Whether you’re looking for resources, inspiration, or ways to plug in, Chamber Advantage is your go-to for what’s happening in the Chamber.

BRING YOUR FLAVOR TO BITE NITE

Bite Nite returns for its 8th year on Friday, January 30th 2026, from 5:30–9:30 PM at the Nineteenth Century Club, and we’re officially opening the call for vendors! This signature tasting event brings together 400+ guests and 50+ food and drink businesses for an evening of bites, sips, and community connection.

If your business is ready to showcase its flavor for our local foodies, now is the time to get involved — vendor spots for this event have consistently filled quickly!

Ready to learn more or claim your spot? Use the button below to connect with Julian Sanchez, our Events and Engagement Manager, about becoming a Bite Nite 2026 vendor.

Click on any graphic to get more information about the event and to sign up.

Explore what's in store, including fun and educational activities happening throughout.

COMING UP THIS WEEK

PLAN FOR YOUR MONTH

A LOOK BACK AT A YEAR TOGETHER

We had a wonderful morning at our Annual Meeting this Wednesday, gathering with partners, members, and community leaders to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next.

In case you missed it, we’ve uploaded both the event slideshow and the full meeting video to our YouTube channel. This year’s video continues our tradition of playful movie spoofs — and for 2025, we went with a Star Trek theme! You can also read our Annual Report if you’d like a deeper look at the work, wins, and milestones from the past year.

A heartfelt thank-you to the partners who helped make the morning possible:

Check out some photos from the meeting below. We’re excited for everything the coming year holds and grateful to build a thriving, connected business community with you.

This section features recent updates and resources from our community partners.

YOUR HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE HAS ARRIVED

Our friends at Growing Community Media just released their Holiday Gift Guide, and we’re excited to share it with you! It’s a sweet roundup of places to shop, eat, and explore across Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park — the kind of spots that make our communities feel special this time of year.

If you’re still hunting for gifts, planning a little outing, or just want some inspiration, this guide is a lovely place to start. And it’s a great reminder that some of the coolest finds are right here at home. When we shop local, we’re supporting our neighbors, our small business owners, and the character of the communities we care about.

Take a look and see what catches your eye:

STAY SAFE AT WORK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

As businesses gear up for the holiday shopping season, temporary or seasonal hiring often ramps up. Employers may not be fully aware of the safety regulations associated with such employment. The waters get murkier when temporary workers are hired through a staffing agency. 

To help clarify expectations and keep employees safe during the busy season, the Illinois Department of Labor has put together a helpful overview on temporary worker safety. You can read the full article below, and explore additional guidance from OSHA on their Temporary Worker Initiative.

That’s it for this week—thanks for reading and for helping our business community thrive together.

Stay Connected

Hungry for more? Follow us on social media below. Or, fill out our Member Connections Form to choose updates on programs, events, and get involved.

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce

1101 Lake St., Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301

708.613.0550 | info@oprfchamber.org | www.oprfchamber.org