(CREDIT: Andrew Schones, Both/And Pictures)

Six Batavia businesses will be honored as 2017 Ole Award winners on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Batavia Chamber of Commerce Inspire 2018 event. Two other businesses will receive a Restoration and Beautification Award.

The Ole honorees and the appropriate category for their award are:

• Remodeling – Industrial: ALDI, 1200 N. Kirk Road
• Remodeling – Industrial: Moline Bearing Co., 1181 N. Raddant Road
• Remodeling – Commercial: Goodwill Store & Donation Center, 450 N. Randall Road
• Remodeling – Commercial: Batavia Family Dental, 109 S. Batavia Avenue
• Remodeling – Commercial: Salsa Verde, 107 N. Batavia Avenue
• New Construction – Industrial: Suncast Corporation, 701 N. Kirk Road

Gaetano’s Batavia, 15 E. Wilson St., will receive a Restoration and Beautification Award for their second floor expansion. Likewise, Briana’s Pancake House, 10 N. Island Ave., and building owner Dino Alex will receive a Restoration and Beautification Award.

Because these two remodels did not fit into the Ole Award criteria, the committee choosing the award winners added the special Restoration and Beautification Awards. Committee chairperson Lindsey Williams, of MW Specialties, Inc., said the businesses’ remodels are impactful.

Batavia Family Dentistry (CREDIT: Andrew Schones, Both/And Pictures)

“Every year we see some inspiring remodeling by Batavia businesses, but they do not fit the qualifications to be considered for an Ole Award,” Williams explains. “As a committee, we do have the option to reward these businesses with special awards. The changes made by Briana’s Pancake House and Gaetano’s are significant and definitely worthy of a Restoration and Beautification Award.”

The public is invited to attend Inspire 2018, and honor the current generation of hard-working Batavia business owners.

Inspire 2018: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us! takes place on Thursday, Jan. 25, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Nagel Emporium at Marmion’s Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road in Aurora. The awards presentation of the Citizen of the Year, Marcia Boyce; Spirit of Batavia, Rotary Club of Batavia; Ole Award winners, and the Ambassador of the Year will follow a social reception.

(CREDIT: Andrew Schones, Both/And Pictures)

In lieu of a raffle, a live auction of carefully curated packages will take place. Need to get away? The Sun, Fun and Rum package offers a six-night stay at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda all-inclusive resort, Cancun-Mayan Riviera, Mexico. For something local, a Night on the Town package includes tickets to The Paramount Theatre in Aurora, dinner and wine from Acquaviva, jewelry from K. Hollis Jewelers, and a gift certificate to Special Occasions on the Avenue.

A season pass for four to Hall Quarry Beach, 10 box seats for the Kane County Cougars and two nights stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Geneva highlight a Family Fun package. Business owners can get their name in the spotlight through the Sponsorship package. It includes various advertising vehicles, including promotion through Batavia Main Street and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

Other packages will go under the hammer, too, including a Business Services package.Online purchasing is available at bataviachamber.org, or call the chamber office at (630) 879-7134. The price includes heavy appetizers and a champagne toast. A cash bar is available and business attire is suggested.

For more information about the event or the awards, please call Holly Deitchman, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, or Catherine Fitch, marketing and special events coordinator, at (630) 879-7134.

(CREDIT: Andrew Schones, Both/And Pictures)

About the Ole Awards

The Ole Award is an award started in 1976 by a group of people who had a love and passion for their community and wanted to promote the city of Batavia. The Ole Awards are given to businesses for a significant improvement and investment either for new construction or for remodel in Batavia. Winners of this award are ones whose investment enhances the city’s economic and aesthetic futures, and provides interest and excitement for the entire community through investing dollars in their properties and buildings.

The Ole Award derives its name from a traditional Swedish name, Ole, to honor the hard-working Swedish settlers that were among the first to call Batavia home.

About Batavia Chamber of Commerce

A local business-centered organization, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce sponsors or is involved with several annual Batavia events, including the Annual Mayor’s Breakfast, Citizen of the Year/Ole Awards Event, Chamber Legislative Breakfast and much more. The president and CEO is Holly Deitchman. Membership and information about upcoming chamber and community events are available online at bataviachamber.org or by calling (630) 879-7134.