AUGUST 2014 – Redlands On Ice

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1 Redlands On Ice Rink

The clock is ticking, counting down the arrival of Redland’s first ice skating rink scheduled to arrive this December. Presented by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce and The Rochford Foundation, and sponsored by the City of Redlands, the rink announcement has created quite a stir in Redlands and beyond.

“In the sweltering heat of July we have been getting inquiries about the ice rink.” said Kathie Thurston, Chamber Executive Director, with a smile. “It’s very exciting for all of us at the Chamber to bring such an extraordinary event to town. “

Thurston said the Board of Directors thought long and hard about the costly event but saw the benefit to not only chamber members but the entire community. The novelty of ice skating in Southern California has proven to be successful in other communities so chamber leaders decided there was no better community to host a rink.

“We expect to appeal to children having a first time experience on ice, to teens trying something new and fun, to adults taking a trip down memory lane and for others testing their skills. It really is an event that works for everyone.” Said Daney Bachiu, chamber past president.

Redlands on Ice will be located in the northwest corner of the Redlands Mall parking lot, open for skating December 26th through January 1st, noon to 10 PM each day.

While many have asked why just a week and why after Christmas Thurston noted that thoughtful discussion was had when determining the schedule. The Board sees this first effort at skating in Redlands as a test of the appeal of an Ice rink in downtown during the holidays, and also considered the impact it would have on competing holiday events and even parking in downtown during the pre-holiday shopping season.

When asked if there would be food vendors brought in Thurston replied “No, we sincerely hope that visitors to the rink will visit our local restaurants before or after skating and do a little post-holiday shopping. We will invite non-profit organizations to set up booths if they choose to do so but will be encouraging our skaters to take advantage of the local fare.”

The Redlands on Ice website, www.Redlandsonice.com, will be launched in August allowing the curious to learn more about the rink, the schedule, the cost and even purchase tickets.

AUGUST 2014 – Redlands Chamber Night Light Run Returns

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2 Night Light RunThe Redlands Chamber Night Light Run event is on the way…. Saturday, December 27, 2014. Sponsored by Barich and Associates, Beaver Medical Clinic, Juice it Up, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, and Visiting Angels, the one of a kind night time running experience is coming back to downtown Redlands. Last year the inaugural event saw close to 600 runners decked out in “glowtacular” duds chasing the lights in Redlands. It’s not exactly a run for your life, must beat your last 5K time event but it is about enjoying the lights, and the glow of the course along with your friends and family.  In the dead heat of summer people are already making plans to hit the streets, lit up like holiday lights and wind their way through the brand new course.

Runners, walkers, meanderers and roamers can register as individuals or sign up as part of a team; teams are made up of four or more. Glow gear is the order of the night and “athletes” are encouraged to come decked out in their finest neon attire. Registered runners will receive an official coveted neon bright T-shirt, glow accessories as well as a race bib.

Participants don’t need to be in the best shape of their lives as the Night Light Run. There are plenty of other great 5Ks out there to test speed and performance. This event is all fun, friends and lights. Entrants can run, walk, crawl, skip, or amble back to the fabulous finish line where there will an amazing light and sound show waiting!

Early registration will be discounted for those that are eager to be first in line at the start, check the website at www.redlandschambernightlightrun.com for electrifying details.

AUGUST 2014 – Member Profile – Redlands Taxi – Cab Company

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Redlands Taxi- Redlands Cab Company the premier taxi service in the area was established in 1976 and since then the family owned and operated business has been serving the Inland Empire. 3 Redlands Taxi picture

The father – son partnership offers professional, friendly drivers and operators. Their moto is “All of our customers are VIPs and receive 110% of our attention.”

Offering discounts to senior citizens, students, the men and women of the military and customers with special needs. Redlands Taxi Company and their professional, friendly staff guarantees safe, reliable and dependable service.

The professional and helpful customer service representatives are available to take your calls 24 hours a day. Whether you need a comfortable cab service to pick you up at the airport or just a short trip to local meeting or appointment Redlands Taxi Co. provides the best in customer care.

Providing transportation to airports, casinos, Amtrak and Metro Link Stations, Redlands Taxi can get you to your destination on time.

Call Redlands Taxi-Redlands Cab Company for your next stress free ride, 909 798-1111.

AUGUST 2014 – Member Profile – Rok-N-Fondue

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The o4 Rok N Fondue picturewners of Rok-n-Fondue believe everything they do should be centered around a communal, interactive experience that encourages good conversation and time will spent with loved ones and dear friends.

