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Chamber Advantage
October 6th, 2024
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This Tuesday is the night we’ve all been waiting for—the 2024 Spotlight Soiree!
We’re beyond excited to celebrate the incredible achievements in our business community. Join us at Cheney Mansion, where we will be hosting a glamorous masked reception featuring fabulous food and beverages (thanks to our Bar Sponsor, Excel Window Tinting!), photo ops, and the chance to connect with our amazing guests. You won’t want to miss the award presentations, where we’ll recognize those in the following categories of Local Legend, New and Notable, Small Business Superhero, Excellent Eats, Customer Experience, and Community Character!
A huge thank you goes to our Gold Level Sponsor, Brennan School of Business at Dominican University, and our Silver Level Sponsors, First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, Byline Bank, Ace Handyman Services, Riveredge Hospital, and Kettlestrings Group, for making this night possible!
Don’t forget to grab one of our exclusive Swag Bags, sponsored by American House, for just $50! You’ll get to continue celebrating at home with a bag full of surprises—though the contents will remain a secret until the night of the event.
We’re counting down the hours—see you Tuesday for a night to remember!
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Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
#ThriveTogether
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Ticket Pricing:
Chamber Member Business - $30
Non-Member Business - $50
Community Member (A Non-Business Owner) - $45
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The Chamber is an accessible resource for business, professional, and community development. By providing unparalleled support through networking events, business advocacy, and community initiatives, we help our community thrive and succeed. By joining us, you become part of a collaborative network dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in our community. Together, we build a stronger, interconnected future. | |
October is THE month to join!
Join the Chamber anytime in October and you will receive:
- Three free months of membership; You will not receive a renewal invoice until January 2026
- Discounted Membership; Check out the awesome deals we have going on for new AND existing members this month!
- If you join before October 7, you will get a special shout-out at our Spotlight Soiree on October 8!
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The Source | OPRF Chamber
The Source is your go-to resource for expert advice and tailored guidance—all at no cost to you.
Don’t tackle the challenges of your business journey alone. Get the support and expertise you need from The Source today, completely free!
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We've Planned Your Week!
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!
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Wednesday Oct 9,
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Elders & Elixirs- American House
Join us for Elders & Elixirs, a special gathering designed for older community members who are passionate about aging in place and staying engaged in the local community. Enjoy a complimentary beverage while we discuss the Chamber's new strategic plan, "Thriving Together," and how it supports older adults in Oak Park and River Forest.
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Thursday Oct 10,
11:30 AM - 12:00
This week we'll be celebrating the opening of a new restaurant concept from Jimmy Chen, owner of Poke Burrito! We'll be celebrating this business with Jimmy, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come discover Downtown Oak Park's newest restaurant!
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Thursday Oct 10,
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
October Nonprofit Affinity Group / Public Relations for Nonprofit Organizations
Please join this month's presenters: John Griffin, Griffin & Stebbing Media, Marketing, Communications, and Erika Hobbs, Growing Community Media.
We will meet at the Main Branch of the Oak Park Library in the Veteran's Room. Parking is available in the Library Parking lot or on Lake Street.
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Friday Oct 11,
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Women in Business - Tackling Perimenopausal Stress In the Workplace Together
Your work-life can be affected by so many things! Feeling a bit forgetful? Having trouble sleeping? Hot flashes? Drying up like a prune? Mood swings? Maybe it's perimenopause. Come to this workshop with Dr. Natasha Diaz of Roots Health and learn more about what's going on during this time of a woman's life, and get tools and tips to help you navigate your home & work life.
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Ethics and Leadership Lecture at
Dominican University
Gain Insights from a Renowned Social Entrepreneur and Thought Leader
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Date: October 16, 2024
Location: Martin Recital Hall, Dominican University, River Forest Campus
Featured Speaker:
Alex Counts – Founder of the Grameen Foundation and author of Changing the World Without Losing Your Mind
Why Attend?
- Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear from Alex Counts, a pioneer in mission-driven leadership. With nearly four decades of experience in nonprofit and social entrepreneurship, Counts will offer practical lessons on:
- Ethical leadership and its significance in today’s world
- Strategies for balancing self-care with impactful leadership
- Insights on the 2024 U.S. elections from a nonpartisan lens
Event Schedule:
5:30–6:30 p.m. – Reception (networking and light refreshments)
6:30 p.m. – Lecture (deep dive into mission-driven leadership)
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
- Whether you’re in the nonprofit world, leading a mission-driven organization, or just passionate about leadership and ethics, this event will provide valuable takeaways you can apply immediately.
Register Now to reserve your spot at this inspiring and thought-provoking event!
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Disability Employment Awareness Month | |
This October will mark the first year the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month with a lineup of organizations who work with individuals with disabilities, joining us at chamber events. | | |
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We’re excited to highlight the importance of hiring individuals with disabilities and how it strengthens both businesses and our community.
We hope you can join us in one of our scheduled events to engage with the organizations empowering individuals with disabilities.
On Oct. 24 at 12:15 PM on Zoom, you’ll have the chance to hear from local Warriors during our Accessibility and Community Panel Discussion. In collaboration with the Oak Park Community Mental Health Board, River Forest Township, and Opportunity Knocks, this session will illuminate the existing challenges faced by customers and employees with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Help us foster a more inclusive and diverse community this October!
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Join us for a frightful night of fun and competition at the OPRF Chamber's Halloween Trivia Night, where your participation directly supports local non-profits. Non-profits that register a team receive a free Chamber membership! Enjoy dinner, a drink ticket, trivia, and a live auction.
Don't have a team? No worries—register solo, and we'll match you with a group. By attending, you help fund non-profit memberships, allowing them to thrive in our community.
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Plus, you'll have the chance to win prizes, including $125 in local gift cards for trivia winners and $25 gift cards for the best costumes.
Come dressed in your Halloween best and make it a night to remember! 🎃
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Like to plan ahead? Plan Your Month!
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.
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Wednesday Oct 16,
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Coffee & Chit Chat with The Chamber
Join us at Spilt Milk for a casual gathering where community members and business owners can connect over a complimentary cup of coffee and engage in meaningful conversation. This event is part of the rollout of our new strategic plan, "Thriving Together".
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Thursday Oct 17,
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Chamber 102
Perfect for new members and those who need a refresher, this fast-paced seminar will review all of your member benefits to maximize your marketing advantage.
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Thursday Oct 17,
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX): Stand Out & Speed Networking
Join the OPRF Chamber’s FLEX group (formerly Young Professionals) for our Stand Out & Speed Networking event at Kribi Coffee! At this event we will be talking about being the youngest person in the room at work and how to own it!
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Thursday Oct 18,
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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.
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Wednesday Oct 23,
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join us for Prints & Pours, a collaborative event brought to you by LuckyPrints, Allies for Community Business, Make City, and The Chamber. This free community event is open to all, offering a fun and engaging evening
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Thursday Oct 24,
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for an insightful event in collaboration with the Oak Park Community Mental Health Board, River Forest Township, Opportunity Knocks, and The Chamber. Learn about the challenges faced by customers and employees alike.
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Saturday Oct 26,
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Join us in celebrating the new Kiddie Academy location in Oak Park with a ribbon cutting and great networking opportunities! Come explore this exciting new daycare resource dedicated to caring for and educating children.
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Food Vendors, we need your help to make the 8th Annual Bite Nite 2025, the most delicious event of the year!
Warm up a crowd this winter by serving unforgettable culinary delights and/or drinks. We'll take care of the rest! The Nineteenth Century Club's historic ballroom will be filled with live music and hungry guests!
We're carefully picking over 30 local eateries, caterers, and food brands for ONE NIGHT ONLY to treat food enthusiasts to an array of savory bites and sweet treats.
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Ready to take on the challenge to serve your specialties to locals?
Sign up today!
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Sign up to be part of our Frosty Affair Holiday Market! We'll have festive shopping featuring a delightful array of local retailers showcasing their unique products and services for sale. Don't miss out on being part of where shopping becomes a magical experience for all! | | |
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