Trends Chamber
The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
WOMENS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AUGUST 18th SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET EVERY TUESDAY AT THE SHOPS OF SURFSIDE YEAR ROUND 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET AT CAPE HARBOUR EVERY SATURDAY 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
August 2017
AUGUST 2017 AUGUST 1 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE ENERGY HARNESS CORPORATION 71 MID CAPE TERRACE, STE 8, CAPE CORAL, FL AUGUST 9 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON PALMETTO PINE COUNTRY CLUB 1940 SW 9TH COURT, CAPE CORAL, FL AUGUST 10 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM FOOD FOR THOUGHT LUNCHEON CAPE CORAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE 360 SANTA BARBARA BOULEVARD N, CAPE CORAL, FL AUGUST 11 | 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL KICK-OFF THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE 5951 SILVER KING BOULEVARD, CAPE CORAL, FL AUGUST 17 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM BUSINESS AFTER HOURS ZOOMERS AMUSEMENT PARK 17455 SUMMERLIN ROAD, FT MYERS, FL AUGUST 18 | 7:30 AM - 5:30 OM WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE 5951 SILVER KING BOULEVARD, CAPE CORAL, FL AUGUST 21 | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM SECRETS TO YOUR CHAMBER SUCCESS CHESTER STREET RESOURCE CENTER 4816 CHESTER STREET, CAPE CORAL, FL SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET | THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND FROM 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM CAPE CORAL FARMERS MARKET | CAPE HARBOUR OPEN SATURDAYS FROM 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Publisher & Editor Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
Contributing Editors Donna S. Germain President/CEO donna@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Annette Siner Special Events Director annette@capecoralchamber.com Shawna Pike Membership Sales Director shawna@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Membership Services Director melanie@capecoralchamber.com Lori Marlowe Welcome Center Specialist lori@capecoralchamber.com Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910 2051 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609
CHAMBER TRENDS LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL CLASS OF 2017 Donna S. Germain President/CEO
Friday, August 11 kicks off the 24th year of the Leadership Cape Coral program. In those 23 years, the Chamber, along with an amazing group of dedicated volunteers, have turned out more than 500 graduates who would go on to become strong community leaders, elected officials and the heads of some of our largest organizations in our area. We hope that members and alumni will join us Friday evening at The Westin to welcome the class of 2017 as they start their Leadership journey. Congratulations and Welcome to the Class of 2017 Ramiro Palma, Fearless Construction, CO Mario Chaovi, Jr, LCEC Elisabeth Dowd, Lee Health Judy Johnson, Cape Coral Technical College Leanne Mahoney, Precise Home Watch Tracy Perkins, CARES Suicide Prevention Brynn Polonitza, Paragon Flight Charter Robert Puchacz, LCEC Andrea Sieradzki, Gulf Coast Village Robin Piaggione, Lee Health Renee Brown, The Breeze Newspapers Stacy Henson, The News-Press Spencer Roach, US Congressman Francis Rooney
2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Coop. Chair-Elect Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies Treasurer Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising Past Chair Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc Financial Advisor Tony Constantino, Constantino, Nelson and Werlin Barb Adams Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLC Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar, Boost Creative Angela Davis, Merrill Lynch Diane Everhart, Blue Chip Financial Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers Tom Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Bill Jacob, CenturyLink Bill Johnson, Jr, Cape Coral Construction Industry Assoc Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com Mike Quaintance, Keiser University Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, LLC Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc. Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering Michelle Lewis, B-2 Solutions Heather Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Donna Meola, South Cape Hospitality Entertainment Assoc Don Schnell, Regions Bank Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center
TRUSTEES Bonnie Brett, Cape Coral Charter School Brandon Deaver, B-2 Technoloy Solutions Lissa Craig Ford, The News-Press Rana Erbrick, City of Cape Coral Keith Lewis, All Power Electric & AC Mike Noone, Goldberg, Racilla, D’Alessandro & Noone, LLC David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Steve Sanabria, The Westin Cape Coral Sarah Sheffield, Massage Envy Molly Wright, Suncoast Beverage
CHAMBER STAFF Donna S. Germain, President Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Annette Siner, Special Events Director Shawna Pike, Membership Sales Director Melanie Lempke, Membership Services Director Lori Marlow, Welcome Center Specialist
Chamber Trends Monthly Advertising Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00 Business Card $117.00 All ads include a hyperlink to your company’s website Non-profit organizations receive 2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership
Chamber Trends Weekly Advertsing Press Release $25 Banner Advertising $50/month Runs 4x, includes a hyperlink to your website or document E-mail Blast Business Spotlight $199 Business Spotlight will run 2x throught the month of your choice
Website Advertising Leaderboard $100/month Internal Banner $80/month All banners include a hyperlink to your company’s website For More Information, Contact Stephanie Roberson (239) 699-8442 (or) stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
JUNE NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS
NEW MEMBERS
RENEWALS
ALL AMERICAN TITLE SERVICES Thomas Tarsia
Allstate-Kevin Schuman Insurance Agency Member Since: 07/06/2011
ASSUAGE SPA LUXURY Andrea Martin BILLBURG ACCOUNTING Kenneth Billburg Jr
Baywood Veterinary Hospital Member Since: 06/05/2014 Best Title Solutions, Inc. Member Since: 06/20/2005
BOUGAINVILLEA GROWERS INTERNATIONAL Joanna Dansby
Bowland Member Since: 06/01/1995
COPYLADY Marcy Little
Brookdale Santa Barbara Member Since: 06/01/2016
CREATIVE EVENTS/TAYLOR RENTAL Al Mueller
Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon Member Since: 07/11/2013
DIAMOND OAKS VILLAGE Gina Otoole GUNTERBERG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Carol Rae Culliton NARAYAN FARM LLC Pasth Patel PRECISE HOMEWATCH, LLC Leanne Mahoney TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Katie Halili UNITY CHARTER SCHOOL OF CAPE CORAL Jennifer Fowler
WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER!
