NEWSLETTER
u WINTER 2025 u
Business & Industry United For A Better Community
SHOP LOCAL
A POWERFUL TOOL
Maximize your library card –you’ll find more than books at Oswego Public Library
Discover what’s in store for the 2026 Hometown Expo SAVE THE DATE!
Festive events are coming soon to Oswego
Spread holiday cheer by spending your dollars at Oswego businesses this year
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
When it comes to checking that list for holiday gifts, local merchants hope shoppers will be nice and keep them in mind for all of their purchases.
“It is very, very important to shop local,” said Angie Hibben, President/CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce. “Keep those sales tax dollars local.”
Local shops are the ones who sponsor sports teams, donate items for charity auctions and raffle baskets. Local business owners are neighbors, following their
passions, from preparing baked sweets, to curating vintage merchandise and giving local crafters shelf space to sell their designs.
One easy way to support local businesses is the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Dollars, a gift certificate that can be used at a number of businesses in the community. Downtown Dollars can be purchased online at the chamber’s website or visit the chamber’s office at 25 E. Jackson St., Oswego.
u Continued on page 4
Holiday Food Drive
Supporting Kendall County Food Pantry
Help local families in need and enjoy savings on your dental care!
Bring canned or boxed goods to our office and receive a special thank-you
Give yourself a new smile for the holidays and help our community smile brighter!
• Bring 10 items → 5% OFF one procedure of your choice
• Bring 20 items → 10% OFF one procedure of your choice
Suggested Non-Perishable Food Items
• Canned foods (soups, vegetables, fruits, tuna, chicken, etc.)
• Bottled items (drinks, juices, condiments, sauces, etc.)
• Boxed goods (pasta, cereal, oatmeal, etc.)
• Please, no fresh or frozen foods.
About Our Practice
Discover 20+ years of excellence in Family and Cosmetic Dentistry combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate care.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
heck us out online at www.OswegoChamber.org
or
25 E. Jackson St. Oswego, IL 60543
Phone: (630) 554-3505
Fax: (630) 554-0050 Email: info@oswegochamber.org
u Continued from page 1
“Downtown Dollars supports small businesses and gives the receiver an option of more than 10 businesses they can use it at,” Hibben said.
Downtown Dollars can be a great gift for teachers and neighbors.
Hibben said 2025 has been a very challenging year for local businesses and every opportunity to give them support is needed this year.
“It’s been a rough year,” Hibben said. “We need to shop local and shop small.”
Hibben said, “If you want businesses to stay in the community you have to stay in your shop and shop in your town.”
There’s always going to be a time and reason to shop online or need to travel outside of the area for a specific item Hibben said, but when it’s possible to shop local it truly makes a difference, supporting the small business, their staff. And the locally generated tax dollars go back to the residents, supporting the schools, local infrastructure.
A “like” and positive business review can also be great ways to offer support to small businesses, Hibben adds. Sharing a social media post, recommending a local business and leaving positive reviews are simple ways to help increase a business’ visibility online.
Hibben also cautions, think twice about those negative reviews, complaints and discouraging comments, which can really bring down a business.
“Before you leave a negative review, reach out and let the business try to make it right. Give grace to the business,” Hibben said.
Mistakes can happen, but Hibben said reaching out to the business to try to make it right, seek a solution can be a much better resolution than leaving negative reviews that could discourage a future sale or customer.
“We need to treat our businesses how we would want to be treated,” Hibben said.
Chamber CEO Letter
ANGIE HIBBEN President/CEO Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce
This time of year is a time to reflect, be thankful and spend time with family and friends.
First and foremost, I am extremely thankful for all of our chamber members, our sponsors for events and our volunteers. We COULD NOT do what we do without our members, sponsors and volunteers and I just want you to know that we appreciate you and all that you do for the chamber and the community.
As we look forward to the holiday season and 2026, we reflect back on how fast the year has gone by and what we’ve accomplished. I am very happy to say that as of today we are at 547 members which is a new record for the chamber and still growing. We had 90 members join
the chamber and had over 100 events, which included 38 ribbon cuttings. We delivered 900 boxes to the newest residents of Oswego this year and our Hometown Expo and Golf Outings both were sell outs.
We are already gearing up for the Hometown Expo to be held on Feb. 28, 2026 at the Oswego High School fieldhouse, and booths are flying out the door. Our downtown association is going strong with many events and activities for children and adults. Please remember to shop our local businesses during this holiday season. If we want to keep our local businesses we need to support them!
I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Again, thank you for your support of the chamber and the local businesses.
Message from the Village
Welcome to Oswego!
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to our growing community, we’re excited to have you here as we look ahead to another year of progress, investment, and opportunity. Oswego continues to be a place where families, businesses, and visitors alike can thrive.
