Chamber Advantage

February 4th, 2024

Back in high school at OPRF, I had dreams of becoming a chef, and if you're keeping up with my Instagram, you know cooking is my jam. For me, food is more than just a meal; it's a connection, a healer, and a catalyst for change. That's why I'm super stoked to share that Bite Nite is making a comeback, and tickets are on sale. I can't wait for us to come together, share some fantastic bites, and create memories. So, what are you waiting for? Snag your tickets and let's make this Bite Nite one for the books!

Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

Sign-up for Speed Networking, only a few tickets remain!

Connect with your Network

We had such an amazing time last year, that we decided to keep the fun going! Join us for a fabulous evening where you can connect with old friends and meet new colleagues. We can help you get a LOT done in two short hours!

How it Works

Bring your business cards and your "elevator pitch" and let us do the rest!


We will have tables set up and clear instructions on what to do for each timed networking segment. When the bell rings, you move to the next table! It's as easy as that! We guarantee (well...almost!!) that you won't meet the same person twice!


Once you have registered we will send you specific information about how to prepare and a few tips & tricks on how to make the most of a Speed Networking event. Don't worry - we have you covered.


Use the last half hour to connect with those you would like to make a stronger connection and enjoy food and drinks while you further connections. 

REGISTER HERE!

Don’t miss the finest foodie event of the season – 7th Annual Bite Nite 2024!

Stay warm this winter with a winning combination of food + drinks + live music, taking place Friday, March 1 from 5:30-9:30pm in the ballroom of The Nineteenth Century Club, a landmark Oak Park building.


The Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce has gathered 30+ local restaurants, caterers + food brands under one roof - for one night only - to welcome resident foodies with small sample mains + delectable desserts.



What your $60 event ticket buys:

  • Admission to Bite Nite 2024 to sample gourmet food “bites” from 40+ local restaurants, caterers + food brands
  • NEW! First floor dessert lounge
  • “Ask the Chef!” – a chance to interact with local chefs and restaurant owners
  • Live music
  • 360 bar + dessert bar available for wine + beer. Pre-purchase pack of five discounted drink tickets for $35 to skip line + save. Drink tickets available night-of for $8/ticket. (1 ticket = 1 drink)
BUY TICKETS!

Plan Your Week!


Like to plan ahead?


Here are some events we have coming up over the next week 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!

Monday Feb 5, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM -

Personal Services Sector Chamber of Commerce Focus Group

We invite you to a dynamic and interactive meeting facilitated by your peers within the OPRF Personal Services Sector Membership Community. This session is not just about discussing—it's about collaborating and co-creating a vision for the future of the Personal Services Sector Businesses in our community. The meeting is scheduled to last about an hour and a half, providing ample time for a comprehensive discussion.

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Feb 8, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM  -

Ribbon Cutting at Pretty Please Bistro

Come celebrate with us! Ribbon cuttings provide an opportunity to welcome and connect with a new business, network with other attendees, and celebrate our growing business community. Connecting business to business, and business to community.


This week we'll be celebrating at Pretty Please Bistro, now open in Oak Park! We'll be celebrating this new business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the owner and discover all the tasty delights they offer! 

REGISTER HERE!

Friday Feb 9, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -

Woman in Business / Marketing Workshop: How to Level Up Your Website

Your business website is your opportunity to impress, inform, and inspire action---but if visitors don't quickly understand how you can help them, you may be losing opportunities. Join Katie Crouch, Website Copywriter and Strategist at KC Copy, to learn some easy-to-apply best practices for giving your prospects heart eyes--and walk away with a plan of action to improve your site (and your marketing in general). 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!

REGISTER HERE!

Sponsorship Now open for Health & Wellness Fair!

The 8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair on SUNDAY, APRIL 21, from 11AM-2PM, at the NEW Community Recreation Center in Oak Park.


Early Bird pricing extended until Monday at 11:59pm! Don't miss this offer!

Why Be A Sponsor?


Health Fair sponsorships include "CHOOSE YOUR OWN" BOOTH premium location, booth fees, and social media, online + print marketing. Sponsorships sell out quickly and are available on a first-come basis. Presenting sponsorship already sold for this event. Remaining available sponsorships range from $550-3,000 with varying benefit levels. Contact us to learn more.

LEARN MORE AND 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.


Come join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and continue to grow your business!

Tuesday Feb 13, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -

Business After Hours at Kribi Coffee Albion

Join us at our monthly networking event! Business After Hours (BAH) takes place on the second Tuesday of every month.


This month, in honor of Black History Month, we'll be gathering at Kribi Coffee in the Albion building in Downtown Oak Park, in the lobby area. Our host Jacques Shalo is one of our community's premier Black business owners. Kribi Coffee has established itself as a great place to hang out and a purveyor of fine coffee, unique in the marketplace in their air-roasting process to give the beans their fullest flavor.

You can also expect tasty hors d'oeuvres and beverages, raffle fun, and dozens of locals from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors, gathered to build relationships and enjoy a splendid evening together. Please join us!

REGISTER HERE!

Friday Feb 16, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -

Meet Me for Lunch / Madison Park Kitchen

Join us for a Chamber sit-down luncheon! A business lunch in a casual setting, with small group networking. Come enjoy the food while you connect and get to know Chamber members.


In February, we will visit Madison Park Kitchen in Forest Park. This is a cozy, vibrant cafe serving lunchtime sandwiches & a large choice of egg dishes for breakfast. 

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Feb 22, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM -

New Member Breakfast February

Welcome New Members! 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. 

REGISTER HERE!

Tuesday Feb 27, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM -

Ribbon Cutting at Publican Quality Bread

Come celebrate with us! Ribbon cuttings provide an opportunity to welcome and connect with a new business, network with other attendees, and celebrate our growing business community. Connecting business to business, and business to community.


This week we'll be celebrating the opening of Publican Quality Bread in Oak Park! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting (in this case, a "bread breaking"), and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the staff and discover all the deliciousness they offer! 

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Mar 7, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -

Nonprofit Affinity Group / Marketing the Estate Planning Benefits of Charitable Giving

During this session, led by Estate Planning Attorney Tim O’Brien of O’Brien Estate Law, LLC, we will talk about various ways to include charitable giving in estate planning, some of the benefits of including charitable giving in estate planning and breaking this down into talking points that may be useful in marketing or individual donor outreach.


We will meet at Dominican University in the lower level of the Rebecca Crown library - see campus map link for details.

REGISTER HERE!

Friday Mar 8, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -

Women in Business Meeting / Achieving Harmony and Balance With Feng Shui

Are you interested in bringing more abundance, productivity, opportunity, or creativity into your business and life? Feng Shui is an ancient practice that brings harmony and balance to your surroundings, helping you feel your best as you work toward creating more of what you want. Come hear Meghan Eagan, a BTB-certified Feng Shui practitioner from Completely Radiant Feng Shui, talk about practical ways to apply feng shui principles to transform your home, workspace, and life.



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!

REGISTER HERE!

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.

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