Winter 2015 - NEW ROAD WORK OPEN HOUSE DATES

In This Issue
Live Christmas Tree Collection Info
Watch Geneva On YouTube
New Economic Development Director
Commuter Parking Deck Update
Changes in Community Development
City's Budget Process Underway
Plenty Of Holiday Fun In Our Photo Galleries
Caution: Road Work Ahead
Our Website Delivers To You
Watch High School Sports On GBN
Order Your Rain Barrel Now
Share Your Winter Photos With Us
Fire Department News
Community Development Department News
Administrative Services Department News
Police Department News
Public Works Department News
Economic Development Department News
Giving Program 

Geneva residents wanting to make a donation to one of the City's volunteer committees and non-profit programs can do so through the convenience of their monthly utility bill. Customers should notice the donation checkbox on their bill along with a short explanation on that month's volunteer opportunity. Visit the City's website for more information.

 

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Share Our Newsletter with a Friend!
Thank You for Your Donation!
The City would like to thank the following donors to the Geneva Beautification Committee:

 

Dan and Roberta Edwards
Ken and Kathy NcNeil
Ron & Marilyn Singer in memory of John Kozak
Smith Family Foundation, Keith & Virginia Smith
Dana Teichart
Jim and Sherri Weitl 

 

For more information on the Beautification Committee, visit the City's website. 

Mayor's Message 
 
 
Dear Neighbors,


 

As Father Time turns the calendar to 2015, your City Council and the City's professional staff are eager to continue providing the programs and services that we have all come to appreciate and value. 

 

Together, we proudly and humbly accept the responsibilities conferred upon us and take to heart the privilege of serving.

 

As such, my colleagues and I pledge to you - our neighbors - our stewardship of your financial resources which help our City work. 

 

Moreover, we extend an open invitation to join us in conducting the business of Geneva by attending the myriad of committee, commission and council meetings. Come share your thoughts and opinions with us as 2015 promises to be a busy year, loaded with opportunities and challenges that will shape Geneva for years to come. 

 

With warmest wishes for a safe, healthy and happy 2015.
 


 

 My best,

 


 

signature
  


Kevin Burns
Mayor
 
 
Geneva Announces Christmas Tree Collection Schedule

 

christmas tree pickup 

 

Geneva residents will have one more opportunity to dispose of their live Christmas trees for free in January.

 

Tree  collection started this past week and will continue the week of Jan. 12 on residents' normal garbage day by Advanced Disposal, the City's waste hauler. People must place their live tree at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on their scheduled collection day.

 

No refuse stickers will be required for this service.

 

Ornaments, hooks, nails, tinsel, garland, tree stands and other hard materials should be removed from the trees prior to disposal. Trees placed in bags at the curb will not be accepted.

 

All wreaths and roping must be discarded with the regular trash.

 

For more information, call the Geneva Public Works Department at 630-232-1501. 

  

Check Out Geneva On YouTube

 

"Officially Speaking"  sat down with Mayor Kevin Burns to discuss highlights of 2014 and what will be on tap for Geneva in the new year. All Geneva Broadcast Network shows can be found on the City's YouTube Channel.
 

 

Geneva continues to look for new ways to connect with residents, merchants and other community stakeholders with an expanded social media lineup that now includes YouTube.

 

People can watch current shows airing on Geneva Broadcast Network (Channel 10 on Comcast and Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse)  as well as On Demand programming on the City's YouTube channel. The City has shifted its On Demand library to YouTube to provide a more convenient viewing experience no matter what computer or mobile device is being used.

 

Programming available on the City's channel includes:

  • "Business Beat" - Take a tour with Mayor Kevin Burns as he visits local businesses to see what makes them unique to Geneva;
  • "Officially Speaking" - Find out what is taking place at City Hall as we interview City Council members and representatives from our volunteer advisory boards;
  • "Geneva Works" - Learn about the operations of various City departments and what services they offer to the community; and
  • City Council & Committee of the Whole Meetings

 

Viewers also can subscribe to the City's YouTube page to be notified when new videos are posted. 

 

Also, get all the latest Geneva news and information you need by following the City on Facebook and Twitter. If you are interested in just photos of our beautiful community, we are on Instagram too. 

