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Saludos, Everyone!
I am honored to officially kick off Hispanic Heritage Month for the OPRF Chamber today, September 15th. As a Puerto Rican and Mexican American and as Secretary of the Board of Directors, I am proud to announce that, for the first time in our Chamber's history, we are making a concerted effort to include more diverse Hispanic and Latino-focused programming for all our members.
From now until October 15th, we have exciting events planned that celebrate our cultures and educate about our heritage. I am most excited to have my fellow colleague of Dominican University, Lizette Rivera, be a panelist for the upcoming Lunch and Learn. I encourage you all to explore our upcoming events and join us in celebrating the vibrancy that makes our community so unique!
Contigo,
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Aracelis Marie Sanchez-Guerrero, M.A.
Executive Manager of Collaborative Organizational Partnerships of Dominican University
Board of Director / Secretary of OPRF Chamber
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In this special edition of Chamber Advantage, we'd like to share dates to save on the calendar, what you can look forward to, and hear from a few of those who are making Hispanic Heritage Month programming possible. | |
As a proud daughter of Salvadoran parents, Jocelyn Calles is a multifaceted entrepreneur. She owns a consulting business and is the property manager of her family’s laundromat- All while being a serving dedicated committee member for the Hispanic Heritage Month programming! | |
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Jocelyn Calles
HHM Programming Committee Member
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Jocelyn: "Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) holds such a special place in my heart. I strongly believe in honoring our cultural roots and having gratitude to the trailblazers who paved the way for the advancement of our communities; Similarly to those who made sacrifices for their families seeking a better life in the United States. I look forward to contributing to our community and fostering unity by revolutionizing collective growth. So when the opportunity arose, it was a no-brainer to be a committee member for HHM. I’m proud of our rich culture, traditions, language, and hope that is reflected in our diverse programming. Among these, I’m most excited for our HHM Mercado, which will be a vibrant showcase of products and services of various Hispanic countries represented! I’ll see you there on October 2nd!" | |
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Michelle: "I’m so excited to be working alongside Jocelyn Calles as we put together programming for Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) for all of you! We’ve already received great reception from some of you and it brings us great joy and relief to be honoring our diverse heritage in an authentic way.
With a background in event planning with micro businesses, I’m ecstatic to be hosting our HHM Mercado at The Coffee Shop Oak Park! The owner, Jose, has been an amazing addition to the community and is proud to be hosting one of our many first-ever events this month!"
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Michelle Valle-Flores
Marketing + Administration Manager
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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. | |
Recap from Diamond + Platinum Lunch | |
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We were thrilled to host an exclusive gathering for our Diamond and Platinum Members last week!
A heartfelt thank you to our special guests Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Illinois Representative Camille Lilly, Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, and River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci for joining us!
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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 Sep 19, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM -
Chamber 101 - Your Digital Advantage
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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Thursday Sep 19, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
Design / Construction / Real Estate Meetup: Healthy Homes!
Come join the Chamber's Design, Construction, and Real Estate affinity group - meet colleagues in the industry while you learn about threats to a healthy home, and their solutions!
This Hispanic Heritage Month event takes place at ReMax in The Village the growing real estate firm led by Erika Villegas and Joe Castillo.
We're gathering to learn about the things that can make a home unhealthy to live in - radon, mold, lead, asbestos, smoke damage, biohazards, etc. But of course we won't stop there - we're gathering to learn about solutions, too! Much of it will be covered by Gregg Sierra of All-Dry Services of Chicago, a leading local disaster remediation company, which has experience dealing with all kinds of domestic health hazards. Plus, home inspector Phil Gould of Property Guidance Inspection will share with us about radon: what it is, why it is a health concern, and how to address it if elevated levels are found.
Come on by for a little networking to build your connections in real estate and the trades, and to learn how to identify and respond to health threats in one's home!
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Friday Sep 20, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM -
Ribbon Cutting for the Community Connections Fund
This week we'll be celebrating with the Community Connections Fund, our local leadership development organization that's grown out of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation! We'll be celebrating this group, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the CCF team and discover the professional development opportunities they offer!
The Community Connections Fund was launched by some of the architects and alumni of the OPRF Community Foundation's renowned "Leadership Lab" program, as a successor to that program that helped scores of local leaders build their careers, connections and communities. The CCF team - Cathy Yen, DeRondal Bevly, and Jenny Yang - are well-known in the area for their own achievements in business and nonprofit arenas, and for their work in leadership development. Come see what they're doing now!
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate the launch of the Community Connections Fund!
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Friday Sep 20, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -
Meet Me For Lunch at Taco Mucho!
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?
Taco Mucho, the dining destination in Oak Park's Arts District! Taco Mucho is a neighborhood taqueria and tequila bar serving authentic flavors and handcrafted cocktails. They use fresh ingredients and make their own tortillas from scratch, reflecting their commitment to keeping it local and real!
