JUNE 2013 – CHAMBER OFFER 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 (Cash or Check Only Please). For large orders call in advance to insure there are adequate tickets available. (909) 793-2546

Discounted movie tickets; another benefit of chamber membership!!

JUNE 2013 – CRUISIN’ CUISINE COASTS INTO DOWNTOWN REDLANDS JUNE 22ND

It’s food, it’s fun, It’s Cruisin’ Cuisine, Saturday, June 22, 6:00 PM to 8:30 in downtown Redlands. Visit 10 of Redlands finest and in some cases newest restaurants to taste the very best of what Redlands has to offer in the culinary arts. Check at the Chamber office at 5:30 where you will trade your ticket for a wrist band then off you go in any direction and being the grazing. Savor delicacies from Brewcakes, Corner Bakery, Eureka Burgers, Joe Greensleeves Restaurant, Oscar’s Mexican Food, Rok n Fondue Romano’s Italian Restaurant, Saverino’s Deli, The Lounge 22, Benjarong Thai Cuisine and The Old Spaghetti Factory.

All restaurants are within walking distance in downtown. For those not in the downtown area they will be hosted by downtown businesses including Wildflowers Fiori Di Campo on State Street.

If that weren’t enough during the feasting tasters will be asked to have his or her “gastronomic passport” signed by each restaurant making them eligible to win an Apple I-Pad donate by Whitefrog Designs.

Bring the family, bring your friends bring your taste buds and once again be treated to the fabulous flavors of Redlands restaurants. For more information or to purchase tickets to Cruisin’ Cuisine call the Chamber office at 793-2546.

JUNE 2013 – SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX CREDITS

Small Businesses may be eligible for tax credits

If you are a small business owner that provides health insurance coverage to your employees and you pay at least half of the insurance premiums at the single (employee-only) coverage rate, then you may be eligible to claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

Eligibility Rules

  • Providing health care coverage. A qualifying employer must cover at least 50 percent of the cost of health care coverage for some of its workers based on the single rate.
  • Firm size. A qualifying employer must have less than the equivalent of 25 full-time workers (for example, an employer with fewer than 50 half-time workers may be eligible).
  • Average annual wage. A qualifying employer must pay average annual wages below $50,000.
  • Both taxable (for profit) and tax-exempt firms qualify.

Amount of Credit

  • Maximum Amount. On Jan. 1, 2014, the rate increases to 50 percent (35 percent for tax-exempt employers).
  • Phase-out. The credit phases out gradually for firms with average wages between $25,000 and $50,000 and for firms with the equivalent of between 10 and 25 full-time workers.

Claiming the Credit
Small employers will use new Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums, to calculate the small business health care tax credit. Small businesses will include the amount of the credit as part of the general business credit on their income tax returns

JUNE 2013 – CHAMBER TO HOST STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LUNCHEON

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce will present the Annual State of the Community Luncheon, Wednesday, June 19th; 12:00 PM at the Orton Center, University of Redlands

Mayor Pete Aguilar and Council Members will address the audience with forecasts for the upcoming year as well as reports on the accomplishments of the past fiscal year.

“Each year the Mayor and Council come together to share with the business community what we can look forward to in the coming year and what we can collectively work on that will improve the city and strengthen economy.” said Chamber President Daney Bachiu.

The elected officials reflect on the projected budget, the priorities for the coming year, the anticipated challenges and in the case of 2014 what the election might hold.

The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person, reservations are required.

For more information about the State of the Community Luncheon or to make reservations, call 793-2546.

JUNE 2013 – MEMBER PROFILE – STORAGE WEST

Storage West…it’s best in the west….

Storage West is committed to providing you with a quality storage experience.  They are self-storage professionals that care about you and what you are storing. As part of their commitment their valued customer, they have annual in depth training conferences to help their managers be the best in the industry. During these annual conferences they honor those managers that exemplify their commitment to your quality storage experience.

If you are looking for a quality storage company with caring committed managers, look no further than Storage West Self Storage!