 

 

Economic Development Department Has New Leadership
Cathleen Tymoszenko has been named the head of the City's Economic Development Department
Cathleen Tymoszenko, Economic Development Director
bringing more than 26 years of municipal experience to Geneva.

 

Tymoszenko served as the Director of Community Development for the Village of West Dundee since 2005. She will now lead Geneva's Economic Development Department, which provides valuable retention, recruitment and training resources to attract and help businesses grow. The department also coordinates special event permits, promotes tourism opportunities, and distributes communication pieces to the City's business community.

 

In West Dundee, Tymoszenko created and oversaw a department responsible for economic development, planning, zoning, historic preservation, building permits and code enforcement. She negotiated development approvals for newly annexed commercial, industrial and residential areas. Among her accomplishments, Tymoszenko spearheaded an effort to institute a TIF district to secure a large-scale commercial redevelopment and completed a new comprehensive plan for the village.

 

"I am pleased to welcome Cathleen as our new Economic Development Director," City Administrator Mary McKittrick said. "Cathleen has extensive development experience in both planning and economic growth management. Her credentials are first class, and we are fortunate to have someone of her caliber and skill join our management team. I am confident that she will make a positive contribution to our organization as well as to our community's quality of life."

 

Tymoszenko replaces Ellen Divita, who resigned in October after seven years with Geneva's Economic Development Department.

 

After graduating from DePaul University, Tymoszenko began her career as the Director of Tourism for the Village of Schiller Park in 1988. Six years later, she was promoted to the village's Community Development Director. She completed her master's degree in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2003.

 

Jamie Heflin, Business Development Specialist

"I have enjoyed visiting the City of Geneva for many years and am excited to begin working to advance the community's economic development goals," Tymoszenko said. "I look forward to working with members of the community and successfully contributing to Geneva's vibrant future."

 

Tymoszenko will be joined by Jamie Heflin, who has been promoted to the City's Business Development Specialist. During the past six years in a part-time administrative assistant role, Heflin utilized her marketing background to showcase Geneva as a destination for businesses, meetings and group outings. She has utilized her strong graphic design skills to create advertisements and brochures for the City and freelance clients.

 

Prior to working for Geneva, Heflin was a Marketing Manager for Prairie Rock Brewing Company and a Marketing Coordinator at Woodfield Mall. She has a communications degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

 

Parking Deck Construction Hitting The Home Stretch

 

As the expansion of the Third Street Commuter Parking Deck enters its final full month of construction, residents and downtown visitors will be greeted with a little more noise during January.

 

Walsh Construction will be installing precast panels along the south side of the structure from Monday, Jan. 5 to Friday, Jan. 16. Given the work's proximity to the train tracks, Union Pacific flaggers will be on site as a safety precaution. When the flaggers are present during the daytime hours, passing trains are mandated to sound their horns as an additional level of safety.

 

To keep the workflow on schedule, the Geneva City Council has authorized Sunday construction hours at the parking deck - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if needed - during the month of January. Walsh Construction will notify the City mid-week if they plan to work on Sundays so adequate notification can be disseminated through our website, Facebook, Twitter and our weekly GenevaMail eblast. Crews already are allowed to work on Saturdays per the construction contract.

 

The City expects the parking deck project to be substantially completed in the next four to six weeks, and anticipates reopening the structure to commuters sometime in February. Further restoration work will take place in the spring.

 

The $4.5 million third tier expansion will provide an additional 180 parking spaces and is being funded entirely by grants through Metra. The deck is being expanded in order to accommodate parking that will be lost as part of Union Pacific's future plans to add a third rail line, which will remove some existing surface parking spaces.

 

For more information about the project, including shuttle service to temporary parking lots, please visit the City's website.  

 

Untch Set To Retire; DeGroot To Head Up Community Development

 

Pictured from left is retiring City of Geneva Community Development Director Dick Untch; future Director David DeGroot; and City Planner Paul Evans.

 

 

Geneva Community Development Director Dick Untch has announced his retirement, capping off a distinguished 43-year public service career after recently being named Kane County Planner of the Year.

 

City Planner David DeGroot will be promoted to Community Development Director when Untch's retirement becomes effective Friday, Jan. 16. The Community Development Department is responsible for the City's development planning, historic preservation, code enforcement and building permits.

