|
Chamber Members-
The energy in that theater on a Thursday morning was unreal—still gives me chills just thinking about it. Our Board and Chamber team have been so pumped to finally share the Strategic Plan, and it’s wild that the moment has arrived.
Huge shoutout to our Gold Level Sponsors who made it all possible. Big thanks to Insperity, The UPS Store, Byline Bank, and Adam Doe State Farm for having our back!
We kicked things off right with some amazing coffee from Kribi Coffee to get everyone up and going. And Egg Harbor Cafe hooked us up with the perfect breakfast bites to fuel the crowd for the big reveal.
| |
|
Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
| |
|
Of course, we couldn’t have asked for a better venue—massive thanks to Classic Cinemas - Lake Theatre for giving us such a great space to showcase everything.
We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait for our Chamber members to join us on this journey. Ready to dive in? We’ve got a few sponsorship spots left for the Spotlight Soiree!
Have an awesome Week! Let's get to work, thriving together.
| |
Highlights from our Annual Meeting | | |
|
|
Check out our fun and insightful resources from our Annual Meeting!
We shot a Moneyball-themed video that highlights all the hard work and achievements we've had over the past year. It's a must-watch and a great way to relive the impact we've made together!
Don't forget to read over the Strategic Plan and Annual Report!
| |
We have TWO SHIFTS available on Saturday evening! Sign-up now before they're gone or join the waitlist to see if another one becomes available. | |
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. | |
|
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!
| | |
|
|
Monday Sep 9, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Financial Freedom and Legal Services
This week we'll be celebrating with the brand new business Financial Freedom and Legal Services! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come discover this new resource for planning and safeguarding your family's financial future!
FFLS is a low-cost, flat-fee financial and estate planning firm located in Oak Park. Their focus is bringing education to the people of the West Side and Western Suburbs of Chicago. FFLS doesn't take your money under their management and then collect fees - they teach people how to manage it strategically themselves.
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate this helpful new business!
| | |
|
|
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!
| | |
|
|
Friday Sep 13, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Schoolhouse Kitchen & Studio
This week we'll be celebrating the brand new location of Schoolhouse Kitchen & Studio! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come discover this treasured resource for local families, newly relocated from River Forest!
Schoolhouse Kitchen and Studio operated for years out of a River Forest space, providing fun tasty skill-building for hundreds of local kids. After their building was sold, they are now re-launching in Oak Park with all kinds of classes teaching basic life skills of cooking and baking, and making it all a great time!
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate this delicious new Oak Park business!
| | |
|
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.
| | | |
|
|
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!
| |
|
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
| |
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! | |
|
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!
| |
|
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 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
| | |
|
|
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!
| | |
|
|
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!
| | |
|
|
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!
| | |
|
|
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!
| |
Follow us on Social Media! | |
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
| | | | |
