March 19th, 2023

I am thrilled to report that our second annual Speed Networking event was a resounding success! Over 80 people networking for a solid 60 mins and meeting at least 32 people. Now that was a good use of our time! Huge shout-out to Concordia University for hosting us in their beautiful space, and to the fabulous Adam Doe State Farm as our Presenting Sponsor.

We can't wait until we do it again next year!

Liz Holt

Executive Director

Plan Your Week!

What is coming up this week?

We know you are busy. To help make it easier and help you to join us at as many things as you would like, we have gathered our events for this week.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday March 22, 12:00 - 1:00pm - Young Professionals Meetup

Join us this month as we visit the Oak Park Art League to see all of the amazing artwork they have on display! What a great way to get a mid-week break from all the hustle and bustle of your regular schedule to take in some of the beauty right in your own back yard.

Pop in for a few minutes, or the whole hour.

Pack a lunch to bring with you and don't forget to bring your business cards!

Thursday March 23, 5:00 - 7:00pm - Boost Your Network at Riveredge Hospital

Learn how to "Boost Your Network" while enjoying food & drink at our Health & Wellness Fair Vendor Pre-Party at Riveredge Hospital! The party is also a great opportunity to network with the other 80+ vendors who will be attending the Health & Wellness Fair. Learn some practical steps to make your Fair experience the best it can be, connect with printers to make sure you have your giveaways ready, and ask any questions you may still have about the event!

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.

Join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and

continue to grow your business!

Monday March 27, 5:30 - 7:00pm - BIPOC Game Night at Styles4Kidz

Tamekia Swint and her team at Styles4Kidz invite everyone to a BIPOC Game Night. Enjoy board games, puzzles, and more as you relax and network with fellow Chamber members. 

We look forward to you joining us each month as we stay connected with Latinx, Asian-American, Black and Indigenous peers from the OPRF business and nonprofit community! 

Friday March 31, 12:00 - 12:30pm - Takeout Stakeout at The Urban Dining League

Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time with The Urban Dining League! For this event, we convene at a designated establishment to pick up our takeout lunch choices, and get to meet new folks and see our peers from other businesses and organizations. Come meet the staff and pick up a delicious lunch!

Thursday April 6, 1:00 - 2:00pm - NPO Affinity Group: Networking & Collaboration!

Come join the us at The Pleasant Home for our monthly gathering. This month is all about connections and collaboration! Affinity group co-chairs Cheryl Flinn of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, and Judy Klem of the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory, will facilitate conversation among attendees about ways that local nonprofits can work together. Please come be part of the dialogue! 

Tuesday April 11, 5:00 - 7:00pm - Business After Hours at Jeffrey Hines State Farm

Our April Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted by Jeffrey Hines State Farm and will also feature Leadership Lab, the local leadership development program of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. Join us for your chance to connect with business owners from all over the Oak Park and River Forest areas.

Wednesday April 12, 11:00am - 7:00pm - Stop & Shop at Civinte Candle Bar

Join us for new monthly program, Stop & Shop, this time at Civinte Candle Bar. At Civinte, their overall mission is to help you redefine elegant living, by bringing the essence of opulence safely into your home. Stop by this Oak Park gem and get your safely made candles or sprays. Make sure to mention the Chamber to get your discount!

Friday April 14, 9:00 - 10:30am - Women in Business Affinity Group Meeting

The 2023 Women in Business programs continue at The Sheridan at River Forest with a double feature in April! We are launching our annual WIB Tampon & Diaper Drive and we are celebrating National Gardening Day & Earth Month. You don't want to miss this! Stay tuned for more details, coming soon!

Wednesday April 19, 2:00 - 3:00pm - Chamber 101 via Zoom

In this seminar we will go over all of your digital benefits that come with your membership, including:

- how to significantly increase your SEO

- how to leverage your Member Profile to boost traffic to your own website

- how to track your Member Profile statistics

- how to be sure that your website is linked to your membership

This event is perfect for new members, or those who need a refresher!

Thursday April 20, 9:30 - 11:00am - #ChamberLOVE Call Campaign!

Love the OPRF Chamber and eager to share your story? Looking for ways to connect with potential referrals and likeminded people? Join us at Grachan Agency for our quarterly Membership Call Campaign!

Haven't done this before or unsure what to say? Don't worry, we will have a script for you.

This is a great way to connect with our members and help them to feel seen, valued and heard!

Health & Wellness Fair!

Vendor & Sponsor Registration Still Available!

The Health & Wellness Fair is swiftly approaching! We already have over 1/2 the vendor spaces filled, but there is still time for your business to be represented. With our focus this year being on access and education to resources and healthcare, there has been a lot of interest from not only Oak Park and River Forest, but the surrounding communities as well.

This is your chance to be part of the largest Health & Wellness Fair in the Chicagoland area!

There are still spaces available for both Vendors and Sponsors. Reach out if you have any questions!

Exclusive Presenting Sponsor

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Day in Our Village

Save the Date!

Day in Our Village will be on June 4th this year. Make sure to save the date in your calendar and join us to connect with the community!

Day in Our Village Information: This morning at the Business Association Council (BAC) meeting a question was raised regarding the date, time and application availability for the Village’s A Day in Our Village event. The event is planned for Sunday, June 4, 2023 and will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A link to the Village’s website page for the event is below:

https://www.oak-park.us/our-community/special-events/day-our-village

The application for this year’s event is available through the above link. The deadline to reserve a booth for this year’s event is Friday, May 13^th.

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3

708.613.0550

info@oprfchamber.org

www.oprfchamber.org