Government

The forward-thinking City of Geneva operates under a mayor-council form of government composed of a mayor and 10 aldermen representing five wards. The City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in order to discuss matters of business and policy concerning the community. The Committee of the Whole meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

The community works closely with local government in order to enhance the quality of life enjoyed in Geneva. Citizen participation is highly encouraged at the monthly City Council meetings and through nearly a dozen city boards, committees and commissions that cover various initiatives such as cultural arts, beautification and historic preservation.

Community safety and prevention is safeguarded by both the Geneva Police Department and the Geneva Fire Department.

Thirty-six dedicated, professional, compassionate sworn officers comprise the Geneva Police Department, as well as 13 equally dedicated, professional and compassionate civilian employees. In addition to crime prevention, the department offers a number of community programs and educational services including Internet Safety and Crime Prevention Programs, Operation Senior Care, Drug/Medication Collection Program, Kane County Safe Kids, their child ID program and many programs in cooperation with the Geneva schools.

The Geneva Fire Department, formed in 1895, originally consisted of 14 members. Today, that number has increased to more than 60 members with three administrators, 20 full-time and 46 paid-on call firefighters. An Advanced Life Support ambulance service is provided by six private contract paramedics. All these groups work together as a combination department serving 24,500 residents in the City and Township of Geneva.

The fire department provides a wide array of emergency and non-emergency services to the community that include fire suppression, paramedic-based emergency medical care and transport, hazardous material assessment/mitigation, technical rescue response, life safety education programs that target grade school children and senior residents of the community, fire code enforcement and CPR classes, as well as home and business safety inspections.


Worship and Service Organizations

Geneva is a city that embraces its diversity – a characteristic that is evident in its strong spiritual sector. More than a dozen houses of worship represent an array of denominations in Geneva. Many of these structures were built in the 1800s offering worshipers of today a peephole to the past. The remarkable architecture of the early churches adds considerably to the historic charm of this lovely riverfront community.

In addition to the programs and services offered through the area’s churches, Geneva is home to numerous branches of well-known and local organizations. These nonprofit organizations have significantly impacted the community through fundraisers, volunteer opportunities and legislative advocacy, as well as by offering access to important resources and information for Geneva residents and businesses.

Volunteering Makes it Happen

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources and fun and fulfilling activities. Geneva and its surrounding communities offer countless opportunities to volunteer.

American Legion Post 75 – Geneva
genevapost75.org
Geneva | (630) 232‑2171

Anderson Animal Shelter
andersonanimalshelter.org
South Elgin | (847) 697‑2880

CASA Kane County
casakanecounty.org
Geneva | (630) 232‑4484

Fox Valley Folklore Society
foxvalleyfolk.com
Aurora | (630) 897‑3655

Fox Valley Food for Health
foxvalleyfoodforhealth.org
Geneva | (630) 377‑0789

Fox Valley Hands of Hope
fvhh.net
Geneva | (630) 232‑2233

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
fvsra.org
Aurora | (630) 907‑1114

Geneva Academic Foundation
gafgeneva.org
Geneva | 304gaf@gmail.com

Geneva Chamber of Commerce
genevachamber.com
Geneva | (630) 232‑6060

Geneva Community Chest
genevacommunitychest.org
Geneva | (630) 232‑0350

Geneva Concours d’Elegance, NFP
genevaconcours.net
Geneva | (630) 584‑3107

Geneva Foundation for the Arts
genevafoundationforthearts.org
Geneva

Geneva Garden Club
genevagardenclub.com
Geneva

Geneva History Museum
genevahistorymuseum.org
Geneva | (630) 232‑4951

Geneva Lions Club
genevalionsclub.org
Geneva | (630) 845‑7966

Geneva Masonic Lodge #139
genevamasoniclodge.org
Geneva | (630) 492‑0406

Geneva Township Senior Center
genevatownship.com/seniorservices.shtml
Geneva | (630) 232‑3600

Geneva Women’s Club
genevawomensclub.org
Geneva | (630) 492‑1188

GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley
gigisplayhouse.org/foxvalley
Aurora | (630) 778‑7529

Good Templar Park
goodtemplarpark.org
Geneva | (630) 232‑4208

Kiwanis Club of Geneva
facebook.com/kiwanisofgeneva
Geneva | (630) 642‑0007

Knights of Columbus
kc2191.org
Batavia | (630) 453‑9752

Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley
lvfv.org
St. Charles | (630) 584‑2811

LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, part of Northwestern Medicine
livingwellcrc.org
Geneva | (630) 262‑1111

Marklund
marklund.org
Geneva | (630) 593‑5500

Moose Charities, Inc.
moosecharities.org
Mooseheart | (630) 966‑2200

Mutual Ground
mutualground.org
Aurora | (630) 897‑0084

Northern Illinois Food Bank
solvehungertoday.org
Geneva | (630) 443‑6910

Rotary Club of Geneva
genevarotary.org
Geneva | (630) 208‑9500

St. Vincent de Paul DejaVu Thrift Shop
dejavuthrift.org
Geneva | (630) 232‑6621

The Joshua Tree Community
joshuatreecommunity.com
Geneva | (630) 485‑1064

The Salvation Army
satricity.org
St. Charles | (630) 377‑2769

TriCity Family Services
tricityfamilyservices.org
Geneva | (630) 232‑1070


Benefits of Chamber Membership

Not only does the Geneva Chamber of Commerce contribute to the vitality of the business community as a whole, it can also contribute to the success of your individual business. Benefits to your company include the following:

Promotional & Advertising Opportunities

As a member of the Chamber, you will have numerous opportunities to promote your business to other Chamber members as well as to the general community. The following are just some of the ways.