Buffalo Wild Wings Member Since: 05/20/2016 Caloosa Tent & Rental Member Since: 05/15/2001 Cape Cleaners Member Since: 05/31/2013 Cape Coral Community Foundation Member Since: 04/30/1999 Caribbean Island Cape Coral Member Since: 06/16/2015 Castellanos & Tramonte Architect Member Since: 06/01/2016 Century 21 Selling Paradise Member Since: 07/18/2012 Cheetah Printing & Signs Member Since: 06/27/2012
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC Member Since: 06/01/1994 Crown Trophy of Cape Coral Member Since: 04/16/2004 Dolphin Boat Lifts, Inc. Member Since: 06/01/1991 East West Veterinary Care Center Member Since: 09/18/2013 Five County Insurance Agency Member Since: 05/10/2012 Florida Cooling Solutions, Inc. Member Since: 06/09/2005 HONC Docks & Lifts, Inc Member Since: 05/25/2010 Hooters Cape Coral Member Since: 02/02/2012 Key West Express Member Since: 05/19/2005 Koogler Homes, Inc. Member Since: 06/04/2001 NSU- Nova Southeastern University Member Since: 03/25/2009 PSA, LLC Member Since: 06/18/2014 RE/MAX Realty Partners Member Since: 04/28/2015 Realtywide Services Member Since: 12/29/2006
Records Results! Real Estate Member Since: 06/19/2015 Sinclair Realty, Inc. Member Since: 11/12/2015 Smargasy, Inc. Member Since: 06/26/2015 Stinger Digital Print & Graphics, Inc.Member Since: 06/17/2016 The Breeze Newspapers Member Since: 04/01/1989 Villa Realty Group, Inc. Member Since: 06/16/1998 Waste Pro of Florida Member Since: 06/11/2010 Zotter Chocolates US LLC Member Since: 06/26/2015
THANK YOU FOR YOUR RENEWALS! Contact Shawna Pike Membership Sales Director shawna@capecoralchamber.com for Membership Benefits
HOST A NETWORKING EVENT IN 2017 Business Card Exchange Networking at Noon
Business After Hours
For the early birds, the Business Card Exchange is designed for those who cannot get away midday or for those looking for the extra early morning networking from 7:30am. You will find members passionate about networking the first Tuesday of each month at the Business Card Exchange Networking Event.
Join your fellow Chamber members for the Business After Hours Networking Event from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Enjoy the opportunity to network with 100+ members. We always have networking activities, great giveaways and sponsorship opportunities to expose your business.
AVAILABLE HOST DATES November 7 December 5
Join your fellow Chamber members the forth Friday of each month from 12:00pm - 1:00pm for Networking at Noon. Enjoy the opportunity to network with other chamber members and potential customers during the lunch hour. AVAILABLE HOST DATES August 25 September 22
NO AVAILABLE HOST DATES FOR 2017 Contact us for a list of 2018 available dates to reserve your spot!
To host a networking event in 2017 or for questions regarding each of these opportunties, contact Shawna Pike, Membership Sales Director at (239) 549-6900 x103 or shawna@capecoralchamber.com
Diamond Member Lee Health P.O. Box 2218, Fort Myers, FL 33902
Lee County Electric Cooperative 4980 Bayline Dr, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Executive Member CenturyLink 2710 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral The News-Press - Fort Myers Office 2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers
B2 Technology Solutions 1406 SE 46th Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Gunterberg Charitable Foundation 1350 Park Road, Lancaster PA 17601
Fifth Third Bank 2402 Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991 2724 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33904 114 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33991 1801 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33909 1600 Cape Coral Pkwy. E, Cape Coral, FL 33904
August 18, 2017 7:30a.m.- 4:00p.m. ,ŽƐƚĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ tĞƐƟŶ ĂƉĞ ŽƌĂů ZĞƐŽƌƚ DĂƌŝŶĂ sŝůůĂŐĞ
Registration Fees include: breakfast, networking, tradeshow, lunch, conference sessions, keynote speaker, chance to win givaways and goodie bags
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Thank you to our Sponsors:
Lee Health, Office Depot, MedExpress, Massage Envy, Santa Barbara Animal Hospital, Thrive, Cape Style Magazine, Republican Women of Cape Coral Federated
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HEALTHY TRENDS HOW TO START AN EXERCISE PROGRAM Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System
exercise regimen to be sure your heart is healthy enough for exercise. For some older individuals a stress test is done before an exercise prescription is written. Once the physician knows that the individual has a healthy heart, he will discuss the details of cardio and strength training. The exercise prescription should include both of these as well as exercises to improve flexibility, balance and mobility. Cardio exercises include walking, biking, swimming and jogging which all help strengthen the heart and lower the blood pressure. Strength training includes using free weights, resistance machines, and even doing body weight exercises such as push-ups, chin-ups and planks. Exercise programs used to improve flexibility, balance and mobility include Tai chi, Yoga and Pilates to name a few. These can be done at any age since these forms of exercise can be easily adapted to the individual. For additional instructions on how to exercise, I send many of my patients to a fitness facility to work with an exercise physiologist or personal trainer who can be even more detailed and helpful to the individual. Lee Health’s Wellness Center, located on the Cape Coral Hospital campus, is state-of-the-art.
For most people who have gone to the doctor or to see another health care provider, they have probably heard the advice to exercise regularly. They then leave the office and ask themselves--where do I start? If a person has not been regularly exercising before this visit, the individual will wonder what specifically they should do because the recommendation to exercise more usually does not come with specific instructions. Most physicians and other health care providers are not trained in prescribing exercise, similar to the lack of expertise in prescribing detailed nutrition advice. Unfortunately, this is the reality of medical school training even in today’s world. Medical schools do a great job in educating physicians on how to diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases while they still do not do a great job in educating physicians Once a basic exercise program is developed and used for a certain on how to use lifestyle behaviors to treat, reverse and prevent time period re-evaluation of the fitness level is helpful in order to advance the exercise program. Like any other training program, disease. you want to know that you are being successful. Evaluating the Fortunately, many more physicians and other health care level of strength, endurance, flexibility and balance over time providers are now taking additional training in lifestyle medicine is important to know that the program is successful and the programs such as provided by Integrative Medicine, Functional individual is becoming healthier and more fit. The goal for any Medicine, Naturopathic and Anti-Aging Medicine programs. lifestyle medicine program is to help the individual become and Such programs educate health care providers on the specifics stay healthy and to age gracefully and fitfully over time. Aging of writing a so-called exercise prescription or writing a detailed should not be equated with getting old. Aging should be seen as prescription for healthy eating and healthy living. As for the maturing in a fitful, functional way which allows the individual exercise prescription, when I instruct a patient to exercise more, to continue to be productive and enjoy life. Welcome to optimal I review with him/her the details of how to start and what health! specifically to do. Exercise and physical activity can be one in the same if the intensity is similar. We all have to start somewhere. If you have not been regularly exercising, then please check with your physician or health care provider before starting an
LCEC – your cooperative
empowers you!
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* 7% Public Service Tax – Imposed by Cape Coral City Council * 3% Cape Coral Franchise fee * 4.5% Unincorporated Lee County Franchise Fee – Approved by Lee County Commissioners
www.lcec.net
Honored to present our donation of $2511 to Invest In America’s Veterans Foundation - IAVF from this year’s Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K and Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kids Fun Run. Thank you to all of our sponsors, race participants and volunteers who made this possible. During my travels this week I had the honor of presenting our donation check to the Special Operations Communicators Association (SOCA)from the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5k and Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kids Fun Run. Thank you for the wonderful things you all do for those who have served and are serving in our US military and their families! — with Todd Spencer.
