APRIL 2015 – Redlands Chamber Announces Energy Upgrade Grant Award

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logoRedlands – Redlands Chamber of Commerce has been named one of a select number of community-based organizations across the state that have been awarded grants to develop and implement energy management outreach, awareness, and educational programs for its local community with an emphasis on reaching diverse and underserved populations.

These grants are part of Energy Upgrade California’s efforts to work with grassroots organizations across the state to educate Californians about the simple steps they can take to better manage energy, save money, and make their homes more comfortable.

“We are proud to have been chosen as Community Ambassadors to implement the Energy Upgrade California educational outreach grant and look forward to working with individuals in our community to provide them with tools and resources they can use to reduce their energy consumption and save money in the process,” Kathie Thurston, Executive Director, Redlands Chamber of Commerce said.

Redlands Chamber of Commerce was one of 75 organizations statewide that received grants.  The Redlands Chamber won an award due to its strong history of effectively reaching diverse communities to effect change through grassroots outreach and engagement programs.

“The grants will help bring the importance of energy management to communities throughout the state,” Lauri Walker, manager of community ambassadors, Energy Upgrade California said. “If we all take steps to better conserve and manage energy, our collective efforts will make a big difference as California works to meet energy goals.”

The Redlands Chamber’s long experience with community outreach campaigns has demonstrated its success in reaching diverse populations by utilizing both in-person and social media outreach.  With the funds received, the Redlands Chamber will the Ronald McDonald House of Loma Linda, to reach deeper into the community.

Energy Upgrade California® is a state initiative to help Californians take action to save energy and conserve natural resources, help reduce demand on the electricity grid, and make informed energy management choices at home and at work. It is supported by an alliance of the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, utilities, regional energy networks, local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to help communities meet state and local energy and climate action goals. Funding comes from investor-owned utility customers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. For more information, visit www.EnergyUpgradeCa.org.

APRIL 2015 – Redlands Fire Department Fire Inspections

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The Redlands Fire Department has developed a self-inspection program designed for specific low-risk businesses. This program provides the Fire Department and the city business community an opportunity to form a partnership in maintaining fire and life safety. The primary focus of this program is to deliver fire and life safety inspection information to businesses that historically pose a lower hazard, while keeping business disruptions and administrative cost to a minimum.

The intent of the self-inspection program is that selected low-hazard businesses would be permitted on alternate years to voluntarily opt-out of a full fire inspection conducted by Fire Department personnel annually. (Odd address number in odd years, even address numbers in even years).

Any business that opted for self-inspection would be provided a self-inspection fire and life safety checklist. Upon completion of the checklist by the business, the proprietor will submit the completed and signed checklist with a $22 administrative processing fee.

Any business that fails to complete the self-inspection process within the designated timeframe will be subjected to a conventional fire and life safety inspection. A fee of $134 is charged for inspections conducted by the Fire Department.

The Redlands Fire Department is targeting a January 1, 2016 launch of the three-year trial program.

APRIL 2015 – Did You Know

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADid you know…..

  • The Redlands Chamber serves on the City of Redlands Disaster Council that will help businesses prepare for the advent of a disaster, and plan for recovery as well as act as a conduit of information to the business community in the event of a disaster
  • The Chamber supported the City’s Alcohol Deemed Approved Ordinance, that provides an additional tool for the police department when overseeing businesses, new and old, that serve alcohol and the resulting behaviors.
  • The Chamber has worked with the Redlands Conservancy on a marketing campaign to reach out to the development community interested in restoring and adaptively reusing commercial buildings, enhancing the current makeup of the existing inventory in Redlands, the result was a brochure that shows the kinds of opportunities available when locating and adapting buildings in downtown and historic areas.
  • The Chamber led the regional campaign opposing AB 2416, a bill that would create a new super-lien that would allow employees, governmental agencies or anyone authorized on behalf of the employee to file liens on an employer’s real or personal property, and/or property where work was performed, based on alleged-yet-unproven wage claims. A lien could be placed on an employer’s property and on the property where the work was done, in an effort to collect unresolved wage disputes. Residential remodel, tenant improvements, landscaping or custom home construction, delivery, service and more could have placed you in jeopardy of being woven into a wage dispute and consequently create a financial nightmare for you. The bill failed.

