AUG 2019 – President’s article by Marissa Kramer

Happy August Redlands Chamber Members!

Welcome to the Dog-Days of summer! We have officially gotten the “slap you in the face” heat that we all knew we’d get sooner or later. Please stay cool when you can, stay hydrated, and for Heaven Sakes WEAR SUNSCREEN! Okay, now my mother hen can dismount from her soapbox. But seriously, be careful out in this heat!

This month we had the pleasure of welcoming and participating in the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Machette Tacos and Craft Beer! We are very excited for you to make your mark here in Redlands! Welcome to the Chamber and we wish you the best of luck!

The Young Professionals Network had a month off of their Coffee with Fill and Evening Networking Seminars, but they’ve met and organized a schedule for the rest of the year. The next event will be Coffee with Cruz Esparza, the Economic Development Director for the City of Redlands to be held at the Ayres Hotel Redland on August 13th at 7:30am. He will share his prospectus and what’s coming down the pipeline with regards to Economic Development. Keep an eye out for the email reminders of the monthly events, you are not going to want to miss them!

Ayres Hotel Redlands hosted Business to Business on July 23rd we got to see many new faces and learn about new, up and coming Businesses to our area and events coming up! Business to Business is one of the BEST and easiest networking opportunities; it’s literally like fishing with dynamite! You’re really being very silly if you don’t take advantage of this opportunity to meet and get to know our B2B Crew! Toyota of Redlands has graciously offered to host next month, the date is August 27th at noon. If you have a meeting or event space that can accommodate up to 40 people and would love to showcase your business, please contact the Chamber Office to get on the schedule!

I’d like to recognize and thank the Chamber’s new Executive Director, Chris Alvarez. Chris has literally hit the ground running! Within his second day on the job he attended a City Council meeting with me and has made huge strides to catch up on the who’s, how’s, and what’s going on in Redlands. Chris is a mover and a shaker and has some amazing ideas for the future of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce! We are excited to have him on our team and can’t wait to see what he’ll do next!

Sincerely,

Marissa Kramer

2019 Chamber President

AUG 2019 – Ambassador Committee Description

Ambassador Committee

Purpose: Ambassadors are the backbone of the Chamber volunteer force. They act as the good will arm of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, pursuing the committee’s goal of representing the organization as an emissary. As the Chamber’s most visible representatives in the community, Ambassadors have the responsibility to project a positive image for the organization. The committee also plays a heavy role in improving member retention through increased engagement with new members.

Commitment: Ambassadors, first and foremost, must be members in good standing. They are the hosts at many Chamber events and activities. They greet and introduce new members and guests to Chamber members, answer questions about membership and participation, and assist with registration/check-in and other activities as needed. Active attendance of committee meetings is mandatory as the list of new members to contact and welcome will be distributed in the meeting. Committee meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 8:00am. The location will be determined by the committee chair and ambassadors will be notified of meeting locations one week in advance.

Active Ambassadors will:

  • Attend monthly committee meetings
  • Attend, and represent the Chamber, at ribbon cuttings and grand openings
  • Conduct goodwill with new members.
    • After a month, reach out to your assigned new member(s) and welcome them and check-in.
    • 90 days before their renewal, also be sure to check-in and remind them to take advantage of benefits, attend events, etc. (you will not ask them to renew- the Chamber staff will handle that at the appropriate time)
    • Contacting and staying in touch with new members through the first year of membership (mentoring and helping them feel welcome)
    • Promoting only Chamber benefits and resources. Find out why they joined the Chamber and assist them in reaching that goal.
    • Attend at least one Rise N’ Shine with a new member
  • Attend and participate in other Chamber events and programs when possible (such as Young Professionals Network programs, volunteering to help with events, attending a business to business program)
  • Serve as greeter/usher at the Installation and Awards Dinner and the State of the City Luncheon

Benefits:

  • Opportunity for high-visibility networking
  • Recognition at various Chamber functions
  • Opportunity for consideration as a member of the Board of Directors
  • Eligibility to win Ambassador of the Year Award (which comes with a free renewal membership for your following year)

AUG 2019 – Member Profile – Hatfield Buick GMC

Hatfield Buick GMC serving the Inland Empire since 1913

Hatfield Buick GMC has been serving the Inland Empire since 1913. That’s over 100 years! This includes Redlands, San Bernardino, Yucaipa, Highland, Beaumont, Moreno Valley, and Riverside. With an extensive selection of new and GM certified used Buick and GMC cars, trucks, and SUVs there is something to fit the fancy and needs of everyone.

