MAY 2016 – President’s article by Jill Riley

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Redlands Chamber of Commerce Jill Riley President

The first committee I sat on with the Redlands Chamber Commerce was the Redlands Chamber Night Light Run in 2013. Again in 2014 the brilliant bedazzled runners hit the streets of Redlands. Because of scheduling conflicts last year’s run had to be canceled. So it was back to the drawing board. With a little creative dust sprinkled on the group they have come up with what promises to be a spectacular one of a kind 5-K Run…..for dogs and their two legged partners!!!!! Redlands Chamber Dog Jog Run will have pups and their pals running the streets of Redlands early morning on November 5th at 8AM. Participants will receive a Redlands Chamber Dog Jog T-shirt. Dogs will receive a race bandana and a milk bone and every dynamic duo will get a dog tag at the finish line. This is the first dog jog of its kind held in Redlands. The chamber has partnered up with Redlands Animal Shelter and portion of the proceeds will go to REDFOSA, the volunteer organization that works so tirelessly to help shelter officials find forever homes for our furry friends.

CharleyMark your calendars, if you don’t have a dog, borrow one or even better adopt one from Redlands Animal Shelter. I hope to see you all out there in November. Charley, the Chamber’s Standard Poodle is already in training stop by and gets some tips and fill out a race entry.

MAY 2016 – Top ten things employers do to get sued (series)

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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.

2 Employers Sued

Things employers DO to get sued

Terminate any employee who takes a leave of absence, whatever the reason. It is too much trouble to administer leaves of absence and who knows if the employee will return.

Employees have legal protection when they are away from work for various reasons, including workers’ compensation, disability, pregnancy, family and medical leave, military leave, jury duty and many more. The laws also provide protection form retaliation for taking the leave – the employer cannot wait and terminate the employee once the he/she returns to work. If you terminate an employee while the employee is on a protected leave, or soon after the employee returns to work, you will have to prove that the termination was for a legitimate non-discriminatory business reason, unrelated to the protected leave.

Use non-compete agreements to protect confidential information such as business secrets, customer lists and pricing information and prevent employees from working for the competition.

Non-compete agreements are prohibited in California, with only a few exceptions. There are ways to protect trade secrets – such as customer lists and pricing information.

Prohibiting an employee from working for someone else is limited because it infringes on the employees ability to work and earn a living. You cannot force employees to stay with you, nor may you prevent them from earning a living if they choose to leave your company.

Implement a “use it or lose it” vacation policy and avoid paying out all the money at termination.

A “use it or lose it” vacation policy is not permitted in California, If the employee has accrued vacation, it is form of wages and cannot go away. You may place a reasonable cap on the accrual of vacation, which stops when a certain level of accrual has been reached. But you cannot take away what the employee has already accrued.

All accrued and unused vacation must be paid out at termination at the current rate of salary. There is no limit on how far back in time the employee can make a claim for unused vacation.

To limit your liability your best option is to implement a reasonable cap on vacation accrual. “Reasonable” is open to interpretation, but it is usual one and one half to two times the annual accrual. For example, an employer’s policy provides for up to two weeks of accrual each year. The employer implements a policy that caps the accrual at four weeks. If an employee has four weeks (20 days) accrued and unused, the accrual stops until such time as the employee takes vacation and falls below the cap.

 

 

 

 

MAY 2016 – Chamber panel works with City to improve One Stop Center processing

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3 chamber to work with city

In the third quarter of 2015, a panel of architects, engineers, contractors, developers and sub-contractors met at the chamber to discuss the frustration experienced when seeking plan checks and inspections from city departments throughout project development. From customer service to lost plans, to lengthy delays it was clear there were issues that needed to be addressed. At the same time the Chamber’s panel was evaluating the process, the city contracted with Matrix Consulting Group to do an audit of the system. Both groups came to the same conclusion.

The resulting report from the Matrix Group validated the list of recommendations made by the Chamber panel and added additional notes for improvement. Adding additional counter staff,  implementing a more technically efficient component to the process and allowing for over the counter approvals in some cases are just a few of the suggested high priority changes that would not only improve productivity but also streamline the existing system.

The overall plan proposed in the report is an estimated eighteen month effort that would require City Council to approve budgeted items and give the plan a priority for the coming year.

The report will be submitted to City Council for approval and the chamber’s panel will attend the meeting in full support.

