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I'm thrilled to report that this morning's health fair was a tremendous success! It was wonderful to see so many of our community members come together to prioritize their health and well-being. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it such a positive and impactful event.
As we move into the summer months, we have even more exciting events and initiatives planned. From outdoor events and Business After Hours to community service projects and educational opportunities, there will be no shortage of opportunities for us to connect and make a difference in our community.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
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Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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The Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is working on a strategic plan and we need YOU! You do need to be a business operating within Oak Park and River Forest; however, you do not need to be a Chamber member. After completing the survey, you will have a chance to enter into a raffle for one (1) of five (5) $50 gift card packs from local businesses.
We will be accepting submissions until May 1st.
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Join us at the 2024 Economic Symposium, where we'll delve into the theme of "Economic Resilience: Insider Tactics on Surviving and Thriving in Today’s Economic Climate." This half-day event is designed specifically for small business owners seeking practical strategies to navigate economic challenges with confidence.
Throughout the Symposium, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in engaging breakout sessions led by industry experts. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including financial planning, marketing strategies, operational efficiency, and innovative approaches to business sustainability.
Our keynote speaker will share invaluable insights and real-world experiences, providing inspiration and actionable advice for attendees to apply to their own businesses. Whether you're looking to fortify your current operations or explore new avenues for growth, this keynote address will offer invaluable perspectives on achieving success in any economic climate.
To wrap up the day's events, we invite you to join us for a networking happy hour where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share experiences, and forge valuable connections. This informal setting provides the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, gather insights, and build relationships with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to economic resilience and business success.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge, tools, and connections you need to thrive in today's dynamic economic landscape. Reserve your spot at the 2024 Economic Symposium and take the first step towards securing a prosperous future for your business.
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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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Tuesday Apr 23, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
Design / Construction / Real Estate Meetup with Windfree Solar at Madison Street Theatre
Come join the Chamber's Design, Construction, and Real Estate affinity group - meet the new co-chairs while you learn about solar installs and get to know others in real estate and the trades!
We're gathering just after Earth Day to learn about the latest in solar for residential and commercial applications from Jack Johannesson, director of Sales at Windfree Solar. But don't worry that this will be a long presentation - ours will be a casual gathering with time to enjoy refreshments (thanks Yonan Carpet One!) and mingle with folks, though be prepared to learn a little from Jack too!
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Thursday Apr 25, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
FLEX (Young Professionals) Pottery & Networking Exchange
Come FLEX with us at our April outing at Terra Incognito. Kick back after work and join the fun! A FLEX social gathering is a great opportunity for young professionals to expand their networks, share experiences, and build lasting connections.
Combining pottery and networking is a unique and intriguing event! We are hosting a pottery networking event to bring together individuals who share a passion for pottery while also providing opportunities for networking and collaboration.
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Friday Apr 26, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at BTB Kicks
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.
This week we'll be celebrating with Blake Brown, owner of BTB Kicks who is kicking off his grand opening weekend with this ribbon cutting ceremony! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the owner and discover the services he offers!
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DRAG QUEEN SPONSORSHIPS SOLD OUT
LAST YEAR! GET YOURS SOON!!
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?
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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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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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Monday April 29, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
BIPOC Affinity Group-Mental Health: A Spring Refresher
Mental health is so crucial, especially as we enter spring—a time of renewal and growth.
Encouraging open communication, providing adequate support, and promoting work-life balance are just a few strategies that can help mitigate stress levels.
Please join the BIPOC Co-chairs, Tamekia Swint, and Jeffrey Hines for a discussion and sharing session about some of the approaches you can use to tackle workplace stress.
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Thursday May 2, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
Nonprofit Affinity Group / Government Relations 101 for Nonprofit Organizations
During this session, led by Eileen Lynch as Chief of Staff to State Senate President Don Harmon, we will talk about how to build relationships with legislators and their staff, and how it is crucial for long-term advocacy success. She will share how over time you can cultivate these relationships by staying in touch, providing updates on your organization's activities, and offering to serve as a resource on relevant issues.
Eileen Hattan Lynch became Committeewoman for the Democratic Party of Oak Park in April 2019 and has been involved with Democratic Party politics for over 25 years. As Committeewoman, she advises on policy, communications, and outreach to the community and the party membership. She has been the Chief of Staff to Senator Don Harmon since 2013.
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Tuesday May 14, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
Business After Hours - Animal Care League
Our May Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted by the Animal Care League. Join us for a night of networking and hors d'oeuvres in this newly-renovated setting, to enjoy a spring evening in great company!
The Animal Care League is a safe, welcoming place for pets in need of homes! The ACL sets up foster and adoption placements for dogs, cats, and rabbits, and takes great care of them until those placements happen. They're a welcoming place for people too! They've got a spacious, newly-rehabbed headquarters we're invited to come check out - and they'll provide tasty people-food and a warm welcome for us too.
Come have a fun evening with great connections to be made for your business or organization!
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Wednesday May 15, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT -
Pride Marketing 101 Lunch & Learn
Join us to learn all the basics on how your business can support the LGBTQ community during June, Pride Month.
We will tap into the expertise of Matt Johnston, Real Estate Agent at Fulton Grace, and Catalina Gaete-Bentz, Owner and Founder of Catan Pisco to leverage all their tips & tricks to make your business loud and proud! These will be tangible how-to's and information that you can use to guide your June marketing.
- what does supporting Pride mean from a marketing perspective
- how to effectively reach LGBTQ markets
- how to avoid sending unintended negative messaging
- how to visually show your support for Pride beyond flying a rainbow flag
We will also save time for questions, so if you have ideas about how you want to celebrate in June but want some feedback before you make it happen, bring them along!
We will gather in Salerno's event space on Roosevelt Road. A wonderful lunch of pizza, pasta, salad and drinks will be served.
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Help Us Stock BEYOND HUNGER!
Join us for our May gathering where we will be meeting at the Beyond Hunger in Oak Park.
- Bring a donation of menstrual products, diapers, adult incontinence pads, wipes, or toilet paper.
- Grab a coffee and something yummy to eat - courtesy of Beyond Hunger.
IF YOU ARE MEETING US IN PERSON AT BEYOND HUNGER - Please register so we know you are coming and we can send you a reminder!
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Community Drop Box Locations
Can't make the meeting but still want to donate? Want to spread the word to others to help us out?
We have Donation Box locations throughout the community:
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B-Health 1010 Lake Street, Ste 400, c/o Sam Yousif
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Blackout Baking Company, 210 S Marion Street, Oak Park
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Byline Bank 1001 Lake St, Oak Park
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Civinte Candle Bar, 807 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park
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First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, 324 N Oak Park Avenue
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Jamilla Yipp Photography, 136 Harrison Street
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Mosaic Counseling & Wellness, 215 Harrison Street
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Riveredge Hospital 8311 W Roosevelt Road, Forest Park
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The Sheridan at River Forest, 800 North Harlem, River Forest
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Yonan Carpet One, 7040 W North Avenue
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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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