Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce Events

Thursday September 24 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 Parking is available.

Solo Entrepreneurs | Affinity Group Meeting

Solo Entrepreneurs Affinity Group Join the Chamber’s Solo Entrepreneurs Affinity Group for a monthly gathering created to connect, encourage, and support independent operators. Each session gives solo entrepreneurs a space to celebrate progress, share challe......More

Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 Parking is available.

Friday October 9 9:00am - 10:30am CDT

Sunrise of River Forest 800 N. Harlem, River Forest Parking is available in the rear.

Women in Business | Tax Planning for the Year Ahead

Tax Planning for the Year Ahead Join us for an informative seminar covering key finance and tax topics for anyone whose work involves money, particularly small business professionals and budget managers. Learn practical strategies to keep your business compliant while maximizing efficiency. We'll discuss important filing considerations for 2025 within the current economic landscape. We’ll also share expert tips for organizing your books, questions to ask your accountant, and how to set your business up for long-term success Meet our Speaker: Julie Thompson Julie Thompson, CPA, is the founder of Back Office Service Solutions LLC (B.O.S.S), where she leverages her extensive experience in audits, due diligence, and tax engagements at both regional and national CPA firms to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofits streamline their essential administrative and operational tasks. Holding a Master’s in Accounting and certified as a Fraud Examiner, Julie also serves as an adjunct professor at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. She is deeply committed to community service as a member and Director of the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park Foundation, and proudly brings the discipline and perspective gained from her civilian service with the United States Army in Korea. Outside of her professional pursuits, Julie enjoys cooking for friends and family, tending her garden, walking her well-known dog Elvis, and championing nonprofit causes through creative fundraising initiatives. Judy Seals / Founder & Nurse Practitioner, Synergy Integrative Health & Wellness Jocelyn Calles / Co-Owner, Impact Health Sharing Where is it? Sunrise of River Forest (formerly The Sheridan) is graciously hosting us! Sunrise is a premiere active senior and memory care community. Complimentary parking is available when you enter on Chicago Avenue. What To Expect... Please come as you are. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served. 9:00-9:15 - network, socialize, gather refreshments, and find your seat. 9:15-10:30 - program If you need to arrive a few minutes late or leave a few minutes early, please still join us! We get it, we all have things to do. Want more information on Women In Business? Contact Melissa Mallinson at [email protected] to learn more about the OPRF Chamber Women in Business Affinity Group.

Sunrise of River Forest 800 N. Harlem, River Forest Parking is available in the rear.

Tuesday October 13 6:00pm - 8:30pm CDT

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301

2026 Spotlight Awards

Join Us for the 2026 Spotlight Awards We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Spotlight Awards, a celebration of outstanding achievements and contributions within our business community. This prestigious event honors the individuals and organizations whose vision, creativity, and dedication continue to make Oak Park and River Forest shine. Early Bird Ticket Pricing $35 (Ends October 1st) Tickets After October 1st- $45 Non-Member Pricing- $50 Award Categories New & Notable This award recognizes a business, non-profit, or organization that opened between 2024–2026 and has already made a meaningful impact through innovation, engagement, and creativity. Health & Wellness Award This new award honors organizations dedicated to improving the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of our residents. It recognizes leadership in care, prevention, education, and support services. Non-Profit of the Year Award This new award recognizes a mission-driven organization that demonstrates measurable impact, strong leadership, and meaningful community engagement. Excellent Eats This award represents culinary excellence and hospitality leadership in our community. It honors a restaurant, bakery, or catering service that not only serves exceptional food, but also creates memorable experiences, supports fellow local businesses, and contributes to the vibrancy of Oak Park and River Forest’s dining scene. Chamber Ambassador of the Year This new award celebrates a member who truly embodies the spirit of the Chamber. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, sponsoring, or consistently showing up, this individual strengthens connections and champions fellow members. The OPRF Choice Award The new OPRF Choice Award is the highest honor presented by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes a business that exemplifies excellence in leadership, growth, community engagement, and overall impact. This award celebrates an organization that not only succeeds professionally, but also actively strengthens the local economy, supports fellow businesses, and contributes to the vitality of Oak Park and River Forest. After all of the nominations are gathered, the top choices will be up for a final vote by the attendees of the Spotlight Awards. The winner will be decided the night of the awards. We can’t wait to reveal the winners and celebrate all of this year’s incredible nominees! What to Expect? Magical Reception: A festive cocktail reception with an open bar, a spread of delicious hors d'oeuvres, and plenty of time to mingle and savor magical moments. Award Ceremony: Celebrate the winners across various categories, honoring their creativity, dedication and impact on our community. Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, community influencers, and peers in a vibrant, inspiring atmosphere. Sponsorship Opportunities: Interested in sponsoring the 2026 Spotlight Awards? We offer a range of sponsorship packages to suit your organization's needs and enhance your visibility within the community. For more information, please email [email protected]. Be a part of this incredible evening as we honor the best in our business community. Dress to impress and prepare for an unforgettable night of celebration, inspiration, and connection.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301