Karen Peterson, City Planner and Mark Berg, City Building Official, are to be commended their commitment to making the One Stop Permit Center more effective and efficient. With long term goals for updated technology, user friendly website and a focus on customer service and communication the One Stop Process is underway for major positive changes that will benefit the entire city.

MAY 2016 – Chamber schedules State of the Community Luncheon for June

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fosterThe Redlands Chamber of Commerce will present the Annual State of the Community Luncheon, Friday, June 24th, 12:00 PM at the Orton Center, University of Redlands. Sponsored by The Ayers Hotel, Alta Vista Credit Union, Redlands Community Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Gas Company, Walmart, Redlands Professional Firefighters Association, and San Bernardino Public Employees – Local 1932 (GEAR) the event allows Mayor Paul Foster and Council Members, Jon Harrison Pat Gilbreath, Paul Barich and John James, to address the community, discuss council focus, accomplishments and plans for the future.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for our Mayor and council members as well as city staff to meet with the citizens and business leaders to share accomplishments and challenges of the fiscal year and disclose their collective vision for both the immediate and long term goals for the future of Redlands”. said Jill Riley, Chamber President.

The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person, reservations are needed. It is expected to be a sold out event again this year. For more information or to make your reservation call the Chamber office at 793-2546.

 

MAY 2016 – Member Profile – Ayres Hotel Redlands

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5 Ayres Hotel

The Ayres Hotel, they care about people and deliver results

Discover a relaxing retreat surrounded by the historic splendor of the Inland Empire at Ayres Hotel Redlands located at 1015 W. Colton Ave. in Redlands. With its Mediterranean-inspired design, the boutique hotel is situated near the tree-lined streets of Historic Downtown Redlands, with picturesque Victorian houses, boutique shops, restaurants, beautiful parks, and cultural attractions. Business and leisure travelers will enjoy the luxurious comforts of the intimate boutique accommodations to the heated solar pool. Guests will also appreciate the convenient access to the University of Redlands campus.

Ayres Hotel Redlands features 107 elegantly-appointed guestrooms where you feel at home. Relax in Mediterranean-style retreats that feature modern comforts for business and leisure – from free Wi-Fi to writing desks and the I-Home.  Sleep peacefully on Ayres Celestial Sleeper mattresses, and enjoy lifestyle luxuries like the 32″ flat screen TV, refrigerator, microwave and MP3 player. Pets are welcome on the family getaway.

Personalized service and modern amenities are hallmarks of this stunning boutique. Enjoy unforgettable Inland Empire getaways with complimentary full breakfast, a fitness center and the outdoor heated pool. Make new friends at the evening happy by the warm glow of the lobby fireplace or print a presentation in the high-tech business center perfect for staying connected and getting the job done.

Host intimate gatherings, corporate events, and board meetings in 950 square feet of flexible meeting space, perfect for accommodating up to 60 guests. Business and social events run smoothly with high-tech audio-visual support and professional event catering featuring customizable menus with creative California cuisine and wines. Get inspired and celebrate in the historic heart of California’s Inland Empire.

If you envision it, we can make it happen. Log on to www.Ayreshotels.com or call 909 335-9024 for more information.

MAY 2016 – Member Profile – Welsh Insurance Services

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6 Welsh Insurance

Welsh Insurance Services offers Medicare insurance solutions

Welsh Insurance Services is owned and operated by Scott and Sarah Welsh in Redlands, CA. They are independent insurance brokers. Sarah has 23 years experience with Medicare billing and Medicare supplement insurance. She is a state-licensed insurance broker and is contracted with most of the insurance carriers in Southern California.

Scott joined Sarah in 2013, after 25 years the media industry, and together they have helped more than 1000 local customers with their health care choices. Scott also provides services for Individual/Family plans, Covered CA plans, and small business group health plans. Scott is also a state licensed insurance broker and is contracted with most of the insurance carriers in Southern California.

Welsh Insurance Services will conduct no-cost, no-obligation consultations to help clients who are nearing retirement understand their health care options. Individual meetings are generally one-hour and are conducted at their conveniently located office, at 1445 W. Redlands Blvd, in-home appointments are also available.

 

Their approach to finding a suitable health plan includes the consideration of the client’s preferred medical providers, prescription drugs, and budget. We handle the entire enrollment process for the client and act as a liaison between the client and health plan. They get paid by the health plan, so there are no broker’s fees.

