MAR 2018 – President’s Article by Scott Welsh

Make March The Month You Become a Champion of Local Business!

Now is a great time to double down on your commitment to Shop Local.  In accepting this position, I made a commitment to lead by example, and my family will consider a locally owned business with every purchase.  This doesn’t mean that we will never eat at In-N-Out, or buy a backpack online, but we will choose to spend our hard earned dollars locally first.

Studies of the business of business show that shopping local is the single biggest key to a thriving community.  A much bigger portion of every dollar you spend locally gets re-circulated into the local economy. In fact, almost 70% of the locally spent dollars stay in the community compared to less than 40% spent with big box retailers. And 0% when you shop online!

That is a BIG deal.

Think about this:  local businesses are more likely to employ local workers who support their families, contract with local marketing and other services like plumbers, electricians, and accountants, and those local businesses also are more likely to spend those dollars locally as well.  A wonderful cycle of events is created when you keep your dollars local.  Local businesses are also much more likely to support local non-profits and service organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Redlands, Redlands Family Services and the Chamber of Commerce.

And when that local money is taxed each time, our local government can provide improvements in beautification and in our quality of life here in Redlands.

So I challenge all of us – all 600 plus Chamber members – to make just one more purchase decision each week with a local business.  Imagine the change we can make! It will pump tens of thousands of dollars into our local economy – just by supporting each other.  It’s a simple concept when you really think about it.

So, next time you are hungry, think about the Tartan, Eureka! Burger, Rok n Fondue or Darby’s, or any number of awesome locally owned and operated restaurants in town.  The next time you are about to make an online purchase, ask yourself “can I buy this locally?”  Together, we can make a great impact.

Shop Local.  Do it now.  Do it every day.

 

MAR 2018 – Member Profile – Tri City Family Dental

The team at the office of Tricity Family Dental celebrates a common vison to provide beautiful, functional, comfortable and durable dental care. This will be facilitated by an energetic and empowered dental team in a pleasing office environment. From dentist to technician to hygienist and office personnel they strive to learn and evolve so that the services they provide are continually improving. Their dedication to superior customer service is unwavering.

Standard services include; bridges, dentures, hygiene, implants, inlays, orthodontics, partial dentures, periodontics, root canals and TMJ.

They also offer advanced treatments such as: Digital X-Rays (less radiation), Porcelain crowns veneers, Smile Whitening, Cutting-edge technology, tooth colored fillings dental implant restoration.

At the office of Tri-City Family Dental, the staff offers state-of-the-art Dental encompassing prevention, restorative, implant and cosmetic Dental in a relaxed and caring atmosphere.

The dental office is committed to providing unparalleled service with the highest quality and care. They believe your needs are unique so evaluate and customize every treatment plan. Tricity Family Dental treats you like family.

The experts at Tricity Family Dental take the time to answer all of your questions and provide you with important information and explain all procedures before and throughout your visits. You can feel confident you are receiving the most outstanding care available with your utmost satisfaction in mind.

Dr. Odufalu has practiced Dental in the Inland Empire since 1998 and she strives to make your visit comfortable and give you a healthier more attractive smile.  She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association and Tri-County Dental Society.

To make an appoint that suits your schedule call, 798-5777 or visit the office at, 1402 Industrial Park Ave. Redlands, CA 92374. You can log onto: https://tricityfamilydental.com/

 

MAR 2018 – Member Profile – Redlands Cyclery, USA

Thinking of buying a new bicycle? One of your first choices, and not necessarily an easy one, will be where to shop. It can be a challenge because there are a myriad of stores that carry two-wheelers, from specialty retailers, to giant department stores, to backyard garage operations.

Where you buy, however, has everything to do with what you get. You see, bicycles aren’t like toasters or suitcases. Bikes are shipped in boxes and they must be assembled and tuned.

There are many types, too, and you should never buy until you’ve figured out which is right for you. Measurements and adjustments are required to ensure the frame is the correct size and that the seat and handlebars are properly positioned. And, every new bicycle will need a minor tune-up after several weeks of use.