 

APRIL 2015 – Chamber to Present State of the Community

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Foster_Paul

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce will present the Annual State of the Community Luncheon, Thursday, June 26th; 12:00 PM at the Orton Center, University of Redlands, check-in begins at 11:30 AM

Mayor Paul Foster will facilitate the event and address the community, explaining accomplishments, announcing plans, awarding citizens and businesses outstanding community awards and much more. Council Members will each have a role in the presentation and a video will be used to emphasize what has taken place in Redlands over the past year.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for our Mayor and Council to meet with the citizens and business leaders of Redlands. It will give them an opportunity to share both the immediate and long term vision for the city.” said Geoff Bonney, Chamber President. “We are delighted to once again present the annual event with format changes. The new program structure will provide a venue allowing our elected officials an opportunity to meet the business community out side the confines of City Hall.

The awards presented will be the 1st Annual Beautification Award, for New Construction with landscaping, Existing Development with Landscaping, Adaptive Reuse of Historic Property, Sustainable Design and Innovation. The 2015 Heroes Awards will be presented to individuals or organizations that demonstrate meaningful commitment of time and service that addresses community need and or enhance the quality of the life demonstrating generosity and kindness for the residents of Redlands.  Nominations can be downloaded at heroes@cityofredlands.org, beautification@cityofredlands.org or can be picked up at the Chamber office.

The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person, reservations are required.

For more information about the State of the Community Luncheon or to make reservations, call 793-2546.

 

 

APRIL 2015 – New Chamber Members – March 2015

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7 ELEVEN
Harvey Bhatti
1256 Orange Street
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  798-4782

24 HOUR FITNESS
Zach Gutenson
27621 San Bernardino Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  798-7777

CONNIE DAVIS HYPNOSIS AND LIFE COACH
Connie Davis
312 Brookside Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  214-729-3949

FIRE MEMORIES, INC.
Doug Hammer
5261 W. Wilson
Banning, CA  92220
Phone:  951-260-9434

G. WHITTY MUSIC, INC.
George Whitty
1255 W. Colton Avenue, Suite 3
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  310-488-9068

HOBBY LOBBY
Natalie Hostetter
27551-A East San Bernardino Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374

LIFEWAVE
Susie Mierzwik
Yucaipa, CA  92399
Phone:  709-3075

MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY
Lydia Snyder
685 E. Carnegie Drive, Suite 100
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  951-260-9493

PAIN SOLUTIONS MEDICAL MASSAGE, LLC
Dante La Madrid
823 Tri City Center Drive
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  347-0330

PHOENICIA
Riad Haddad
572 Orange
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  335-0030

PREMIER HOME AND DESIGN
Meriel & Anthony
405 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  748-6000

REDLANDS BICYCLE CLASSIC
Scott Welsh
P. O. Box 7880
Redlands, CA  92375

SWEET MEMORIES
Steven Wilkinson/Tony Minotti
24 E. State Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-1832

THE HOME DEPOT-REDLANDS
DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Amy Quinto
27352 River Bluff Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  557-9100

WADDELL & REED
Cameron Valadez
3685 Main Street, Suite 300
Riverside, CA  92501
Phone:  904-6429

 

APRIL 2015 – Chamber Members Renewing – March 2015

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AAA ALARM SYSTEMS – TBM
Tim Murone
278 Tennessee Street, Suite 8
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2194

AMERICA CANCER SOCIETY-
DISCOVER SHOP
Natalie Morris
1534 Barton Road
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-8900

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF REDLANDS
Treasurer
506 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  792-2675

ASSOCIATES OF THE REDLANDS BOWL
Susan Sequeira
P. O. Box 492
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  1-866-999-bowl

BARICH & ASSOCIATES
Paul Barich
1819 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite 104-D
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-0385

BENJARONG THAI CUISINE
Lee Durkeshire
1001 Park Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-3235

BON APPETIT UNIVERSITY
CLUB & CATERING
1259 E. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  748-8970

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Ricci Dula
1230 Indiana Court
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-2463

BRASWELL’S CHATEAU VILLA
Art Braswell
620 E. Highland Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-0433

