News Release: 5/21/2026
Join Tenryukan Aikido this June for a 4-week introductory course for kids and adults, where beginners can learn safe falling, dynamic technique, and the foundational principles of Aikido in a welcoming setting. Students will also explore balance, timing, posture, relaxation, and awareness, while building confidence, coordination, and respect through movement and partner practice. Introductory classes are held Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 pm, and Sundays at 3. Please feel free to contact us at
Oak Park Ranks Among Tightest Housing Markets in Chicago's Western Suburbs as Regional Inventory Splits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oak Park Ranks Among Tightest Housing Markets in Chicago's Western Suburbs as Regional Inventory Splits Oak Park posts largest year-over-year tightening among six Western suburbs studied; only Oak Park and Wheaton see homes sell above original asking price on average OAK PARK, IL — Oak Park has emerged as one of the tightest housing markets in Chicago's Western suburbs over the past 12 months, with inventory contracting sharply even as supply built up in several nearby communities,
Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce Announces Melissa Mallinson as Executive Director
Oak Park, IL — The Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Mallinson as its next Executive Director. Mallinson was selected through a competitive search process that attracted a strong pool of candidates. Following multiple rounds of interviews and a rigorous evaluation process, she was chosen for her depth of experience, strategic leadership, and clear vision for the Chamber’s future. Mallinson brings more than 25 years of nonprofit management
From Spreadsheets to Smarter Decisions: A Data Visualization Guide for Local Area Businesses
Data visualization transforms your business data — revenue trends, customer behavior, cost patterns — into charts, maps, and dashboards your team can read and act on at a glance. For small and mid-sized businesses in Oak Park and River Forest, where the Chicagoland market moves fast and margins are tight, getting a clear picture of your numbers isn't a competitive edge. It's table stakes. Companies that use analytics tools earn 15% more in sales than those that don't — yet only 45% of small business
Build Your Media Kit Before Journalists Come Looking: A Guide for Oak Park-River Forest Area Businesses
A media kit is a pre-packaged set of materials that gives journalists, partners, and potential investors everything they need to accurately represent your business — in one place, on your timeline. The Public Relations Society of America found that 75% of journalists use media kits when researching stories, making a well-prepared kit one of the most direct ways for small businesses to influence how they are covered. For Oak Park-River Forest area businesses navigating a competitive Chicagoland market, a
Before You Sign: A Contract Guide for Chicagoland Small Business Owners
Business contracts define the terms on which you operate — what's owed, by whom, and what happens when something goes wrong. For new owners in Chicagoland's dense, competitive market, a vague or poorly structured agreement can expose you to disputes, missed payments, and liabilities that take years to untangle. Getting the basics right from day one is one of the most protective moves you can make.Your Business Is Not Too Small to Get Sued If you run a small shop or solo operation, it's easy to assume
Essential Safeguards for Secure Online Business Payments and Agreements
Online business transactions power modern commerce, but they also introduce risk. From payment fraud to data breaches, a single weak link can undermine customer trust and expose sensitive information. Securing transactions is not just an IT concern; it is a business priority that affects revenue, compliance, and brand credibility.Key Takeaways Use encryption and secure payment gateways to protect data in transit. Implement strong authentication to reduce unauthorized access. Monitor transactions in
The Smart Service Business Playbook for Faster, Friendlier Client Onboarding
When it comes to scaling a service-based business, the way you onboard clients can determine whether your operations thrive or stall. A well-designed onboarding process sets the tone for trust, efficiency, and long-term retention, while a disorganized one can create confusion and churn. Here’s how to refine the experience so it’s seamless for both your team and your clients.Key Highlights at a Glance Create a structured, repeatable onboarding framework that scales. Automate data collection and
How Small Businesses Can Simplify and Strengthen Their Tax Process
Small business owners in the Oak Park–River Forest community often enter tax season with equal parts determination and dread. With shifting rules, varied business structures, and tight schedules, the filing process can feel like another full-time job. Yet with the right systems, tax season becomes far more manageable — and even predictable. In brief: Build repeatable habits that make record-keeping easier year-round Understand common deductions and how to track them Use professional help strategically
