Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

Business After Hours, April 18th, hosted by Century 21 Selling Paradise Realty

Join Us Every Saturday at Club Square for the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m. -1 p.m.

April 2013

Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, April 10th At La Venezia Sponsored by Centurylink, LCEC and The News-Press

Speed Politics, April 25th Oasis High School 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Surfside Sunset Market at the Shops at Surfside, every Tuesday, 4-8 p.m.

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 11,000 monthly subscribers Basic Advertising Prices Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00 Business Card $117.00 (All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business.

Non-profit organizations receive 2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership.)

Prime Advertising Pricing Full Page $387.00 (includes banner ad on chamber website only 4 available per issue, full page only) 1/2 Page $287.00 1/4 Page $207.00 Business Card $167.00 (All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter) Specials Spotlight On Business Article - One per issue $347.00 Includes a hyperlink to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business, a banner ad on the Chamber website and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter.

Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 for more information. donna@capecoralchamber.com

April 2013 April 2nd

Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain Communications Director donna@capecoralchamber.com

Business Card Exchange Batteries Plus 900 SW Pine Island Road, Suite 118 , Cape Coral, FL 33991 7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

April 6th

Contributing Editors Mike Quaintance Chamber President q2u2@capecoralchamber.com

Cape Coral Antique and Craft Market Club Square - 47th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33904 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com

April 10th

Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director bill@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@capecoralchamber.com Bob Knickman Special Events Director bob@capecoralchamber.com Amanda Brunson Special Events Coordinator amanda@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

General Membership Meeting La Venezia 4646 SE 10th Place, Cape Coral, FL 33904 $20.00 For Members w/reservations Call 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

April 18th

Business After Hours Century 21 Selling Paradise 3409 Del Prado Blvd, S. Ste 103, Cape Coral, FL 33904 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

April 22nd

Excellence In Education Awards Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907 5:30 p.m.

April 25th

Speed Politics Oasis Charter High School 3519 Oasis Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33914 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Every Saturday

Cape Coral Farmer’s Market Club Square - Downtown Cape Coral 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To register for any of the above events online, or for more up-to-date information, please visit www.capecoralchamber.com

Q’s World

Buying Local Keeps Small Businesses In Business Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

T

here are an abundance of reasons to consider your local merchants first, whether it be buying routine purchases such as groceries or household items, buying for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or large durable goods like homes, cars or boats.

We ask you to consider these factors; for every $100 spent in a local independent business, it creates an additional $68 of local economic activity. If you make the same $100 purchase in a local chain store it creates an additional $43 in local economic activity. When you spend online, zero dollars flow into your local economy. Our local communities are not sustainable without your local purchases, so please consider buying locally first.

9 REASONS TO BUY LOCAL SHOW ME THE MONEY - Spending local keeps more dollars circulating within the local economy in the form of taxes, wages, donations, etc. As Florida works to lower its unemployment rate and return to prosperity, you can help by spending your dollars locally.

JOB - It is a circle. Spend at a local business, it grows, hires more people, they spend locally, other business grows, hires ore people, etc. Studies show that local small businesses are the backbone of employment in the U.S. economy. Please help grow local jobs.

NON-PROFITS PROFIT - As local businesses flourish non-profits enjoy

more support. Many of our non-profits meet the vital needs of those in need in our communities, by supporting local business you are feeding and caring for people.

WEIRD OR WONDERFUL - Buying local helps create the unique characteristics of the community you live or vacation in. We are all part of the success of our community. Would you rather talk about that unique boutique store where you purchased a cool gift, the great farmers’ market, or the cool restaurant that you visited?

IT’S GREENER - Local businesses usually source more locally and are closer by.

They decrease the footprint, and limit our impact on the environment while reducing our consumption of fossil fuels.

WHO LOVES YOU BABY? - Numerous studies show that consumers experience much better customer service and care from local business since local businesses live or die by their reputation. As a result you get a much higher standard of service from a local business.