With Ed Ramos, Judy Petrulavage, Jonathan Gabel, Chuck Warren, Helen Ramey and Annette Siner at SW FL Military Museum & Library.
We deliver reliable electricity at the lowest price possible. We aren’t in business to make a profit. We work to wow you!
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UNIVERSITY TRENDS
us make Lee County Mosquito Control a part of Leadership Cape GOODBYE AND THANK YOU Coral. I remember Paul, who inspired me to create Cape Coral Mike “Q” Quaintance, MBA, CCE Days in Tallahassee in 1999, when we were frustrated at our Keiser University, Fort Myers Campus Business and Hospitality Department Chair inability to get state transportation dollars for Cape Coral. My hope is that Paul touched enough lives to help inspire people in He touched many lives and made our community to keep the torch burning for Rotary, the Cape a significant difference in our little Coral Historical Society, Cape Coral Caring Center, and the many corner of paradise. other causes which he embraced. Recently, we lost an amazing member of our community, Paul Sanborn. Many of us knew him as our city’s historian as he enlightened crowds about what life was like in the early years of Cape Coral as he worked with the founders and developers, the Rosen brothers. He spoke to almost every Leadership Cape Coral class since its inception in 1993 sharing his experiences and memories. Many of those appearances would include Elmer Tabor who would dutifully drop to his knees so that Paul had an illustrative representation of how young Elmer was when the two first met. The Paul and Elmer show was a road show for years, performing at Rotary meetings, Kiwanis meetings, and clubs and organizations throughout the city.
I remember in my last years as the President of the Cape Chamber and after Paul’s wife Mildred had passed, he would stop by the Chamber office and drop off some memorabilia which he had resurrected from storage. Things like old photographs, chamber newsletters, posters, and annual chamber publications. He was truly the keeper of all things past in Cape Coral.
Paul’s absence will be noticed and he will not be forgotten as the city honored him by naming a park after him several years ago. I will remember Paul as a man whose love and passion for our city ran deep. A man who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk when it came making a difference in our little corner of paradise. Thank you Paul, you made a difference in our I remember Paul, as the guy who had like 50+ years of perfect lives. meeting attendance at the downtown Cape Coral Rotary club. I remember Paul, who inspired my youngest son to be an Mike “Q” Quaintance, Lifetime Member of the Paul Sanborn exchange student in Germany and introduced our family to the Fan Club Rotary Youth Exchange program. I remember Paul who helped
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT AFFECTS YOU Julie E. Ferguson 2017 Chairperson Government Affairs Committee
The Council for Progress compiled a questionnaire on economic development issues for all candidates of the upcoming City of Cape Coral Elections. We appreciate the time and research many of the candidates put in their thoughtful responses. The questions and answers can help us all make educated decisions on upcoming elections.
Thank you to all who came out to the Chamber of Commerce PLEASE SEE DOCUMENT AT END OF NEWSLETTER FOR ALL of Cape Coral 2017 Government THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Affairs Committee Candidate Hobnob. We had a great turn- “A Citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, out with many of our citizens prepared with questions for but won’t cross the street to vote in a national election”. Bill the candidates about the upcoming Mayoral and City Council Vaughan elections. Thank you to all our sponsors, Gulf Coast Village, The News-Press media group, Becker & Poliakoff, Lamar, LAI Design Remember Government Affects you! Associates, LLC, LCEC, Storm Smart, Republican Women of Cape Coral and Cape Cleaners.
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2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 www.capecoralchamber.com
CANDIDATES QUESTION & ANSWERS
The Council for Progress compiled a questionnaire on economic development issues for all candidates of the upcoming City of Cape Coral Elections. We appreciate the time and research many of the candidates put in their thoughtful responses. The questions and answers can help us all make educated decisions on upcoming elections.
2017 Mayor Candidate Responses Primary Election September 12th Top 2 Go On to General Election November 7th April Freeman, Kevin Koch and Daniel Sheppard Failed to Respond 1. Economic development has been a top strategic goal of the city for almost 30 years. Do you think the existing EDO budget correctly reflects this annual ranking? If not, how much should it be? Coviello - The existing Budget for the EDO is approximately $890k for this year and is way below what I consider to be a minimum standard. In our good economic times, we sometimes find a surplus of cash but seldom do we place this in the hands of our EDO department. As an example, recently we pushed the budgeted amount for road paving from $6.5M to $8.2M. Currently the City can’t hire enough crews to complete the work and the money is sitting idle. The City should put that extra $1.7M into an EDO business incentive program to be used to attract good businesses to the Cape and help existing businesses to expand. The EDO budget should be increased to approximately $2.5M per year. Not only to attract new business but provide incentives for expansion of existing businesses as well. Donnell - When determining an EDO budget, it is important to precisely identify the objectives and desired outcomes of the economic development strategy. A quantitative evaluation will be utilized to determine the effectiveness of the allocated funds. With respect to the existing EDO budget, the funds that were allocated were done so with a strategic purposes and desired outcomes in mind. In my opinion, it would be a mistake to compare a ranking based solely on the number of dollars that were allocated. I believe that the budget correctly reflects its ranking with respect to the goals and objectives that were outlined at the time the strategic plan was drafted. As we expand the specific goals of the EDO, then the funds should appropriately be increased. This decision will be strategically driven by specific measurable objectives as decided upon by the EDO director, city manager and city council. Erbrick - No, the current budget (2016/17) does not adequately address the importance of this office to the City and its future sustainability. For the six years I have been a City Council member, I have pushed for additional funds for personnel, travel and creative incentive programs. While the office did see a bump in their funding, it is still not staffed to a level to be fully effective. Hollow - Many areas within the City of Cape Coral need to be run more business-like, this is especially true for the EDO Office. The 2017 adopted budget is around $881K, with roughly $373K accounting for salaries and benefits (roughly 40% of the budget). This leaves approximately a little more than $500K. To adequately answer the question of whether the budget is appropriate, one must consider several factors. • What is the vision for EDO? • Where does most their advertising dollar go to? (Based on the current strategic plan it appears the aggressive approach has subsided compared to previous years (based on comparing marketing schemes for 2009-2012 and 2016-2018). • What has been the ROI on each marketing strategy/technique?) We need to view the EDO office as making an investment into the city, not as a liability. However, just like a business we need to ensure the ROI is beneficial. Additionally, we need to be fluid and can change directions, as companies evolve. Also, if we are going to start treating the EDO as a business, we need to provide the staff with the ability to achieve the maximum return.
