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Chamber Advantage
June 1st, 2025
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As Vice President of the Board and a proud early supporter of our Chamber’s Pride initiatives, I couldn’t be more excited to see how far we’ve come. What began as a small gesture of inclusion has grown into one of our most joyful and affirming celebrations: OUT in the Burbs.
This year, we return bigger and bolder than ever. On Saturday, June 7, Downtown Oak Park will be transformed into a vibrant hub of love, laughter, and liberation. With live music, dazzling drag, local vendors, food, and community connection, this all-day festival is more than just a party — it’s a promise. A promise that the Oak Park-River Forest business community not only welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals, but celebrates them.
Pride isn't just a month on the calendar. It’s a value we live, a commitment we’ve made, and a future we’re building together.
Join us in showing the world what an inclusive, thriving business community really looks like.
With pride,
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Esther Grachan
President
The Grachan Agency
Board Vice President
OPRF Chamber of Commerce
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OUT IN THE BURBS IS HERE
A celebration of LGBTQ+ pride in the suburbs — back and bigger than ever!
Join us for a full day of queer joy featuring live music, drag performances, community vendors, food trucks, a drink garden, teen pride activities, and more.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT OUT IN THE BURBS?
This year’s lineup is full of energy, creativity, and community connection.
Expect powerful drag performances, live sets from LGBTQ+ musicians, and a Teen Pride zone with a gaming truck, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, henna, and a photo booth.
There will also be a diverse mix of food vendors, a 21+ drink garden, and local makers and small businesses offering one-of-a-kind goods.
Whether you're coming to dance, shop, connect, or simply celebrate who you are, there's something here for everyone.
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BE A PART OF THE MAGIC - VOLUNTEER!
Out in the Burbs is more than a celebration — it’s a community-powered movement rooted in joy, visibility, and belonging. Step in, show up, and help us make it unforgettable.
Your presence matters. Let’s build something meaningful — together.
Click the button below to join us!
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BLACK BUSINESS & COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR
Join us for an exciting opportunity to showcase your products, services, or support programs at the Black Business Fair — a vibrant part of our Village’s Juneteenth Cookout celebration!
We invite Black-owned businesses and community resources to be part of this event — whether you're offering merchandise, services, or programs that support our community, this is your chance to connect, uplift, and inspire.
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Click on any graphic to get more information about the event and to sign up.
Explore what's in store, including fun and educational activities happening throughout.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the excitement!
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SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE WITH BLEND
BLEND — Oak Park’s Black & Latine Business Support Network — is more than a program. It’s a platform for building power, connection, and community among local entrepreneurs.
Through peer collaboration and expert-led conversations, BLEND supports both emerging and established business owners with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to thrive. We’re here to celebrate brilliance, amplify voices, and grow a more inclusive local economy—together.
Are you a business leader with knowledge to share?
Click the button below to learn how you can get involved as a speaker and help shape the future of entrepreneurship in Oak Park.
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MINIMUM WAGE UPDATE
Cook County has released its 2025 Minimum Wage update, with rates remaining at $15.00 for non-tipped workers and $9.00 for tipped workers starting July 1.
View the official notice, FAQs, and complaint resources on the County’s website.
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NEW BEGINNINGS FOR THE CHAMBER
This week was all about fresh starts and community spirit.
We launched our first-ever Memorial Day Business Bash in Keystone Park, bringing families together for live music, local vendors, food trucks, and family fun — all in celebration of our local and veteran-owned businesses.
Then we capped it off with a Ribbon Cutting at our brand-new Chamber office in Downtown Oak Park! Members joined us to celebrate the space, snap a few photos, and connect over what’s next for our business community.
Here’s to new traditions, new spaces, and the power of showing up — together.
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