HOME SWEET HOME - As they live and work local; local businesses invest more in their community. They help stimulate local investment!

GREEN EGGS & HAM - Local merchants are more likely to stock what customers want and are interested in buying rather than trying to push the latest trend. Buy what YOU want, not what someone else thinks you should want.

LIVE LONG & PROSPER Entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more attracted to invest and settle in communities that have one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character rather than a more homogenous community.

Information for this article was gathered from a variety of sources including the 350 Project, The Andersonville Study of Retail economics and Sustainable Connections.

The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral is a supporter of “Buy Local” programs.

2013 Board of Directors

Joe Mazurkiewicz, Chairman - BJM Consulting, Inc Annette Carrasquillo, Chair-Elect - LAI Design Associates, LLC Ed Ramos, Treasurer - Ramos Builders, Inc Donna Meola, Past-Chair - Achieva Credit Union Tony Constantino, Financial Advisor - Kevin M Burns & Assoc, CPA Barb Adams - Individual Member Brett Bisbe - B2 Solutions, Inc Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions Ed Bolter - Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett - City of Cape Coral Joe Francioni - Castle Harbour Homes Cindy Gallagher - The News-Press Tom Giles - Avalon Engineering Tom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Colleen Humphries - LCEC Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood Electric Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & Rental Michelle Lewis - B2 Solutions, Inc Thomas Shipp - Tom Shipp at the Martin Law Firm Stan Spicer - Platinum Service A/C Chris Spiro - Spiro & Associates Elmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty

2013 Trustees

Sandra Aguilar - Individual Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank Matt Connar - Boost Creative Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Toni Rae Hurley - Iberia Bank Trish Lassiter - Lee County Electric Coop Eric Malasky - Paradise Deli & Market David Owen - BB&T-Oswald, Trippe & Co Katharin Owen, Warchol, Merchant & Rollings Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System Zachary Zeis - Cheetah Printing & Signs

Chamber Staff

Mike Quaintance, President Donna Schuman-Germain, Communications Director Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Bill Johnson, Membership Sales Director Linda Kirby, Membership Sales Bob Knickman, Special Events Director Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator

21st ANNUAL EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS

APRIL 22, 2013 5:30 PM

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS Senior Level Sponsor—$1,000

1/2 page Advertisement in E-trends Company Logo on all External Media Company Logo on all Internal Media Company Banner at Event Two VIP Tickets for Event

Junior Level Sponsor—$500

Company Logo on all External Media Company Logo on all Internal Media Two VIP Tickets for Event

Sophomore Level Sponsor—$250

Company Name on External Media Company Name on Internal Media One Ticket for Event

Freshman Level Sponsor—$100 Company Name on Event Program Company Name on PowerPoint

Scholarship Sponsors

Professor Level

$1,000 Investment

Two Seats with Student Company Logo on all Media Stage Check Presentation

Adjunct Professor Level $500 Investment

One Seat with Student Company Name on all Media Stage Check Presentation

(Please note Adjunct Professor Level is a shared sponsorship with another sponsor).

Hosted at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, located at 1380 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL. See reverse side for more details on how to participate.

Brought to you by. . .

21st Annual Excellence In Education Awards Participation Form

April 22, 2013 at 5:30 PM at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Please mark your sponsor selection below Scholarship Sponsor Opportunities Professor Level—$1,000 Adjunct Professor Level—$500

Event Sponsor Opportunities

Senior Level—$1,000 Junior Level—$500 Sophomore Level—$250 Freshman Level—$100

Contact Name: ________________________________________________________ Business Name: _______________________________________________________ Business Address: _____________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________

Fax: ___________________________

E-mail Address: _______________________________________________________ Payment Method:

Invoice

Credit Card

Credit Card Number: __________________________________ Card Type: Visa Mastercard Discover AMEX Expiration Date: _________ Code on Back of Card: _____________

