Redlands to propose Sign Code Amendmen

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce will ask the City Council to consider an amendment to the Sign Code that will allow businesses outside the downtown business arena for the opportunity to use A-frame signs. The current code does not allow businesses to use A-frame structures if located outside the geographic confines of the Downtown Business District.

During these extremely difficult economic times businesses are reinventing, recreating new and innovative ways to find new customers and clients and many are looking for unique and distinctive advertising opportunities. While A-frames have been banned in commercial areas outside of downtown many businesses have opted for using them attempting lure customers in, but have found themselves on the wrong side of the law and have been cited by code enforcement and forced to remove the violating sign.

While amendments have been suggested they come at enormous cost to the individual so the Chamber is seeking an Ordinance Text Amendment that would allow A-frame signs to be used by businesses that are not currently permitted to do so.

Size, construction and placement will all be considered in the amended language to minimize clutter and still allow businesses to advertise appropriately.

The amendment will be processed through the Planning Commission then on to City Council with adequate time for public input. With smooth sailing the amendment could be approved as early as the first of the year, 2012. Watch for updates on the website and via email and if needed be prepared to lobby council for quick and equitable action on behalf of all the businesses of Redlands.

Redlands Christmas Parade Committee seeking parade entries and sponsorships

The Kiwanis Club of Redlands – Noon is seeking sponsorships and accepting entry applications for the 22nd annual Redlands Christmas Parade “A Holiday Celebration of Light” scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, December 3 in downtown Redlands. This parade is one of the few nighttime parades in the Inland Empire. This citywide event brings together thousands of people from throughout the Inland Empire for a fun and exciting celebration of the holidays.

The parade committee is currently seeking entries; the fee is $20 for individuals and non-profit organizations and $30 for commercial entries. Entry applications must be received by November 20. Entry applications are available online at www.redlands-events.com.

Additionally, parade sponsors are needed to help make the Redlands Christmas Parade a successful event. With hundreds of participants, a dozen or more marching bands ands scores of brilliantly lit floats, sponsor logos at the head of the parade are sure to be noticed by the thousands of spectators lining the streets. Businesses interested in being a parade sponsor may contact Dave Ahlers at (909) 792-4016.

Welcome New Chamber Members

ACCOUNTING 4 COMPUTERS/ PRO-TAX SOLUTIONS
Kendra Salot
242 E. Airport Avenue, Suite 204 San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 915-1040
Fax: 915-1044
www.accounting4computers.com

AMERICAN CUSTOM COACH
Charlie Mello
1351 W. Park Avenue, Suite 101 Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 795-4747
Fax: 748-6548
www.americancc.com

BILL & WAGS, INC.
Jorge Guerrero
945 W. Brockton Avenue Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 798-4863
Fax: 798-2853
www.billandwagstowing.com

D & L AWARDS
Dales Andrews
10444 Corporate Drive, Suite L Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 799-5998
Fax: 217-3688
www.dandlawards.com

JILLY UY HUMBERT
Jilly Uy Humbert
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 792-0983

JUNIOR’S PARTY RENTALS AND DECORATIONS
Rafael & Silvia Gonzalez
1154 Brookside Avenue, Suite CC Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 798-7180
www.juniorsrental.com

LAWYERS TITLE
Kristi Sims-Munoz
3480 Vine Street Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: 841-7645
Fax: 866-350- 8154
www.kristi.lawyersie.com

MEADOWBROOK HOMES, INC.
Baily Zneigle
1309 Fairview Lane, Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 793-6231
Fax: 793-0231

PAYCHEX
John Heaton
1420 Iowa Avenue Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: 289-9043
Fax: 866-860- 2402
www.paychex.com

RAPID CREDIT AUTO SALES & FINANCING
Bobby Focht
305 W. Colton Avenue Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: 792-2227
Fax: 792-2220
www.rapidcreditauto.com

SENZA MEDICAL CORP
Stephanie Tickemyer
226 Nordina Street Redlands, CA 92373
Phone: 793-3563
Fax: 798-0552
www.senzamedical.com

Young Professionals to “Mix” at Hangar 24

It‟s a brand new program for a brand new generation of business professionals. The Redlands Chamber Young Professionals Network, YPN, is a premier network for young professionals between the ages 21 – 40. YPN offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth through social and educational activities. Our members are active, up and coming professionals who through projects and signature events will make a powerful impact on the business community and city at large.

