Last month the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network organized a Cash Mob and on a sunny Friday afternoon gathered up dozens of caring individuals who descended on Sweet Memories a small locally owned candy/gift shop in downtown Redlands. Every member of the “mob” committed to spend $20 or more at the store and within just a couple of hours owners saw the register ring, inventory leave shelves and feel a sense of support and hope.

“It was so much fun that another cash mob has been planned for May.” said Chamber President Daney Bachiu. “This committee of young business professionals is really demonstrating through their action and leadership the importance of supporting local small businesses and at the same time making it fun! I was a part of the last mob and marched down State Street with Chairman Lucas Cuny announcing our arrival over a megaphone. People were coming out of stores, cars were slowing to check us out as we carried our posters and banners down the street. This is a real demonstration of what the Chamber and its committees do for the business community.”

Find out where the next cash mob will be by following clues on the cash mob Facebook page, REDLANDS CASH MOB or check at the Chamber’s Facebook page at REDLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and don’t forget to like us. Clues to the next location will be delivered frequently and the big reveal will happen the day of the mob. See if you can guess who will be mobbed.

Dynasty Suites Redlands raising the standard…. for business

Conveniently located between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, Dynasty Suites Redlands is a welcome oasis in the beautiful historic city of Redlands. You’ll be minutes away from the University of Redlands, ESRI Corporate Headquarters, Loma Linda University Medical Center and the San Bernardino Convention Center.

The Staff knows that even the best locations and offerings would be meaningless without outstanding guest service. Within a Dynasty Suites experience, every guest is offered a warm welcome and is made to feel special, valued and appreciated. Genuine hospitality is achieved when engaging service and attention to detail elevate each stay into cherished memory. We assure you that you will find Dynasty Suites Redlands Hotel your ‘home away from home….! Their skilled and motivated staff is equipped with the tools and  mindset to naturally deliver on this promise.

Whether you are visiting Redlands for leisure or business, Dynasty Suites Redlands is your best option to enjoy a blend of comfort, service and hospitality. Dynasty Suites Redlands is not just the normal sleeping arrangements you think of when you think of a hotel –it is an “escape” that is warm, comforting and pleasing to every guest. With their luxurious Swedish Tempur-pedic beds, you will have the ultimate sleeping experience that is guaranteed to have you well-rested. Complimentary Wi-Fi can be accessed not only in your room, but throughout the hotel for your convenience. Want an extra lift? Take a stroll to our coffee room, and have a cup of freshly-brewed Starbucks coffee –available to you 24 hours a day. How about a healthy snack? Stop by our lobby and grab some fruit. Need to unwind? Take a dip in our heated pool, relax in the invigorating spa, or spend a little time in the soothing saunas.

Luxury and comfort await you at Dynasty Suites Redlands. Each room is elegantly decorated with crown molding throughout, and accented with outside greenery to give your room that ‘just like home’ touch. All rooms also come fitted with our brand new Swedish Tempur-pedic® beds, a choice of feathered or synthetic down pillows, and a custom designed comforter. With six different room types, you can be assured that Dynasty Suites Redlands will have a room specifically designed just for you, for any occasion!
These are just a few of the many things that will help make your stay comfortable and relaxing. All rooms are generously equipped with the following amenities:

Dynasty Suites Redlands welcomes you with a warm smile and an effortless and convenient Check-In process. The friendly and highly trained staff members are committed to serving your every need.

To make reservations log on to dynastysuites.com or call 909  793-6648.

This is my fourth President’s message and Kathie has not had to use a cattle prod yet, although she has cracked the whip a few times. So here we are in April the month of fools, and here in Redlands it is also the month of bicycles and runners.

The Redlands Bicycle Classic attracts professional bicycle racers from all over the world.  Along with the professional riders come their coaches, trainers and team support which is a boon to Redlands businesses especially hotels and restaurants.

The Kiwanis Run Through Redlands is a one day event (half day actually) that does not have the same economic impact to Redlands businesses as the Bicycle Classic, it does however, bring hundreds of people from out of the area who, once they have had a glimpse of Redlands will come back to spend more time (and money) in our fair city. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce welcomes both these events, their participants,  fans and spectators and wishes them continued success.

I am fascinated with the runners of 5ks, 10ks, and other races. They seem to be willing to pay a lot of money to run in any bizarre race or situation or condition. The Board decided to replace Redlands Chamber Live auction with a Mud Run as our major fundraiser. Executive Director, Kathie Thurston, Manager Jan Nowlin and I participated in (visually, not actually) a Mud Run in the High Desert.  We formed a committee and started putting it all together only to find out we could not procure land to do this, so after two false starts and no mud, we switched to a color run. When we found out how much cornstarch and dye we needed to purchase and mix, we decided against this run.  Kathie heard about a light run so last December, we went to Costa Mesa and participated  in (visually and actually) that run. It was a spectacular event and we decided this is the run for the chamber.  Mark your calendars for December. It will be Redlands first night time 5K race….Watch for updates.

Cruisin’ Cuisine tickets are now on sale and going fast . If you want to participate in this delicious event, get your tickets soon, as this is always a sell out.  Plan on eating your way through downtown Redlands on June 22^nd.

I’ll be in touch again next month…MAY the force be with me!

Here’s a tasty way to treat yourself and your guests to the savory delights of Redlands while strolling in the center of Redlands, window shopping and enjoying the ambiance of the charm of downtown. On Saturday, June 22, ten restaurants will offer a gastronomic experience to guests as they stroll from one establishment to another in sampling specialties, delighting in sophisticated tastes and nibbling signature dishes.  This year delicacies will be available from; Rok N Fondue, The  Corner Bakery & Cafe, The Renaissance Banquet Hall, The Old Spaghetti Factory,  Jersey Mike’s   subs just to name a few.

Check-in will begin at 5:30 PM at the Chamber office where guests with a purchased ticket will pick up a wristband, a map and passport to each of the participating restaurants, then off they go to taste and test to their hearts delight. At each restaurant they will have the host sign their passport and at the end of the evening guest will turn in their passports for a chance to win the grand prize drawing.  For restaurants not located in downtown Redlands, host businesses will partner with them allowing use of facility providing both with great exposure. Hosts this year will include Wildflowers, on State Street.

“This is a great avenue to promote our local restaurants” said Daney Bachiu, Chamber President. “We want to drive people to downtown and showcase our unique restaurants. There is no place better in the Inland Empire to spend an evening out than Redlands.”

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and are limited. To purchase your tickets, or to get more information about Redlands Chamber Cruisin’ Cuisine call 793-2546.