For more than a century Redlands business leaders joined forces at the Board of Trade (Now the Chamber of Commerce) and set a path for a strong, healthy, and prosperous business community.  Today’s business leaders are still at it. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce continues to provide services for local business and professional men and women looking to improve their business and build a better community

To assist in directing the organization to accomplish the mission to serve its members to act as an advocate of business throughout the greater Redlands area, the President-Elect enlists the help of a cabinet of officers. This year President-Elect Marissa Kramer, Ayres Hotel Redlands,  has asked organization leaders to give of their time and talent include; Mark Orr, Teamsters 1932, has agreed to serve as President-Elect, Treasurer, Todd Underwood, All State Insurance, and Justin Bouzane, The Results Group, will service as Vice President.  Scott Welsh, Welsh Insurance Services will serve as Past President during the 2019 year.

It’s time to party in downtown Redlands

With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, the City of Redlands is ringing in it in with a sensational new holiday tradition. This year, residents and visitors alike will gather in downtown Redlands in anticipation of the Orange Drop.

The second annual event is sponsored by, Paul and Joann Barich, Mirau, Edwards, Cannon, Lewin and Tooke, Ayres Hotel, Welsh Insurance Services and Harbour Suds Brothers.

Restaurants, coffee shops, bars and food services will be feeding the thirsty and hungry while everyone readies for the countdown. There’s no better place to look for fun on New Year’s Eve than downtown Redlands.

After thousands of party goers gathered last year, the committee is preparing for an even bigger crowd this year. The Orange will be located on the corner of State and Orange Streets and a food court has been added at Ed Hales Park… local non-profit organizations and businesses have been invited to offer “family friendly” food for those that don’t make reservations at the bars and restaurants.

For traditional party goers and New Year’s Eve at Speakeasy on State Street will be the place to be. This year The Speakeasy is offering TWO different themed parties, for two different prices, Black time for the traditionalist, and a “far out” Disco party for the “clubbers”.  Tickets have already gone on sale and include preferred parking (priceless) , and a private viewing area for the amazing Orange Drop.

To buy your tickets to New Year’s Eve at the Speakeasy on State, you can log into Eventbrite.com or go to SpeakEasyOnState.com.

If that weren’t enough……. Immediately following the Orange Drop announcing the beginning of 2019, there will be a LIGHTED DRONE SHOW … a hundred dancing drones will light up the midnight sky. This one of a kind event is not to be missed! Nowhere in the east valley will drones dazzle the revelers ushering the New Year! Presented by Circa 2020, The Crossings and Teamsters 1932.

Make your reservations early at one of the many downtown restaurants or bars!

Months ago the chamber was approached by a small business that needed help with an issue of critical importance. After inspection, occupancy was cut in half and the business manager was notified that a major construction project would have to be undertaken to comply with fire exits.

Reducing the occupancy was bad enough as the business was a favorite haunt of many who were disappointed when denied entry based on occupancy. The reconstruction of back door exit was going to run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, staggering news to a small business owner. With the looming loss of revenue and extraordinary investment for construction there was discussion about closing the business.

The chamber arranged for a meeting with city officials with the ultimate goal of finding a reasonable solution. From Development Department, Economic Development, Building and Safety, Fire Department and Quality of Life no stone was left unturned until there was some kind of resolution.

The Herculean effort of city staff to address the problem was remarkable. From inspections to visits to round table discussions of ways in out and around there was always and end goal; to insure the downtown business stayed open and thrived.

Just this week Quality of Life Director Chris Boatman shared the good news….. the occupancy issue was addressed bringing the number back to its original total, and the required fire exit was dealt with, without investing multi thousands of dollars.

Hats off to the staff and leadership of the City of Redlands for not only identifying the value of our local small businesses but demonstrating creative, imaginative and effective solutions for issues that could have severe impact on keeping doors open in a long standing local business.

So when you hear, especially during this election campaign season, that the city does not support small businesses, is business unfriendly and is inequitable in the treatment of business owners, reflect back on this victory and remember we are all invested in the success of our local businesses big and small and stand in concert for prosperity and success for all.

ECONOBIKE INC
Eric Shamp
1000 N. New York Street, #107
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 474-2093

EDWARD JONES-RYAN HOLLOWAY
Ryan Holloway
33733 Yucaipa Blvd, Suite 8
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: 754-3479

GARNER HOLT PRODUCTIONS, INC.
Michelle Berg
1255 Research Drive
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 799-3030

LAW OFFICE OF JENNIFER DANIEL
Jennifer Daniel
220 Nordina Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-9244

MICHAEL GARRITY, M.A., MEDITATION TEACHER
Michael Garrity
414 Tennessee Street, Suite T
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 373-6060

MIKE SAIFIE
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
Redlands, CA 91274
Phone: 708-1070

MN CAPITAL, INC
Michael TenEyck
300 E. State Street, Suite 211
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 957-4696

PROSPECT FINANCIAL
John Hopkins
31629 Outer Highway 10
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 797-3140

RAISING CANE
Jim Wheeler
1857 S. Tippecanoe Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 478-0001

RIGHT AT HOME IN-HOME CARE
Lisa Jeffers
12189 7^th Street #6
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: 795-8838

RONALD L. MOORE DDS, INC
Ronald Moore
25835 Barton Road #104
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Phone: 796-2299

VECTOR ESCAPE GAMES
Victor Hernandez
1765 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 255-6774