Chamber Advantage

September 10th, 2023

It's that time of year when the leaves start to change, and so do our plans for the future. As we gear up for autumn, I'm excited to invite you all to our OPRF Chamber Annual Meeting on September 21st at the beautiful Lake Theater! Join us for a morning of networking, camaraderie, and more surprises than a squirrel stashing acorns for winter.

 

We've got a cauldron of ideas brewing, but we don't want to spoil any surprises. What can you expect? Delicious seasonal treats from Blackout Baking, caffeination from our friends at Whirlwind, and the famous egg sandwiches from Starship are back! Come to connect with your fellow chamber members and experience the magic of movies.

Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

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!

Tuesday Sep 12, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -

Business After Hours - Oak Park Conservatory

Join us at our regular monthly networking event, Business After Hours (BAH), on the second Tuesday of every month. All members and non-members are welcomed. (Members are free.) Where Are We Meeting This Month?

The Oak Park Conservatory, operated by the Park District of Oak Park with the support of the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. 

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Sep 14, 5:30pm - Design / Construction / Real Estate Planning Meeting

Matt Johnston and Karen Gaimari are the current co-Chairs of the DCRE Affinity Group. They are excited to kick start the group and are in the planning stages of a number of projects for the upcoming year.


The first is a Design/Construction/Home Expo which would showcase local businesses. This would be a fundraiser and hopefully the beginnings of an annual event!


They are reaching out to the Design/Construction/ & Real Estate group to see who would be interested in an active participation role to make this and future events possible. They are also looking for feedback from the group in regard to what folks want to focus on moving forward.  

REGISTER HERE!

Friday Sep 15, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM -

Takeout Stakeout at Kyuramen

Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Kyuramen! In this event, we convene at a designated restaurant to pick up our takeout lunch choices, and get to see each other for a bit while we're at it. Lunch is a flat $16 including tax and tip

REGISTER HERE!


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!

Wednesday Sep 20, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM -

ACL 2nd Chance Shop STOP&SHOP Member Sale Day

Drop by Animal Care League Second Chance Shop during regular business hours on Wednesday, September 20:

  • Meet the owners of this iconic Oak Park store.
  • Receive 15% off your purchase all day (during normal open hours).
  • Tell them that you are a member of the OPRF Chamber of Commerce. We guarantee they will take care of you and will find something you didn't know you needed!
SET A REMINDER!

Wednesday Sep 20, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM -

Young Professional Candle Making Meet-Up

Get ready to unwind, socialize, and tap into your inner artisan as we dive into the art of candle making. Dr. Cheryl Washington, Owner of Civinte, will guide us through the process of crafting your very own custom candles. You'll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of fragrances, vessels, and styles to create a unique masterpiece that reflects your personal style.

REGISTER HERE!


Friday Sep 22 - 3:45pm - 10pm and

Saturday Sep 23 - 11:45am - 10pm -

Volunteer with The Chamber at Oaktoberfest

Chamber members will be volunteering in the ticket booth!

  • Work a fast-paced 3hr. shift with colleagues and friends.
  • Promote your business to the community.
  • Get a FREE souvenir mug and three drink tickets! Stay on after your shift and enjoy live music, amazing brews and local food all night long. (only one free mug per volunteer).
REGISTER HERE!


Monday Sep 25, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM -

BIPOC Affinity Group - Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Join us at Estillos Barber Studio for an enriching and inclusive event hosted by the BIPOC Affinity Group as we come together to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage. Enjoy a vibrant evening filled with delicious food and drinks as we gather in the welcoming atmosphere of Estillos Barber Studio. We are delighted to have the owner, Oscar, share his inspiring personal journey and experiences with us.

REGISTER HERE!


Health & Wellness Affinity Group Cornhole Tournament

Join us for a day of camaraderie, laughter, and some friendly competition at the OPRF Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Cornhole Tournament. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, enjoy company, and get ready for the upcoming holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there!

What to expect: Expect a laid-back atmosphere filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a sense of community. Feel free to BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) to enjoy as you toss those bags and soak up the sun. We've got your cravings covered with delicious food offerings provided on-site, ensuring that your taste buds are as satisfied as your competitive spirit. It's a perfect blend of relaxation, camaraderie, and healthy competition – all set against the backdrop of our beautiful community. So, gather your team, grab your favorite drinks, and come hungry for an afternoon of wellness and fun!

REGISTER HERE!

OPRF Chamber Annual Meeting 2023

Celebrate & Commemorate ALL Things Chamber!

Join us in commemorating our collective achievements and learning about the exciting endeavors we have planned for the organization.

What is the Annual Meeting? The Annual Meeting is the official annual gathering of Chamber members and local business leaders to celebrate previous year accomplishments and set the stage for the upcoming year.

150+ attendees may enjoy a light breakfast, networking & our program.

REGISTER HERE!

Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program:

(Registration and exemption deadline is Nov. 1 for employers that had an average of 5-15 employees in 2022)


Per State law, employers with 5 or more Illinois employees that have been in business for at least 2 years and that don’t offer a tax-qualified retirement plan are required to register for and facilitate Illinois Secure Choice or adopt their own qualified plan.

Register for the Illinois Secure Choice webinar here:

REGISTER HERE!

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce


141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3


708.613.0550


info@oprfchamber.org


www.oprfchamber.org

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.

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