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The statewide honor recognizes Redlands for workforce initiatives, civic leadership and engaging community events
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Chamber of Commerce was named the inaugural recipient of CalChamber’s "Chamber of the Year" award, earning statewide recognition for its leadership in workforce development, economic advocacy and community engagement.
The honor was announced June 4 at the California Business Outlook Dinner in Sacramento, a gathering of civic and business leaders from across the state.
The award includes both a competitive application process and a public voting component, making Redlands’ win a reflection of both impact and community support.
“They are tireless advocates, co-sponsoring legislation at the city, county, and state levels, ensuring local businesses have a voice where it matters most,” said CalChamber 2025 Chair Maryam Brown.
Reflecting on the honor, Executive Director Evan Sanford said success did not happen overnight.
“This really speaks to the momentum that has been generated over the last few years,” Sanford said, referring to changes within the organization, the influx of new members with fresh ideas and a renewed focus on building a stronger business community.
CalChamber praised Redlands for a broad slate of accomplishments, including placing more than 500 people into jobs since 2022 through its workforce programs and expanding tourism and community events, like the annual NYE Orange Drop and Dog Jog.
The chamber also revitalized Leadership Redlands, a program that is developing the next generation of civic and business leaders by connecting them to hands-on community projects.
Redlands was further recognized for hosting over 100 ribbon cuttings last year, launching the city’s first printed map in five years and helping formerly homeless individuals find employment through its New Beginnings Program.
Sanford said he considers the New Beginnings Program and Leadership Redlands two of the most innovative and impactful efforts currently underway.
“These are programs that leave the kind of legacy we want to see,” Sanford said. “There’s no one else doing this kind of work in the way we are...which develops the next generation of leaders in innovative ways, and the result is already being felt.”
He added that graduates of Leadership Redlands are already serving on nonprofit boards, city commissions and even considering public office.
Looking ahead, Sanford said the chamber is pursuing grants to expand job training for high school students ages 16 to 18 and to support women and minority-owned businesses in targeted ways. These goals align with the chamber’s W.E.L.D. mission, which stands for Workforce, Economic and Leadership Development.
“Now we’re reinforced with the knowledge that our work has been validated at the state level,” Sanford said. “But this is just the beginning.”
The Redlands Chamber plans to share the award with the wider community in the coming weeks by inviting members to take photos with the award and celebrating the collective achievement.
“This award belong to the members just as much as us” Sanford said.
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