October 8th, 2023

I'm excited to extend a personal invitation to the hottest event in town – our upcoming Spotlight Soiree! Join us as we celebrate the Titans of our business community who have worked tirelessly, relentlessly and whole-heartedly for the well-being of our local businesses. We've been cooking up something truly special, and we can't wait to share it with you all. Come enjoy music, tacos, and a night of honoring our business community... and don't forget, the swag bags!

We've curated some seriously awesome swag that you won't want to miss. But here's the catch - they're limited, and you've gotta be quick on the draw to snag one. So, click below to get registered while space is still available. It's going to be a night packed with networking, entertainment, and plenty of surprises. Don't let FOMO get the best of you - secure your spot and your swag bag today!

Rob Guenthner

President

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

2023 Spotlight Soiree

Join us to Celebrate!

Join us on October 10 for this year's Spotlight Soiree, the culmination of a month-long Spotlight Celebration of small business resilience in our community.

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE

OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY GREAT!

Who is a TITAN?

The Titans of our business community are those who have worked tirelessly, relentlessly and whole-heartedly for the well-being of our business community. Their strong and wide shoulders support the rest of us to grow and flourish.

They are people who are:

• VISIONARIES and saw potential in change and a vision for the future. 
• INNOVATORS - ideas, drive and passion.
• COMMUNITY IMPACT MAKERS - their mission is to see change for the better.
• MENTORS - their wings are wide and they never hesitate to harbor those in need.
• SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY WARRIORS - they have a keen sense of justice for all.
• COLLABORATORS - they are the consummate partner and sees the benefit of collaboration.

This is a casual gathering of friends and colleagues, outside under the stars!

Would you like to sponsor the food and drinks? Please email Darien Marion Burton at dmarionburton@oprfchamber.org and let us know what you would be able to provide.

Plan Your Week!

What is coming up this week?



We know you are busy. To help make it easier and help you to join us at as many things as you would like, we have gathered our events for this week.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Monday Oct 9, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM -

Ribbon Cutting at Kribi Coffee Albion  - Downtown Oak Park!

This week we'll be at Kribi Coffee at the Albion building in Downtown Oak Park celebrating this new business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet owner Jacques and learn about Kribi's signature air-roasted coffees! 

Friday Oct 13, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -

Women in Business Meeting

We're continuing fall with a little attention to managing the ups and downs of seasonal workflow. This month, our newest co-chairs will be presenting on Seasonal Planning: Using Your Slower Times to Plan for Busy Ones. We'll hear from Katie Crouch, website copywriter and strategist, and owner of KC Copy; and Nichole Manning-Ashe, owner and CEO of Brown Sugar Caramels.

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!

Monday Oct 16, 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM -

Ribbon Cutting at My Salon Suite of Oak Park

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. My Salon Suite is having its grand opening, and we are excited to now be able to celebrate it with a fun ribbon cutting as part of the launch event! 

Wednesday Oct 18, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM -

Einnim Candle Bar & Apothecary STOP&SHOP Member Sale Day

Drop by Einnim Candle Bar & Apothecary during regular business hours on Wednesday,

October 18:

• Meet the owners of this beautiful Lake Street store.
• Receive 15% off your purchase all day (during normal open hours).
• Tell them that you are a member of the OPRF Chamber of Commerce. We guarantee they will take care of you!

Wednesday Oct 18, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM -

Chamber 102 - Your Marketing Advantage

In this seminar we will go over all of your marketing benefits that come with your membership, including:

- how to maximize your e-blast benefits.

- the role of your Member Profile in your marketing advantage and how to track digital traffic.

- how to generate marketing collateral that can be shared in your social media.

- how to tap into our Affinity Groups to grow your network and feature your business.

Thursday Oct 19, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM -

#chamberLOVE Call Campaign!

Love the OPRF Chamber and eager to share your story? Looking for ways to connect with potential referrals and likeminded people? Join us for our quarterly Membership Call Campaign! Callers will be given a brief list of current members to reach out to. First time? No worries - we supply the script and questions. You supply the smiles and laughs. Am I selling the Chamber? Nope! Sole objective is to make each member feel seen, heard and valued.

OPRF Chamber Trivia Night & Costume Contest!

Hosted by our Young Professionals Affinity Group

Calling all brave souls and costume connoisseurs! The Young Professionals Affinity Group of the OPRF Chamber invites you to an otherworldly experience at our Halloween-themed Costumed Trivia Night, hosted at the spine-chilling Fitzgerald's Night Club. Whether you're a trivia virtuoso or just yearning for a reason to unleash your inner vampire, this bewitching night guarantees a macabrely marvelous time!

Join us for an unholy alliance of fun, mystery, and networking that even Count Dracula himself would approve of. Secure your tickets now, or risk facing the most terrifying fate of all – missing out on an evening that could haunt your regrets forever!

What's Included: 

Dinner: Pulled Pork Slider Bar (Veggie Option: BBQ Spiced Cauliflower), Mac n' cheese, Green Beans.

Drinks: 1 drink ticket per person Good for ANY beverage; cash bar after your first drink.

PRIZES! 

Team Trivia Prizes: $100 gift card to Fitzergaralds 

Costume Contest for the Funniest, Spookiest, and most original costumes: $25 Gift Card 

Don't forget about the LIVE auction!!

This event benefits The gifted membership fund (Vision Fund) of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, providing businesses in need with a year of Chamber member benefits: networking events * professional development * marketing * community information * access to 500+ other members

Helpful Information for Businesses from the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3

708.613.0550

info@oprfchamber.org

www.oprfchamber.org