Thursday October 15 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

OPRF Chamber of Commerce office 1101 Lake Street, Suite 307 Oak Park, IL Parking is available at the Village garage at Holley Court

Chamber 102 - Your Marketing Advantage

Welcome to Chamber 102! Perfect for new members and those who need a refresher, this fast-paced seminar will review all of your member benefits to maximize your marketing advantage. What will You Learn? In this seminar, we will go over all of the marketing benefi......More

OPRF Chamber of Commerce office 1101 Lake Street, Suite 307 Oak Park, IL Parking is available at the Village garage at Holley Court

Thursday October 22 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 Parking is available.

Solo Entrepreneurs | Affinity Group Meeting

Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 Parking is available.

Wednesday October 28 6:30pm - 9:00pm CDT

ComedyPlex 1128 Lake Street Oak Park, IL Parking is available in the Holley Court parking garage right behind Comedy Plex!

OPRF Chamber Trivia Night and Costume Contest! Supporting our Community Non-Profits!

Join Us for a Spooktacular Halloween Trivia Night! Get ready for a night of frightful fun and friendly competition at the OPRF Chamber's Halloween Trivia Night! This isn't just any trivia event; your participation directly supports our local nonprofits. How......More

ComedyPlex 1128 Lake Street Oak Park, IL Parking is available in the Holley Court parking garage right behind Comedy Plex!

Friday November 13 9:00am - 10:30am CST

Sunrise of River Forest 800 N. Harlem, River Forest Parking is available in the rear.

Women in Business | Operational Bottlenecks

Operational Bottlenecks that Slow Your Growth (and how to remove them) In this session, Nora Schlesinger breaks down the three most common bottlenecks that slow growing businesses: the founder, the process, and decision-making. Attendees will learn how to spot where work is getting stuck, why everything keeps flowing back to them, and what to do about it. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what’s holding your business back, and practical guidance for how to start repairing it. Meet our Speaker: Nora Schlesinger Nora Schlesinger is a fractional COO, operations consultant, and former CEO who helps female founders build the systems, structure, and clarity they need to scale without chaos. After leading her own company through significant growth and a successful acquisition, she brings firsthand experience that shapes how she supports other leaders today. Nora is known for rolling up her sleeves and working alongside founders to turn complexity into manageable operations. Her work blends strategic insight with hands-on execution, helping leaders build businesses that are poised for sustainable growth. Judy Seals / Founder & Nurse Practitioner, Synergy Integrative Health & Wellness Jocelyn Calles / Co-Owner, Impact Health Sharing Where is it? Sunrise of River Forest (formerly The Sheridan) is graciously hosting us! Sunrise is a premiere active senior and memory care community. Complimentary parking is available when you enter on Chicago Avenue. What To Expect... Please come as you are. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served. 9:00-9:15 - network, socialize, gather refreshments, and find your seat. 9:15-10:30 - program If you need to arrive a few minutes late or leave a few minutes early, please still join us! We get it, we all have things to do. Want more information on Women In Business? Contact Melissa Mallinson at [email protected] to learn more about the OPRF Chamber Women in Business Affinity Group.