BURGESON’S HEAT & AIR
CONDITIONING, INC.
Dianne Burgeson
620 Tennessee Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3685

CARLSON CHIROPRACTIC
Rick & Leilani Carlson
529 Cajon Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-3330

CAROLYN’S CAFÉ
Keith & Jan Kahn
1711 W. Lugonia Avenue, Suite 101
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-8181

CHASE BANK
Vangie Kent
4 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-4450

CHRIST THE KING
LUTERAN PRESCHOOL
Christine Brents
1505 South 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

DALE VENTRES
Associate Member
Redlands, CA  92373

DAVE & VIRGINIA BARNES
Associate Member
Redlands, CA  92373

DAVID RAFF & COMPANY
David Raff
104 E. Olive Avenue, Suite 201
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-8900

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
Jesica Calva
1041 E. Harriman Place
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  382-4560

GENERAL TECHNIQUE COMPTERS
Tamara Kawas
1426 Industrial Park
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-7400

GUAY WILSON, ATTORNEY
Guay Wilson
14 North 8th Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2044

HCH CONSTRUCTION
Frances Carter
404 E. Stuart
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-3022

HIS HOUSE RESIDENTIAL
TREATMENT FOR MEN
Tommy Vaughan
911 Church
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  942-9498

IMAGES DESIGNER PORTRAITS
Ralph Mendez
407 E. Citrus
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-4127

IMAGINE 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

INTANITY
Rebecca Nielsen
104 E. State Street, Suite D
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  838-3213

LA-Z-BOY WEST
Jovie Dabu
301 Tennessee Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-3204

LEWIS OPERATING CORP
Cameron Andreasen
1156 N. Mountain Avenue
Upland, CA  92786
Phone:  946-7551

LIFESTREAM
Jill Eaton
384 W. Orange Show Road
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  885-6503

McDONALD’S RESTAURANT
Dick Shalhoub
612 E. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-1516

MILT MINER, CPA
Milt Miner
405 E. Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-8117

MIRAU, EDWARDS, CANNON,
LEWIN & TOOKE
Mark Edwards
1806 Orange Tree Lane, Suite C
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-0200

PORCELYNNE’S FABRIC BOUTIQUE
Jennifer Fairbanks
461 Tennessee, Suite D
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-4943

REYNOLDS LAW, LLP
Scott Reynolds
300 E. State Street, Suite 450
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-3190

ROSE GARDEN RESIDENTIAL CARE
Veronica Ramos
1350 N. Wabash Avenue
Mentone, CA  92359
Phone:  794-1040

SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Roy Martinez
777 San Manuel Blvd
Highland, CA  92346
Phone:  864-8933

SANTA CLAUS, INC
Karen Di Carlo
824 E. 6th Street
San Bernardino, CA  92410
Phone:  885-0090

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
Annette Franco
287 Tennessee
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-6742

SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER
Paul Lay
413 E. Palm
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-9669

T.A.B.S. INC
Ron Drake
155 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 123
San Bernardino, CA  92408
Phone:  890-2434

TELEDYNE BATTERY PRODUCTS
Shelley Johnson
840 W. Brockton Avenue
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-3131

TRI-CITY ACOUSTICS, INC.
Ronald Jeffrey
465 Iowa Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-2260

WELSH INSURANCE SERVICES
Sarah Welsh
1445 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite B
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  520-8482

WYATT VIDEO
Bill Wyatt
31 Stuart
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  867-7163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APRIL 2015 – Member Profile – Goodwin Insurance Agency, Inc.

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11 Goodwin logoSince 2004, Goodwin Insurance has invested in holding to their heritage of strong working relationships built on integrity, honor and the highest standard of service.  They accomplish this by good old fashioned face to face relationships enhanced by technology.  Goodwin Insurance pledges to earn your business and trust.  Goodwin Insurance has been independently owned and operated to handle all your insurance needs offering affordable and reliable insurance choices for your home or business.

The professional team at Goodwin Insurance is committed to serving others regardless of profitability, challenge or difficulty.

Offering a variety of choices and carriers the agents and staff at Goodwin Insurance can meet your every insurance need keeping your unique needs and budget in mind.

