Whether you’re looking for resources, inspiration, or ways to plug in, Chamber Advantage is your go-to for what’s happening in the Chamber.

BITE NITE NEEDS YOUR FLAVOR

It's that time again — Bite Nite is back for year nine! On Friday, January 30th, 2026, the Nineteenth Century Club will transform into nibble nirvana from 5:30–9:30 PM, bringing 400+ hungry guests together with 50+ local food and drink vendors for an evening of sampling, sipping, and celebrating our community's culinary scene.

Want to put your business in front of Oak Park's bite brigade? Vendor registration is now open — and if past years are any indication, spots won't last long.

Secure your place using the sign-up button below. Questions? Reach out to Julian Sanchez, our Events and Engagement Manager — he's happy to help.

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.

COMING UP THIS WEEK

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE ON THEIR WAY

For members on a January renewal cycle, your current membership year comes to a close on December 31st, 2025. You'll be receiving your renewal invoice via email this week, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Your membership supports our work cultivating an energized, connected, and resilient business community — from networking opportunities and marketing resources to the programs and events that bring our local businesses together. We're grateful to have you as part of it and hope you'll continue with us into the new year.

Questions about your renewal or membership status? Reach out below:

WE'RE TAKING A HOLIDAY BREAK

The Chamber team will be out of the office from Monday, December 22nd through Friday, January 2nd, returning on Monday, January 5th, 2026.

We hope you get some well-deserved rest too — see you in the new year!

See recent updates and resources from our community partners below!

YOUR HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE HAS ARRIVED

Our friends at Growing Community Media just released their Holiday Gift Guide, and we’re excited to share it with you! It’s a sweet roundup of places to shop, eat, and explore across Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park — the kind of spots that make our communities feel special this time of year.

If you’re still hunting for gifts, planning a little outing, or just want some inspiration, this guide is a lovely place to start. And it’s a great reminder that some of the coolest finds are right here at home. When we shop local, we’re supporting our neighbors, our small business owners, and the character of the communities we care about.

Take a look and see what catches your eye:

STAY SAFE AT WORK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

As businesses gear up for the holiday shopping season, temporary or seasonal hiring often ramps up. Employers may not be fully aware of the safety regulations associated with such employment. The waters get murkier when temporary workers are hired through a staffing agency. 

To help clarify expectations and keep employees safe during the busy season, the Illinois Department of Labor has put together a helpful overview on temporary worker safety. You can read the full article below, and explore additional guidance from OSHA on their Temporary Worker Initiative.

That’s it for this week—thanks for reading and for helping our business community thrive together.

Stay Connected

Hungry for more? Follow us on social media below. Or, fill out our Member Connections Form to choose updates on programs, events, and get involved.

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce

1101 Lake St., Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301

708.613.0550 | info@oprfchamber.org | www.oprfchamber.org