MARCH 2016 – President’s Article by Jill Riley

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Redlands Chamber of Commerce Jill Riley President

We are pleased to announce that Susie Jarvis, Alta Vista Credit Union, has joined the Chamber’s Board of Directors.  Alta Vista Credit Union has demonstrated ongoing support of the Chamber, its mission, events and vision. We are extremely grateful that Susie has agreed to participate on the board and I look forward to getting to work with her.

There are some important upcoming events that you might want to add to your calendars. State of the Community luncheon is scheduled for Friday, June 24 at the University of Redlands Orton Center, once again Mayor Paul Foster will share the progress made by the city over the past 12 months and provide insight to the future of the city. He will again announce the Hometown Heroes and Beautification Award winners. Make sure you reserve your tickets early as this event will no doubt  sell out. The Chamber’s Cruisin’ Cuisine is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th.  Another opportunity to sample some of the amazing restaurants in Redlands all in one fun filled evening. It’s a fun way to spend the evening with family and friends, while discovering local eateries (and you don’t have to cook J). Hope to see you at these upcoming events!

MARCH 2016 – Top ten things employers do to get sued

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Employers’ most important tool of operation to keep them out of Labor Board Hearings and courtrooms is information. For the next several months a series of “must know” facts about employment issues will be published in the chamber newsletter. The information was provided CalChamber HR Specialists.

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The top ten things employers DO to get sued

Employers unintentionally may violate employment laws, simply by trying to provide some flexibility for an employee, save money for the company, or just be nice.

The following is a list of the top 10 mistakes that may lead to employment lawsuits. Keep in mind that this list will not apply to all employers, as regulations and collective bargaining agreements may override these general rules.

Classify all employees as exempt, whether they are or not

It is easier to pay everyone a salary, rather than dealing with meal and rest breaks, overtime, time records and such. Why not just pay everyone a salary? They’ll like the fact that they always make the same amount of money each pay period, and it won’t be a problem.

Under both state and federal law, certain types of positions may be exempt from overtime requirements, as well as meal and rest breaks. Other positions may be exempt only from overtime. An exempt employee is usually someone who is paid a specified amount of money regardless of the number of hours worked in a week. An employee who does not qualify for one of the exemptions is considered to be nonexempt and therefore subject to overtime, as well the required meal and rest breaks and time-keeping requirements.

Merely paying someone a salary does not guarantee that employee is truly exempt, nor do job titles. An exempt employee is normally someone who is a high-level executive, administrative or professional employee. Additionally, certain artists and outside sales staff may be exempt.

Employers sometimes designate employees as “nonexempt salaried”. This status does not exist. A nonexempt employee must be paid for all hours worked in the pay period, including overtime. There is a specific requirement in California that all hours worked and the corresponding rates of pay be included on the detachable portion of the employee’s check.

More employers are being sued for failure to provide meal and rest periods for nonexempt employees. This may result from improper classification of an employee as exempt. If an employee is truly nonexempt but classified as exempt the employer is neither tracking the hours worked, nor the meal and rest breaks, since exempt employees are not subject to such requirements.

Once the employee challenges the exempt status of the job, the additional wages and penalties start to add up. These include back pay for overtime, penalties for failure to pay overtime, additional “wages” for failure to provide meal and rest breaks and penalties for failure to pay all wages at termination, if the employee is no longer with the company. There are also penalties for failure to provide employees with the required wage statement information.

The nonexempt employee may be joined by other employees who wish to challenge their exempt status. The class-action lawsuit on the basis of missed meal and rest breaks as well as exempt status is rapidly becoming popular with plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Be nice to employees-let them take lunch whenever they want to

Employees must be provided at least a 30-minute, unpaid off-duty meal period if they are employed for a work period for more than 5 hours. The meal period must be provided no later than the end of the employee’s fifth hour of work.

Failure to provide the meal break within this time frame can result in one additional hour of wages owed to the employee at the employee’s straight time pay. The additional wage must be paid in the pay period which missed meal break occurred.

Your recordkeeping practices should reflect that you provide you employees their meal break before the end of the 5th hour of work. “Late lunches”, after the end of the employee’s 5th hour, are not permitted. “Early lunches” may be allowed, as long as the lunch is provided no later than the end of the fifth hour of work.

 

Next month’s edition will address “Independent Contractor” classification errors, harassment and discrimination training mistakes and workweek schedules.

 

 

MARCH 2016 – Lead Generation and Customer Acquisition Strategies

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Here is a quick overview of some of the highly effective strategies you can use to generate many more qualified leads and clients for your business.

  1. Direct Mail

An extremely flexible medium that gives you access to any number of otherwise inaccessible prospects for many different purposes; to sell your products; generate sales leads; follow up enquiries; get more business from current customers; keep in touch with former customers; close the sale in advance … and so much more. It allows you to present every benefit of your product or service over those of your competition in a manner that’s 100% consistent.

