Whether you’re looking for resources, inspiration, or ways to plug in, Chamber Advantage is your go-to for what’s happening in the Chamber.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT THE SOIREE

Thank you to everyone who joined us this past Wednesday at Thatcher Woods Event Pavilion for an unforgettable evening celebrating the leaders, innovators, and doers who make Oak Park & River Forest shine.

This year, we recognized excellence across six standout categories, honoring the businesses and individuals who go above and beyond for our community:

• Community Character – Comedy Plex
• Customer Experience – James Anthony Salon
• Excellent Eats – Jerusalem Cafe
• Local Legend – Oak Park Bakery and Tony's Shoe Clinic
• New & Notable – The Book Loft
• Small Business Superhero – Individual & Family Connection

We were thrilled to reveal this year’s winners and celebrate all of the incredible nominees who make our business community vibrant, resilient, and inspiring.

To everyone who attended, supported, sponsored, or cheered on your favorite businesses— we appreciate you for making this year’s Spotlight Soirée a celebration worthy of our community.

See photos of some of our winners below:

Another heartfelt thank-you to the sponsors whose generosity helped make this year’s Spotlight Soirée unforgettable:

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bar Sponsor

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.

PLAN FOR YOUR MONTH

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

We are excited for you to join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and look ahead to 2026. Connect with fellow business leaders, reflect on our shared successes, and set the stage for another year of growth and collaboration.

A special thank-you to our generous sponsors who have already stepped forward to support this year’s celebration:

Want to get involved?

There's still time! Show your support, elevate your brand, and help make this event shine. Add your business to this growing list and be recognized as part of our vibrant community. Let’s celebrate together!

BITE NITE RETURNS FOR 2026

Mark your calendars: Bite Nite is back on Friday, January 30^th, from 5:30–9:30 PM at the Nineteenth Century Club!

Join us for Oak Park & River Forest’s favorite winter foodie celebration.

Get ready for a full evening of flavor featuring local restaurants, caterers, and food makers serving up delicious bites, sweet treats, and everything in between. Enjoy food + drinks, live music, and more!

More details coming soon. For now, save the date and build your appetite!

This section features recent updates and resources from our community partners.

THE SOURCE IS HERE TO HELP

The Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a referral partner for the Cook County Small Business Source.

The Source is Cook County’s central hub for small business support,

connecting, coordinating and delivering comprehensive resources. It unites

expert guidance, strategic partnerships and a trusted network dedicated to

business success.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

OAK PARK'S IMMIGRATION RESOURCES

In case you missed it, the Village of Oak Park has released a comprehensive set of immigration-related resources, offering valuable information for business owners and community members alike.

The Village of Oak Park recognizes that navigating immigration process-

es can be complex and finding trusted support is essential. To assist residents and community members, the webpage below provides a compiled list of local and regional resources, including advocacy groups, legal-aid providers, and wraparound service organizations.

Please note that while the Village and the Chamber do not endorse or recommend any specific organization or provider, we share this list in the spirit of connection and support, so that community members have access to information that may be helpful as they seek assistance.

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.

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