**For tax deduction purposes please make your checks payable to the Cape Coral Chamber Foundation ** Memo: Education Committee—Mail to 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy. E. Cape Coral, Fl. 33904 For more information call Claudia St. Onge at (239) 549-6900 ext 101 or Melanie Lempke ext. 109 Please Fax Sponsorship Form to (239) 549-9609 or email to Melanie@CapeCoralChamber.com Deadline for Artwork is April 5, 2013

February New Members & Renewals New Members Aha Center (Advanced Health Alliance) Susan Haltigan D Gates Wealth Management an office of Met Life Danielle Gates Edward Jones Investments - Lauri Howe Laurie Howe Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers Susie Carter Paradise Deli & Market GleeAnn Agius Patty’s Flower Shop Patty Price RaceTrac Elyse Connolly Rasmussen College Ethan May Reds Fresh Seafood House & Tavern Craig Lewis Smargasy, Inc. Andreas Dolleschal State Representative Dane Eagle Dane Eagle Sun Dream Services Inc. Silke Probst The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village Andrea Locke

Vince Cummings For Mayor of Cape Coral Vincent Cummings Walgreens Cynthia Woolverton

Renewals A Better Home Watch Airmark Air Conditioning, Inc All Dryer Vent Service by Lint Man Avalon Engineering Bassine Insurance Agency, LLC Baywood Veterinary Hospital BB&T Bank - Cape Coral Pkwy Branch BobSuhrie.Remax-Florida.com Brents Music & Sound Cape Coral Home Team @ Re/Max Realty Team Cape Coral Housing Development Cape Coral Pet Crematory Cape Coral Social Club CC Stone w/Starlink Realty Chicago Pizza City Smoke Barbecue ClubZ! In Home Tutoring CounterStrike Security & Sound Dellutri Law Group Dr. Mel Youngs, DC., PA. Edward Jones Investments - Terry Frith Edward JONES Investments Family Hardware Do-it Express Fenzel Air, LLC First Congregational Community Church First Round Draft Sports Bar & Grille Floridian Insurance Agency Fort Myers Princess

German American Social Club of CC Hollywood Bicycle Center Hooters Cape Coral I Ragazzi Pizza Impressions Photography Independent A.C. Individual - John Manning Jackson PR JP’s Auto Care Kaye’s Antiques Art & Estate Sale La Venezia Main Street Children Dentistry and Orthodontics Matteo Graphics Merrick Seafood North Nicholas High School Oasis Charter Elementary School Order Sons of Italy in America Paul Homes of Florida, LLC Perico’s Inc Phil Deems Real Estate Pirate Coast Cycles Platinum Service A/C Premiere Oncology-Naples Red Salon & Spa Senecatails Guide Services ServiceMaster Restorations Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Sotolongo Landscape Maintenance Southwest Florida Community Foundation Trebing Tile and Carpet Venetian Pools & Spas, Inc Warchol, Merchant & Rollings, LLP WJ Bachman Mechanical Sheetmetal Co. of Florida Inc. Wright Construction Group Zoomers Amusement Park

Chamber Trends Tallahasse Days 2013 Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting 2013 Chamber Chairman

L

ast month, chamber members, Cape Coral City Council members and government officials returned from another successful trip to Tallahassee.

This was the 14th year for this trip and it has been extremely successful in bringing our message to the State legislature. Over the years, we have been involved in bringing more than $800 million dollars back to Southwest Florida and supporting legislation that has made a real impact on our area.

You should all be very proud of this trip as its inception was the brain child of our own Chamber President, Mike Quaintance.

For the first 4 years this trip was called “Cape Coral Days in Tallahassee” where we combined private business people along with local elected officials to present a united lobbying effort with our state legislature.

After our initial success, your board took a regional leadership role and expanded the scope of the trip to include all of Lee County.

The trip is now known as “Lee County Days in Tallahassee.” We now have business representatives and elected officials from all over the county coming together in a united front to present our needs to our state government.

