July 30th, 2023

I am thrilled to start my role as Executive Director tomorrow. For years, this organization has been a constant in the ever-changing stream of my entrepreneurial endeavors. It has brought me close friendships, amazing partnerships, and, of course, some business. As I transition into my new role, I am excited to work on behalf of our business community and shepherd our vision that all who live and work in this community have the opportunity to THRIVE. That's what that #chamberlove is all about.

Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

#chamberLOVE

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!

Thursday Aug 3, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Nonprofit and DCRE Affinity Groups: Co-housing in Oak Park-River Forest

Come join the Chamber's nonprofit and design / construction / real estate affinity groups for a co-gathering! This month we'll be learning about co-housing, with resource people Erica Cuneen of Beyond Properties and Charlie Hoch, retired UIC professor of urban planning. Both are involved in the upcoming Oak Park Commons co-housing project on Madison Street. Come learn about this approach to building for sustained intergenerational, inter-family relationships; and about these 24 new units of housing coming on the market!

Friday Aug 4, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Chamber Takeout Stakeout at Sugar Beet Food Co-op

Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Sugar Beet Food Co-op! 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 fun social meetup. Lunch is a flat $16 including tax and tip. 

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.

Join us for these wonderful networking opportunities and

continue to grow your business!

Tuesday Aug 8, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Business After Hours - Animal Care League

Our August Business After Hours (BAH) will be hosted by the Animal Care League. Join us for a night of networking and hors d'oeuvres in this newly-renovated setting, to enjoy a summer evening in great company! 

Friday Aug 11, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM -

Ribbon Cutting at Amelie Cafe

Come celebrate with us! This time we'll be at Amelie Cafe celebrating this new business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity.

Thursday Aug 17, 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.

Thursday Aug 17, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM -

45th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting at the Oak Park Arms

This week we'll be at the Oak Park Arms celebrating 45 years of community, hospitality, and engagement with our senior residents. We'll be taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity! Come join us to mark the occasion!

Friday Aug 18, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Chamber Takeout Stakeout at The Daly Bagel

Come join your fellow Chamber members for our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at The Daly Bagel! In this event, we convene at a designated restaurant to pick up our takeout lunch choices.

Lunch is a flat $16 including tax and tip. 

REMINDER

For those of you renewing your memberships in July, please remember, if mailing in your payment, to send it to our new address:

141 S. Oak Park Ave

Suite 3

Oak Park, IL 60302

Thank you!

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3

708.613.0550

[email protected]

www.oprfchamber.org