Hatfield Buick GMC has a no hassle and a low pressure buying experience that keeps our customers completely satisfied and coming back for generations. In fact, most of customers have bought from them before, or have been referred to us from another satisfied customer. With a company goal to exceed your expectations from test drive to delivery they look forward to providing you with not only the perfect vehicle that fits your needs, but also a vehicle at the most affordable price.

The service department offers the best in automotive service to customers. The state-of-the-art facility features the most current diagnostic and repair equipment available and our highly skilled factory-trained technicians will deliver efficient, quality vehicle care. When you need service, you can make an appointment online, or call the service department. Manufacturer recommended parts are an important part of maintaining your vehicle’s performance. Hatfield Buick GMC, offers the same high quality parts your vehicle was built with and they keep a large inventory of certified parts in stock at all times. If you’d like to order a part, you can fill out the online parts form or call at (909) 748-1819.

If you need financing, they have assembled a team of professionals specializing in a variety of financial solution working with many financial institutions to assist every customer with their unique credit needs. For a quick response, you can apply for credit online.

Bill Hatfield, owner, has been in the automotive business full time since 1975 after graduating from the University of Redlands. He follows in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by becoming the 3rd generation to be in the auto business in Redlands. You can review the online inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles updated daily, or you can visit the showroom and take a test drive experiencing the decades of experience and service at Hatfield Buick GMC

Located at 301 E. Redlands Blvd. you can log on to www.hatfieldbuick.com

AUG 2019 – Member Profile – W. I. T. Windows and Doors

W.I.T. Windows and Doors, whatever it takes

Imagine your home with new replacement windows and a beautiful new energy efficient front door.

New Vinyl Windows are one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home and increase energy efficiencies.

Why replace your door?

Better Homes and Garden magazine listed the front door as the number one way to boost curb appeal noting “new front door instantly enhances your home’s appearance, and what’s more, it can greatly increase resale value”.

Your front door is the main access point for your home.  By replacing your old door or frame and upgrading your locks you are making your home safer and more secure for your family.

Door replacement with a new fiberglass energy efficient door and upgraded weather stripping will be putting money back in your pocket.

The front entry of your home is the first and last impression friends and neighbors have of your home. What does your door say about you and your home?

Why replace your windows?

Insulating features such as heat-reflecting low-E coatings and argon gas between glass panes have become standard with replacement windows. Would you willingly toss 30 percent of your energy dollars out the window? Thirty percent of your home’s heating and cooling cost is lost through its windows and doors.

In the summer installed replacement windows with Low-E coated glass reflect outside heat away from your windows. During the cooler winter months Low-E glass reflects the existing heat back inside your home—so your home retains its warmth.

Because Vinyl does not conduct heat and cold the way that aluminum and steel do, they are much more energy and sound efficient and low maintenance for your Southern California home.

W.I.T. Windows & Door can replace one window or every window in your home. They can security doors, sun screens and much more helping you save both energy and money.

Visit the W.I.T. showroom at west Colton, or call 909, 792-6587. You can log on to www.witwindowsanddoors.com to see door, window and screen samples. The pros at WIT Windows and Doors can guide you through every step of the way and as a participating in the HERO financing program.

