August 20th, 2023

The young ones have returned to their school routines, and The Chamber is fully engaged in its operational activities once again! In our roles as the newly appointed President and Vice President of the Board, we extend our sincere gratitude to all our members, staff, and fellow directors. Your steadfast support during the transition of leadership across the organization has not gone unnoticed. We look forward to the promising future that lies ahead for the organization.

We warmly invite you to join us at our Annual Meeting scheduled for September 21st. The event will take place from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Lake Theater. Join us in commemorating our collective achievements and learning about the exciting endeavors we have planned for the organization.

Rob Guenthner and Esther Grachan

Board President and Vice President

OPRF Chamber of Commerce

#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!

Wednesday Aug 23, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM -

Alioto's Gift Shop STOP&SHOP Member Sale

Drop by Alioto's Gift Shop during regular business hours on Wednesday, August 23:

• Meet the owners of this iconic Oak Park store.
• Receive 15% off your purchase all day (during normal open hours).
• Tell them that you are a member of the OPRF Chamber of Commerce. We guarantee they will take care of you!

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!

Thursday Aug 31, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - BIPOC Affinity Group

It's Summertime and that means live music, cool drinks and the outdoors! BIPOC is heading to Marion Street in Downtown Oak Park this month for Thursday Night Out. We will convene in front of Fleet Feet and pick the best spot to enjoy the evening. Local restaurants are offering meal and drink specials for TNO. Outdoor tables and chairs are provided. Everyone can purchase food and beverages of their choice as we relax and enjoy the live music from local artists. 

Friday Sep 1, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Chamber Take-out Stake-out!

We are still organizing this amazing lunch for you, so we aren't sure where we are meeting yet! Check back soon and we guarantee some great food and wonderful company!

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

Women in Business Meeting

We're kicking off fall with a little attention to getting our financial houses in order. This month, Susie Goldschmidt, Denise Warren and Judette Kurasz from Byline Bank will be presenting on Fraud Prevention. There are ever more ways that unscrupulous folks are working to rip people off - come learn what the latest scams are, and what you need to do to avoid them! 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!

Tuesday Sep 12, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM -

Business After Hours - Oak Park Conservatory

Join us at our regular monthly networking event, Business After Hours (BAH), on the second Tuesday of every month. All members and non-members are welcomed. (Members are free.) Where Are We Meeting This Month?

The Oak Park Conservatory, operated by the Park District of Oak Park with the support of the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. 

Join us in commemorating our collective achievements and learning about the exciting endeavors we have planned for the organization.

What is the Annual Meeting? The Annual Meeting is the official annual gathering of Chamber members and local business leaders to celebrate previous year accomplishments and the set stage for the upcoming year.

150+ attendees may enjoy a light breakfast, networking & our program.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses and residents in Illinois (includes Cook County) following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to severe storms and flooding on June 29 through July 2, 2023.

See press release with more info here:

Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program:

(Registration and exemption deadline is Nov. 1 for employers that had an average of 5-15 employees in 2022)

Per State law, employers with 5 or more Illinois employees that have been in business for at least 2 years and that don’t offer a tax-qualified retirement plan are required to register for and facilitate Illinois Secure Choice or adopt their own qualified plan.

Register for the Illinois Secure Choice webinar here:

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

141 S Oak Park Avenue

Suite 3

708.613.0550

[email protected]

www.oprfchamber.org