Chamber Mixer Brings Festive Networking to Redlands

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the Redlands Chamber of Commerce held its Holiday Mixer, where they broke into the holiday season and celebrated the spirit of service to business. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce has provided service as a business advocate within the community since 1893. With more than 600 businesses as current members, the Chamber has a solidly established reputation for promoting local business. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce, however, is not all just business. In addition to the support they provide to businesses in and near the community, they also host year-round a variety of events for residents to participate in, all with the intention of promoting healthy living and family fun. Chamber president Daney Bachiu said, "We do a lot of fun things throughout the year to involve the community in fun events, like the night light run [we have] coming up, and the skits we occasionally put on. It's our way to give back to the community for all the support they express toward us." The Redlands Chamber Holiday Mixer was just one of the many events the chamber puts on annually, but this particular event had more of an emphasis on the Chamber itself, to draw attention to and promote both the Chamber itself and the businesses who call it home. Held at the Chamber office, attendees enjoyed goodies donated by local eateries including Alfaro Catering, Brewcakes, Carolyn's Cafe, Chili's, Corner Bakery & Cafe, El Kiosco Express, Jersey Mike's, Subs, Muffin Top Bakery, Oscar's Mexican Restaurant, Darby's, Rosa Maria's, Sizzler Restaurant and The Old Spaghetti Factory. The mixer also served to introduce non-Chamber members to the variety of programs and events the Chamber plays host to throughout the year, and invite non-members to join. All residents were open, invited to socialize with other visitors - members or no - meet new people and gather insight on various local businesses. Thomas Kuntz was a visitor that evening. While not a Chamber member himself, he explained his interest in the evening was sparked due to the Chamber's active community involvement and the opportunities it provides local entrepreneurs to get involved and reach out to their community. "I'm glad I came," Kuntz said. "It's been great getting to meet all these different people of different businesses." Kuntz observed the people present at the event to be a "great group of people," and explained that joining the chamber would be a great experience. Kathie Thurston, the Chamber's executive director, described the best part of being involved with the Chamber, in her opinion, were the people involved and their willingness to give back to their community in so many ways. Many Chamber members vouched for the statement that the Chamber is the place to be, especially for entrepreneurs. Eddie Kandela is the General Manager of FOX Banquet & Event Center and has been a Chamber member for several years now, representing different businesses throughout the years. Kandela described Wednesday's mixer as "a great time to socialize with other chamber members. [The Chamber] is an important tool and component of any business to be a member for the simple reason that there's a lot of businesses that belong to it," Kandela said. "There are a lot of ideas and a lot of networking opportunities, and the support that you get is tremendous." Kandela's co-worker and company event executive, Suzanne Strauss, found the camaraderie between the Chamber members to be the most appealing part of the institution. Many took the opportunity during the evening to network and exchange business cards. Entrepreneurial and other business talk was abound through the room, between small and big-business representatives, as well as major organization and foundation members and leaders. Zonta International representative and Chamber member, Linda Derebery, and The Unforgettables Foundation founder and chamber member, Tim Evans, were among those present. Zonta International is a service organization that aids in advancing the state of women worldwide while The Unforgettables Foundation assists grieving families in funeral costs for lost loved ones. Both organization/foundation members joined the chamber in effort to find networks, and in doing so they gained many affiliations and friends; they have both found it to be extremely helpful and supportive, they explained. Chamber ambassador Dave Moore (representing Vernon Company) has been a member for upwards of 25 years, and explained that while the chamber is serious it is also "a lot of fun" and it is a place where one can "interact with great people." Also among the Chamber members that night was 40th Assembly District Assemblymember, Mike Morrell. Morrell described the Holiday Mix as the "usual fun." He has been part of the chamber for approximately six years and has enjoyed his time as member. "The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is one of the most vibrant Chambers in the valley," Morrell explained. "The Chamber, over the years that I've worked with them, has worked very hard at promoting the businesses in Redlands. They've done a really good job and I'm proud to be associated with it." Look for upcoming events hosted by the Chamber throughout the year, including the Redlands Chamber Night Light Run, which will take place Saturday evening, Dec. 14, through downtown Redlands.