NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO BID BOARD
Samuel Kelly, general manager for the Cove of Lake Geneva, recently was appointed as a member of the Business Improvement District Board.
Condos
The Lake Geneva Business Improvement Board recently obtained two new members, while retaining four current members.
Members of the Lake Geneva City Council unanimously approved on Feb. 9 to appoint Samuel Kelly to the board. His term is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2027.
Also on Feb. 9, the City Council members unanimously approved to re-appoint Angela Carlson, Beth Tumas, Spyro Condos and Anthony Silvestri to the board, with their terms set to expire on Jan. 1, 2028.
City aldermen unanimously approved on Jan. 26 to appoint Kenton Martzke to the Business Improvement District Board. His term is set to expire Jan. 1, 2027.
Samuel Kelly
Kelly will fill out a term vacated by former member Janine Osborne who recently resigned to accept a job in Madison.
Osborne, who worked as the general manager for Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva hotel, had been a member of the board since 2022 and served as its president in 2025 and 2024 and its treasurer in 2023.
"We're excited for her next opportunity," Business Improvement District Executive Director Alexandria Binanti said. "So, that created a vacancy for her term."
Kelly works as the general manager for the Cove of Lake Geneva hotel. In his application to be a member of the board, Kelly indicated that he would like to help attract more tourism to Lake Geneva, establish more festivals and community events and encourage business owners to keep their establishments open longer hours.
Kenton Martzke
Martzke is set to complete a term vacated by Alastair Cumming, who recently resigned from the board after moving to Colorado.
Cumming, former co-owner of Sopra Bistro, was appointed to the board in 2025.
"So, he's enjoying retirement life," Binanti said.
Martzke is the president of Elmer's Lake Geneva Boat Line Rentals. In his application letter, Martzke said he wants to work with other business representatives and attract more visitors to the community. "My goal is to give back and help build on what already makes this a great place to live, work and visit," Martzke said in his application letter. "I want to keep residents connected to local businesses, recreation and tourism. I genuinely enjoy where I live and work, and I'd like to play a role in helping the city continue to grow in a positive way."
Other members of the Business Improvement District Board include Stephen Schroeder, Jessica Alethea Salgado, Emily Trainor and Alderwoman Catherine Stoodley, who serves as a non-voting member.
Board members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council.
They serve two-year terms and vote on issues related to maintaining and beautifying downtown Lake Geneva and helping to attract people to the downtown businesses.
Business Improvement District officials also host several events throughout the year include the Spring Wine Walk, Maxwell Street Days, Lake Geneva Oktoberfest, Fall Wine Walk and Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The board members usually meet at 9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva, 300 Wrigley Drive.