Through various projects and programs, YPN provides its members unparalleled opportunities to gain the experience needed to become more effective civic and business leaders in an environment where they can meet others with the same ambition.

On October 5 will present its first event, a “Mixinar” at Hangar 24, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the perfect combination of networking and seminar. Attendees will have an opportunity to socialize and during the course of the evening, Ben Cook, owner of the Hangar 24, will share his success story about how he brought his passion for craft beer to the monumentally successful microbrewery he now operates with distribution throughout California.

Admission to the “Mixinar” is $5.00 per person reservations are needed, space is limited. Call the Chamber office to make your reservations 793-2546.

“This is our first event.” noted YPN Chairperson, Megan Barich. “Watching the committee come together to bring this event to the young professionals has been gratifying. The enthusiasm of the group is contagious and the excitement is growing. We are looking forward to a sold out event and we are already talking about our next event.”

Admission to the “Mixinar” is $5.00 per person reservations are needed as space is limited. Call the Chamber office to make your reservations 793-2546.

Follow the YPN on Facebook at Young Professionals Network of Redlands Chamber of Commerce.

Highland Estates building homes that fit you

Highland Estates by Jack Pendo Development is building large, elegant, semi-custom new homes in East Highland, the 3220 sq. ft. single story home has 4 bedrooms and 4 1⁄2 baths and is priced from $464,000. The three- story floor plans range from 3550 to 4500 sq. ft., 4 to 5 bedrooms and 3 1⁄2 to 4 1⁄2 baths starting at $513,000.

The homes are finished with gorgeous upgraded cabinetry, granite countertops, Whirlpool Gold Stainless Steel double oven appliance packages, finished 3 car garages, 10,000+ sq ft lots, front yard landscaping, block wall fencing, coffered ceilings, dual staircases and many more upscale amenities all within a private gated community.

The first homes were ready for occupancy in late June
and the rest will be completed by the end of the year. If you have been thinking about buying a new home you need to see these!

The sales office is open from 10 until 5, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. As additional incentive we are paying $10,000 in closing costs for buyers and 3% broker co-op.

Visit Highland Estate website at www.jacksonpendo.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2011

September 13, (Tuesday) Young Professionals Network 5:30 PM Chamber Office September 14 (Wednesday) Board of Directors Strategic Planning 4:00 – 7:00 PM Chamber Office

September 15 (Thursday) Ambassador Committee Meeting 8:00 AM Chamber Office

September 15 (Thursday) Hunters & Gatherers Meeting Redlands Chamber LIVE 12:00 Noon Chamber Office

September 22 (Thursday) Hunters & Gatherers Meeting Redlands Chamber LIVE 12:00 Noon Chamber Office

September 22 (Thursday) Business After Hours Mixer Las Fuentes Mexican Grill 336 No. Eureka, Redlands 5:00 – 7:00 PM $5 Prepaid, $10 at door, $10 Non Members RSVP needed 793-2546

September 27 (Tuesday) Business to Business Networking 11:30 Lunch (Hamburgers for sale) 12:00 Noon – Meeting RSVP needed 793-2546 Chamber Office

September 29 (Thursday) Hunters & Gatherers Meeting Redlands Chamber LIVE 12:00 Noon Chamber Office October 5 (Wednesday) Government Review Committee 4:00 PM Chamber office

