Springtime is blooming with Redlands events!

I recently attended the Art on State Street and Redlands Art Walk in downtown Redlands.  I was reminded of the many opportunities we have as business owners and leaders to support and sponsor local events in town.  As we wandered our downtown streets I witnessed many businesses participating and hosting their own booths, and creating their own spotlight with displays and interacting with the attendees.  As we approached Jax Toys owner Michael Eubanks was assisting kids with chalk art, and encouraging them to try one of the many push toys they sell. Several State Street stores had artwork displayed inside and outside their stores to attract future customers. This is a great illustration of product integration! Not every event has something to display inside your store, but all events offer a way to help your business standout.

There are many and different reasons for sponsoring a Redlands event, and all of them good!  You know the old adage that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”?  Sponsoring a local event shows you care about your community.    When your business logo is seen at a local event, potential customers will take note and your business, and a relationship is developed.  Your act of generosity can pay lasting dividends for future business.

There are several solid benefits of local event sponsorship.  1. Reach your target market.  Like-minded people attend events.  The Redlands Bicycle Classic, for example, isn’t just a bike race, it’s a platform for many local service organizations like Kiwanis and Rotary, and has a number of family oriented activities. And, you will reach an active and economically sound audience. 2. Create an emotional connection with your customer. When you have a booth at the New Year’s Eve Orange drop, Or The Taste of Vintage Redlands, people get to know you in a relaxing atmosphere while enjoying our historic downtown area. 3. Build Brand Awareness. Sponsoring the Redlands Bowl, Redlands Symphony, or the Hangar 24 Airfest puts your brand in front of tens of thousands of potential customers who will recognize your brand in future months. Finally, know the money you put into a Redlands event stays in Redlands. Most events use local services, vendors, food products, and promotional items.  This has a great impact on our local economy!

There are many and different events in Redlands you can include in your marketing plan.  See redlandschamber.org or cityofredlands.org for an event you can enjoy.

The Chamber truly does have something for everyone, including the Generation Y business owners and employees. Gen Y and Gen Xers are the up-and-coming leaders ready to change the way the world does business. Peer groups are something they value so the Redlands Chamber has rolled out a Young Professionals program designed for them to network with like-minded young business executives while at the same time building relationships.

REDLANDS CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS is a network for young professionals within the community. The group is focused on personal growth, career advancement and service in the Redlands community. Redlands Chamber will give the next generation a forum to connect with professionals their own age, so they can establish new friendships and new business relationships and begin to take their rightful position as the future leaders of Redlands.

Membership in REDLANDS CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS is open for those whose company is already a member. Annual dues for chamber member Young Professionals is $25 per member $110 for non-members.

*         Admittance to all monthly Redlands Chamber Young Professionals networking event

*         Invitation to special REDLANDS CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS workshops, guest speakers & professional development seminars

*         Invitation to a reception with Redlands Chamber board of directors and major sponsors

*         Community service projects

Through collaborative partnership opportunities in leadership and business development the Redlands Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals will be ready to accept the torch when passed.

If you would like to be a part of this new and dynamic young group call the chamber office at 793-2546.

The Tartan, Eat-Drink-Be Happy

The Tartan of Redlands Restaurant was started April 15, 1964 by three brothers, Velmer, Al and Art Croteau.

After going through several managers the brothers decided to ask their nephew Larry Westen to manage the Tartan and soon to follow they made Larry a partner. Larry and his wife Barbara together created a friendly atmosphere which became known as the “Cheers of Redlands”. The place where you could come for a drink, a delicious Burger or a Prime Rib to die for!

In January of 2004 the Tartan went through another leadership change Larry promoted Linda Crosby to General Manager and she didn’t waste any time she expanded the menu and hired new cooks and highlighted the Tartan tradition of celebrating special holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, St Patrick’s Day and others with a bang with unbelievable decorations and good times!

After the passing of Larry Westen in May of 2003, the Tartan ownership transitioned to Larry Westen III who owned the Tartan for many productive years until he decided to sell it on April 1, 2015 to Jeff Salamon and his wife Lisa.

Jeff or (Solly) as his friends call him was Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he served in the United States Marine Corps, and is a graduate of Dean College and National University where he studied Business and Marketing. Jeff has owned and operated various Orthopedic businesses throughout his career and is married to Lisa for over 24 years with two great children Sara and Jeffrey.

It’s not unusual to see Jeff bellied up to the bar hanging out with customers or see Jeff and Lisa sitting at their favorite booth enjoying a delicious dinner with their friends because they love the “Cheers” atmosphere. The Tartan mantra is  “Eat-Drink-Be Happy”.

You can discover the varied menu for both lunch and dinner at www.tartanofredlands.com, or stop by for a visit at 24 E. Redlands Blvd. Treat yourself to a great night out with plenty of appetizers, lunches, dinners and drinks. The friendly service and staff look forward to your visit.