APR 2014 – President’s Article

rcc-geoff-bonneyBy 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 12th.  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 31st 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.

APR 2014 – A Feast Of Food At Redlands Cruisin’ Cuisine

An afternoon tea cake and sandwich stand.When was the last time you ate at 10 restaurants in one evening? Perhaps at last year’s Cruisin’ Cuisine! Well it’s time once again to nibble your way through downtown Redlands. Saturday, April 12, the Chamber will again showcase 10 of the finest dining establishments in Redlands. Savory delights from Joe Greensleeves Restaurant, perfect pasta from the Old Spaghetti Factory (Served upstairs at the Chamber office), a taste of Thailand from Benjarongs Thai Cuisine, (served at Wildflowers Fiori De Campo, 208 E. State Street) sumptuous treats from Rok.N.Fondue, magnificent mouthfuls from Lounge 22, mouthwatering marvels from Corner Bakery Café, delectable bites from Wok in Café, luscious treats from the Royal Falconer, appetizing, yummy morsels from The Sizzler and tasty tidbits from Alfaro Catering (Served upstairs at the Chamber office). BONUS RESTAURANT, Oscars Mexican Restaurant.

At each location you dining passport will be signed and at the end it becomes your chance to win an Apple I-pad, provided by Paul T. Baric

Tickets are $40 per person. Check-in is at 5:00 PM at the Chamber office and from there you direct your foodie adventure, visit any of the restaurants in any order.

The entire evening is pedestrian friendly, taste bud tantalizing and a gastronomic adventure into the dining opportunities in Redlands.

To purchase your tickets log onto www.redlandscuisine.com.  For more information call the Chamber office

APR 2014 – Protect Your Investment In The Advent Of A Disaster

Emergency PreparedIn 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.

APR 2014 – Internet Sales Tax Compromise Sought

Internet sales taxIn an effort to end the long-running battle over the collection of sales taxes for online purchases, the House Judiciary Committee has discussed two possible ideas to tax Internet sales based on the retailer’s home state, rather than the buyer’s.

The tax proposal, known as the origin-based tax would call for the tax rate charged to be determined according to the retailer’s location rather than the buyers.  Proponents agree it would level the playing field for on-line and brick and mortar retailer across the board. However, opponents say such a system would drive Internet retailers to relocate to states that have no sales taxes. States also are anxious for Congress to act.  California lost about $2 billion in taxes on sales by out-of-state online retailers in 2012, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Under a 1992 Supreme Court ruling, states are permitted to collect sales taxes only from retailers with a physical presence in their state. Last year the Senate approved legislation allowing states to require that large Internet retailers collect sales taxes regardless of their physical location.

The National Retail Federation, that reports on-line sales compose 6% of all retail shopping, urges the committee to end the “unfair price and market advantage” that online retailers enjoy by not having to collect sales tax on all purchases.

 

APR 2014 – Member Profile – Freeman Office Products

freemanFreeman 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.

APR 2014 – Member Profile – Redlands Paint

paint bucketsRedlands Paint the leader in paint and color

Redlands Paint is a family-owned and operated business that has been an active part of the Redlands community for over 80 years.  Its doors first opened in 1934, under the name of Luther and Larry Paint Store.  Luther Holden passed the business on to his son Roger in the 1960s, and today, Redlands Paint (now a Benjamin Moore Signature Store) is run by Luther’s grandson, David Holden.

Three generations of expertise in paint and color matching, make Redlands Paint stand out from your local home improvement “big boxes”.  Redlands Paint is committed to providing their customers with top quality products, unbeatable service, and expert advice that only decades and decades of experience in the industry can offer.

Located at 555 W. Redlands Blvd. the store is conveniently situated in downtown Redlands. Open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday and Saturday 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The friendly and knowledgeable team at Redlands Paint can assist you with your decorating needs. The in-house decorators can help you in selecting the perfect window treatments or flooring to compliment your tastes and personality.  They will work with you to create the vision you have for your home. From custom shutters, to wallpaper, a variety of floor coverings, to solar shades from the outside in, Redlands Paint is ready to assist you with making your house a home.

Redlands Paint has 35 years of experience in preserving and showcasing all of your treasures and more.  Instead of collecting dust in your attic, your priceless mementos and works of art deserve to be beautifully displayed in your home.  The Custom Framing Department specializes in: shadow box layouts, acid-free & UV-blocking materials, needlework & canvas stretching, beveled mirrors, thousands of moldings and mat samples along with professional installations.

