Newsletter Proudly Serving the Real Estate Needs of Businesses in the Fox Valley Since 1959
SUMMER 2010 Inside this issue... Chimney Swift Tower Dedication Ceremony Timberland Financial’s Jason Nash Building Homes in Honduras Summer Help Seasons of BEI Welcome Author Travis Thrasher Batavia’s Garden Featured Building Kristen Johnson Gets Arrested Batavia Fireworks Committee Thanks You BEI Wins Business Ledger’s Annual Award for Business Excellence Dog Days of Summer
The Presidents Corner… by Dan Stellato WHO ARE THOSE GUYS? The 2010 Batavia Enterprises Annual Corporate Meetings have just concluded. Some of our customers were proud to let us walk through their businesses to show off what we have accomplished together. So who were “Those Guys “ that we dragged with us through the Fox Valley over the last few weeks? “Those Guys” are the Batavia Enterprises’ outside Board of Directors who joined us from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; San Diego, California and even Wayne, Illinois. From newly renovated offices to industrial/warehouse facilities boasting state of the art equipment and even an art studio; our Board of Directors were treated to a tour that left them impressed and tired. This select group of advisors visit us each year to help challenge us and keep us focused on providing quality service to our customers. Their experience in the real estate and related fields always proves to be invaluable. One of our Directors has been in commercial real estate and banking for over 35 years, another in commercial and residential real estate for over 30 years and yet another holds both a juris doctorate degree and a CPA designation as a former partner in a major seven accounting firm. Their insight is always sharp, their criticisms always accepted, and their advice is always “taken to heart”. So what did they think of their visit? They found our properties to be in good shape. They praised the maintenance crew for their extra effort. They met some of our customers and quizzed them about whether they were happy with us and their facilities. They praised the office staff and then challenged us to work harder and to think “outside of the box.” These meetings always leave us excited, energized and much smarter so we look forward to applying the skills we learned as a result of their visit. We stand ready to continue to deliver the quality service our customers deserve. Most importantly we want to thank “Those Guys” for reminding us that we have to prove ourselves each and every day to be successful in this business.
Leasing Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Property
Summer help Every summer Batavia Enterprises hires a few extra good men to help with the seasonal landscaping and to keep our properties looking trim and clean. Nick Fattes and Colin Smith have already been doing a fantastic job this summer as well as being a joy to work with. Fattes is a Junior at Northern Illinois University this year, will be graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Business in 2012 and would like to own his own business someday. He was an avid football and rugby player at St. Charles East High School and even played All-Conference his Senior year as defensive end on the football team. Fattes graduated high school in 2008, and has been working for BEI in the summers ever since. Colin Smith is a Senior at Marmion Academy who plays hockey and lacrosse. He loves to hang out with his friends and family in his spare time and plans to attend the University of WisconsinMadison. Smith would like to get into a Pre-Med program and become a doctor. Batavia Enterprises wishes nothing but the best for these hard-working men.
Batavia’s Community Garden
Batavia Enterprises, Inc. makes a continuous effort to help the local communities in any way we can, so the recent decision to donate the use of a parcel of land for a community garden was an easy one. Not only will the garden project educate interested citizens on the health benefits of homegrown produce as well as how to create their own successful home garden, but the finished product will also be given to the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. A sponsorship between Batavia Enterprises and the city of Batavia, along with volunteers from Batavia MainStreet, the Batavia Environmental Commission and Batavians for Clean Energy and Conservation is what made this project possible. In a time when our local community is in need, Batavia Enterprises is proud to step up and assist in creating a positive outcome for everyone.
Critically Acclaimed Author, Travis Thrasher Creative Addition to the Tower Business Center Travis Thrasher was born in Tennessee, lived in Germany from 2 nd to 4th grade, moved around to 10 or 12 different houses, went to four different high schools, but now calls the Tower Business Center home…at least for his office. Thrasher has published 13 diverse novels in the last decade and continues to amaze his readers with his ability to write, and write well, in multiple genres: romance, drama, suspense, and supernatural thrillers. His continual attempt to be kept out of a writer’s “box” coincides with Batavia Enterprises’ experience with keeping out of the property management “box.” Batavia Enterprises leases, manages and renovates residential, commercial, industrial, and warehousing in Batavia, St. Charles, Geneva, and West Chicago. No box can fit Batavia Enterprises; Travis Thrasher will fit in perfectly. Batavia Enterprises won the heart of what could be the next Stephen King because of their sound reputation and establishment within the Tri-Cities. Thrasher also loves the charm of downtown Batavia and how the Tower Business Center is in the heart of it. He is coming up on his 10 year anniversary of being published and looks forward to the quiet and relaxing atmosphere of the building to help him write the books he’s dying to write to keep him published for a decade more. What should have been a 20 minute Q & A turned into an hour of pure entertainment. Whether it’s through his cleverly addictive books or in an interview recounting stories of his past and hopes for the future, Thrasher is an extremely talented author with a knack for capturing his audience’s attention. Be sure to check your local bookstore for his novels or you can purchase them through his website, www.travisthrasher.com.
