We’ve all heard the term “Elevator Speech” before but what exactly is that speech and when do we use it? It’s not confined to that three story or better ride in an Otis mechanical box but rather an opportunity to sell yourself, your business, service or product in a brief moment of time, it’s an opportunity that presents its self without notice.

It should be a window to your personality, and shouldn’t sound canned, it should sound conversational. The key to a successful “Elevator Speech” is simple; make it sound effortless, memorable and sincere. You need to sound confident and enthusiastic. Don’t rush through it and remember to smile. Don’t confuse your “audience” with industry jargon they may not understand and watch for clues that it’s time to wrap up before the listener “glazes over.”

If you are nervous about your “Elevator Speech” you might want to think about joining a public speaking group such as Toastmasters that will help you overcome the fear of public speaking whether to a crowd of hundreds or just one in an elevator.

Celebrating the opening of their new Redlands office, The Unforgettables Foundation, a 10- year non-profit will have a ribbon cutting ceremony/Grand Opening on Thursday, May 26 from 5-7 pm. The event will be held at Gateway Plaza, 345 W. Pearl Street, suite 230, above Eureka Burger and Mikan Restaurants. Three Chambers of Commerce – Redlands, Highland, and Loma Linda are collaborating.

The Unforgettables Foundation (TUF) serves grieving Inland Empire families by providing assistance for a dignified burial for their children. During the past 10 years they have assisted over 3,000 families.

The event will offer complimentary sushi, burgers, pizza, and taco samples as well as sodas. A no host bar will be available.

In attendance will be California State Assemblyman Mike Morrell, Redlands city council members, chamber leaders and other local dignitaries.

May 6 (Friday) Rise N Shine Redlands Casa Loma Room, University of Redlands 7:00 AM

May 11 (Wednesday) Executive Board Meeting Chamber Office 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

May 11 (Wednesday) Free Marketing Workshop How to Implement E-Commerce Redlands City Hall Council Chambers 35 Cajon St. Registration 798-7629 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

May 18 (Wednesday) Board of Directors Chamber Office 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

May 18, (Wednesday) Free Marketing Workshop Low Cost Marketing- Networking Redlands City Hall Council Chambers 35 Cajon St. Registration 798-7629 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

May 19 (Thursday) Ambassador Meeting Chamber Office 8:00 AM

May 24 (Tuesday) BUSINESS TO BUSINESS NETWORKING 11:30 AM – Lunch 12:00 Noon Meeting Chamber Office

May 26 (Thursday) Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening The Unforgettable Foundation 345 W. Pearl Avenue, Ste 230 5 PM – 7:00 PM

The Redlands Police Department (RPD) has taken a proactive approach to solving the robbery, commercial burglary, vehicle burglary, theft problem that has not only plagued our city, but the entire region. Recently the police department acquired a GPS tracking device sold by 3SI Security Systems on a trial basis. While the device was originally designed to fit inside a wad of United States currency, the police department removed the device from the currency and installed it in a broken laptop computer which was then placed in an unmarked vehicle and strategically placed throughout the city. During the first week of deployment, several items including the laptop computer were stolen from the locked vehicle. Once the computer was stolen, through the GPS tracking device an alert was sent directly to the Redlands Police Department’s dispatch center and officer’s cell phones. Dispatch was able to guide responding officers to the suspect’s location, and within five minutes, officers had arrested two people for vehicle burglary and recovered all of the stolen property.

RPD prides itself in collaborating with the business community. As a result, RPD wants to inform the businesses of Redlands about this new technology. If a business chooses to purchase the system, the GPS tracker will automatically link to the police dispatch center. If the business becomes a victim of robbery during the day or a burglary during the night and the suspect takes the “bait money”, police will instantly receive alerts indicating the theft. The chance of police tracking the suspects, making arrests, and recovering all of the stolen property greatly increases. The GPS tracker can be attached to safes and ATM devices, cash registers or any valuable piece of equipment that might be a target.

The Redlands Police Department has decided to purchase two tracking devices and has already received enthusiastic commitments from other organizations and businesses to purchase their own devices. The company selling the trackers has offered businesses in the Redlands that decide to purchase a law enforcement rate of $425.00 for the initial purchase and $30.00 per month service fee thereafter making the device affordable and effective. The service fee covers the cell phone connection for the GPS device. The police department is committed to solving crime when it occurs. As partners in that effort; the more businesses that possess the tracking devices the better the chances of apprehension, arrest and recovery.    If you have any questions regarding the police department’s use of this technology, please feel free to contact Lt. Travis Martinez at (909)557-6583 or tmartinez@redlandspolice.org. If you would like more information about the devices, visit 3SI Security’s website at www. 3sisecurity.com or call Scott Cade at (949)584-0415.

That’s how everyone is greeted every time you call Sanborn’s West Coast Mechanical because they feel great knowing that they are giving their customers the services they deserve.

Geoff and Missy Sanborn own and operate Sanborn’s West Coast Mechanical located at 752 E. Citrus Avenue in Redlands. The Sanborn Family arrived in the area before turn of the century and has been a well known name in the Heating and Air Conditioning business since the mid 50’s. Geoff started in business in his teen years. He has gone from pushing a broom to President of the corporation and has over 35 years of experience. He continually educates himself and his employees with new information that gives him a complete understanding of how important it is to have team work offering his clients, dependable products, competitive prices and excellent costumer service.

West Coast Mechanical has highly trained installation teams and service technicians providing 24-hour service. They guarantee their work and promise to make their clients completely satisfied or they will fix it for FREE.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call West Coast Mechanical Heating and Air Conditioning at 793-1234.