Currently, the EDO is in a very small office, kind of like an afterthought. If a CEO of a company believes a City is not investing in their own EDO, why would they want to bring a company and invest in the city? Look at the EDO Strategic Plan for 2016-2018 and compare it to previous plans. The current one does not lead one to “buy into” the department. One thing is for certain. Far too many people cross the bridges each day, we can greatly minimize the number of residents driving out of Cape Coral each day due to necessity. 2. Do you support the present city’s incentives for new business coming to the Cape? Are they sufficient to make us competitive with surrounding areas? Coviello - The current incentives consist of Program #1 Cash Incentives and Program #2 Impact Fee Deferrals. I support this incentive program and would like to see more innovative offerings as well. One aspect would be to offer city owned land at reduced values for companies wanting to move here. Our city also has one of the best water systems in the country and certain types of business may also benefit from getting water at a reduced rate as well. In addition, recently in 2016 Council passed the Small Business Incentive Program and they set aside $200,000 in support of small business. It allows the Economic Development Incentive Committee to approve up to $25,000 in incentives and the City Manager to approve up to $50,000 of incentives, anything greater would go before council for approval. I believe improvements can be made in attracting and retaining employers to our area and much work needs to be done in making Cape Coral competitive with the surrounding areas. Donnell - I strongly support the city’s current initiatives for new businesses coming to the Cape. I am equally excited to know that in addition to the 4 excellent incentives listed on the city’s website, the EDO director is committed and has been given the flexibility to work with new businesses to customize a program that ---at this time--- might not be listed. I am eager to work with the Council and City manager as we work towards adopting “sufficient” initiatives. In talking with representatives from the business community I will echo their sentiment that these initiatives, although still being continually assessed updated, make us competitive with surrounding areas. Erbrick - Yes I am fully supportive of incentives that will bring new businesses to Cape Coral. I am also, supportive of initiatives that encourage and help our existing businesses to expand their operations and/or Cape Coral locations. In total agreement with the current EDO position that incentives are paid after objectives of the agreement have been met. As to being sufficient, the ability to offer more and varied opportunities may be needed to make us more competitive. Hollow - We could be much more aggressive when it comes to offering incentives. There isn’t one incentive that will attract all businesses. We need multiple options that can be fluid and customized at time, that show the city wants to be business friendly and help with the transition. We have options that we could explore, that wouldn’t necessarily require the city to pay money. Such as, forming Public Private Partnerships. Once we identify and form these Public Private Partnerships we have the option to offer land leases, with land the city already owns. This takes the onus off the developer to purchase the land, but allows the city to generate revenue from the occupants. Another option under the Public Private Partnership is to offer air leases. Specifically, for the parking lots owned by the city, this is a great alternative. The city would still own the parking lot, but the developer would be required to build more density on the parking lot. Thus, creating more commercial space and commercial tax. One way the city could win is to identify several projects that we need completed, partner with some of the companies coming in and provide them with credits for off-site improvements. For example, a community park. Lee County has done a great job attracting businesses and increasing their reserves at the same time. Some of the models for incentives have been very successful. We can tweak and modify them to provide a brighter future for Cape Coral. Who is our biggest competitor right now in attracting new businesses to a community? Have we been working hand in hand with Lee County? Not just attending meetings, working with them to try and achieve new businesses.
3. What do you think is the biggest hurdle the Cape has to overcome to attract new job to our community? What would you do to overcome this hurdle? Coviello - First, we need strong leadership on council that can utilize the Charter to create policy the City Manager can carry out in implementing a series of specific programs for Economic Development. Secondly, we need to make sure the infrastructure is in place for commercial expansion into our area. Lastly, to attract some businesses to the city we can offer properties that are owned by the city at well below market value to build our commercial tax base. This may be in addition to lower or deferred impact fees, tax breaks or cash incentives for the number of employees brought into our area. The other area we need to support is existing business who could use some incentives when expanding a facility in addition to expanding their number of employees. I talked to a small business the other day, a restaurant who wanted to put in an overhead shade roof between two buildings and there was a $7000 impact fee in addition to the cost of adding on structure. I can’t see how adding a covered area for shade would have an impact fee. It would have allowed this business to bring in more customers and hire additional employees. We should be offering some kind of incentive such as reducing this impact fee $1000 for each employee hired. We need the EDO, DCD and the Building Department to communicate better and find ways to attract businesses, stream line the process of opening, keep them here and help them to expand. Donnell - In order to attract new jobs, we must first attract new businesses. We continue to battle a seemingly ingrained hurdle---That it is more expensive, and there is more red tape involved to do business in the Cape than across the river. What would you do to overcome this hurdle? We must promote our processes by way of data. We should have comparable data available at our counters for our customers that show how we rank in terms of fees charged for all aspects of the services rendered as well as reports displaying the time involved for each step of the various processes. We must be aggressive and intentional when publishing the results. Also, we must continually evaluate our processes and streamline areas whenever appropriate. Above everything else, we should collect customer satisfaction data as often as possible and have meaningful conversations concerning the results. Erbrick - Our biggest hurdle is getting out of our own way. We must become known as a city that says yes, “this is how we can help you accomplish your goal” instead of a being perceived as a city that says “no”. We can do that by finishing the rewrite of the LUDRs, continuing our streamlining efforts in the permitting process, educating our counter staff so that all are in sync and ensuring that there are enough inspectors to handle the work load. Marketing can be helpful here. Work with the business community from day one of any major changes and listen to their input. By stepping up our efforts, we will help overcome our perceived history. Hollow - I can’t say there is just one hurdle. First, our leadership needs to change and reflect a more cohesive front line. Business owners, CEO’s and investors know exactly what is transpiring within our city. Another hurdle is transforming the residential to commercial ad valorem balances. Currently, the residential tax base is approximately 88-90% of the revenue. Some people will complain that because we are pre-platted we are limited. This is true to an extent; the city owns a lot of land. We have several options regarding this land, we can trade it and try to acquire commercial land, or we can rezone certain portions of residential to commercial. Once we have the land we have additional options and opportunities, such as the ones described in question 2. Infrastructure is another hurdle. The UEP is a necessity. However, the focal point should be to complete the areas that are and will be commercial, like Burnt Store Road, the 7 Islands. No business will want to develop new construction in these areas, only to have the roads ripped up later and greatly influence their business. Economic Development has to be a priority for the city. 4.
Does the city do enough to help existing businesses succeed and grow? If not, what would you do different?
