Fox Valley Notes: Business community stays busy this spring

Here's a look at news from the area's business community: Batavia businesses support city's fireworks show Several Batavia businesses are offering consumers a way to satisfy an appetite and help the community celebrate Independence Day.
The businesses are partnering with the Batavia 4th of July Fireworks Fund to help raise money for the city’s annual 4th of July Sky Concert on Independence Day. The participating businesses will make donations to the fireworks fund for every purchase made on specific dates through the end of June. Participating businesses include Aliano’s Ristorante, Bulldogs Red Hots, Chick-Fil-A,  East China Inn, Gibby’s Wine Den, Limestone Coffee and Tea and the Open Range American Grill. A promotional certificate must be presented at time of purchase and other restrictions apply. Lending a helping hand Our friends at Engineering Enterprises, Inc., 52 Wheeler Road in Sugar Grove, started the Memorial Day with a clean-up along Bliss Road. The “work crew” filled several large bags with trash collected from along the road.  Retail expert offers loss prevention tips  Nicole Reyhle at Retail Minded recently published loss prevention tips for independent retailers. Retail Minded offers news, eduction and support for boutique businesses.  Hampshire Chamber set to Cruise into Summer The Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Cruising into Summer Fun Fair and Car Show from 4 to 8 p.m. June 1 in downtown Hampshire. The event will include entertainment, food and a variety of activities for children. Garden center plans workshop  Wasco Nursery & Garden Center’s Lunch and Learn series will feature drought tolerant perennials June 4. The session will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marlene Frisbee of Hoffie Perennial Nursery will be the guest speaker. The garden center is located at 41W781Route 64, St. Charles. For more information, call 630-584-4424. Batavia Chamber to host golf outing The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host its annual golf outing from 1 to 8 p.m. June 3 at the Eagle Brook Golf Club 2280 Fargo Blvd., Geneva. For more information about the event, call the Chamber at 630-879-7134. Kudos for STC business report Kudos to St. Charles Patch Editor Ted Schnell for his report about changes to the retail landscape in downtown St. Charles and what might be an emerging trend there. Schnell’s report stated the downtown district recently saw a new sports store open for business, but it noted that three other downtown shops either have closed or will cease operations by the end of May. Schnell’s article reported that Sportivia opened at 113 E. Main St., St. Charles and plans to offer apparel, equipment and shoes for sports and soccer. That’s good news. Schnell also reported that The Vertical Drop Ski & Patio Shop, 116 W. Main St., has closed and that Donna’s Jewelry Box, 111 E. Main St. and The $assy Fox, 323 Walnut St. expect to close May 31. The owners of Donna’s Jewelry Box and The $assy Fox both cited the challenges of conducting business in a weak economy as a key factor in their decisions to close. However they also told Schnell that foot traffic through the downtown district dropped off in recent years as St. Charles saw an increase in the number of bars and restaurants as other businesses left the city. Marge DeLand, who operates The $assy Fox with Pat Bailey, told Schnell downtown St. Charles has so many bars and restaurants it now is a destination point for drinkers and diners. Schnell’s report indicates how diversity and balance contribute to the success of a vibrant downtown business district. The right balance is difficult to identify and challenging to achieve. However, it is important for local government officials, consumers and leaders in the business community to work together to establish an attractive mix of businesses that will draw a wide variety of consumers to our downtown districts.  —Email news and photos about your business or organization to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each sumbitted photo.