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They say, "time flies when you're having fun." Boy, I must be having a lot of fun because I can't believe it's the end of February. Luckily, we have an extra day this year which means more time to get things done. How are you spending Leap Day? My advice? Spend it working so that you can leave the office early Friday to get ready for Bite Nite.
Truly, I hope you're making the most of this extra day, whether it's by tackling those lingering tasks or simply taking a moment to appreciate the weather. Speaking of, isn't it fantastic how the arrival of spring seems to be just around the corner? The bright sunshine and warmer temperatures lately have been a welcomed change, signaling that soon we'll be shedding our winter coats and embracing the outdoors once again- if you haven't already!
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Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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Attend the Black Business Mini-Fair Sponsored by the BIPOC Affinity Group | |
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In honor of Black History Month, the Chamber is hosting a mini business fair, showcasing the best that our black community has to offer.
Twenty local black-owned businesses will be featured at this event which will be open to the entire business community to attend.
This event is in partnership with the Chamber's BIPOC Affinity Group.
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PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND SO WE KNOW TO EXPECT YOU! | |
Volunteering at Bite Nite offers an opportunity to contribute to the success of this thrilling event. With various positions available, including Coat Check, Ticket Sales, Check-in, and Volunteer Captains, there's a role suited for everyone eager to lend a hand! Volunteers not only play a crucial part in ensuring the smooth operation of the event but also get the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Plus, registering as a volunteer comes with a perk—a complimentary ticket to the event, ensuring that volunteers can also enjoy the festivities. For those opting for later shifts, commitment is key; you must return for your designated shift to fully experience the rewards of your contribution. | |
The 7th Annual Bite Nite, which will be held on FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 5:30-9:30pm @ The Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park, is a celebration of outstanding local dining. This annual mid-winter event attracts 400+ attendees sampling small bites from 35+ local restaurants, caterers and food brands during an evening of music + drinks and always SELLS OUT. | |
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The Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce has gathered 30+ local restaurants, caterers + food brands under one roof - for one night only - to welcome resident foodies with small sample mains + delectable desserts.
What your $60 event ticket buys:
- Admission to Bite Nite 2024 to sample gourmet food “bites” from 40+ local restaurants, caterers + food brands
- NEW! First floor dessert lounge
- “Ask the Chef!” – a chance to interact with local chefs and restaurant owners
- Live music
- 360 bar + dessert bar available for wine + beer. Pre-purchase pack of five discounted drink tickets for $35 to skip line + save. Drink tickets available night-of for $8/ticket. (1 ticket = 1 drink)
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Plan Your Week!
Like to plan ahead?
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.
Come join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and continue to grow your business!
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Tuesday Feb 27, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM -
Ribbon Cutting at Publican Quality Bread
Come celebrate with us! Ribbon cuttings provide an opportunity to welcome and connect with a new business, network with other attendees, and celebrate our growing business community. Connecting business to business, and business to community.
This week we'll be celebrating the opening of Publican Quality Bread in Oak Park! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting (in this case, a "bread breaking"), and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the staff and discover all the deliciousness they offer!
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Thursday Feb 29, 2:29 PM - 3:00 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Laura Maychruk Real Estate
Come celebrate with us! Ribbon cuttings provide an opportunity to welcome and connect with a new business, network with other attendees, and celebrate our growing business community.
This week we'll be celebrating the opening of Laura Maychruk Real Estate in Oak Park! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the staff and discover all the knowledge they offer their clients!
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Celebrate Restaurant Week! | |
Mark your calendars and get hungry for Bite the Burbs, a new restaurant week initiative showcasing the amazing restaurants in Oak Park, Forest Park, Riverside and River Forest. Stop by any participating restaurant between Feb. 23-March 1 to take advantage of great food at great deals and support local business. Available offers include prix fixe menus, 15% off your check, and one free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entrée, depending on participating restaurants. | |
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Show us what you're eating by tagging #BitetheBurbs24 in your Instagram pictures, stories and reels. We can't wait to see what you order!