Sunrise of River Forest 800 N. Harlem, River Forest Parking is available in the rear.

Thursday November 19 8:00am - 9:30am CST

Belmont Village Senior Living 1035 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 Metered parking is available on Madison Street, or free parking on adjoining side streets.

New Member Breakfast November 2026

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 c......More

Belmont Village Senior Living 1035 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 Metered parking is available on Madison Street, or free parking on adjoining side streets.

Wednesday December 2 8:30am - 10:00am CST

Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre 1022 Lake St. Oak Park, IL 60301

2026 OPRF Chamber Annual Meeting

The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors cordially invited you to the 2025 OPRF Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, taking place on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. We are excited for you to join us on at the Lake Theater as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and look ahead to 2026. What is the Annual Meeting? The Annual Meeting is the Chamber’s premier annual gathering, bringing together members, local business leaders, and community partners. With 150+ attendees, this is your opportunity to reflect on the past year, preview the year ahead, and plug into the energy that fuels our local economy. Enjoy a light breakfast, high-quality networking, and an immersive program experience. How Can I Attend? Join us on Wednesday, December 2, from 8:30–10:00 AM at Lake Street Theater in Oak Park. Attendance is complimentary for Chamber members and includes breakfast and networking. Reserve your seat by clicking the green “Register Now” button above. Can I Sponsor This Event? Yes — and it’s one of the best ways to connect your brand with the heart of the Oak Park-River Forest business community. Sponsors enjoy premium exposure and the chance to share their message with a room full of decision-makers. $2,500 | Presenting Sponsor A dedicated table at the event to promote your business 2-minute speaking opportunity during the program Option to submit a 1-minute video message to be played during the event Full-page ad and prominent logo placement in the Annual Report 3 social media posts + mention in all event promotions Ad in Chamber Advantage Logo on the event webpage and all digital/print marketing Featured recognition in the Annual Report $1,000 l Gold Sponsor A dedicated table at the event to promote your business 1-minute video message featured during the event Half-page ad + enhanced logo placement in the Annual Report 3 social media posts + mention in all event promotions Logo on the event webpage and all digital/print marketing $600 | Supporting Sponsor A dedicated table at the event to promote your business Option to submit a 30-second video message to be played during the event Prominent logo placement in the Annual Report 2 social media posts + mention in all event promotions Logo on the event webpage and all digital/print marketing To secure your sponsorship, click the “Register Now” button or email Julian Sanchez at [email protected].

Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre 1022 Lake St. Oak Park, IL 60301

Tuesday December 8 5:00pm - 7:00pm CST

Byline Bank 1001 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60302 Parking is available on Lake Street, adjoining side streets, and in the Village garage at Holley Court.

Holiday Business After Hours - Byline Bank - December 2026

Join us at our regular monthly networking event - but this month for the special holiday version! Business After Hours (BAH) occurs on the second Tuesday of every month at a new location each time. This is your chance to connect with other members in a more casual set......More

Byline Bank 1001 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60302 Parking is available on Lake Street, adjoining side streets, and in the Village garage at Holley Court.

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Solo Entrepreneurs | Affinity Group Meeting

Women in Business | Tax Planning for the Year Ahead

2026 Spotlight Awards

Chamber 102 - Your Marketing Advantage

Solo Entrepreneurs | Affinity Group Meeting

OPRF Chamber Trivia Night and Costume Contest! Supporting our Community Non-Profits!

Women in Business | Operational Bottlenecks

New Member Breakfast November 2026

2026 OPRF Chamber Annual Meeting

Holiday Business After Hours - Byline Bank - December 2026

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