Rok-n-Fondue is not your traditional restaurant, where tables are “turned and burned”. Instead the team at Rok-n-Fondue believes a good meal should include great food, shared conversation and maybe a glass of wine or “moonshine”. The dining experience at this extraordinary restaurant has been engineered to encourage all of the above and stay as long as you like.

The menu offers a wide selection of features from some of the freshest ingredients available. Their meats are grass fed, the chicken, free range, and the vegetable are organic and locally-sourced.

The entertainment of is watching your entrée cooked tableside. The volcanic rocks are kept in specialized ovens for hour, producing exceptionally hot rocks. The extreme heat denaturizes the proteins of meat and combines with the natural sugars in a process call the Maillard reaction.  Along with marinades, fat content and brining the combination gives the meat its unique flavors and makes it completely safe to eat.

The Fondue originated in Switzerland as early as 1699 and has remained a popular communal style of eating throughout Europe. The unique fondue includes indulgent cheese served with traditional dippers; distinct blends of herbs, spices, wines, or oils creating a brilliant broth that’s excellent for cooking seafood, poultry and vegetables. Dessert combines a sweet combination of melted rich Swiss chocolate to satisfy any sweet craving.

Located in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Redlands at 25 E. State Street the Roc-n-Fondue are open Monday through Saturday dinner, 5 PM – 10 PM, Sunday dinner, 5 PM – 9 PM, Friday, Saturday, Sunday lunch 12 PM to 4 PM. Call for reservations at 909 793-1919.

AUGUST 2014 – What Is Your Chamber?

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Your chamber of commerce is a voluntary partnership of business and professional people working together to build a healthy economy and to improve the quality of life in your community. rcc-President-Geoff-Bonney

As your chamber works to accomplish these goals it wears many hats: economic developer and planner; tourist information center; business spokesperson; government relations specialist; and public relations practitioner.

Who are your Chamber’s members?

Chamber of Commerce members are businesses, organizations and individuals concerned with the socio-economic climate of the community.  They have joined together because they know they stand a better chance of getting things done when they speak as one voice.

Who leads your Chamber?

Your Chamber of Commerce is run by its members.  They elect a Board of Directors that in turn determines policies and sets goals.  A President presides over all Board meetings. Your Chamber’s day-to-day operations are handled by a professional manager, a paid employee. Members often become involved in chamber activities by working on committees, projects or taskforces.

What are the objectives of your Chamber?

As it works to improve the community’s economy and quality of life, your chamber keeps these broad objectives in mind: • to help businesses prosper and grow; • to increase job opportunities; • to encourage well managed expansion and development of all segments of the community; • to contribute to the overall economic stability of the community.

What are the activities of your Chamber?

Chamber of commerce activities reflect community needs.  Some of the most popular activities of chambers include: • Economic development: creating jobs; providing services and information to members; promoting retail activities; recruiting new businesses and industries; attracting tourists. • Community development: revitalizing the downtown retail area; hosting events and activities. • Public affairs / relations: communicating business and civic issues to local, state and national governments.

How does a Chamber accomplish these activities?

The Chamber of commerce usually accomplishes their activities by: • having specific goals and objectives designed to meet the needs of the membership and community;  • having an organizational structure with bylaws; policies and procedures for coordinating volunteers and programs of work; • having involved and dedicated leaders that are well informed and are willing to use their time and talent to accomplish meaningful  activities; • having informed, interested and willing members to work on committees, to carry out programs of work and to provide necessary  financing; • having the financial resources to undertake programs of work and to provide administrative responsibilities; • having skilled executive management dedicated to the chamber, to oversee programming and sound operations.

 

AUGUST 2014 – President’s Article by President Geoff Bonney

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Here President Geoff Bonneywe go again.  Like it or not, the elections are coming including lawn signs and political attack ads.  Personally, I find it kind of exciting.  The elections that is, not the attack ads.

Keeping in tradition with great Chambers of Commerce everywhere, we are getting involved with the election process.  Not to the extent of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, mind you.  Their activities gained national media attention a few weeks ago.  The US Chamber gets involved in various elections all across the country, and spends tens of millions of dollars to support or oppose candidates.  Needless to say, their Night Light Run and Ice Skating fund raisers must be enormous to get that kind of cash.  Kathie and Jan, take note.  At the Redlands Chamber of Commerce we are not quite so ambitious.  We do however, have a couple of events planned to help you become more acquainted with some of the candidates, and hopefully help you make an informed voting decision.