Welsh Insurance Services works hard to provide constant support to our clients, and we value our relationships and referrals. Let us help you today!

For more information call Scott cell: 909-648-1991 or Sarah cell: 909-520-8482, log onto www.welshinsuranceservices.com.

MAY 2016 – New Chamber members – April 2016

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BRATWORKS, LLC
Tobi Miller
360 Orange
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 793-7888

GOLDEN SPOON FROZEN YOGURT
Tilak Raj
1981 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 792-9490

J. W. LINDSEY, INC.
Brittany O’Neill
521 11th Street
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 307-3322

JERSEY PIZZA
Dave Widor
214 Orange Street
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 335-7076

MOVEMENT MORTGAGE
Jennifer Roblee
1902 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 190
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 556-5055

PES ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Patrick Edwards
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: 435-5975

SMILEQUEST DENTAL GROUP
Robert Strain, DDS
25 South 5th Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-9933

SPEAKEASY ON STATE
Dawn Novak & Ariell Harrison
10 E. State Street, Suite 200
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 501-5524

TARBELL REALTORS-MARY K. BUTLER
Mary K. Butler
1440 Industrial Park Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 951-317-9838

THE VILLAGE AT REDLANDS
Sallie Lambooy
310 S. Wabash
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 794-9880

VOLKSWAGEN OF SAN BERNARDINO
Jack Raichart
1600 Camino Real
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 380-8030

WHISKERS AND TAILS PET SITTING
Rachel Brown
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 520-0913

 

 

MAY 2016 – Chamber member renewing – April 2016

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ADVANCED OFFICE SERVICES
Brian Kedzior
9333 Fairway View Place, Suite 102
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone: 877-981-2172

BRONCS TOWING, INC
Mike & KG Ardabili
1083 W. Park
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 307-0944

C-21 LOIS LAUER REALTY
Janey Cole
1998 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 748-7026

C-21 LOIS LAUER REALTY
Mickey Hardin Butler
1998 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 748-7028

CASP CERTIFIED ACCESS SPECIALIST
Dan Kaiser
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 747-5296

CORTNER CHAPEL
Ami Carraud
221 Brookside Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-2353

DALE E. VENTRES
ASSOCIATE MEMBER

DAVID RAFF & COMPANY
David Raff
1467 Ford Street, Suite 200
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-8900

EADIE AND PAYNE, LLP
John Prentice
1839 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-2406

FIDUCIAL BUSINESS CENTERS, INC.
David Felix
1676 Plum Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 798-4477

GIRL SCOUTS SAN GORGONIO COUNCIL
Knea Hawley
1751 Plum Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 748-7223

HISTORICAL GLASS MUSEUM
Joann Tortarolo
1157 No. Orange Street
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 798-0868

JOHN & CAROL JAMES
ASSOCIATE MEMBER

KENASTON FLOORING, INC
Kambel Kenaston
19835 Kendall Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Phone: 884-8788

KEVIN BARRETT CONSTRUCTION CO, INC.
Kevin Barrett
1145 E. Orange Show Road, Suite K
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 796-1500

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

McDONALD 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

NEW DAY SOLAR
Mary Carlson
23811 Washington Avenue, Suite 110 #224
Murrieta, CA 92562
Phone: 855-444-6329

REDLANDS AUTO ELECTRIC
Jim Cooper
349 No. Eureka Street
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 792-4776

REDLANDS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
James Holmes, President – CEO
350 Terracina Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-5500

REDLANDS FAMILY DENTAL CENTER
Dr. Samir Tadha
1461 Ford Street, Suite 101
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-0111

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

S.B. VALLEY WATER CONSERVATION DIST
Angie Quiroga
1630 W. Redlands Blvd, Suite A
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-2503

SHIMOFF LAW CORPORATION,
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
Ellen Weiss
4 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-8919

STOR-N-LOCK SELF STORAGE
Del and Pam Armstrong
1006 No. Wabash Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 389-7867

SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER
Paul Lay
101 E. Redlands Blvd, Suite 140
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

THINKWISE CREDIT UNION
Kevin Posey
2441 No. Sierra Way
San Bernardino, CA 92405
Phone: 882-2911

UNION BANK
Michael Milian
173 Orange
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 363-2214