FEB 2013 – CAJON PHARMACY CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

Khalid and Huda Mahfouz, owners of Cajon Pharmacy were joined by Mayor Pete Aguilar, Chamber Past President Paul Barich, Ellen and Stan Weisser, many friends, family, colleagues and Chamber Ambassadors at their recent grand opening/ribbon cutting of Cajon Pharmacy, 232 Cajon Suite A in Redlands.

FEB 2013 – CHAMBER MEMBERS RENEWING JANUARY 2013

Thank you for your continued support:
 
 
ALL-STAR ENGRAVING
Renie De Hoog
1094 N. Wabash, Bldg 1
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  389-9988
www.allstarengravingredlands.com
 
ASSOCIATES OF THE REDLANDS BOWL
Susan Sequeira
P. O. Box 492
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  1-866-999-BOWL
www.redlandsbowl.org
 
BEAVER MEDICAL GROUP
Marianne Baldwin
2 West Fern Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3311
www.beavermedicalgroup.com
 
BENCHMARK YOUNG ADULT SCHOOL, INC.
Jayne Selby-Longnecker
1971 Essex Court
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  888-999-3983
www.benchmarktransitions.com
 
BON APPETIT UNIVERSITY CLUB & CATERING
Jessica Arthur
1259 E. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  748-8970
www.cafebonappetit.com
 
COLDWELL BAKER REALTY CENTER
Sheila Cannon
501 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite A
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-4147
www.cbrealtycenter.com
 
COUNTRY VILLA REDLANDS
Diane Machain
700 East Highland
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-2678
www.countryvillahealth.com
 
CUTLER CHURCH INSURANCE SERVICE
Megret Olewiler
201 Cajon Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-8500
www.cutlerinsurance.com
 
DYNASTY SUITES REDLANDS
David Giri
1235 West Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-6648
www.dynastysuites.com
 
EAST VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
Annette Coffey
1916 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 400
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-4818
www.eastvalleyaor.org
 
EVANS & CO. HAIR COLOR & DESIGN, INC.
Cheryl  Evans
101 So 6th Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-1991
www.evansandcompanyhair.com
 
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Lowell Linden
2 West Olive
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3157
www.1stcongregationalchurch.com
 
 FREEMAN OFFICE PRODUCTS
Tim Derryberry
123 South “D” Street
San Bernardino, CA  92401
Phone:  387-1108
www.freemanop.com
 
GOODWIN INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
Glenn Goodwin
1806 Orange Tree Lane, Suite A
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-8118
www.goodwininsuranceagency.com
 
INLAND VALLEY BANK
Stephenie Shackelford
1200 California Street, Suite 240
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  583-9150
www.inlandvalleybank.com
 
LET’S TALK THERAPY
Elizabeth Casey
10 North Eighth Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  397-1499
www.letstalktherapy.net
 
MILLER ARCHITECTURAL CORPORATION
Carol Wittgen
1177 Idaho Street, Suite 200
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  335-7400
www.miller-aip.com
 
REDLANDS ART ASSOCIATION/GALLERY
Randall Hill
215 E. State Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-8435
www.redlands-art.org
 
REDLANDS FOOTLIGHTERS
Attention:  Treasurer
1810 Barton Road
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2909
www.redlandsfootlighters.org
 
REDLANDS LODGE 300 FREE & ACCP’T MASONS
R. Tito Varias
131 Cajon Street, Suite 14
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-1656
www.redlandsmasoniclodge.com
 
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Ed Delgado
777 San Manuel Blvd
Highland, CA  92346
Phone:  864-8933
www.sanmanuel.com
 
TELEDYNE BATTERY PRODUCTS
Armando Chacon
840 W. Brockton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-3131
www.gillbatteries.com
 
THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY
Avianna Homas
1635 Industrial Park Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  798-7774
www.osf.com
 
THE VERNON COMPANY
Dave Moore
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-0771
www.vernoncompany.com
 
TRI-CITY ACOUSTICS, INC
Ronald Jeffrey
465 Iowa Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-2260
www.tri-cityacoustics.com
 
UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Jerry Fields
300 E. State Street, Suite 400
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-2137
www.ubs.com/team/msfc
 
VIRTUAL IMAGES UNLIMITED
Gracie Hernandez
1177 Idaho Street, Suite 100
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  388-1000
www.viu.com
 
