NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Once a year we pack a room with 150+ neighbors, business owners, and the people who actually make this place tick. It's part awards ceremony, part party, all heart, and it's how we celebrate the businesses that make Oak Park and River Forest worth bragging about.

Here's where you come in... If you know a business who's earned it, put them forward. Pick a category and tell us why. The nominations themselves are how we land on our finalists.

This year's categories: New & Notable, Health & Wellness, Non-Profit of the Year, Excellent Eats, Chamber Ambassador of the Year, and the big one: the OPRF Choice Award.

Finalists go to a live vote the night of the Awards, settled by everyone in the room.

Want your name on the night? Spotlight sponsorships are open, from $250 high-tops up to the $3,000 Presenting spot, with Award Sponsors getting two minutes on stage to hand out an honor themselves. Every level puts your logo on the marketing leading up to the event and on the signage and screens that night. The full packet's attached here.

Ready to get involved? Email specialevents@oprfchamber.org to claim a level.

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

NEW SEMINAR: BE READY WHEN DISASTER STRIKES

Storms, outages, and the crises you don't see coming can knock a small business sideways. This free virtual seminar covers where your business is most vulnerable and how to protect it, led by Lee Christienson, the Village of Oak Park's Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager. You'll walk away knowing what's most likely to go wrong and which Village and regional resources are there when it does.

Free for members, $10 for non-members.

Here you'll find recent updates and resources from our community partners!

BIKE TO THE HEMINGWAY DISTRICT

Oak Park Avenue is under construction through November, but the Hemingway District is open and easy to reach. Just bring your bike. The Village's new Bike to the Biz campaign points cyclists straight to the district, with more than 150 parking spots already in and additional racks going in this month. So grab your bike, lock up, and make a day of it: meet a friend for lunch, run an errand, or find a little something to take home. Every business is open and would love to see you.

COOK COUNTY MINIMUM WAGE GOES UP JULY 1

Non-tipped workers move to $15.40 an hour (up from $15.00), and tipped workers to $9.25 (up from $9.00). The ordinance covers businesses with four or more employees that have a facility or license in Cook County, and it doesn't apply within Chicago or in municipalities that have opted out. If you're not sure how it affects your business, the County's official notice and FAQ have the details.

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