What’s more, modern road and mountain bikes can travel at high speeds and carry you over demanding terrain where the machine’s materials and construction get tested. A quality two-wheeler, carefully assembled and fit to you will be the safest, most durable and fun bicycle to ride.

For these reasons, the team at Cyclery USA strongly recommends shopping at a good specialty bicycle store in our area. They offer competent salespeople and expert mechanics who’ll ensure that you get the right bike and a quality machine.

Cyclery USA offers a wide selection of bicycles for different people and uses. And they provide expert assistance in selecting the proper bike type and model. For example, a road bike makes little sense if your plan is to tackle dirt trails. Likewise, if you’re into cruising, you certainly don’t need to test ride racing rigs. You need the bike type that’s right for you, and our experienced staff will listen to you and help you choose.

Bicycles come in different sizes. And they’re very adjustable. The helpful folks at Cyclery USA find the right frame size for you and then dial in the fit by positioning the seat and handlebars, brake levers and shifters as required. This ensures comfort and that you’re in complete control of your bike for safety. There are many variables, too: If you need a softer saddle, they’ll put one on. If you prefer to sit more upright, they can accommodate you. Their goal is to make your new bike as comfortable to ride and as easy to pedal as possible. They have years of experience in fitting bikes to riders and we’ll get yours fitting so good it disappears beneath you.

You might be surprised to learn that bicycles are not completely assembled at the factory. It’s true. They’re actually delivered to us disassembled and in a box, and Cyclery mechanics spend about an hour (depending on the model) assembling, tuning and testing every bike (at no additional charge to you). This is required by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and they pride themselves in meeting the highest standards. What’s more, the technicians and tech department are always prepared to make adjustments and provide advice should you need assistance during a purchase or after a sale.

How do you know if that new rig is the right ride for you? The best test, and the truest way to judge a bike, is by taking a spin on it. Roll down the street and shift through the gears. Feel how the frame fits your legs and arms. Try the brakes. Stand up and climb. Coast a bit. Does the bike feel comfortable, easy to pedal, smooth? Is it quiet? Do you like the ride? Make some mental notes and return to our shop to try some others. Cyclery USA is happy to let you compare bikes and get a feel so you find the perfect machine.

Staffed by knowledgeable and enthusiastic cyclists our team loves to share their expertise. Need to learn how to shift, fix a flat, carry gear, pump your tires? Want to find the best places to ride or friends to pedal with? Just ask, and they’ll be more than happy to help.

Bicycles are machines that require maintenance. One of the most important services is the first tune-up, which is due after you’ve ridden your new bike for a few weeks. During this time, cables might stretch, spokes may loosen and adjustments could change. For your new rig to ride right and last as long as possible, they provide free tune-ups for the first year, where we thoroughly check all systems (a $50.00) value, depending upon the work required).

Cyclery USA stands behind every bike they sell. If something goes wrong, bring it in and they’ll be happy to deal with it. In the rare event of a breakdown, there’s also a manufacturer’s warranty protecting your purchase.

Cycling’s most fun when you have the right gear to go along with that new bike. The store is loaded with top-quality accessories and equipment such as helmets, locks, pumps, hydration systems, computers, and plenty of other goodies designed to help you enjoy riding. And, always happy to advise which choices are right for you.

 

Whether you are a beginner or pro… Cyclery USA is the one stop shop for bike enthusiasts. Stop by and visit at415 Tennessee or give them a call at 7922422. Visit www.Cyclery USA.com to learn more about the world of cycling from our local experts.

 

 

MAR 2018 – Networking – make the most of being in a room with others

Some of us dread going to an event where we feel forced to interact with others.  It can be awkward, uncomfortable, and outright difficult to just to get the gall to try and start a conversation.  We’ve probably all been there; scanning the room in hopes that someone comes up to us first.

The reality is that networking can be viewed as a necessary pain that one must tolerate, or as a great opportunity to expand their client base, develop business partnerships, find a better job, or simply make a name for themselves within the community.