Tell Me About This Month's Host:
We're headed to Harrison Street to visit Taco Mucho as part of the Chamber's honoring Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us for a little lunch fiesta as your work week winds down - great food and company await you!
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Get ready for a night of frightful fun and friendly competition at the OPRF Chamber's Halloween Trivia Night! This isn't just any trivia event, your participation directly supports our local Non-Profits.
How does this help our Non-Profits?
Non-Profits that register a team get a FREE membership to the Chamber! Whether you're a business owner, community member, or trivia enthusiast, come join the fun and make a difference.
What's Included?
- Delicious Dinner
- 1 Drink Ticket
- Trivia Fun
- LIVE Auction
Don't have a team?
No worries! Register solo, and we'll match you with a group for a night of collaborative brainpower.
Why Attend?
Your participation helps us fund memberships for Non-Profits, so they can continue to thrive in our community. Plus, it's a great opportunity to network, have fun, and maybe even win some amazing auction items!
Come in your best Halloween costume, and let's make this a night to remember. 🎃
Register Now and secure your spot for a night filled with trivia, treats, and community spirit!
PRIZES!
Team Trivia Prizes: $125 worth of gift cards to local businesses
Costume Contest for the Funniest, Spookiest, and most original costumes:
$25 Gift Card
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Sign up to be part of our Frosty Affair Holiday Market! We'll have festive shopping featuring a delightful array of local retailers showcasing their unique products and services for sale. Don't miss out on being part of where shopping becomes a magical experience for all! | |
Read about our Recent OPRF Chamber Updates | | |
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We’ve recently launched our Strategic Plan.
Take a look at what we have in store for the next ten years!
Don’t forget we made a video and annual report about how 2024 went.
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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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Food Vendors, we need your help to make the 8th Annual Bite Nite 2025, the most delicious event of the year!
Warm up a crowd this winter by serving unforgettable culinary delights and/or drinks. We'll take care of the rest! The Nineteenth Century Club's historic ballroom will be filled with live music and hungry guests!
We're carefully picking over 30 local eateries, caterers, and food brands for ONE NIGHT ONLY to treat food enthusiasts to an array of savory bites and sweet treats.
Ready to take on the challenge to serve your specialties to locals?
Sign up today!
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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 Sep 24, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM -
40th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting at Oak Park Jewelers
This week we'll be celebrating 40 years of the iconic local business Oak Park Jewelers! We'll be honoring this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come be part of our ceremony noting 4 decades of serving our community!
Oak Park Jewelers is a family-owned business, handed down across generations to provide rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, and more, including custom-made jewelry and repairs. They have been an anchor in our business landscape since 1984 and we're here to celebrate the accomplishment!
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate their many years of business!
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Thursday Sep 26, 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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Friday Sep 27, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Momentum OP Fitness
This week we'll be celebrating the reinvention of the former Stride franchise, into Momentum OP Fitness! We'll be celebrating this business with local owner Michael Schiff, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come discover this resource providing expert coaching and professional facilities to build your strength and health.
MOMENTUM OP has arrived as a premiere local fitness studio after 3 years of hard work and dedication from owner (and Oak Parker) Michael Schiff, and his expert sales and coaching staff. The team grew the studio into a very successful branch of a national fitness brand, which helped lay the groundwork for a group fitness concept that serves the needs of our community and region, focusing on strength training and treadmill-based cardio training.
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate as this business steps forward!
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Thursday Oct 10, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
October Nonprofit Affinity Group / Public Relations for Nonprofit Organizations
Come join our nonprofit affinity group for camaraderie and professional development! This month's topic is Public Relations for Nonprofit Organizations.
Please join John Griffin, Griffin & Stebbing Media, Marketing, Communications, and Erika Hobbs, Growing Community Media as they present and discuss:
- Identifying audiences -- donors, local community leaders, elected officials, general public/targeted supporters
- Defining key objectives -- i.e. raise money, build awareness, increase scope of services
- Communication vehicles -- web, social media, promotional materials
- Conveying strategic goals & ongoing messages
We will meet at the Main Branch of the Oak Park Library in the Veteran's Room. Parking is available in the Library Parking lot or on Lake Street.
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Friday Oct 11, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -
Women in Business - Women's Health Month - Perimenopause
Women's Health Month: Perimenopause
Feeling a bit forgetful? Having trouble sleeping? Hot flashes? Drying up like a prune? Mood swings? Maybe it's perimenopause. Come to this workshop and learn more about what's going on during this time of a woman's life. Discover some natural strategies to make these years the best years ever!
Julie Brow-Polanco, MH, FMCHC, MSHHP, NASM-CPT, owner of Julie Naturally, has been practicing natural health principles and teaching others how to live more naturally for more than twenty years. She is an author, speaker, blogger, podcaster, teacher, herbalist, health coach, and personal trainer with a focus on helping women and teens make lasting, healthy lifestyle changes that will impact them for a lifetime.
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