SPOTLIGHT'S BACK: TELL US WHO EARNED IT

Once a year we pack a room with 150+ neighbors, business owners, and the people who actually make this place tick. It's part awards ceremony, part party, all heart, and it's how we celebrate the businesses that make Oak Park and River Forest worth bragging about.

Here's where you come in... If you know a business who's earned it, put them forward. Pick a category and tell us why. The nominations themselves are how we land on our finalists.

This year's categories: New & Notable, Health & Wellness, Non-Profit of the Year, Excellent Eats, Chamber Ambassador of the Year, and the big one: the OPRF Choice Award.

Finalists go to a live vote the night of the Awards, settled by everyone in the room.

Want your name on the night? Spotlight sponsorships are open, from $250 high-tops up to the $3,000 Presenting spot, with Award Sponsors getting two minutes on stage to hand out an honor themselves. Every level puts your logo on the marketing leading up to the event and on the signage and screens that night. The full packet's attached here.

Ready to get involved? Email specialevents@oprfchamber.org to claim a level.

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

SHOW YOUR PRIDE - SPONSOR A DRAG QUEEN

Thursday Night Out is Downtown Oak Park's summer dine-around series — running every Thursday from June through August on Marion Street. More than 20 restaurants set up outdoor dining al fresco, live music fills the block, and the community turns out all season long.

June 11 is Pride Night. Expect a celebratory crowd, R&B and dance music, and the Chamber right in the mix!

Want to show your Pride? Sponsor one of our drag queens to represent your business for two hours — roaming the event, handing out your marketing materials, and talking you up to everyone they meet. Three tiers available. Spots are limited.

We can also use some volunteers that night. Sign up HERE.

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

MADE YOU LOOK: A STOREFRONT WORKSHOP

Explore Oak Park and Beyond is hosting a workshop for any business where the right storefront can draw people in. If you handle window displays, signage, or any customer-facing space, this one's aimed right at you.

"Made You Look: Eye-Catching, Sales-Driving Visual Merchandising Strategies" is a 45-minute session on the four things that sink a first impression and the affordable fixes for each. It's led by Amy Meadows, who spent more than 25 years running window displays and holiday campaigns for Marshall Field's and Macy's and now helps independent shops sharpen their look through her firm, Windows Matter. Practical, no fluff.



Tuesday, June 16, 9am at La Grange Village Hall.

Please email annie@oakparkandbeyond.org to RSVP.

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