October 5 (Wednesday) Young Professionals Network Mixinar 6:00 – 8:00 PM Hangar 24 21 to 40 years of age ONLY Reservations needed $5.00 793-2546

October 6 (Thursday) Hunters & Gatherers Meeting Redlands Chamber LIVE 12:00 Noon Chamber Office

October 7 (Friday) Rise N Shine Redlands 7:00 AM UNIVERSITY CLUB (Note change of location for this month) $10.00 Prepaid – $20.00 at the door RSVP Needed 793-2546

October 8 (Saturday) CRUISIN’ CUISINE 5:00 – 8:00 PM Epicurean Delights in Downtown Redlands @ selected Restaurants Tickets $35.00 per Person Chamber Members $45.00 per Person Non- Members Call 793-2546 for tickets

October 13 (Thursday) Hunters & Gatherers Meeting Redlands Chamber LIVE 12:00 Noon Chamber Office

October 20 (Thursday) Hunters & Gatherers Meeting Redlands Chamber LIVE 12:00 Noon Chamber Office

October 25 (Tuesday) Business to Business Networking 12:00 Noon RSVP needed 793-2546 LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED

October 27 (Thursday) Hunters & Gatherers Meeting Redlands Chamber LIVE 12:00 Noon Chamber Office

Country Inn & Suites the perfect hotel choice for business or pleasure

The lovely Country Inn & Suites Redlands is the perfect choice for the business or leisure traveler. It‟s a short drive from Ontario International Airport and minutes from top shopping and dining destinations. Amenities offered at the Country Inn & Suites include free high-speed Internet access, a heated outdoor pool, Fitness Center, Business Center and complimentary breakfast. The elegant décor, warm atmosphere and convenient amenities at the hotel in Redlands, will ensure your stay with us is pleasant and productive.

The oversized rooms and suites will make every guest feel right at home. Each of our Redland hotel’s recently renovated guest rooms includes complimentary high-speed Internet access, TV, refrigerator and microwave, as well as other convenient amenities. Suites enjoy pullout sofa beds, and select rooms include kitchenettes.

Looking for meeting space in the East Valley? The Country Inn & Suites is near the University of Redlands and is a great location to host your event conference space is ideal for a variety of meetings and social occasions. The professional staff will be happy to assist with your event needs.

The Country Inn & Suites is pleased to offer a complimentary hot breakfast, served daily in the Breakfast Room. With a variety of delicious foods to choose from, it will be hard to leave feeling hungry. For lunch and dinner, the hotel’s friendly staff recommends a number of excellent local restaurants within walking distance.

The Redlands hotel is convenient to many area attractions and local airports – Ontario International Airport is 20 miles away and LAX is 75 miles from the hotel. Call today for your reservation 909-792- 7913 or visit Country Inn & Suites at 1650 Industrial Park Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374

LaunchPad301 is a place where Entrepreneurial Dream’s are “Hatched”

Tacit Solutions, LLC has created LaunchPad301 a private business incubator in Redlands focused purely on launching entrepreneurial based startup companies throughout the Inland Empire in Southern California. The new business incubator is located at The RedlandsMill professional office suites in Redlands at 301 9th Street. The private „for-profit‟ business incubator will be operated by Tacit Solutions, LLC of Redlands and owned by a group of private investors from Redlands and Silicon Valley. The first 2,000 square feet of space allocation and facility support services are currently underway to house the initial 8 companies that will occupy the facility in 2012. The incubator facility space is being underwritten by John Mills, owner of The RedlandsMill.

LaunchPad301 provides hands-on business assistance, mentoring, formal training, along with seed funding and office space for up to four companies at a time through an intensive business accelerator program. Participants‟ have two entry points for the incubator program each year in either February or August. Each participating company accepted into the program is eligible to receive up to $25,000 in low-cost business consulting services, professional support, office space, and seed funding grants based on need and performance.

