By President Geoff Bonney, Bonney Architecture

Here we are in April already.  This is a good time to provide some info on the latest goings on at the Chamber.

Cruisin’ Cuisine:  It’s back!  The Chamber’s annual spring event will be here on Saturday, April 12^th.  This is a fabulous event that gives you the opportunity to try the delicious fare from 11 of Redlands’ finest restaurants.  Part of the genius of this event is that you walk off what you eat during the event.  Tickets are available online at www.redlandscuisine.com, or at the Chamber office.

FAST Critical Infrastructure Program:  That stands for Flood, ADA Ramps, Sidewalks, Trees & Parks.  Contrary to our understanding back in February, the City Council did not have to make a decision to put this on the ballot right away.  As such, the program is still open for discussion and, hopefully, modification.

The Chamber Board of Directors revisited the issue, and supports the portion of the program to address ramps, sidewalks, and trees.  This portion delivers a good bang for the buck.  When you include the end of the Measure O tax earlier this year, the net impact is not that much.  Flood control is not as simple.  Recent floods resulted in millions of dollars’ worth of damage.  The question is not so much as to whether or not infrastructure work needs to be done, but more how much work needs to be done, and if this is this the right approach to solving the problem.  $47.8 million is a lot of money.  The Chamber Government Review Committee will continue to review this matter.  The GRC meets on the first Wednesday of every month, and you are welcome to attend to express your views or just listen in on the discussions.

Alcohol Ordinance:  An alcohol ordinance is under staff review in preparation for City Council consideration.  The purpose is to reduce the amount of damage done to public and private property by patrons of businesses that serve alcohol.  Under the proposed ordinance, businesses selling alcohol will be held accountable for damage done by their patrons, and could risk losing their conditional use permit to sell alcohol.  The current language for the ordinance includes a fee for these businesses to pay for employee training and City monitoring.  The GRC will review the proposed ordinance and make recommendations to the Chamber Board on a position or possible action.  Stay tuned.

Congressional Candidate Forum:  The Chamber is working on a forum for the candidates running for the 31^st Congressional District.  Since the incumbent, Gary Miller, is not seeking re-election, this will be an interesting race.  This will be a joint venture endeavor with other Chambers in the district.  We hope to schedule the forum for later this month, pending the availability of the candidates and facilities.  This will be a great opportunity to hear where the candidates stand on the issues important to the business community.

Night Light Run:  I know December is a long way off, but the Night Light Run Committee is already planning.  The inaugural event last year was a big success, and we are looking forward to making this year even better.  If you would like to participate on the committee contact the Chamber Office.  And bring your “enlightening” puns.

Cruisin’ Cuisine:  Did I mention Cruisin’ Cuisine?  Get your tickets today!  And thank you for all you do to support your Redlands Chamber of Commerce.

In a continuation of our Newsletter series on preparing for disaster, manmade or natural, this edition will focus on safe guarding your company and securing your physical assets.

Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply disrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; so check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage, business interruption. Understand what your policy covers and what it does not.

Businesses are often dependent on electricity, gas, telecommunications, sewer and other utilities. You should plan ahead for extended disruptions during and after a disaster. Speak with service providers about potential alternatives and identify back-up options such as portable generators to power the vital aspects of our business.

While there is no way to predict what will happen or what your business’ circumstances will be, there are things you can do in advance to help protect you physical assets. Install fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and detectors in appropriate places. Secure ingress and egress and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not useable. Secure valuable equipment and make sure your building’s HVAC system is working properly and is well-maintained. You should also determine if you can feasibly upgrade the building’s filtration system as a means of protection from biological and some other airborne threats.

Protecting your data information technology systems may require specialized expertise but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anit-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don’t open email from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from Internet intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known as patches regularly.

An investment in planning today will not only help protect your business investment and your livelihood, but will also support your employees, customers and stakeholders, the community, the local economy and even the country.

Be ready start now.

Freeman Office Products service, selection and savings

Freeman Office Products is the company-next-door, a part of the local communities and a partner in business. Freeman is dedicated to doing everything possible to help you and your business offering everything from furniture and business equipment to office supplies and specialty items at your request. Clients can always depend on courteous and personal assistance as well as speedy service. With a focus on the customer Freeman Office Products is the local one stop shop for all of your business needs, a part of the community and your partner in business.

You can find an extensive catalogue of products from office supplies to furniture, janitorial needs, to technology, and inks and toners, on the website at www.freemanop.com. You can order on line or call 387-1108 to get a “real” person to assist with your every need.  Freeman has what you need to keep things running smoothly.  They can even offer tips on saving time and money.

Do you have a concern that needs a solution immediately? Call the “answer guy” Tim Derryberry, co-owner for the resolution to your dilemma. Tim has developed a reputation of being the “Local Super Hero”, working for you. Tim and his wife Sandy, are dedicated to your specific needs, saving you both time and money. They make ordering simple and easy. There are no item numbers needed for common supply items, it’s quick and easy, you make the call and the knowledgeable team at Freeman Office Products will do all the work for you.

The “Delivery Ambassadors” will deliver on time and place items where ever you want them. If it’s an emergency local orders can be delivered same day.  Most furniture products purchased include free assembly along with delivery.

Freeman Office Products also offers free recycling services, they will remove and properly dispose of most office products you no longer need or have replaced.

So when you’re looking for service, selection, savings and same day delivery you can count on Freeman Office Products to get the job done.