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As many families and business owners start preparing for the back-to-school season and reluctantly accept the end of summer, things are just starting to heat up at the Chamber! I'm thrilled to announce that tickets for the Spotlight Awards are NOW OPEN! Yes, the amazing business owners I just mentioned may also be nominated to win a prestigious Spotlight Award!
Last week, nominated businesses were notified via email. As we move into the next phase of deliberation, feel free to share the news online. Let your customers know how much you appreciate their vote!
While we select the finalists, make sure to purchase your tickets to our masquerade-themed soirée! We guarantee it'll be a night full of fun, connection, and mystery. Also available for purchase are our carefully curated Swag Bags—more details to come as we get closer to the event date.
I want to thank you all for participating in this event. With over 300 nominations to sift through, we were blown away by how the community comes together in moments like these.
Have a great start to your week!
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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. | |
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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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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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! | |
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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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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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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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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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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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Tuesday Sep 10, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
Business After Hours - Tacos '76
Join us at our regular monthly networking event! Business After Hours (BAH) occur on the second Tuesday of every month at a new location each time. This is your chance to connect with other members in a more casual setting. All members and non-members are welcome. (Members are free.)
Where Are We Meeting This Month?
Our July Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted by Tacos '76 - it's Taco Tuesday! We hope you can join us for our monthly networking fiesta!
Join us for networking, food, raffles, friends, and simply a lovely evening in excellent company.
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Friday Sep 13, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -
Women in Business Meeting - Estate Planning
Just in time for October’s National Estate Planning Month, join us for some real life estate stories from a financial planner who will share her experience, and provide practical tips.
Dorothy Murdock of Westpoint Financial Group, will also cover:
- 5 most essential documents to have in your Estate Plan
- How different assets get passed on to beneficiaries
- Who needs a Trust
- Changing Federal estate tax rules
- The 1% rule for business owners
You work hard to build a business, accumulate assets, and make wise financial decisions. Don’t let your hard work get derailed by incomplete estate planning.
Plus, as always, enjoy the company of fellow women from the local business, nonprofit, and government communities - this is a wonderful group and we're glad for you to be part of it!
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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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