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What a day! It was so lovely seeing and connecting with so many folks at Day in Our Village today. If you couldn't tell by now, I just love this community. What's better than being in a community? Honoring it. This is why I am thrilled to announce that we've opened nominations for our Annual Spotlight Awards.
During the pandemic, we made a decision to award community leaders instead of businesses. This year, the special events committee has decided to go back to awarding businesses! So, inspire your customers, clients, and friends to nominate you!
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Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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Celebrate the growth of your favorite local businesses over the past year! One of our most sought after events, Business Spotlight Awards returns Tuesday, October 8th 2024. Save the date and mark your calendars now because this is one you definitely don't want to miss!
Want to get in on the action and help bring this event to life? Join our planning committee and share your ideas and input on how to make this Spotlight Awards the best year yet!
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Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Annual Spotlight Soirée, where we honor the outstanding businesses and organizations that make our community shine. This year's event will be held on October 8th at the historic Cheney Mansion in Oak Park. Let's come together to celebrate the spirit, creativity, and dedication that define our vibrant community.
Award Categories
We are thrilled to announce the categories for the 2024 OPRF Chamber Spotlight Awards:
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**Community Character** - This award recognizes a business or organization that truly embodies the unique, creative, and supportive spirit of our community.
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**Customer Experience** - Which business makes you feel like the most important customer in the world? This award honors those who deliver an unforgettable, over-the-top customer experience consistently.
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**Excellent Eats** - This is for the local eatery that you can't wait to show off to out-of-town visitors. The perfect combination of delectable food, excellent service, and an inviting environment. Celebrate the pinnacle of local dining excellence with this award.
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**Local Legend** - This heritage award celebrates a business that has become a cornerstone of our community, capturing the heart and staying power through generations.
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**New & Notable** - For businesses that have opened their doors in 2020-2024 and have quickly become beloved fixtures in our neighborhood.
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**Small Business Superhero** - This award is for the individual or small business that has truly saved your day. Whether it was an emergency service, a last-minute need, or exceptional customer care, this superhero has made a significant impact on your life.
|  | To nominate a business for the 2024 OPRF Chamber Spotlight Awards, please fill out our online submission form: | |
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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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Thursday Jun 6, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
Nonprofit Affinity Group / Nonprofit Board Recruitment
There's a reason nonprofit board recruitment is a challenge. You're asking accomplished people to provide you with their time, money, expertise and connections, and to do so for free, in an ongoing manner. And their reward for it is not to play with puppies awaiting adoption, nor to help kids discover the magic of reading - but to sit in meetings reviewing financial reports, discussing investment in software upgrades, or updating employee bereavement time off policy. Why would someone give up their precious free time to do something like that?
Amazingly enough, people do! And some people have the knack for getting them to do so. We'll learn this month from Lynda Schueler, CEO at Housing Forward, one of the area's more prominent nonprofit organizations. Come learn from her experience how to handle this challenge faced by all nonprofits!
And, of course, connect with your peers from a diverse array of other nonprofits in the OPRF area. We look forward to seeing you!
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Thursday Jun 6, 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Porter
This week we'll be celebrating Porter, the new luxury apartment building in the Pleasant District! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come see this brand new space and discover what they offer!
Porter is the brand new, 158-unit upscale apartment community just completed at Marion and Pleasant. It features an array of living spaces from studio to 3-bedroom apartments, as well as ground-floor, private-entrance maisonettes. A long list of amenities and services are available to residents, from a yoga studio to plant-watering services. Come check out this newly-created living community!
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate this new addition to the Pleasant District!
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We would like to give a BIG thank you to our Pride Month Sponsor, Catan Pisco!
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Don't miss out! Keep your eyes peeled for some amazing Pride themed events and opportunities coming your way! | | |
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Wednesday Jun 5, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -
Building a Queer Inclusive Community Within Your Organization
Join us for this workshop to learn how to better welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community into your workplace.
This year's panel includes:
- Matt Johnston, Realtor at Fulton Grace
- Ginger Bencola, Social Worker Oak Park-River Forest High School
- Sonya White, Insperity, HR Solutions
- Marisa Gray, Insperity, HR Solutions
- John Becvar, Co-Chair OPALGA+
In this fast-paced session you will learn:
- How and where to advertise for employees as an LGBTQ+ advocate business.
- Interviewing techniques that ensure you are welcoming to all who apply.
- Measures that can be implemented in your business today that build a more welcoming and inclusive work environment.
- How to best support all employees, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, to be more inclusive.
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Drag Queen Sponsorships
Thursday Night Out in the Burbs
One sponsorship is left! Don't delay!
Chamber at Thursday Night Out?
That's right! OPRF Chamber PRIDE is taking over Downtown Oak Park's Thursday Night Out on June 20!
Drag Queens Galore!
Do you want a Drag Queen roaming Thursday Night Out and talking about your business?
Well now is your chance to grab one before they are gone! We will have fabulous Drag Queens who can be sponsored to hand out your marketing and talk about your business for 2 hours at Thursday Night Out.
Each sponsorship will receive:
- Hyperlinked logo placement on the Event page on the Chamber website
- Call-out on the Chamber and DTOP social media before and after the event
- A fabulous Drag Queen roaming TNO for 2 hours talking to the crowd about your business! If you have swag they can hand this out as well.
