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Hi, my name is Carolyn Henning and you may already know me as the Billing & Membership Coordinator for the OPRF Chamber of Commerce.
I am responsible for entering all new memberships into the database, sending out all invoices, processing payments and answering assorted membership questions.
Some of the questions I receive can be answered on our page called Chamber Tips. When you have a moment, I recommend reviewing this to see if there is something here that may be helpful to you.
I am also the main contact to reach out to when you want to create an Eblast. If you didn't already know, ALL members are entitled to at least one free eblast per membership year.
If you have questions related to anything I have mentioned, please feel free to contact me at chenning@oprfchamber.org.
I hope you have a nice rest of your summer!
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The Oak Park-River Forest Chamber is so excited to be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month for the first time in history! As part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programming Series, we're proud to host a series of events designed to engage and inspire our diverse audience. Our goal is to create a welcoming space to recognize and celebrate our Hispanic-owned or operated businesses and those who would like to continue to support them. | | |
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Tuesday Sep 10, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
Business After Hours - Tacos '76
Join us for our Business After Hours (BAH) a casual setting where members can meet and network. Tacos '76 is hosting in September—members attend for free, and non-members are welcome too!
Join us for networking, food, raffles, friends, and simply a lovely evening in excellent company.
We hope you will come celebrate Mexican cuisine and local business with us!
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Tuesday, September 24, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -
Voices of Impact: Nurturing Connections with Hispanic Audiences with Hispanic Audiences Lunch & Learn
Join our HHM Marketing Panel from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM! Connect with industry experts and discover impactful strategies to support the Hispanic community through thoughtful marketing. Don't miss this chance to learn and network!
We'll be hitting on a few of these topics along with any questions you bring to the table:
- Creating campaigns that celebrate Hispanic history and achievements
- Collaborating with Hispanic business owners, artists, and influencers
- Leveraging social media to reach Hispanic audiences
- Understanding and avoiding common stereotypes and clichés
This event will be held at Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
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Wednesday Oct 2, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
Hispanic Heritage Month Mercado
We'll be hosting our first-ever HHM Mercado where Hispanic-owned vendors will be selling their goods and services at The Coffee Shop Oak Park! From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, stop by to see local artisanal goods.
Whether you're interested in apparel, services, or delicious treats, we'll be sure to have something for everyone. Join us in celebrating and supporting Hispanic-owned businesses in Oak Park-River Forest!
Let's bring the Hispanic fun to our first ever Mercado!
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We’re currently looking for Hispanic-owned vendors to participate in our HHM Mercado. This opportunity is free for Chamber Members and $75 for nonmembers to be a vendor.
To register please use the following link:
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The HHM Mercado will be on Wednesday, October 2 from 3-7 pm at The Coffee Shop Oak Park.
For any questions, please reach out to Michelle at
Mvalle-flores@oprfchamber.org
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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 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 & Well
- 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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Wednesday Aug 14, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Three Spoons Ice Cream
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.
Who Is Celebrating This Week?
This week we'll be celebrating with the brand new Three Spoons Ice Cream! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come discover this new spot for a frozen treat, strategically located near the pool, the high school and the farmers' market!
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate this delicious new business!
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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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The Small Business Source
Referral Program
Small business owners, The Source is here to help you! Get expert advice paired with customized advising for no-cost. Don't navigate your business journey alone—get free expert advice and support from The Source today.
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In less than a month, we will be commemorating our collective achievements as an organization and learning about the exciting plans we have in store!
Our Annual Meeting is going to look a little different this year, however we will still have all the things you love most about it like:
Complimentary breakfast bites, networking opportunities, and an engaging program.
Join local business leaders in celebrating with us!
Thursday, September 5
8:30-10:00 am
Lake Theater, 1022 Lake St.
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Sponsorship Opportunities | |
Sponsorship spots are filling up- don’t miss the opportunity to get your business out there! We offer custom sponsorship packages to suit your organization’s needs. CLICK Here to view sponsorship information. If you’re ready, contact Darien Marion-Burton to secure your spot. | |
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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 Aug 19, 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Na Siam Thai Restaurant
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 the new owners of Na Siam Thai Restaurant! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet Thitanant Wareewanich and discover the tasty cuisine at this favorite local restaurant!
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate the new owners and the cuisine at Na Siam!
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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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Wednesday Sep 4, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
September Nonprofit Affinity Group Meeting: Establishing an Endowment
Please join our nonprofit affinity group for camaraderie and professional development! This month's topic is:
Establishing an Endowment
The goal of an endowment is to provide a reliable and consistent stream of funding, supporting the organization's mission over the long term.
Meet This Month's Speaker:
Carrie Summy, Director of External Affairs at Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, is responsible for supporting and growing the Foundation’s fund portfolio and increasing charitable giving to and through the Foundation as well as general communications and community engagement.
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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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