YMCA OF THE EAST VALLEY
Darwin Barnett
500 E. Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-9622
www.ymcaeastvalley.org
 

FEB 2013 – NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS JANUARY 2013

Welcome to our newest Redlands Chamber Members

CULLIGAN WATER
Bob Siino
1925 Burgundy Place
Ontario, CA  92762
Phone:  215-2835
 
RIVERDALE ENTERPRISES LLC
David Abrahams
10040 Alabama Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-5588
Web Site:  www.jerseymikes.com
 
SEA BRIGHT SOLAR
Mike McCue
1785 Industrial Park Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  335-0820
Web Site:  www.seabrightsolar.com
 
SPIRITUAL TREATMENT CENTER
Sherry Serkes
602 No. Church
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-3004
 
WELSH INSURANCE SERVICES
Sarah Welsh
1445 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite B
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  520-8482
Web Site:  www.welshinsuranceservices.com
 
 

FEB 2013 CHAMBER OFFERS DISCOUNTED KRIKORIAN MOVIE TICKETS

As the cost of just about everything continues to rise, one of the added values of Chamber membership is the ability to escape into the world of movie magic at discounted prices. In partnership with Krikorian Theatres the Redlands Chamber offers discounted tickets to members providing substantial savings when it’s time to go to the movies.

Whether the tickets are used for personal enjoyment or as an incentive for customers or employees, they are a terrific reward for a job well done or a gift for customer loyalty.

Tickets are available at the Chamber office for members only during normal office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM (closed 12 – 1). Each ticket is $8.00 each. For large orders call in advance to insure there are adequate tickets available.

Discounted movie tickets; another benefit of chamber membership!!

FEB 2013 – CHAMBER OFFERS PRIVILEGE TO PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

Redlands Chamber of Commerce President’s Circle

 

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is now offering a unique and exciting opportunity to our local businesses, and community leaders.

“Extraordinary Benefits for Distinguished Members”.

$1000.000 Annual membership in the Circle includes:

Membership includes;

Name and company name listed on Chamber Letterhead

Name and Company logo listed in the Directory and on the chamber website

Annual ticket for Rise ‘n Shine

Logo on banner proudly displayed in chamber office

Name in each edition of chamber electronic newsletter

One E-blast semi annually

2 tickets to each Chamber mixer

2 tickets to State of the Community luncheon

2 tickets to Annual Installation Dinner

Press release announcing President’s Circle appointment

Ad on the City Street Map – NEW, $475 VALUE

Ad in the Annual Business Directory – NEW, $475 VALUE

Call the Chamber office for more information

793-2546!

FEB 2013 – PROGRAMS AND SERVICES SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS BY SENATOR EMMERSON

Provided By Senator Bill Emmerson

There are many challenges to starting and running a successful small business. According to the Small Business Administration, nationwide only about half of all new small businesses survive five years or more and about one-third survive 10 years or more. Many small business owners find themselves needing help in the first few years of their business – whether it’s to obtain financial assistance or start the business in the first place.

This briefing report is intended to spread the word about many of the programs and services offered in California, so that current small business owners, and those interested in starting a business, are able to compete, succeed, and “be a part of” the small business culture in California.

What’s Out There?

For potential and current small business owners, there are a variety of programs available from the state and federal governments. The table below lists whether the programs are available to potential or current small business owners. A description of each program available is detailed below.

Program

Available   to Potential Small Business Owner?

Available   to Current Small Business Owner

California Small Business   Certification Program

No

Yes

California Small Business Loan   Guarantee Program

Yes

Yes

California Small Business   Development Center Program

Yes

Yes

Permit Assistance

Yes

Yes

California State Trade and Export   Promotion (California STEP) Project

No

Yes


What are these Programs?

California’s Small Business Certification Program

The Small Business Certification Program was established to increase business opportunities for the California small business community. The program is administered by the Department of General Services’ Office of Small Business and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Services.

To be eligible for certification, a small business must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be independently owned and operated;
  • Cannot be the dominant business in its field of operation;
  • Must have its principal office located in California, and its owners or officers must live in the state; and
  • Together with its affiliates, it must either be a business with 100 or fewer employees and gross receipts of $12 million or less over the previous three years, or a manufacturer with 100 or fewer employees.

