Chamber Advantage
March 13th, 2022
Owning or running a business is tough work right now and we know that staffing issues are right at the top of the "way too hard" list. That's why we're here to help find a solution! But we need to hear from you - what does your business need? More staff training? A certification program? Employee pipeline? Have a voice and help us to be part of the solution.
Executive Director
#chamberLOVE
Workforce Development

Having a tough time finding & keeping staff?

Complete this two minute survey, created by our Workforce Development team, Brian Dubina & Jake Bucher, to let us know what we can do to help.
Plan Your Week!

What is coming up this week?
Check out the events we have put together for you this week.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Friday March 18 , 12-12:30pm - Takeout Stakeout at Mora Asian Kitchen
Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Mora Asian Kitchen! In this event, we convene at a designated restaurant to pick up our takeout lunch choices, and get to see each other for a bit while we're at it in a socially-distanced meetup. Lunch is a flat $16 including tax and tip. 
Check out our website for menu options!
Plan Your Month!

Want to plan ahead?
Here are some events we have coming up over the next month.
Join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and
continue to grow your business!

Monday March 21 , 12:15-12:45pm - Meditation Mondays at CrossFunction
We know that life can be busy, and it can be stressful juggling family and work. We are guessing that you could use some TLC!
Join us each month for our Chamber program aimed at taking care of you, our small business community. Welcome to our monthly Meditation Mondays! All it takes is half an hour (that's only 30 mins!) for us to help you put your to-do list aside, empty your head of all the chatter and truly look after yourself.
We will be meeting at The Boulevard Arcade in Oak Park, the home of CrossFunction Flexible Workspace.
Wednesday March 23 , 9-10:15am - Young Professionals Talk Reparations with Christian Harris
We invite you to join us for a friendly conversation about local actions that could be taken toward racial equity. Please understand this is not going to be a debate about whether injustice is real nor whether reparations are needed—this is an opportunity to learn from one of our members who is a thought leader on the topic. We look forward to learning from Christian! 
Friday April 8, 9-10:30am - Women in Business at The Sheridan
WIB is honoring Earth Month and continuing our monthly series with Mindy Agnew, Sustainability Coordinator for the Village of Oak Park. All of us do our best to recycle, compost and conserve water at home, but what about at the office? Mindy will share quick and easy ways to create a more eco-friendly environment at your place of work. Mindy's passion for sustainability has parlayed into a career with the Village and she is excited to share her expertise.
Wednesday April 13, 2-3pm - Chamber 101
Perfect for new members and those who need a refresher, this fast-paced seminar will review all of your digital benefits to maximize your digital advantage. Learn how to set up your Chamber profile to take the most advantage of what we offer!
Member Benefits Series

New to the Chamber?
Meet other new Chamber members, staff and Board Members!

Welcome New Members! This event is perfect for new members and those who need a refresher, this fast-paced seminar will review all of your member benefits to maximize your marketing advantage.
In this seminar we will go over all of your marketing benefits that come with your membership!
Speed Networking

Reconnect with Your Network!
Join us for our Speed Networking event on Tuesday, April 12th at Concordia University. Check out the website to register or become a Sponsor for the event!

Table Sponsors
Health & Wellness Fair

Reconnect with Your Health!
Join us for our 6th Annual Health & Wellness Fair on Sunday, May 15th at Formula Fitness Clubs in Oak Park. Check out the website to register as an attendee or become a Sponsor or Vendor for the event!

This event is a showcase of outstanding health & wellness services available throughout the western suburbs and attracts hundreds of area residents who interact with 50+ exhibitors, receive complimentary screenings, enjoy family activities & appreciate excellent giveaways. 
Register now to be a Vendor or Sponsor for the event!
Exclusive Presenting Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Boost Your Network

Save the Date!
Are you planning on being a Sponsor or Vendor for the Health & Wellness Fair this year? Are you a business in the Health & Wellness field and are wanting to increase your healthcare network? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then this event is for you! Keep an eye on our website for the registration to open!
With over 440 other local businesses, we would love to help you survive these trying times, grow your business and get you more connected into the community.
Our Chamber is all about Community - plain and simple. And this Community knows that "a rising tide floats all boats"...and right now our boats need some float!
We are dedicated to embracing diversity and equity, providing marketing opportunities when you need them, and having a Board of Directors and Staff who reflects our business community and who work tirelessly for you, our small business owners. 
Want to learn more, click on the button below, or email us directly!
Post Office Questions

Talk to a real person at USPS!
Reach out to Debra Reese at the USPS Headquarters, Carol Stream District.

Debra Reese, Sr. Territory Representative, USPS HQ, Carol Stream District, 433 W Harrison St. 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60699-9621
Ph: 312.520.6752  
Business Licenses in Oak Park
If you own or operate a business in the Village of Oak Park and have a business license, you should have received an email from them with the following information:

"Your 2022-2023 Business License renewal is now available on line through the Village Portal at https://villageview.oak-park.us/CityViewPortal. The Village will not be mailing out the renewals this year. To access the renewal notice and make a payment, you will need a portal account. Follow the instructions on page 1 of the attachment to register for a portal account, if you don’t already have one. Follow the instructions on page 2 of the attachment, if you have a portal account and wish to make a payment online.
PLEASE DO NOT CREATE OR REGISTER FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE AS YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE.
Although strongly encouraged, if you are unable or prefer not to pay through the Village Portal, you can download the renewal notice through the Village Portal and mail the renewal notice to the Village Hall with your payment. To access the renewal notice, simply follow the instructions on page 2 of the attachment, as if you were going to make a payment, but click on your license number under the reference number instead. This will bring you to a License Application Status page. Scroll down to the Documents & Images section and download the Business License Renewal Notice dated 02/28/2022.
  • All professional offices are being requested to upload their State Certifications or Licenses to their business account via the Village Portal.
  • All nonprofit business organizations are being requested to upload proof of their nonprofit status to their business account via the Village Portal.
  • All home-based businesses are being requested to express interest in renewing their business license by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
 
Once the renewal process is completed and payment is received, your business license will be e-mailed to you.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Business Licensing at [email protected] or 708-358-5425."

If you did not receive this email, please reach out to the Village of Oak Park using the contact information above.
Business Licenses for River Forest: Renewals will be coming out in late March. Please keep your eye out for them!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your business license, please contact Adriana Holguin, Administrative Clerk at [email protected].
Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

143 S Oak Park Avenue

708.613.0550


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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