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We are proud to present, for a third year, the OPRF Chamber's list of the Top 10 concerns facing businesses in 2023. This list was compiled with feedback from our Members and our Chamber Board of Directors and highlights the key pain points they have in running their businesses.
Now more than ever we are keenly aware of the challenges facing each business sector in our community. But we also know that there are challenges that are common to all businesses: the impact of long hours on family life, the real threat of cyber security and that darn global supply chain that holds us all hostage. We hope that this list will serve as a reminder for the community, and a focus point for all partners supporting businesses: our shops, restaurants, cafes, non-profits and service-based businesses are all doing their best for you. Whether you are setting goals, checking KPI's or just grabbing a coffee, supporting our local economy is the best way to ensure our businesses survive. Share the love and support local. It's that simple.
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Recording This Week!
It's officially election season and we are recording a conversation with our local trustee candidates. As part of their membership, our Diamond Members will be bringing their questions to this discussion with local Trustee candidates.
Look out for the podcast to drop soon!
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Speed Networking!
Join us for this year's event!
Last year we hosted a sold out event at Concordia University, and we're on our way to doing that again. Thank you to this year's Presenting Sponsor, Adam Doe State Farm, for helping to make this event a success! This year is promising to be even more fun, with a wide-range of Table Sponsors and some secret prizes.
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The Table Sponsorships are completely SOLD OUT. But registration is still available for attendees. Make sure to reserve your space today! | |
Didn't get a chance to Sponsor this event, but would like to get your name out there? Click on the images below to learn more about the other events we have coming up this year and how you can sponsor them. Or, reach out to our Special Events Manager, Tasha Carlisle at [email protected] for more information! | |
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Plan Your Week!
Ready for more love?
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'd LOVE to see you there!
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Monday February 27, 5:30 - 7:00pm - BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting at LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services
Join us in February as Dr. Orson Morrison and his team invite everyone to celebrate Black History Month at LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services, LLC. We look forward to continuing to stay connected with our Latinx, Asian-American, Black and Indigenous peers from the OPRF business and nonprofit community!
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Thursday March 2, 1:00 - 2:00pm - NPO Affinity Group: Best Practices in Website Management
Join the Chamber's nonprofit affinity group for our monthly gathering, and learn from Jerry "Hutch" Hutchinson, owner and designer at Hutchinson. Hutch is a longtime web designer, graphic designer, and consultant for nonprofit and for-profit clients, helping them get the most out of their websites without spending excess amounts of time on them.
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Friday March 3, 12:00 - 12:30pm - Takeout Stakeout at Broken Tart
Come checkout our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Broken Tart! In this event, we convene at a designated restaurant to pick up our takeout lunch choices, and get to meet new folks and see our peers from other businesses and organizations. Join us for some quick networking and delicious food, all during your lunch break!
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Plan Your Month!
Help us continue the LOVE!
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,
continue to grow your business and share the Chamber LOVE!
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Friday March 10, 9:00 - 10:30am - Women in Business Affinity Group
Jacqueline Campbell and Ashley Hardaway of Alexander Legacy Private Wealth Management are on a mission to to help 100,000 families create multi-generational wealth through legacy, philanthropy and and impact. To complete this mission, women-owned ALPW starts with education. Join us this month as JaQ and Ashley discuss investing, budgeting and common misconceptions when it comes to women and investing.
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Monday March 13, 4:00 - 5:00pm - New Fire Code Compliance Reporting System
Fire Marshal Thompson, from the Village of Oak Park Fire Department, will provide an overview of the Village's new fire code compliance reporting system, known as Brycer, and businesses' reporting obligations. He will answer questions on the system and the fire code regulations.
The OPRF Chamber is partnering with Takeout25 to bring you this timely program. We hope to see you there!
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Wednesday March 15, 10:00am - 7:00pm - Stop & Shop at JAYNE
Join us for our third ever Stop & Shop event, this time at JAYNE. JAYNE aims to outfit women of all generations who are unstoppable, authentic and beautifully themselves! They live by their trademark: “An Ageless Adventure”. Come check out this adorable boutique in downtown Oak Park and find the perfect outfit for your ageless adventure!
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Wednesday March 22, 12:00 - 1:00pm - Young Professionals Meetup
Join us this month as we visit the Oak Park Art League to see all of the amazing artwork they have on display! What a great way to get a mid-week break from all the hustle and bustle of your regular schedule to take in some of the beauty right in your own back yard.
Pop in for a few minutes, or the whole hour. And, don't forget to bring your business cards!
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Thursday March 23, 5:00 - 7:00pm - Boost Your Network at Riveredge Hospital
Learn how to "Boost Your Network" while enjoying food & drink at our Health & Wellness Fair Vendor Pre-Party at Riveredge Hospital! The party is also a great opportunity to network with the other 80+ vendors who will be attending the Health & Wellness Fair. Learn some practical steps to make your Fair experience the best it can be, connect with printers to make sure you have your giveaways ready, and ask any questions you may still have about the event!
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We Have an Announcement!
We're Moving!!!
But, don't worry. We are just moving upstairs.
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Our New Address:
141 S. Oak Park Ave, Suite 3, Oak Park, IL 60302
Make sure to change this in your accounting software and address book so your checks and notes don't get lost in the mail!
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Member Benefits Series
Are you a new member
or new to your business?
Help us to help you make your business a success! Take advantage of these events geared specifically toward new Chamber Members to learn how best to take advantage of your membership. Feel free to join us for any or all of these events, whether you are a new Member business, or simply new to your business.
Check out all of our New Member Programming!
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Wednesday March 15, 2:00 - 3:00pm - Chamber 102 via Zoom
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.
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Wednesday April 19, 2:00 - 3:00pm - Chamber 101 via Zoom
In this seminar we will go over all of your digital benefits that come with your membership, including:
- how to significantly increase your SEO
- how to leverage your Member Profile to boost traffic to your own website
- how to track your Member Profile statistics
- how to be sure that your website is linked to your membership
This event is perfect for new members, or those who need a refresher!
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Thursday May 18, 8:00 - 9:30am - New Member Breakfast at Brookdale Oak Park
Join us at our quarterly New Member Breakfast to introduce yourself and tell us about your business. This is an ideal opportunity to meet fellow new members, Chamber staff and Board leadership. You will also learn about your benefits, hear how you can get involved and get answers to your questions.
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Single Use Plastics Survey
The Village of Oak Park is surveying Oak Park businesses and community members to better understand the potential effect of new ordinances about single-use plastic utensils, polystyrene (Styrofoam) food packaging, and single-use plastic shopping bags. Please note, the proposed changes do not apply to plastic drinking straws. The feedback from this survey will be used to help evaluate the potential new ordinances. The survey should take only 5 minutes to complete. Thank you for participating!
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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
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