EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH UPDATE

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the Chamber’s Executive Director position is now posted and open for applications. We are grateful for the strong support and engagement of our membership as we begin this important next chapter.


A Search Committee, led by Board President Esther Grachan and joined by board members Jeffrey Hines, Mike Lavery, and Dan Mahoney will guide the recruitment and interview process, with support from Interim Executive Director Yoo-Jin Hong serving as a Search Consultant to ensure a structured and thoughtful hiring and transition.


You can view the Executive Director job posting below. Please feel free to share it with those who may be a strong fit. If you would like to recommend a potential candidate, please contact Yoo-Jin directly. All inquiries and recommendations will be kept confidential.


We will continue to share updates with members at key milestones throughout the process.

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

We're closing out Black History Month with one final round of spotlights — celebrating the incredible Black-owned businesses that make our community so vibrant and unique. Show them some love and support a local business today!

The folks at Comedy Plex might be familiar to our Chamber members — they won this year's Community Character Award and also hosted last year's Trivia Night. We just had to make sure they got a shoutout this Black History Month for all the great nights they've helped put on for our community.


They've got live shows running Wednesday through Saturday and if you're a real night-owl, stay tuned for even more late-night Saturday offerings.... For the early birds, you can also check out their comedy classes for both adults and kids. You won't regret it!


Click here to learn more!

If the name Fatso Hard Kitchen rings a bell, maybe you already got a taste of their offerings at last month's Bite Nite! One of their best bites is a mouth-watering South side Hoagie (it's got pepperoncini peppers!). This catering company is all about comfort food with bold flavors — the kind of cooking that feels like a family dinner.


If you've got a work event or special celebration coming up, definitely consider Fatso Hard Kitchen to feed your party!



Click here to learn more!

Civinte Candle Bar was born out of a very relatable frustration — mother and daughter duo Cheryl and Breana couldn't find candles that smelled amazing, lasted, and were actually safe to burn at home. So they made their own. Using Cheryl's science background and a shared sense of scent, they've built a line of healthy home fragrances that range from opulent candles to room and linen mists.


If grocery shopping takes twice as long because they've got a candle section, you're going to appreciate Civinte!


Click here to learn more!

Meet Ruby — a refreshing hibiscus tea blend co-founded by local brothers Jan and Miles Menafee, and named after their great-grandmother. Made with hibiscus, ginger, local Chicago honey, and pink salt, it's the kind of drink that makes you wonder why you ever settled for anything else.


You can grab a bottle at Sugar Beet, FFC, or Carnivore right here in Oak Park — or order online and use code rubylovesoprf for 10% off your first order! Interested in carrying Ruby at your business? Reach out to info@experienceruby.com for wholesale inquiries. And give them a follow at @experienceruby on Instagram!


Click here to learn more!

We just celebrated the ribbon cutting for Sylvan Learning Center of Oak Park this past week, and we're so excited to have them in our community! Owner Steven Johnson and his team are dedicated to building academic confidence and inspiring a love for learning in kids of all levels — from math tutoring to reading and writing, Sylvan students achieve up to 3x more growth in their scores than their peers.


And here's a great deal for families: Sylvan is currently running a Share the Love promotion — refer a friend or family member and you'll both receive a free week of tutoring!


Click here to learn more!

KEEP SUPPORTING THESE BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES

In case you missed last week, be sure to check out these Chamber members:

Every dollar spent locally makes a difference — thank you for supporting these businesses all year long!

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE TEN YEARS!

April 19, 11AM-2PM at FFC Oak Park

Vendor and sponsor registration is now open for the 10th Annual Health & Wellness Fair—one of our biggest community events of the year. Last year's fair brought hundreds of residents face-to-face with 50+ local health and wellness exhibitors, and we're expecting another great turnout.


First time vending?

This is your chance to connect directly with engaged community members, network with fellow health and wellness businesses, and get your name in front of 70,000+ through our marketing efforts leading up to the event.

Vendor Booths are $200 for Chamber members and $650 for non-members.


Want to support the event?

This is one of our biggest events of the year, and sponsors help make it happen. In return, you'll get premium booth placement, included booth fees, and your logo across our newsletters, social media, print materials, and event signage. Sponsorships start at $550 and go up to $3,000 — and they tend to sell out fast. (The Presenting Sponsorship is already gone!) Take a look at the full sponsorship package breakdown and grab your spot before they're gone.


If you're ready to join us, click below!

Questions? Reach out to Julian, our Events and Engagement Manager.

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.

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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