We're thrilled to announce some BIG news about a BIG event – Bite Nite is BACK! After a hiatus, we're bringing back this beloved culinary extravaganza that highlights the diverse tastes of our community. The Chamber has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, planning and curating an unforgettable Bite Nite experience for all. Picture an evening filled with delectable bites, community camaraderie, and the chance to support our local businesses. Save the date for March 1st, and stay tuned for more details as we prepare for an extraordinary night of culinary delight! | |
Rob Guenthner
President
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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Vendor + Sponsor REGISTRATION - Bite Nite 2024 | |
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Bite Nite 2024: Vendor + Sponsor Registration ONLY.
Food/Drink Vendors click "Register Here" to claim your 2024 spot.
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7th Annual Bite Nite on FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 5:30-9:30pm @The Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park, is a celebration of outstanding local dining. This annual mid-winter event attracts 400+ attendees sampling small bites from 50+ local restaurants, caterers and food brands during an evening of music + drinks and always SELLS OUT. | |
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Vendor Benefits It's AFFORDABLE and exclusively for food/drink businesses only. It's EXCELLENT MARKETING. Chefs, owners + managers come face-to-face with hundreds of enthusiastic foodies. We market to 30k+ via e-blasts, Eventbrite, PR, social media, + print advertising.
Vendor FAQs HERE.
Click "REGISTER HERE" below to claim your spot.
Key 2024 Vendor Info:
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Food/drink vendors provide 400 2oz SMALL BITES +/or drinks served by 1-2 staff using own supplies and must ARRIVE BY 4-4:30PM for set-up.
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EVENT IS AFFORDABLE (FREE for members to participate). Spaces are limited to food/drink vendors and will fill, late vendors will be waitlisted.
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Chamber provides a SHARED TABLE (1/2 of 8' banquet table) with signage.
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Prefer not to share? BUY ENTIRE TABLE for $300. Or buy PREMIUM LOCATION table + marketing for $500.
- Vendors can promo @ event. Handout menus, coupons, etc. Dress-up table creatively to brand.
Want to get your business in front of the Oak Park-River Forest Community? Consider Sponsoring Bite Nite 2024! Reach out to Executive Director, Darien Marion-Burton for more details on the Sponsorship Levels.
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Chamber Focus Groups!
We want to hear from you!
The OPRF Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for an exciting 2024, and we want your invaluable input to guide us in designing impactful programming that supports your business needs.
Come share your voice at one of these focus group events to ensure our initiatives align seamlessly with your needs and aspirations!
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Monday Jan 22, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM -
Restaurant Sector Focus Group
We invite you to a dynamic and interactive meeting facilitated by your peers within the OPRF Restaurant Membership Community. This session is not just about discussing—it's about collaborating and co-creating a vision for the future of Restaurant Businesses in our community. The meeting is scheduled to last about an hour and a half, providing ample time for a comprehensive discussion.
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Tuesday Jan 23, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM -
Business Services Focus Group
We invite you to a dynamic and interactive meeting facilitated by your peers within the OPRF Business Services Sector Membership Community. This session is not just about discussing—it's about collaborating and co-creating a vision for the future of Business Services Sector businesses in our community. The meeting is scheduled to last about an hour and a half, providing ample time for a comprehensive discussion.
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Wednesday Jan 24, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM -
Health & Wellness Sector Focus Group
We invite you to a dynamic and interactive meeting facilitated by your peers within the OPRF Health & Wellness Sector Business Membership Community. This session is not just about discussing, it's about collaborating and co-creating a vision for the future of Health & Wellness Sector businesses in our community. The meeting is scheduled to last about an hour and a half, providing ample time for a comprehensive discussion.
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Monday Jan 29, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM -
Retailers Focus Group
We invite you to a dynamic and interactive meeting facilitated by your peers within the OPRF retail membership community. This session is not just about discussing—it's about collaborating and co-creating a vision for the future of Retail Businesses in our community. The meeting is scheduled to last about an hour and a half, providing ample time for a comprehensive discussion.
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Connect with your Network | |
We had such an amazing time last year, that we decided to keep the fun going! Join us for a fabulous evening where you can connect with old friends and meet new colleagues. We can help you get a LOT done in two short hours! | |
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Bring your business cards and your "elevator pitch" and let us do the rest!
We will have tables set up and clear instructions on what to do for each timed networking segment. When the bell rings, you move to the next table! It's as easy as that! We guarantee (well...almost!!) that you won't meet the same person twice!
Once you have registered we will send you specific information about how to prepare and a few tips & tricks on how to make the most of a Speed Networking event. Don't worry - we have you covered.
