John Redman becomes Pine Island Chamber president

PINE ISLAND — John Redman, the founder and CEO of a company that makes scenery and promotional settings for organizations all over the United Sates, has become the new president of the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce.

The first man to preside over the Pine Island chamber after six women presidents, Redman said his aim for the chamber right now was to increase the participation of members in the many important chamber projects that need more community help.

“My goal is not just to promote the businesses, but to promote the interests of this whole, vital community,” he said. “I emphasize that our chamber welcomes not only businesses, but also individual community members.”

Background
Born in Colorado, Redman studied design at Colorado College and taught for several years. He worked in regions around the Rockies before moving to New York in 1991, founding the Union Square Group, which creates sets and promotional events for corporations, commercials and Broadway plays. Most recently Redman constructed six Mayan pyramids for restaurants in the TGIF chain.

His award-winning Union Square Group is now based in a large farm warehouse off Mission Land Road in Pine Island.

Community efforts
Redman has been a member of the Florida School Board for 13 years and is now vice- president. He has served the community in many other ways, including providing holiday lights for the trees in the hamlet, lights for the Black Dirt Feast and sets for school plays and fire department Christmas events in the region.

He is married to opera singer and music teacher MaryLee Farris, who also serves as treasurer for the Union Square Group.

Editor’s note: This article and photo were submitted by Cheetah Haysom da Parma.