Coviello - I have talked to several small business owners looking to expand who feel the City’s programs and policies do not address small businesses expanding in our City. Most all incentives are based on 10 or more employees when many of our small business barely
have 10 employees. We need to modify the incentive program for eligible businesses down to a 5-employee minimum. We need to increase our EDO Budget so we can offer existing businesses the opportunity to receive monetary incentives based on expanding their employee base. We also need to look at reducing or eliminating in certain circumstances impact fees as an incentive for expansion that requires construction or additions to existing business facility’s. For example, I spoke to another business in Cape Coral who wanted to connect two of their buildings with different wind ratings and in doing so would have to bring one building up to the same specifications as the other. This would substantially increase the cost of the project. This expansion would create good paying jobs. These are the types of projects that can create economic development and increase our commercial tax base. We need to identify these kinds of projects and utilize incentives that will maximize the city’s return on our investment. In addition, I would like to see goals set for EDO like that of a sales quota so we can measure their success. Donnell - We have identified the retention of businesses as a top priority within the strategic plan. Having talked with several small business owners the short answer is no. We have a huge opportunity to help existing businesses both succeed and grow. If not, what would you do different? I would like to continue to build upon our relationship with the Chamber of Commerce and I specifically would like for us to annually highlight every business on our EDO section located of the City’s website. Erbrick - I alluded to this in the answer to #2, we need more. We have incentives for new businesses and we now need to grow a portfolio of incentives for current businesses to expand, or relocate to larger facilities in Cape Coral. We as a City must keep the current businesses in place and help them succeed in much the same way that we do with new businesses. Hollow - Simply put no! The city currently has a couple of options, Cash Incentive Program (which applies to new businesses) or Impact Deferral Program. The impact deferral does apply to existing businesses and has a calculated formula for the amount and length of time for deferral. There is two parts to being a strong business, they are recruitment and retention. This is where the retention portion comes into play. Some ways we can try to retain businesses is to attract other businesses that “feed” each other. If their cliental base increase they will be more apt to remain and help form long term partnerships within the community. Has the EDO spoken with any business that has exited the city? If the answer is yes, what was the feedback as to why they exited the city? Are those issues easily rectified? We need to stop guessing and get tangible information. If we have this information readily available, has it been conveyed to the City Manager? Cape Coral and all businesses need to review the “Blue Water Theory” and find the “blue water”. Everybody comes and feeds when the water is red that means the market/area is saturated. We need to be striving to seek new blue water all the time. 5. Where are the best areas of the Cape to locate new businesses, and what type of businesses would you like to bring here? Coviello - Academic Village, VIZ Area Properties, Veterans and Santa Barbara Blvd’s, Zemel Properties, Pine Island Rd, Burnt Store Rd and we can Re-Zone properties to accommodate Commercial Growth. The types of business I would like to see brought here that would be sustainable are in the following sectors; Medical, Technological, Financial, Research & Development, Light Manufacturing, Hospitality and Educational. We need better employment opportunities with better paying jobs here in Cape Coral so our young people that go off to college can come back and find a viable career path, buy homes and contribute to the success of our community. Donnell - The best areas to locate new businesses are adjacent to major corridors that have compatible land use and zoning. It is also important that utilities be available. State Road 78 ---especially towards the East, the 7 islands, the Veterans Investment Zone, Zemel annexations and academic village are specific areas that would be best to locate new businesses. Realistically speaking, I would like to
recruit light manufacturing, natural resource, environmental and educational industries. Specifically----through the years we have talked about; a bottled water company, a Krispy Kreme, a wildlife refuge, a Chucky Cheese, Six Flags Over Cape Coral and my most immediate vision-- a Cape Coral branch of a major university or college. Erbrick - The City, as a whole, is a great place to locate new businesses. We are still growing up and there are many areas within our City that can be fleshed out. As such, City Council and our Planning and Zoning Board need to remain cognizant of the needs of the City we are building when rezoning requests are before us. Specifically, the Pine Island Corridor, as well as Burnt Store Road are the next prime areas for business expansion. Projects like the 7 Islands, Academic Village can be the catalyst in those areas. Furthermore, the North would be conducive to light manufacturing and/or assembling. With the Utility Expansion Project back on line we will be opening up areas in the City for larger businesses to locate. If we also expand the availability of high-speed internet capabilities (fiber optics) in those areas, we can be a draw for entrepreneurs in start-up technological fields, call centers, and even larger corporate headquarters. I would like to see expansion in our growing “foody/artisan brewery and distillery” market as this is a big draw for bringing people in from outside the city. We are proving the “if you/we build it, they will come”. We need to look towards fostering our boating, fishing, and entertainment industries. We sometimes overlook our biggest draw, our 400 miles of canals, frontage on the Caloosahatchee River and ease of reaching the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We have a climate that allows for these enjoyments all year round. This is where projects like Bimini Basin come in, where we can bring together our water activities, entertainment, and prime locations. Hollow - Clearly some areas are better suited for businesses. Some of the locations would depend on the type of business. Pine Island Road, Burnt Store Road and Del Prado all provide great visibility and accessibility. Once Burnt Store Road is expanded and I75 is connected to Del Prado extension, it will only enhance the accessibility. Florida has routinely been attractive to businesses to relocate. Cape Coral has made several national syndications for being the top destination for lifestyle, business, etc. Some of the areas we should explore could be Cleantech/Greentech, Corporate HQ, I.T. services, Medical industries, Medical training facilities are some examples. Three of our top employers are tax exempt (LMH, City of Cape Coral and Lee County Public Schools). Right now, Cape Coral offers a lot of jobs, not careers. We need to reduce the number of people crossing the bridges each day.
