Editor’s note: The location of the award center has changed to Water Street Studio, 160 S. Water Street, Batavia. The change has been made below in the story.
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2025 Donna Dallesasse Award winner is Richard Clark, founder and director of Area Code Audio and host of the popular podcast Area Code: Batavia.
Every year, the Batavia Chamber holds a fall celebration to gather community members together to recognize one Chamber member who has displayed an outstanding commitment and dedication to the Chamber’s mission, vision, and values. This member is honored as the annual Donna Dallesasse Award recipient.
Richard Clark quickly became a recognizable and enthusiastic presence in the Chamber after joining. He immediately jumped in as a Chamber Ambassador and is a familiar face at events, always showing up to support, connect, and build meaningful relationships. According to a nomination letter from Jamie Saam of Bulldog Plumbing, he has also elevated the business community with his creative work through Area Code: Batavia.
Launched in February 2024 with its first episode featuring Limestone Coffee & Tea, Area Code: Batavia has since produced 43 episodes, reaching more than 5,000 unique listeners, with 350 regular subscribers. The podcast not only highlights local businesses such as Beardsgaard Barbers, Bocaditos, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, Start Something Studio, Red Hive Market, and many others, but also provides them a unique marketing platform, according to Saam.
Richard Clark becomes the 19th recipient of the Donna Dallesasse Award at Chamber Cheers Thursday, Oct. 2. Chamber members and the public are invited to join us as we toast Richard and other honorees at Water Street Studio, 160 S. Water Street, Batavia, beginning at 6 p.m..
Tickets to Chamber Cheers cost $50 per person, which includes heavy appetizers and live music by The Old Fashioneds. To secure your spot, visit bataviachamber.org/events.
—Batavia Chamber of Commerce