Brina and Mike Limon, the managers of Storage West Redlands, at 1680 W. Redlands Blvd., are ever ready to assist in all your storage needs.

The facility boasts air-conditioned units with security lights and cameras to insure you safety at all times. The website offers storage tips, community blogs and quick access to management.

Whether you need a large “closet” or storage facility large enough to accommodate a four bedroom house full of furniture or a secure location for your boat or RV, the team at Storage West can guide you through your storage requirements.

Each of the storage facilities sells moving boxes and packing supplies on site including; Bubble Wrap, Paper Mats, Wrapping Paper, Heavy Duty Tape, Mattress Bags, Sofa Covers, Custom Glass Packing Kits, Custom Dish Packing Kits, Rope, And Much More!

Storage West Self Storage is a regional storage company committed to providing a quality storage experience in local communities. When you’ve run out of room at home or office Storage West Self Storage is ready to help with whatever your needs demand.

When it’s time for you to make the move, call the friendly staff at Storage West today, 909 792-5761 or visit the website at www.storagewest.com/redlands.

 

 

JUNE 2013 – MEMBER PROFILE – COLDREN’S CLEANING CREW

Coldren’s Cleaning Crew..one call cleans it all

Coldrens’ Cleaning Crew Inc. offers a complete, full-service, totally bonded and licensed custodial and cleaning crew with a combined 40 years of experience. Their services will leave you free to do the more important things in life! Their services include all aspects of the commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional business worlds, regardless of size. Window, carpet, and floor cleaning, as well as basic cleaning, are services they can provide for you providing the highest level of service backed by frequent customer contact to assure your satisfaction.

Team members are all personally trained to assure competence and efficiency. As members of both the Redlands and Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, it is their goal to provide cleaning services to fellow chamber members.

Retaining in-house employees is very expensive and involves payroll tax, salary and benefits package (insurance, vacation, sick pay, etc) not to mention numerous indirect costs like tools, equipment, chemicals, and updated training. Hiring Colfren’s Cleaning Crew allows you to focus on your business and enables your team to concentrate on critical objectives rather than cleaning the office.

The crew at Coldren’s believes no job is too big or too small.
If there is a commercial, residential, or industrial cleaning challenge they can’t overcome, they haven’t met it yet. Coldren’s Cleaning Crew’s well-trained janitorial cleaning teams focus on providing you with the cleanliness you need in the most efficient manner possible. Why bother cleaning up after yourself when there are more important tasks to take care of – such as doing business or just plain living?

Services include:

  • Commercial, Medical,  Industrial, Office and Residential Cleaning
  • Window Cleaning
  • Carpet Cleaning
  • Tile and Grout Cleaning
  • Strip and Wax
  • Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Restoration
  • Full-Service  Janitorial Service
  • Parking Lot Cleaning
  • Sidewalk Pressure Cleaning

For a professional service with a personalized touch rely on Coldren’s for all your cleaning needs, whether you need daily, weekly, monthly or one-time service, Coldren’s Cleaning Crew is here to help you go home early and enjoy your free time.

If you want the best cleaning team the Inland Empire area has to offer, you’ll want to call Coldren’s Cleaning Crew today. They offer a wide array of services all designed to take cleaning off your mind, When you call, be sure to ask for David. Call 909-258-9421! Or Email: coldrenscleaningcrew@msn.com

 

JUNE 2013 – NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS – MAY 2013

Welcome to our newest Chamber members:
 
ASHDOWN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Jere Barnes
101 E. Redlands Blvd, Suite 285
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-4263
Web Site:  www.ashdowncollege.edu
 
DANIEL WESTON, CLASSICAL GUITARIST
Daniel Weston
Loma Linda, CA  92354
Phone:  (575) 770-5094
 
SAVERINO’S DELI
Veronica Saverino
617 West State Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-6000
Web Site:  http://saverinos.com/
 
TRIPLE EDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES
Lujan Cole
710 Brookside Avenue, Suite 3
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  748-5747
 
