October is here, bringing with it new opportunities to grow with the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce!

I’m excited to share an incredible opportunity to join our Chamber. All month long, we’re rolling out something special EACH WEEK for new members—and we need your help to spread the word!

Join the Chamber anytime in October, and you’ll receive three free months of membership, along with enhanced marketing to showcase your business. And, if you sign up by October 7, we’ll give you a special shout-out at our Spotlight Soiree on October 8! Imagine being welcomed by our entire community as we celebrate the best of Oak Park and River Forest.

Already part of the Chamber family?

We need your voice! Help us reach businesses who haven’t found us yet by referring a friend, bringing them to an event, and showing them what makes our community thrive. We’re stronger together, and with your support, we can continue to grow and create new opportunities for all.

Want to share why you love being a Chamber member? Send us your testimonial—video or written—we’d love to hear from you! Just shoot me an email and let’s keep the momentum going.

Got questions about the Chamber?

We'll be traveling all around Oak Park! Check out the date lineup in our header above and mark your calendar. Registration is appreciated, but not required.

Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#ThriveTogether

October 8th, we’ll be celebrating together for the 2024 Business Spotlight Awards + Soiree!

We can't wait to showcase the outstanding achievements and contributions within our business community at the beautiful Cheney Mansion. From a glamorous masked reception to live musical performances- you WON'T want to miss this!

Secure your tickets to Spotlight today!

Ticket Pricing:

Chamber Member Business - $30

Non-Member Business - $50

Community Member (A Non-Business Owner) - $45

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!

Hispanic Heritage

Month Mercado

Wednesday, Oct 2nd

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Brews & Banter with The Chamber

Friday, Oct 4th

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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.

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!

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!

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.

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! 🎃

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. 

Ready to take on the challenge to serve your specialties to locals?

Sign up today!

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! 

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.

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.



Friday Oct 11,

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Women in Business - Women's Health Month - Perimenopause

Struggling with symptoms like forgetfulness, trouble sleeping, or mood swings? Join our workshop to learn about perimenopause and discover natural strategies to navigate this stage of life. Julie Brow-Polanco of Julie Naturally, an experienced herbalist and health coach, will guide you toward making these years your best yet.

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".

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.

Thursday Oct 18,

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Meet Me for Lunch - Khyber Pass

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.

Wednesday Oct 23,

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Prints & Pours at LuckyPrints

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 

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.

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.

Follow us on Social Media!

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce

141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3

708.613.0550

info@oprfchamber.org

www.oprfchamber.org

STAY CONNECTED TO THE OPRF CHAMBER

OPRFCHAMBER.ORG