Chamber Advantage
May 30th, 2022
As we close out small business month, we want to celebrate the incredible support provided by both the Villages of Oak Park and River Forest. They are both partnering with the Chamber to bring free 6-month memberships to our local businesses. Supporting business recovery is our priority and together we are rebuilding. There has never been a better time to do business in Oak Park and River Forest!
Executive Director
#chamberLOVE
Plan Your Week!

What is coming up this week?
Check out the events we have put together for you this week.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday June 2, 11:00 - 11:30am - Ribbon Cutting at Pleasant Home
Come join us to celebrate the reopening of Pleasant Home for tours, with a fully-functional geothermal heating and air conditioning system to show off! We'll welcome them with a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the return of tours for the public, and this innovative, sustainable HVAC system in a gorgeous historic building.
Thursday June 2, 1:00 - 2:00pm - Nonprofit Affinity Group Virtual Meeting
Come join the Chamber's nonprofit affinity group for our monthly gathering. This month Chamber Program Manager, Mark Walden, will talk about how to use your nonprofit membership in the Chamber to its greatest advantage. Mark has been program manager at the OPRF Chamber for six years and has helped run other various nonprofit organizations over the years.
Plan Your Month!

Want to plan ahead?
Here are some events we have coming up over the next month.
Join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and
continue to grow your business!
We believe that all who live and work in our community should have the opportunity to thrive. This is our Chamber vision, and we work tirelessly to make this a reality in everything we do! Keep an eye on our NEW LGBTQ+ Programming and Resources page to stay up-to-date on any events and resources to help your business throughout June, and the rest of the year!
Friday June 10, 9:00 - 10:30am - Women in Business at YogaSix
We are thrilled you will be joining us! WIB is stepping aside from its routine format and taking a breather (literally!) by offering a yoga retreat hosted by YogaSix - Oak Park! Take time out of your daily hustle and bustle for a nourishing practice for your mind and body.
Friday June 10, 12:00 - 12:30pm - Takeout Stakeout at The Daly Bagel
Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at The Daly Bagel! In this event, we convene at a designated restaurant to pick up our takeout lunch choices, and get to see each other for a bit while we're at it!
Tuesday June 14, 5:00 - 7:00pm - Business After Hours at Fitness Formula Clubs - Oak Park
Our June Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted by FFC (Fitness Formula Clubs) Oak Park. Join us for a night of networking and hors d'oeuvres in this high-energy setting and enjoy spring on the outdoor deck!
Wednesday June 15, 2:00 - 3:00pm - Chamber 102: Your Marketing Advantage
Our Member Benefits Series is perfect for new members, and those who need a quick refresher on how to maximize your Chamber membership benefits. This fast-paced course will specifically highlight all the ways you can utilize the Chamber website, eBlasts and Affinity Groups to best market your business.
Economic Luncheon

Sponsor a Table!
Join us next month for the return of our Economic Luncheon! There are very limited Sponsorship opportunities available for your business at this popular event. Make sure to register and reserve your space today.
The panelists have been announced!
We have curated a panel of visionary leaders to come together for casual discussion on the future of our economy and the role of technology.
ModeratorDaRondal Bevly, RubyRose Strategies
PanelistHashem Alsaket, Siden
PanelistSandra Kaufman, Loyola University School of Dance
PanelistManoj Prasad, Resilience Healthcare
This panel discussion will take a deep dive into understanding current trends in areas of key economic indicators - purchasing power, construction & development and broadband infrastructure. The facilitator will delve into how these areas are interconnected and weave through the insight and potency of an arts perspective on our new reality.

Check the website to reserve your space to attend this event!
Advocacy Update

What is the Chamber doing for you?
Every month, the Executive Director, Liz Holt, along with the Advocacy Committee, Sam Yousif & Rob Guenthner, along with other Chamber Board Members are working tirelessly to make sure that your voice is heard. Check out some of the accomplishments that have happened so far this year!
Member Benefits!

Did you know...
There are SOOO many ways you can take advantage of what the Chamber has to offer to grow and strengthen your business. Have you checked the website, social media or blog recently to see the different ways you can grow your business and strengthen your network?
Here are some ways you can do just that!
Have a Ribbon Cutting!
Did you know... Ribbon Cuttings aren't only for opening a new business!
Are you moving into a new space? Having an anniversary or milestone for your business? Let us help you make your celebration a huge success with a Ribbon Cutting!
We'll invite the business community to your space, advertise your event and get you that photo op.
Sunday June 5, 11:00am - 4:00pm - Be a Chamber Ambassador at Day in Our Village
Get out of the house, spend some time with friends and promote your business! Choose a 1-hour time slot for you and your business to be in the tent. Only one time slot per business please! Plan how you can promote your business while in the Chamber tent. Join us on the day to reconnect with friends and spread some Chamber love!
Sunday June 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm - March with the Chamber in the Juneteenth Parade
Come and join us in Oak Park's inaugural Juneteenth Parade. Bring your family, wear your business-branded gear, and show this community how much you love it!
This is a benefit for Chamber Members only.
Answer Book Time!

Reserve your space in the Answer Book
The advertising deadline is June 1st, so you better hurry!
Reach out to Marc Stopeck to reserve your spot today.
Did you know? The Village of River Forest issued a proclamation on June 8, 2020 officially designating June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the Village.
Community Themes and Strengths Assessment: Please take a few minutes to complete this survey for the Village of Oak Park. This survey is one of their community engagement activities that will inform the five-year strategic plan for the Oak Park Health Department and our local public health system (known as the IPLAN). It covers a wide range of public health topics, and your input will help us build a plan that will center the needs of our community and guide our activities in the years to come.
Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

143 S Oak Park Avenue

708.613.0550


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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