 

Untch has served as Community Development Director since joining the City in 1998. His notable accomplishments include:

 

  • Leading the formation of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Bikeway Plan, Historic Preservation Plan, Downtown Master Plan, Housing Plan, and East State Street Corridor Design Guidelines;
  • Guiding site planning for Geneva Commons, Dodson Place, and the Geneva Business Park;
  • Forming zoning regulations that require new houses be compatible with the size of houses in mature neighborhoods;
  • Implementing a site improvement plan for the City-owned 580-acre Prairie Green Preserve wetland and prairie restoration project;
  • Restructuring processes used by the Plan Commission, Historic Preservation Commission,  and Building Division to ensure comprehensive review of site development plans and permit applications;
  • Managing the design and plan review of numerous redevelopment projects involving adaptive re-use, restoration and expansion of important historic buildings; and
  • Negotiating annexation agreements for major land developments along the west edge of the City. 

 

"It has been a privilege to work with so many Genevans who share a passion for the City and are so willing to work on making this special place even better," Untch said. "Helping shape the City's vision for the future - and seeing the vision come to life in new development projects - has been particularly rewarding for me."

 

"The City of Geneva has been fortunate to have had Dick's leadership and expertise. Because of his professionalism, he has been the guiding force to make sure our community has received the highest quality development possible" City Administrator Mary McKittrick said. "Dick also has been a wonderful mentor to his staff, and David DeGroot will make a smooth transition to lead the Community Development Department."

 

DeGroot has worked as Geneva's City Planner since 2008 coordinating interdepartmental reviews of development applications and site plans, helping the public with planning and interpreting the City's zoning ordinance, and serving as the staff liaison to the City's Plan Commission. He has assisted with special and long-range projects such as the Downtown Station-Area Master Plan and the Southeast Master Plan as well as had significant involvement updating Geneva's sign regulations, zoning and licensing regulations for adult-use businesses, and non-conforming-use regulations.

 

Before working for Geneva, DeGroot was a Planning Assistant with the City of West Chicago and a Planning and Zoning Official with the Winnebago County Regional Planning and Economic Development Department. He has a master's degree in urban planning and public policy from the University of Illinois-Chicago and obtained his bachelor's degree in geography from Southern Illinois University. He also has been a member of the American Planning Association throughout his career and became an accredited member of the Congress for the New Urbanism in 2012.

 

"Geneva is an excellent community to work for in the planning profession," DeGroot said. "The community is engaged and consistently looks forward while working hard to preserve all that makes Geneva a unique place to live, work and visit. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead and working with property owners, business owners, our City staff, and elected officials toward a vibrant future." 

 

Paul Evans, who has served as the City's Business Development Specialist in the Economic Development Department, has transitioned over to Community Development as the new City Planner. During the past six years, Evans has helped Geneva recruit and retain businesses and served as City liaison to the Downtown Merchant Meeting, Cultural Arts, and Business Improvement and Retention Committee. He has previous planning experience with the Village of Barrington and Village of Schaumburg.

 

City's Budget Development Process Underway

budget


 

The Geneva City Council and City staff already have started number crunching as part of the 2015-16 budget development process.


Work began at the Nov. 7 strategic planning workshop, where each year the City Council and staff meet to prioritize goals for the upcoming budget. The goals then become part of the City's operating and capital plans. The City's fiscal year begins May 1. Revenue projections and expenditures will remain relatively flat in order to continue working within a conservative financial approach. Staff closely monitors expenditures throughout the year in order to ensure a balanced budget is maintained.

                     
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 a slowly recovering economy. The 2015-16 budget will be balanced and with a credit rating based on sound financial footing.


"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," said City Administrator Mary McKittrick, who serves as the City's budget officer.   

 

Missing The Holidays? Relive The Christmas Walk With Our Photo Galleries
 
With nice weather for December, thousands of people flocked downtown Geneva to join the holiday spirit of the 2014 Christmas Walk festival.
 
The photos you see above are just a small sample of the fun had throughout the evening. You can view our entire photo gallery on our website.
 
Road Work Ahead: IDOT Plans To Resurface Routes 31 & 38 This Spring

road construction PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECTED DATES OF THE OPEN HOUSES LISTED BELOW. AN INCORRECT DATE RAN IN THE PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER EDITION SENT OUT TODAY. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE ERROR.

 

The Illinois Department of Transportation is planning road construction projects this spring to two of Geneva's  busier thoroughfares.

