Geneva Chamber Of Commerce Launches Charitable Foundation

GENEVA, IL — The Geneva Chamber of Commerce has launched a nonprofit organization to pursue charitable contributions and community investment, officials announced.

The Chamber will continue its traditional membership programs and opportunities, while the Geneva Chamber Foundation will operate alongside it to allow for opportunities to enable charitable giving, grants and partnerships, according to a news release.

"This foundation will allow us to explore new sources of funding and support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Geneva, celebrate our community's unique character, and create meaningful opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors," Chamber President Paula Schmidt said, per the release.

The Chamber said the new endeavor marks its more than 75 years of service to the business community.

"One of the things I've always appreciated about Geneva is that our business community genuinely wants to see one another succeed," Michael Olesen, chair of the Board of Directors, said in a statement. "There's a real understanding that when our businesses do well, our entire community benefits. That's the spirit behind this foundation. We want to build on that generosity and create more opportunities for people to come together and invest in Geneva's future."