July 7th, 2024

Every time I think I’ll have the chance to slow down, things seem to get hectic again! Does anyone else have this problem? Of course you do—you’re business owners and leaders. If I had to guess, you thrive on it just like I do!

That said, I hope you had some time off over the last week because those moments of rest are critical. Here’s to starting the week refreshed and motivated.

Cheers!

Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

Chamber Members! We are thrilled to introduce a new benefit: Feature Fridays! If you have a story you would like us to share on our Instagram, simply tag us at @oprfchamber on Instagram. We will review and share content as appropriate. We're eager to see what's happening in your corner of Oak Park!

Criteria:

• Sharing hours of when to tag us will be every Friday from 10 am-1 pm
• If chosen, we will limit to sharing one story from that member
• Out of the bunch, we'll be selecting about 8 posts to share (depending on our content calendar)

Please still feel free to tag us any time on Instagram! The more we know what's going on with your business, the more we can talk about it!

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!

Friday Jul 12, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -

June Women in Business / "Self-Care isn't Selfish: Practices for Putting Yourself First"

Dr. Cheryl P. Washington is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner & Owner of Civinte Candle Bar in Oak Park. Juggling the roles of wife, mom, sister and so many other titles that she holds dear, she's very aware of the ways in which one can neglect self. Specializing in several fields of medicine, Dr Washington has spent over 25 years promoting the addition of self-care routines to women’s health and wellness plans and is a firm believer that self-care is not selfish.

Join us as she shares some evidence-based self-care practices, tips, and tricks to ensure that you're always putting yourself first. 

Friday Jul 12, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM -

The Nonprofit & FLEX Affinity Groups Host Shakespeare in the Park

Summertime means being outdoors! The OPRF Chamber of Commerce's Nonprofit & FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) Affinity Groups cordially invites all members of the Chamber to join us for an evening of Shakespeare in the Park. The Oak Park Festival Theatre has graciously offered a Chamber Night in Austin Gardens! A perk of being a Chamber member is the group ticket rate of only $25 per ticket. Bring your clients, partner, family and friends and enjoy a lovely evening of outdoor theatre. 

Chamber members and guests will have a designated seating area. If you have a favorite comfy summer chair, please bring it! Don't forget your favorite beverages! This is the perfect opportunity to grab takeout from your favorite local restaurant too. The theatre production starts at 8pm, but arrive as early as 6pm to watch the park come alive. 

Oak Park Area Arts Council Ribbon Cutting & Reception

Thursday July 18th, 2024

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Join us for a ribbon cutting for the Oak Park Area Arts Council!

Recently, we have had the joy of installations of a few beautiful sculptures within the Pleasant District. We will have the official ribbon cutting ceremony in front of Oak Park Jewelers.

We will continue the celebration at Anfora Wine Merchants and everyone is invited to join in this free event!

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!

Thursday Jul 18, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM -

Chamber 102 - Your Marketing Advantage

Perfect for new members and those who need a refresher, this fast-paced seminar will review all of your member benefits to maximize your marketing advantage.

What will You Learn?

In this seminar, we will go over all of the marketing benefits that come with your membership, including:

- how to maximize your e-blast benefits.

- the role of your Member Profile in your marketing advantage and how to track digital traffic.

- how to generate marketing collateral that can be shared on your social media.

- how to tap into our Affinity Groups to grow your network and feature your business.

Friday Jul 19, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -

Meet Me For Lunch at Cafe Cubano!

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.

Tell Me About This Month's Host:

Cafe Cubano was renowned for bringing tasty Caribbean flavors to Elmwood Park - and they have now moved to Oak Park's Hemingway District with the same delicious cuisine! So come join us for a sit-down lunch to enjoy great company and tropical island food!  

Thursday Jul 25, 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!

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.

Dream of being crowned as an Oak Park favorite? Rally your customers to vote for you! We've got a fun interactive poster ready for you to hang up on your storefront! Simply scan the QR code to get started!

Spotlight Committee

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!

Fill out the form below to join!

Sponsorship Opportunities

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.

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce

141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3

708.613.0550

info@oprfchamber.org

www.oprfchamber.org