24
2012 Business Directory Guide Genoa Area

DC Genoa-Book

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

 

Citation preview

Page 1: DC Genoa-Book

2012 Business Directory Guide

Genoa Area

Page 2: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com2

*Use your Re-Fuel Visa Check Card and receive a 10% Cash Reward on your first $500.00 of “at-the-pump” fuel purchases (up to $50.00) each statement cycle, if the minimum requirements are met. Account must accept e-statements; post a minimum of (30) Visa® Check Card transactions without using your PIN within the monthly qualifying cycle; and make a minimum of one ACH, on-line Bill-Pay, or Direct Deposit each month. Reward percentage accurate as of December 1st, 2011. No minimum balance required. Available to personal accounts only. A monthly service charge of $9.95 does apply. The cash reward earned will be posted on the first business day of the following month. The cash reward percentage may change.

®

(815) 756-6321ResourceBank.comMember FDIC

Cortland DeKalb Genoa Hinckley Malta Sycamore

TM

10% Cash Reward*on Your Fuel Purchases

Use YourRe-Fuel Visa® Check Card

and Receive a

Any Pump, Anywhere

Page 3: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 3Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

Welcome

n behalf of The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our town. Genoa is a rural

community and an outstanding place to live, work and grow your business. Genoa is filled with a lot of small town charm, which continues to thrive. Either visiting here for a day, or looking for a new place to call your home, Genoa is a quaint little town with a big heart and plenty of opportunities You will find a lot of history in our town that dates back to 1835. Our Chamber was established in 1956 and it has always been our goal to be a strong advocate for Genoa and our area businesses to prosper.

2012 is an exciting time to be a member of the Genoa area Chamber of Commerce. We are always creating new ways to help our members succeed and grow their business through networking, promotion and advertising opportunities. We are a supportive and proactive Chamber which continues to maximize our members’ benefits to include, business referrals, monthly networking opportunities, continuing education, and advertising opportunities. There are also many fabulous events such as our Annual Dinner/Meeting, The Home and Business Expo, and our Golf Outing which also give our members another way to gain visibility in our community. We are dedicated not only to helping our local businesses prosper, but to give back to our community, because this is where we live, work and raise our families.

Our success in achieving our mission and purpose is a collaborative effort of the Chamber Executive Director, who is supported by the Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors, City of Genoa, Chamber Members, and area professionals. We are committed to working together with all of you in “Moving forward with a purpose.”

Our area guide is only one small part of what The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce provides to the local community. The Chamber appreciates all the Chamber Members and advertisers who contributed to this Area Guide. As Executive Director, I encourage every business and household to retain this area guide for future reference of any services needed. We encourage you to shop locally. By supporting the businesses in this Area Guide you are reinvesting in your community. For more information, please contact the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-784-2212.

Kristie M. MulsoKristie M. MulsoExecutive DirectorGenoa Area Chamber of Commerce

O

toGenoa Executive Director, Kristie Mulso

784-2212 • [email protected]

President, Nicole MooreResource Bank

784-8301 • [email protected] 2010-2013

Vice President, Doug GuardBook of Numbers

784-3410 • [email protected] 2011-2013

Treasurer, Rob GalickKishwaukee College

825-2086 • [email protected]

Sharon EmanuelsonKishHealth System

756-7588 • [email protected] 2011-2013

Ryan KralkaAlphagraphics

630-247-9530 • [email protected] 2010-2013

Manish PatelGenoa Liquor

784-9780 • [email protected] 2010-2012

Joe BurgessGenoa Kingston School Dist. #424

784-6222 • [email protected]

Josh KubiakEdward Jones

784-3734 • [email protected]

Brian FroehlichOlson Funeral Home

784-2518 • [email protected] 2012-2015

Page 4: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com4

327 W. Main St.

GENOA(815) 784-5101

Show your Spirit!and help us supportyour local schools!

Order aSPIRIT

DEBIT CARD*and we’ll donate

$5.00to your school!

*Spirit Debit Cards are an optional design with a $10 purchase charge.Additional participating school designs available. Standard debit card available at no charge.

Stop in or order your card online today!

24 Hour ATMs Available www.citizens1st.com

Genoa Veterans Home

311 S. Washington St • Genoa(815) 784-5967

[email protected] www.genoavetshome.us

FisH FryFirst Friday of each month

(excluding July) 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

BinGo Tuesday - 7:00 p.m.

LiGHTninG Wednesday - 6:00 p.m.

saturday - 1:30 p.m.

BuFFeT BreakFasTThird sunday of each month

7:00 - 11:00 a.m.

BurGer BuFFeT saturdays - 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

oPen To THe PuBLiC

Ballroom available for rent (Call Manager)

The Genoa Chamber Ambassadors are a fun group of people, led this year by Lisa Motts. We accomplish many positive things for the Chamber and the community throughout the year. Meetings

are held on the first Friday of each month from 12:00noon-1:00p.m. at The Genoa Café. If we have a scheduled ribbon

cutting, that will be immediately following our meeting. If you would be interested in joining us, just stop by any first Friday!

GENOA CHAMBER AMBASSADOR CLUB:

MISSION STATEMENT:The Genoa Ambassador Club of the Genoa Area Chamber of

Commerce is a public relations, booster and goodwill organization dedicated to a better community. It will concern itself with activities

to enhance the image of the Genoa area Chamber of Commerce, create solidarity within the membership, and will bring about a greater appreciation among community citizens of what the Chamber stands for in terms of goodwill, civic participation,

recognition and appreciation.