Bite the Burbs restaurant week is a collaborative effort brought to you by Visit Oak Park, Downtown Oak Park, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce & Development, Takeout 25 and the village of Riverside. If you have any questions or would like your restaurant to participate, please email Stacey@VisitOakPark.com.
Continue celebrating good food and local business by registering for Bite Nite, a special evening full of great nibbles and nosh. You'll leave full bellied and full hearted.
Participating restaurants may impose dine-in only restrictions on Bite the Burbs offers.
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This event is a showcase of outstanding health & wellness services available throughout the western suburbs and attracts hundreds of area residents who interact with 50+ exhibitors, receive complimentary screenings, enjoy family activities & appreciate excellent giveaways. | |
Why Be A Vendor? It's EXCELLENT MARKETING. Health + wellness businesses come face-to-face with hundreds of engaged residents. We promote this event to an audience of 70k+, via e-blasts, web postings, PR, social media, and print advertising. It's OUTSTANDING NETWORKING. 80+ health-related businesses, their owners + managers will be present. Your booth neighbor could be your next referrer. It's AFFORDABLE. Click the green "Register" button below to register as a vendor. | |
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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.
Come join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and continue to grow your business!
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Thursday Mar 7, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
Nonprofit Affinity Group / Marketing the Estate Planning Benefits of Charitable Giving
During this session, led by Estate Planning Attorney Tim O’Brien of O’Brien Estate Law, LLC, we will talk about various ways to include charitable giving in estate planning, some of the benefits of including charitable giving in estate planning and breaking this down into talking points that may be useful in marketing or individual donor outreach.
We will meet at Dominican University in the lower level of the Rebecca Crown library - see campus map link for details.
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Friday Mar 8, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -
Women in Business Meeting / Achieving Harmony and Balance With Feng Shui
Are you interested in bringing more abundance, productivity, opportunity, or creativity into your business and life? Feng Shui is an ancient practice that brings harmony and balance to your surroundings, helping you feel your best as you work toward creating more of what you want. Come hear Meghan Eagan, a BTB-certified Feng Shui practitioner from Completely Radiant Feng Shui, talk about practical ways to apply feng shui principles to transform your home, workspace, and life.
As always, enjoy the company of fellow women from the local business, nonprofit, and government communities - this is a wonderful group and we're glad for you to be part of it!
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Tuesday March 12, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
Business After Hours at the Oak Park Public Library
Join us at our monthly networking event! Business After Hours (BAH) takes place on the second Tuesday of every month. This is your chance to connect with other members in a more casual setting. All members and non-members are welcome. (Members are free.)
This month, we'll be gathering at Oak Park Public Library on Lake Street, your public library in a Book Sanctuary Community that values democracy and intellectual freedom. Come see how we're honoring Women's History and what resources OPPL has to help you start and grow your business!
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Friday Mar 15, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -
Meet Me For Lunch at The Little Gem
Join us for a Chamber sit-down luncheon! This is a business lunch in a casual setting, providing the opportunity for relaxed small group networking. Come enjoy the food while you connect and get to know Chamber members. Lunch is a flat $30 including tax and tip ($35 non-members).
Come join us at The Little Gem for our next Meet Me For Lunch!
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Thursday Mar 21, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM -
Chamber 101 - Your Digital Advantage
Welcome to Chamber 101!
Perfect for new members and those who need a refresher. This fast-paced seminar will review all of your digital benefits to maximize your digital advantage.
What will You Learn?
In this seminar, we will go over all of the 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 website
- how to track your Member Profile statistics
- how to be sure that your website is linked to your membership
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Friday Mar 22, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Sweat It Off Fitness
Come celebrate with us! Ribbon cuttings provide an opportunity to welcome and connect with a new business, network with other attendees, and celebrate our growing business community. Connecting business to business, and business to community.
This week we'll be celebrating at Sweat It Off Fitness, the cycling studio in Oak Park! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the owner and discover the services they offer!
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This eBlast was sent out by the OPRF Chamber of Commerce on behalf of a member in good standing as a member benefit. For information about the event described please contact the host. For information about joining the Chamber, click our website below.
STAY CONNECTED TO THE OPRF CHAMBER
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