The Chamber is bringing back a fun filled tasty way to treat yourself and your friends to the savory delights of Redlands without tracking down a truck or needing a smart phone app. Friday, May 18, ten restaurants will offer gastronomic experiences to guests as they stroll from one establishment to another in downtown sampling specialties, delighting in sophisticated tastes and nibbling signature dishes.          

          Checking will begin at 4:30 at the Chamber office where guests with a purchased a ticket that will pick up a wrist band, a map and passport to each of the participating restaurants, then off they go to taste and test to their hearts delight. At each restaurant they will have the host sign their passport that will then make them eligible for a drawing at the end of the evening. For restaurants not located in downtownRedlandshost businesses will partner with them allowing use of facility providing both with great exposure.

          “We launched this event last year to rave reviews” said Paul Barich, Chamber President. “We want to drive people to downtown and showcase our unique restaurants. There is no place better in the Inland Empire to spend an evening out thanRedlands. It plays to our Shop Redlands program and showcases our wonderful restaurants.”

          Tickets for the event are $35 per person and are limited. To purchase your tickets or for more information about Redlands Chamber Cruisin’ Cuisine call 793-2546.

Congratulations to Hendrik Porte, the lucky winner of the Shop Redlands, February, $100 gift certificate to Joe Greensleeves Restaurant provided by Barich and Associates.

          The March, Shop Redlands gift, a $100 Gas card is provided by Big Mike’s Rooter & Plumbing Co.

        Bring in your shopping receipts from chamber members or local businesses and be eligible for the drawing that will be held the last day of March. By shopping at chamber member you will receive two tickets for the drawing, non member receipts qualify you for one ticket. The member directory can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.Redlandschamber.org. The receipts must be valued at $25 or more.

        Once again congratulations to Hendrik Porte, thank you to Barich and Associates, here we go again so …… let’s get shopping

      I am pleased to report that local merchants are excited about a budding campaign to improve the curb appeal of the City’s downtown and brand the area as a safe, family friendly shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

        At our Feb. 21 meeting, the City Council approved efforts to improve and expand Market Night events and related improvements downtown. Following that meeting, City Manager Enrique Martinez and I, along with staff from the City’s Development Services Department, met informally with a focus group of downtown business owners to discuss goals, objectives and programs to support and expand the downtown business area and solicit participation by local merchants.

        The ultimate goal is to attract shoppers and bring in new business as well as retain those businesses currently in the downtown.

        The program envisions a sparkling and vibrant downtown, beginning at the downtown freeway off-ramps and including enhanced landscaping and new distinctive gateway and way-finding signs. Merchants suggested carrying the orange crate planter theme atOrangeandPearlthroughout the downtown, including monuments and way-finding signs.

        A plan to move Market Night vendors to alternate sides ofState Streetto garner more local business participation and encourage local businesses to keep their stores open during the event was also presented. Staff also announced three community events that will take place over the next three months: a wine tasting, a chili cook-off, and a gourmet mobile food truck event.

        The business participants were enthusiastic about the proposals and offered suggestions for improving the downtown curb appeal. Out of the suggestions, three top priorities were identified. 

• Entryway landscaping improvements
• Up-lighting trees onState Street
• Orange crate themed signs

        City staff will conduct additional informal outreach efforts with the business community on March 15 and March 29.

        As these efforts move forward we will continue to keep you fully informed. Any constructive comments would be most welcomed!!!  

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