Since our founding in 1852, Oswego has grown into a vibrant community of nearly 40,000 residents—continuing to be the largest municipality in Kendall County. We’re proud to be recognized for our exceptional quality of life, with safe neighborhoods, top-ranked schools, abundant parks and open spaces, and an active calendar of community events that bring people together.
As Village Administrator, I oversee the daily operations of the Village of Oswego, including police, public works, community development, and administration. Under the leadership of Village President Ryan Kauffman and the Board of Trustees, we are focused on newly identified strategic priorities: increasing bike and pedestrian connections, investing in our downtown, completing the Wolfs Crossing roadway widening project,
prioritizing communication with the public, transitioning to Lake Michigan drinking water in 2028, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and creating a long-term infrastructure asset management plan. Our new Vision Statement—“Setting the Standard of Excellence while Growing with Purpose and Nurturing our Sense of Community”—guides every decision we make and reflects our commitment to building a community that balances progress with pride in who we are.
Oswego’s partnership with the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce remains strong as we continue to welcome new businesses and support local entrepreneurs. Our commercial corridors along Rt. 34, Orchard Road, Rt. 30, and Rt. 71 are expanding with new shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Downtown Oswego remains the heart of the community, where historic charm meets exciting revitalization—offering vibrant restaurants, boutiques, and year-round festivals. Residents and visitors can also enjoy outstanding local entertainment at the Kendall 11 movie theatre and the Village’s own Venue 1012, where concerts, movies, and community gatherings bring Oswego together.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be a special year not only for Oswego but for our entire nation as we join communities across America in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Throughout the year, the Village and our community partners will host special events and programs to honor this historic milestone; we invite you to join us in these celebrations and make this a year to remember.
With major public and private investments underway, 2026 promises to be another milestone year for Oswego. From new development and infrastructure improvements to expanded community events and amenities, there has never been a better time to call Oswego home. If you’re new to our community, welcome—and if you’re a longtime resident, thank you for continuing to make Oswego such a special place. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Village if we can be of assistance.
DAN DI SANTO Village Administrator Village of Oswego
Fox Fall Fest Recap of
By
The temps felt more like summer but no one seemed to mind at the annual Fox Fall Fest Oct. 5.
“Everyone had a great time and we are so thankful to all of our sponsors,” said Angie Hibben, President/CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.
Located in downtown Oswego, the festival continues to be a fun, family-friendly festival that includes music, children’s activities and entertainment. This year featured a bubble maker, a chainsaw
carver and a reptile show that captivated attention from all ages.
Fox Fall Fest included the handmade market, featuring local crafts. There was food for purchase on site and guests also enjoyed visiting locations in downtown Oswego, Hibben said.
The single-day festival is coordinated by the Downtown Oswego Association, a branch of the Oswego Area Chamber of
Commerce. Hibben said this committee coordinates the activities and events, including the return of the popular pumpkin races complete with trophies. Contestants designed a wheeled creation to hold and transport a pumpkin, racing among peers.
“It was one of the most popular activities,” Hibben said. “It’s Pinewood Derby meets pumpkins.”
Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photo by Eric Schelkopf
2026 HOMETOWN EXPO A sneak preview of the
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
by Eric Schelkopf
Oswego Hometown Expo is set to return Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oswego High School. The event brings together more than 100 local businesses and organizations under one roof.
This year’s theme is Back to Business, as the event features local business and community organizations as well as honoring the arts.
The annual judged art show returns to Oswego Hometown Expo. The local artist show features members of the community
of all ages, from school-age children as well as adults can enter their work for review, explained Angie Hibben, President/CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Any student or any adult is welcome to exhibit in the art show,” Hibben added.
The form to enter a submission into the art show can be found at the event’s website, oswegobusiness.org. Judges will review each entry and select pieces for best in show.
Hibben said a local author is scheduled attend and there are plans for a reading during the event. The author’s visit is sponsored by The Scoop, an ice cream shop in downtown Oswego.
New this year the chamber is seeking an appraiser to join the program, and attendees will be able to register to have jewelry appraised.
There will be an opportunity for attendees to bring in their old electronics for recycling. Items including old printers, old televisions and used light bulbs will be among the items accepted at the electronic recycling event. There is a nominal fee for electronic recycling, information will be available on the event website.
“We keep the fees very nominal,” Hibben added.
Your Complimentary Financial Snapshot
Photo
t Pumper, the Oswego Fire Protection District’s mascot dog, greeted people as they walked around the 2025 Oswego Hometown Expo on Feb. 22 at Oswego High School.
The Oswego Hometown Expo is free to attend. One lucky attendee will win the door prize, valued at $500, Hibben said.
When attendees start to feel hungry head over to the food booths for a snack.
Admission is free to the Oswego Hometown Expo.
