Over the past week, we’ve seen many wonderful examples of the power of connection. At the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours networking event, we gathered to share ideas, build relationships, and discover new ways to deepen connections and elevate our work, from sponsoring the Spotlight Awards on October 13 to attending the New Member Breakfast on August 21.


Business to business, provider to client, host to customer, the encounters we have every day bolster our work and strengthen the fabric of our community.


With more than 500 members, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is a powerful network for building relationships, strengthening your presence, and ensuring your voice is part of the conversation among and about small businesses.


Thank you for being part of this vibrant community and for all the ways you help it thrive.


Warmly,

Melissa M.

Melissa Mallinson

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce


Not tomorrow. Tonight, 11:59.


After tonight, it's out of your hands. That train leaves the station at midnight whether their name is on it or not. Did you make sure that outstanding business knows you noticed? They'll find out in October...

If you're reading this after Sunday, don't feel too bad. You can still show your support with a sponsorship. Available at all levels except Award Sponsor for the Non-Profit of the Year Award.


Award Sponsorships go first come, first served. Take a look at what's included at each level, or reach out directly to claim yours.

Another round of applause for last year's winners...

Click any graphic for details and to register.

COMING UP THIS WEEK

PLAN YOUR MONTH

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

In late 2025, the Illinois General Assembly passed a tax increase to help fund mass transit. Effective August 1, 2026, the NITA (formerly the Regional Transportation Authority) occupation and use tax rate increased by 0.25% in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.


The tax applies to general merchandise, qualifying groceries, qualifying drugs and medical appliances, items that must be titled or registered in Illinois, medical and adult use cannabis, and aviation fuel. NITA rates are added to the statewide rate (6.25% or 1.00%) plus any local taxes collected by IDOR.



To find your updated rate, use the MyTax Illinois Tax Rate Finder and select rates for August 2026. Be sure to update your cash register or software so you are collecting the correct rate. If you use software to prepare your forms, check with your vendor for updates.

The Oak Park Public Library is hosting a free session on aging at home, built around a fictional senior neighbor named Evelyn who takes a fall. The presentation follows what happens next — EMTs, surgery, rehab, home care, and the supports that come after — with a panel of local professionals from emergency, medical, and long-term care taking questions at the end.



Free and open to everyone, registration required. Worth passing along to clients, staff, or anyone in your life caring for an older adult.

That’s it for this week—thanks for reading and for helping our business community thrive together!

Stay Connected

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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