 

AUG 2019 – New Chamber Members July 2019

COLDWELL BANKER TOWN & COUNTRY
Dianne Speaker
300 E. State Street, Suite 502
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 553-1924

HITDNA, LLC – HUMAN IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Renee Kern
Box 1040
Highland, CA  92346
Phone:  557-1828

JOHN & KAREN TINCHER
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
21 W. Palm Lane Drive
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 225-0464

MOUNTAIN VISTA OPTICAL
Ryan Thormahlen
129 E. State Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-0092

PRIMERICA
Blair Floyd
647 No Main Street #3
Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: 200-0161

ROOTED SALON
Andrea Aguilers
421 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 771-4804

SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING SERVICES DBA: SBA
Molly Salas
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 528-7641

 

AUG 2019 – Chamber Members Renewing in July

ARROW STAFFING
Matt & Jeff Thalmayer
499 W. State Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-1252

BRIGGS & COOPS COINS
Lauren Briggs
21 E. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-2511

COLDWELL BANKER TOWN & COUNTRY
Lance Martin
300 E. State Street, Suite 502
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-4147

CREATIVE 7 DESIGNS, INC.
Joseph Kibler
301 9th Street, Suite 307-308
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 214-3468

FIDELITY FIRE, INC.
Oscar Herrera
Box 8461
Redlands, CA 92375
Phone; 528-9360

FOREIGN AUTO TECH
Sid Takouche
1635 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-9575

JULIAN AUGUST SALON
Lupe & Manuel Voss
147 East Vine #35
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-1872

LAW OFFICE OF RICHARD BAWDEN
Mary Bawden
300 E. State Street, Suite 430
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-0222

LAW OFFICE OF RYAN E. FENDER
Ryan Fender
300 E. State Street, Suite 214
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 726-9580

MIGUEL’S JR. RESTAURANT
Stephen Rezner
27521 San Bernardino Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 951-371-7234

MIRAVILLA CARE CENTER
Laura Williams
9246 Avenida Miravilla
Cherry Valley, CA 92223
Phone: 951-845-3194

NEW YORK LIFE
Patrick Ryan
Redlands, CA 92373
206-3670

ONE LEGACY FOUNDATION
Christy Bethel
1701 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 801-3800

PAGE LOCKSMITH
David Page
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: 556-3270

PARTY PLUS RENTALS, LLC
Burnie Gossert
24831 Redlands Blvd
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Phone: 796-3388

REDLANDS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM
Carlos Uruchurtu
500 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-2141

REDLANDS MAGAZINE OF COUPONS
Terri Petrilli
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 328-0018

REDLANDS SPRINKLER
George Morrison
Beaumont, CA 92223
Phone: 798-2204

SACRED HEART ACADEMY
Angela Williams
215 So. Eureka
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 792-3958

SAN BDNO COUNTY SUPT OF SCHOOLS
Carrie Tabea
601 North “E” Street
San Bernardino, CA 92405
Phone: 386-2413

SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Summer Massoud
777 San Manuel Blvd
Highland, CA 92346
Phone: 864-8933

SENZA MEDICAL CORP
Stephanie Tickemyer
226 Nordina Street
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-3563

SOREN MCADAM, LLP
Joseph Horzen
2068 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 100
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 792-2222

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WITH SALLY BURTON
Sally Burton
1150 Brookside Avenue, Suite J-3
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 747-9238

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

TELEDYNE BATTERY PRODUCTS
Robb Dunn
840 W. Brockton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 793-3131

UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES
Jerry Fields
300 E. State Street, Suite 400
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 335-2137

WHISKERS AND TAILS PET SITTING
Rachel Brown
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 520-0913

WYATT VIDEO
Bill Wyatt
31 W. Stuart Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 867-7163

JULY 2019 – President’s Article by Marissa Kramer

Happy July Redlands Chamber Members!

Well, here we are folks, half-way through the year!! We made it, but why does it still feel like someone has pressed the fast-forward button? I can’t seem to catch up! Hopefully with a little of the ‘dust’ settling from the busy spring time months, we can buckle down and start counting down the days until Christmas.

This month we had the pleasure of welcoming and participating in the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Bliss Car Wash and Self Made Training Facility. We are so excited to welcome them to the Chamber and offer all of the benefits that come along with the membership!