AMBASSADOR CLUB MEMBERS:

Lisa Motts Ambassador President of NB&T 784-6904 • [email protected]

Aimee Simpson of NB&T784-2125 • [email protected]

Carolyn Tobinson of Ace Hardware784-6004 • [email protected]

Charmaine Cornwell of Citizens Bank 784-5101 • [email protected]

Heather Criddle of Resource Bank 784-8301 • [email protected]

Jamie Ullmark of American Family Insurance 784-5554 • [email protected]

Joanne Johnson of Resource Bank784-8301• [email protected]

Jon Kuhn of Banner Up Signs899-9211 • [email protected]

Kris Mulso, Executive Director 784-2212 • [email protected]

Linda Underwood of Century 21 New Heritage405-1064 • [email protected]

Mike Goelitz of Citizens Bank 784-5101 • [email protected]

Nicole Moore of Resource Bank

784-8301 • [email protected]

AMBASSADOR CLUB ACTIVITIES:

Promotes positive public image of Chamber businesses through community projects:

Ribbon Cuttings • Annual Meeting • Home and Business ExpoGenoa Days King & Queen Contest • Golf Outing

The Great Genoa Duck Race • Celebrate the Season

Page 5: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 5Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

The 2012 Genoa Area Business Directory Guide is published by

Shaw Media in cooperation with the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

Project Manager: Lisa Angel

Design & Layout: Allison LaPorta

Contributing Writers: Debbie Behrends

Curtis CleggDana HerraDoug Oleson

Contributing Photographers: Shaw Suburban Media Staff

All information current as of February 2012

Welcome Letter 3

Board of Directors 3

Walnut Street Daycare growing up fast 6

Park district meets fitness demand 8

Chamber success depends on members 9

Accredited Genoa Police Department looks to bring back K-9 unit 10

Genoa Library expansion plans progress 12

Genoa-Kingston schools create opportunity 14

Genoa’s other business district 16

Downtown Genoa filled to the brim 18

2012 Genoa Area Chamber membership directory 21

Contents Table of

Page 6: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com6

AAfter almost six months of operation, Walnut Street Daycare Center in Genoa just keeps growing.

“On our first day we started with less than 10 kids in the school,” said Rachel Engel, director of the center. “By the second week we had a lot more than that.”

The center now provides daycare and after-school services for 55 children, but the center can accommodate up to 131 children. Engel said she wanted to not grow too quickly, so she could be choosy with the teachers and staff members that she hired.

During the first months, Walnut Street Daycare Center operated under the permit phase of the Department of Children and Family Services, but after recently passing all of the DCFS inspections without a single violation being recorded, the center is now fully licensed.

The center occupies the building that housed First Friends Day Care at 201 Walnut St. until that center abruptly closed in the summer of 2010, leaving many parents at a loss for finding daycare in Genoa. First Friends had been open for 15 years.

After remodeling the facility, giving it a thorough cleaning and restocking supplies Engel hosted

open houses last July for prospective students and their parents.

“The open houses went really great,” Engel noted. “We had a great response from the community. The parents were able to go into each of the rooms to meet the teachers that would be teaching their students.” The center opened for business on Aug. 10, 2011.

“It is so great to be able to reopen it as a daycare center,” Engel said. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and has worked in daycare facilities for seven years. Each of the five classrooms has a teacher assigned to it, and Engel said that she has two more classrooms she can open as enrollment grows.

The center offers groups for infants and toddlers from 6 weeks to 2 years old; preschool groups for children 2 to 5 years old; extended daycare for children attending public kindergarten; before and after-school care for children attending Davenport, Kingston, and Genoa grade schools; and school holiday and summer programs for children 5 to 12 years old.

“We were open over the Christmas break and all of the days that the kids were off school,” Engel said.

For more information contact Walnut Street Daycare Center at 815-784-ABCD (2223).

By CURTIS CLEGG

growing up fastWalnut Street Daycare

Page 7: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 7Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

CENTURY 21 NEW HERITAGE

Broker/OwnerLynn Klein

Broker/OwnerChristine Klein

Broker/OwnerLisa Klein Rossow

847.683.2000 • newheritage.com

• We sold more homes in Genoa, Kingston & Kirkland than any other office• Proven success for over 30 years • Search the MLS on our website • Free Market Evaluation of your home • Open 7 days a week for your convenience

Area’s #1 Real Estate Office

Anita Holt

Scott Mitchell

Dee Wille Kelly WestKathy Culp

Sara Mitchell Linda Underwood

Lora Mahnke

Access Anytime: 1-800-MYAMFAM (800-692-6326)

Proudly serving the insurance needsof the Genoa Area for 26 years.

511 West Main Street, Suite 2 • Genoa, IL 60135 815.784.3410 • www.bookofnumbers.net

Business Services• Proactive Tax Planning• Income Tax Preparation (1120, 1065, Sched C)• Accounting & Payroll• QuickBooks Pro Advisor

• Income Tax Preparation• College Financial Planning• Tax Planning - Real Estate Investors - Retirees (Or soon to be)

Individual Services

Call Today

Doug Guard, CTC

Financial Expertise by the Book

Get yourFREE REPORT

“10 Tax Mistakes That Cost You Thousands”

Go to www.BookofNumbers.net

Page 8: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com8

IIt’s been more than five years since the Genoa Township Park District opened its fitness center inside Genoa-Kingston High School. According to executive director Paul Bafia, the roughly 3,000-square-foot location in the school was always a bit snug, but that was what he wanted – at first.

