December 17th, 2023

In the spirit of the season, we want to express our deepest appreciation for your commitment to the success and growth of our local businesses. Your dedication is the driving force behind the prosperity of our community, and it is truly inspiring. Together, we have faced unprecedented circumstances with resilience and creativity, proving that our strength lies in unity.

As we approach the holidays, may the spirit of joy and togetherness fill your hearts and homes. May you find time to cherish the company of loved ones, reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, and look forward to the promise of a new one.

In the coming year, we are excited about the opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and continued growth. The OPRF Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting you in every step of your journey, and we look forward to achieving new milestones together.

Rob Guenthner

President

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

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 Dec 18, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -

BIPOC Affinity Group

Join us for our holiday end-of-year party at Civinte Candle Bar! The evening will feature networking, games, and/or making a custom candle, room spray, or diffuser! Civinte is gifting us with 20% off on any of these last 3 - a handcrafted scent makes a great personalized gift for someone, or a signature for your own space!

This is also a holiday potluck event - bring a dish or dessert to share. Use the Google sign-up link to let us know what you're bringing.

The party is on - see you there!

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 Jan 9, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -

Business After Hours-First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

Join us at our regular monthly networking event, Business After Hours (BAH), on the second Tuesday of every month. All members and non-members are welcomed. (Members are free.) Connecting business to business, business to community.

We are meeting this month at First United Methodist Church of Oak Park. Come join us for our first event in this beautiful space as we kick off the Chamber's "Dry January"!  

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park was the first established congregation to settle in the Oak Park area. Led by the Rev. Adonna Reid, the church lives out core values of serving others, working for justice, and growing in faith. It's a congregation that is open to all and engaged in our community.

Friday Jan 19, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -

Meet Me For Lunch at Kettlestrings Tavern

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.

We'll be at Kettlestrings Tavern, our local corner gastropub in the Southtown district of Oak Park! We'll get to meet the owner and get to know other local business and nonprofit people with a leisurely lunch of tasty food in a cozy setting.

Office of the President

Minimum Wage Increase - January 1, 2024

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On December 1, Cook County issued a notice to employees regarding the Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO).

Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage for non-tipped workers increases to $14.00 and the minimum wage for tipped workers increases to $8.40. These increases are required in alignment with the Illinois State minimum wage. 

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.

Chamber Holiday Hours

The Chamber Office will close at 12:00 pm on Friday, December 22nd, and reopen on January 3rd at 9:00 am.

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3

708.613.0550

info@oprfchamber.org

www.oprfchamber.org