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Event Calendar |
for a complete listing of events happening in Geneva.
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Geneva Broadcast Network |
Geneva Broadcast Network (GBN) offers its residents a public access TV channel - Ch. 10 on the Comcast cable system. GBN provides coverage of City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings, as well as other important public service information. You can also access GBN via the city's website at:
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Thank You for Your Donation! |
The City would like to thank the following donors to the Geneva Giving Program and Geneva Beautification Committee for the 1st quarter of 2013:
Julie Bird/Allied Partners in Accounting
Shirley Brenner
Charles and Mary Brown
Chris and Vicki Deane
John and Diana Devine
Danny and Lesley Dimmick
Terry and Dorothy Flanagan
Geneva Garden Club
George and Lynn Havlicek
Havlicek Ace Hardware
Stephan, Jeannine and Stephan Hecht
Leroy and Carol Herra
Sam and Carolyn Hill
Al and Anne Hiller
Doris J. Hunt
Beth Jaeger
Lawrence and Mary Jane Johnson
Alison King
Tom and Karen Klatt
Tim and Sandra Klimowski
Daniel and Susan Konicek
David and Julie Kramer
Robert and Joyce Langeness
Richard and Darlene Larson
Pauline Letendre
Sally L. Lipscomb
James A. MacRunnels
Mirsada from Arden Courts
The Olive Mill, Ed and Debbie O'Connell
Michael O'Rourke and Susan Touhy
Bart Payne
Jerry Perrone and Family
Richard and Myrla Randall
Richard and Joanne Rogowski
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Simone
Kevin and Tracy Williams
Alice Wilson and Family
Ruth Wroldsen
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Mayor's Message |
Dear Neighbors -
It's been said that success can become obligatory; each and every success obliges us to pursue yet another.
To a great extent, I believe this observation to be true - as success does indeed inspire us to continue moving forward for our own satisfaction and the benefit of others.
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that Geneva's youngest citizens - the more than 4,000 students that populate our schools - are often recognized for the myriad of successes for academics, athletics, theater, music, dance, volunteer activities or simply being good stewards of the community.
After all, the success our students achieve today foretells how much more success they're capable of achieving on an even larger stage than Geneva and for a much larger community than Geneva.
Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating the syrupy practice of effusive praise for doing what is expected. Such "we are all champions" thinking and behavior does little to inspire the recipient of such praise, or positively impact the greater good.
What I am referring to, however, is the value in recognizing our students strengths, skills, character and talent that make all of us proud that these young men and women are not just "products of Geneva", embody the potential of being true ambassadors for the ever-changing world that they will soon shape and lead.
Our students today will no doubt be among the leaders in science, art, culture, athletics, business, the environment, public policy, education, the non-profit world and public service of every kind, tomorrow.
Why do I believe this so strongly? Because Geneva students from yesteryear are already leading in each and every discipline I listed - and more.
So, kudos to our students who are succeeding today and may the inertia propel them forward for even greater success - the kind of success that informs, transforms, inspires and obligates us all to do good for the greater good.
So, for now, I extend my gratitude to Geneva students for all they have achieved.
And, obligatorily, ask this; what's next?
I can hardly wait to find out.
My best,
Kevin R. Burns
Mayor
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Pay Utilities Via Automatic Withdrawal |
The City of Geneva is pleased to offer Direct Payment to our utility customers. No more writing checks! No more mailing payments!
If you choose to enroll for direct payment, you will continue to receive a monthly utility bill. The bill will provide the amount that will automatically be withdrawn and date the withdrawal will occur.
If you have any questions about the amount of your utility bill, contact the City of Geneva Finance office at least ten (10) business days before the scheduled date of withdrawal. The amount that appears on the bill will be withdrawn from your bank account on the scheduled day unless you receive notification of a correction.
Your monthly bank statement will show the direct payment that paid your City utility bill. If, for any reason, the City receives notification of an invalid automatic withdrawal, it will be treated the same as a check returned unpaid by a bank and a $25.00 fee will be applied to the utility account.