“We didn’t want to move into a huge space and invest a lot of money without knowing how the community would react to a fitness center,” he said. “The school was a great partner for us, but we’ve outgrown our existing facility.”

The community response has been strong – Bafia estimates the fitness center has about 400 members – and the need to expand was pressing. So the district entered into a lease with the city for about 14,000 square feet on the second floor of city hall.

“Once we saw we could make a success in a bigger space, we went to the city and talked to them about moving,” Bafia said. “The school was great, but we had limitations as far as space and time.”

The fitness center location inside the high school had to close during school hours, Bafia said, and the space was too small to allow for babysitting or many classes.

Fitness center manager Holly Ber estimates the district outgrew that location at least two years ago. Fitness classes were being scheduled at five different locations before the new facility opened.

The new fitness center is equipped with all-new cardiovascular, weight training and free-weight equipment, Ber said. Cardio equipment includes elliptical machines, treadmills and stationary bikes as well as specialty equipment – a seated elliptical, a helix lateral trainer, a Jacob’s ladder and a Precor All-Motion Trainer.

“Some of this is really special equipment you’re not going to see everywhere,” she said.

The center includes an indoor walking and running track and is family friendly, she said.

“Our track is also a stroller track, so moms can come in and walk with their kids,” she said. “A portion of the building is dedicated to child fitness, so we have a whole kids’ zone of organized activities, a big play unit and party rooms for rental.”

The play unit is essentially an indoor playground, Ber said, giving children who frequent park playgrounds in warm weather a way to stay active on cold or rainy days.

“We also have Wii fitness games and a little tot area so the little ones don’t get run over,” Ber said. “We’re really dedicated to helping to fight obesity in both children and adults in our community.”

The fitness center hosts about 25 group fitness classes every week, Ber said, including aerobics, step aerobics, yoga and spin cycling. It also includes specialty services such as massage.

By DANA HERRA

meets fitness demandPark district

Page 9: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 9Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber success

Need to Overhaul Your Farm Insurance?Now is the time to look over more than just your planting equipment

Call us today to plow through your farm insurance policy. Your coverage may need to grow to keep up with your farming operation.

Kingston Mutual Insurance CompanyNADINE BEDNAREK, MANAGER

PROPERTY / CASUALTY (815) 784-5657

420 W. MAIN ST.GENOA, ILLINOIS 60135

depends on members

When the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce put on its first home and business expo several years ago, it was “on a wing and a prayer.”

“We didn’t know what was going to happen,” past chamber director Bonnie Hanson said. “We were just hoping and praying.”

Organizers were pleasantly surprised by the success of the event, which has grown each year since then. In 2011, more than half of the chamber’s member businesses participated, and 10 percent of the city’s population visited the expo to see what local businesses were making available, Hanson said.

The 2012 expo is scheduled to take place March 12 at Genoa-Kingston High School.

“It shows what a chamber can do for a community and for its businesses and organizations, all with limited resources,” Hanson said.

Because of those limited resources, Hanson gives a lot of credit for the chamber’s success to its Ambassador Club, made up of representatives from member businesses. The ambassadors volunteer their time and labor to make sure chamber events go smoothly.

“They’re all volunteers, and they work so hard,” Hanson said. “They inspire me to step up my game, because

they’ve been at work all day, and then they’re willing to come out and put on an elf hat and direct people to Santa’s house. No one asks them to do that.

“They ask for nothing in return, and if you recognize them, you will find them completely humble and feeling undeserving of accolades.”

As an example, Hanson said two of the ambassadors spend the summer driving in parades all around the area handing out plastic ducks and promoting the Great Duck Race, a chamber fundraiser in September. They take on the project each year themselves, she said, without being asked.

Hanson also recognized the contributions of chamber member Citizens First National Bank, which donates space in its building for the chamber’s office. That is crucial, she said, because the chamber would likely be unable to pay a full-time director if it was paying rent for office space.

“There’s such a level of cooperation,” she said. “It’s such an honor to be a part of this community.”

12 Health Services Drive, DeKalb, Illinois 60115

Ph: 815.756.4875 • www.bengordoncenter.org

trust the exPerts in behavioral healthcare™

WBy DANA HERRA

Page 10: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com10

PPolice Chief Ty Lynch has seen a lot of changes – good and bad - in his 23 years with the Genoa Police Department. But, he believes the most important is becoming certified by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of several law enforcement executive associations.

“The first time we earned the accreditation was six or seven years ago, and it was a huge deal,” Lynch said. “It insures that the policies and procedures of the department conform to and update with national standards.”

While that may not mean much to the average citizen, Lynch said one benefit of the accreditation is training.

“I’m a big proponent of training. I don’t think we can ever get too much training for our officers. We’ve taken advantage of local, state and federal training. A lot of it is available free.”

He said he always looks for ways to send any of the department’s six full-time and seven part-time officers to training that will benefit the community.

He believes the accreditation has gone a long way in earning the trust of residents. “And the community does trust us. They call us, bring problems to our attention, and that’s important.

“If you think it’s a small event, but there are 15 other people out there experiencing the same thing, it becomes a big event,” Lynch said.

