The OPRF Choice Award is the highest honor we present. It goes to a business that leads with excellence, drives growth, and shows up for the community in ways that strengthen the local economy for everyone else too.

After nominations close, the top choices move to a live vote by the room the night of the awards, so the person you nominate could end up winning right in front of you.

The New & Notable Award is for a business, nonprofit, or organization that opened its doors between 2024 and 2026 and has already made a real mark through innovation, creativity, or sheer momentum. If you know a newcomer who's been turning heads, this is their moment.



Nominations close August 16. A few sentences on why someone deserves recognition goes a long way toward getting them to the finalist stage.

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

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 YOUR MONTH

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

As a proud referral partner, we wanted to flag one of the ways The Source can help. We know access to capital is often the hardest part of growing a business.

The Source's preferred lenders — a network of local nonprofit lenders including Allies for Community Business, Jewish Free Loan Chicago, Greenwood Archer Capital, Pursuit, and SomerCor — offer financing from $1,000 to $500,000, with flexible terms and local decision-making. A free business advisor can help match you to the right one.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the June 11 storms and tornadoes, with Cook County included in the declaration. Loans can cover property damage, lost inventory, or the working capital needed to stay afloat while things get back to normal.

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