 

Work is tentatively scheduled to begin in April on West State Street (Route 38) from First Street into western Kane County as well as First Street (Route 31) from Elizabeth Place in Geneva south into Batavia.

 

There will be lane closures associated with both projects, which is strictly resurfacing and will not create any additional lanes.

 

However, the City will be holding two open house meetings about a potential lane reconfiguration for Route 31 known as the "road diet." The proposal would reduce the number of lanes from four to two while providing a center turn lane in the middle and bike lanes on both sides of the roadway. Community input will be sought before the City Council will vote on any possible configuration changes.

 

The open houses will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 at the Public Works Department, 1800 South St. Stay tuned for more information.

  

Geneva's Website Working For You
Want to stay in the know of what is going on with the City of Geneva? A few clicks will bring all the news and information right to your computer or cell phone.

Our website's "Notify Me" feature allows you to subscribe to the information that interests you, which could include:

  • Community alerts
  • News
  • Road construction updates
  • Events calendar
  • Job postings
  • Agendas
  • Bid postings


Also, if you need to file a request for service with the City, it can be done from your computer (visit our website and click "Report A Concern") or your cell phone. All phone users can file requests - and access all information quickly and easily - on our mobile website. Residents with iPhones also can report concerns to the City by downloading the free "Citizen Request Tracker" app by CivicPlus.    
 

Catch Vikings High School Sports On Geneva Broadcast Network This Winter

Want to watch Geneva High School sports from the warmth and comfort of your family room? Then tune in to Geneva Broadcast Network for exciting winter sports action.

 

Games are airing at 4 p.m. daily (and 4 a.m. for you early birds) on GBN, which is Channel 10 on Comcast and Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse. You can also watch GBN streamed live on our website.

 

GBN is airing Geneva High School sports in an effort to expand its program lineup and to showcase the talented athletes we have in our community. We want to thank Geneva High School's Television Department (GTV) for their help in bringing the games to your living room.

 

We hope you enjoy the broadcasts, and go Geneva Vikings!  

 

Order Your Rain Barrel Now At Early Bird Special Rate
rain barrel Winter may be here, but residents can make their first purchase of the spring with a new rain barrel sold by the Geneva Natural Resources Committee.

Take advantage of an early bird special by ordering your rain barrel - choose either black or terra cotta - now for $65. Residents can then pick up their rain barrels April 18 at Peck Farm Park during the committee's Earth Day event.

Proceeds from the rain barrel sales benefit the committee's "Greening Geneva Initative," which helps pay for new trees for the City's downtown parkways.

For more information, email Jay Womack, Natural Resources Committee chairman. 
 
Share Your Winter Photos With Us
We started our "Geneva: A Picture Perfect Community" winter gallery last month and want to see how you enjoy the great outdoors.
 
Have a great family photo in the snow or a scenic winter wonderland shot? We want to see it, and here is how you can share your great pictures with us:

 

We will post your photos on these outlets to showcase all our community has to offer.


Check out this great shot from Lori Davenport Cross next to our new downtown Geneva fireplace on Third Street. 
   

News & Notes from the Fire Department

Residents Urged To Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow
  

With the arrival of winter, the Fire Department wants to remind residents to clear out the closest fire hydrant to their house.

 

A fast and adequate water supply for the Fire Department can make the difference between minor damage and major destruction during a fire. The City's Public Works Department is aware of the hydrants and tries very hard to avoid covering them with plowed snow. However, the situation can be unavoidable on some streets, such as cul-de-sacs, where there is not much space to pile the snow between the driveways, mailboxes and fire hydrants.

 

Residents fortunate enough to have a hydrant in front of their house can do the Fire Department and themselves a huge favor by clearing a 3-foot by 3-foot area all the way around the hydrant to make them visible and accessible from the street.

 

For more information, call the Geneva Fire Department at 630-232-2530.

 

News & Notes from the Community Development Department

 

 

Historic Preservation Ordinance Update Underway

  

The City of Geneva is freshening up its Historic Preservation ordinance - now 20 years old - with a comprehensive update that should be completed this spring.

 

The City's preservation ordinance contains requirements for requesting the designation of historic districts and individual landmark properties. It also contains standards and procedures for reviewing:

 

  • Proposed demolition;
  • Building/site construction plans;
  • Plats of subdivision;
  • Planned unit developments (PUD); and
  • Zoning changes in historic districts and on landmark properties. 


