Chamber Advantage

At this month's Business After Hours event, a member representing a local arts organization shared a story that captures the power of simply showing up. Earlier this year, she attended a Business After Hours event hosted by one of our area's fantastic senior living centers. As she chatted with the staff, conversation turned to their work and how art-making connects people, combats loneliness, and sparks creativity. That conversation led to a partnership: the arts organization now leads art classes on site. The wins are many: creative expression, accessibility for residents with limited mobility, enriched programming for the senior center, employment for working artists, and mission fulfillment for a nonprofit. All from showing up.

We see and hear stories like this every day, and it is why we offer so many programs, gatherings, and groups for our members. We also maintain an online calendar where members can share their own events with the community.

We love seeing our members show up for one another. Sometimes magic happens. See you out there!

Warmly,

Melissa M.

Melissa Mallinson

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

Click any graphic for details and to register.

COMING UP THIS WEEK

PLAN YOUR MONTH

Check Out Our Full Calendar!

Nominations have closed and the committee is reviewing.

In October, a room fills with the people who keep this business community running, and the honorees are recognized in front of all of them.

Sponsoring puts your name in that room. Packages are available at every level except Award Sponsor for the Non-Profit of the Year Award, and award sponsorships go first come, first served. Take a look at what's included, or reach out and we'll walk you through it.

Sponsorship Packet

Tickets are now available for purchase to attend this year's Spotlight Awards.

Another round of applause for last year's winners...

Hispanic Heritage Month

Networking Reception

September 17, 5pm-7pm at Dominican University

Join the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and Dominican University for an evening of meaningful connections, community building, and celebration as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a special Networking Pre-Reception before An Evening with Author Marcelo Hernandez Castillo.

This gathering will bring together Chamber members, business leaders, educators, students, nonprofit professionals, and community partners for an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beer and wine while building new relationships and engaging in conversations that strengthen our community.

Following the reception, guests are invited to attend An Evening with Author Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, an acclaimed poet, memoirist, educator, and advocate whose work explores immigration, identity, belonging, and the undocumented experience.

Both the Networking Reception and Author Event are free and open to Chamber Members and Non-Members. Guests will also have the opportunity to make an optional donation to support future cultural programming and community events presented by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce.

ARE YOU A HISPANIC-OWNED BUSINESS

IN THE CHAMBER?

For the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 - 10/15) we plan to

celebrate Hispanic-Owned businesses in our community.

If your business would like to be featured, please email us a 100 word or less business description and a profile photo which can be a head shot or action shot. You can send this to Julian Sanchez at jsanchez@oprfchamber.org

Here you'll find recent updates and resources from our community partners!

The Village of Oak Park is developing a Community Engagement Playbook to create a more consistent, transparent, and inclusive approach to how they engage with residents, businesses, and community organizations.

This survey is an opportunity to share your experiences and perspectives on how the Village currently engages with the community. They want to hear what you think is working well, where there are challenges, and how engagement can be improved moving forward.

The survey should take approximately 5–7 minutes to complete. Your feedback will directly inform how the Village plans, communicates, and incorporates community input into future projects and decisions.

Take the Survey

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