Each year the incoming president of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce calls for a directors’ strategic planning meeting. Directors gather to review the past program of work determine successes, assess new ideas and set a course for the coming year.

Newly installed president Todd Underwood, Allstate Insurance, will gather the Board of Directors in early March to begin the planning process, lay out the budget and direct committees.

Reflecting on past years the elected leadership has created new and exciting programs, taken positions on significant business issues made important decisions about the future of the organization and reached out into the business community to serve as an advocate.

It’s expected that the first annual Redlands Chamber Dog Jog will be presented once again this year, partnering with the Redlands Animal Shelter and REDFOS, the first time event was bigger and better than anticipated. Underwood plans to grow the event into a large annual celebration of our pets.

Increasing the membership is always a priority for the board, the larger the organization the louder the voice.

If you would like to offer and idea, suggestion or recommendation for the board’s consideration send an email to info@redlandschamber.org for inclusion in the agenda for strategic planning.

American Payroll Company, providing businesses with unsurpassed client service and perfect payroll every time.

Since 1995, American Payroll Company has been providing clients with a comprehensive payroll solution. Their commitment to excellence has enabled them to become a valued partner and provide for a seamless payroll process. The key to success has been the personalized payroll service each and every client receives. They understand that every business has different needs and not all businesses are the same.

The services offered today are more diverse than ever. Advancements in technology have allowed American Payroll Company to expand their menu of services and meet the needs of clients in all 50 States. From gathering your payroll to filing your tax returns, we take care of payroll from beginning to end.

American Payroll Company is very flexible in the services provided.  Many of the larger payroll companies insist the client meets their requirements.  At American Payroll Company they work to meet your needs.

Setup typically takes only 5 minutes of your time.  All that’s needed is access to your current payroll information and a couple of signatures and you will be ready to go.  After your first Payroll they will review each report in detail and answer any questions you may have.

American Payroll Company has been providing accurate and reliable payroll services for over 15 years. Our clients enjoy the convenience is submitting pay amounts and forgetting the rest.

Call Ericka Gray at 335-5457 or log onto americanpayrollcompany.com for more information.

I wish you all the best in the New Year. 2017 is off to a busy start. We have a new home! Starting January 1^st, the Chamber will be located at 47 N. First Street (on the corner of First and W. State Streets). There will be no interruption of services or programs. Our phone number and email, website along with operating hours will stay the same. The Chamber’s move was a unanimous decision by the Board of Directors due to a dramatic increase in rent and expectation that all building cost be covered by the Chamber. The new location is smaller, much more affordable and in-line with our needs.  Our new home is an historic building, approximately the same age as the Redlands Chamber of Commerce. There is plenty of parking and lots of charm. Watch for your invitation to the grand opening!

The chamber….. you get out of it what you put into it

The chamber of commerce is a great place for anyone looking to make local connections and promote their business. But it’s more than just writing the check. It requires being involved and being proactive, taking advantage of your membership. It takes time, something small business owners often lack. But the result of not investing your time and effort is often a disappointing chamber experience.

Here are a few ways you can get the most out of your chamber of commerce membership:

1. Go to Events. This is a great time for you to go and meet new people who are just like you. They are at the chamber to network, meet new people, and grow their business. You’re all tied together by a common theme, improving the local business climate. Going to events regularly will allow you to develop relationships with people and become familiar with other members. It will also allow other members to become familiar with who you are and what your business is, what product or service you provide. We are all more likely to recommend a fellow chamber member when someone asks for a referral because we know them and have developed a relationship with them.
2. Join a Committee. Chambers are run by members who volunteer to help out. Committees or the board of directors is a great way to get involved. Join a committee that you are interested in or have expertise in or have a passion for. Chamber events require committees of people with a variety of skills or interests, so be proactive, join and develop relationships with new people while working together to achieve a common goal.
3. Take Advantage of Offers. At the Redlands Chamber we can help members by offering reserved e-mail blasts, sharing info via social media, offering advertising and marketing opportunities, sponsorships and promotions. The catch is to reach out to tell the chamber what you want. It’s important to let the chamber know whatever you want to share. This is where proactive comes into play.
4. Connect Socially. When making connections through your chamber it’s important to follow up to help develop your relationship. Previously it’s was common to send an e-mail after an initial contact or meeting. Now you can connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ or Facebook to learn more about the person you connected with and their business. Go the extra mile and share their content, they will likely return the favor. Social media, like the chamber of commerce, is about developing relationships. Use it to enhance your chamber experience while in between events or committee meetings. It’s a great way to stay in touch.
5. Follow Up. Following up with people is often overlooked. You have met them at the monthly event and connected socially, but what about a follow up meeting? Invite your new connections out for a cup of coffee or lunch. This will help you get to know them and their business better while providing an opportunity to share more information about your business. It doesn’t stop at meeting people and connecting socially, follow up and solidify your relationships.

The chamber of commerce is a must for any local business looking to grow. It helps the community and helps you make connections that can grow your business. The formula is simple: you get out of it what you put into it. If you make the effort, the chamber of commerce can be a rewarding experience both personally and professionally….it’s not a membership…… it’s a partnership.