January 22nd, 2023

We always love connecting with our members and our quarterly call campaigns are the best way to do it! We reached over 25 businesses in under 2 hours. That is a lot of #chamberLOVE! When your business succeeds, we all succeed and a quick phone call, voicemail or thinking-of-you email can make someone’s day. The best part of my job is making sure our members feel seen, heard, and valued – because they are. 

Diane Cranford

Director of Membership

New Year, Same You,

Just Better!

Have you read the most recent blog article?

Our blog is written by Diane Cranford, and adds a wonderful combination of information to keep you in the loop, along with feel-good articles to keep you going. As she says in this newest article... "2023 is supposed to be a kinder year. A year full of patience and acceptance." So, what are you waiting for? Check it out!

Support A Member!

Gift a Membership

Did you know that each year, with your help, we are able to make sure that some of our struggling businesses are able to remain Chamber members for one more year? If you agree that joining the Chamber is the best decision you ever made and are able, why not help someone else to utilize the many benefits of the Chamber and remain part of this amazing Chamber family?

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!

Monday January 23, 5:30 - 7:00pm - BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting at D.M.Burton

OPRF Chamber Board President Darien Marion-Burton of D.M.Burton is hosting our BIPOC Affinity Group meeting in January and wants you to think about your goals and aspirations. Not just for the new year, but for your life. We will be creating Vision Boards to create a visual representation of these goals. Join us to make connections and plan for your future!

Tuesday January 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm - How to Provide Accurate Data About Your Property with Fritz Kaegi via Zoom

During this event, you will learn how you can help the Assessor's Office be more accurate by providing more detailed information about your property or business by submitting a Real Property Income and Expense (RPIE) form. Meet with Assessor Fritz Kaegi to learn tips to ensure an accurate assessment and ask questions you may have about this process.

Friday January 27, 1:00 - 1:30pm - Ribbon Cutting at Kribi Coffee

This time we'll be at Kribi Coffee in Oak Park celebrating this new business, taking pictures of the ribbon cutting, and enjoying a great networking opportunity. Come meet owner Jacques and learn about Kribi's signature air-roasted coffees. You won't want to miss their delicious coffee and meeting the great staff!

Plan Your Month!

Like to plan ahead?

I know we do! 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!

Thursday February 2, 1:00 - 2:00pm - Speaking Authentically, Persuasively and Enthusiastically with Leora Dowling at the Oak Park River Forest Museum

Come join the Chamber's Nonprofit Affinity Group at the Oak Park River Forest Museum for our monthly gathering, and learn from public speaking coach Leora "Lee" Dowling. Lee has been teaching and coaching communications for almost 20 years - and if you know her, you know she's very authentic and enthusiastic herself!

Friday February 3, 12:00 - 12:30pm - Takeout Stakeout at Charlie's Restaurant

Come checkout our next Takeout Stakeout, this time at Charlie's Restaurant! In this event, we convene at a designated restaurant to pick up our takeout lunch choices, and get to meet new folks and see our peers from other businesses and organizations. Join us for some quick networking and delicious food, all during your lunch break!

Friday February 10, 9:00 - 10:30am - Women in Business Meeting at The Sheridan at River Forest

February is not just about red roses and paper hearts. Join us this month at The Sheridan at River Forest to talk about Women's Heart Health with Carolyn Fitzpatrick, MD, CMO, from West Suburban Medical Center. Heart health in women looks vastly different than in men. Learn easy ways to identify issues and keep your heart healthy for years to come! 

Tuesday February 14, 4:00 - 6:00pm - Business After Hours at American House

Come experience a little #chamberlove, whether it's before you meet up with your sweetie, or we're your company for the evening! We know it's Valentine's Day and we don't want you to miss out on any love that day, so feel free to bring your Valentine along to celebrate. Join us for networking, food, raffles, friends, and simply a lovely evening in excellent company - we're glad to be yours on Valentine's Day!

Health & Wellness Fair!

Vendor & Sponsor Registration is OPEN!

Were you able to join us last year for this amazing community event? Last year our Vendors and Sponsors were able to make many new connections within the community, and among the other healthcare providers. This event has been such a success over the years, and is now the largest Health & Wellness Fair in the area! What are you waiting for?

Exclusive Presenting Sponsor

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Want to learn more about the Health & Wellness Fair? Check out the landing page for this yearly event! Scroll down the page to watch a highlight video from last year.

Member Benefits Series

Are you a new member

or new to your business?

Help us to help you make your business a success! Take advantage of these events geared specifically toward new Chamber Members to learn how best to take advantage of your membership. Feel free to join us for any or all of these events, whether you are a new Member business, or simply new to your business.

Check out all of our New Member Programming!

Thursday February 16, 8:00 - 9:30am - New Member Breakfast at Belmont Village Senior Living

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. 

Wednesday March 15, 2:00 - 3:00pm - Chamber 102 via Zoom

In this seminar we will go over all of your marketing benefits that come with your membership, including:

- how to maximize your e-blast benefits.

- the role of your Member Profile in your marketing advantage and how to track digital traffic.

- how to generate marketing collateral that can be shared in your social media.

- how to tap into our Affinity Groups to grow your network and feature your business.

Wednesday April 19, 2:00 - 3:00pm - Chamber 101 via Zoom

In this seminar we will go over all of your digital benefits that come with your membership, including:

- how to significantly increase your SEO

- how to leverage your Member Profile to boost traffic to your own website

- how to track your Member Profile statistics

- how to be sure that your website is linked to your membership

This event is perfect for new members, or those who need a refresher!

Community Bathroom Proposed

The Village of Oak Park is looking at options for a community restroom to benefit public health and reduce the strain on local businesses that allow access to their facilities. The community restroom is intended to be a service for residents, tourists, commuters and individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Workshops planned for non-profits seeking grants

Non-profit organizations that serve Oak Park and are interested in applying for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding are required to attend a virtual workshop hosted by the Village. The workshop is scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 3. Attendance at the workshop is required to apply for funds during Program Year 2023, which runs from October 2023 through September 2024. The workshops will provide details about the Village’s upcoming application process, including an overview of required documents, timelines and reporting requirements. Email [email protected] to receive the registration link or for more information. Visit www.oak-park.us/cdbg to learn more about the CDBG program in Oak Park.

Commercial Façade Improvement Program

In 2018, the Village of Oak Park established a Commercial Façade Improvement Program (C-FIP) to assist sales-tax-generating Oak Park businesses looking to improve the building facades of their establishments. Over the past five years, the Village has assisted 18 businesses with façade improvements that have included new windows, doors, awnings and signage. Since the start of the program, the Village has provided $79,647 in C-FIP grant awards for projects that have resulted in $396,722 in façade improvements throughout the community. For information about the Commercial Façade Improvement grant program, contact Cameron Davis in the Development Customer Services Department at [email protected].