Chamber Advantage

April 7th, 2024

As the vibrant hues of spring emerge, signaling a season of renewal and growth, we at the Chamber are thrilled to extend our warmest greetings to you. Spring embodies a time of transformation, where nature bursts forth with new life, and opportunities abound for businesses to flourish and thrive. It's in this spirit of rejuvenation that we invite you to embark on an exciting journey with us, exploring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to elevate your business to new heights.


This spring, we're excited to unveil a revitalized approach to our annual Economic Symposium. Embracing change and the spirit of innovation, this year's symposium features a brand-new format designed with one goal in mind: empowering business owners with tangible tools and insights to navigate any economic climate successfully. From a dynamic keynote session to interactive workshops, we're committed to equipping you with the knowledge and resources needed to strategically position your business for sustained growth and prosperity. Join us as we embark on this journey of renewal and discovery, together paving the way for a brighter future for your business.

Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

Ready to make a difference? Join us at the OPRF Community Health Fair and be a superhero in your community! Whether you're passionate about health screenings, wellness workshops, or simply lending a helping hand, your contribution matters. Build connections, learn new skills, and experience the joy of helping others firsthand.

REGISTER HERE!

The Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is working on a strategic plan and we need YOU! You do need to be a business operating within Oak Park and River Forest; however, you do not need to be a Chamber member. After completing the survey, you will have a chance to enter into a raffle for one (1) of five (5) $50 gift card packs from local businesses.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY!

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!

Tuesday Apr 9, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -

Business After Hours at The Oak Park Art League

Join us at our monthly networking event! Business After Hours (BAH) occurs on the second Tuesday of every month. This is your chance to connect with other members in a more casual setting. All members and non-members are welcome. (Members are free.)


Our April Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted by The Oak Park Art League


Founded in 1921, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest, continually running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. The OPAL’s mission is to be a welcoming center of artistic inquiry, creative expression, and art appreciation in Oak Park and surrounding communities. 

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Apr 11, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM -

Ribbon Cutting at Krys Rollins FNP

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 at Krys Rollins FNP, a local Nurse Practitioner who offers a variety of health services! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying light refreshments and a great networking opportunity! Come meet the owner and discover the services she offers!  

REGISTER HERE!

Friday Apr 12, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -

Women in Business / Mastering Connections: A Small Business Networking Workshop

Join us for an empowering workshop where we delve into strategies and skills that can elevate your business and professional relationships to new heights. 


Bridgett Allen Hedgeman is the visionary owner of Upgrade Sales Consulting.  With a passion for driving revenue and profits, Bridget specializes in designing strategic, customized approaches focusing on Sales Consulting, Client Engagement, and Sales Strategy & Operations. 


Adding to the wealth of knowledge is Leora Dowling, a dynamic public speaking coach.  Leora is committed to helping her clients enhance their public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

 

Don't miss the opportunity to gain insights, refine your skills, and connect with fellow Women in Business members.

REGISTER HERE!

Join us at the 2024 Economic Symposium, where we'll delve into the theme of "Economic Resilience: Insider Tactics on Surviving and Thriving in Today’s Economic Climate." This half-day event is designed specifically for small business owners seeking practical strategies to navigate economic challenges with confidence.

 

Throughout the Symposium, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in engaging breakout sessions led by industry experts. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including financial planning, marketing strategies, operational efficiency, and innovative approaches to business sustainability.

 

Our keynote speaker will share invaluable insights and real-world experiences, providing inspiration and actionable advice for attendees to apply to their own businesses. Whether you're looking to fortify your current operations or explore new avenues for growth, this keynote address will offer invaluable perspectives on achieving success in any economic climate.

 

To wrap up the day's events, we invite you to join us for a networking happy hour where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share experiences, and forge valuable connections. This informal setting provides the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, gather insights, and build relationships with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to economic resilience and business success.



Don't miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge, tools, and connections you need to thrive in today's dynamic economic landscape. Reserve your spot at the 2024 Economic Symposium and take the first step towards securing a prosperous future for your business.

PURCHASE TICKETS!

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 Apr 18, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM -

Chamber 102 - Your Marketing Advantage

Welcome to Chamber 102! 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.


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.
REGISTER HERE!

Friday Apr 19, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -

Meet Me For Lunch at Charlie's Restaurant

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.


We'll be at Charlie's Restaurant, enjoying food, great company, and mimosa towers!


We'll get to meet the owner and get to know other local business and nonprofit people at Charlie's Restaurant, with a leisurely lunch of tasty food in a cozy setting.  Charlie's is letting us choose anything off the lunch menu, other than steak! So take your pick of a salad, sandwich, melt, wrap or burger. If it comes with soup, you have your choice of clam chowder or chicken noodle.

REGISTER HERE!

Don’t miss one of the biggest area health & wellness events of 2024 – the 8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair! Presented by Rush Oak Park Hospital and organized by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce.


Taking place for one day only, on Sunday, April 21 from 11am - 2pm at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) in Oak Park, attendees will enjoy complimentary screenings, free family activities, healthy snacks and excellent giveaways from 60+ area health & wellness exhibitors.


This is a FREE event, however, we do need some information from you to allow access to the building. Completing this ahead of time will ensure smooth and easy entrance into the event. Which means quicker access to our wonderful community of service providers.


What your FREE advance registration includes:


  • Admission to the 7th Annual Community Health + Wellness Fair and ability to interact and consult with 60+ health & wellness providers
  • Complimentary screenings
  • Complimentary tote bag, while supplies last
  • Fun family activities
  • Healthy snacks
RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

VENDOR SPOTS ARE ALMOST SOLD OUT!

RESERVE YOURS TODAY!

Why Be A Vendor? It's EXCELLENT MARKETING. Health + wellness businesses come face-to-face with hundreds of engaged residents. We promote this event to an audience of 70k+, via e-blasts, web postings, PR, social media, and print advertising. It's OUTSTANDING NETWORKING. 60+ health-related businesses, their owners + managers will be present. Your booth neighbor could be your next referrer. It's AFFORDABLE.

VENDOR SIGN-UP!

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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