Recipient Chosen For 2026 Award Honoring Former Batavia Chamber Of Commerce Leader

Press release from Batavia Chamber of Commerce:

BATAVIA, IL — The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2026 Donna Dallesasse Award winner is Ellen Huxtable, former owner of Advantage Business Concepts, current facilitator for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and representative for the Congregational Church of Batavia.

Every year, the Batavia Chamber holds a celebration to gather Chamber members together to recognize one Chamber member who has displayed an outstanding commitment and dedication to the Chamber’s mission, vision, and values. This award is named in honor of Donna Dallesasse who led the Chamber for 16 years and is credited with helping build Batavia’s strong business community.

Ellen Huxtable has become a recognizable and enthusiastic presence in the Batavia Chamber. Ellen previously served as a Chamber Ambassador, welcoming members, building connections, and helping businesses feel engaged. She continues to bring that same warmth and dedication to everything she does with the Chamber.

Ellen currently facilitates both the Not-for-Profit Forum and the Senior Services Business Forum. Her leadership helps create productive conversations, encourages collaboration, and ensures that participants feel heard and supported. She has played an important role in making both forums valuable resources for the organizations and businesses they serve.

Ellen also participates in the Chamber’s Volunteer Fair and regularly attends other events. She is generous with her time, encouraging to others, and is always willing to support Chamber initiatives and members.

“We are thrilled to recognize Ellen Huxtable as this year’s Donna Dallesasse Award recipient. Ellen embodies the Chamber’s mission with her energy, creativity, and commitment to highlighting our business community,” stated Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. “Ellen’s longstanding involvement, dependable leadership, and genuine desire to help others reflect the spirit of the Donna Dallesasse Award. She is an outstanding example of service and commitment to the Batavia business community.”

Ellen Huxtable reflected on receiving the honor:

“The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is home to our businesses, and I have been fortunate to be a part of this community. Our strength is in connection, and the Chamber is a catalyst for connection. Through the Chamber I have met countless people who have helped me, and I hope I have been a help to others. I am honored to be the recipient of the 2026 Donna Dallesasse Award.”

Ellen Huxtable becomes the 20th recipient of the Donna Dallesasse Award at Chamber Cheers on Monday, September 28, 2026. Chamber members are invited to join us as we toast Ellen and other honorees at Sturdy Shelter Brewing, 10 Shumway Avenue, Batavia, beginning at 6 p.m.

At Chamber Cheers, we will also present Membership Milestone Awards. Covenant Living at the Holmstad will be recognized for 50 years of membership. Six businesses will receive a 30-Year Award including; Batavia Park District, Batavia Public Library, BMO-Wilson Street, Boyce Body Werks, Immanuel Lutheran Church & School, and Interiors for Business. Batavia Township will be honored for 25 years of membership. Along with applauding all milestone awardees, we will celebrate the Georgene Kauth O’Dwyer Ambassador of the Year honoree, Caren Sneed, with Plexus Worldwide, an all-natural line of supplements and wellness products. Caren’s dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to connecting with and supporting fellow members have made a meaningful impact on our Chamber community.

Tickets to Chamber Cheers are complimentary and include heavy appetizers, drinks and live music by The Old Fashioneds. Registration is required. To secure your spot, please call (630) 879-7134 or visit bataviachamber.org/events.

A local business-centered organization, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce sponsors or is involved with several annual Batavia events, including the Annual State of the Community Breakfast, Citizen of the Year/Ole Awards Event, and much more. The president and CEO is Margaret Perreault. Membership and information about upcoming Batavia Chamber and community events are available online at bataviachamber.org or by calling (630) 879-7134.

This press release was produced by Batavia Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.