Chamber Advantage

August 4th, 2024

Greetings! 


If you've been reading our Chamber Advantage emails and follow us on social media (which of course you do-right?) you know that I recently celebrated my first year as your Executive Director! Thank you to everyone for celebrating one of many milestones to come. It's an exciting time and with the support of our amazing board and awesome chamber members like you, I am looking forward to challenging what a chamber can be! 


Tomorrow, we’re one month away from our Annual Meeting where we’ll share even more exciting developments. So be sure to register if you haven't already! Already registered? Let folks know about it on LinkedIn!  


Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event, please reach out via email to find out how you can be included. 


Best,

Darien Marion-Burton


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Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

Join us in commemorating our collective achievements and learning about the exciting endeavors we have planned for the OPRF Chamber!


The Annual Meeting is the official gathering of Chamber members and local business leaders, celebrating past accomplishments and setting the stage for the upcoming year. Over 150 attendees will enjoy a light breakfast, networking opportunities, and an engaging program. We can't wait to see you there!


Thursday, September 5

8:30-10:00 am

Lake Theater, 1022 Lake St.

REGISTER HERE!

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.

Sign up for free, one-on-one advising!

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!

Wednesday Aug 7, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM -

Ribbon Cutting at Moon's Retail

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.


Moon's Retail Shop has just recently opened, adding a unique shopping experience to the Southtown Oak Park district. This new store offers cute toys, gifts, and home accessories - come browse their selection! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet Suzi and discover the fun products her business offers!  


Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate the addition of Moon's Retail to the Oak Park retail mix!

REGISTER HERE!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring the 2024 Spotlight Awards? We offer a range of sponsorship packages to suit your organization’s needs and enhance your visibility within the community. CLICK Here to view sponsorship information. For more information, please contact Darien Marion-Burton (Executive@oprfchamber.org)


Be a part of this incredible evening as we unmask the best in our business community. Dress to impress and prepare for an unforgettable night of celebration, inspiration, and connection.

CONTACT

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!

Tuesday Aug 13, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM -

Business After Hours - Selleria Veneta / Oak Park Bank

Our August Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted at Scoville Square by Selleria Veneta, Italian Luxury Clothing, Bags and Jewelry, and Oak Park Bank, which maintains the true resources of your hometown bank. With so many businesses joining in the fun, we have extended the August BAH to 8:00 pm.


Oak Park's Hemingway District businesses will be providing food and entertainment. Discover the wonderful variety that the Hemingway District has to offer. 



Participating Businesses: 

  • Olive & Well 
  • The UPS Store
  • Hoja Santa 
  • Collaboration For Early Childhood
  • Village & Vessel 
  • Billy Bricks


Join us for networking, food, raffles, friends, and simply a lovely evening in excellent company. 

REGISTER HERE!

Wednesday Aug 14, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM -

Ribbon Cutting at Three Spoons Ice Cream

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.


Who Is Celebrating This Week?

This week we'll be celebrating with the brand new Three Spoons Ice Cream! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come discover this new spot for a frozen treat, strategically located near the pool, the high school and the farmers' market!  


Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate this delicious new business!

REGISTER HERE!

Friday Aug 16, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -

Meet Me For Lunch at Yolk!

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?

Yolk, the classic breakfast-and-lunch destination in River Forest! Yolk is a family-run restaurant group with local roots, excelling in classic brunch fare such as egg dishes, waffles, pancakes, and sandwiches. Take your pick from a variety of dishes on this event menu, then come get to know fellow Chamber members - and if the weather is good we might get to dine on the outdoor patio. So come join us for a sit-down lunch to enjoy great company and tasty comfort food!  

REGISTER HERE!

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!

REGISTER HERE!

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.

REGISTER HERE!

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!

REGISTER HERE!

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce


141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3


708.613.0550


info@oprfchamber.org


www.oprfchamber.org

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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