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Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.

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The Batavia Chamber of Commerce has named seven businesses as 2025 Ole Award winners, recognizing companies that invested in new construction or major remodeling within city limits last year.

Two organizations also received a Civic Impact Award for projects with lasting community value.

Here's what to know:

  • New construction honorees: Aldi Corporate Batavia (1200 N. Kirk Road), Earthmover Credit Union (1998 McKee Street), and Ignite Medical Resort (2349 Main Street) were recognized for new builds completed in 2025.

  • Remodeling honorees: BEI Commercial Real Estate, Dollar & Sense Bookkeeping, Everdine's Grilled Cheese Co., and Tesla Inc. each earned recognition for commercial renovation work across Batavia.

  • Civic Impact Awards: The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet and the Batavia Park District — for its new Callahan Community Center — were singled out for projects that will serve the community long-term.

“The Chamber is thrilled to recognize these deserving businesses,” said Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of Batavia Chamber of Commerce. “Some have continued to invest in Batavia through new construction, remodeling, and expansion, while others have chosen our community as the place to open a new location or pursue their entrepreneurial vision.

All honorees will be celebrated at Inspire 2026 on Thursday, April 23 at Revelry 675 on River Street, alongside the 2025 Citizen of the Year and Spirit of Batavia awards. Tickets are $85 per person.

About the awards: Started in 1976 by a group of people who had a love and passion for Batavia, the Ole Awards are given to businesses for significant improvement and investment either for new construction or for remodel in Batavia. 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.

Information provided by the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

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Wendy Lee7 months ago

I read your story about the banana tree plant you and your wife have in your yard. I think I remember your aunt Andrea Kraft also had a banana tree plant in her front yard for many years. I've not been past that home in many years. Did you get a cutting of that from her by chance?
Wendy Lee PS. Hubby Robert Mark Lee at [email protected] still is not able to get your publication despite attempting to subscribe many times!

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Sam7 months ago

Hi Wendy — looks like Robert accidentally unsubscribed a while back, I've just re-subscribed him. Please shoot me a note at [email protected] if he doesn't receive the next issue on Thursday.

And yes, all of the banana trees in the Kraft family are from cuttings of the same original banana tree I believe. Fun little tradition.

Thanks for reading!