District 1 Candidate Responses Primary Election September 12th Top 2 Go On to General Election November 7th John Gunter Failed to Respond 1. Economic development has been a top strategic goal of the city for almost 30 years. Do you think the existing EDO budget correctly reflects this annual ranking? If not, how much should it be? Burch - I think the existing budget has been increased year over year to the degree that it can be (almost a million dollars since 2016). This year we supported a $200,000 increase in a Small Business Incentive Fund. Increasing the budget without understanding what outcome is desired is and has been, for many years, a non- productive venture. At the end of the day, the weaknesses and strengths must also be identified in order to develop the wants and needs of the economic community. That’s why, some time ago, I asked Dana to produce an economic overlay map to prioritize the strategic steps to take and define the weaknesses and strengths of the Cape. This is an interactive map that will be used for multi purposes including the identity of wants and needs but just as importantly as a marketing tool to attract new business. Foraker - I don't believe it has. When the real estate crash happened in 2008 I feel the city wasn't diversified enough in its commercial portfolio. We depended to much on real estate taxes to fund the city. We need to encourage more stable commercial industries such as health care facilities. Senior care institutions, and the like. These businesses are in a constant demand weather the real estate market is up or down. I would entertain increasing the budget by 10%. Morris - No and I cannot give an arbitrary amount because I think it should be based on an in depth analysis of us setting a goal for our commercial/residential tax base proportion. (Read that to mean it should, in my opinion, likely be higher.) Setting some kind of goal, taking a measurement based upon what is available in the future for this kind of development would be the wisest thing to do to accompany economic development in this city. Without a specific and defined goal we are just running towards an unknown hoping for the best. This goal being established would also help add to the case being made for certain developments in the future. 2. Do you support the present city’s incentives for new business coming to the Cape? Are they sufficient to make us competitive with surrounding areas? Burch - I have always supported incentivizing business, (see last question). I still have my plaque from the early years of Burch Surveying and Mapping through the Cape Chamber of Commerce and proud of it. Bob Knickman and Paul Sanborn have been good friends and we spoke some years ago and many times in the recent past about our common love for this City. Their shoes will not be able to be filled but we have others that have learned from them to help continue the Cape journey. I would like to talk more with the Council for Progress to see what the incentives may be and better define them to attract and target new business as well as expand existing business. As to sufficiency- There is never sufficient funds for any program and the way to define that success and whether we would continue to decrease or increase funding would be dependent to a large degree, on the results of the data. Remember, all of the incentives in the world would not have proven successful in 2009/10 but, fast forward a few years, and we are now on top of all of the lists for growth, public safety, affordability and new businesses just as we were in 2007 when I chose to run the first time. That is another reason for the map, which will monitor our success rate. This is always ongoing and will provide many benefits and information very soon. Foraker - I support anything that brings commercial development to the city. We have to give them, the business's a reason to come to Cape Coral. The more incentives we can give out the better. Morris - Yes, if on the proverbial "back end" of their being offered such as with Nortech boats. No, we need to become more competitive with surrounding areas.
3. What do you think is the biggest hurdle the Cape has to overcome to attract new job to our community? What would you do to overcome this hurdle? Burch - Physical access compared to Charlotte County, utilities, zoning, land use and the competition of the rest of Lee County, pre-platted communities and growing pains resulting from that. We have been, for many years, the last option for Lee County Economic Development. The Horizon Council finally included the Cape in their development and marketing strategies when I had a short stint in 2008/9 and, although I have heard nothing to benefit the Cape since, I hope that we have been represented well. Finally the last major obstacle we have is our inability to work together without insuring that we, personally gain from the experiences that we attempt. I believe a unified approach of organizations such as the Council for Progress and City Council and other Lee County components should help as well as the State lawmakers. But at the end of the day, we have to communicate what we would like to be and what we will become despite what we want. The economic overlay map will help and unified nonpartisan support will also benefit the EDO. Sadly enough after 30 years, we are still in the infant stages of growing up. The good news is that the City is so resilient and such a great place to live, do business and raise children, we have only to accentuate the positive, maintain my primary goal of quality of life and nurture them so that we can stay at the top of the growth charts, affordability, education, public safety charts and many other valuable marketing statistics that do not necessarily reflect our neighbors to the same highest degrees. We should always remember- that- because the residents, us, are the best EDO we have. Foraker - The pre plated system continues to hold us back. Obtaining plots big enough to serve a larger business needs are still difficult. I would push for more land acquisitions to accomplish this. Getting the northwest public utilities projects accomplished will expedite this. Morris - Land Use and Development Regulations/infrastructure. LUDR's are a metaphorical "welcome mat" to businesses in this city and they are not as inviting as they should be to attract the businesses of the future. Infrastructure has always been a challenge on this front and will continue to be. I will work to make the LUDR's more welcoming and I will always work towards infrastructure, digital included, because anywhere it is absent it debilitates the future and its potential. 4.
Does the city do enough to help existing businesses succeed and grow? If not, what would you do different?
Burch - The City must always embrace business and I think we make so many reforms that most are baffled as to whether we even know what we are doing. We must remember that the commercial base is also the source of jobs for our residents and that tax base will help defray the burdensome costs of homeownership here. That is why, we, and many before us, have tried incentivizing, permitting changes, increased advertisement (although probably not enough) and others. I have tried, often, to form alliances with the people in the Cape and otherwise that I think will benefit us and I will continue to do so. This organization, CFP, is the prime one that will bring development to the Cape but we have to collaborate between government and business. That requires the understanding of both. I have worked all of my life and have been a very successful business owner. I know what it means to write checks for many people week after week, year after year. I have also been in government in the worst and best of times and what I see is that government can make the atmosphere and environment “business friendly� but it takes a commitment of hard work, good research, engagement AND expertise to run a successful business. Having said that, until the overlay map is embraced and we actually understand the pre-platted nature of the Cape and the strengths and weaknesses of things such as utilities, zoning and quality of life, I see slow change ahead. The good news is that there are organizations such as the Council for Progress and City Council that can help bring about these changes if all work together. My door has always been open and will remain so. Foraker - We could do more with a less restrictive zoning process. We could also promote more, Keep it in the Cape projects. Morris - In some ways yes, in some no. I think we should be better "in tune" with existing businesses. I think it is important to make sure that when markets change or evolve, when businesses practices shift, even when market trends in housing change – that we are
attentive enough to see these changes, do our due diligence to verify them, and then act accordingly to give room for the changes being observed. The city helps establish the stage that business success plays out on....we should always make sure the curtain is wide open. 5. Where are the best areas of the Cape to locate new businesses, and what type of businesses would you like to bring here? Burch - The entire Cape is open for business! The SE section is vibrant with new breweries, stores and shops, Mid Cape is doing well, the industrial center needs help as do all, and the North half will be the newest growth area. It is up to us to help these areas grow the way they should. That is not strip malls and spot zoning and therein lies the challenge. That is why I have introduced the first bill in the State Legislature, thanks to Senator Greg Stuebe and Representative Dane Eagle entitled HB 1241 which defines the pre-platted issues we face. You will hear more about that from candidates and others but the reality is that this was an issue that has gotten some attention for many years. Wyatt Daltry has been very helpful as well as the City Manager, Council and staff in getting the attention of the legislature. That is a main reason I seek re-election because I have a good relationship with Council and in the Legislature. I am a Director on the Board of the Florida League of Cities, the first ever, Chairman of the SW Regional Planning Council, Advisory Council MPOAC and former President of American Public Works Association and Mayors Scholarship Fund. I have not sought out many of those positions but have been asked or appointed by my peers to hold them. Those are not just titles but positions that give Cape Coral an advantage in the policy making decisions statewide. They also indicate that we have the confidence and respect in representing the region in “bigger picture” issues. And yes, they can collide, at times, but one must not only always remember the big picture, but also remember those that represent the big picture, the residents. I have also been a recipient of the “Home Rule Hero” award from the League of Cities, an organization of over 400 Cities and better than 5,000 members, for four years in a row and do not know that that has ever been done before. This award is valuable to me and the Cape because it represents the recipient’s attempts to maintain home rule authority. There is an onslaught from many at higher levels, that would like to reduce the authority of local/local government and I am a fierce defender of government closest to the residents. Why? Simply, because we live, work and play here year around and know and interact with many of the folks that we see. I have spent hours in grocery stores talking with people that have concerns and see many people that provide encouragement for me on a weekly basis and I appreciate all of that, good or bad. More importantly, that provides me some insight as to what the residents are thinking of me and the City. After all, that is my job and why I love doing what I do, which is making the Cape preeminent in every way and helping people along the way. Foraker - I think that all of Cape Coral can benefit from new business. I want the city to help and assist in any way to promote this. I would like to see more medical type facilities and senior care brought to the Cape. We have always been a retirement community. The jobs that these types of businesses are better paying and more sustainable. Morris - The North Cape is the most prospective area for new businesses. The South is more one in need of rehabilitation, maintaining, and developing its either "local" or tourist appeal better. I have mentioned a lot in my campaign so far that implementing a form-based code would really help us to do this exact thing, to develop different areas differently. I want to see businesses that FIT here. I would like to attract businesses that are involved with technology, engineering, small-scale manufacturing, scientific research and development, medical, and perhaps even try to attract some of the offices of budding private sector space travel/flight travel businesses that are quite literally roaring to life right now.
