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As the school year winds down for colleges and universities, our commitment to continuous learning remains steadfast. I'm thrilled to announce the lineup of speakers for our upcoming Economic Symposium, designed to equip you with invaluable insights and strategies to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape.
We're honored to have Alycia Mason, U.S. Field Vice President at McDonald's USA, and the proud owner of local gem Candycopia, as our keynote speaker. Alycia's unique perspective blending corporate leadership with grassroots entrepreneurship promises to offer a wealth of actionable wisdom. Join us as we delve into discussions that promise to invigorate and inspire our business community. Stay tuned for further details on this not-to-be-missed event!
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Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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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.
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Our keynote speaker, Alycia Mason, 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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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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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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Monday May 6, 12:00 PM - 12:30 -
Ribbon Cutting at Big City Optical
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 Big City Optical, the local vision care company newly expanded to Oak Park, 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 team and discover the eye care products and services they offer!
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We would like to give a BIG thank you to our Pride Month Sponsor, Catan Pisco! | |
Don't miss out! Keep your eyes peeled for some amazing Pride themed events and opportunities coming your way! | | |
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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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Drag Queen Sponsorships
Thursday Night Out in the Burbs
Drag Queen Sponsorships are SOLD OUT!
Sign up to be on the waiting list in case additional sponsorships become available.
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, June 29th SAVE THE DATE -
Drag Queen Brunch
This one-of-a-kind event offers a unique blend of delectable brunch favorites, bottomless mimosas, and a high-energy drag show that will leave you dazzled and entertained. Come together with friends, family, and fellow community members for a fabulous celebration of diversity, creativity, and local businesses.
Drag Brunch promises to be a captivating event that will delight your senses and create lasting memories. Don't miss out on this extraordinary occasion to support the local community and revel in a 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 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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Thursday May 16, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
FLEX (Young Professionals) Brewery Tour & Networking Exchange
Come FLEX with us at our May outing at One Lake Brewing. 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.
This month join us for a tour of One Lake Brewing, where the owners engaged in a beautiful project of adaptive reuse by turning a bank building into a brewery! And while we're there we might as well sample their beverages and hang out with each other for a bit. Weather permitting, they've got a great rooftop deck for us to enjoy, with views for miles - this will be a great kickoff for summer!
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Friday May 17, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -
Meet Me For Lunch - Sugar Fixe at ComedyPlex
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.
We'll be hosted by the fun folks who own ComedyPlex, the underground sensation that's drawing people to Downtown Oak Park. And in this tasty collaboration, our food will come from Sugar Fixe, the bakery and cafe that's been a DTOP centerpiece for years. Enjoy a full lunch of sandwich, quiche, dessert and pop, while in the great company of your fellow Chamber members!
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Monday May 20, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
BIPOC - Sharing Stories to Honor Asian American History Month
May is designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Michael Viernes, Purple Sun Arts, will tell the story of his Filipino family starting with the immigration of his Grandfather Albert Viernes in the 1930s. Join Michael at Purple Sun Arts, to hear his story, see his family photos, and taste the scrumptious food of his ancestors.
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Thursday May 23, 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. Brookdale Oak Park is graciously hosting this quarter.
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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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