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