District 4 Candidate Responses Primary Election September 12th Top 2 Go On to General Election November 7th 1. Economic development has been a top strategic goal of the city for almost 30 years. Do you think the existing EDO budget correctly reflects this annual ranking? If not, how much should it be? Jones - The Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2015-2017 and what has occurred in the past 30 years appears to be on track and reflects to my knowledge as correct. I am still going over the 48 page report and processing its content. I did notice that the EDO new construction and renovation has somewhat leveled off. This concerns me as leveling off does not show new business opportunities developing. As the budget shown, looks like a 1.2 percent increase from 2016 to 2017. Leon - The EDO budget is in a good state. We as a council in the past four years have been able to divert resources to EDO to help fund economic incentive packages. We have also invested funds to develop an Economic Master Plan. Nelson - With $890,000 budgeted to EDO, the action plan should dictate the budget and we need expertise to define the resources in the plan. The only plan I found was from Mike Jackson FY 2009-2112. It talks a lot about collaboration with Lee County and our region which I agree we should always be doing. 2. Do you support the present city’s incentives for new business coming to the Cape? Are they sufficient to make us competitive with surrounding areas? Jones - I support the City’s initial incentives but the retention of businesses appears to be failing. Pine Island Road has the opportunity to have almost every business from retail to prime restaurants. Although there are several businesses worthy, Fort Myers has the downtown district that attracts patrons. Bimini Basin has the potential, but to me, lacks the personal initiative needed by investors to push it through. Businesses coming to the Cape need an additional incentive to set up here. Tax breaks may be a start. Leon - Yes, and yes. The incentives being developed uniquely for each business is not only a good opportunity for a business to regain some of the startup costs but we have also laid in protections to protect tax payer dollars from being wasted. We can’t forget our biggest incentive that sets us apart from surrounding communities, 170,000 residents live here. Nelson - While the incentives look reasonable, we need to remember we are a young city that still needs water and sewer infrastructure to add economic growth. Also, I would recommend we reward businesses who go into existing structures more than a new construction. We want to fill our empty structure before we build new. This is more efficient and quicker for the business to get started. Plus, it will save the city money on deferring impact fees. 3. What do you think is the biggest hurdle the Cape has to overcome to attract new job to our community? What would you do to overcome this hurdle? Jones - The biggest hurdle Cape Coral has is the permit processing. Streamline the permit, tax break, water and sewer forgiveness may help the process. Second, have a multi-permit section within the city whereas prospective outside businesses can view that their company will have less trouble establishing themselves in Cape Coral. Leon - DCD. We are five years post the Zucker Report and we still are facing challenges the report called out. While on council I have found myself many times working with business owners in trying to navigate the many obstacles set in place to start up. To overcome this, I feel hiring a fourth position in the EDO office that is a “case manager” would be effective. This person would act as a liaison to the
public and DCD. If any issues were to come up they would take point in working with each party to facilitate a resolution in moving the process faster for the business. Nelson - It’s the chicken and the egg theory. We need a workforce for the jobs to pull from and we need trade schools/ university to get our workforce ready. We can bring all types of businesses here but if our workforce doesn’t have the skills to support the business that is a major issue. The wages need to support the cost of living for housing and transportation. We need to look at working more closely with Lee Tran to improve our public transportation efforts. We should research offering incentives for our residents taking public transportation. Consider offering low emission days in the city that encourages using public transportation and measure/ report results. This would add to the quality of life which is a BIG factor when attracting businesses. 4.
Does the city do enough to help existing businesses succeed and grow? If not, what would you do different?
Jones - In the city of Cape Coral, I have been witness to numerous businesses failing. Living here since 1980, I believe the City can do more in keeping businesses thriving by allowing an employee tax break. The more employees, the larger the deduction. This would indicate to existing businesses and future businesses the City of Cape Coral cares about its economic growth and may even provide a larger tax revenue. Leon - No. I have seen many try to grow and expand and get bogged down by further costs. Some have even chosen not to go forward because costs are too high. The City should be doing anything we can to see these proven companies expand. Tacking on higher assessments and making owners go through hoops can’t be the answer. Added growth will increase not only sales tax but property values as well. Developing lower assessments in expansion or change of use would go a long way in helping many of these owners out. Nelson - We offer some community support in the form of monthly Business Chat lunches and we have the small business development group through FGCU as an additional resource. I recommend we streamline the process to open the business. The City of Bonita Springs offers a new business concierge which is a solid concept. Someone will sit down with a potential new business owner and review an entire package of everything needed and offered from the city. I recommend our city emulate that position as it would pay for itself when businesses get open more quickly and start contributing to our tax base. 5. Where are the best areas of the Cape to locate new businesses, and what type of businesses would you like to bring here? Jones - Cape Coral is 125 square miles and has the room to place businesses, housing, multi-use, and recreational areas throughout its boundaries. Pine Island Road is a prime example. This road has built up and has the potential to expand. There are professional offices, retail, restaurants, fuel, fast-food, and now housing. I have watched the growth west of Santa Barbara flourish. We need corporate offices, a community college / university or its equivalent and possibly a professional sports team. If the incentives are present, and the City of Cape Coral allows tax breaks or possibly land, then the Cape will start a new chapter in economic development above what many expected. Leon - Main corridors would be the best areas for development. Pine Island Road, Burnt Store Road and NE 24 Street will be the focus the next 10 years when it comes to attracting new, larger businesses. North industrial park has more room for industrial growth and we could still see a few groups build there. South Cape, CRA area, will have good opportunity to see the mom and pops and smaller business move in. Bimini Basin, Village Square as well as the streetscape program should domino that area in seeing growth expand. Seven Islands will be an island of development on its own. Tourism will be the main theme there. 15-20 years from now I foresee the Zemel Property north of Wilmington Parkway expand. With so much raw land, that will be an opportunity for the City and its developers to equalize a residential/commercial base. As far as the type, I could ramble on and tell you medical, green, tech, call centers, big manufacturing but I would say I feel we need to
see more office space like Twelve Twenty-two on SE 47th Street. We have a lot of startups and businesses that could thrive in that kind of facility. If we promote the growth and areas for them we could see a high demand for them. Mini “Meccas� for small business, no matter the field, to grow. Nelson - We have no port, no interstate, and no airport nearby so we are limited in terms of how we would get items in and out of the Cape efficiently. Light manufacturing, technology, marine, and medical are 4 areas I would analyze. North Industrial Park area would be the best fit since it has water/ sewer infrastructure. 90% of businesses in Florida are small businesses so we should also consider home business start-ups. We should look at incenting those types of businesses with the understanding that once they are big enough, they would move to brick and mortar.
