrates 30 Years Downtown
BATAVIA, IL- The Saturday Morning Batavia Farmers’ Market returns May 17, 2025, for its milestone 30th outdoor season, running every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM through October 25 on North River Street. With nearly 60 vendors each week, the Saturday Market offers an expansive selection of locally grown produce, farm-raised meats and eggs, fresh baked goods, honey, and more. Vendors are required to grow, harvest, or produce at least 75% of the products they sell.Returning favorites include Flat Tire
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
BFEE Announces Hall of Honor Inductees for 2025
March 24, 2025 (Batavia, IL) - On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence (BFEE), in partnership with Batavia Public Schools (BPS101), will welcome eight inductees into its Hall of Honor at Batavia High School. Inductees were chosen from a list of individuals that were nominated in three categories; BHS Graduate, BPS101 Employee, and Friend of BPS101. These recognitions are to honor and commemorate the individuals who have excelled and provided our students with examples
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
From Train Station to History Preservation, Batavia Depot Museum Celebrates 50 Years in the Community
BATAVIA, IL – In 1855, a depot on Batavia’s east side began welcoming rail travelers. In 1975, it began a new life as the community’s history museum. In 2025, it is Batavia’s history hub and a fixture on the Riverwalk.Batavia Depot Museum’s spring exhibit, “The Museum a Community Built,” celebrates its 50th anniversary, telling the story of the community uniting to create and raise funds for a museum, acquire and move the old east-side depot and restore it to house Batavia’s history museum as a Batavia Park
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