  1. Effective Advertising

Advertising should be nothing less than “salesmanship in print,” i.e. it should do the same job that a top sales person would do face to face. If you approach advertising in a scientific manner, following proven principles and facts, it no longer has to be a gamble. There are many extremely effective ways of using advertising in a highly targeted manner, that can’t help but grow your business. This includes 1) advertising only in media that reaches a sufficiently large number of the kind of people you’re trying to reach 2) focusing the entire thrust of your communication on your prospect’s interests, not your own 3) giving your prospects enough information and education and 4) offering them something appealing that’ll get them to respond now.

  1. Referral Systems

One third-party endorsement is more powerful than a hundred presentations. Getting your customers to recommend and encourage other people they associate with to seek out your products or services is the most coveted prize in selling, besides a sale. There are hundreds of referral systems you can use; to create an unlimited supply of hot prospects; to get prospects returning your calls; to contact hard-to-reach buyers; to create a reputation that opens closed doors; to enhance customer loyalty; and to increase sales and multiply profits. Referral systems make your life easier and more professional, and bring higher profits with increased customer loyalty.

  1. Word-of-Mouth Marketing

This is the most powerful, persuasive marketing weapon available to any business. It drives customers to try products or services more than any other marketing technique … more than advertising, salespeople, direct response, and public relations combined!

  1. Qualified Lists

The quality of your prospect list is the single most important influencing factor in your marketing success because it can eliminate virtually all marketing waste. A list of well qualified prospects can be a priceless gem because if you exploit it properly it will produce tremendous amount of revenue for you from people who have a proven interest in your product or service. Thousands of properly qualified lists are readily available for virtually any marketing purpose and can give you many times more sales. These lists identify the specific businesses, key decision makers and demographic characteristics you desire, within the geographic areas you specify.

  1. Networking

Most people you meet have hundreds of contacts, which means that virtually anyone you might want to contact or meet is only four to five people away from you. Effective networking is therefore vital to your success. Most people are poor networkers, but you can quickly learn how to get out; meet people; make new contacts; develop quality business relationships based on trust; polish your communication skills; educate the people you meet about what you do and the benefits offered by your product or service; create a lasting impression; quickly build your network.

  1. Internet/E-Commerce

The Internet is now an essential element in business communication. When people want information, they surf the web to find what they need. You need a good website that maximizes your exposure … or you’ll look old-fashioned and behind-the-times. Your website needs to be attractive, informative, and easy to navigate so that you obtain a constant stream of new prospects. You also need to establish a system that deftly converts them into customers.

  1. Public Relations and Publicity

Most of what you read, see, and hear in the media got there with the help of PR. The media are insatiably hungry for factual, interesting, and newsworthy or entertaining information they can share with their customers, members, employees, listeners, viewers or readers. PR, approached correctly, will give you free coverage on radio, television, in magazines, newspapers, trade journals, newsletters, e-zines, and via Web sites who serve the marketplace you’re trying to reach.

  1. Special Events and Promotions

One of the best methods of making your business more successful is to make doing business with you a special, memorable experience. The more exciting, enjoyable, fascinating, informative, valuable or educational you can make the experience, the more business you will do, and the stronger and more meaningful the bond you will form with your customers. Events are a very powerful way of offering people who have an excellent probability of turning into customers a chance to be educated about the benefits and results of your product or service.

  1. Brochures and Corporate Literature

No matter what your business, your brochures should help bring in profitable business … yet most brochures fail miserably. You therefore need to know how to create professional brochures and fliers that sell for you by educating your prospects and customers about the benefits you offer and also addresses their questions and their needs for your product or service.

  1. Newsletters

A powerful technique for building your reputation with a defined audience over a period of time is to regularly send them a newsletter, which can either be free or paid subscription. Newsletters can be used to position you as an authority in your marketplace, to build closer relationships with clients. You can use them to educate your target market so they can make more informed and more frequent buying decisions or educate them to the full extent of your services and how you can add value through those services.

 

 

MARCH 2016 – Chamber awarded Energy Upgrade CA grant

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The 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 was one of 25 organizations statewide that received grants the 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.

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MARCH 2016 – Member Profile – Empire Bowl

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Empire Bowl offers good food, good fun and good times for all ages

Empire Bowl provides a fun, welcoming and friendly atmosphere of bowling for all ages.  Offering the ultimate in family entertainment Empire  Bowl is equipped with 24 automatic scoring lanes, the latest in video arcades, a full service pro shop, and snack bar.

Empire Bowl is also perfect for corporate gatherings, league play and children’s birthday parties. They offer the widest range of bowling options, bumpers and lighter balls to maximize the fun for all skill levels.

Rather relax? Stop by our cozy sports lounge the “11th Frame Lounge” to watch your favorite sports teams on one of our 11 HIGH DEFINITION PLASMA TVs, or play a game of pool. And for those “Redlands Idols” Karaoke, is the highlight of Wednesday and Friday nights. Whatever your entertainment interests—Empire Bowl is the perfect entertainment choice for you, your friends and your family.

Located at 940 W. Colton Ave. Empire Bowl has specials every day of the week, from College Nite, Wild Wednesdays, Family Nights and so much more. League bowling for the serious bowlers is offered every day of the week.