District 5 Candidate Responses General Election November 7th James Schneider Failed to Respond 1. Economic development has been a top strategic goal of the city for almost 30 years. Do you think the existing EDO budget correctly reflects this annual ranking? If not, how much should it be? Stokes - Last year’s EDO Budget was 900k and they are requesting 1.2 million this year. So far economic incentive fees have been approved for next year which would definitely help attract new business. I would be in favor of this increase in the EDO budget as bringing new business and retaining our current small businesses should be one of our top priorities for Cape Coral. 2. Do you support the present city’s incentives for new business coming to the Cape? Are they sufficient to make us competitive with surrounding areas? Stokes - There were incentives last year for the Weston which I agree with. It is hard to compete with Lee County as they are much bigger, however, we can layer and add on to their economic incentives. This year there will be a Small business incentive. There will also be help with impact fees this year which should help us be more competitive. I also agree with the job based incentives for Nortech, which are performance based that rebate the money after goals are met. 3. What do you think is the biggest hurdle the Cape has to overcome to attract new job to our community? What would you do to overcome this hurdle? Stokes - Our biggest challenges are the multipronged tracts of land, our community being pre-platted, our City not having its own interstate exchange, no seaport, no rail and no airport. To overcome the hurdles, we can adopt new zoning and land use regulations, focus on light industrial, tech jobs and other businesses that will work here. We should focus on businesses that will be a good fit for Cape Coral. 4.
Does the city do enough to help existing businesses succeed and grow? If not, what would you do different?
Stokes - Making sure our current businesses succeed should be job number one. Cape Coral operating a business and retention program going out to see what their needs are for the future. Keeping their finger on the pulse of the business community. I am told there will be one staff person added just to retain current businesses, her primary focus is current business retention. This sounds like a good start; however, I am always open to new ideas and suggestions to help keep our businesses in the Cape. We need to ensure that the city is business friendly and that our city staff is doing everything possible to ensure our small businesses needs are being met quickly and efficiently. 5. Where are the best areas of the Cape to locate new businesses, and what type of businesses would you like to bring here? Stokes - I would like to see new businesses come to all areas of Cape Coral. Different areas of Cape Coral will be a better fit to some businesses than others due to infrastructure and available land. I would like to see more medical and technical, back office, corporate and light manufacturing assembly. The State of Florida and United States is facing a large shortage of Paramedics. I would like to see a private, public college or a campus of an existing college come to Cape Coral solely to train medical personnel. This college would train hundreds of medical personnel a year. During training these personnel have to do training in hospitals and ambulances. Not only would the students learn in these facilities our nurses and paramedics would have additional “free” help during their training as they are required to start IV’s etcetera. Hopefully, many of these students would fall in love with Cape Coral and find jobs locally, helping our shortage of paramedics (Charlotte County was short 15 firefighter/paramedics at one point last year).
District 6 Candidate Responses General Election in November 7th 1. Economic development has been a top strategic goal of the city for almost 30 years. Do you think the existing EDO budget correctly reflects this annual ranking? If not, how much should it be? Karcher – Looking at the data that I have been given, no the EDO’s budget is a drop in the bucket & should be driven by the need to remove the weight on the resident’s backs and to replace it with business dollars. At a minimum we should be budgeting at least 5 times what’s in place today. Call it, $5 million for starters. Williams - At this time, I believe we are OK with the EDO budget. 2. Do you support the present city’s incentives for new business coming to the Cape? Are they sufficient to make us competitive with surrounding areas? Karcher – No it’s not happening in any major way today and won’t until we fund it correctly. Today’s tax base is appx 90% residential and commercial appx paying 10%. It should be 40% commercial, let’s shoot for 25%. Stop the chatter, let’s do it. Williams - Yes, at this time our incentives are fine. If the need arises for a larger incentive for a business to come to the Cape, EDO can come to Council. I don't believe that we lose new business opportunities to other cities based solely on incentives. 3. What do you think is the biggest hurdle the Cape has to overcome to attract new job to our community? What would you do to overcome this hurdle? Karcher – We lack the infrastructure today. To many residents it appears that the city is content with the organic growth and has elected to spend our tax dollars in a manner other than commercial growth. Williams - We need to entice developers to build commercial parks, buildings and facilities to support commercial companies. Continuing buildout of our UTILITIES is the real challenge in attracting businesses to come to Cape Coral. 4.
Does the city do enough to help existing businesses succeed and grow? If not, what would you do different?
Karcher – No, we need to simplify & speed up permits. Why do permits cost so much? The tax benefits will follow. Let business grow and get the tax on the back end. Williams - Probably not. I don't believe EDO is staffed sufficiently to work with all the growing number of businesses who need our assistance in the City of Cape Coral. We need to align ourselves with various agencies that could help provide assistance. 5. Where are the best areas of the Cape to locate new businesses, and what type of businesses would you like to bring here? Karcher – Medical, Higher Education, Banking HDQ, Business Call Centers, Hotels, R&D, Light manufacturing. With the widening of Burnt Store Road taking place now, which in the not too distant future will connect with Charlotte County and on to ! 75, this is the newest and most open business corridor we have. Plus we own land along the corridor.
Williams - North Cape Coral. Businesses I would like to see come to Cape Coral: • Research • Education • Corporate offices • Light manufacturing • Call centers • Medical offices and products • Family services • Sports and entertainment I was disappointed when the current Council voted to change the zoning at a prime commercial corner from Professional to bring in another gas station, we need Council Members to set their aspirations higher to attract businesses that will serve our residential community with higher paying jobs and services.