If you wish to have your utility bills paid automatically, please download the form at: http://www.geneva.il.us/ach.pdf , print and mail it to the City of Geneva Finance office, 15 S. First St., Geneva, IL 60134. Please include a voided check with the enrollment form.
Please note: If you receive any notification of a merger involving your bank, notify the City of the bank's new routing number so we can update your files and keep the system working efficiently.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call (630) 232-0854 between 8am and 5pm Mondays through Fridays.
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2013 Brush Pickup Program Is Underway
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The citywide brush program provides for two (2) pickups each month April - November. The program is intended for the disposal of limbs/branches only that are removed by the property owner for normal maintenance and upkeep only.
West Side - Week of:
May 6 & May 20
June 3 & June 17
July 1 & July 15
August 5 & August 19
September 2 & September 16
October 7 & October 21
November 4 & November 18
East Side - Week of:
May 13 & May 27
June 10 & June 24
July 8 & July 22
August 12 & August 26
September 9 & September 23
October 14 & October 28
November 11 & November 25
Brush must be put out at the curb no later than 7am on the Monday of your scheduled collection week. Crews will not return until the next scheduled collection week.
Yard Waste Collection Program is also underway. Yard waste must be placed in a biodegradable yard waste bag limited to 33 gallons and 50 pounds in weight and with waste sticker attached. This program runs through November 30.
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City Completes Construction on New Downtown Public Parking Lot |
The city recently opened a newly constructed public parking lot at 215 Campbell Street between Second and Third Streets in downtown Geneva. The city aquired the land in recent years with the intention of converting it to much-needed public parking. The lot looking southeast towards Campbell Street prior to construction.
The new public lot features 22 spaces including 2 handicapped spaces.
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City Council Unanimously Approves FY2013-14 Budget |
The FY2013-14 budget was approved at the April 15, 2013 City Council Meeting. A public hearing took place immediately prior. Revenue projections have been lowered over the past four years and are coming in as projected, or slightly higher than expected in some cases. Closely monitoring and deferring expenditures has been, and will continue to be, critical in ensuring a balanced budget.
In spite of the ongoing fiscal challenges, city officials will continue to take proactive steps to manage increasing costs, deteriorating revenues, and the uncertainty of our economic future. The FY2013-14 budget is balanced on sound financial footing. City Administrator Mary McKittrick notes "the city's focus will continue to be on providing essential core services and excellent customer service to our citizens, as it has always been."
The budget document is available on the city's website or in book form at City Hall and the Geneva Public Library.
Questions regarding the budget may be directed to City Administrator Mary McKittrick at (630) 262-8495 or [email protected].
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GBN TV Public Access Channel |
The City of Geneva is proud to announce new programming on Geneva Broadcast Network (GBN). GBN can presently be found on Comcast Channel 10 or on the city's website at http://www.geneva.il.us/channel10.htm. The city is hopeful that AT&T U-Verse will carry GBN beginning in May of this year.
- "GENEVA FACTOR" - a monthly feature showcasing the community with a "man on the street" look at festivals, community events and fascinating people.
- "CITY WORKS" - a regular feature highlighting city operations, projects and programs along with interviews of city staff from all departments.
- "OFFICIALLY SPEAKING" - interviews with city elected and appointed board and commission officials on various public-policy issues that affect the city.
- "BUSINESS BEAT" - a monthly in-depth look at a different Geneva business with interviews and commentary featuring the Mayor and a variety of business owners. The first installment can now be seen regularly on GBN (Ch. 10) and the city's GBN page on the website every day at 10:30am and 5:30pm.
- "WINDOWS TO OUR PAST"- a monthly feature highlighting historic Geneva through the ages.
- "ILLINOIS CHANNEL" - public affairs programming from Springfield IL on the latest state government news.
We hope you will tune in to GBN (Comcast Channel 10) for our new programming in 2013!
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Randall Road Bike Path Tunnel Under Construction |
The much-anticipated bike tunnel under Randall Road at Keslinger is now under construction. Kane County crews will be working on the project non-stop with an anticipated finish date of July. Have a look at these photos of the work that has taken place so far.
