Business
Spectrum Reach Committing $15 Million to Support Small Businesses Across the Country

In Ontario and Redlands, Spectrum Reach in partnership with the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce provides support and resources to the local businesses
Spectrum Reach, the advertising sales business for Charter Communications, is paying it forward, committing $15 million total in advertising and services to support small businesses across the country, including businesses in Ontario and Redlands.
Small businesses are the economic backbone of the communities we serve. They each add a unique characteristic, bringing people together to build stronger, more vibrant communities. One of the most impactful ways small businesses can support their communities is by supporting each other, and Spectrum Reach is doing its part to bring small businesses together and provide the extra support they need to grow, and communities need to thrive.
As part of Spectrum Reach’s mission to help local businesses thrive, now through the end of June, Spectrum Reach is once again committing $15 million in advertising, resources and creative support to provide small businesses with the full power of its local advertising expertise, products and services through the “Pay it Forward” program.
Spectrum Reach first introduced “Pay it Forward” last year, helping hundreds of multiculturally-owned businesses in communities across the country. This year, Spectrum Reach has expanded the program to include multicultural and women-owned businesses, doubling the number of participants and further empowering local businesses in communities large and small to thrive. By the end of 2022, Spectrum Reach will have helped more than 1,300 multicultural and women-owned business owners with the support, resources and tools they need for their business to grow and succeed through “Pay it Forward.”
In Ontario and Redlands, Spectrum Reach in partnership with the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce is providing support and resources to the local businesses below:
“The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce shares our dedication and commitment to providing local businesses with the support and resources they need to thrive,” said Melissa Beland-Roy, Director of Field Marketing, Spectrum Reach. “Through our “Pay it Forward” program, we are helping businesses broaden their reach and grow their business, and build stronger, long-lasting relationships with the Inland Empire community.”
“Pay it Forward” Businesses in Ontario
- Calvo Learning Centers
- Damask Family Counseling and Consulting
- Empire Epoxy
- Trena Sells Homes
“Pay it Forward” Businesses in Redlands
- Axe Slayers Throw House
- City of Yucaipa
- Clark’s Nutrition
- Fan Diego
- FPEM Consulting Services
- Full Charge Business Solutions
- Guardian Plumbers
- Law Office of Joseph Richards
- Nikki Watson – Realtor
- Poindexter Consulting Group
- Propane West Coast
- Ranch RV and Self Storage
- Re/Max Champions Victor And Carolina
- Real Epic Photos
- Ruff and Ready Moving and Storage
- SAC Health
- San Bernardino County Medical Society
- Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
“The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce is grateful for the continued support from Spectrum Reach. They have been a valuable partner for us over the years in their efforts to help local businesses. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Spectrum for many years to come!” said Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO, Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The program offers businesses free dedicated support from a designated local Spectrum Reach sales representative, a three-month optimized TV schedule using Spectrum Reach’s award-winning AudienceApp media planning tool, and a personalized 30-second commercial through Waymark to use wherever they want —on their website, social media, and on TV – through the end of June.
Participating businesses also will have exclusive access to resources and insights on how to grow their business, including expert advice from Shark Tank star and “Pay it Forward” ambassador Daymond John.
More information about Spectrum Reach’s “Pay it Forward” program is available here.
Business
Fire Helmet Manufacturer Helps Disabled Community find Employment

