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Welcome to a new week of local business (and nonprofit, and government) life! I'm the Chamber's Program Manager, which means I get to help put together our regular gatherings, including our fun Halloween Trivia Night (from which my photo comes- it's a costume, I have no idea what to do with a guitar) - and tickets for which are now on sale!
I also coordinate
- Ribbon Cuttings
- Meet Me for Lunch events
- Chamber 101/102 seminars
- our Design/Construction/Real Estate affinity group
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and Business After Hours events (Spotlight Soiree special edition BAH coming in October - get your ticket now!).
I'm a small business owner who loves supporting other small businesses, and an extrovert who loves welcoming y'all to our events - hope to see you soon! :)
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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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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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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. | |
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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 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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Chamber Members to Volunteer in the Ticket Booth!
- Work a fast-paced 3hr shift with colleagues and friends.
- Promote your business to the community.
- Get a FREE souvenir mug and three drink tickets! Stay on after your shift and enjoy live music, amazing brews and local food all night long. (only one free mug per volunteer).
Promote Your Business
- While you are volunteering, you can also be promoting your business! Wear branded gear so people see where you are from.
- Bring your promotional products and giveaways.
- Talk to the community about the Chamber and your business.
- This opportunity is for Chamber members (in good standing) only. That's why it's a great time to be part of the Chamber!
Sign Up for a Volunteer Shift Here:
To register your business to participate, CLICK HERE and sign up for one three-hour time slot. PLEASE NOTE: only one time slot per business!
Learn More About Oaktoberfest.
To learn more about the event, CLICK HERE.
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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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Join us for our Business After Hours (BAH) a casual setting where members can meet and network. Tacos '76 is hosting in September—members attend for free, and non-members are welcome too!
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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! | |
We'll be hosting our first-ever HHM Mercado where Hispanic-owned vendors will be selling their goods and services at The Coffee Shop Oak Park! From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, stop by to see local artisanal goods. | |
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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 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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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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Friday Sep 13 & Saturday Sep 14, 2024 -
2024 Volunteer with The Chamber at Oaktoberfest in DTOP
Chamber Members to Volunteer in the Ticket Booth!
- Work a fast-paced 3hr shift with colleagues and friends.
- Promote your business to the community.
- Get a FREE souvenir mug and three drink tickets! Stay on after your shift and enjoy live music, amazing brews and local food all night long. (only one free mug per volunteer).
Promote Your Business
While you are volunteering, you can also be promoting your business!
- Wear branded gear so people see where you are from.
- Bring your promotional products and giveaways.
- Talk to the community about the Chamber and your business.
- This opportunity is for Chamber members (in good standing) only. That's why it's a great time to be part of the Chamber!
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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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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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The Small Business Source
Referral Program
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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.
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