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News from the Police Department |
Don't leave your valuables in your car- This sounds like common sense however, items of value are left in plain view in vehicles every day. If you leave your valuables visible in your vehicle, it could become a target for crime.
If you must leave items in your car while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them inconspicuously. This would include packages, backpacks, gym bags, GPS units, MP3 players, purses, lap top computers, etc. An opportunistic criminal may be watching when you put items under a seat or throw something over them. If you are unable to take your valuables with you, lock the items in the glove box (if it is capable of locking and is large enough) or the trunk (if you have one).
Avoid leaving packages or shopping bags visible in your car. Plan your shopping /errands so that you do not load your trunk until you are ready to drive to another destination; never open your trunk, fill it full of valuables, close it, and then just walk away. Once you arrive home, unload your valuables immediately. Do not store valuables in your car any longer than necessary.
Leave no trace- Don't leave any sign that there might be valuables "out of sight" in your vehicle, such as docking stations or connector cables. Leave nothing in plain sight that might make your vehicle worth "investigating" by a thief; not even loose coins or a CD.
Just leaving an empty docking station in plain sight, even if you've taken the high dollar component with you, may end up costing you hundreds of dollars to replace a broken window because the thief wanted to check your car for "hidden" valuables. Very few auto break-ins are "random" - the thieves see "something" in plain sight that's valuable, or hints of possible hidden valuables.
If you have an after-market stereo/CD player with a removable faceplate, remove it. Without the faceplate, the unit is less attractive/useful to many thieves and harder to "fence". If the unit can be pulled, take it with you. Just covering your valuables with something like a blanket will probably only draw attention to the item.
Try to park in busy, well-lighted areas. Try to park in well-traveled areas. Large anonymous lots are hit by thieves much more often than parking immediately adjacent to residential housing or other occupied buildings. Attempt to choose a well-lighted, visible, parking spot where there is a great deal of vehicular and pedestrian movement when possible. Auto-burglars prefer breaking into cars where they will not be observed or attract notice, and choose their targets accordingly.
Lock all of your vehicle's doors even if you plan to be gone for only a brief period of time. It only takes a few seconds for someone to enter your vehicle and steal your valuables. It is not at all uncommon for thieves to walk down a row of parked vehicles and check the doors to see if they are unlocked.
Mark your valuables- As a last line of defense (not really to prevent theft as much as to aid in recovery), mark your valuables. Recording serial numbers is helpful, but nowadays many serial numbers are on "removable" labels, rather than "engraved" into valuable items. Also, a serial number doesn't directly link you to your stolen property. We suggest inscribing/engraving a "personal identifier" on all valuables.
Do not use your social security number (identity theft concerns)- use your driver's license number, prefaced by your driver's license state such as S123-4567-8910 IL. With that marking, any police officer can trace your valuable back to you, should it be recovered, and the chances of being reunited with your stolen valuables is dramatically increased.
With the warmer weather approaching, the Geneva Police Department usually sees an increase in burglary to motor vehicle reports. Some of the items frequently targeted are GPS systems, lap top computers, purses, money, and other items of value. While it is impossible to prevent all crime, we would like to provide some crime prevention tips that will help reduce the likelihood of you becoming a victim of this type of crime.
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News from the Fire Dept. |
Did you know that for children the number one health risk is injuries? Attend this week long program designed for children entering 1st grade, presented by the Geneva Fire & Police departments, to learn about the top injury risks in this area. Participate in fun activities stressing bike and pedestrian safety, personal safety, electrical safety, playground /fall safety, water safety, motor vehicle safety, and fire and burn prevention. Plus, enjoy a tour of the Geneva Fire Department Station #1, see a police car up close and take a school bus ride to the Moore Park Splash Park. For more information, please call (630) 232-2530, email [email protected] or visit Geneva Police Department or Geneva Fire Department websites.
All classes held at Geneva Fire Department Station #1, 200 Eastside Dr. in Geneva.