Use the last half hour to connect with those you would like to make a stronger connection and enjoy food and drinks while you further connections.
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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!
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Thursday Jan 25, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
FLEX (Young Professionals) Mocktails and Mindfulness at Robert's Westside
Explore the art of creating delectable mocktails with Donnie Biggins, the owner of Robert's Westside. Donnie will guide us through the process of crafting two exquisite mocktails, sharing his expertise and insider tips on achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Participants will also receive recipe cards for Syrups & Non-Alcoholic Cocktails to recreate these delightful drinks at home.
Following the mocktail making, The Way Back Inn, a local organization dedicated to supporting those on their journey to recovery, will lead an engaging and insightful conversation about being sober curious and embracing mindful drinking. Learn about the benefits of choosing non-alcoholic alternatives and gain valuable insights into fostering a more mindful approach to your drinking habits.
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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!
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Monday Jan 29, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
BIPOC Affinity Group: Marketing 101 Understanding Your Audience
We are thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the BIPOC 2024 Programming series—an initiative dedicated to empowering and celebrating the voices, experiences, and talents of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. The Oak Park-River Forest (OPRF) Chamber is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that recognizes and amplifies the rich diversity within our community.
Join us for the inaugural event of our BIPOC 2024 Programming series – "BIPOC Marketing Mastery," a dynamic marketing class facilitated by Eugene Varnado of YoojDesigns. As we strive for inclusive and effective marketing strategies, this class will delve into the art of connecting authentically with the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) audience.
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Thursday Feb 1, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
Nonprofit Affinity Group / Tax Law Changes for Nonprofits
"Annual Tax and Reporting Updates for Nonprofits". Jeff will be discussing the new State audit and reporting thresholds for smaller organizations, as well as giving updates on individual contribution and deduction updates. He will also talk about some recent financial statement trends.
WHO IS OUR PRESENTER?
Jeff Schroeder is newly retired from a 42-year career in public accounting. The last 27 years were spent as a partner with Sassetti LLC, where his primary focus was the OPRF nonprofit market. Jeff was recently honored by the OPRF Chamber for his years of local service. Jeff currently serves on two Boards, sings with the City Voices chorale and is a member of the Beatles ensemble at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
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Friday Feb 9, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -
Woman in Business / Marketing Workshop: How to Level Up Your Website
Your business website is your opportunity to impress, inform, and inspire action---but if visitors don't quickly understand how you can help them, you may be losing opportunities. Join Katie Crouch, Website Copywriter and Strategist at KC Copy, to learn some easy-to-apply best practices for giving your prospects heart eyes--and walk away with a plan of action to improve your site (and your marketing in general). Plus, as always, enjoy the company of fellow women from the local business, nonprofit, and government communities - this is a wonderful group and we're glad for you to be part of it!
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Tuesday Feb 13, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
Business After Hours at Kribi Coffee Albion
Join us at our monthly networking event! Business After Hours (BAH) takes place on the second Tuesday of every month.
This month, in honor of Black History Month, we'll be gathering at Kribi Coffee in the Albion building in Downtown Oak Park, in the lobby area. Our host Jacques Shalo is one of our community's premier Black business owners. Kribi Coffee has established itself as a great place to hang out and a purveyor of fine coffee, unique in the marketplace in their air-roasting process to give the beans their fullest flavor.
You can also expect tasty hors d'oeuvres and beverages, raffle fun, and dozens of locals from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors, gathered to build relationships and enjoy a splendid evening together. Please join us!
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Friday Feb 16, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -
Meet Me for Lunch / Madison Park Kitchen
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.
Where Are We Eating This Month?
In February, we will visit Madison Park Kitchen in Forest Park. This is a cozy, vibrant cafe serving lunchtime sandwiches & a large choice of egg dishes for breakfast.
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Vendor + Sponsor Registration ONLY Community Health & Wellness Fair 2024 | |
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The 8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair on SUNDAY, APRIL 21, from 11AM-2PM, at the NEW Community Recreation Center in Oak Park.
EARLY BIRD VENDOR PRICING - January 15 - 31, 2024
- Members - $135.00
- Non-members - $550.00
| 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. | |
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Why Be A Sponsor?
Health Fair sponsorships include "CHOOSE YOUR OWN" BOOTH premium location, booth fees, and social media, online + print marketing. Sponsorships sell out quickly and are available on first-come basis. Presenting sponsorship already sold for this event. Remaining available sponsorships range from $550-3,000 with varying benefit levels. Contact us to learn more.
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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.
STAY CONNECTED TO THE OPRF CHAMBER
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