Located in Redlands at 1806 Orange Tree Lane, Suite A, Goodwin Insurance can provide the very best in personal and business insurance requirements. Call for a consultation today at 793-8118,or log onto www.goodwin-ins.com.

APRIL – 2015 Member Profile – SMS Security

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10 - SMS Security

SMS Security, Inc. is one of the most elite private security firms in Southern California. With expertly trained security guards and sophisticated 24-hour monitoring systems, they keep an eye on what matters to you most.

During the security consultations, they provide expert advice. Their security installation team equips your facility with tools that protect you. They offer Live Scan background checks for the quickest and most secure background approval.

Their Smart Home systems give you control over your home from anywhere in the world. And, their property maintenance team combines the power of their professional security guards with their exceptional maintenance crew.

The mission of SMS Security is to manage your security with professionalism and reliability so you are free to focus on running your business. From utilizing expertly trained security guards and harnessing the power of their 24-hour monitoring service, to administering Live Scan background checks and installing automation services, they tailor your protection to meet your needs.

Southern California is not just a place the SMS team does business. It is their community, fully committed to supporting it. Once a month, SMS Security, Inc. officers volunteer their time at a local non-profits or charities. They encourage their personnel to participate or volunteer on their own. Additionally, they support select organizations through charitable contributions.

The wide range of security services offered by SMS Security ensures you and your business or residence are protected from theft and liability. To talk to one of the security experts about your unique needs, call SMS Security at 909 307-1007 for a free security consultation.

For more information about SMS Security and the services provided log onto www.smssecurityinc.com.

MAR 2015 – President’s Article by Geoff Bonney

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What’s NextPresident Geoff Bonney

As we get well into 2015, it is always good to look back at the past year’s accomplishments to see what worked and what we need to improve on.  For those of you who did not attend the installation banquet, here is what we did last year:

  • Maintaining 600 members
  • Maintained successful Business to Business Network program
  • Continued Speed Networking within the framework of Business to Business
  • A member of the Government Review Committee sits on the City and Climate Action Task Force to effectively review the Community Sustainability Plan insuring the best interest of the business.

And WHOLE BUNCH of other stuff that would make this article much too long.

Moving forward, we already have quite a list of things to do. In the political spectrum, there at two issues in particular that we are following. The first one is State Senate Bill 8. SB8 is a plan to overhaul the state tax structure. One of the points in this bill is adding a sales tax to professional services such as accounting, legal, and one near and dear to my heart, architecture. Such a tax would make professionals in California less competitive with firms from other states.

Then there is the never ending saga of ADA lawsuits. Two Assembly bills, 52 and 54, are in the works to curb the frivolous lawsuit trend. Both bills take the “fix it ticket” approach. In other words, if you are cited with an accessibility violation, you will have a chance to fix the problem before a lawsuit can move forward. To see two bills introduced at the same time from both political parties is very encouraging. There is a bit of skepticism since this is far from the first time the “fix it ticket” approach has been tried. The last time was by Senator Dutton with SB 1186. By the time the bill passed it looked nothing like the original legislation, and obviously was ineffective. It is still very encouraging that legislators recognize the need to take action. These things take time, patience, and above all persistence. We’ll keep an close watch on how the current bills are doing and let you all know when we need your support.

At the local level the Chamber is taking a proactive measure to help stop the ADA lawsuits. We are working with the City to include a flier with each business license renewal. The flier will alert business owners to the lawsuit activities, and help set them in the right direction to make themselves less vulnerable.

Last year we had three programs that helped highlight Redlands’ businesses; Cruisin’ Cuisine, the Night Light Run, and Redlands on Ice. This year we will continue all three programs, with the goal to make each of them bigger and better. One of the strengths of these events is that they bring people from surrounding areas into our community. Combined with the advertising opportunities with banners and the local business guide, these events work towards our objective of promoting Redlands.

And last but not least, we have a pilot program called Coffee and Conversation. This is a morning event that will provide an opportunity for conversation with various people of importance and influence in a small group setting. Of course a big attraction to this event is our own Chamber baristas (aka the staff). For the first Coffee and Conversation we are honored to have Chief Garcia and Commander Catren from the Redlands Police Department. Make your reservations for March 25th, 7:30 am, at the Chamber office.

We are well on our way to another productive year.