Chamber Advantage

November 12th, 2023

Greek philosopher, Herclitus, is credited with saying “Change is the only constant in life.”


As we navigate the ever-changing business landscape, truer words haven’t been spoken. Artificial Intelligence is a current trend affecting every single industry – and we invite you to join that conversation with business leaders in your community at our reimagined Economic Symposium. Dominican University is hosting our symposium entitled, “RISE OF THE ROBOTS: How artificial intelligence is driving innovation and transforming society,” and we have 4 amazing speakers that will touch on topics within current AI research and discourse.


Come learn how to use AI in decision making, confront AI burnout and bias, or explore how AI can revolutionize your business. Our keynote speaker, Jose Ochoa, will share specific strategies for small businesses that can help your business realize it’s potential. Dominican University is proud to host this forum – and we look forward to continued conversations in the future.


We hope to see you there!

Aracelis Marie Sanchez-Guerrero, M.A.

Secretary & Economic Symposium Event Chair,

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#chamberLOVE

2023 Economic Luncheon

RISE OF THE ROBOTS:

How artificial intelligence is driving innovation and transforming society.

Join us on a journey through the landscape of Artificial Intelligence, exploring its impact on businesses of all sizes. The launch of ChatGPT democratized AI technology, igniting an ongoing AI race. We invite you to our 8th annual Econo mic Symposium to discuss how AI can elevate productivity across organizations, demystify its workings, and tackle the question on everyone's mind: will the robots take over?


Here are a couple of our Breakout Presenters at this year's Economic Symposium:

Yovana Rosales, is your lively host on the Making Líder Moves podcast! Join her as she empowers remarkable Latinas to share their journeys, stories, and experiences. Together, they delve into the challenges our community encounters and the inspirational steps they've taken to prioritize themselves, self-care and joy in their lives.

 

As a passionate community builder, she is dedicated to creating safe and nurturing virtual spaces where community members can freely express their true selves and work their magic, whether through storytelling, creativity, or laughter. These spaces cater to coaches, Latinx communities, wellness enthusiasts, and tech aficionados.

Tim Currie-Wipro is a seasoned strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in the high technology industry. He has helped build and grow consulting companies and global teams focused on disruptive technologies like cloud computing, internet of things (ioT), and artificial intelligence (AI).


Tim has been deeply involved in the recent explosion of Generative AI (GenAI) as a phenomena that promises to revolutionize healthcare, manufacturing, advertising, and the nature of work and customer experiences as we know them.

For those who've already purchased tickets, we're thrilled to confirm your automatic registration for this reimagined event. And if you bought a table, you now have ten front row seated tickets for the keynote!


We regret any inconvenience caused by the date change, but are confident this shift will result in an event that's more vibrant, insightful, and impactful.

 

Anticipate riveting discussions, enlightening insights, and opportunities to network with like-minded professionals at the OPRF Chamber Economic Symposium on November 15th, 2023.

REGISTER HERE!

Plan Your Week!


What is coming up this week?



We know you are busy. To help make it easier and help you to join us at as many things as you would like, we have gathered our events for this week.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday Nov 14, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -

Business After Hours - Val's halla Records

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. We are meeting this month at Oak Park's legacy record store, Val's halla Records.

REGISTER HERE!


Friday Nov 17, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM -

Sit-Down Chamber Lunch at Papaspiros!

Join us for a Chamber sit-down luncheon! A business lunch in a casual setting, with a little group networking. Come enjoy the food while you connect and get to know Chamber members.

Where Are We Eating This Month?

Papaspiros, Oak Park's iconic Greek restaurant! We'll get to meet the owner and get to know other local business people at Papaspiros - a classic Oak Park destination!

REGISTER HERE!


Introducing: The Frosty Affair!

Vendor sign up NOW OPEN!

Get ready for a festive shopping extravaganza at The Frosty Affair! On December 8th, the Arts Center in Oak Park-River Forest will transform into a magical retail market featuring an array of local businesses. Sign up to be a vendor at this enchanting event for a fee of $50 for Chamber Members and $75 for non-members.


Why should you join? We're partnering with the Wednesday Journal for an extensive advertising campaign, including the Holiday Gift Guide published on December 6th. Visit Oak Park is also flexing its PR and digital marketing muscle to ensure maximum exposure. With large public display advertising around the village and the potential for paid social media promotion, The Frosty Affair promises a well-marketed platform to showcase your business.

Families can take advantage of childcare services, and everyone can enjoy the holiday spirit with a gift wrapping station, seasonal activities, and nourishment from local food vendors. Vendor spaces are limited, so secure your spot by December 1 for a chance to shine at this extraordinary holiday shopping experience. The Frosty Affair is not just an event; it's a community celebration where attendees can contribute a voluntary $5 towards event operations to ensure its continued success and growth. Join us on December 8th, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at The Arts Center – a retail market like no other awaits!

VENDOR SIGN-UP!

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 Nov 28, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM -

Ribbon Cutting at The Children's School

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 at The Children's School at their new location, celebrating this new home for the school, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity!  

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Nov 30, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM -

New Member Breakfast

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.

REGISTER HERE!

Thursday Nov 30, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM -

CarefulPeach Boutique STOP&SHOP

Member Sale Day

Drop by CarefulPeach Boutique during regular business hours on November 30:

  • Meet the owners of this luxury boutique.
  • Receive 15% off your purchase all day (during normal open hours).
  • Just tell them that you are a member of the OPRF Chamber of Commerce. We guarantee they will take care of you!
REGISTER HERE!

Friday Dec 8, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -

Women in Business Meeting - Holiday Celebration!

Women In Business is closing out 2023 with the ultimate anti-stress WinterFest Holiday Celebration! Get ready to get your jolly on as we celebrate another successful year of supporting the phenomenal women in the OPRF Chamber. If this time of year has you stressed and feeling disconnected, please join us for a morning of fun, food, laughter, conversation, and raffle prizes.


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!

REGISTER HERE!

Bylaws Amendment Ratification Vote


Important Notice: Bylaws Amendment Ratification Vote at December Business After Hours


Dear Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce Members,


On November 7th the Board of Directors voted to amend the bylaws of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, and we are now seeking your ratification on these proposed changes.


Board President Rob Guenthner will be presenting these amendments for your consideration and vote at the upcoming December Business After Hours event scheduled for December 12th at Byline Bank. Your active participation and input are crucial in shaping the future of our Chamber.


For those unable to attend the December Business After Hours, we have provided an alternative method for voting. Members who are unable to attend the event can cast their votes on the proposed bylaw changes through the Chamber's website. We encourage all members to take advantage of this online voting option if attendance at the event is not possible.


Your voice matters, and we value your participation in this important decision-making process. The proposed bylaw changes aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our Chamber, and your support is vital in shaping the future direction of our organization.


We appreciate your continued commitment to the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and look forward to your active participation in this ratification process.


Thank you for your attention, and we hope to see you at the December Business After Hours event.


Best regards,


Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce



VOTE HERE!

Message From Oak Park Police

Here's a message from the Oak Park Police Department regarding an uptick in ‘smash and grab’ burglaries across the Chicagoland region. This may or may not pertain to your business based on its building location. If you have any questions, please contact Community Policing Sgt. Traccye Love at 708.358.5513 or [email protected]

Holiday Gift Guide!

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce


141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3


708.613.0550


[email protected]


www.oprfchamber.org

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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