Take a trip down memory lane, remembering the fun times gathering with friends after school or on the weekend or start a new tradition meeting, eating and bowling with new friends. Entertain the kids, and teach them the art of bowling for hours of fun.

Log onto www.empirebowl.com or call Will Mossonette, the owner/manage or the friendly folks at the lanes at 909 793-2525 and find out how you can increase your fun factor.

 

MARCH 2016 – New Chamber Members – February 2016

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C-21 LOIS LAUER – EMILY KREGER
Emily Kreger
1998 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 557-8509

COLDWELL BANKER TOWN & COUNTRY
Lance Martin
501 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite A
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-4147

COLDWELL BANKER TOWN & COUNTRY
Cerise Jennings-Skeen, Realtor
501 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite A
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 856-9900

COCO’S RESTAURANT
Linda Conrad
1140 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-3116

DKC ARCHITECTS, INC.
Darryl K. Cartozian
1461 Ford Street, Suite 103
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 798-7900

HOMESTREET BANK
Nancy Kenny
535 W. State Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 225-8787

TARBELL REALTORS
Maria Luevano-Lopez
1440 Industrial Park Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 583-9600

MARCH 2016 – Chamber Member Renewing February 2016

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A STORAGE PLACE – BARTON ROAD
Kierstin Wasko
26419 Barton Road
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 796-4447

ALTA VISTA CREDIT UNION
Susie Jarvis
1425 W. Lugonia Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 809-3643

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

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

BRENNA HAMRICK-STOTTS DDS, INC
Brenna Hamrick-Stotts
1150 Brookside Avenue, Suite T
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-9711

CALIMESA COUNTRY CLUB
Bev Carlson
1300 3rd Street
Calimesa, CA 92320
Phone: 795-2488

CAJON PHARMACY
Khalid Mahfouz
232 Cajon Street, Suite A
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-4922

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK
Trey Weatherill
301 Vanderbilt Way
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 888-6363

CITRUS PLAZA
Jennifer Rowe
27530 Lugonia Avenue, Suite C
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 562-948-4317

CUTLER CHURCH INSURANCE SERVICE
Jack Lucas
201 Cajon Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 307-8500

EAST VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
Annette Coffey
820 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 792-4818

EMERSON & FARRAR
Paul Emerson
27 East State Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 798-5888

HENRY BUSH PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Tyler Miner
429 Texas Street
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 793-8461

INLAND CENTER MALL
Terri Relf
500 Inland Center Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 884-7268

JAN MARIE MOBILE DENTAL HYGIENE
Jan Marie
P. O. Box 9431
Redlands, CA 92375
Phone: 289-1241

LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY
Sera Florek
24541 Redlands Blvd
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Phone: 799-1010

LEONARD REALTY
Jack Leonard
6 North Eighth Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-2436

MACGUYZ
Robb Gammill
414 E. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-1493

MISSION INN HOTEL & SPA
Shannon Walters
3649 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 888-326-4448

MONTECITO MEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY
Kelley Bowden
3520 E. Washington Street
Colton, CA 92324
Phone: 825-3024

MORONGO TRIBAL TANF
Lydia Snyder
720 Carnegie Drive, Suite 150
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 951-260-9493

ORANGE TREE TAX & BOOKKEEPING
Dennis Grimes
300 E. State Street, Suite 430
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 798-0759

PLYMOUTH VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Kevin Kasin
900 Salem Drive
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-1233 ext 1060

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

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

REDLANDS CYCLERY USA
Craig Kundig
415-A Tennessee Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-2444

REDLANDS FOOTLIGHTERS
Attention: Treasurer
1810 Barton Road
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-2909

REDLANDS LODGE 300 FREE & ACCP’T MASONS
Bill Keel
131 Cajon Street, Suite 14
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-1656

SACRED HEART ACADEMY
Angela Williams
215 South Eureka Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-3958

SMART INVESTMENTS ADVISORY, INC
Ali Arciniega
1849 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite 104
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-8565

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

TIRE GUYS – GOODYEAR
Jim & Sue Ferguson
1631 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-9999

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

UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Jerry Fields
300 E. State Street, Suite 400
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-2137

VANTAGEONE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS, INC.
Tom Robinson
4 Corporate Plaza Drive, Suite 210
Newport Beach, CA 92260
Phone: 949-631-6620

 

 

FEB 2016 – President’s Article by Jill Riley

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Redlands Chamber of Commerce Jill Riley President

The chamber held the annual Installation Dinner and Civic Awards on January 14th.  Even though I’ve been acting as president for quite some time, this event made it feel official. I was truly honored to announce the Firefighter of the Year, Engineer Shawn Michael Corbett and Police Officer of the Year, Sergeant Kenneth Wright. These men go above and beyond for the city of Redlands and surrounding communities to protect and serve us. They were both very deserving of the award. Congratulations to Sam Irwin, Man of the Year 2015 and Ann Sigrid Lauer Bryan, Woman of the Year 2015.

I really enjoyed getting to meet and talk with so many new people. I’m excited to see what this year is going to bring to the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.