Some of the areas of concern for us this year were: a $900,000 budget line item to design a river crossing connecting the Fort Myers wastewater plants to the city’s irrigation system, lobbying for funding for a SWFL inland port known as America’s Gateway Logistics Center, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funding to assist with the multi-lanning of Burnt Store Road, support for our local area FDOT office, concerns about the financial stability of the State’s Citizens Insurance program, public pension reforms and of course, our continuing efforts to explain the Cape’s unique challenges to bring real economic development to a pre-platted community.

I can assure you, your Cape Coral business leaders and elected officials worked long days and met with many legislators and state administrators. We were well received and our message was clearly understood by everyone we met with. We will see how successful we were as our issues continue to go through the legislative process this session.

This is a great learning experience for everyone who makes the trip and I would highly recommend it to any member who is interested in learning more about how the state legislature works. I know that after 30 years of lobbying in Tallahassee, I still find great value for myself and our community in setting aside three days to participate in Lee County Days in Tallahassee.

Personal and Business

Solutions

to meet your banking needs.

We make banking easy and convenient for your business and personal banking needs, so that you have more time for the things in life that matter most.

Call or visit one of our Cape Coral branches today!

www.iberiabank.com |

1715 Cape Coral Parkway West | (239) 541-5200 812 Del Prado Boulevard South | (239) 985-8120 2546 Heydon Lane | (239) 433-6000

Fort Myers: 9101 College Pointe Court | 2247 First Street | 6651 Orion Drive | 4670 Summerlin Road | 8341 Dani Drive | 8870 Daniels Parkway | 7580 Winkler Road | Estero: 23250 Via Villagio

General Membership Lunch

Top Left: Guest Speaker Scott Kashman, Cape Coral Hospital, kicks off the 2013 Chamber Health Challenge.

Mid Left: 1993 Leadership Cape Coral charter class alumni Elmer Tabor, speaks to the group about the importance of the program.

Bottom Left: Board Members Chris Spiro and Dana Brunette welcome New Member Donna Manning to the Chamber.

Top Right: Welcome to our New Chamber Members for the month of March.

Mid Right: Marty Robinson,PT - Cape Coral Wellness Center, Dr Sal Lacagninia - Lee Memorial Health System, Patrick Quinlan - Miloff Aubuchon Realty, and Denise Locascio - Met Life. ... with a purpose.

Membership Trends I Got Membership on my Mind.

Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director

I

was taking a moment to look back at our membership numbers from last year and all I can say is WOW. I came on board with the Chamber in February of 2012 and was fortunate enough to be part of one of the Chambers best years of growth.

The Chamber grew by 243 new members last year. That is truly awesome. This would not have been possible without the participation from the membership in our Rock and Roll Membership Drive and two Leads Drives.

So now that it’s 2013, we need to keep the membership train on the tracks and surpass last year’s number.

One way is to follow in the mantra of our current chair Joe Mazurkiewicz. Joe took our Chamber slogan of Get in & Get Busy and added three simple words…”With A Purpose.”

Just think with every new member that joins the Chamber; new business opportunities are created every day. What is your purpose going to be with the Chamber in 2013? That something could be

different for us all.

The cool thing that I have noticed over the last year is that everyone joins the Chamber for many different reasons. Some people join because they want to grow their business. Some people join because they want to become more involved in the community. Some people join because they simply want a plaque to hang in their office that says there a member. All are equally great but the most import word in all of that is they all joined. My purpose for 2013 is the continued growth of one of Southwest Florida’s largest business organizations, the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral.

The membership sales team has some real exciting things planned for 2013. First, we are rolling out our Membership Leads Drive. I have taken the best parts of the membership and leads drive and combined them into one super drive.

This drive is kicks off TODAY! Isn’t it time you Get in & Get Busy With A Purpose with the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral.

...

with a purpose.