He said the longevity of Genoa’s officers, including himself, goes a long way toward earning residents’ trust.

“We’re also really proud to have John Klink back after eight years of service to our country (with the Marine Corps). We’re proud of his service and we’re glad to have him back.”

Visibility is another issue touted by Lynch, from the department’s website to officers interacting with students, scouts and seniors at various community gatherings.

Trust and visibility are keys to the community’s support for re-establishing a K-9 unit, Lynch said.

He said the department lost a lot when they had to lay off the last K-9 officer, simply because he was the most junior officer. This time around,

By DEBBIE BEHRENDS

looks to bring back K-9 unitGenoa Police DepartmentAccredited

Page 11: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 11Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

the most senior, Sgt. Robert Smith, is committed to training with a K-9 partner.

Because the department still has the specially-equipped vehicle, the investment will be small. Lynch said he’s unsure of the final cost for training because the state has not yet established a K-9 curriculum, and he is unsure where Smith will go for training. Lynch is estimating a need for $10,000 to $14,000 to get Smith and a four-legged partner properly trained and ready to hit the streets.

“We’re looking into grants to help with the cost. I like writing grants anyway,” Lynch said.

“If there’s something out there (in terms of grants), we’ll apply for it.”

we serve.

northernrehabpt.com

freedomto move

540 East Main Street, Ste 5Genoa, IL 60135

815-784-6417

we serve.

northernrehabpt.com

freedomto move

540 East Main Street, Ste 5Genoa, IL 60135

815-784-6417

we serve.

northernrehabpt.com

freedomto move

540 East Main Street, Ste 5Genoa, IL 60135

815-784-6417

Muscle and joint conditions can affect your ability to live, work, and play. We specialize in the thorough evaluation of sports injuries and orthopedic problems.

Our patients are treated with gentle exercise, hands-on techniques, and education in self-management skills. We are dedicated to the health and fitness of the communities we serve.

we serve.

northernrehabpt.com

freedomto move

540 East Main Street, Ste 5Genoa, IL 60135

815-784-6417we serve.

northernrehabpt.com

freedomto move

540 East Main Street, Ste 5Genoa, IL 60135

815-784-6417

we serve.

northernrehabpt.com

freedomto move

540 East Main Street, Ste 5Genoa, IL 60135

815-784-6417

Melissa Payne WagnerP.T., C.S.C.S.

Todd VanattaP.T.

50% Off Shopping • Dining • Entertainment

.com

Check us out for weekly deals

Become a Fan:

Page 12: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com12

IIt will be at least a year and probably a little longer before the Genoa Public Library can begin work on its highly anticipated expansion. The key to the project, library officials say, is finding ways to finance it.

“We’re shovel ready, but not yet financially ready,” former library board president Craig Pierce said.

The library board is hoping to build an addition in the vacant lot just west of the library, which is located at 232 W. Main St., adding 8,000-square feet to increase its current 3,400-square feet facility to 11,400-square feet.

According to one library board member, Christi Slavenas, the current library only has about half the capacity needed to serve a community of Genoa’s size - 5,193, based on the 2010 census.

“The expansion will take the library from a facility where we shoehorn people in for programming and events to a cultural hub for downtown Genoa,” Pierce said.

Saying the board is essentially in a holding period, library director Jennifer Barton said the board is going to spend 2012 looking at different fundraising and grant options.

“We need to come up with a million dollars,” she said. “A referendum isn’t out of the question, but not now.”

Slavenas agreed, noting that the board is very respectful of asking for public money which they hope they don’t have to do.

“We are halfway there,” she said of the needed financing.

Depending on how things develop in the next few months, Barton said the board will then review the situation again.

“I’m ready to start now,” she said, enthusiastically. “But we want to take a little time to do it right.”

“Everyone on the board has a vision of having a library that the community can be proud of,” Slavenas said.

“It’s our belief that when the economy grows again, a vibrant downtown with a beautiful new library - combined with good schools and a solid park system - will improve real estate values throughout the community and draw visitors as well,” Pierce said.

Barton said the board has tentatively approved a preliminary floor plan and exterior design, which was designed by P.S.A. Dewberry Architects of Elgin and has twice been presented to the public.

“It was Plan G, which shows how long we’ve been working on this,” she said.

By DoUG oLESoN

Genoa Library expansion plans progress

Page 13: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 13Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

Depending on their financial situation, Slavenas said the board may have to cut back on some of what they are hoping to do.

Barton said the library board had been exploring various options when they received a huge, unexpected windfall in the amount of $1.7 million from the estate of Robert Weiss in 2009. What made the gift even more unexpected is that the 86-year old man was not among the 2,600 regular patrons of the library.

“It was a very nice surprise,” Slavenas said.

Encouraged by the donation, the board decided to proceed with expansion plans. Barton said they checked on 17 different sites before deciding to purchase the vacant lot next door early last year.

“The board felt it was important that we keep the library downtown,” she said, adding that they draw a lot of foot traffic, especially from children walking home after school and during the summer.Among other improvements, the expansion will allow for a separation between the adult and youth services, create a space for teens/young adults to hang out and convert the current back room into a community room where groups can meet, something Barton said there aren’t a lot of places for that in Genoa right now.

According to the library’s website, the expansion will also create more space for exhibits, galleries for local artists, movie nights, film festivals and live performances. The

expansion will also provide for more reachable space for kids’ bookshelves.