Registration Fee: $20
Session 1 M-F 7/8-7/12 9:00am - 11:00am
Session 2 M-F 7/8-7/12 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Session 3 M-F 7/15-7/19 9:00am - 11:00am
Session 4 M-F 7/15-7/19 1:00pm - 3:00pm
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News from PACE |
Pace Offers Park-n-Ride Locations to Commuters
For those who may not live or work near a bus route, driving to one of Pace's Park-n-Rides may make transit service more accessible. Commuters can park their car for little or no cost and get picked up by a Pace bus. Pace Park-n-Ride locations and pricing (where applicable) can be found at PaceBus.com.
PaceBus.com offers an interactive Park-n-Ride mapping tool called WebRoute designed to allow commuters to identify Park-n-Ride locations and bus routes near their home or work. There are 12 Pace-owned Park-n-Rides and over 20 other Park-n-Rides that serve Pace bus routes throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties. Parking spaces are marked with Pace signage to let riders know where to safely park.
For more information, contact Mary J. Robb at (847) 271-1017 or [email protected].
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News from the Public Works Dept. |
Logan Avenue Tower Painting
The Logan Avenue Water Tower, located next to Burgess Field near Geneva High School, will be repainted this year. In preparation for the water tower painting, all cellular carriers are required to remove antennas from the water tower and temporarily relocate them. When the water tower painting is completed, there will be "Home of the Geneva Vikings" and the City Seal on the water tower.
Geneva High School Science Students Visit Wastewater Treatment Plant
Students in Ms. William's Environmental Biology class paid a recent visit to the city's wastewater treatment plant. Plant manager Dan Dobnick gave the students a tour and overview of the operations at the facility. The city is proud to partner with GHS to educate them on city services as it relates to their studies.
Spruce Up Your Sprinkler System and Save It's been a long, hard winter for your yard. While your plants go dormant to cope with the colder weather, your sprinkler system can feel the effects of winter, too. Cracks in the pipes can lead to costly leaks, and broken sprinkler heads can waste water and money. You could be losing up to 25,000 gallons of water and more than $90 over a six-month irrigation season-the cost of about 300 daffodil bulbs! Irrigation Water Use Facts - Residential outdoor water use across the United States accounts for nearly 9 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation.
- Experts estimate that as much as half of the water we use outdoors is being wasted due to evaporation, wind, or runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems.
- Homes with automatically timed irrigation systems use about 50 percent more water outdoors than those without. Your system can waste even more if it's programmed incorrectly, a sprinkler head is pointed in the wrong direction, or you have a leak.
- A home with an automatic irrigation system that isn't properly programmed or maintained can waste as much as 30,000 gallons of water annually.
Now is the perfect time to spruce up your irrigation system before you ramp up your watering efforts this spring and summer. To get started, follow these four simple steps-inspect, connect, direct, and select: - Inspect. Check your system for clogged, broken, or missing sprinkler heads. If you're not the do-it-yourself type, go with a pro-look for an irrigation professional certified through a WaterSense labeled irrigation program.
- Connect. Examine points where the sprinkler heads connect to pipes/hoses. If water is pooling in your landscape or you have large wet areas, you could have a leak in your system. A leak as small as the tip of a ballpoint pen (1/32nd of an inch) can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month.
- Direct. Are you watering the driveway, house, or sidewalk instead of your yard? Redirect sprinklers to apply water only to your lawn or prized plants.
- Select. An improperly scheduled irrigation controller can waste a lot of water and money. Update your system's schedule with the seasons, or select a WaterSense labeled controller to take the guesswork out of scheduling.
Make sure automatic timers are programmed according to the days and times specified in the City of Geneva Water Conservation Ordinance. Don't forget to add "sprinkler spruce-up" to your spring cleaning list this year. Learn more about maintaining a water-smart yard by visiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor. This information is brought to you by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the City of Geneva.