Whether your intentions are for social or business purposes, networking can be intimidating for even the most extrovert individuals.  Yet the logic follows that the more people you meet, the larger your network grows, which leads to a greater chance of finding the best customers, partners, employers, or employees.

A bit of preparation before your next networking event can set you apart from the rest of the pack. Here are some tips to make your next event a success.

Go with a goal in mind. When attending a networking event, always have a goal in mind. What exactly do you want to gain by attending this event? What is your end game? Maybe your objective is to get information on a specific company or perhaps it’s to meet and introduce yourself to five new people.  Set yourself up with reasonable expectations and take a little bit of time to plan out a strategy to reach these goals.

Do your homework. If there are individuals or guest speakers you would like to introduce yourself to, do some research online and learn more about them, as well as their business.  One of the most effective research and networking tools right now is LinkedIn. Check out their profile to find out some basic information about them and to also look for possible common connections.

Introduce yourself. We’ve established that networking events can be a bit awkward and conversations may not come as naturally as you’d like. However, you’ve got to start somewhere. Before going into the event take a deep breath, relax, and walk in with a smile. Try to make it a point to introduce yourself to at least five people.  If you and all the other attendees are told to wear a nametag, use that to your advantage. A great way to find out more about the networking event, as well as who is involved, is to seek out the event organizer and introduce yourself.  They’ll likely know quite a few people in attendance and can possibly introduce you to others organizations to get you off on the right foot.

Connect others.  Don’t just focus on making our own connections; make an effort to connect others. If you’re speaking with someone, let’s say John, and know of another individual, Jane for instance, who might be interested in what John has to offer, be the mediator and get them together. By helping them both, they may pay it forward in the future, and connect you with an individual or business that could benefit from you.

Don’t be a spammer. Nobody wants to be friends with the person who is shoving their product or business card down people’s throats.  Do not force your product on to people. Networking events should never be used as a way to directly sell or promote your products. Your goal should be to obtain potential leads. Also, if you are just handing out your business card to anyone who looks your way, you’re pretty much wasting that asset.  If you haven’t built enough of a connection with someone that they personally ask for your contact information, don’t just give them your business card.

Be yourself. Never try to be something or someone you’re not.  Be yourself or you’ll be building these new business relationships on a lie. When attending networking events, it is important that you stay genuine and true to yourself. Don’t try to be the person you think others want to do business with.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The only way to truly get to know someone is to truly be interested in who they are and ask them genuine questions.  After the conversation is over, you can guarantee they’ll feel good knowing that you whole-heartedly listened and were interested in getting to know them a little better than surface level.  Look for common interests to lay the foundation down for future business relationships.

Eye contact.  During a conversation, make sure you remain engaged and attentively listening to the other individual. Nod your head and tilt your body towards them when speaking. Body language and eye contact are crucial in communication; it can either make the other feel like you care or make you seem distant. You always want to seem trustworthy and make others feel comfortable.  This is one of the best techniques to use to build a positive rapport with others.

Join in. There is nothing wrong with easing yourself into a conversation and using this to lead into an introduction.  This is a networking event.  People may in fact enjoy the change in direction and the chance to meet someone new.  If you sense that you’ve accidentally entered into a serious or personal discussion, it’s okay to politely excuse yourself.  Keep in mind that spending time engaged in meaningful conversations with a few people can be better than floating around the room and spending time on superficial ones.

Prepare your elevator pitch.  Be prepared for questions like, “What do you do?” or “What are your future goals?”  You don’t want to be caught off guard so make sure you already have a few ideas lined up that you can use to accurately describe yourself or your business.  Practice what you want to say beforehand, but when it comes to the day of the event don’t sound like you’ve been rehearsing for weeks.  Do not be a robot.

Also, take into consideration why the person you’re speaking to should care about what you’re saying, and then craft your pitch accordingly. This is your time to really shine and leave an impression, so make sure you take advantage of this moment.

Follow up within 72 hours. If you have made a business connection and promised to send information, do so within 72 hours after the event.

Networking, like any other professional skill, requires constant training and development.  Don’t beat yourself down if you haven’t mastered it yet.  Networking isn’t just something that you can perfect over night.  Also, don’t be intimidated by others who seem like natural born “networkers”. They aren’t and probably just had a lot of practice. The more events you attend the better you’ll get at it.

