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It's hard to believe, but Wednesday marks my one-year anniversary! With just one month of "summer" left before it's back to school, back to business, and back to routines, I'm determined to soak up every last drop. There's something magical about those balmy evenings, where being outside at 95 degrees at 7:00 p.m. on a Friday just fills me with hope.
Reflecting on the past year, it's been a whirlwind of growth, challenges, and triumphs. Much like summer, this journey has been vibrant and full of warmth. The same energy that makes summer evenings so enchanting has carried me through, making everything feel possible.
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Plan Your Week!
Like to plan ahead?
Here are some events we have coming up over the next week so you can register now and receive a reminder right before the event.
Come join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and continue to grow your business!
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Wednesday Jul 31, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Ace Handyman Services
This week we'll be celebrating with Sid Canchester, owner of this new Ace Handyman Services franchise! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet Sid and discover the services his business offers!
Business owner and managing director Sid Canchester brings over a decade of experience in real estate, property management, and franchise operations to his new enterprise. An experienced home renovator, Sid spent time at companies like Imperial Realty and at Leeds West Groups, where he managed multiple store remodels and renovations. After experiencing inefficiencies in hiring contractors, Sid was inspired to start his own Ace Handyman Services franchise to humanize the handyman services offered in his local communities.
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate the addition of Ace Handyman Services to the Oak Park-area skilled trades scene!
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Thursday Aug 1, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
August Nonprofit Affinity Group Meeting Annual Appeal
Come join our nonprofit affinity group for camaraderie and professional development! We meet the first Thursday of each month from 1-2 pm. This month:
Annual Appeal
With fall right around the corner, it is time to begin planning for the annual appeal season! This month we’ll be learning about what you can do to begin preparing now for your organization’s annual appeal. Kelly Mitchell is the Development and Communications Associate at Sarah’s Inn.
We will meet at the River Forest Public Library, in the Barbara Hall Conference Room. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Library and on Lathrop Ave.
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The Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that we will be a Referral Partner for the Cook County Source for the rest of 2024! Our Executive Director, Darien, and Executive Coordinator, Michelle, took the trip over to downtown Chicago to become familiar with our new role.
We're excited for this new partnership as it will expand access to resources and potential funding opportunities for our business owners in the community!
Thank you to Domini and Irene from the Cook County Source for this great opportunity, as we have big plans for the OPRF Chamber that we can't wait to share with all of you!
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Darien had a wonderful time at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Annual Conference #ACCE24.
Here are some of his key takeaways:
⭐️ Regardless of where we serve, folks in our industry deeply care about community, connection, and economic development. I didn’t meet a single person who wasn’t an absolute delight to chat with.
⭐️ Chambers are changing—we’re not your grandpa’s chamber anymore. This change is being driven by the communities we serve, not just the businesses within them.
⭐️ People are doing incredible work all over the country, and you probably don’t even know about it. It's truly inspiring!
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This was a particularly compelling keynote about the future and things Chamber's should be concerned about. Watch now on youtube. | |
Sponsorship Opportunities | |
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Interested in sponsoring the 2024 Spotlight Awards? We offer a range of sponsorship packages to suit your organization’s needs and enhance your visibility within the community. CLICK Here to view sponsorship information. For more information, please contact Darien Marion-Burton (Executive@oprfchamber.org)
Be a part of this incredible evening as we unmask the best in our business community. Dress to impress and prepare for an unforgettable night of celebration, inspiration, and connection.
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Plan Your Month!
Like to plan ahead?
Here are some events we have coming up over the next month so you can register now and receive a reminder right before the event.
Come join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and continue to grow your business!
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Wednesday Aug 7, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Moon's Retail
Come celebrate with us! Ribbon cuttings provide an opportunity to welcome and connect with a new business, network with other attendees, and celebrate our growing business community. Connecting business to business, and business to community.
Moon's Retail Shop has just recently opened, adding a unique shopping experience to the Southtown Oak Park district. This new store offers cute toys, gifts, and home accessories - come browse their selection! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet Suzi and discover the fun products her business offers!
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate the addition of Moon's Retail to the Oak Park retail mix!
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Tuesday Aug 13, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM -
Business After Hours - Selleria Veneta / Oak Park Bank
Our August Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted at Scoville Square by Selleria Veneta, Italian Luxury Clothing, Bags and Jewelry, and Oak Park Bank, which maintains the true resources of your hometown bank. With so many businesses joining in the fun, we have extended the August BAH to 8:00 pm.
Oak Park's Hemingway District businesses will be providing food and entertainment. Discover the wonderful variety that the Hemingway District has to offer.
Participating Businesses:
- Olive & Oil
- The UPS Store
- Hoja Santa
- Collaboration For Early Childhood.
- Village & Vessel
- Billy Bricks
Join us for networking, food, raffles, friends, and simply a lovely evening in excellent company.
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Friday Aug 16, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -
Meet Me For Lunch at Yolk!
Join us for a Chamber sit-down luncheon! A business lunch in a casual setting, with small group networking. Come enjoy the food while you connect and get to know Chamber members.
Where Are We Eating This Month?
Yolk, the classic breakfast-and-lunch destination in River Forest! Yolk is a family-run restaurant group with local roots, excelling in classic brunch fare such as egg dishes, waffles, pancakes, and sandwiches. Take your pick from a variety of dishes on this event menu, then come get to know fellow Chamber members - and if the weather is good we might get to dine on the outdoor patio. So come join us for a sit-down lunch to enjoy great company and tasty comfort food!
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Thursday Aug 22, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM -
New Member Breakfast
Welcome New Members! Join us at our quarterly New Member Breakfast to introduce yourself and tell us about your business. This is an ideal opportunity to meet fellow new members, Chamber staff and Board leadership. You will also learn about your benefits, hear how you can get involved and get answers to your questions.
Where Are We Meeting?
Brookdale Oak Park is graciously hosting this quarter. Parking can be found at the Holley Court garage operated by the Village of Oak Park, just south of Brookdale. Regrets that as of the moment, Brookdale is not able to validate parking, though it's free for your first hour-and-a-half at our last understanding.
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Thursday Aug 29, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
BIPOC Affinity Group
It's Summertime and that means live music, cool drinks, and the outdoors! BIPOC is heading to Marion Street in Downtown Oak Park this month for Thursday Night Out. We will convene in front of Fleet Feet and pick the best spot to enjoy the evening. Local restaurants are offering meal and drink specials for TNO. Outdoor tables and chairs are provided. Everyone can purchase food and beverages of their choice as we relax and enjoy the live music from local artists.
Have You Met...
...Tamekia Swint of Styles4Kidz and Jeffrey D. Hines of State Farm Hines Financial Services. These two business owners are in their second year as your BIPOC cochairs and are looking forward to seeing you. If you have ideas for programs, topics or speakers, please let them know!
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On behalf of Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, we invite you to an excellent opportunity for manufacturing businesses!
Discover information on available grants offered through Cook County along with resources to help grow their businesses.
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This eBlast was sent out by the OPRF Chamber of Commerce on behalf of a member in good standing as a member benefit. For information about the event described please contact the host. For information about joining the Chamber, click our website below.
STAY CONNECTED TO THE OPRF CHAMBER
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