Chamber Advantage

March 10th, 2024

As we commemorate Women's History Month and International Women's Day, I am honored to recognize the invaluable contributions of the extraordinary women within our organization. From our dedicated staff members to our esteemed board members, their unwavering commitment and leadership serve as pillars of strength, driving our mission forward each day. Together, we celebrate their achievements and the progress made towards gender equality, while also acknowledging the work that still lies ahead.


Looking ahead, I am thrilled for Dominican University to be a sponsor at our upcoming Health and Wellness Fair, scheduled for April 21st. This event promises to be a vibrant celebration of holistic well-being, featuring a diverse array of activities and resources aimed at nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Join us as we come together to prioritize self-care, support one another, and foster a healthier, more vibrant community for all.

Aracelis Sanchez-Guerrero

Board Secretary

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

This event is a showcase of outstanding health & wellness services available throughout the western suburbs and attracts hundreds of area residents who interact with 50+ exhibitors, receive complimentary screenings, enjoy family activities & appreciate excellent giveaways. 

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. 80+ health-related businesses, their owners + managers will be present. Your booth neighbor could be your next referrer. It's AFFORDABLEClick the Register button below to sign up as a vendor.

VENDOR SIGN-UP!

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 March 12, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -

Business After Hours at the Oak Park Public Library

Join us at our monthly networking event! Business After Hours (BAH) takes place 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.)



This month, we'll be gathering at Oak Park Public Library on Lake Street, your public library in a Book Sanctuary Community that values democracy and intellectual freedom. Come see how we're honoring Women's History and what resources OPPL has to help you start and grow your business!

REGISTER HERE!

Friday Mar 15, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -

Meet Me For Lunch at The Little Gem

Join us for a Chamber sit-down luncheon!  This is a business lunch in a casual setting, providing the opportunity for relaxed small group networking.  Come enjoy the food while you connect and get to know Chamber members. Lunch is a flat $30 including tax and tip ($35 non-members).


Come join us at The Little Gem for our next Meet Me For Lunch!

REGISTER HERE!

Lou Anne has lived in the Oak Park-River Forest community her whole life. She graduated from OPRFHS, as did her father and her three children. She attended Marquette University and Columbia College. After graduation, Lou Anne was the Production Manager of RAH Producers Center, at the time the largest film studio in Chicago. She continued in film and owned and operated Respectable Street Productions.


Once her family began to grow she began working at Oak Park District 97, where she remained for 20 years. She had many responsibilities, and wore many different hats. She worked with and supported the standing committees for the Board of Education. As Board Liaison she facilitated effective and clear communication required of these important citizen-led committees, thus ensuring that the public can exchange information and goals. Beginning in 2015, she became the Executive Coordinator for IGOV, the Oak Park intergovernmental committee, that focuses on collaboration and cooperation between the six governing bodies in the community.


Lou Anne became the Chamber representative for District 97 in late 2020, and in 2021 became the Co-Chair of the Chambers Women in Business.


Contact Lou Anne: ljohannesson@oprfchamber.org

Did you know we have a list of self-identified Women-Owned businesses on our website?

VIEW THE LIST!

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!

Tuesday, March 19, 5:00 - 7:00P -

Boost Your Network! Health & Wellness Fair Vendor Pre-Party

Learn how to "Boost Your Network" while enjoying food & drink at our Health & Wellness Fair Vendor Pre-Party on March 19, 2024 and get attendees excited about your business! The party is also a great opportunity to network with the other 80+ vendors who will be attending the Health & Wellness Fair


This event is FREE to all confirmed 8th Annual Health & Wellness Fair vendors and their guests, as well as any Chamber members in the Health & Wellness sector. Reconnect with your previous network and continue to grow your current network at this event aimed at helping you to have your best Health & Wellness Fair experience possible!

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Mar 21, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM -

Chamber 101 - Your Digital Advantage

Welcome to Chamber 101!

Perfect for new members and those who need a refresher. This fast-paced seminar will review all of your digital benefits to maximize your digital advantage.


What will You Learn?

In this seminar, we will go over all of the digital benefits that come with your membership, including:

  • how to significantly increase your SEO
  • how to leverage your Member Profile to boost traffic to your website
  • how to track your Member Profile statistics
  • how to be sure that your website is linked to your membership
REGISTER HERE!

Friday Mar 22, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM -

Ribbon Cutting at Sweat It Off Fitness

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 at Sweat It Off Fitness, the cycling studio in Oak Park! 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 services they offer!

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Apr 4, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -

Nonprofit Affinity Group / Managing Board and Staff Transitions

Come join our nonprofit affinity group for camaraderie and professional development! 

 

During this session, led by Shailushi Ritchie of Sevah Consulting, we will talk about managing the inevitable: turnover among staff and board members. Shailushi focuses her work on providing interim executive leadership services to organizations in transition, often incorporating aspects of strategic and operational planning, governance, board training, and change management. She has served as Interim Executive Director for several Chicago and national organizations and helped organizations maintain stability and structure for nonprofits during a significant transition.

REGISTER HERE!

News from the DNC

The Democratic National Convention is coming to Chicago August 19-22, 2024. Please complete the following Vendor Interest Form if you are interested in being listed in the Vendor Directory.

VENDOR DIRECTORY FORM

Please complete the fields below to express your interest in volunteering for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

INTEREST IN VOLUNTEERING

Here is information on providing content for Delegate Welcome Bags:

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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