The Young Professionals Network hosted Coffee with Fill with Jim Topoleski (Battalion Chief of the Redlands Fire Department) and rather that talking about the upcoming Fire Season (which is what we thought would be the topic of discussion) we discussed Leadership within the Community, the future of Redlands, and how important discipline is in whatever position, job, or career you’re in. As with all these Coffee with Fill meetings, we are getting some of the best and most influential leaders from our Community to provide thoughtful discussion and education on a wide range of topics. This is quickly turning into one of the Chamber events not to be missed!

The State of the Community Luncheon was held on June 21st at the Orton Center at the University of Redlands. Mayor Paul Foster captured all of our attention with news of the future of Redlands and what changes we need to made now to successfully bridge the gap to where we need to be.

Circa 2020 hosted Business to Business on June 25th we got to see many new faces and learn about the upcoming summer events to save the date for. If you’ve got event or meeting space available and would like to showcase your business, please contact the Chamber Office to set it up!

The Executive Search Committee has presented their final candidate for Executive Director to the Board of Directors and the Board has extended the offer of employment to Chris Alvarez. Chris comes to us, as a graduate of the University of Redlands. Chris worked as the Associate Director of Alumni and Community Relations and organized many of the quintessential events at the University including Homecoming and Town & Gown. Chris has worked as a fundraising consultant in many arenas from politics to the Redlands Community Orchestra. We are thrilled to have Chris on board and we are excited to see all of the ideas that Chris has in store for the Chamber and its membership!

Sincerely,

 

Marissa Kramer

2019 Chamber President

JULY 2019 – Lifehouse Productions making a difference

LifeHouse Productions making a dramatic difference

LifeHouse Productions was independently incorporated by Wayne Scott as a non-profit community theater company in 1993, LifeHouse has grown to become an Inland Empire attraction.

Unique in the nation, LifeHouse is an independent, interdenominational theater whose plays and musicals are exclusive, original productions seen by over 30,000 guests each year.  More than 500 volunteer actors comprise our casts of storytellers and join gifted artists, technicians and support staff from all walks of life to stage redemptive, inspirational stories.LifeHouse is an award-winning faith-based theater guided by historic Judeo-Christian perspectives and values.The outreach of LifeHouse includes international broadcasts of original productions on the SmartLifeStyle TV channel, audio drama CDs, the LifeHouse Theater Outreach (LTO) Touring Company, interpretation for the deaf, a college scholarship program, scripts performed by organizations throughout the U.S. as well as internationally and theater classes for youth.

LifeHouse Theater is…

  • A community theater where each musical or play is an original production. More than sixty new works have premiered here.
  • An interdenominational theater where over 500 gifted artists, technicians, and volunteers from all walks of life use their talents to inspire the moral imagination of children and families from all over the Inland Empire.
  • A unique theatrical experience enjoyed by over 30,000 people who pass through the LifeHouse Theater doors each year.
  • A visionary theater whose artistic endeavors are guided by historic Judeo-Christian perspectives and dedicated to excellence.Visit LifeHouse Threater at 1135 North Church Street, call for tickets at 335-3037 or log onto www. LifeHouseTheater.com to learn more about upcoming productions, season tickets and more.
  • LifeHouse has been named as one of the most popular live theaters in the region by the Sun Newspaper’s reader poll.

JULY 2019 – Member Profile – Lamar Advertising Company

Lamar can help you reach your audience

Founded in 1902, Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR) is one of the largest outdoor advertising companies in the world, with more than 348,000 displays across the United States and Canada. Lamar offers advertisers a variety of billboardinterstate logotransit and airport advertising formats, helping both local businesses and national brands reach broad audiences every day. In addition to its more traditional out of home inventory, Lamar is proud to offer its customers the largest network of digital billboards in the United States with over 3,300 displays.

From billboards, to digital billboards, transit and airport advertising Lamar can find you best advertising needs.

Lamar Advertising Company is the nation’s leading Out-of-Home advertising provider. We specialize in outdoor advertising and have been offering our clients innovative solutions for over 100 years.

Looking to reach potential customers and grow your business? Whether you’re a small business owner considering advertising for the first time, or an experienced media planner looking for ways to complement your client’s media campaign, we have a variety of products to help you reach your advertising goals and stand out from the competition.

 

JULY 2019 – Networking: Make the most of being in a room with others

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.