There are a number of incentives available for businesses participating in the certification program, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • State law allows certified small business to receive a 5 percent bidding preference on applicable state solicitations. The effect of the preference is to help small businesses be more competitive in the bid process.
  • Certified small businesses are eligible for the state’s Small Business Participation Program. The program sets a goal for the use of small businesses in at least 25 percent of the state’s overall annual contract dollars.

More information on California’s Small Business Certification Program can be found at:
http://www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/Programs/OSDS.aspx
(See also: “Briefing Report: Certification Opens Doors for Small Businesses,” published on January 15, 2009.)

California’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

The California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program (SBLGP) is administered by the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency and is designed to help small businesses owners who are having problems getting a loan through the normal process or do not have a favorable credit history. To be eligible the business must be located in California and be classified as a small business. The loan can be used for any purpose such as hiring new employees, buying new equipment, expanding into a new facility, etc. Loans can be in the amount of up to $500,000. Interest is negotiated between the borrower and the lender, and the loan term may be extended up to 7 years. Small businesses owners that employ 500 people or less may apply for a SBLGP loan by contacting a Financial Development Corporation (FDC). To locate the nearest FDC, or to find out more information on the SBLGP, visit http://www.bth.ca.gov/sblgp.htm.

California’s Small Business Development Center Program

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are part of a U.S. Small Business Administration partnership program uniting private enterprise, government, higher education and local nonprofit economic development organizations. In California there are 35 SBDC’s, including six regional centers throughout the state. Centers provide assistance at no cost to anyone interested in expanding or improving an existing business or starting a business for the first time. SBDC business clients work with business advisors to achieve a variety of goals: securing patents for intellectual property, launching upgraded websites, successfully bidding on contracts with federal or state government, financial analysis and restructuring of debt and many other projects. In addition, local and regional centers regularly hold free and /or low-cost seminars on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, starting a small business, growing your business, contracting with the state, and how to become a state certified small business. A complete listing of California’s SBDCs can be found at http://www.asbdc-us.org.

Permit Assistance

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development’s Permit Assistance Unit helps new business owners identify all of the permits needed to start a new or expand an existing business. The unit schedules pre-application meetings between businesses and the appropriate regulatory agencies to help streamline the permitting process, and acts as a neutral facilitator between state regulator agencies and businesses to resolve permitting issues. Their services are confidential and free. In some cases, a project manager may be assigned to personally guide an applicant through the permit process. Individuals may contact a Permit Assistance specialist by calling (877) 345-4633 or by visiting http://www.business.ca.gov/Programs/Permits.aspx.

In addition, in 1997 the CalGOLD program was established to assist businesses in finding the information they need to comply with environmental and other regulatory and permitting requirements. CalGOLD provides direct Internet links and contact information to state, local, regional, and federal permitting authorities. In addition, a number of current forms and permit applications are available on the site. To use CalGOLD visit www.calgold.ca.gov.

California State Trade and Export Promotion (California STEP) Project

The California STEP project is a three-year pilot trade and export initiative authorized by the federal Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The STEP Program is designed to help increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to raise the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting so they can grow and create jobs. Services offered through the program include, but are not limited to, customized product/promotion localization assistance, matchmaking services connecting small businesses to potential customers, and follow up support to assist firms in closing deals.

In order to take advantage of the services provided under the STEP program, businesses must meet the following guidelines:

  • Comply with the U.S. Small Business Administration size standards
  • Have been in business for not less than the 1-year period ending on the date on which assistance is provided under a STEP      grant
  • Operating profitably, based on operations in the United States
  • Demonstrated understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping
  • Have in effect a strategic plan for exporting

More information on the California STEP project can be found at:
http://www.californiastep.org.

