Chamber Advantage

Melissa Mallinson

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

What a pleasure to learn more of Matt Johnston’s story in last week’s Chamber Advantage. As we close out Pride Month, we honor our LGBTQIA+ professionals and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to an inclusive, welcoming community.

Stories connect us all. At this month’s Pride-themed Meet Me for Lunch, we heard from PFLAG representatives Sarah and Judy about the growing challenges to queer and trans advocacy, community members impacted by grief, and young people inspired by role models who look like them. In other Chamber programs, we heard of business owners finding new ways to connect, entrepreneurs celebrating everyday wins, and professionals opening their hearts to community causes. These stories add meaning to our days, and show that the hearts of our local businesses and neighbors are one and the same.

As a business owner and Chamber member, you hold a vital role in this community. You serve as a leader, anchor, and economic driver who helps make Oak Park and River Forest a welcoming, vibrant place to call home. Contact us to learn more about sharing your story in the Chamber Advantage.

Warmly,

Melissa M.

photo courtesy of Sarah Corbin

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!

SPOTLIGHT NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Quick reminder: your customers can put you up, too. If your regulars would nominate you for a Spotlight, point them to the nomination form.

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

A NEW BOOK CLUB FOR LOCAL MERCHANTS

Explore Oak Park and Beyond is launching a new merchant book club, and you're invited. The first read is Why We Buy by Paco Underhill, an insightful look at how people shop, with concrete advice on adapting to changing customers. The idea: give local businesses the tools to grow and sustain, and you help preserve the energy and vibrancy that make our destination appealing to residents and new customers alike.

How it works: email Annie by Tuesday, July 7 to confirm. She'll order your copy through The Book Loft ($20.99 paperback, pay when the books come in). Read it by the discussion date, then meet up with other merchants to talk takeaways and how the book applies to your business. Each merchant brings one idea they'd like to test in their store.

Want in? Email Annie by Tuesday, July 7 and she'll send the full schedule.

Email to Join

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.

Read the County Notice

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

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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