A staff assessment of the current ordinance is underway, and the project is scheduled to be finished by late April. Various sections of the existing ordinance need to be updated to reflect adopted policies, clarify procedures and requirements, and meet changing needs while addressing best practices in the field of historic preservation.  

 

Review efforts include those sections dealing with landmark nominations, permit submittal requirements (including proposed demolition), notifications, application fees, review schedule for proposed districts and landmarks, City Council voting standards for approval of future historic districts, and whether a property owner's consent should be required for landmark or district designation.

 

Additionally, potential ordinance provisions under staff review include standards for de-landmarking, procedures for amending historic district boundaries, design guideline amendments, projects requiring only City staff review (administrative approval); and projects requiring full Historic Preservation Commission review and approval.

 

Once the staff completes the assessment of the current ordinance, draft amendments will be presented at commission meetings for review. All interested parties will have ample opportunity to participate in the discussion and offer feedback on the proposed amendments in early 2015.

 

Once the Historic Preservation Commission completes its review, a recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. 

 

News & Notes from the Administrative Services Department

City Earns Distinguished Budget Presentation Award 

 

The City of Geneva's budget practices continue to earn national recognition after winning the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fifth consecutive year.

 

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada honor reflects the commitment of the City "to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting," according to the association. Geneva's 2014-15 budget runs from May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015.

 

"Winning this award is a great accomplishment for the City of Geneva, and we are very proud to earn this recognition for the fifth consecutive year," Finance Division Manager Tom Dahl said. "As we turn our attention to preparing for next fiscal year, we are dedicated to finding new ways to improve our budget."

 

In order to receive the budget award, Geneva had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated at least "proficient" in all four categories, as well as the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

 

Award recipients have "pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments across North America," according to the association.

 

Both past and present budgets can be found on the City's website.

 

The Government Finance Officers Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 18,000 government finance professionals.

 

The budget award marks the second financial distinction bestowed upon Geneva by the association in 2014. Last summer, the City was recognized with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2012-13 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (annual audit). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teens Get Behind The Scenes Experience With Student Government Day

 

We had a great time providing Geneva High School students a behind-the-scenes experience of our government operations Nov. 18. Thanks to the Administrative Services Department for coordinating the event. The City hosts two Student Government Days each year to educate teens on the role of local government in their community. Check out our photo gallery.

 

News & Notes from the Police Department
When Snow Arrives, Make Sure To Move Your Parked Cars Off The Street 

   
Our Geneva Public Works plow drivers have a challenging task to keep our streets plowed and safeGeneva PD logo during the winter. The best way you can help them out is by moving your parked cars off the street to keep our operations moving efficiently.

 

When road conditions become hazardous, streets that are posted with "Snow Route" signage are cleared of snow and ice first. Snow routes are typically streets that have a large volume of traffic and higher speed limits. Parking on all snow routes is prohibited when the snowfall exceeds 2 inches or more.

 

Once snow routes have been cleared of snow and ice, crews will then target residential streets, alleys, cul-de-sacs and dead-ends. Parking is not permitted on these secondary streets when there is a snowfall of 3 inches or more.

 

It is strongly recommended residents move their cars from the streets when a snow storm is forecasted to avoid being ticketed or having their vehicles towed. Parking is not permitted on secondary streets at any time within 12 hours following a snowfall of 3 inches or more or until a street has been plowed to the curb. 

 

 News & Notes from the Public Works Department
City of Geneva, Illinois - Snow Plowing Operations

Geneva Snow Plowing Operations

Want to learn more about the City's snow plow operations? We have an educational video highlighting how our Public Works crews approach a snow storm, parking regulations and how we keep our roads safe during winter's harshest weather.

    


 


 

 

Recycle Those Old Electronics, Christmas Lights  
  recycle logo
Geneva residents looking to get rid of their old electronics and holiday lights can safely and conveniently recycle them at the Public Works Department, 1800 South St.
 
The Public Works Department has a large container just inside the gate area on the west side of the building where you can place your used electronics. The site is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
 

This is a self-service program. Residents should take their items directly to the large container and stack their equipment inside.
 