The library, which circulated 24,000 items last year, has updated its Facebook page and now sends out a monthly newsletter.

It’s a far cry from the first Genoa Library which was established in 1922 by a group of women from the local PEO Chapter. After serving in various sites throughout the downtown area, the last being a nearby house that had been converted into the library, the current building was purchased in 1979. The front facade was completed a few years later, in 1998.

The current library building, which was built in 1895 by August Teyler, has served a number of purposes over the last century, including a hospital and a furniture store.

The library is open from 1 to 8 p.m. on Monday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m., Sundays from September through May. The library is closed on Fridays.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the building fund can do so by sending a tax-deductible donation to: Genoa Public Library, ATTN. Library Director, 232 W. Main St., Genoa, IL 60135.

For more information on the library, go to their website at genoalibrary.org.

Dr. Donald T. Miller Family Dentistry

619 E. Main StreetGenoa, IL 60135

(815) [email protected]

Genoa automotive RepaiRServicing the Genoa community

for over 40 years

We specialize in the following:• Tire Repair • Engine & Transmission Repair • Auto Air Conditioning • Exhaust - Brakes - Shocks• Tune-Ups• Computer Diagnosis• Suspension/Steering • Computerized 2 & 4 Wheel Alignment • Fuel Injection • Batteries

“Your Full Service Repair Center”119 N. Emmett, Genoa

815-784-336624 Hour Towing Service

WE STOCK MOST MAJOR BRANDS OF TIRES

Page 14: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com14

WWhile education is the purpose of schools, Genoa-Kingston Schools Superintendent Joe Burgess believes education is about creating opportunities.

“Life is about opportunity; you have to make opportunities. If you’re the educator, you make the opportunities. If you’re the student, you take them,” Burgess said.

At the helm of the district of about 2,001 students for just two years, Burgess said every opportunity carries a price tag. And it’s up to the board of education to keep that price as low as possible.

He said the board has taken heat from the community for reviewing the possibility of contracting for food and transportation services.

“The board has taken a comprehensive look at everything to look at areas we can cut without impacting the educational process. Whether it’s reducing supplies, materials or capital outlay, we have to make things last,” Burgess said.

He said it was just the right time to look at those services. “The board cannot look at changing services during the lifetime of a collective bargaining agreement. We are in the last year of a five-year contract,” he said.

“I just don’t think it’s fair to tell the taxpayers we’ve looked at everything when you haven’t.

“If it comes back we’re doing a better job, great. I know it’s upsetting to people, it’s personal. We’re treating this very carefully.”

In the process of teaching its students, the mission statement of the district is: “Preparing students to excel and contribute to their community.”

By DEBBIE BEHRENDS

create opportunityGenoa-Kingston schools

Page 15: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 15Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

There’s a better way to buy and sell real estate in Genoa.

We’re providing innovative ideas about real estate to Genoa. With advanced online tools for both home buyers and sellers, combined with experienced agents who know how to give you an advantage in today’s market, we invite you to come in and see how they can work for you.

511 W. Main Street • Genoa

815-784-4582Visit us online at

coldwellbankerhonig-bell.com

Angie Rich

Crystl Lindgren

Joline Suchy

Judy Lacefield

Megan Martin

Richard Swanson

Sandy Pearson

Katie Logan

Mario Gumino

Barbara J. Runne, D.D.S.General Dentistry

105 Brennan Drive Kirkland, IL 60146

815-522-3541

Genoa Auto Parts 330 W. Main

Downtown Genoa

(815) 784-4300Locally owned and operated

Open 7 Days A Week!Mon. Thru Fri. - 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sat. - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

ViSiT our oTher locaTion: 100 W. oak Knoll Dr. (rt. 72 @ State St.)

hampshire (847) 683-3000

Page 16: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com16

DDowntown Genoa, with its variety of stores and its low vacancy rate, gets a lot of attention. But Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce past director Bonnie Hanson notes that the city’s business district is not limited to Route 72.

“There are a ton of chamber members over on Route 23, and they’re all very healthy over there,” she said. “It’s another very strong business district for us.”

The Route 23 corridor began growing by leaps and bounds several years ago, Hanson said, when Sycamore-based supermarket Brown’s County Market opened a location there and Tobinson’s ACE Hardware, formerly located downtown, moved to a larger location nearby.

“Tobinson’s and Brown’s coming in were huge for the community,” Hanson said.

In 2012, consumers should see the Prairie Ridge Point shopping center along Route 23 become easier to navigate, Genoa City Manager Joe Misurelli said. A private drive joining the parking lots of Brown’s County Market and Rosati’s Pizza is expected to be built this year, he said.

Originally, the lots were supposed to join through the parking lot of a third business on the commercial lot between the two, Misurelli said. When the recession hit,

that third business was never built, and the shopping center housing Rosati’s was built as something of an island. For shoppers at Brown’s to get to the pizza restaurant, they now have to drive back out onto Hadsall or Pearson streets, he said.

“The original developer of the Prairie Ridge Point shopping center had most of it tentatively filled in 2008, when the economy tanked,” Misurelli said. “Unfortunately, the bank foreclosed on it, and we’ve been working for over a year with a group to purchase it.”

Sierra Realty and Development acquired the shopping center late in 2011, Misurelli said, and a connecting drive joining the parking lots is expected to be completed this year.

The developer and city are also asking the Illinois Department of Transportation for permission to construct a right-turn-only access to the shopping center from Route 23, which would allow drivers to get in and out of the development from the highway.

