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We've got somethings we want to get off our chest.

Raised by style and the thought that people should do business with integrity, We are not business as usual. As such, our blog isn’t your typical B2B blog. Your’re going to find real stories about real professionals making the world a better place, unbiased advice, and a whole lot of Sass.

Inside the Chamber

Episode #5 | L!VISIBLE

Ever wonder what happens when activism, passion and entrepreneurship intertwine? Join Darien as he talks to Reesheda Graham Washington, owner of L!VE Cafe and find out. They will unpack being Black in Business, the L!VISIBLE Business Coalition and living in a real-life revolution.
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Episode #12 | Tradition, Warriors & Common Ground

Ever wonder what a forty-something, white, established business owner, with two kids has in common with a young, black, gay, chronically single, entrepreneur? Well, there's a lot of common ground discovered in this conversation with Oak Park Village Trustee Dan Moroney. Growing up in Oak Park and the shared legacy of being OPRF alums, these two Oak Parkers discuss social justice warriors, bad branding in the face of authentic politics, backing up passion with facts, and why we should vote for the Rock for president.
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Inside The Chamber Episode #8 - Tall Buildings, Burgers & Throw Pillows

It's no secret that there are a few new highrises that have gone up in the past few years in Oak Park, but who is living in them and where are they coming from? Join us as we get to know Casey Gustafson, leasing agent for the new Eleven33 property on Oak Park's South Blvd. Casey will give us the inside scoop on what it's like to be a newcomer to Oak Park, about the hunger for high rise living and how our fabulous business organization gave Casey a community to call his own.
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Episode #7 | Speaking Up with Erika Bachner

Our Village trustees have a lot to manage these days and River Forest Trustee Erika Bachner is no different. She has been a champion of minority rights for years and we were thrilled to have her join us in the studio to talk about advocating for undocumented members of our community, LGBTQ discrimination in the workplace and diversity in River Forest in the age of the BLM movement.
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Every week we’re taking a deep dive into topics relevant to our small business community, through interviewing some of the most innovative and influential business leaders. By sharing our collective expertise, we will empower you to use your own skill-set to achieve ultimate success in your business & life.

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entrepreneurs
darienmarionburton

20 Influential Black Entrepreneurs You Should Know

In honor of Black History Month, we’ve compiled a list of 20 most influential Black entrepreneurs. Obviously, there are many more talented names that could be added to this list. #nodisrespect 20 most influential Black entrepreneursUse the arrows to find the people you need to know.Oprah WinfreyThe first person on our list is the media

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Business
Corey Thomas

10 Marketing tips Small Business Owners should know in 2021

The digital marketing world is dynamic and ever-changing — for all businesses — technology, tactics, and even the next big thing are always changing. That’s why it’s important that you stay up to date with everything — after all, who wants to fall behind while your competitor’s business stays miles ahead. Now you ask… “how

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Business
Lauren Anderson

The Importance of Video Marketing

Have you ever started killing time on your phone, browsing sites like Youtube, Facebook, or Reddit only to stumble across a funny video? Then that video leads you to another, then another, and another and suddenly you look at the time and realized you just spent 4 hours watching stupid videos and your day has

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Business
darienmarionburton

How to Boss Up While Dressing Down

The reason why the TV show “The Office” is so beloved, I believe, is because everyone has met a Michael Scott: a man so into himself while simultaneously trying to win the approval of his peers, that he misses the mark. The type of person who wears a pinstriped suit because they once read in a 2015 issue of “People” that it would make them seem “powerful”.

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Business
darienmarionburton

5 ways to Establish Credibility as a New Brand

It’s hard being the new kid on the block The ink has finally dried on your business license, you’ve polished the fixtures in your store a million times, and you are ready to open your doors.  After all the tears, sweat, perseverance, and support from your loved ones, the floodgates have burst open and you

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News

Lunch with Darien Marion-Burton

“the relationships I have built there are valuable beyond money.”

OPRF Chamber honors Member of the Year at annual meeting

“I was in this room and thought, ‘maybe next year, it will be me ‘”

Pedal Pub is wheeling toward Quad-Cities...

“It’s a new idea. We want to make sure we’re doing this in a safe manner” 

Village hall takes to social media

The village of Forest Park is planning to offer its own Facebook page to share announcements and pertinent information with residents.

Support from Within: How Black-Owned Businesses Are Showing Support for Their Community

Although the free consulting is a major way that DM Burton gives back to the community, it’s not the only way