 

MAR 2018 – New Chamber Members – February 2018

ABBY LEE EVENTS
Abby Lee
108 Orange Street, Suite 7
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 528-2495

AMERICAN BEST VALUE INN
Pruuav Patel
1151 Arizona Street
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 798-2432

CLUB PILATES REDLANDS
Stahin Tehranchi
450 W. Stuart, Suite 450
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 474o-7470

COPE HOUSE BAR & GRILL
David Kramer
19 E. Citrus Avenue, Suite 101
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 253-1400

EYE ENVY
Brea Owen
830 Tri City Center
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 748-7778

INLAND EMPIRE MAGAZINE
Samantha Smith
3400 Central Avenue
Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: 951-682-3026

MELT’M JEWELRY DESIGN
Melton Semizoglu
104 E. State Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 283-4044

QUIET HOUR MINISTRIES
Emily Weber
630 Brookside Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 800-900-9021

SALON 608
Tierra Patterson
413 E. State Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-6767

SWOON HOME
Raetena Vasquez
316 E. Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-6011

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT
Monica Yiatras
10336 Richardson
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Phone: 796-1001

MAR 2018 – Chamber members renewing February 2018

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

ARROYO INSURANCE SERVICES
Keith Moreland
1654 Plum Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 792-8950

AYRES HOTEL REDLANDS
Marissa Kramer
1015 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-9024

BENGALI EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION
Dr. John Biswas
P. O. Box 10042
San Bernardino, CA 92423
Phone: 799-1134

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

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

CENTRAL CITY INSURANCE, INC
Shaune Nicols
1040 Nevada Street, Suite 304
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 307-6076

CITRUS PLAZA – MOUNTAIN GROVE
Jennifer Rowe
27530 Lugonia Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 562-948-4317

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

COUNTRY INN & SUITES
EK Lee
1650 Industrial Park Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 792-7913

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

HANGAR 24 CRAFT BREWERY
Ben Cook
1710 Sussums Drive
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 389-1400

HENRY BUSH PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Tyler Miner
1670 Sessums Drive
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 793-8461

INLAND SURGERY CENTER
Jacquelin Belcher
1620 Laurel Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-4701

INLAND VALLEY BANK
Jesse Houston
1200 California Street, Suite 240
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 583-9150

JANET FLETCHER
Redlands, CA
Phone: 793-3687

JERICO SYSTEMS, INC.
Shay Lawrey
47 First Street, Suite 1
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 307-5633

LAZAR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE, INC
Rick Lazar
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 951-316-1298

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

MACGUYS
Robb Gammill
414 E. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-5903

MANSION MEMORIES
Dianna Lawson
1222 W. Cypress Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 215-0699

MAUPIN FINANCIAL ADVISORS
David Maupin & Phillip Naman
310 E. Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 798-1712

MONTECITO MEMORIAL PARK
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

MUFFIN TOP BAKERY
Emile Maamari
233 E. State Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-9911

NORTON AFB MUSEUM
Bob Edwards
1601 E. 3rd Street
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 382-7307

OPTION HOUSE, INC.
Heather Stevning
813 North “D” Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Phone: 383-1602

PACIFIC ALARM SERVICE
Dale Williams
521 Wellwood Avenue
Beaumont, CA 92223
Phone: 793-1001

PLYMOUTH ILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Keith Kasin
900 E. Salem Drive
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-1233

QUEENS FINE JEWELRY
William Kaymaz
405 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 798-4330

REDLANDS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Kathleen Blanchard
1093 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 793-2181

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

THE MITTEN BUILDING
Margie Armantrout/Jami Spencer
345-A North 5th Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-1294

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

US ARMY RECRUITIN CENTER
Entiquio Sanchez
1515 Industrial Park Avenue. Suite 102
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 793-2767

WILLIAM C. BUSTER, INC
William Buster
1399 W. Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 793-3806

YMCA OF THE EAST VALLEY
Darwin Barnett
500 E. Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 798-9622