Helpful Websites for Small Businesses

In addition to the programs and services mentioned above, there are a number of other websites that provide helpful information to small business owners, including, but not limited to, the following:

Company

Website

Purpose
Business USA

http://business.usa.gov

Provides comprehensive information   about government grants and programs available to small business owners.
California Small Business   Assistance Center

http://www.taxes.ca.gov/Small_Business_Assistance_Center

Provides a variety of tools to   help small businesses understand and plan for their tax responsibilities.
SCORE

http://www.score.org

Provides access to business   planning and financial templates, as well as links to relevant business   webinars. Offers access to local small business seminars located at offices   all over the United States.
Small Business Administration

http://www.sba.gov

Provides valuable tips, grant   information, suggestions and help growing small businesses.
California Association of   Independent Business, Inc.

http://www.caib.net

Includes information on a range of   small businesses’ issues, including information on small business   legislation.
California Chamber of Commerce

http://www.calchamber.com

California Small Business   Association

http://www.csba.com

National Federation of Independent   Business

http://www.nfib.com

Small Business California

http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org

Conclusion

Representing half of America’s workforce, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. As such, it is important that we start spreading the word about available programs and services that are in place to help businesses survive and thrive in California. Doing so may encourage entrepreneurship, and prevent long-standing small businesses from leaving the state.

California needs to remain a place where small business owners feel “if I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” Educating the public about these programs, and continuing to make them available to current or future entrepreneurs, will ensure the success of California’s Small Business population.

 

FEB 2013 – BARICH PASSES THE GAVEL

Past President Paul Barich, Barich & Associates, turned over the reigns of the Chamber to, Daney Bachiu, Redlands Blueprint & Commercial Press at the Annual Installation Dinner and Civics Award Ceremony. “For the first time in more than 20 years a woman president will lead the organization”, noted Chamber Board Member Jennifer Dobbs, University of Redlands, as she placed a crown on Bachiu’s head, “This is more coronation than installation.”

During the evening Mike Hokana, Freeman Office Products, was announced the winner of the coveted Ambassador of the Year Award. He was selected for the prestigious honor for the hours of service to the Chamber attending meetings, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, special events and doing whatever was needed or asked of him.

George Barich, ISU Insurance was named Man of the Year, Peggy Brier, was announced as Woman of the Year, Stg. Mike Reiss was acknowledged as Police Officer of the Year and Captain Richard Sessler was named Fire Fighter of the Year.

FEB 2013 – MEMBER PROFILE – BRAKE MASTERS

Brake Masters® was founded in June 1983 by the Laytin brothers in Tucson, Arizona. The Redlands store is conveniently located at 1705 W. Lugonia Avenue.

From its inception, Brake Masters was dedicated to providing customers with an “Honest Brake,” meaning that customers are only sold services that are needed or required according to manufacturer specifications. This philosophy was—and is— a radical shift from the high pressure over-selling that is common in the automotive repair business.

The ASE certified technicians and store managers are trained to diagnose and advise customers on services they need to maintain and repair their vehicles, and in particular, to extend the life of their vehicles. This philosophy has led to Brake Masters’ remarkable growth and is evident in everything they do— from how they hire and train their team members, to how they treat their customers every day.

Their team members take P.R.I.D.E. in their work—”Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence,” and they are confident you’ll notice when you visit one the Redlands store.

But Brake Masters isn’t just your “Complete Car Center”, they are also a part of the local community. For over 30 years, they have been committed to participating in community events, and are proud to be making a difference not just for their customers, but for their neighbors, too. Brake Masters has been involved with charitable giving, with numerous donations to worthy non-profit organizations in the community and region for years.

Providing a full range of services from alignments to bearing and  seals, electrical repairs to air conditioning service and more Brake Master is your “Complete Car Care” service stop. The team of service specialist will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your car care, call them at 909 792-0351, or visit them on line at www.brakemasters.com.

 

FEB 2013 – MEMBER PROFILE – CLARK’S NUTRITION AND NATURAL FOODS MARKET

Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets have been family owned and operated since 1972. A leader in the Natural Products Markets Clark’s has a wide selection of Whole and Organic foods, Organic Produce, bulk foods, Dairy and deli items, prepared foods and a full frozen foods selection in all our stores. Clark’s is a leader in Vitamins, Supplements, Sports Nutrition, Herbs and bulk teas, Heath & Beauty products, and Homeopathic remedies. Four generations of Clark family members and employees have continued to bring healthy living to as many individuals that desire a healthy life. The team at Clark’s Nutrition has a passion for making a difference in the way you shop for health. They pride themselves in providing you with quality products and personalized customer service. They strive to answer your questions to help you make smarter and healthier decisions when buying natural products.