For information on event sponsorship and reserving exhibition space for the Oswego Hometown Expo, visit oswegobusiness.org. The deadline to reserve exhibition space is Feb. 18, or when space sells out, Hibben said. A professional exhibition service is utilized to help design and set up the expo.
OSWEGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
serving the oswego, montgomery, plainfield & yorkville communities
Dear Valued Members of the Community, 2025 has continued to be a very busy year for the Oswego Fire Protection District. As we trend toward record-breaking call volumes, our commitment to providing the highest level of care to our community remains our primary focus.
While unprecedented growth and increased call volumes bring unique challenges, our dedication to exceptional service, professionalism, and innovation remains unwavering. The members of OFPD stay mission-focused, prepared, and always ready to serve.
The Bond Referendum, graciously approved by our community, has greatly assisted us in navigating this growth. To date, bond funds have been used for the following improvements:
· Refurbishment of ambulances and installation on new chassis’
· Ordering and replacing an aging fire apparatus fleet with expected delivery times of three years from order, including one Tower Ladder and three Engines
· Remodeling and major infrastructure improvements at Station #2
· Replacement of all cardiac monitors
We greatly appreciate the community’s commitment, support, and trust. OFPD is grateful to be an integral part of this community, and as always, our members stand ready to answer the call.
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos by Shaw Media
Libraries are a hub of community activity, with programming and materials for all ages. And now, the staff at the Oswego Public Library District will be better equipped to take those features on the road.
The library’s book mobile is set to launch, allowing staff to improve its outreach in the community. The book mobile is a large van that will provide the library staff the wheels to transport books and materials throughout the community to library patrons.
“I think it will provide a great service for people in the community who are not able to get into the library,” explained Krista Katzen, interim director at the Oswego Public Library District. “Staff will be able to load a cart of books to take to schools, to senior living facilities and even provide home delivery for those who can’t get to us.”
The new book mobile is just the latest addition to the library’s dedication of serving the community. The library district maintains two locations, Oswego and campus in Montgomery.
Two years ago, the library established its Library of Things, a collection of items that can be checked out from the Oswego location. The collection’s catalogue continues to grow and includes pickleball paddles and ball, binoculars, a ghost hunting kit, metal detectors, a stereo with a CD player, a label maker and lamination
machine. There’s even a piano keyboard, telescope and wall stud finder.
With the Library of Things, people can borrow an item, such as a wall stud finder, for use with a project rather than having to purchase it. The collection also provides an opportunity for people to try something new, before making a purchase.
Need help using a new laptop, iPad or e-reader? Library patrons can schedule an appointment with library staff for a 1-1 technology training. The library also has several pieces of equipment in it’s Maker Space on the Go, where patrons can utilize equipment such as a sewing machine, sticker maker or Cricut inside the library.
The library offers an extensive collection beyond its physical materials thanks to its subscriptions to apps including Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy, Katzen explained.
A Home That Feels Like Home
• Piles everywhere making you want to scream?
• No counter space to prep dinner or entertain?
What We Do
• Declutter & Purge: We’ll sort, donate, and recycle so you only keep what truly serves you.
• Smart Systems: We create “homes” for everything — so you know exactly where it belongs.
• Tired of hiding the mess when guests arrive?
• Full-Home Support: From kitchen counters to closets, we’ll organize every room together.
today! www.organizebydesigne.com hello@organizebydesigne.com
Patrons can utilize these apps to stream television shows and movies to their own personal devices. Heading on vacation, download something to watch on the plane or videos for the children to watch directly to their devices. The subscription includes access to newspapers and magazines.
The library connects patrons to the Museum Adventure Pass and the Explore More Illinois Pass, a service that provides free or discounted access to museums as well as recreational attractions around the state.
Reservations for the library’s study rooms continues to fill quickly, as library patrons utilize the space to complete school work, take a work call or work away from the house for a few hours or take a video interview from a quiet location.
“People find it has less distractions and it’s easier to focus on work,” Katzen said.
The library also offers free use of its large meeting room to nonprofit organizations, such as scouts and local book clubs. Reservations are required.
The Oswego Library is part of the state’s
library system that honors reciprocal borrowing, which allows someone with a library card from another library district to borrow materials. It’s perfect for someone who works in the area and wants to check out a book or item.
And the library staff continues to work hard at planning an array of events to educate and entertain. From the recent Nerf night in the stacks to programs that bring history to life. Events and programs can also be a great way to meet others with shared interests.
Winter is a great time to enjoy the cozy library, with reading nooks next to a window or activities for young children to enjoy.
Library partnerships, such as the one with Fox Valley Therapy Dogs, invites young readers to register for a time to Paws and Read, with one of the trained therapy dogs.
“It’s a great way for elementary students to practice their reading,” Katzen said.
THE RIGHT BANKING PARTNER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
We’re committed to getting your business where you want it to be. No one-size-fits-all, no handoffs or getting the run around — you’ll get a dedicated team of experts in your industry to support you the whole way through.