Of local interest is the City Council election.  The seats currently held by Mayor Pro Tem Foster and Councilmembers Gardner and Harrison are up for grabs this round.  The Redlands C of C has established a team to interrogate, I mean interview, the City Council candidates to see where they stand on issues important to the business community.  Upon completion of the interviews, the Board of Directors will decide which, if any, of the candidates will receive an endorsement.  Unlike the US Chamber our endorsement does not come with lots of cash, just a pat on the back.  Maybe if we have a few bake sales…

But we do not expect you to blindly follow the findings of our interview team.  There will be a City Council Candidate Forum on Tuesday, September 23rd in the Redlands City Hall, Council Chambers.  Just as with the forums before, this will be an opportunity for you to ask questions directly to one or more of the candidates about issues important to you.  You can attend in person, or watch from home.  Questions can be sent in electronically.

Now that we have some momentum going on this election thing, we decided to stretch our wings a bit beyond the Redlands’ City limits.  We are teaming up the Chambers of Commerce from Fontana and Loma Linda for a Congressional Candidate Forum on Thursday, September 18th, at Loma Linda City Hall Council Chambers, 25541 Barton Rd., 6:30 PM.  The race is down to Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar (D) and Paul Chabot (R).  Like the City Council election forum, you will have a chance to submit questions for the candidates.  This will be an exciting event given this race is for our representation in Washington D.C.

That’s enough for us to handle this election.  You’re on your own for the numerous measures and propositions that are sure to work their way on to the ballot.  There is plenty of information out there if you can find some spare moments to take a look.  Stay informed and vote!

AUGUST 2014 – New Chamber Members – July 2014

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BELL SIGNS
Steve Bell
Yucaipa, CA  92399
Phone:  951-551-4668
 
CENTURION TRAINING CENTER
Paul Roman
12592 California
Yucaipa, CA  92399
Phone:  877-638-0459
 
HARCOURTS & FREEMAN
Brad Freeman
1780 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  877-300-4289
 
HUDCO HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC
Doug Hudec
12306 California
Yucaipa, CA  92399
Phone:  797-2298
 
MIDWEST PAINTING
Richard Morgan
33562 Yucaipa Blvd #4, #236
Yucaipa, CA  92399
Phone:  973-4595
 
OAK VALLEY MUSIC ACADEMY
Willi Rose Silva
32999 Yucaipa Blvd, Suite 106
Yucaipa, CA  92399
Phone:  790-0011
 
OPTIMAL MOVEMENT PHYSICAL THERAPY
Alan Eldridge
312 Brookside
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-7402
 
RIGHT AT HOME
Phil Pledger
34664 County Line Road, Suite 7
Yucaipa, CA  92399
Phone:  795-8838

AUGUST 2014 – Chamber Members Renewing in July

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ARROW STAFFING
Matt Thalmayer
499 W. State Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-1252
 
BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE
ORDER OF ELKS
Joyce Beauregard
663 New York Street
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-4211
 
BUILDING A GENERATION
Melinda Corral
932 W. Cypress Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-8822
 
CALIBER COLLISION
Kenny Baker
450 Nevada
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3442
 
CHILDHELP USA
Jennifer Quinn
1743 Orange Tree Lane, Suite A
Redlands, CA  92374
 
COLTON-REDLANDS-YUCAIPA ROP
Stephanie Houston
1214 Indiana Court
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-3115 ext 102
 
COMMUNITY BANK
Everett Thompson
200 E. Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-8100
 
CRAIG & SONS TERMITE & PEST CONTROL, INC.
Christine Cornejo
481 Business Center Court
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-1486
 
CYPRESS VILLAS APARTMENTS
Karen Moreno
301 E. Cypress Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-1862
 
EMPLOYMENT & COMMUNITY OPTIONS
Desiree Rivera
1910 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 320
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  475-9503
 
EUREKA BURGER
345 Pearl Avenue #130
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  335-5700
 
FIDUCIAL BUSINESS CENTERS, INC.
David Felix
1676 Plum Lane
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  798-4477
 
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF REDLANDS
Angel  Florence
51 West Olive Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3289
 
GEOFFREY H. HOPPER & ASSOCIATES A.P.C.
Geoffrey H. Hopper
645 Brookside Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-9800
 
JAM SPORTSWEAR, INC
Mike Sullivan
325 Alabama Street, Suite 1
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-4552
 
JULIAN AUGUST SALON
Lupe & Manuel Voss
147 East Vine #35
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone: 792-1872
 
KIWANIS CLUB OF REDLANDS (NOON)
Rick Foster
P. O. Box 1102
Redlands, CA  92375
Phone:  748-0637
 
KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Jessica Stafford
1003 E. Brier Drive, Suite 120
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  824-2000
 
KWB WEALTH MANAGERS GROUP
Lorraine Gidcumb
1782 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  307-8220
 