Triple-Layer Lemon Pie What You Need! 2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding 2 cups cold milk 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.) 1 tub (8.oz) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
Make It! 1. BEAT pudding mixes, milk and juice with whisk 2 min. (mixture will be thick) Spread 1-1/2 cups onto bottom of crust. 2. WHISK 1/2 the COOL WHIP into remaining pudding mixture; spread over pudding layer in crust. Top with remaining COOL WHIP. 3. REFRIGERATE 3 hours or until set.
BEI Reviews 5 Stars!
~ “Not too sweet, very satisfying” ~ “I don’t like lemon anything and I like this” ~ “Yummm” ~ “Not beard friendly, but delicious” ~ “Light & refreshing taste, not too heavy on the lemon”
The above has been used with permission of Kraft Foods. For more recipes check out www.kraftfoods.com
Seasons of BEI A look back at the past season through the eyes of Batavia Enterprises... Julie Kotalik and Buzz Miller walk Batavia’s Loyalty Day Parade collecting donations for the Batavia Fireworks committee.
Colleen Calhoun of Batavia waters the Batavia Community Garden’s groundbreaking plants, cabbage.
Dan Stellato, Austin Dempsey & Todd Dempsey practicing to be Rep. Kay Hatcher’s next security detail.
BEI maintenance men, including summer help, pose for their annual picture.
Batavia Firemen sent to save goslings jumping off 122 West Wilson.
Michael George of Aliquot Capital LLC & wife, Dawn, enjoying their dinner at the Batavia MainStreet Gala.
Chimney Swift Tower Dedication a Success Friday afternoon, June 11th, was scorching hot and unbearably humid, but that didn’t deter anyone from the celebrating the dedication of Fox Valley’s first Chimney Swift Tower with Batavia Enterprises. Batavia Mayor Jeffrey Schielke opened up the ceremony explaining why the tower exists and, when considering Linnea Miller’s passions, how perfect the site is. Linnea, the late 3rd Ward Batavia Alderwoman and Batavia’s Citizen of the Year, was a major advocate for the bike path, loved nature, and worked hard to move Batavia towards a better and more beautiful downtown area. The tower is located next to the river on the bike path off of Shumway Avenue and was dedicated in honor of Linnea Miller. Dan Stellato, President of Batavia Enterprises, followed Schielke’s speech with a humorous story detailing Linnea Miller’s passion for the Chimney Swifts. At the Batavia Chamber’s Ole Award dinner in 2009, after discussions of razing the Batavia Bowl began, Linnea walked up to Stellato, grabbed his tie, pulled him close and said, “I know you have to knock the building down, but if you expect to get my vote, you better find a new home for the Chimney Swifts.” To which Stellato replied, “What’s a Chimney Swift?” The crowd, including her husband Buzz Miller, chuckled at the thought and those who knew Linnea laughed harder because they knew that her passion for these birds had no limit. Stellato then presented Buzz with the exact tie that Linnea forcefully tugged upon, which brought an even larger laugh throughout the crowd and a smile across Buzz’s face. Austin Dempsey, Vice President of Batavia Enterprises, concluded the dedication with a toast to the memory of Linnea Miller and the legacy she left behind. The chilled sparkling grape juice refreshed the heated bodies, but more importantly, refreshed the memories of the goodness she brought to so many people.
Community Corner Timberland Financial’s Jason Nash to Build Homes for Honduras’ Families Jason Nash, Estate Planning Specialist for Timberland Financial Group, will be going to Honduras to help supply housing, orphanage support, and medical attention with a group of people from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora. He met a few of the people from the group in May at a golf outing and they were so passionate about the cause that he decided to take that step and do what he can for those in need. Since the group’s first trip to Montanuela, Honduras in 1999, they’ve built 53 homes, given physician care to over 1,500 people, given shoes and school supplies to over 500 children, and created medical clinics that continue to keep children from dying from malnutrition. Batavia Enterprises is proud to have a tenant with such a passionate heart for others and wishes him the best in his travels and success in his efforts.