“There seems to be feasibility there,” Misurelli said. “It’s a state highway, so we need IDOT’s approval, but that should help with traffic circulation, if it’s easier for people to get in, out and between the different commercial businesses over there.”

By DANA HERRA

business districtGenoa’s other

Page 17: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 17Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

• Physical Therapy• Fractures, Sprains & Muscle Strains• Sports Injuries• Gait Re-education, Training & Assessment• Pre/Post Operative Orthopeadic Care• Pre/Post Operative Spinal Care• Spinal Dysfunction & Pain• Arthritis• Neurological Impairment & Injury Rehab• Balance Training

815 . 74 8 . 8 9 0 0Main Facility

2111 Midland Ct.Sycamore, IL

847. 6 8 3 . 4 3 5 8Satellite Facility

895 S. State St.Hampshire, IL

815 . 784 . 210 0Satellite Facility599 Pearson Drive, Genoa

Serving the Genoa-Kingston-Kirkland Area.

Full range of

motion.Full range of

services.

www.unlimitedperformance.org

Page 18: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com18

MMany cities have struggled in recent years to cling to their downtown business districts, while the one-two punch of a weak economy and big-box shopping centers have dealt stunning blows to local businesses.

But not Genoa.

For more than two years, the number of vacant storefronts in downtown Genoa has been essentially zero. Not only are established businesses thriving, several new businesses, like Specialty Gifts, have opened.

As a resident of Genoa, Kelly Nielsen, who owns Specialty Gifts with her mother, Brenda Jarog, said she knew Genoa shoppers are supportive of local merchants.

“It’s going really good. We’re getting a lot of good feedback,” she said. “We really like it. We’ve been doing shows for over four years, but the store’s doing really well.”

Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce past Executive Director Bonnie Hanson attributes some of the downtown’s success to the efforts of another local business organization, Genoa Main Street.

“They really go out of their way to see that if

a building has opened up, it gets filled very quickly,” Hanson said. “There’s a lot of demand for frontage on our main street. It’s a strong retail district.”

Hanson pointed out that between Chamber and Main Street, there is some kind of event to draw people downtown every month of the year. Such events give both residents and visitors a chance to visit Genoa businesses they have never patronized before, she said, pointing to the chamber’s Christmas event, Celebrate the Season, as an example.

“Every single restaurant was packed. Every store had shoppers. The library had over 300 people come through to see their storytellers,” she said. “We had so much going on that night for families to do, and it was all free.”

“There’s always some debate over whether you should charge for things like carriage rides,” Hanson continued. “But we want to keep it free for families. Take your money into the stores and shop and support our local businesses.”

Nielsen acknowledged the support local businesses get from Genoa residents, but observed her shop sees a lot of out-of-town business, as well. Downtown events and unique

By DANA HERRA

filled to the brimDowntown Genoa

Page 19: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 19Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

businesses like a winery and gift shops have made Genoa a destination for out-of-town shoppers, she said.

Genoa’s business community has also become somewhat known for innovative ideas to support new businesses. In 2010, Genoa Main Street launched Genoa Springboard, a business incubator that reduces costs and provides mentors for start-up businesses.

The incubator has been so successful downtown, Main Street is seeking to expand it to locations off the main corridor.

“Genoa has established a reputation of being entrepreneur-friendly and a place where things are happening,” Genoa Main Street Executive Director Mim Evans said. “The attitude everybody has is, ‘We’re going to make things work here.’”

Hanson agreed, saying cooperation between the chamber, Main Street, the city, non-profit organizations and, importantly, local shoppers creates a unique atmosphere in Genoa.

“There is a level of cooperation and unity that just runs through this town,” she said. “It’s incredible. You can just feel it.”

32653 Five Points Rd • Kingston, IL 60145www.walcamp.org • [email protected]

815-784-5141

• Summer Camp weekly: June 10 - August 10: ages 5-18

• Summer Special Needs camp weekly June 10 - August 10.

• NEW for 2012: Day Camp at WalcampJune 11-15 and August 6-10: grades 3-5

• Family Campground: open weekends Memorial Day through mid- October

• Large, open air pavilion available for family reunions, parties, company and church picnics

Retreat facilities available on weekends throughout the year.

StateFarm®

Providing Insurance and Financial ServicesHome Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Jack GoddeAgent318 W. Main Street, Genoa, IL 60135800 962 4971 Off. 815 784 [email protected] Hour Good Neighbor Service®

Blake Oil Co. Established in 1919

Schaeffer Lubricant DiStributor

aLL farM anD fueL LubricantS

buDGet PLanS aVaiLabLe

SPeciaL DiScountS on

tranSPort DeLiVerieS

Call Toll-Free1-877-522-3521

401 W. Main, Kirkland • 1-815-522-3521www.blakeoil.com

Page 20: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com20

Page 21: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 21Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

2012 Genoa Area Chamber Membership Directory

3 Roses Realty220 Stearn Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-690-2843

4-C Community Coordinated Child Care155 N. Third St. Suite 300 • DeKalb, IL 60115815-758-8149 • www.four-c.org

Action Automotive540 Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4330

Alan Browne Chevrolet700 Pearson Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2511 • www.alanbrownechevy.com

All Natural Chiropractic405 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4455

Alphagraphics2740 E. Main St. • St. Charles, IL 60174630-247-9530 • www.us621.alphagraphics.com

