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As we step into a season filled with vibrant community engagement and valuable networking opportunities, I'm thrilled to announce some exciting events lined up for our members. If you haven't heard, Bite Nite is Back! With ticket sales already underway, be sure to secure your spot for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
I'm proud to announce the Black Business Fair on the 26th, a program idea envisioned by our BIPOC Affinity Group. As one of the founding members of this group, I'm deeply gratified to see our collective efforts manifest into impactful events like this fair, which celebrates and empowers Black-owned businesses in our community.
Stay tuned for more details on these events and how you can get involved. Together, let's continue fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all businesses can thrive.
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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.
PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND SO WE KNOW TO EXPECT YOU!
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Want to be a Vendor?
Open to any black-owned business in our community, this inaugural mini-fair will allow you to feature your business, meet with other black owned businesses, sample & sell your products and meet members of the Chamber community.
CLICK HERE to register as a vendor.
There are only 20 spots available so don't delay!
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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. | |
New to The Chamber and wondering what this event is like? | |
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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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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. | |
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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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Thursday Feb 22, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM -
New Member Breakfast February
Welcome New Members! Join us at our quarterly New Member Breakfast to introduce yourself and tell us about your business. This is an ideal opportunity to meet fellow new members, Chamber staff and Board leadership. You will also learn about your benefits, hear how you can get involved and get answers to your questions.
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Thursday Feb 22, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
FLEX (Young Professionals)
Stand-up Comedy Class at Comedy Plex
Come FLEX with us at our February outing to Comedy Plex! Located in the heart of Downtown Oak Park, this class is being exclusively offered for the FLEX affinity group of the Chamber! This meet up offers members a unique opportunity to explore the world of comedy and develop essential leadership skills through the medium of stand-up comedy.
The FLEX Stand-up Comedy Class is a tailored experience designed to empower future leaders within the Chamber's FLEX affinity group. Through interactive workshops and personalized coaching, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery, gaining confidence, creativity, and effective communication skills while exploring the art of comedy.
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Speed Networking 2024:
Thank you to our Sponsors!
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Thanks to the help with our sponsors, we had another amazing turnout at this years Speed Networking event! | |
Disposable Foodware Purchasing Guide Available | |
To help restaurants comply with the Village's new polystyrene ordinance, the Village and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) teamed up to develop a sample list of environmentally-friendly (compostable, recyclable) disposable foodware as part of the Green Business Program initiative. The ordinance, which went into effect in January, prohibits the use of food service containers made with polystyrene foam packaging. Find the disposable foodware purchasing guide below. | |
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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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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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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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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 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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