New & Renewed Members Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or donna@capecoralchamber.com

Executive Member

Diamond Member Chamber of Commerce ofSystem Cape Coral Lee Memorial Health P.O. Box 2218 Fort Myers, FL 33902

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral BJ’s Wholesale 1929 Pine Island Rd N.E., Cape Coral Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral

CenturyLink Store 2710 Del Prado Blvd. South Cape Coral, FL 33904

Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr, North Fort Myers

RE/MAX Realty Team 2326 Del Prado Blvd Cape Coral, FL 33990

Premier Oncology Radiation Specialists In Urology 24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral

LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917

The News-Press - Fort Myers Office 2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers 413 NE Van Loon Lane, Cape Coral

The Gulf Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic is no ordinary veterinary practice. 100% of the clinic’s operating surplus is used to provide funding for safe refuge and quality care for the more than 1,000 abandoned and neglected cats and dogs brought to our shelter each year.

    

Spay/Neuter Vaccinations Microchips Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services General Surgery

     

Dental Care Laboratory Pharmacy Flea & Heartworm Prevention Behavior Counseling Dietary Counseling

Veterinary Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday: 8am to 5pm, Saturday: 9am to 4pm 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33916 Just off Martin Luther King Blvd., across from FleaMasters!

Ribbon Cuttings

Vogue Hair Studio 1219 Cape Coral Pkwy E Suite 6 Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 945-6717 www.voguehairstudiocapecoral.com

The Art of Literature, Inc. 2209 Santa Barbara Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33991 (239) 458-1586 www.theartofliterature.com

...

with a purpose.

Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’ 3032 Santa Barbara Blvd., Unit 201 Cape Coral, FL 33914 239) 242-1170 www.mizcatherines.com

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or donna@ capecoralchamber. com

Leadership 2013

20

Celebrating Leadership Excellence

1993-2013

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL DEFINED.

TESTIMONIALS

Leadership Cape Coral is a thirteen week program for an adult that educates the participants about the components that make up Cape Coral. The various program days include team building, public safety, education, government, cultural opportunities, infrastructure, corrections, public services, and parks and recreation. These program days are organized and chaired by recent past graduates of the program so that they can share their knowledge concerning the various days.

Leadership Cape Coral isn’t for those that are content with things the way they are. If you or the owner of your business is ready to elevate your performance within the largest city in SW Florida then please sign up for Leadership Cape Coral, it will help you reach that next level. You WON’T be disappointed!

There have been more than 400 graduates of the program since the charter year in 1993. Many of these graduates become a part of Cape Coral Leadership Alumni and often go on to the Advanced Leadership Cape Coral program with a focus on developing and enhancing management and leadership skills. The final tier of leadership education is Cape Coral Community Trustee program, which is by invitation and helps participants discover areas where they can assume community leadership roles.

Today, our leadership graduates are contributing to vital areas of the community such as; leadership roles in government from the City Council to the State of Florida, community organizations like American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, and Junior Achievement, and leadership with our largest employers. It is not uncommon for our leadership graduates to see the value and feel the need to pass along the gift of leadership by participating in our Cape Coral Jr. Leadership program. Without a doubt the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral has one of the most comprehensive leadership programs in Florida.

ARE YOU INTERESTED? It is simple to participate, just fill out the registration form below and fax, or mail it to the Chamber. We will send you an application. Be sure to fill out and submit your application before July 26, 2013.

LYNNIE GUZMAN l News-Press l 2011 Leadership Cape Coral opens doors and open your eyes to the community around you. It lays out the assets and the opportunities for you in a way no other investment of time and money could do. I have seen it change the lives of many people and I know it has changed my life forever and that is why I am still involved in Leadership Cape Coral today. The program continues to pay benefits to me, my family, my business and my community.

JOE MAZURKIEWICZ l BJM Consulting l 1993 Leadership Cape Coral helped save my life!