UNION BANK
Michael Milian
173 Orange
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:   363-2214
Web Site:  www.unionbank.com

JUNE 2013 – CHAMBER MEMBERS RENEWING FOR MAY 2013

BARICH & ASSOCIATES – MEGAN BARICH
Megan Barich
1819 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite 104D
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-0385
 
BIG O TIRES
Jerry Rogers
525 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2596
 
C-21 LOIS LAUER – MICKEY HARDIN BUTLER
Mickey Butler
1998 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  748-7028
 
CASP SERVICES
Dan Kaiser
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  747-5296
 
CRAIG & SONS TERMITE & PEST CONTROL, INC.
Christine Likins
481 Business Center Court
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-1486
 
CST ORGANIC
Scott Smith
1745 Sessums Drive, Suite 120
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  794-3476
 
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF REDLANDS
Hien Huynh
51 West Olive Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3289
 
FLANIGAN CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Dan Flanigan
745 East Stuart Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  792-6740
 
 FOREIGN AUTO TECH
Sid Takouche
1635 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-9575
 
GEM POWER, LLC
John James
10444 Corporate Drive, Suite G
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  796-9089
 
HEINRICH & PAULSON ORTHODONTICS
Bruce Heinrich, DDS, Marcus Paulson, DDS MS
219 Cajon Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2603
 
HYUNDAI INLAND EMPIRE
Chris Falcioni
25072 Redlands Blvd
Loma Linda, CA  92354
Phone:  796-1600
 
INLAND EMPIRE UNITED WAY
Gregory Bradbard
1235 Indiana Court, Suite 104
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-2837
 
JEAN SHOWALTER INSURANCE – STATE FARM INSURANCE
Jean Showalter
308 E. Citrus
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-5318
 
KIWANIS CLUB – NOON
Rick Foster
P. O. Box 1102
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  748-0637
 
MOUNTAIN WEST FINANCIAL, INC.
Karen Kirsch
1209 Nevada Street, Suite 200
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-1500
 
 PENCE CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Rick Pence
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-0423
 
REDLANDS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Dr. Hanson Dusenberry
1093 W. Colton Avenue
Redland, CA  92374
Phone:  793-2181
 
REDLANDS AUTO PLAZA
Alex Delgado
500 W. Redland Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2141
 
REDLANDS DIAMOND DISTRICT
George Poli
2054 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite E-1
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-8393
 
REDLANDS FORD
Steve Rojas
1121 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-3211
 
REDLANDS PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
Bill Conway
P. O. Box 784
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-7600
 
REDLANDS TAXI- REDLANDS CAB
Zack Naser
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  798-1111
 
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF REDLANDS
Dianne Sceranka
P. O. Box 8953
Redlands, CA  92375
Phone:  790-0027
 
 STATE FARM INSURANCE – BILL SOLBERG
Bill Solberg
401 Brookside Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-2188
 
VIEWPOINT FINANCIAL
Marvin Hudson
127 E. State Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-7100

MAY 2013 – City News by Council Member Jon Harrison

Community Home Energy Retrofit Project (CHERP)-Redlands had its first community outreach meeting on April 10. Over 100 residents, business owners and building trade contractors attended. In a nutshell, CHERP-Redlands is a community volunteer driven effort to educate homeowners and contractors about three things: the benefits (home comfort and financial) of completing energy efficiency retrofits on your home; the financing resources available; and the “how to” of performing a retrofit.

CHERP-Redlands is modeled on a very successful and ongoing program in Claremont , http://www.claremontenergy.org/, that set a goal of retrofitting just 1 percent of their homes (130 homes). They have already surpassed that target and are picking up speed to help even more homeowners save money on their electric bills and put dozens of people to work performing a whole variety of home energy retrofits. Here are just a few facts on what’s already been done in Claremont: $2.5 million invested in community real estate, dozens of local construction jobs, $600,000 in utility and state rebates funneled into the community, 27 percent average reduction in energy bills today, an amount that will only reap greater benefits going forward as energy prices continue to climb. These retrofitted homes are eligible for “green rating” as well, which is proving to increase property values by 9 percent relative to a similar house that has not been retrofitted.

