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Hello Chamber Members,
My name is Brian Dubina, Pre-Vocational Education Coordinator at Oak Park and River Forest High School and proud member of the Board of Directors for the Oak Park and River Forest Chamber of Commerce.
As we head into a new school year and our community gets back to business, I’m excited to strengthen the relationships I’ve built with so many of you — and to create new ones. One of the best parts of my role is partnering with local businesses and seeing firsthand the generosity, creativity, and commitment you bring to our students. Whether it’s welcoming students into your workplaces, sharing your expertise, or simply taking time to make a connection, you’ve shown our students what a supportive community looks like.
Reflecting on my past years with OPRFHS and the Chamber of Commerce, some of my top moments exist because of these relationships and the ways you’ve supported our students:
- Opening your doors for students with disabilities to volunteer, helping them build skills and confidence.
- Joining us for our Job Fair, connecting students with opportunities to gain valuable experience (and money) over the summer.
- Visiting OPRF to share your career stories, sparking conversations that lead to your exciting career paths.
These experiences remind me that our students’ success is tied to the strength of our business community. As the year begins, I look forward to continuing these partnerships — and starting new ones.
Here’s to a great school year and an even greater year for local business!
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Brian Dubina
Pre-Vocational Education Coordinator
OPRF High School
Board of Directors
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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SHINE A LIGHT ON EXCELLENCE
You know the businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders who go above and beyond in Oak Park and River Forest. Now’s your chance to shine a light on them!
The Spotlight Awards celebrate the creativity, dedication, and spirit that keep our local economy strong—and your nominations help make it happen.
Nominate your favorites today and join us in honoring the people and places that make our community truly special.
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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!
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CHAMBER BENEFIT: NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST
Kickstart your Chamber experience at our New Member Breakfasts! Held quarterly and hosted by local member senior communities, these breakfasts are the perfect chance to meet fellow new members, Chamber staff, and Board leadership.
Learn about your benefits, discover ways to get involved, and get answers to all your questions. Current members are also welcome—these gatherings are a great way to connect with entrepreneurs and new businesses joining our community.
Take a look at our previous breakfast below:
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ANNUAL MEETING 2025 IS COMING UP
Step into a new dimension at our Matrix-inspired Annual Meeting, where we’ll celebrate the past year, connect with 150+ business leaders, and reveal what’s next for the Oak Park-River Forest business community. Expect powerful insights, high-quality networking, and an immersive program that will leave you inspired.
Check out highlights from last year’s Annual Meeting below!
| | Your seat is waiting — join us and plug into the future of business in our community. | | Our community partners are doing amazing things. Here, we'll share exciting updates to inspire you to get involved! | | |
COOK COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS SOURCE
We’re proud to partner with the Cook County Small Business Source, an initiative from the Bureau of Economic Development that equips local businesses with essential resources—ranging from advising to outreach events—to navigate county-level opportunities.
One standout example? The 2025 Pathways to Cook County Summit, held just this past week. This summit, part of OCPO’s outreach strategy, offered workshops, networking, and hands-on guidance for navigating certifications, grant opportunities, and procurement pathways with the County.
Want to explore business advising, procurement support, or upcoming events?
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SOUTH TOWN VENDORS – REGISTRATION CLOSES SOON
Tucked away but full of heart, Southtown’s First Friday is where indie businesses, creative makers, and neighbors come together for a laid-back, block-party vibe. Our last First Friday in Madison was a huge success — now it’s Southtown’s turn to shine.
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Whether you’re selling your goods, promoting your organization, or leading a fun activity, this is your opportunity to connect face-to-face with hundreds of locals in one of Oak Park’s most charming districts.
We’re also looking for friendly faces to help make the night happen. Sign up and be part of the fun behind the scenes!
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BE A SPOTLIGHT SOIREE SPONSOR
Want to put your business in the spotlight while supporting the local economy? Sponsoring the Annual Spotlight Soirée is your chance to celebrate the best of Oak Park and River Forest, connect with 150+ community leaders, and show your commitment to small business growth.
This year’s soirée—on Saturday, November 15th at the Boulevard Arcade—will honor local legends, rising stars, and everyday business heroes while highlighting initiatives like the EDGE Foundation, our new 501(c)(3) partner supporting Chamber programs.
Sponsorship is more than recognition—it’s a way to elevate your brand, meet fellow business champions, and invest in the future of our vibrant community.
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