Whether it’s your daughter’s wedding invitation, your grandson’s college diploma, your father’s military medals, the autographed playbill from your first Broadway show or the oil painting you picked up during your family vacation to Paris the skilled professionals at Redlands Paint will see to it that your personal and cherished memories are showcased perfectly. 909) 793-2488

Whatever your decorating needs might be, the attentive staff at Redlands Paint is available Monday through Saturday to answer your questions, call them at 909 793-2488, log onto, www.redlandspaint.com or stop by for a visit at 555 W. Redlands Blvd.

APR 2014 – New Chamber Members – March 2014

NEW MEMBERS – MARCH 2014
 
 
ASISTENCIA VILLA REHABILITATION AND CARE CENTER
Tracey Johns
1875 Barton Road
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-1382
Web Site:  www.asistenciavilla.com
 
CM PUBLISHING GROUP, LLC
Christa Morin
P. O. Box 316
Highland, CA  92346
Phone:  733-9231
 
CONCORDE CAREER COLLEGE
Ken Guerrero
201 E. Airport Drive
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  884-8891
 
FIRE TECH
Jason Woodruff
P. O. Box 2915
Blue Jay, CA  92317
Phone:  337-2866
 
IMAGES DESIGNER PORTRAITS
Ralph Mendez
407 E. Citrus
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-4127
Web Site:  www.imagesdesignerportraits.com
 
PORCELYNNE’S FABRIC BOUTIQUE
Jennifer Fairbanks
461 Tennessee, Suite D
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-4943
 
REDLANDS SENIOR HOUSING
Cathy Galvez
460 E. Fern Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-3077

APR 2014 – Renewing Chamber Members For March 2014

The Chamber Thanks Renewing Members For Their Continued Support:

AMERICAN RED CROSS
Yevette Ramos
202 W. Rialto Avenue
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  888-1481
 
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF REDLANDS
506 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
 
BARICH & ASSOCIATES
Paul Barich
1819 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite 104-D
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-0385
 
CALIFORNIA HOUSING FOUNDATION
Steve Von Rajcs
1200 California Street, Suite 104
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-9800
 
CARLSON CHIROPRACTIC
Rick and Leilani Carlson
529 Cajon Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-3330
 
CAROLYN’S CAFÉ
Keith and Jan Kahn
1711 W. Lugonia Avenue, #101
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-8181
 
CBDM REDLANDS, LLC
Manager
1331 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-6330
 
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
Christine Brents
1505 So. Ford Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-8722
 
CITY FLORIST OF REDLANDS
Robyn Murray, Rebecca Beall
122 Cajon Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone:  793-4141
 
CONNECTION TO CRUISE
George Aballi
P. O. Box 8758
Redlands, CA  92375
Phone:  798-9133
 
DALE VENTRES, RETIRED
Dale Ventres
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-7347
 
DAVE & VIRGINIA BARNES
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-7996
 
DYNASTY SUITES REDLANDS
David Giri
1235 West Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-6648 or 800-842-7899
 
FAMILY SERVICES OF REDLANDS
Kyra Stewart
612 Lawton Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2673
 
FOREIGN AUTO TECH
Sid Takouche
1635 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-9575
 
HUB INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES, INC
Martin Davis
470 E. Highland Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2373
 
IMAGE SYSTEMS, INC.
Nicole Campbell
1730 Plum Lane, Suite A
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  792-9063
 
INLAND EMPIRE RESIDENTIAL CENTERS
Penny Radtke
710 Church Street
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  798-0823
 
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
Aaron Wood
301 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2100
 
MIRAU, EDWARDS, CANNON, LEWIN & TOOLE
Mark Edwards
1806 Orange Tree Lane, Suite C
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-0200
 
PLYMOUTH VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Kevin Kasin
900 Salem Drive
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-9195
 
REDLANDS COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION
Beverly Noerr
168 South Eureka Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-7316
 
REDLANDS DENTAL GROUP
Lisa Chatwood
422 Orange Street
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  792-7500
 
REDLANDS EXECUTIVE SUITES
Allan Steward
1255 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  363-4700
 
ROTARY CLUB OF REDLANDS
Ralph Feller
131 Cajon Street, Suite 5
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-0953
 
SAN BERNARDINO WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Angie Quiroga
1630 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite A
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2503
 
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Ray Martinez
777 San Manuel Blvd
Highland, CA  92346
Phone:  864-8933
 
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF REDLANDS
Dianne Sceranka
P. O. Box 8953
Redlands, CA  92375
Phone:  790-0027
 
SOZO – THE COAT FAIRIES
Linda Hamrick
Beaumont, CA  92223
Phone:  562-355-0353
 
T. A. B. S. INC
Ron Drake
155 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 123
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  890-2434
 
WELSH INSURANCE SERVICES
Sarah Welsh
1445 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite B
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  520-8482