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As many of us are taking well-deserved vacations, I wanted to share a little update from my own summer adventure. I'm jetting off to Dallas, Texas, but for work! I’ll be attending the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) EVOLVE Convention of 2024!
As your Executive Director, I understand the importance of continuous professional development, so I’m thrilled to attend ACCE! I'll be taking in all the wisdom and insights, which I’ll be bringing back to enrich our small, but mighty chamber.
That said, I have to wonder who thought Dallas in mid-July was a good idea? Don't worry, I'll be sure to suggest Hawaii for next year’s convention!
Please feel free to send over any great food recommendations! Stay cool.
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Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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Oak Park Area Arts Council Ribbon Cutting & Reception | |
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Thursday July 18th, 2024
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
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Recently, we have had the joy of installations of a few beautiful sculptures within the Pleasant District. We will have the official ribbon cutting ceremony in front of Oak Park Jewelers.
We will continue the celebration at Anfora Wine Merchants and everyone is invited to join in this free event!
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Dream of being crowned as an Oak Park favorite? Rally your customers to vote for you! We've got a fun interactive poster ready for you to hang up on your storefront! Simply scan the QR code to get started! | |
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Want to get in on the action and help bring this event to life? Join our planning committee and share your ideas and input on how to make this Spotlight Awards the best year yet!
Fill out the form below to join!
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Sponsorship Opportunities | |
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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.
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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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Tuesday Jul 16, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM -
Ribbon Cutting at Egg Harbor Cafe
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 Egg Harbor Cafe, the much-anticipated new restaurant in the Pleasant District! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the staff and discover this new dining destination!
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Thursday Jul 18, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM -
Chamber 102 - Your Marketing Advantage
Perfect for new members and those who need a refresher, this fast-paced seminar will review all of your member benefits to maximize your marketing advantage.
What will You Learn?
In this seminar, we will go over all of the marketing benefits that come with your membership, including:
- how to maximize your e-blast benefits.
- the role of your Member Profile in your marketing advantage and how to track digital traffic.
- how to generate marketing collateral that can be shared on your social media.
- how to tap into our Affinity Groups to grow your network and feature your business.
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Friday Jul 19, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -
Meet Me For Lunch at Cafe Cubano!
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.
Tell Me About This Month's Host:
Cafe Cubano was renowned for bringing tasty Caribbean flavors to Elmwood Park - and they have now moved to Oak Park's Hemingway District with the same delicious cuisine! So come join us for a sit-down lunch to enjoy great company and tropical island food!
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Chamber Members! We are thrilled to introduce a new benefit: Feature Fridays! If you have a story you would like us to share on our Instagram, simply tag us at @oprfchamber on Instagram. We will review and share content as appropriate. We're eager to see what's happening in your corner of Oak Park!
Criteria:
- Sharing hours of when to tag us will be every Friday from 10 am-1 pm
- If chosen, we will limit to sharing one story from that member
- Out of the bunch, we'll be selecting about 8 posts to share (depending on our content calendar)
Please still feel free to tag us any time on Instagram! The more we know what's going on with your business, the more we can talk about it!
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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 Jul 23, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at The Coffee Shop Oak Park
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 Jose Balaguer, owner of The Coffee Shop Oak Park, newly opened in the Hemingway District! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the owner and discover the vibe at The Coffee Shop Oak Park!
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Wednesday Jul 24, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Creative Minds Center of the Arts
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 Teala Stampley, owner of Creative Minds Center of the Arts, newly opened in the Southtown Business District! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the owner and discover the vibe at Creative Minds!
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Thursday Jul 25, 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 Jul 31, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Ace Handyman Services
This week we'll be celebrating with Sid Canchester, owner of this new Ace Handyman Services franchise! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet Sid and discover the services his business offers!
Business owner and managing director Sid Canchester brings over a decade of experience in real estate, property management, and franchise operations to his new enterprise. An experienced home renovator, Sid spent time at companies like Imperial Realty and at Leeds West Groups, where he managed multiple store remodels and renovations. After experiencing inefficiencies in hiring contractors, Sid was inspired to start his own Ace Handyman Services franchise to humanize the handyman services offered in his local communities.
Join us for the ribbon cutting, and celebrate the addition of Ace Handyman Services to the Oak Park-area skilled trades scene!
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Thursday Aug 1, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
August Nonprofit Affinity Group Meeting Annual Appeal
Come join our nonprofit affinity group for camaraderie and professional development! We meet the first Thursday of each month from 1-2 pm. This month:
Annual Appeal
With fall right around the corner, it is time to begin planning for the annual appeal season! This month we’ll be learning about what you can do to begin preparing now for your organization’s annual appeal. Kelly Mitchell is the Development and Communications Associate at Sarah’s Inn.
We will meet at the River Forest Public Library, in the Barbara Hall Conference Room. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Library and on Lathrop Ave.
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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 & Oil
- 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.
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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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