State Street Brick Paver Replacement Program
This spring, the city will continue with our multi-year process of replacing the sidewalk bricks on State Street. As you can see in the above photo, the existing concrete-type bricks are deteriorating from the bottom-up. This is causing a safety and maintenance issue. Our solution is to replace the concrete type bricks with clay bricks that are identical to the bricks on Third Street. We have found that the Third Street clay bricks hold up to the elements better than the concrete bricks. The clay bricks will help make State Street safe and beautiful for years to come. |
News from Economic Development |
2012 Business Activity Wrap-Up
Shop Local is a phrase we often hear. We all know it's important if we want our business districts to remain healthy. Supporting our local stores benefits every Geneva resident - providing jobs for local folks and tax revenues for City Services. Here's a link to a summary of business activity in Geneva over the past year: http://www.geneva.il.us/EconomicDevelopment/news.htm . We hope you'll stop by and visit old favorites, and new Geneva businesses!
Establishment of a Downtown Business District
The City of Geneva has successfully used Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts, Special Service Areas (SSA), and Business Districts to assist in development and redevelopment of commercial districts within the City. The Central Business District expires this year and the City Council has engaged consultant services from Ehlers & Associates to investigate re-designation of the District. An area may be deemed "Eligible" as a Business District if it meets at least one, or any combination, of factors such as inadequate street layout, Unsanitary or unsafe conditions; Deterioration of site improvements; Improper subdivision or obsolete platting; and/or Existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire or other causes.
Business Districts are similar to a Tax Increment Finance District in adoption method, eligibility standards, and available powers; the main difference is that there is not an incremental property tax created for economic development purposes. An additional sales tax may be extended in a Business District to create revenues to fund projects in the district.
Ehlers & Associates will work in two Phases: Phase I is an Initial Project Review and Feasibility Analysis. Phase II is Business District Plan Preparation and Adoption. If during or at the conclusion of Phase I, it is determined that the area does not meet the statutory requirements for designation as a Business District or the City chooses not to continue into Phase II, the contract will be concluded. Public meetings will be held to discuss the Redevelopment Plan.
East State Tax Increment Finance District - 617 E. State available for relocation
In 2000 the City designated the East State Street Tax Increment Finance District. The District runs on either side of State Street from School Street to the Aldi store. A Tax Increment Finance District does not increase property taxes for those in the district. The base value remains frozen for 23 years and any increment (created through new development) is restricted to fund improvements such as infrastructure and road widening.
The equalized assessed value of the District has almost doubled with the addition of the Munchie P's center, Fox Valley Animal Hospital, Dairy Queen remodel, Aldi Grocery, and CVS Pharmacy.
In February the City purchased 617 E. State and plans to offer the house to be moved. If there are no interested parties, the house will be offered for salvage and demolition.
Upcoming Events:
Gardenology.... is all about all things gardening
Gardenology will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 18, 2013 between 10 am and 4 pm in downtown Geneva. Gardenology advisers and vendors will bring their best ideas and garden related products to jump-start your gardening season. Experts in every horticulture field including farming, landscape design, weavers, local nurseries, and more will be on hand to answer your questions. Scheduled seminars, demonstrations and children's events are being planned and will be posted as the event draws near.
More information is available at http://www.gardenologygenevail.com/ .
Geneva Winter Market - 27 N. Bennett St. The Geneva Green Market continues to operate their Winter Farmers Market at 27 N. Bennett Street in Geneva Place. The winter market will be open from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday through to May. The Winter Market has a surprising array of fresh vegetables and other produce. If you are seeking quality, locally grown food products check out the Winter Market. Staples include eggs, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, bread, cheese, fresh produce including greens, squash, potato, onion, beets, carrots, and peppers.
Sundays Are Special in Geneva - Over 100 Shops Open
Downtown Geneva is OPEN on Sundays! Did you know over 100 shops and restaurants are regularly open on Sundays in Geneva's historic downtown shopping district? Shops and restaurants in downtown Geneva will be hosting special events and activities. A complete list of special Sunday events can be found at www.genevadowntown.org. Events will be added continuously so check back often to see what is happening on any given Sunday in downtown Geneva!
City Special Event Application Beautiful Geneva is an ideal location to hold a special event or festival. Centrally located as the Kane County seat of government, the City is home to pleasing neighborhoods, short walkable city blocks, the Fox River and Fox River Bike trail, many non-profit agencies, a vibrant Chamber of Commerce, a strong business community, and active citizens. Since 2002 the number of events held in the City has increased and the City uses a "Special Event Application" form to approve requests to host events in the City which are public events using public property and/or services. Application forms are submitted to the City Economic Development Department and then routed to each City Department for approval. If you intend on hosting an event, please contact Ellen Divita, Director of Economic Development at (630) 232-7449, or [email protected]. The form can be found at: http://www.genevadowntown.org/?cat=78.
