At a recent Board of Directors meeting, Police Chief Mark Garcia, Commander Chris Catren and Development Department representative, Sean Keleher presented an overview of the proposed Alcohol Deemed Approved Ordinance to the Board of Directors. The ordinance would apply to all new businesses that sell alcohol on or off site and require a CUP that would have performance criteria attached.  Chief Garcia explained that the ordinance would exclude restaurants.  Through the permitting process a formula would be applied that differentiates between bar/restaurant.  The issuance and maintenance of a CUP would depend on compliance of all alcohol related legal requirements.  All existing businesses that sell alcohol would be identified as Deemed Approved.

Commander Catren suggested that the ordinance would be used as an additional tool to maintain compliance in troubled areas.

The original draft of the Ordinance implied that an annual fee could be assessed to all alcohol related businesses, new and old.   When asked what the fees would be Garcia indicated that there would be no additional fees for/to the police department however, there could be fees charged to the program by other city departments including Development Department and Quality of Life. Keleher noted that the ordinance read “fees may be assigned”. No equation or estimate of fees was available.

Catren reported that each new application for businesses selling alcohol would be considered by the Planning Commission and conditions would be applied accordingly and individually. He also indicated that both new and Deemed Approved businesses owners and employees would have to go through the already existing service training program.

While the Chamber’s Board of Directors saw the benefit of the ordinance with respect to maintaining a continued safe environment for residents and visitors alike, they determined that because in its presented form, the ordinance alluded to fees but did not clearly define them further clarity was needed. Chamber President, Geoff Bonney, sent a letter to the Mayor and Council Member noting that transparency in all decisions made has been the mantra of elected officials and city staff but in this particular case the ordinance fell short of that promise.  In the letter the Board of Directors urged the Council to delay a decision until the issue of fees be resolved.

Before the ordinance was presented to the Council May 6^th ,for their consideration,  it was refined and any suggestion of fee had been removed.

During the Council discussion, a number of existing bar and restaurant owners addressed the panel to voice their concerns with particular attention to the implication of possibly requesting internal security cameras feeding directly to the police department. While many suggested that they already have cameras surveying the exterior of their businesses the thought of internal camera was disconcerting.

Council directed city staff to meet with the business owners, managers and chamber representatives before any action was taken.  The item was tabled for later consideration.

The chamber of commerce is a great place for anyone looking to make local connections and promote their business. But it’s more than just writing the check. It requires being involved and being proactive, taking advantage of your membership. It takes time, something small business owners often lacking. But the result of not investing your time and effort is often a disappointing chamber experience.

Here are a few ways you can get the most out of your chamber of commerce membership:

1. Go to Events. This is a great time for you to go and meet new people who are just like you. They are at the chamber to network, meet new people, and grow their business. You’re all tied together by a common theme, improving the local business climate. Going to events regularly will allow you to develop relationships with people and become familiar with other members. It will also allow other members to become familiar with who you are and what your business is, what product or service you provide. We are all more likely to recommend a fellow chamber member when someone asks for a referral because we know them.

2. Join a Committee. Chambers are run by members who volunteer to help out. Committees or the board of directors is a great way to get involved. Join a committee that you are interested in or have expertise in or have a passion for. Chamber events require committees of people with a variety of skills or interests, so be proactive, join and develop relationships with new people while working together to achieve a common goal.

3. Take Advantage of Offers. At the Redlands Chamber we can help members by offering reserved e-mail blasts, sharing info via social media, offering advertising and marketing opportunities, sponsorships and promotions. The catch is to reach out to tell the chamber what you want. It’s important to let the chamber know whatever you want to share. This is where proactive comes into play.

4. Connect Socially. When making connections through your chamber it’s important to follow up to help develop your relationship. Previously it’s was common to send an e-mail after an initial contact or meeting. Now you can connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ or Facebook to learn more about the person you connected with and their business. Go the extra mile and share their content, they will likely return the favor. Social media, like the chamber of commerce, is about developing relationships. Use it to enhance your chamber experience while in between events or committee meetings. It’s a great way to stay in touch.

5. Follow Up. Following up with people is often overlooked. You have met them at the monthly event and connected socially, but what about a follow up meeting? Invite your new connections out for a cup of coffee or lunch. This will help you get to know them and their business better while providing an opportunity to share more information about your business. It doesn’t stop at meeting people and connecting socially, follow up and solidify your relationships.

The chamber of commerce is a must for any local business looking to grow. It helps the community and helps you make connections that can grow your business. The formula is simple: you get out of it what you put into it. If you make the effort, the chamber of commerce can be a rewarding experience both personally and professionally.

Let the Redlands Chamber of Commerce bring special attention to your Grand Opening by holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony using the Chamber’s Giant Scissors. Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony package helps members get the word out about their openings, relocation, remodel, new executives etc. to other members and the community.

Package Includes:

• Attendance from Chamber staff and/or Chamber ambassadors
• Notification on Chamber’s website under “Chamber Calendar”
• Announcement and photo in Chamber’s monthly E-Newsletter
• Social media coverage, Facebook and Twitter

Contact Jan at info@redlandschamber.org to schedule your celebration.

Dr. Brenna Hamrick-Stotts, creating beautiful smiles

Dr. Brenna Hamrick-Stotts offers a feminine touch to cosmetic dentistry. She has been creating beautiful smiles for over 20 years in Redlands and is proud to offer the latest in dental technology in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Stott’s and her experienced staff will provide you with the professional care and personal attention that you deserve while you relax in a massage chair!

The office is conveniently located at 1150 Brookside Ave. Suite T.

Ask Dr. Stotts about  No-Shot Laser Dentistry for those patients who want a gentle but effective dental treatment. They also offer Teeth Whitening and many general and cosmetic services at affordable prices.  Another great advantage in technology Dr. Stotts offers is Same Day Crowns, Veneers, and Fillings.

People who have lost one or more teeth may be candidates for dental implants, eliminating the need for Dr. Stotts is pleased to add this to her list of services.

Since 1988, Hamrick-Stotts has helped people rediscover the beauty of smiling. New treatments using lasers can effectively contour gingiva, treat periodontal diseases and set fillings.  Also, added this past year was computerized scanning and milling so that they can deliver same day crowns. “My patients are excited about benefiting from this new technology,” says Dr. Stotts.

There are many options to improve not only the appearance of your smile, but also the overall health of your mouth. Together, the team tries to come up with a plan that will give you the smile you desire with the help of gingival contouring, crowns, veneers, tooth colored fillings, implants, and even teeth whitening.

In Dr. Stotts office, dental care can be surprisingly comfortable and less intimidating due to new technologies and products using the latest in dental technology and materials designed with the comfort of the patient in mind. A spa-like atmosphere helps to make the appointment less stressful for you.  She believes in treating patients as family and delivers dental treatment in massage chairs to help relax those who are nervous about the dentist. 

Dr. Stotts offers services for general, cosmetic and laser dentistry with a feminine touch. Our computer imaging software can give you a preview of your new smile. You can also get an interesting and informative view your own mouth with our intra-oral camera pictures displayed on a flat screen television! Find out the many ways to achieve the smile you have always wanted.

Call Dr. Stotts today at 909 793-9711, to make an appointment and see how they can help you gain the healthy smile of your dreams!

You can also make an appointment on line at www.queenofteeth.com .