American Cancer Society143 First St. • Batavia, IL 60510630-879-9009 • www.cancer.org

American Family Insurance119 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5554 • www.jamieullmark.com

Balance Chiropractic & Wellness815 E. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4346 • www.drhattar.com

Banner Up Signs1170E State St. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-899-9211 • www.bannerupsigns.com

Beacon Counseling, LLC12109 Ellwood Greens Rd. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2362 • www.beacon-counseling.com

Becker Law Office213 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2695

Ben Gordon Center12 Health Services Dr. • DeKalb, IL 60115815-756-4875 • www.bengordoncenter.org

Benzinger Printing673 Park Ave. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6560 • www.benzinger.com

Book of Numbers511 W. Main St., Ste. 2 • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3410 • www.bookofnumbers.net

Century 21 New Heritage II120 West Oak Knoll Dr. • Hampshire, IL 60140815-683-2000

Citizens First National Bank327 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5101 • www.citizens1st.com

City of Genoa333 E. First St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2327 • www.genoa-il.com

Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell511 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4582 • www.cbhonig-bell.com

Cooper-Quiram Funeral Home202 Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-895-6589 • www.olsonfh.com

Cougar Media Music400 W. Railroad St. • Kingston, IL 60145815-762-5833 • www.cougarmediamusic.com

Country Insurance & Financial Service305 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6688

Crossroads Community Church1306 Secretariat Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-274-3426 • www.crossroadscn.com

Culligan Water Conditioning830 S. 4th St. • DeKalb, IL 60115815-474-5654

Daily Chronicle1586 Barber Greene Rd. • DeKalb, IL 60115815-756-4841 • www.daily-chronicle.com

DCEDC421 N. California St. Suite 200 • Sycamore, IL 60178815-895-2711 • www.dcedc.org

DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau111 S. 2nd St. Suite 202 • DeKalb, IL 60115815-756-1336 • www.dekalbcountycvb.com

Deborah L Ullrich & Associates502 E. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-787-0321

DeKalb County Community Foundation2600 DeKalb Ave. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-748-5383 • www.dekalbcountyfoundation.org

DeKalb Illinois Worknet Center1701 E. Lincoln Hwy. • DeKalb, IL 60115815-756-4893 • www.ides.state.il.us

Dr. Don Miller Dentistry619 E. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5166

Edward Jones - Josh Kubiak308 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3734 • www.edwardjones.com

Eldercare Services330 Grove St. • DeKalb, IL 60115815-758-6550 • www.ecsdekalb.org

Embroidery Sew Into It201 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3744 • www.embroiderysewintoit.com

Erica Scalf Photography438 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135630-816-5790 • ericascalfphotography.com

E-Vergent101 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-9898 • www.e-vergent.com

Everything Floral113 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135 815-784-2344 • www.everythingfloral.com

Family Service Agency of DeKalb Co14 Health Services Dr. • DeKalb, IL 60115815-758-8616 • www.realsolutionstoday.org

Found It Gallery & Design Center107 N. Monroe • Genoa, IL 60135815-501-2375 • www.founditgenoa.com

Genesis Works, LLC701 Pearson Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3712 • www.avancer-genesis.com

Genoa Animal Hospital703 Pearson Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6109 • www.genoaanimialhospital.com

Genoa Auto Parts - NAPA330 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4300

Genoa Automotive Repair119 N. Emmett St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3366 • www.genoaautomotiverepair.com

Genoa Community Women’s Club318 Genoa St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-761-0515

Genoa Liquors540 E. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-9780 • www.liquorwine.net

Genoa Main Street327 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6961 • www.genoamainstreet.org

Genoa Motors231 Sycamore Rd. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2600 • www.genoamotors.com

Genoa Public Library232 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2627 • www.genoalibrary.org

Genoa Township Park District400 E. Second St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5612 • www.genoaparks.com

Genoa Veterans Home311 S. Washington St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5967

Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424980 Park Ave. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6222 • www.gkschools.org

Genoa-Kingston Fire Department317 Railroad • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3412

Genoa-Kingston United WayP.O. Box 5 • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6282 • www.gkunitedway.com

Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County2300 Sycamore Rd. #44 • DeKalb, IL 60115815-758-5055 • www.hfhdcillinois.org

Page 22: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com22

Hill’s Tap319 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5982

Illinois Community Credit Union501 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6041 • www.ilcomcu.org

Installation Services, Inc.10406 Cherry Valley Rd. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5133 • www.installationservices.com

James Mechanical14059 N. Birch Rd. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2055

Jeffrey Caron Optometry318 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6480

John Acardo - DeKalb Co. Clerk110 E. Sycamore St. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-895-7146 • www.dekalbclerk.com

Karlsbad Tavern413 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6336

Kasallis Mobile Maintenance710 Redwood Ct. • Genoa, IL 60135815-751-6042

Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC)P.O. Box 263 • Malta, IL 60150815-825-2000 • www.kecprograms.com

Ken Spears Construction2759 Wagner Ct., Suite D • DeKalb, IL 60115815-756-9779 • www.kenspearsconstruction.com

Kingston Mutual Insurance Company420 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5657

Kishwaukee College2193 S. Malta Rd. • Malta, IL 60150815-825-2086 • www.kishwaukeecollege.edu

Kishwaukee Community HospitalOne Kish Hospital Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115815-756-1521 ext 153520 • www.kishhospital.org

