Boardwalk Shops volunteer is Batavia Citizen of the Year

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce has named Robert Hansen its 2020 Citizen of the Year.

Hansen, a longtime volunteer for business and civic causes, was recognized in particular for his work establishing the Batavia Boardwalk Shops this year. Hansen volunteered to manage the construction of the eight small, portable shops.

He provided space to build off-site, managed the costs, recruited volunteers, and contributed hundreds of volunteer hours and financial backing. The shops were designed for new businesses that might not be able to afford rent in a regular building.

"Whatever he jumps into, he goes in with full force and with determination that he's going to get something accomplished," Mayor Jeff Schielke said in a news release. "Bob has been, I think, very visionary as far as what the needs or wants of Batavia are."