Geneva Chamber Website

One of the many values of membership is a listing and link on our website, genevachamber.com. On average, 100,000-plus potential customers visit our website every month. Your business will be listed in our online directory with a link to your website if desired. Thousands of potential customers visit our website every month and use the search function to find businesses they’re interested in.

Opportunities to enhance your listing to include special offers are available. Members can showcase their business even more by adding events, job openings, banner ads and online offers directly to our website – at no charge. The Geneva Chamber website – a great place to promote your business!

Business Listing in Chamber Directory

As a Chamber member, your business will be listed in our business directory. This valuable resource for Geneva businesses and residents is direct-mailed to all Geneva households and businesses, as well as to Chamber members outside of Geneva. Opportunities to advertise in the directory are available.

Business Referrals

Each year, the Chamber receives thousands of inquiries from visitors and residents for referrals. We constantly promote our members’ businesses.

News in the Chamber – Newsletter “SOUNDINGS”
Let other Chamber members know what’s new or happening at your business via “SOUNDINGS,” the Chamber newsletter. This monthly vehicle gives your business exposure and allows you to keep other members abreast of new products or services, a new location, promotion or staff.
Brochure & Business Card Rack

The brochure and business card racks at the Chamber of Commerce office and Visitor Center is utilized by many shoppers and tourists who visit Geneva. Keep us supplied with your most recent brochure or business card and we’ll display them in our brochure and business card racks – for members only!

Social Media

The Geneva Chamber is loyal to its members. We only “like” and/or share news and events from member businesses to our Facebook page at Geneva, IL – Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and our Instagram and Twitter account, both at GenevaILChamber.

Chamber Mailing List

Target your business-to-business advertising with the Chamber’s exclusive member list. The Chamber updates the list weekly and includes the appropriate contact name.

Marketing Ad-Vantage Co-Op Program

By pooling resources and advertising cooperatively, participating members get more advertising exposure than they could individually. All Chamber members are invited to participate. Businesses invest $260 annually (billed quarterly) and in return receive:

  • Discounts on email, radio, print and other promotional opportunities
  • Increased foot traffic in Geneva
  • Marketing Services List
Member-to-Member Email Blasts

Email blasts are individually designed and reach over 900 email addresses. Blasts are limited to be more effective.

Geneva Visitor Guide

This comprehensive guide is widely circulated at tourism kiosks throughout Illinois as well as in response to thousands of requests from readers of Illinois Getaway Guide and other regional travel magazines. As a Chamber member, you have the opportunity to enhance your listing and promote your business in this well-read guide.

Banner Ad on Website

We receive thousands of visitors to our website each month. Attract their attention with a banner ad on our website. You can promote new merchandise, events, special offers or even job opportunities.

Geneva Book – Daily Herald – Town Square Publications

Feature your business in this beautiful direct-mail and online publication that showcases the Chamber, advertisers/members and a profile of all Geneva has to offer. It is a useful reference for current residents as well as those individuals and businesses considering relocation to the area. Chamber members receive substantial discounts on ads in both vehicles.

Geneva Festival Sponsorships

Get maximum exposure for your business by sponsoring one of the Chamber’s many festivals or events. Geneva festivals provide the opportunity to develop an effective marketing campaign. Your business will receive extensive visibility through on-site booth space, signage, mobile display units, sampling and hospitality opportunities and ad space in the official festival programs.

Networking

The value of networking cannot be underestimated. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce you will find a myriad of ways to get to know other members and communicate the benefits of your business or service.

Business After Hours

Business After Hours is a popular monthly event (8x/year) and an important facet of Geneva Chamber of Commerce networking. Members get together to exchange business cards, make contacts, enjoy beverages and hors d’oeuvres and help promote business in Geneva. Who better to promote your business than you?

Lead Generation Groups

A representative from each business category gets together twice a month to network and exchange business leads. It is an excellent vehicle for the promotion and marketing of committee members’ individual businesses. The groups meet bi-monthly.

Committees

Getting involved in one of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce committees helps Geneva, helps Geneva business, and helps YOUR business in Geneva. Volunteer for the committee that suits your talents and time commitments. It is a networking opportunity where everyone benefits!

Geneva Women in Business (GWIB)

The third Tuesday of the month, business owners and associates gather for lunch, networking and educational and inspiring programs and events. All Chamber members are considered members of this popular committee.

Rising Professionals Network (RPN)

Rising professionals will improve networking skills, public speaking skills, management skills, etc. through regular meetings, networking events, mentorship opportunities and volunteer programs.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Scott Lebin
Chairman of the Board
Lebin Financial Planning

Martha Sanchez
Vice Chairman
State Street Jewelers

Lisa Nelson
Secretary
Carlson’s Flooring

Susan Huang
Treasurer
Fox Valley eValues & Deals

Jim Emma
Nova Communications

George Havlicek
Geneva ACE Hardware

Bruce Heidlauf
Mill Race Cyclery

Neil Johnson
SVN Landmark Commercial Real Estate, LLC

Robert Langeness
Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva

Jesse Mercado
The Herrington Inn & Spa

Michael D. Olesen
Stockholm’s

Tim Riley
Riley Drug

Paula Schmidt
Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Mike Simon
The Little Traveler

Mark Spero
Money Mailer of Fox River Valley

Darla Yhost
Geneva Bank & Trust, A Wintrust Community Bank