Chamber Advantage

Dear OPRF Chamber Community,

After seven rewarding months serving as Interim Executive Director of the Chamber, I’ll be concluding my engagement with the organization next week. It has been a true pleasure to work alongside such a dedicated staff team, an engaged Board of Directors, and the vibrant and supportive business community.

During this transition period, I’ve witnessed firsthand the commitment, resilience, and collaborative spirit that make the Chamber and the OPRF community so special. I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships built along the way and for the trust placed in me during this chapter.

I’m especially excited to see Melissa Mallinson step into the Executive Director role. I know the Chamber will continue to thrive in the years ahead with her leadership, insight, and sincere love for the Chamber's work.

Thank you to each of you, our valued members, for your partnership, support, and welcome over these past several months. I look forward to staying connected and continuing to support our local economy alongside you.

Please don’t hesitate to stay in touch - I’ve truly valued the relationships built through this work and hope our paths continue to cross in the future.

Sincerely,

Yoo-Jin Hong

Interim Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

RALLY 'ROUND FOR RIVER FOREST

Calling festival sponsors and vendors! The Business Bash is returning to River Forest's beautiful Keystone Park on Monday, May 25. This family-friendly celebration of neighbors, veterans, and civic pride kicks off immediately after the River Forest Memorial Day Parade.

Participation is FREE for River Forest- and veteran-owned businesses and discounted for Chamber members. It's a fantastic way to feature your business in our area's official kickoff to summer fun.

Want your brand to make a bigger impact? Sponsorship tiers start at $250 and every additional sponsorship dollar may allow us to offer live entertainment, kids' activities, and more – meaning your support will also have a real hand in shaping what the day becomes.

Learn More

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.

COMING UP THIS WEEK

PLAN YOUR MONTH

Check Out Our Full Calendar!

INAUGURAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK DELIVERED

Oak Park marked National Small Business Week for the very first time May 3–9, and the energy was wonderful. From panel discussions on licensing and permits to a community resource breakfast, the events drew up a crowd eager to learn, connect, and grow.

The Chicago Tribune took notice — spotlighting the Chamber's role in helping new business owners find their footing and highlighting the more than 1,500 businesses that make Oak Park thrive.

We're proud of this community and everyone who showed up. Read the full story below.

Read the Tribune Coverage

DON'T PAY MORE THAN YOU OWE

Cook County is reassessing commercial properties this year. Know what that means for your tax bill — and what you can do about it. Join us May 18 for a free seminar with the Cook County Assessor's Office covering assessments, appeals, and your options as an owner or lessee.

Co-presented with the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance.

SUPPORT OUR MEMBERS ON OAK PARK AVE

Construction is still underway, and the businesses along it need our support. The Hemingway District is our old stomping grounds, and many of the businesses there are Chamber members.

Visit the Renew the Avenue site to find member businesses, get construction updates, and learn how you can help keep the Hemingway District thriving.

Learn More

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