Riverside’s Phenix Technology Leads with Inclusion, Empowering the Disabled Community Through Workforce Training and Employer Education
Written by Logan Rosselli, IEBJ Content Contributor
In the heart of Riverside, off of Chicago Avenue, a small, but mighty team has been quietly manufacturing life-saving equipment for firefighters across the world for over 50 years. Phenix Technology Inc. is an internationally recognized fire helmet manufacturer who builds their products from start to finish right here in the Inland Empire. For their great products, they’ve received numerous awards such as the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Innovator of the Year, a 2016 “E” for Exports award from the U.S. Department of Commerce, a finalist position in the “Coolest Thing Made in California” competition and more. However, their most recent accolade doesn’t involve their products at all.
In 2024, Phenix founded the ground breaking “Opportunity for All” program to provide disabled community members with the opportunity to access career education, hands-on experience and employment opportunities through an 11 week training cohort. In this program, neurodivergent individuals wanting to find stable employment learn about standard hiring practices, writing a resume, effective interviewing and professional attire while getting on-the-job training with a partnered employer in the community. It has helped dozens of disabled community members to find a new sense of independence and achieve their full potential while helping local employers find dependable employees who bring a unique perspective to the workplace.
It’s for this program that the National Association of Workforce Development Boards (NAWB), a representative of over 570 workforce development boards across the United States, honored Phenix with the prestigious W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award in late March.
“While we take tremendous pride in the products we make, we also believe we have a mission to create a better world through developing opportunities,” said Angel Sanchez, CEO of Phenix Technology in a statement released in early April. “Opportunity for All has helped prove that individuals who have historically been excluded from the workforce don’t just contribute — they elevate organizations. We are honored to receive this national award and grateful to the partners who have helped us make this vision a reality.”
CEO Angel Sanchez Jr. accepts the NAWB Award
Though “Opportunity for All” is certainly the cornerstone program for the company, Phenix’s leadership team was not satisfied to leave their mission there. Thus, in 2024, the company founded its nonprofit arm, Phenix Gateway to offer more programs and advocacy to the community. Through Phenix Gateway, the company offers workforce development workshops for individuals who don’t need the full scale of the “Opportunity for All” program, but want to improve a specific skill like resume writing or workplace social skills.
However, Phenix knows that preparing disabled people for the workforce is only one end of the equation; the workforce also has to be prepared to accept the unique skills, perspectives and challenges of the disabled community. For this reason, Phenix Gateway offers employer training workshops as well as educational materials available to businesses and the community. Training programs cover a lot of ground, ranging from assistance with optimizing interviews for people with neurodevelopmental disorders to creating sensory-friendly environments in the workplace.
In Riverside, these programs have had a huge impact on the local community. As of March 2025, Phenix’s Opportunity for All program has had over two dozen participants and 44% found stable employment through or after the program. Their one-off workforce development workshops have seen over 200 participants learn new skills and help them find employment and the nonprofit currently partners with close to 90 businesses to assist them in their endeavor to create a more inclusive workforce.
Phenix Gateway staff helps a program participant with his skills
For businesses or community members interested in learning how they can support or participate in these programs, Phenix encourages them to reach out by email to info@phenixgateway.org and to attend their First Annual Gala: Rising Together, A Phenix Gateway Celebration, on Thursday, May 15th. Tickets for this event are available at phenixgateway.org.
Business
Supported by Local Leaders, CALED’s Annual Conference will be in Ontario this May

Empowering Economic Growth: CALED Conference Set to Unite Industry Leaders in Ontario
CALED’s ‘Growing Local Economies from the Ground Up’ Conference is being held in Ontario at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport on May 7-9. This event is co-hosted by the City of Ontario and San Bernardino County, with Jennifer McLain Hiramoto, CALED’s Chair of the Board and Derek Armstrong respectively representing their city and county as Co-Chairs of the event.
With over 950 members and 45 years of empowering economic developers, CALED is the largest economic development association in the country and the annual conference is the number one place to meet and connect with the boots-on-the -ground, decision makers in our communities.
The conference will include a pre-conference teaching tour, ‘Building & Paying for Development Projects’ on May 6th and then begin in full on May 7th, with a welcome session and breakouts. Overall, there will be four general assembly sessions and 18 breakout sessions, which will delve into local economic development practices and innovative tools.
In addition to compelling content, the conference will have numerous opportunities to connect with community leaders and valued peers through networking receptions, the culinary crawl, and new this year, the Tournament of Champions, where conference attendees will navigate a gauntlet of games to win the grand prize on the evening of Thursday, May 8th.
To learn more about the conference and register, visit the CALED website at www.caled.org.
Business
Strengthening Community Connections: Our Exciting New Partnership with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL

Contributed Content | By Chris Venhoff, Senior Vice President and Inland Empire Market Leader for Consumer and Business Banking at U.S. Bank
As the Inland Empire market leader for U.S. Bank, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: we are proud to be the Official Bank Partner of Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center. This partnership represents a reflection of our deep commitment to the Inland Empire and our dedication to fostering a vibrant, thriving community.
At U.S. Bank, we believe that strong partnerships drive meaningful progress. Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center are at the heart of the region’s culture and economy, bringing people together for world-class entertainment, business conventions, and community events. By joining forces, we’re not only expanding our presence but also creating opportunities to engage with residents, businesses, and organizations in ways that make a lasting impact.
Through our sponsorship, we’ll support concerts, sporting events, and conventions that showcase the diversity and energy of the Inland Empire. But this is only the beginning. As our partnership evolves, we’ll work closely with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL to introduce community-focused programs, including financial literacy workshops and charitable giving initiatives.
This partnership is designed to bring added value to the people we serve. For our customers, we’re introducing the U.S. Bank Fast Pass Lanes, providing priority access at Toyota Arena events. Special offers, exclusive event experiences, and tailored financial solutions for businesses operating in the region are just a few of the many perks we’re excited to roll out.
Our employees are at the core of our success, and this partnership allows us to recognize their dedication. Through exclusive access to events, corporate hospitality opportunities, and community volunteer programs, our team will have new ways to engage with and celebrate the community they serve.
The Inland Empire is a dynamic, fast-growing region, and we’re committed to supporting its continued success. By investing in Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center, we’re helping to create and sustain jobs while driving local business growth. These venues bring in visitors, revenue, and visibility, strengthening the region’s economy.
This collaboration is about more than just sponsorship—it’s about making a difference. By working together, we can elevate not just these venues but the entire Inland Empire. At U.S. Bank, we’re committed to being a partner in progress, supporting our customers, businesses, and communities every step of the way.
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