Dancing With Geneva Stars Gala - February 9, 2013
The City Cultural Arts Commission is pleased to announce that the 2013 Dancing with the Geneva Stars was a financial success - as well as a wonderful evening for the 340 people who attended the event!
A huge thank you goes to all who were involved: sponsors, volunteers, dancers, and everyone who "voted," contributing thousands of dollars. Through all your assistance, the committee is pleased to announce that approximately $18,500 will benefit the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission and the Geneva Academic Foundation. For more information, see the CAC website.
Finally, thanks to the Dancing with the Geneva Stars Committee: Chairwoman Carolyn Hill, and Tim Vetang, Lisa Otto, Jane Cladis, Sheila Belon, Paulette Borota, Nancy Dantino, Therese Davison, Mary Ann Diggory, Dave Heun, Mary O'Brien, Susan Terwilliger, Trish Tkach, Connie Wagner, Paul Wessel, Linda Cunningham.
Open Your Business in Geneva!
Considering opening your own business in Geneva? Contact the Economic Development Department at (630) 232-7449. Our Geneva Business Resource Guide will help you identify City, County, and State resources to help you in your business planning. The Geneva Community Profile contains statistics and cost information to help you with your business plan, plus we can help you identify available properties. These documents and more information are found online. Thank you for considering Geneva!
All Geneva Business Directory is Online
Geneva at your fingertips! A listing of all Geneva businesses is now online to help you identify local goods and services: http://www.genevadowntown.org/?page_id=5030
Welcome these new Geneva Businesses:
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Aces and Chains
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324 W State #LL
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Al-Tiro Inc
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308 Anderson
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Bar Louie
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1602 Commons #6000
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Dr. Bharati Belani
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1000 S Randall #200
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Embassy
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113 S 3rd #2A-2C
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KYSSE Studios
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8 Richards #1
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Reszel Industries, Inc.
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319 W State #D
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Smuzi (juice bar)
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511 S 3rd
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Sweet Natalie's (bakery and sweets)
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228 S 3rd #L1
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T Mobile
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1060 Commons #6
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The Sugar Path (bakery)
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315 W State
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Tivoli's Pizzeria, Pasta and Grill
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705 E State #C
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Viking Auto
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561 Lark
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What's Your Consignment
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12 E State
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Wiggle Waggle, Homemade Organic Pet Barkery, Bistro, and Boutique
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500 S 3rd #108 rear
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Congratulations on your new location:
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CG Cookie
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27 W State 2nd Flr #B
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Geneva Bank and Trust
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502 W State
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Perlman Fine Jewelry
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301 W State
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Coming Soon:
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Agrilogic Insurance Service
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716 W State #E
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Changing Childrens World
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411 Stevens
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SCS Engineers
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330 W State #2
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Grayson & Graham, LLC
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5 N 3rd #205 & #206
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Hearts of Hope
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1151 Commerce
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Judge Spence
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10 W State #205
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Law Offices- Clingen Callow & McLean, LLC
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501 W State 203
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OM Sweet OM
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321 W James Ste #105
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Partners In Your Health
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524 W State Unit #1
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Soma
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1438 Commons #9080
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Unitec Recycling Corp
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942 E State
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Welcome New Owners!
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Mish, A Woman's Boutique (formerly Denim Loft)
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206 W State
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Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
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1308 Commons #5020
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About Geneva - The City of Geneva, population 21,495, is located 40 miles west of Chicago along the Fox River. Geneva's character is found in its historic architecture, adaptive re-use of historic buildings, mature landscapes and open space with over 700 acres of park land. With festivals and events year-round, Geneva is a place to connect with others for shopping, dining, or browsing art galleries. Home to excellent schools, library and parks, it continues to be one of the premiere cities in the Chicago area to live, work, play, and raise a family.
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