The heritage of Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Foods Market can be traced to the early days of mom and pop health food stores. Jim Clark, the company’s founder purchased the first Riverside location in 1972 in downtown Riverside. The Riverside store featured a sit down restaurant that was voted one of Riverside’s best in a 1985 Press Enterprise poll. The demand for supplements and natural foods grew so much that the store was soon forced to close the restaurant to make room for them.

Jim’s son, Ray Clark, CEO, brought the second generation into the already successful company by purchasing the second store in San Bernardino on E Street in 1977. Ray’s sons, Bruce & Jeff Clark representing the third generation, entered the company in 1980. The management of the Riverside and San Bernardino stores consolidated in 1985. In 1990, the historic DeAnza Theater building at 12th and Market Street became new Riverside home and corporate headquarters with 12,000 square feet of retail space.

With resurgence in demand for healthy cuisine, the Riverside store opened a gourmet delicatessen by popular demand, to please the breakfast and lunch natural food connoisseurs, and revive the original reputation which was to be one of the first natural foods restaurants.

Soon after Clark’s opened its third and newest proto-type in 1992, a 25,000 square-foot natural foods store, in Loma Linda CA. This store featuring a comprehensive produce department with an emphasis on organic produce and an in-store gourmet kitchen providing organic gourmet and vegan meals cooked on the premises for take-out convenience.

Our grocery department offers the largest selection of natural foods in its region. This location offers the most extensive line of supplements available in the industry.

Consistent yearly sales increases provided the momentum for the fourth location in Rancho Mirage in 2005, to further strengthen an already solid market position. The newest store represents the largest natural foods market in the Coachella Valley, at 26,000 square feet. New product categories were introduced, featuring one of the largest organic wine selections in the industry and a government certified organic café. This “state of the art” location stayed consistent in sales growth and increased profitability since the opening of the store.

Clark’s equates success not with size but with integrity, responsibility and service. CNNFMI’s mission is to remain the premier provider of natural foods and supplements in the industry and vision is to expand that reputation where opportunity exists, educating consumers in making informed decisions.

Clark’s Nutrition Natural Foods Market equates success with integrity, responsibility and service. Their mission is to remain the premier provider of natural foods and supplements in the industry and their vision is to expand that reputation where opportunity exists, educating consumers in making informed decisions.

The Loma Linda Market is located at 11235 Mountain View Avenue, Loma Linda. You can shop on line at www.clarksnutrition.com or call at 909 478-7714.

 

FEB 2013 – CITY PRIORITIES FOR 2013 by Council Member Bob Gardner

We all try to take a fresh approach as we start a new year.  As I look at 2013, here is what I hope we accomplish in the City of Redlands:

1.         Financial stability:  We have approved balanced city budgets that have maintained critical services and programs, protected and built reserves, reduced the need to borrow from other funds, and invested in important infrastructure projects.    In 2013 we must continue this strategy as we finish the 2012-2013 fiscal year, and review and approve the 2013-2014 budget.

2.         Labor contracts:   We successfully concluded labor negotiations with our fire workforce that will save the city over $1 million annually when fully implemented.   Our fire employees are to be commended for stepping up and agreeing to selected changes in their contacts that will provide savings over the next several years.   Our challenge in 2013 is to resolve the remaining contracts consistent with our fire employee example.

3.         Economic development:   One of our most important priorities has been to pursue economic development aggressively to expand our business community and to increase revenues.   We will continue this effort in 2013, hopefully with even more success as new businesses choose to locate and expand in Redlands.

4.         Infrastructure investments:   Our major street paving project is under way.  This project will dramatically improve most Redlands streets, especially those in the worst condition.   Similar projects are also ongoing to replace our water lines.  But more work is needed in 2013 and future years to replace and repair the rest of our aging infrastructure.   Funds to support these projects are a challenge, but we must work harder to identify funding and move ahead.   Waiting to pursue these projects only increases the costs.

5.         Children and Youth Programs:   We are in the midst of a major study of all Redlands programs and services aimed at children and youth, no matter what funding source.   This study will help us set future priorities for city investments in these areas.  Important concerns regarding youth after-school programs, financial assistance for sports/recreation programs, increasing child obesity/poor fitness rates, and the adequacy of our park facilities should be addressed in 2013.

Of course there are other important issues the Council will focus on in 2013.   I know we will work closely with the business community as well as other groups and individuals, to ensure we make Redlands a great place to live, work, and play.