During health day, a physician was telling us that heart attacks don’t always happen in the most common perceived way–chest pain and numbness in the left arm. I remembered that comment when the following week I had a heart attack (throbbing in both arms just below my elbows and no chest pain). I was rushed to the hospital.

B. PAT O’ROURKE l Lee County EDC l 2007

FULL NAME BUSINESS NAME

ADULT LEADERSHIP 2013 FULL ADDRESS PHONE

EMAIL

Are you a Chamber Member? o Yes o No Is a business sponsoring you? o Yes o No

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, Florida 33904 (239) 549-6900 phone (239) 549-9609 fax www.CapeCoralChamber.com

Marketing Trends ‘Dunk What? In Golf City Who?” asked Matt Lauer and the CBS Evening News??!!

Christopher T. Spiro CEO, Spiro & Associates Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations

T

hese recent weeks have been a branding whirlwind with folks renaming our region to “Dunk City,” trying to help the national news media figure out where Southwest Florida is, learning new rap songs about the 10th university in the State of Florida, and more importantly, how to spell “Gulf” when referencing Florida Gulf Coast University.

What an amazing case study for witnessing a brand blowing up, for all the right reasons, right here in our own backyard. Heck, I even found myself shouting out loud and genuinely having fun watching the Eagles play.

But, (damn it, there’s always a but) was FGCU ready for their success? My answer is a resounding hell no. To an outsider looking in, they didn’t plan for success. They didn’t plan to be in the Sweet 16 no less the Elite 8 nor the Final 4. They had no plan for “what if”!

Okay Spiro, what’s your point, don’t clip the Eagles wings here?

My point is this: Are you planning on your business playing in the finals of the final four, or are you planning to be one and done? Are

you planning for your business’s brand to blow up properly and take advantage of pandemonium (OK, maybe not pandemonium, but a great deal of success) or are you going to wait and see what happens? Are you ready to respond to your brand’s success today or are you just winging it?

When I kick the covers off in the morning I jump out of bed ready to win…ready for success…ready for my agency to go all the way to the big dance. How you and your firm define the big dance is specific to your business. But, not planning for your brand to succeed dooms you to failure.

The Power of Team!

The second point is what I will define as the “Power of Team!” If you have ever considered lending your brand in support of a team, look at the success you would have had with the Eagles.

We have a client who is an avid Eagle supporter complete with signage in Alico Arena as well as serving on several committees for the University. He has seen a 25 percent increase in sales, cash money in the register, since Eaglemania has gone wild. Prior to all the craziness he will tell you that he was paid back ten-fold by people mentioning his community and school support, people coming to his location because he supports FGCU and people wanting to do business with those who support local educational/community endeavors.

Many of you know my personal connection to the University of Florida and how much we do locally here with the Alumni Association as well as in Gainesville with UF. At the time this article was written the FGCU vs. UF game had not been played. While I will be rooting for my beloved Gators, should they lose I won’t be too upset!!

Christopher “The BrandMan” Spiro can be found online at Facebook. com/christopher.spiro and Twitter @chrisspiro. Or hit him up at cspiro@ spiroandassociates.com and (239) 481-5511, extension 234.

We deliver Cape Coral news 24/7

The News-Press Media Group connects Cape Coral residents and visitors with news and information in Cape Life every Thursday, and in the Cape section on Sunday.

Get the latest updates online and on your mobile device at news-press.com

Subscribe:1.800.468.0233 Cape Coral Editor: Casey Logan | clogan@news-press.com | 344.4721 Advertise: Lynnie Guzman | lguzman@news-press.com | 910.4575

Network Administration Administration Network Maintenance Agreements Agreements Maintenance Off-site Data Data Storage Storage Off-site Dell, Acer, Acer, Apple Apple Dell, (239) 573-1000 573-1000 (239) www.entechcomputers.com www.entechcomputers.com

Get In & Get Busy Busy Advertise In The Chamber Trends Magazine Magazine Contact Donna Germain Germain at at 549-6900 ext ext 107 107 or or donna@capecoralchamber.com donna@capecoralchamber.com

Presented By‌

Join us Friday May 3rd at Palmetto Pine Country Club for a day of Networking, Golfing & Fun! 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start Registration includes‌ 18 holes of golf, carts, breakfast, drinks on the course, chance for prizes at specialty holes, lunch and an exclusive after party at Hooters on Del Prado Gather your friends, your co-workers and your partners in crime for a great day on the course!