- Business highlight in any press (still TBD)
NOTE - Drag Queen sponsorships are available for members only--$500.
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Saturday Jun 29, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Brunchin' Beauties: Celebrate Pride in Oak Park with Drag - Two Shows
Exciting Announcement! Due to overwhelming demand, we've doubled the fun this year with two spectacular shows at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm! Reserve your spot now! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Indulge in an unforgettable experience at our exclusive event, where delectable brunch favorites meet bottomless delights of Pisco Sours, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys. (Non-alcoholic tickets are also available.) Prepare to be captivated by a high-energy drag show that promises to dazzle and entertain every guest.
Gather your friends, family, and fellow community members for a fabulous celebration of diversity, creativity, and local businesses. Our Drag Brunch isn't just an event; it's a sensory journey that will leave you with cherished memories. Join us in supporting our local community while reveling in this truly remarkable experience.
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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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Tuesday Jun 11, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
Business After Hours - FFC
Join us at our regular monthly networking event, Business After Hours (BAH), on the second Tuesday of every month. All members and non-members are welcome. (Members are free.) Connecting business to business, business to community.
Our June Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted by FFC (Fitness Formula Clubs) Oak Park. Join us for a night of networking and hors d'oeuvres in this high-energy setting, to enjoy spring on the outdoor deck.
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Wednesday Jun 12, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at 2 Sistah's Afrocentric Boutique
This week we'll be celebrating with Charman Dortch and Karen Quarles, owners of 2 Sistah's Afrocentric Boutique, who have recently opened this Black-owned shop featuring clothing and accessories! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the owners and discover the products they offer!
2 Sistah's is a shop that celebrates culture, with clothing, hats, bags, and other accessories that reflect and express African and African-American pride.
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate this new addition to the Oak Park fashion scene!
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Friday Jun 14, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -
June Women in Business / Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Do you get an uncomfortable feeling when you suspect you lack the experience and skill to do your job well? Do you chalk up your successes and accomplishments to luck, despite being high-performing? Do you sometimes think you're just "winging it" or experience a sense of intellectual phoniness? That's Imposter Syndrome. Join our panel of successful businesswomen as we discuss this universal struggle and powerful ways to overcome it.
Please come as you are. Skirt and office blazer or WFH hoodie and leggings, we are thrilled you are joining us. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served.
9-9:15 am - network, socialize, gather refreshments, and find your seat.
9:15-10:30 - program
If you need to arrive a few minutes late or leave a few minutes early, please still join us! We get it, we have things to do.
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Tuesday Jun 18, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM -
Ribbon Cutting at Grenke Leasing!
This week we'll be celebrating with Grenke Leasing, an international company that has just chosen Oak Park for its Midwest headquarters! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity. Come meet the Grenke team and discover the services they offer!
Grenke Leasing helps small and medium-sized businesses by reducing their capital costs for startup, expansion and operation, leasing all kinds of equipment and furnishings to businesses so they don't need to buy them. They have just opened in Oak Park as the hub of their Midwest operations.
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate this new addition to Downtown Oak Park!
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Thursday Jun 20, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM -
Chamber 101 - Your Digital Advantage
Welcome to Chamber 101!
Perfect for new members and those who need a refresher. This fast-paced seminar will review all of your digital benefits to maximize your digital advantage.
What will You Learn?
In this seminar, we will go over all of the digital benefits that come with your membership, including:
- how to significantly increase your SEO
- how to leverage your Member Profile to boost traffic to your website
- how to track your Member Profile statistics
- how to be sure that your website is linked to your membership
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Friday Jun 21, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -
Meet Me For Lunch at Spilt Milk!
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?
Spilt Milk, the beloved sister-owned bakery-cafe on South Boulevard, on the lovely back patio!
Tell Me About This Month's Host
Spilt Milk has long been known for their delicious bakery creations, and offers some savories as well! Meg and Molly have created a lovely patio space for sit-down dining - and we'll get to enjoy a buffet-style lunch with tasty options for everyone!
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Monday Jun 24, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
BIPOC Affinity Group Kick Off Summer Potluck Gathering
Jeffrey Hines and his team at Hines State Farm invite everyone to a BIPOC Kick-Off Summer Potluck & Gathering! Enjoy a delicious homecooked meal as you relax and network with fellow Chamber members. When you register, simply specify what you'll be bringing to share. Bragging rights for the best dish may be at stake...
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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Minimum Wage Increase - July 1, 2024 | |
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Today, Cook County issued a notice to employees regarding the Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO).
Effective July 1, 2024, the minimum wage increases to $14.05 for non-tipped workers. It will remain $8.40 for tipped employees.
The updated "Notice to Employees" and "Frequently Asked Questions" documents are available here.
Employees who believe their employer is not paying the required minimum wage should first check to ensure the municipality where they work does not have a different minimum wage. If the municipality has not opted out, employees can file a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights. Complaint forms and additional information can be found online.
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Friendly Reminder: Membership Renewals are coming up July 1
Need to update your billing contact information? Log into your member portal or contact us at info@oprfchamber.org.
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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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