Daniel Homan
Vice President, Wintrust Commercial Banking O: 224-523-7072 | M: 608-515-4522 dhoman@wintrust.com Oswego, IL
Meet Our Newest Members
The Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce promotes the growth and prosperity of our members by connecting them to resources, relationships, and value-added benefits to foster a successful business community. Join us in welcoming these new members to the Chamber!
PREMIER SEWER & SEPTIC
Josh Munson
2245 Griswold Springs Rd Sandwich, IL 60548 815-786-6100
PLAINFIELD SPOTLIGHT LLC
Kevin Pashakarnis 13236 Madison Ct Plainfield, IL 60544
708-369-0053
DISTINCTIVE DENTAL CARE
Dr. Ahmad Zaidi 1301 Orchard Rd Oswego, IL 60543 630-882-2996
STAVER ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYERS, P.C.
Jared Staver 31 W Downer Pl Aurora, IL 60506 630-892-0779
UNITED REAL ESTATE CHICAGO
Melissa Yackley 67 Main St Oswego, IL 60543
630-802-9795
SCOOTER’S COFFEE
Naishil Patel 1060 Orchard Rd Oswego, IL 60543 708-299-7929
MONOLITH PLUMBING
Ken Stevens 23 Hickory Ct Yorkville, IL 60560 630-888-8825
FRESH COAT PAINTERS OF OSWEGO
Mukesh Chhatani Oswego, IL 630-636-0490
PEDERSEN DESIGNS
Jason Jawor 1 East Benton St Aurora, IL 60505 630-482-3514
ME & THE LUXURY SUITES
Malorie Elleson 123 W Washington St Suite 102 Oswego, IL 815-505-3037
10 BUCK FOOD TRUCK
Matt Waite Oswego
JUNK IN THE TRUCK
Maxwell Puscheck 4485 Route 71 Oswego, IL 60543 630-689-6899
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
Steven Moore Chicago, IL 757-469-4702
CMR HEALTH GROUP
Sarah Carlson 129 Commercial Dr #9 Yorkville, IL 60560 630-999-8665
THE KINGS LIMOUSINE DRIVING SERVICE
Sarah Sumner Oswego, IL 331-725-4223
RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING, INC.
Ken Fenzil 155 Kirkland Circle Suite 600 Oswego, IL 60543 630-978-9696
RATE
Maureen Lein 35 S. Washington St Ste 306 Naperville, IL 60540 630-660-7760
LA PETITE ACADEMY
Joanna Pamal 1260 Douglas Rd Oswego, IL 60543 630-554-8755
BT HOME SERVICES LLC
Barry Tobin Sugar Grove, IL 331-319-9079
INSWAN HOME
HEALTH CARE, LTD
Claudia Ong
1783 S. Washington St Ste 105B Naperville, IL 60565 847-807-8858
RICK LEVIN & ASSOCIATES, INC
Rick Levin 1434 N Astor Chicago, IL 60610
PURPOSE CARE
Katherine Miranda 123 W Washington St Suite B-11 Oswego, IL 60543
HUB HOUSE MOBILE SERVICE & FITTINGS LLC
Albin Hub Naperville
CHRISTINE’S SIGNATURE SHINE
Christine Gasior 76 W Washington St Oswego, IL 60543 224-518-9042
ROMERO GALLO RENTALS
Dayana Gallo Oswego, IL 331-725-9923
GAS N WASH
Laura Krawisz 1060 Orchard Rd Oswego, IL 60543 855-476-9274
CHIP & DIP POOL AND SPA SERVICES LLC
Phil Janowiak Yorkville, IL 630-632-2949
Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce 25 E. Jackson St. • Oswego, IL 60543 • (630) 554-3505 Fax: (630) 554-0050 • Email: info@oswegochamber.org
2025 Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANDY CLEMENTS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Waubonsee Community College
RICK WARNER
PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Attorney at Law
KEN HOLMSTROM
VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Byline Bank
JODI TAPP TREASURER Old Second National Bank
KAREN KULZER SECRETARY Fox River Academy of Music & Art
LESLIE HILDERBRANT Hudson Design House
DAN DISANTO Village of Oswego Administrator
CAROL GUIST Baird & Warner Real Estate
JIM BAILEY Bailey Accounting Inc
KRIS KEARNS EXP Realty – The Kearns Team
JENNIFER JONES – SINNOTT Brian Feltes & Associates
TRAVIS KINLEY Pillar Heating & Air
Janna Misek, Agent
1136 Douglas Road
Oswego, IL 60543-9040
Bus: 630-554-1540
janna@jannamisek.net
If you want personal service and understanding with your insurance, I’m your good neighbor. You’ll also get 24/7 tech options when you want to manage your policies online. Call, click or stop by for a quote today.