CHERP-Redlands can do better and therefore have an even greater impact on our local economy. But to do so means that both  homeowners and contractors need to become better informed about the energy efficiency opportunity and better skilled at determining the retrofit work needed and then performing it properly. In fact during the April 10 kickoff meeting, knowing how to select a contractor that could really do the job – the whole job – was the biggest concern expressed by residents. That is where the Redlands business and contractor communities have to really step up and get engaged in this great opportunity. Many contractors and suppliers are specialized in just one piece of energy efficiency retrofit, for example windows, insulation, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Each of these may be part of the solution for an individual homeowner, but for the best results it is essential to start with a whole house energy audit. Using the results of the audit in consultation with a contractor who understands the sequencing of home energy improvements can help customers get the best return on their investment. As a contractor or supplier, you will have much happier customers who will come back for more work or refer you to their friends. So if you don’t offer a complete range of energy efficiency services, learn more about this approach and team up with colleagues as part of a trusted team. The Claremont website mentioned above is a good place to start your research on a holistic approach to home energy retrofit.

As part of a holistic or team approach, local contractors should be able to diagnose and fix or provide the following 13 system measures:

  1. Last 12 month energy bill disaggregation and analysis
  2. Building envelope leakage levels and causes
  3. Duct leakage
  4. Evidence of moisture and/or mold
  5. Existing HVAC air flow, static pressure, and efficiency (unless you plan on      complete replacement)
  6. Carbon Monoxide levels
  7. Attic Insulation levels
  8. Wall  Insulation levels
  9. Solar PV options
  10. Window repair and/or replacement options
  11. Major appliance and phantom load savings opportunities
  12. Interior water-saving opportunities
  13. Green Point Rating opportunity analysis

Contractors should be able to provide or work as a team to repair or replace any or all of these 13 systems in order to achieve maximum energy savings, as well as optimal comfort and health levels from the total, system-wide performance, of each system relative to the other, and relative to dollars spent.

Part of CHERP’s mission is to support the definition and creation of an Ultimate Class of Home Performance Contractors for two reasons:

  1. To      protect the public from, a. The opportunity costs of not being told of all      the potential benefits that could accrue to them by maximizing the      efficiency of all the interrelated energy systems in their home, and from,      b.  Sub-optimal levels of installation procedures and performance      outcomes in this highly technical field.
  2. To      assist in creating a working definition of excellence for becoming  a      best-of-class contractor in the industry and helping to support those      contractors in becoming role models for other contractors looking to enter      the field and to improve their existing levels of competence and business      opportunity. We need thousands of highly-skilled and successful      contractors doing energy retrofit work to meet our state and national      goals.

In short order a CHERP-Redlands website will be up. We want to use it to provide information specific to Redlands, including identification of local contractors who have the skills and expertise needed. I hope all of our local businesses that can play a role in the success of CHERP-Redlands engage with the program as soon as possible.

MAY 2013 – Changes coming to health coverage in 2014

The patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the federal law passed in 2010 to provide health insurance to more Americans.

Affordable Care Act establishes state marketplaces, where individuals and small businesses can shop for health insurance. Cover California will provide a range of health insurance plans for purchase in the State of California.

In 2010, California was the first state in the nation to enact legislation to implement the provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act by creating a health care marketplace – Covered California.

Starting in January 2014 most people over age 18 will be required to have public or private health insurance or pay a financial penalty. The penalty will be phased in over three years and becomes increasingly more costly.

Employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees that do not offer affordable insurance or offer coverage that does not meet minimum standards will be subject to penalties starting in 2014. Businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees that do not provide health coverage do not face a penalty but are encouraged to consider affordable employee coverage options offered through Covered California.

The historic law will change the way health insurance companies provide coverage as well as the way consumers purchase coverage.

To calculate your potential insurance costs click on the following link and fill in key information.

http://www.coveredca.com/calculating_the_cost.html