Featured Building: Riverview Business Center
Why pay $25 per square foot in downtown St. Charles when there is the Riverview Business Center? Originally the “Riverview Dairy,” this unique building boasts excellent views of the Fox River. The available suite in this multi tenant building offers first floor access, ample parking, a skylight, a private washroom and views of the river from multiple angles. Being near Routes 31, 25, and 64, access to the main thoroughfares of the Fox Valley is easy. There are a variety of layouts possible for this suite to suit any user. Available office space: 1,250 sf. Contact Kristen at 630.879.3680 Kristen@bataviaenterprises.com
Kristen Johnson Gets Arrested For Muscular Dystrophy Association Kristen Johnson, property manager for BEI, and 80 other individuals from the Fox Valley area were “locked up” at the Kane County Cougars stadium on June 17th in an effort to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This annual fundraiser helps send children afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy to summer camp, purchase wheelchairs, fund research, and help the children pay for physical therapy. Johnson was able to raise over $900 “bail money” for the cause and was freed from “prison” shortly after. Johnson’s “freedom” in no way compares to the freedom she allowed so many children through her efforts. Her time in “jail” was well worth it. Johnson would like to thank all of those who contributed to her success. She couldn’t have made bail without you!
Thank you for Supporting Batavia Fireworks! On Sunday, May 2nd, a crowd of people lined E. Wilson Street waiting in excited anticipation for Batavia’s Loyalty Day Parade to kick off. The weather was beautiful, the children were ready with their candy bags, and the Batavia Fireworks Committee members were ready to collect donations for the 4th of July’s show. Every year, Batavia sets off a fantastic fireworks display set to popular and patriotic music in celebration of America’s independence. This wonderful show of support is for the dedicated men and women who brought us that independence, and the ones who continue to do so today. Austin Dempsey and Julie Kotalik of Batavia Enterprises were two of the committee members walking the parade asking for support. Kotalik was ecstatic to see the different military branches out in full gear and the warm welcome they received while going by. “I wasn’t expecting that at all but I loved it!” stated Kotalik, whose brother presently serves in the United States Navy. The throngs of supporters expressed the same admiration for our troops. The children lining the streets were also enjoying the show and soon focused their attention on the candy flying their way. Batavia Fireworks Committee members, with the assistance of Batavia High School’s soccer team, walked the stretch of the parade and were able to collect $1,050 in donations for the fireworks show. Reminders were also passed out to those unable to donate about the “5 Minutes, 5 Friends, 5 Dollars” campaign. It’s never too early to start donating for next year! More information and more chances to donate are located on the website, www.bataviafireworks.org.
Batavia Enterprises Wins the Business Ledger’s Annual Award for Business Excellence On March 18th, executives from 21 different companies left the Danada House in Wheaton with smiles on their faces and a prestigious award in their hands. Batavia Enterprises, Inc. had the privilege of being one of those recipients by accepting the Business Ledger’s Annual Award for Business Excellence (AABE) in the category of “Innovation in Business.” There were eight categories at the AABE reception this year. The “Innovation in Business” category recognized companies that created a higher standard of product, service, program or process that not only had a positive effect on their business, but on the industry and community as well. The recent creation of Water Street Studios at 160 Water Street in Batavia helped push Batavia Enterprises into the forefront of the judges’ minds. For over 50 years, Batavia Enterprises has focused on the quality of their buildings, the quality of their service, and renovating historical buildings in a creative and functional manner. Batavia Enterprises has a deep history of working with the community and is proud of the effect the Batavia Plaza, Tower Business Center, and now Water Street Studios has had in revitalizing downtown Batavia.
Batavia Enterprises, Inc. Leasing Industrial, Commercial & Residential Properties Since 1959 140 First Street Batavia, IL 60510 630-879-3680 www.bataviaenterprises.com
The BATAVIA ENTERPRISES team is always on the look out for customer news. If you know any “Scoops” please call (630) 879-3680, fax (630) 879-3684 or email us at julie@bataviaenterprises.com.
Dog Days of Summer How well do you know your friends at BEI? Be the first to correctly match the BEI employee to their dog and return it to the office and you’ll win a great prize! Dan Stellato
Bailey
Austin Dempsey
Kay Lefever
Mia
Tia Bella
Marcy Berry Coco & Rascal Julie Kotalik
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