Call Amanda at 549-6900 ext 111 for more information.

From Our Chairman Healthy Trends Nutrition

2012

Donna Meola, Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Kirkwood Electric 2012 ChamberHealth Chairman Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial System

M

I

can’t believe its December arch may have been National Nutrition month, but every and I am writing last day is nutrition day! We need to emphasize this my because article as Chairman of eating healthy balanced meals and snacks is one of the the Board.

2012 by foundations for healthy living and a longer life.hasAlljust theflown research and there have been so many studies show this to be factual. So let’s discuss what healthy nutrition I would like to really looks like. We all know that weaccomplishments need certain amounts of protein, share.

(Please forgive me if I have carbohydrates and fats in the foods we eat. Healthy proteins include forgotten any!!) egg whites, beans, nuts, lentils and tofu. Many people like to get fortunatewith we cholesterol, are to live protein from meats, but if you have How any problems in Paradise!

Our economy is you should limit the amount of beef, chicken and pork to reduce the growing and the outlook for 2013 risk of heart attacks, stokes, other forms of cardiovascular disease for continued and many cancers. Yes, it has been is shown that meatgrowth. eating increases 2012 was a great year!!

Much was accomplished for you, including the risk of all chronic illness and many of the common cancers.

Much making Cape Coral a better place to do business.

Here are of of this research is described in the book “The China Study” byaT.few Colin the highlights: Campbell.

The Capecarbohydrates Coral Economicinclude Development Officebreads delivered their Healthy whole grain andonpasta, promise to increase business, investment and employment in the vegetables and fruits, brown rice as well as beans. These food area.

The team closed 137 economic development projects, which products contain healthy (complex) sugars that are slowly released represents 85 new businesses in spikes the Cape and 52 expansions. into the body leading to fewer of glucose and insulin which The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership withhealthy Lamar over time can contribute to weight gain. They also contain Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign fiber which is good for the GI tract. This helps to decrease that the says “Cape Coral is Open for Business. ” absorption of fats resulting in less cholesterol in the system. Whole Capebreakfast Coral welcomed opening of milk 1,156with businesses 2012 grain cereal withthe almond or soy a few egginwhites including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses and some fruit is a healthy breakfast that will start your day off right! andAlthough 46 unspecified businesses. means shorter distances many people avoidCommerce fats, especially when they are trying to travel for your goods and services.

Commerce also means a to lose weight, foods with fats in them are essential to good health. diversified tax base and jobs!

The brain and the nervous system plus all of the cells of the body The fats Chamber Commerce of Cape Coral continues to grow as need to stayofhealthy.

Foods that contain healthy fats include well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of olive oil, avocados, nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews 583 members, today we stand at 744.

This resulted in a 78 percent and natural peanut butter. Fats that should be limited include beef, membership growthwith withthe a retention rate of many 81 percent. could lamb, pork, chicken skin, butter, lard, cheeseThis products, not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members, commercially baked pastries and cookies and foods that are fried. aThese dynamic team and an awesome membership development foodsales products are known to cause cardiovascular diseases committee. and many types of cancers. These are many of the foods that are Chamber Leadership programs to develop considered the foundation of the continue typical American diet;community but this is leaders.

In November, 20 men and women graduated Leadership the reason cardiovascular disease kills more people in this country Cape Twenty-four of the 2012 Chamber boardtohave than Coral. all types of cancer!members So, it’s your decision.

