Things have been hot, hot, hot at The Chamber— and I'm not just talking about the weather! Which really has been unbearable... luckily, we've spent our time indoors working on filling out our programming calendar to bring you a smashing fourth quarter! We've got a few fun new events, we're bringing back some past events, like 'Meet Me for Lunch', and much more. As always, keep your eyes peeled on our newsletter for the latest and greatest. | |
Darien Marion-Bender
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
| |
|
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!
|
| |
|
Thursday Aug 31, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - BIPOC Affinity Group
It's Summertime and that means live music, cool drinks and the outdoors! BIPOC is heading to Marion Street in Downtown Oak Park this month for Thursday Night Out. We will convene in front of Fleet Feet and pick the best spot to enjoy the evening. Local restaurants are offering meal and drink specials for TNO. Outdoor tables and chairs are provided. Everyone can purchase food and beverages of their choice as we relax and enjoy the live music from local artists.
| | |
|
|
Friday Sep 1, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM -
Inter-Chamber Takeout Stakeout at Madison Park Kitchen
Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Madison Park Kitchen in Forest Park! In this event, we convene at a designated restaurant to pick up our takeout lunch choices, and get to see each other for a bit while we're at it in a socially-distanced meetup. Co-organized by the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce.
| |
|
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!
| | |
|
|
Wednesday Sep 6, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Med Aesthetics
This week we'll be at Med Aesthetics in River Forest celebrating this new business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the Med Aesthetics team and discover all the services this medical spa offers!
Med Aesthetics is celebrating almost 2 years of being in business, and making up for not being able to do a ribbon cutting when they opened during the pandemic!
| | |
|
|
Thursday Sep 7, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Nonprofit Affinity Group: Annual Appeal Tune-up!
Come join the Chamber's nonprofit group! This month we'll be learning about how to improve our organizations' annual appeals. Our resource person is Joanna Skubish, Director of Annual Giving at Dominican University, and former fundraiser with Sarah's Inn and the Park District of Oak Park. Come learn about this timely topic as we enter the fall fundraising season!
| | |
|
|
Friday Sep 8, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -
Women in Business Meeting
We're kicking off fall with a little attention to getting our financial houses in order. This month, Susie Goldschmidt, Denise Warren and Judette Kurasz from Byline Bank will be presenting on Fraud Prevention. There are ever more ways that unscrupulous folks are working to rip people off - come learn what the latest scams are, and what you need to do to avoid them! Plus, 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!
| | |
|
|
Tuesday Sep 12, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -
Business After Hours - Oak Park Conservatory
Join us at our regular monthly networking event, Business After Hours (BAH), on the second Tuesday of every month. All members and non-members are welcomed. (Members are free.) Where Are We Meeting This Month?
The Oak Park Conservatory, operated by the Park District of Oak Park with the support of the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory.
| |
Health & Wellness Affinity Group Cornhole Tournament | |
Join us for a day of camaraderie, laughter, and some friendly competition at the OPRF Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Cornhole Tournament. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, enjoy company, and get ready for the upcoming holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there! | |
What to expect: Expect a laid-back atmosphere filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a sense of community. Feel free to BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) to enjoy as you toss those bags and soak up the sun. We've got your cravings covered with delicious food offerings provided on-site, ensuring that your taste buds are as satisfied as your competitive spirit. It's a perfect blend of relaxation, camaraderie, and healthy competition – all set against the backdrop of our beautiful community. So, gather your team, grab your favorite drinks, and come hungry for an afternoon of wellness and fun! | |
OPRF Chamber Annual Meeting 2023 | |
Celebrate & Commemorate ALL Things Chamber! | |
Join us in commemorating our collective achievements and learning about the exciting endeavors we have planned for the organization. | |
|
What is the Annual Meeting? The Annual Meeting is the official annual gathering of Chamber members and local business leaders to celebrate previous year accomplishments and set the stage for the upcoming year.
150+ attendees may enjoy a light breakfast, networking & our program.
| |
Volunteer with The Chamber at Oaktoberfest in DTOP | |
Chamber members will be volunteering in the ticket booth! | |
- Work a fast-paced 3hr shift with colleagues and friends.
- Promote your business to the community.
- Get a FREE souvenir mug and three drink tickets! Stay on after your shift and enjoy live music, amazing brews and local food all night long. (only one free mug per volunteer).
| |
Promote Your Business
While you are volunteering, you can also be promoting your business!
- Wear branded gear so people see where you are from.
- Bring your promotional products and giveaways.
- Talk to the community about the Chamber and your business.
- This opportunity is for Chamber members (in good standing) only. That's why it's a great time to be part of the Chamber!
| |
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses and residents in Illinois (includes Cook County) following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to severe storms and flooding on June 29 through July 2, 2023. | |
|
Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program:
(Registration and exemption deadline is Nov. 1 for employers that had an average of 5-15 employees in 2022)
Per State law, employers with 5 or more Illinois employees that have been in business for at least 2 years and that don’t offer a tax-qualified retirement plan are required to register for and facilitate Illinois Secure Choice or adopt their own qualified plan.
| |
Register for the Illinois Secure Choice webinar here: | |
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
| | | | |
