Chamber Advantage
June 12th, 2022
It has been two years since we last gathered at Dominican University for our annual Economic Lunch and next week we are back with a bang! We have got a panel of visionary thinkers ready to talk about what our economy might look like in the future and the role of technology in getting us there.

There are still a few tickets left so grab yours before they are gone!
Executive Director
At a member dentist,
#chamberLOVE
Economic Luncheon

DTOP Members... You can register for 1/2 off!
Are you a street-level business of Downtown Oak Park (DTOP)? If so, you can register for this year's Economic Luncheon at 50% off the regular individual ticket price.
This discount is sponsored by DTOP and is only available to their members.
There are still a few tickets left for this event. Make sure to register now and reserve your space today!
Sponsor a Table!
Join us this month for the return of our Economic Luncheon! There are very limited Sponsorship opportunities available for your business at this popular event. Make sure to register and reserve your space today.
The panelists have been announced!
We have curated a panel of visionary leaders to come together for casual discussion on the future of our economy and the role of technology.
ModeratorDaRondal Bevly, RubyRose Strategies
PanelistHashem Alsaket, Siden
PanelistSandra Kaufman, Loyola University School of Dance
PanelistManoj Prasad, Resilience Healthcare
This panel discussion will take a deep dive into understanding current trends in areas of key economic indicators - purchasing power, construction & development and broadband infrastructure. The moderator will delve into how these areas are interconnected and weave through the insight and potency from a communications perspective.

Check the website to reserve your space to attend this event!
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!

Tuesday June 14, 5:00 - 7:00pm - Business After Hours at Fitness Formula Clubs - Oak Park
Our June Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted by FFC (Fitness Formula Clubs) Oak Park. Join us for a night of networking and hors d'oeuvres in this high-energy setting and enjoy spring on the outdoor deck!
Wednesday June 15, 2:00 - 3:00pm - Chamber 102: Your Marketing Advantage
Our Member Benefits Series is perfect for new members, and those who need a quick refresher on how to maximize your Chamber membership benefits. This fast-paced course will specifically highlight all the ways you can utilize the Chamber website, eBlasts and Affinity Groups to best market your business.
Friday June 17, 12:00 - 12:30pm - Ribbon Cutting at Oak Park Bank - Madison Street Branch
Oak Park Bank's Madison Street Branch is celebrating its Grand Opening, in a brand new building! See the beautiful new space, meet the staff, get to know other Chamber members, and join us for the ribbon cutting and the celebration! 
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!
We believe that all who live and work in our community should have the opportunity to thrive. This is our Chamber vision, and we work tirelessly to make this a reality in everything we do! Keep an eye on our NEW LGBTQ+ Programming and Resources page to stay up-to-date on any events and resources to help your business throughout June, and the rest of the year!
Friday June 24, 12:00 - 12:30pm - Takeout Stakeout at Poke Burrito
Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Poke Burrito! 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 quick meetup. Lunch is a flat $16 including tax and tip. 
Friday June 24, 4:30 - 5:00pm - Ribbon Cutting at Behavioral Learning
Behavioral Learning is celebrating its Grand Opening! They are committed to creating a safe and collaborative environment in order to empower growth and foster individualized behavior change. See the beautiful new space, meet the staff, get to know other Chamber members, and join us for the ribbon cutting and the celebration! 
Monday June 27, 12:15 - 12:45pm - Meditation Monday at Crossfunction Flexible Workspace
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 know that life can be busy, and it can be stressful juggling family and work. We are guessing that you could use some TLC!
Monday June 27, 5:30 - 7:00pm - BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting
Join us for the third BIPOC Affinity Group meeting. Connect with Latinx, Asian-American, Black and Indigenous peers from the OPRF business and nonprofit community! Come join us to make connections with great folks, and help us shape the future of this new group!
Join the Chamber!

Do you run a Nonprofit Organization in the area?

Running a nonprofit organization takes a lot of different skills. Jack of all trades? Yes, that is you! Let us help you by providing resources to add to your toolbox so you aren't learning all of these things alone. Join our Nonprofit Affinity Group, connect with other nonprofits in the local community to share war stories, hold each other up, and provide support and referrals when needed.
Host a Takeout Stakeout!

When was the last time you had a group of local business owners gathered in your space?

Since we started this program, in June of 2020, we have brought over $20,000 to the restaurants of Oak Park and River Forest! Were you part of these events? If not, you could be!
Your restaurant could host a Takeout Stakeout, just email our Program Manager, Mark Walden at [email protected] to learn how.

Hosting a Takeout Stakeout - Benefits of Membership!
Are you a restaurant in the Oak Park - River Forest area who would like to take advantage of this opportunity? Only those businesses who are members of the Chamber can host a Takeout Stakeout. Check out our Member Benefits page to learn more!
Also, you are what you read by Mark Walden
Have you seen our very own Mark Walden's Letter to the Editor, Also, you are what you read, in the Wednesday Journal? In the article, Mark makes some excellent points on why you should join us at our Takeout Stakeouts!
Read the wisdom here.
Friday June 24, 12:00 - 12:30pm - Takeout Stakeout at Poke Burrito
Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Poke Burrito! 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 quick meetup. Lunch is a flat $16 including tax and tip. 
Friday July 8, 12:00 - 12:30pm - Takeout Stakeout at Yolk
Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Yolk! 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 quick meetup. Lunch is a flat $16 including tax and tip. 
With the elections quickly approaching, the importance of candidates hearing from the small business community cannot be overstated. Accordingly, the SBAC are holding a meet-and-greet series with five republicans running for Governor on June 14th and 15th via zoom. These virtual meet-and-greets will be focused on the issues impacting the small business community and our economy. The candidates will have the opportunity to make introductory statements to the small business community and then engage in Q&A.
Join the SBAC for our Republican Gubernatorial Meet & Greet - Series 1 of 2! We will be joined by Mayor Richard Irvin, Senator Paul Schimpf and Max Solomon on June 14th starting at 3:30 pm.
Join the SBAC for our Republican Gubernatorial Meet & Greet - Series 2 of 2! We will be joined by Jesse Sullivan and Gary Rabine on June 15th starting at 3:30 pm.
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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