Kishwaukee Corporate Health1740 Mediterranean Dr. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-784-4882 • www.kishwaukeecorporatehealth.org

KishHealth Physician Group599 Pearson Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2100

Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society622 Park Ave. • Genoa, IL 60135

Knights of Columbus32044 New Labanon Rd. • Hampshire, IL 60140847-683-2236

LawnWorks33551 W. Pine Circle • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6309

Lynn’s Carpet CleaningP.O. Box 271 • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3385 • www.lynnscarpetcleaning.com

MCR Framing/Cattywampus228 W. Main • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-9595

National Bank & Trust601 Pearson Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2004 • www.nabatco.com

Northern Rehabiliation540 E. Main St., Suite 5 • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6417 • www.northernrehabpt.com

Olympic Chiropractic1680 Mediterranean Dr. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-899-6061 • www.olympicchiropractic.com

Pete’s Castle/Marathon104 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4060

Prairie State Winery217 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4540 • www.prairiestatewinery.com

Prairie View Dental115 W. Peace Rd. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-895-6100

R Hansel & Son Company221 N. Sycamore • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5500

ReMax Classic514 E. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2800 • www.eshometeam.com

Resource Bank310 Hwy 23 • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-8301 • www.resourcebank.com

Richard Hoffman Development535 Babson Rd. • Monroe Center, IL 61052815-522-3255 • www.hoffman-realty.com

S & A Maintenance610 W. Second St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-8416 • www.sandamaintenance.com

Sandusky & Son, Inc.P.O. Box 218 • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-9300

Scheflow Engineers1814 Grandstand Place • Elgin, IL 60123847-697-7095 • www.schefloweng.com

Service Concepts404 S. Centre Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4100 • www.serviceconcepts.com

Service Master Restoration23479 Airport Rd. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-754-5500 www.servicemasterclean.com/7270

Servpro of DeKalb County515 5th Ave. • Rochelle, IL 61068815-758-3900 www.servpro.com/franchise/9710

Seyller’s Tuckpointing & MasonryP.O. Box 158 • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3724 • seyllers.com

Shipley Construction13874 Derby Line Rd. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3411

Slater-Butala Funeral Home132 W. Main • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-5191 • www.butalafuneralhomes.com

Slingerland & Associates114 W. State St. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-895-5141 • www.slingerlandandassociates.com

Speciality Gifts by Brenda133 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4964 • www.specialitygiftsbybrenda.com

State Farm - Jack Godde318 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3337

State Senator Christine Johnson1101 DeKalb Ave. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-895-6318

Super Wash Car Wash360 Sycamore Rd. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-4386

Sycamore Park District940 E. State St. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-895-3884 • www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com

TBC Net1626 DeKalb Ave. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-899-4600 • www.tbc.net

The Corner Cobbler404 W. Railroad St. • Kingston, IL 60145815-784-4452

Theisen Roofing1122 Pleasant St., P.O. Box 641 • DeKalb, IL 60115815-758-8998 • www.theisenroofing.com

Tobinson’s Ace Hardware361 Sycamore Rd. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6004

Trinity Lutheran Church33930 N. State Rd. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2522 • www.tlcgenoa.org

Unlimited Performance599 Pearson Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2100 • www.unlimitedperformance.org

US Post Office705 Pearson Dr. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-3349

Victoria’s Crossing220 W. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2868 • www.victoriascrossing.com

Visiting Angels630 Plaza Dr. Suite #1 • Sycamore, IL 60178815-895-0200

Voluntary Action Center1606 Bethany Rd. • Sycamore, IL 60178815-758-3932

Walcamp Outdoor Ministries32653 Five Points Rd. • Kingston, IL 60145815-784-5141 • www.walcamp.org

Walnut Street Daycare201 Walnut St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2223 • www.walnutstreetdaycare.com

Web Girl ConsultingP.O. Box 363 • DeKalb, IL 60115815-517-1525 • www.webgirlconsulting.com

WK Landscape & Garden Center809 Aspen Way • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-2923 • www.wklandscape.com

Wolff & Jeske, LLC502 E. Main St. • Genoa, IL 60135815-784-6547

Page 23: DC Genoa-Book

www.genoa-il-chamberofcommerce.com 23Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

free estimates

(815)758-8998www.theisenroofing.com

1122 Pleasant st. • DeKalb

• Shingle roofS

• Tear-offS • re-roofS

• roof repairS

• CuSTom 5” & 6” aluminum SeamleSS guTTerS manufaCTured

on The job SiTe

• available in over 20 ColorS

• aluminum SoffiTS and faSCia’S

Quality service in the DeKalb, Sycamore, Genoa and Rochelle area since 1971.

Page 24: DC Genoa-Book

To make an appointment for you or a family member call

815.784.2100. A broad range of insurance providers are accepted, and

KishHealth Physician Group will see all patients, including those on Medicare, Medicaid and patients without insurance.

I look forward to meeting the people in Genoa and surrounding areas and developing relationships over the years.

Learn more about Dr. Weis and view her video profile at www.kishfindadoctor.org. 599 Pearson Drive, Genoa

Dr. Christine WeisFamily Practice

Kishwaukee Community Hospital welcomes Christine Weis to the medical staff and to the newly formed KishHealth Physician

Group. Dr. Weis is a family medicine physician who cares for newborns to seniors

and works to form partnerships with her patients to optimize their care.

Welcome to Genoa