LAW OFFICE OF HARVEY KATZMAN
Harvey Katzman
1 East Redlands Blvd, 2nd Floor
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-2637
 
LAW OFFICE OF RICHARD BAWDEN
Mary Bawden
300 E. State Street, Suite 430
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-0222
 
MORLEY WATER IMPROVEMENT SYSTEMS
Michael Morley
612 Texas Street
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone   793-2359
 
PAUL PRADO PHOTOGRAPHY
Paul Prado
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  816-0318
 
PENCE CONSTRUCTION
Rick Pence
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-0423
 
REAL ESTATE MASTER GROUP
Larry LaRock
1425 W. Lugonia Avenue S-012
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-5333
 
REDLANDS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Patricia Perry
P. O. Box 7152
Redlands, CA  92375
Phone:  649-1474
 
REDLANDS FAMILY PRACTICE MEDICAL GROUP
Sandee Derryberry
1520 Barton Road
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3208
 
REDLANDS PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
Kelwyn Wild
P. O. Box 784
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-7600
 
ROSE GARDEN RESIDENTIAL CARE
Veronica Ramos
1350 N. Wabash Avenue
Mentone, CA  92359
Phone:  794-1040
 
SB COUNTY WORKFORCE DEV. DEPT
Gene Eisenbeisz
658 E. Brier Drive, Suite 100
San Bernardino, CA  92408
913-1816
 
THE EATING ROOM
Martha Green
106 E. Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-5400
 
THE UNFORGETTABLES FOUNDATION
Tim Evans
345 W. Pearl Avenue Suite 230
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  335-1655
 
WATSON LAND COMPANY
Jennifer Johnson
22010 So. Wilmington Avenue, Suite 400
Carson, CA  90745
Phone:  310-952-6400
 
WILDFLOWERS FIORI DI CAMPO
Lisa Kirksey
208 E. State Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3345
 
ZACK’S HANDS
Zack Zacharias
17 South 5th Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  648-8345

 

 

 

 

 

 

JULY 2014 – President’s Article by President Geoff Bonney

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President Geoff Bonney

Once again it is time for the quarterly update.  Here are some of the things keeping us busy here at the Chamber.

Redlands on Ice:  This is a brand new event that we are really excited about.  This December the Chamber will bring ice skating to Redlands.  From December 26th through January 2nd there will be a synthetic ice rink in the mall parking lot.  This will bring more people and activity to downtown between Christmas and the New Year.  Kathie and Jan will provide more information in coming announcements.

FAST Critical Infrastructure Program:  That stands for Flood, ADA Ramps, Sidewalks, Trees & Parks.  Responding to concerns expressed at the February 18th City Council Meeting, the City expanded the education and feedback efforts to engage more citizens.  As a result, the City determined that there is not enough support to make this worth putting on the ballot in November.

Alcohol Ordinance:  The alcohol ordinance was discussed at May 6th City Council Meeting.  There were a lot of questions and objections from the restaurant and bar representatives present, particularly in regards to the potential for live feed security cameras.  The City set up a meeting allowing those concerned to express their issues, as well as hear from the Police Department the reason behind the Ordinance.  Revisions to the Ordinance will be made based on the dialog from the meeting.

Congressional Candidate Forum:  With the slate narrowed down to the final two, the Chamber is organizing a forum for the candidates running for the 31st Congressional District.  This will be a great opportunity to hear where the candidates stand on the issues important to Redlands and the Inland Empire.  Keep an eye out for the announcement of the date, time and location.  (Probably in mid-September.)

City Council Candidate Forum:  By the end of August we will know who is running for the 3 seats on the City Council.  Once again we will provide a forum to ask the candidates questions on matters important to you.  Look for something scheduled in late September or early October.

Anti-Business Legislation:  As you can see the GRC is hopping.  To add to the items above, there is a bill in the State Legislature will create hardships or exposure to unwarranted lawsuits on not just California businesses, but consumers as well.  AB 2416 will allow liens to be filed on property as part of a labor payment dispute without first proving wrongdoing.  The lien can be filed on the property where the work was done, even if the owner of that property has not contributed to the dispute.  This bill is moving through the legislature rather quickly.  We are doing what we can to stop it, but it looks like this one is on its way to becoming law.  The GRC meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Chamber office, 7:30 am.  Please join us if you would like to learn more or get involved in addressing these issues.

Night Light Run:  The Night Light Run Committee is working diligently on making this year’s event even better than the last.  The date is December 27th.  To keep things interesting, the rout will be different than last year.  Sign-ups have already begun so make your reservations now!