Hello Membership,  Spring is right around the corner. Hope and Renewal are in the air! Below is important information for you and your business! Stay well!

IMPORTANT DATES - March 15 & 29th, 2021 Shopper's Reward Certificates and Bonus $25.00 Holiday Gift Certificates expire March 15th! Please do not except certificates after this date. Merchants will have until March 29th to bring in these certificates for redemption. After March 29th, DTOP WILL NOT reimburse Merchants.  Note: Gift certificates that do not have the March 15th expiration date stamp do not expire.

re·new·al Spring Promotion Dates: March 11th through May Spring / Renewal / Experience Local messaging Indoor Plant Sale (plants on sale beginning March 15) Trivia on webpage with prizes Promotions include: 11 Spring / Renewal / Experience Local messages Window Clings Social media campaign Posters & Postcard Webpage - Launching March 11th www.downtownoakpark.net/renewal

2021 Membership Drive - GET $75.00 in DTOP Gift Certificates! DTOP Board of Directors have decided that with every $50 membership paid this year the organization will give you back $75 in DTOP gift certificates.    And do not forget all these other great benefits you will receive also: Participation in our events and promotions Free attendance to our member meetings Discounts to partner agency programs Voting rights for our annual elections Access to the talents of an amazing staff Consideration for our awning grant program Consideration for our outdoor heater grant program Inclusion in our window signage grant You also get a door decal! Invoices were emailed this week or just send your membership fee of $50 to our office and we will send you back your $75.00 in gift certificate: Downtown Oak Park 1010 Lake St. Suite 114 Oak Park, IL 60301

Signage for Businesses

Downtown Oak Park is offering our members professional signage for their windows. General Covid guidelines window or door cling Custom signage (restrictions apply) Restaurant are being offered signage specific to pick-up/delivery/patio seating/ in-door dining. Details coming soon.

Photography for DTOP Businesses

Get professional photographs of your business for FREE!  Downtown Oak Park will be offering members a photo library with 5-10 professional photos. Photos would include indoor/outdoor business photos, photos of business owner etc.  In addition, you'll get a free video featuring the photos.  Downtown Oak Park will feature these videos on our website directory, social media + Businesses can use these photos & video for their own social media, website, marketing etc.  More details & signup coming soon!

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce Events! The OPRF Chamber of Commerce is hosting two events next week. As always any DTOP member has complimentary admission. Name: Economic Outlook Presentation- Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Date: March 3, 2021 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST Name: LinkedIn for Prospecting and Business Development Date: March 4, 2021 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST Please contact Shanon@downtownoakpark.net if you are interested in attending. Learn to get your business On-Line with Shopify! The OPRF Chamber of Commerce, through our partnership with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, brings you this amazing 4-part series to learn more about going ON-LINE with your business. Registration is FREE for ALL businesses. CLICK HERE Growing Your Small Business Online - 4 Part Series Part 1 - March 4 11:30AM Offline to Online Part 2 - March 11 11:30 Driving Traffic Part 3 - March 18 11:30 Browsers to Buyers Part 4 - March 25 11:30 Futureproofing w/ Shopify

Village’s Business Assistance Loan Program The Village’s Business Assistance Loan Program is still taking applications for up to $10,000 a piece in loans/grants to Oak Park small businesses. For more information click here.

Comcast Rise Grant Opportunity - Available March 1-14 Eligible biz must have been in operation for at least 3 years and have 25 or less full/part-time employees. 100 $10K grants available to Cook County businesses! For more information click here.

DTOP Events Cancelled 2021

The DTOP Board of Directors decided to cancel all events through winter 2021. The Board will revisit this decision in early summer. Depending on the vaccine and current restrictions TNO would be the only event we could roll out in late summer through fall if guidelines allow and people feel confidant.

Oak Park Avenue Improvement Project begins March 8th

OPAve Anew Oak Park Avenue was last resurfaced 18 years ago and existing water mains are from the early 1900s. In 2021, the Oak Park Avenue Projects will provide necessary utility improvements to water and sewer main infrastructure. In addition, resurfacing Oak Park Avenue includes ADA pedestrian ramp improvements, protected pedestrian crossings and beacons at select locations for added safety. Click here for all the details.

New Businesses in DTOP! STRIDE Oak Park - 1006 Lake St. Albion Yoga Six Oak Park - 1006 Lake St. Albion Yogasix.com My Salon Suites - 114 N. Marion www.mysalonsuite.com/oak-park/ European Wax Center - 1117 Lake St. waxcenter.com/