A Night to Celebrate Small Business & Strengthen Our Community

The Spotlight Awards isn’t just about honoring the best of Oak Park and River Forest—it’s about celebrating the people and organizations that make our community thrive.

Each year, we gather 150+ community leaders, entrepreneurs, and neighbors for a night that’s part awards ceremony, part party, and all heart.

These awards recognize individuals and organizations that strengthen our local economy and lead with integrity, creativity, and excellence.

What does an award mean?
Winners receive:

• A commemorative award
• Recognition in the Chamber newsletter throughout the year
• A window decal to proudly display in their business

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.

Next Generation Leadership Award

This new award highlights emerging leaders 30 and under who are shaping the future of our business community or a business, non-profit, or organization that has helped set up young leaders for success through education, support and/or development. It recognizes professional achievement, initiative, and meaningful civic involvement.

The Business of the Year Award

The Business of the Year 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.

The recipient represents the very best of our Chamber community: a business that leads by example and helps shape the future of our region.