Happy New Year Redlands Chamber Members!
By Marissa Kramer, President

It is such an honor for me to be addressing you as the 2019 President. As I pre-write this article I’m anticipating still being in a daze from the New Year’s Eve Drop and I can’t say that it isn’t from the Orange Drop Martinis! What a fun event this has been to plan with the rest of NYE Committee Drop-ees! It has definitely been one of the best committees to Chair and, although I welcome a break, I cannot wait to begin planning the festivities for the next one!

The Board of Directors definitely has its work cut out for themselves this year as we will take a more active role in assisting the Chamber staff while we try to fill the role Executive Director position. Please keep in mind, that we will never fill Kathie’s shoes, but we are searching for someone with (hopefully, at least, half) her tenacity and dedication to the Chamber, its membership, and the City of Redlands. We certainly wish her well in her retirement and hope she really does take up those golf lessons or yoga classes that she’s been speaking so fondly of over the past few months.

The Executive Director Search Committee has been selected and is comprised of past Chamber Presidents; they will accept, review, and interview the candidates for the position. We are looking to fill the position by April so if there any viable candidates please do not hesitate to send them my way.

The Young Professional Network is on a roll and if you aren’t a part of it, you’re missing out (plain and simple). The YPN Committee has scheduled out the first quarter of 2019 and will have some amazing “Coffee with Fill, (In The Blank)” speakers and more Workshops to come. Please inform the younger professionals you know to be a part of this as this is a group that is really going places.

Business to Business and Rise and Shine are still scheduled as normal and going strong, and are both (by far) two of the best Networking events that the Chamber hosts each month. I cannot tell you how invaluable these two events are, not only professionally, but personally as well. These two meetings offer such a great atmosphere to meet new people, see and visit with already-established Chamber members, and hear about events and goings-on that are upcoming.

I’m so excited to see what 2019 has in store for the Chamber, its various Committees, and membership. I understand the legacy of this organization that well pre-dates me and hope that I can provide a year of growth and development of the existing events and committees. Like I said, I am honored that I have been entrusted with this position and will do my very best to keep this train on the tracks and moving forward.

Children’s Fund creating a better place for our children

The idea of the Children’s Fund, located at 348 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 110, San Bernardino, was recommended in 1985 as a better way to deliver services to at-risk children that fell under the responsibility of the respective County departments. Led by Patrick J. Morris, the then presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, a Policy Council was formed. After reviewing many scenarios the endorsement was made to add a nonprofit 501(c) (3) component to the Children’s Network.

In 1986 Children’s Fund was founded. Jack H. Brown, then Chairman & CEO of Stater Bros. Markets was the Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors. Realizing that children “in the system” were not always getting their needs met, Children’s Fund was created as a non-profit organization to be able to serve the children in our county who are in the most need of our support.

The Children’s Fund serves children in multiple ways.  

Emergency Needs

The Children’s Fund Emergency Needs Program is used by social workers and case managers to give direct assistance to at-risk children, providing items such as food, clothing, beds, shelter, transportation, medical and dental care, providing equal opportunity for social development for these children.

Community Outreach

Partnering with several community benefit organizations on projects that serve children, Children’s Fund also coordinates special campaigns including the annual Celebration of Giving, collecting tens of thousands of holiday gifts for disadvantaged children throughout the county. In addition, throughout the year we collect backpacks filled with school supplies; winter coats to help the underprivileged stay warm in the colder areas of our region; a lunch pail drive; and hygiene products to encourage healthy children.

Children’s Fund has identified special projects that require ongoing support, such as the Children’s Assessment Center, San Bernardino County’s only one-stop center designed to reduce the trauma of child abuse victims by allowing them to tell their story once while receiving treatment by specially-trained forensic physicians and staff in a child-friendly setting. Other championed projects include support for the homeless youth and educational opportunities for foster children who otherwise would not be able to get a higher education.

Children’s Fund is committed to enhancing the quality of life for local children. We invest today in brighter tomorrows for those who need it most – the at-risk youth in our communities. Every child deserves a chance at a prosperous life, empowered by knowing that others believe in them.

Together, they have the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of these children. See how you can get involved today! Call 379-0000 or log onto www. Childrensfund.org.

ALAMO’S GALERIA
Juan Marquez
404 E. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 894-3036

BELLA PELLE
Colleen Preci
407 E. Citrus Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 838-4213

KELLER WILLIAMS – REBEKAH PARENTEAU
Rebekah Parenteau
1473 Ford Street, Suite 200
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 456-9805

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It’s hard to say goodbye

By Kathie Thurston, Executive Director

There is no doubt that it is always hard to say good bye but as certain as is the pain in departure the inevitable must happen and the time has come for me to leave the Chamber.

As I sit here at my computer trying to put into words how I feel about leaving this amazing organization, a song is softly playing in the background, the lyrics repeating, “Making memories with you” and it struck me that is exactly what I take with me after 30 years at the Redlands Chamber. Thirty years of extraordinary friendships, thirty years of fun and laughter, thirty years of tears and sorrow, but thirty years of the most magnificent memories that one could ever hope for.

I have had the privilege of working with amazing people over the years who have taught me much, helped me to grow and filled my life beyond description.

There have been great events and games, innovative ideas and creative agendas, all brought to fruition by amazing volunteers. There were silly times filled with laughter, and serious times where tears came easily. And every memory will be treasured forever.

As the Orange Drops on New Year’s Eve in downtown Redlands this year it will be a bitter sweet moment for me as that will be my last official duty with the Chamber. The very next day I will join the ranks of retired boomers, taking yoga classes, playing pickle ball, and bocce ball, and finding my new normal.

And so to all of you… my new friends… my not so new friends… my young friends…. and my not so young friends, thank you, for all you have done, for all you have given me and for all those wonderful memories…this is not good-bye as that’s too hard to say… instead I’ll simple say “I’ll see you soon”.