We're coming up on my 6th-month anniversary, and boy, does time fly! As I start to reflect on these last six months, I am overcome with gratitude for the support and guidance our membership has offered me as I navigated my new role. I'm also thrilled with what I've been able to accomplish in these last few months. We're coming out of the first month of our DEI programming series, we've strengthened our operational structure by introducing new tools to allow our staff to work more efficiently, and we've thrown some pretty cool events. As I look forward to what the rest of 2024 holds, I am filled with boundless optimism as I continue to work toward our vision that all who live and work in our community have the opportunity to thrive. | |
Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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Sign-up for Speed Networking, only 30 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! | |
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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.
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Chamber Focus Groups!
We want to hear from you!
The OPRF Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for an exciting 2024, and we want your invaluable input to guide us in designing impactful programming that supports your business needs.
Come share your voice at one of these focus group events to ensure our initiatives align seamlessly with your needs and aspirations!
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Monday Jan 29, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM -
Retailers Focus Group
We invite you to a dynamic and interactive meeting facilitated by your peers within the OPRF retail membership community. This session is not just about discussing—it's about collaborating and co-creating a vision for the future of Retail Businesses in our community. The meeting is scheduled to last about an hour and a half, providing ample time for a comprehensive discussion.
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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.
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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!
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Monday Jan 29, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM -
BIPOC Affinity Group: Marketing 101 Understanding Your Audience
We are thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the BIPOC 2024 Programming series—an initiative dedicated to empowering and celebrating the voices, experiences, and talents of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. The Oak Park-River Forest (OPRF) Chamber is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that recognizes and amplifies the rich diversity within our community.
Join us for the inaugural event of our BIPOC 2024 Programming series – "BIPOC Marketing Mastery," a dynamic marketing class facilitated by Eugene Varnado of YoojDesigns. As we strive for inclusive and effective marketing strategies, this class will delve into the art of connecting authentically with the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) audience.
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Thursday Feb 1, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
Nonprofit Affinity Group / Tax Law Changes for Nonprofits
"Annual Tax and Reporting Updates for Nonprofits". Jeff will be discussing the new State audit and reporting thresholds for smaller organizations, as well as giving updates on individual contribution and deduction updates. He will also talk about some recent financial statement trends.
WHO IS OUR PRESENTER?
Jeff Schroeder is newly retired from a 42-year career in public accounting. The last 27 years were spent as a partner with Sassetti LLC, where his primary focus was the OPRF nonprofit market. Jeff was recently honored by the OPRF Chamber for his years of local service. Jeff currently serves on two Boards, sings with the City Voices chorale and is a member of the Beatles ensemble at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
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Friday Feb 2, 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM -
Ribbon Cutting at Grace Therapy & Wellness Center
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 Grace Therapy and Wellness in Oak Park! We'll be celebrating this business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come meet the staff and discover all the services they offer!
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Vendor Benefits--It's AFFORDABLE and exclusively for food/drink businesses only. It's EXCELLENT MARKETING. Chefs, owners + managers come face-to-face with hundreds of enthusiastic foodies. We market to 30k+ via e-blasts, Eventbrite, PR, social media, + print advertising. | |
Thank you to Way Back inn for sponsoring our first Dry January! Something else that's new? Advertising in our newsletter. Want to know how to get your business ad here? Reach out to our Executive Director, Darien Marion-Burton, or keep your eyes peeled to this newsletter. | |
Sponsorship Now open for Health & Wellness Fair! | |
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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A message from our Village Partners:
Join Us for OPHC’s Hiring Event
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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.
STAY CONNECTED TO THE OPRF CHAMBER
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