Recently at the Chamber’s Strategic Planning meeting directors added a brand new program to the schedule that will allow chamber members to sit and converse with area leaders. Coffee & Conversation will bring business and property owners together, over coffee to discuss current and relevant topics that impact the business community.
The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25th, at 7:30 AM. Police Chief Mark Garcia and Commander Chris Catren will visit to discuss public safety in Redlands, the challenges, successes, impacts and future plans for the police department.
The informal gathering will offer free flowing conversation that will allow members an opportunity to discuss issues with the Chief and Commander that may be plaguing the businesses community.
Seating will be limited to the first 30 to reserve. There is no charge for chamber members.
In the future Coffee & Conversation will be scheduled with City Council Members, Senator mike Morrell, Assemblyman Mark Steinorth, city department directors and civic leaders.
“This is another effort for us to reach out to the membership and continue the lines of communication between the business community and legislative and civic leaders.” said Jill Riley, Chamber President Elect, “A sound healthy business community relies on so many layers that communication is key to success. It’s important to know and understand the challenges faced and to be a part of solutions.”
On January 20, 2015 City Council awarded the contract for construction of the Orange Street Alley Pedestrian Enhancement Project. Construction is scheduled to begin on or around March 3, 2015 and has an anticipated completion date of June 30, 2015. The contractor for the project is Three Peaks Corporation of Calimesa, California. Contract award was in the amount of $529,000. A majority of the project costs will be funded by the City of Redlands Park and Open Space Development Fund, with the remaining amount being funded by the City’s Storm Drain Construction Fund, Water Projects Fund and Park Maintenance Fund.
The Pedestrian Enhancement Project will repurpose the existing alleyway between Citrus Avenue and State Street, and Orange Street and Fifth Street, into a public park and will construct new pedestrian elements. Improvements will include the installation of pavers, raised planters, decorative light standards, arched trellises, and gates. The project will construct new physical enhancements to the downtown core, create a destination for tourists and residents, and provide an opportunity for economic retention and growth for local businesses.
The Orange Street Alley Pedestrian Enhancement Project will be managed by the City of Redlands Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department. During the duration of the project the city will be making a concerted effort to minimize disruptions for citizens and businesses in the project area. “No access” signs will be posted at the entrance of the alley along Orange Street and Fifth Street indicating the dates construction will be occurring. No parking, delivery services, or access to your business through the alley will be allowed during construction for safety purposes. Temporary designated delivery locations will be made available along State Street and Fifth Street during construction activities. Trash collection will occur on your normal trash collection day, however, will be located in temporary locations.
If you have questions about the project contact city staff member Tabitha Kevari, Project Manager or Olivia Crowley, Community Relations Coordinator, at 909 798-7584 x3
Dan Kaiser, CASp Inspector can help you avoid unnecessary ADA lawsuits
PRIVATELY OWNED FACILITES and the A.D.A.(A.D.A. Title III) A.D.A. Section 36.304 – Removal of Barriers. A public accommodation shall remove architectural barriers in existing facilities, including communication barriers that are structural in nature, where such removal is readily achievable.
In the shadow of a rash of “non-compliant” lawsuits filed by attorneys and clients looking for quick and easy money it is essential that business and property owners take every proactive precaution to avoid being a target.
Daniel F Kaiser a certified CASp inspector has the tools and knowledge to help prevent unnecessary suits.
The Kaiser team is available to assist private, public accommodation facilities comply with t Federal requirements contained in Title III of the A.D.A and are available to review all facilities and programs owned, and/or operated by a private entity, to ensure compliance with barrier removal requirements under the A.D.A. Dan and his State wide team of inspectors and specialists offer ADA compliance training as well as inspection services. Training ranges from Revised Regulations to Public Right of Way and Other Areas.
If you are in need of a Certified Accessibility Specialist in order to comply with California state law (SB 1608 Corbett), or Federal ADA requirements Dan Kaiser, CASp Services® is available to assist you with all of your disabled access compliance needs, and to assist you in making your facilities accessible to the disabled and compliant.
Call Dan Kaiser, 909 747-5296, to make arrangements for an inspection, to discuss training, or to discover what you need to avoid an unnecessary lawsuit.
The Mitten Building providing extraordinary space for extraordinary events
A part of Redlands history, The Mitten Building is a step back into the elegance, of historic Redlands.
Built in 1890, the Mitten Building was originally one in a series of packing houses in Redlands. The brick structure remains untouched and speaks to the history of the building and industry. Stepping into the event center with its exposed rafters, beams and joists, visitors are transported into a graceful period of strength of structure. The all wood interior offers character and ambiance not found in sterile venues that tend to all look alike.
The multilevel interior invites people to move around, explore and mingle. Typically, the downstairs is set up as a reception area. Wrought-iron chandeliers descend from the Mitten’s 50-foot ceiling, and garlands entwined with twinkle lights run along every rail and banister. The mezzanine above has a beautiful narrow-slat maple floor, and its slender iron support beams are each flanked by two shiny brass lamps.
The Mitten Building’s Summerbell Ballroom, offers a more modern feel. Colored LED up-lights transform the walls. There’s also a granite-topped bar, a dance floor, and a lounge section with leather couch and bar tables. An adjoining patio provides an outdoor experience overlooking the garden.
Most recently The Mitten Building has opened for lunch, Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 2 PM. Overseen by executive chef Roberto Argentina, the restaurant offers sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. Complementing the menu, draft microbrew beer, handmade mixed drinks, wine and soft drinks are available. They bake all of their own breads each day and use local farmers whenever possible.
For your next special event, wedding or lunch date visit The Mitten Building at 345 North 5th Street in downtown Redlands. Call for more information, 909 793-1294 or log onto, www.mittenbuilding.com.
Membership in the Chamber is an investment in your business and the business community of Redlands. By striving to improve the economic climate in Redlands, the Chamber is dedicated to increasing business opportunities for its members. Most recently our efforts to thwart unnecessary ADA non-compliant, frivolous lawsuits are helping our businesses avoid costly legal expenses. Soon a brochure will be distributed to every business license holder in Redlands to help business and property owners become proactive and avoid legal action.