LaunchPad301 is geared to help innovative companies involved in creating new software or hardware applications for energy efficient designs, mobile internet applications, custom semiconductors and robotics. A company does not have to be focusing on high technology electronic products to enter into the incubator program. The local incubator management team is also interested in talking to innovative entrepreneurs for example, who may be developing revolutionary water purification techniques that can help bring clean water to all parts of the world for pennies a gallon. LaunchPad301 can also help existing companies‟ re-engineer earlier versions of their product to reach the critical stage of beta customer feedback for new vertical go-to- market strategies. . More detailed information will be available at www.LP301.com and at (909) 307- 1111 regarding the online application process.

Chamber premiers new website

Rise ‘n Shine returned Sept. 2 and with it came the premiere of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce’s new website.

Redeveloped for functionality and redesigned for aesthetics, the new site has the capability to greatly serve members and be an information portal to anyone who wants to visit or relocate to Redlands.

“The site is all grown up now,” said Kathie Thurston,
executive director. “We have a site
that is easy to navigate, has current information for members, and visitors and creates a dynamic look at the both the organization and community for anyone who visits.”

The home page now features an interactive slide show and easy, intuitive navigation. Features include:

Reasons to become a chamber member and an application download.
Access to the economic development tool which provides powerful market demographics and insight, offered through a partnership with Esri.
Access to the chamber’s Office Depot program for members to save between 15 and 25 percent on office supplies.
Up-to-date information on the chamber’s signature event–Redlands Chamber Live
A showcase for President’s Club members.
Advertising opportunities.

The chamber’s new site was made possible by Redlands Web development company, Whitefrog.

“Whitefrog decided to get involved with the Chamber of Redlands website because the
existing website had little value to offer members and the community,” said Whitefrog owner Matt Leeds. “We wanted to create a tool that made the chamber more effective
online, creating a better resource for everyone.”

The site is designed to be easily updated by chamber staff,
eliminating the need for a traditional webmaster.

“We built the chamber website on a platform called
WordPress. This setup allows chamber staff to login and make changes to the website instantly, from any computer or smart device.

“It’s really pretty cool. Say the chamber is at a ribbon
cutting ceremony; they can snap a picture with their iPhone and then upload it straight to the website in about a minute. No programming, no webmaster. This allows website owners to be in control of their content in a way never before possible,” Leeds said.

“About a year ago we made a conscious decision to start offering more of our services to the local community. We had previously worked virtually with clients across the country and around the world – as far away as Cairo, Egypt. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is one of the key Redlands websites we felt could benefit from our services.”
Visit the new site at www.redlandschamber.org.

Chamber’s Cruisin’ Cuisine … epicurean delights on an October eve

The Chamber is on the road on foot, with a fun filled tasty way to treat yourself and your friends to the delectable delights of Redlands. Saturday October 8th more than a dozen restaurants will offer gastronomic epicurean gourmand to guests as they stroll from one establishment to another in downtown sampling specialties, delighting in sophisticated tastes and nibbling signature dishes. Restaurants that have signed on to date include, The Tartan, Benjarong, Briskets, Las Fuentes, and Joe Greensleeves.

Guests will purchase a ticket that will include a map and passport to each participating restaurant. Then off they go to taste and test until they can taste no more. At each restaurant they will have their prize passport signed making them eligible for a drawing at the end of the evening. The grand prize is a 42” flat screen TV, 1080 Dpi. Restaurants not located in downtown Redlands have partnered with host businesses allowing use of facility providing both with great exposure.

“I’ve seen similar events in other communities.” said Paul Barich, Chamber President Elect, who brought the idea to the Chamber. “I thought this would be a great way to showcase our businesses, get people out and on the streets downtown. Redlands has so much to offer this seems like a great way to draw attention to our unique features.”

Tickets for the event are $35, chamber members, $45 for non members. A limited number of tickets are available. To purchase tickets or to learn more about Redlands Chamber Cruisin‟ Cuisine call 793-2546.