To review a list of accepted items, visit the City's website or call the Geneva Public Works Department at 630-232-1501.
 

 
 


 


Advanced Disposal Encourages Drivers To Slow Down

 

The National Waste & Recycling Association along with Advanced Disposal wants you to give them a brake to prevent accidents and injuries to garbage men.

 

Their goal is to educate drivers when approaching garbage trucks to prevent accidents, injuries and deaths. In response to two tragic accidents caused by distracted driving, which ended in the death of a garbage man and severe injuries in the other, The Slow Down To Get Around national safety campaign was developed. One tool created by the program is a public service announcement to encourage drivers to stay alert while driving.

 

The following tips are provided to assist drivers with garbage truck safety.

 

  • Slow down when approaching a garbage truck making its rounds. Stop if necessary to allow workers to do their jobs.
  • Look for workers before attempting to pass the truck.
  • Check for traffic approaching from the opposite direction before proceeding around the truck.
  • Avoid distractions like texting, talking on the cell phone, changing the radio station or programming a GPS system while driving near a garbage truck.

 

Remember keep yourself and others safe by slowing down in the presence of garbage trucks. For more information please visit Advanced Disposal's website and the Slow Down to Get Around campaign.
 


 


 


 


Make Sure Your Fence Gate Is Operational To Help Out Our Meter Readers
 
The next time you are out shoveling, our meter readers would appreciate if you can make sure your fence gate is clear of snow.
 
Meter readers need to enter backyards on a monthly basis to read both a home's electric and water meters. Readers have reported some gates have been blocked by snow and others have not been operational.
 
We appreciate your assistance. If you have any questions, please call the Geneva Public Works Department at 630-232-1501.
 

News & Notes from the Economic Development Department

Upcoming Events

 

 

 

Calling all Brides (and Grooms!)
The Downtown Geneva Wedding Walk is the perfect time to see all Geneva has to offer to plan your unique wedding. The Wedding Walk will be held at the Herrington Inn & Spa and throughout the downtown shops on Sunday, March 1. You will have the chance to meet with venues, boutique shops, and visit some of the top wedding businesses in Chicagoland. Each bride that registers to attend the Geneva Wedding Walk will receive fabulous ideas, goodies and giveaways.

 

Website: www.genevabride.com

 

 

 

Enjoy an Evening of Art and Fine Dining
The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission is setting the stage for its second annual Eat Your Art Out! Gala event on Saturday, March 7. The Herrington Inn & Spa will again host this unique and exclusive event, designing a four-course dinner with wine pairings, inspired by a select collection of featured art. Sensory treats are abound throughout the evening, from the first sip and bite to the last, as guests come together to support the commission creating diverse cultural arts experiences for the community. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online. A special EYAO! 2015 Art Angel Overnight Package includes tickets for two and an overnight stay at the Herrington, are available for $500.

 

Website: www.genevarts.org

 

 

 

Celebrate the Art of Film Making
The stage is set for the eighth annual Geneva Film Festival to be held Thursday to Saturday, March 12-14 in downtown Geneva. The Geneva Film Festival is a well-known venue for writers, producers, and actors to screen a variety of independent films and screenplays. The annual festival also provides technical workshops with industry professionals for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.

 

Website: www.genevafilmfestival.org

 

 

 

Upcoming Training

The City of Geneva Economic Development Department will be hosting its annual Frontline Training seminar for Geneva retailers on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 3-4 at the Geneva History Museum. This informative seminar covers customer services best practices while also providing facts and history about what makes Geneva unique. This year's featured speakers will be retail experts Rich Kizer & Georganne Bender. This seminar is offered at no cost to all Geneva retailers. Call the Economic Development Department at 630-232-7449 for more details.

 

 

 

 

New in Town

Geneva welcomed more than 80 new businesses in 2014! Be sure to check out our New Business Activity page for a complete list. You'll discover new restaurants, shops, services, and more. Shop local and you help your community thrive.  

 

About Geneva

 

courthouse
Located 40 miles west of Chicago along the Fox River, Geneva is home to 21,495 residents and serves as the seat of Kane County government. Geneva's character is found in its historic architecture, adaptive re-use of historic buildings, mature landscapes and open space with more than 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, Geneva continues to be one of the premier cities in the Chicago area to live, work, play and raise a family. For the latest news, visit the City's website.