Chamber Advantage

June 18th, 2023

As we approach Juneteenth, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate this important day in American history. Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.

Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this event and its origins and purpose remain largely unknown to a majority of Americans. And, while we can debate about whether or not the intent of President Lincoln was to free the slaves or to preserve the union, it is fitting that, just like other celebrations in this country, Juneteenth is to be studied and understood for its cultural significance. 

As we are facing the very fresh remnants of an insurrection that threatened the liberty of all Americans and continuous legislation to suppress the events of the past, we must be careful to learn from our history and celebrate the small wins while continuing to make plans to conquer the next milestones. Let us remember the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. 

At Jeffrey Hines State Farm, we stand in solidarity with the Black community and are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our business.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Wishing you a meaningful Juneteenth. Celebrate while making plans for tomorrow.

Jeffrey Hines

Board Member

#chamberLOVE

We believe that all who live and work in our community should have the opportunity to thrive. This is our Chamber vision, and we work tirelessly to make this a reality in everything we do! Keep an eye on our NEW LGBTQ+ Programming and Resources page to stay up-to-date on any events and resources to help your business starting in May and continuing throughout June, and the rest of the year!

LEARN MORE!

Thursday June 22nd, 5:00 - 9:00pm - Thursday Night OUT in the Burbs

OPRF Chamber PRIDE is taking over Downtown Oak Park's Thursday Night Out on June 22!

Come along and celebrate with us. Drag Queens will be roaming the event and marketing our local businesses. Grab your Thursday Night Out in the Burbs shopping bag. Eat great food and listen to amazing music!

This is also the YP Affinity Group meeting for June. Make sure you join us!

REGISTER HERE!

Saturday June 24th, 11:30am - 1:00pm - Drag Brunch at Kettlestrings

This one-of-a-kind event, sponsored by Centre Physical Therapy, offers a unique blend of delectable brunch favorites, bottomless mimosas, and a high-energy drag show that will leave you dazzled and entertained. Come together with friends, family, and fellow community members for a fabulous celebration of diversity, creativity, and local businesses.

REGISTER HERE!

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!

Wednesday June 21, 9:00am - 5:00pm - Stop & Shop at GoodEarth Greenhouse

Drop by Good Earth Greenhouse during regular business hours on Wednesday, June 21:

  • Meet the owners of this iconic River Forest 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!

REGISTER HERE!

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.

Join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and

continue to grow your business!

Monday June 26, 5:30 - 7:00pm - BIPOC Affinity Group Spring Potluck at Jeffrey Hines State Farm

Jeffrey Hines and his team at Jeffrey Hines State Farm invite everyone to a BIPOC Spring Potluck! Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal as you relax and network with fellow Chamber members. When you register, simply specify what you'll be bringing to share. Bragging rights for the best dish may be at stake...

REGISTER HERE!

Tuesday June 27, 6:00 - 7:00pm - Summertime Yoga

Close out Pride month and get ready for the July 4th holiday weekend with an hour of yoga with Yoga Six Oak Park, followed by a smoothie tasting from Smoothie King! Come along for some gentle and revitalizing yoga, and nourishing smoothies. Everyone is invited to join us!

REGISTER HERE!

New Members


April & May 2023

Help us show some #chamberLOVE to these new Chamber Members by welcoming them into the Oak Park River Forest community! We can't wait to meet you and learn more about your business.

BECOME A MEMBER!

Complimentary Memberships


April & May 2023

These members joined the Chamber as part of the Village of Oak Park or the Village of River Forest complimentary six-month membership. Join us in sharing the #chamberLOVE by welcoming them all to the Chamber!

Beautistry Studios, Inc.

House Of Heat

Leaf & Spade

Little Leaders Childcare Center-404

Little Leaders Childcare Center

Pass Da Suga

Re-Envisioning Healing, LLC

Ruby's Ice Cream Truck

Scream

Spa 84 LLC

The Tijayee Experience LLC

Wax & Beauty Bar

West Suburban Garage Doors

Yuliia's Beauty Room

Good Omen Gyoza

Baskethouse LLC

REMINDER

For those of you renewing your memberships in July, please remember, if mailing in your payment, to send it to our new address:

141 S. Oak Park Ave

Suite 3

Oak Park, IL 60302


Thank you!

Cook County recently issued a notice to employees regarding the Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO).

Effective July 1, 2023, the minimum wage increases to $13.70 for non-tipped workers and $8.00 for tipped workers.

The updated "Notice to Employees" and "Frequently Asked Questions" documents are available here.

Employees who believe their employer is not paying the required minimum wage should first check to ensure the municipality where they work does not have a different minimum wage. If the municipality has not opted out, employees can file a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights. Complaint forms and additional information can be found online.

LEARN MORE!

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce


141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3


708.613.0550


[email protected]


www.oprfchamber.org

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
Facebook  Instagram