Dear Chamber Members,

As the Community Health and Wellness Fair approaches, we, at B-Heatlh are excited for the opportunity to engage with our local and regional community and businesses. This fair is an excellent time for us to prioritize our well-being as individuals, parents, families, and business owners.

The Health & Wellness Fair allows us, as health care professionals, to come together to offer and showcase our services to both our local and regional communities. These services will be complementary to the youngest and oldest among us and most importantly to those who are underserved and those without resources.

Additionally, the fair gives our amazing vendors the chance to share their businesses with you so you can learn more about the valuable resources available to you in our local and regional community. To further support these vendors, B-Health is sponsoring a Health & Wellness Happy Hour on April 22nd, from

6-8 pm where vendors can meet, network and connect before the Community Health & Wellness Fair.

If you are passionate about the health of our community and want to get involved, I invite you to register to volunteer on April 26th or 27th for the event. It's an excellent chance for you to be a part of shaping our community and the future wellness for all of our members. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

Best,

Sam Yousif

Managing Partner

B-Health

SEEKING HEALTH + WELLNESS VOLUNTEERS

Join us in supporting the health of our community! Click the link below to register to be a volunteer at the 9th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair this year!

REGISTER FOR VENDOR HAPPY HOUR!

Calling all Community Health & Wellness Fair vendors! You are invited to the Health & Wellness Happy Hour on April 22nd, sponsored by B-Health. Take a moment to enjoy light bites and get to know your fellow vendors a few days before the big event.

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.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the excitement!

COMING UP THIS WEEK

PLAN FOR YOUR MONTH

Leverage Neurodiversity in the Workplace

April is Autism Acceptance Month and as the Chamber we want to share beneficial ways that you can leverage the unique skills of your employees by fostering an environment that suits them. According to a Forbes article highlighting Workplace Inclusion for the Autistic Community, 

“Studies show that companies that employ people with autism and intellectual or developmental differences see multiple positive business impacts, including better morale, improved products and services, higher productivity and ultimately increased bottom lines.”

Creating an Autism and Neurodivergent safe workplace leads to positive impacts for both employees and business owners. Here are a few tips that can help you begin the journey of enhancing your workplace and leveraging your neurodivergent talent:

1. Establish Sensory Friendly Workspaces. Designate quiet zones and provide noise-canceling headphones to accommodate sensory sensitivities. Adjustable lighting and ergonomic furniture can further enhance comfort for neurodivergent employees.
2. Implement Flexible Work Arrangements. Offer flexible scheduling and remote work options to help employees with autism create routines that suit their needs, reducing stress and boosting productivity.
3. Foster Clear and Direct Communication. Use straightforward language and provide written instructions with visual aids. Regular one-on-one meetings and timely feedback can ensure mutual understanding and support.
4. Training and Awareness: Staff training on autism and neurodiversity fosters inclusion. Training can cover challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and support strategies. Sharing information and observing Autism Awareness Month are also beneficial.
5. Mentorship and Support Networks. Employee resource groups and mentorship programs can foster a supportive community and platform for neurodivergent employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for change. 

You can find more information about supporting Neurodivergence in the workplace by reading the articles listed below.

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2023/10/11/its-about-time-expediting-workplace-inclusion-for-the-autistic-community/

https://autismspectrumnews.org/creating-autism-friendly-environments-for-workplace-inclusivity/

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the River Forest Memorial Day Parade, and we’re honoring the milestone with the launch of the River Forest Business Bash — a vibrant, community-focused street fair celebrating River Forest and veteran-owned businesses.

Happening immediately after the parade, the Business Bash offers the perfect opportunity to keep the community energy going, spotlight local businesses, and create a new tradition rooted in local pride.

All participating vendors must also take part in the Memorial Day Parade.



Vendor Participation Requirements & Details

Participation in the River Forest Business Bash includes registration in the 100th Annual River Forest Memorial Day Parade, which is required for all vendors. This dual participation ensures full visibility, helps maintain the integrity of the event, and honors the significance of Memorial Day.

Vendor Fee Structure (includes parade and fair registration):

• $150 – Licensed River Forest businesses
• $150 – Veteran-Owned Businesses from Oak Park, River Forest, or Forest Park
• $200 – OPRF Chamber Members (outside of River Forest)
• $250 – Non-Members

Each confirmed vendor will receive:

• One 6-foot table and two chairs
• Promotion through Chamber and Village marketing channels
• Access to hundreds of attendees in a high-traffic, family-friendly environment

Set-Up Time: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Vendor Parking: Central Avenue (east of Keystone)

Business Fair Hours: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (immediately following the parade)

Visit our website to learn more about the event and Vendor registration.

In partnership with Growing Community Media, Wednesday Journal is producing a Health & Wellness Guide distributed at the Fair and in four newspapers on April 23.

Reach 10,000+ local readers in Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review, Austin Weekly News, and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. The Health & Wellness Guide will also be available on all four of our websites and will be promoted via email to over 15,000+ email subscribers!

Here is last year's guide!

Whether you are a vendor at the Fair or not, this is a great promotional opportunity! For details or to reserve space, email Lourdes Nicholls at lourdes@oakpark.com or Ben Stumpe at ben@oakpark.com.

Half Page Sponsored Story

(500 words + photo)

$395

Half Page Story + Half Page Ad

$625

Ad Only

Full Page (10” x 9.58”)

$625

Half Page (10” x 4.7”)

$395

Quarter Page (4.9” x 4.7”)

$265

Deadlines

Reserve by: April 14

Materials due: April 16

Publication: April 23

NEW CHAMBER OFFICE

As our organization continues to grow, we're excited to move to 1101 Lake Street in the first week of April. This new space will allow us to better connect, support, and elevate our community.

We can’t wait to welcome you there!

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