Do you want eat graduated fromthat the Leadership Program the Chairman food products increase your risk forincluding heart attacks, strokes and and

Chair-Elect.

27healthy high school in our Junior cancers? Or,We docurrently you wanthave to eat foodsjuniors that make you look Leadership Program. and feel great, allow you to be as functional as you want and help ThetoChamber successfully presented (2)life?

Disney Institute programs you live a longer and more productive in 2012.

The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because Now that we have reviewed healthy proteins, carbohydrates and itfats, takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and let’s review the benefits of supplements. Unfortunately, the members together Redare White and Boom , Golf Tournament, food products we eatfor today not always as nutritious as we would Farmers Business Expo , Family Bowling a Casino Trip like. Also,Market, in many cases, our absorption of these Day, nutrients is not as to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights complete as we would like. That is why often times it is helpfulon to December 1st. minerals and anti-oxidants. How do you know what to take vitamins, Ouroron-line business directory in 1,300,829 web referrals take how much to take?

Mostresulted people take a multivitamin which in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!! is a shotgun approach, meaning that they are aiming at everything (Who saysnecessarily membership doesn’t pay?)vitamins they should be taking without knowing which A new Chamber mobile app was in 2012. for the maximum benefit. There isintroduced a test called Spectracell which It was also a very busy election year for Affairs measures the levels of all the vitamins, minerals our and Public anti- oxidants Committee!

This is a group of passionate people who make sure that we need to stay healthy. Once you have these results, your physician the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also or health care provider can determine which supplements you need state and federal.

The candidates’ forums were very well attended and monitor progress over time. The Spectracell test is covered by by members and citizens of Cape Coral. Anti-oxidants are substances many insurances including Medicare.

Ourdecrease education the Excellence Education that thecommittee risk of hearthosted attacks, strokes, other in blood vessel Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving diseases as well as cancers. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta carotene are high schoolanti-oxidants. seniors! examples In order to get the anti-oxidants you need was alsotothe first year of our “rotating” thatvegetables. are being inItaddition taking supplements, eat lotsluncheons of fruits and very well received by our membership.

Remember the recommendation is to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and Serving asdaily. your Chairman of the Board has been an excellent vegetables experience and blessed had opportunity of A healthy plateI feel of food looksfor likehaving this: half thethe plate is filled with meeting so many of you at meetings and events. fruits and vegetables. One quarter of the plate contains a healthy Thank you for honoring me with your trust commitment!

It starch/carbohydrate as mentioned above.

Theand remaining quarter has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing contains a protein (remember this does not have to be a meat staff as well Take as thetime membership. product). to watch the documentary “Food, Inc.” and I look forward to all of why you at future events and Inon-meat wish you you will more fully seeing understand I recommend eating good health and prosperity! proteins!

Lastly, to stay healthy, you need to stay active and exercise daily. 1530 minutes is what is recommended. Do 15 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of either light weight lifting or resistance exercises. Weight lifting is very important to keep your metabolic rate high. This allows you to better maintain a healthy weight. In summary, healthy eating and daily exercise - these are two of the pillars in the foundation for healthy living. If you have any questions or comments; or if you need help with your daily health, please feel free to contact me at Dr.Sal@ Leememorial.org.

Stay well!

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

SPEED POLITICS READY...SET….GO! April 25, 2013 Oasis High School

3519 Oasis Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33914 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Come Mix & Mingle With Your City Council Members, Lee County Commissioners and representatives from LCEC and WastePro Networking Begins At 5:30 PM “Speed Politics” Begins At 6:30 PM You Will Have The Opportunity To Talk One-On-One With All The Participants For 10 Minutes In Break-Out Rooms Rsvp (239) 549-6900 Ext 300

CDM Smith

LCEC, Kirkwood Electric

Sunday April 7th

People you can trust.

Power you can rely on.

Possibilities that are endless!

That’s the benefit of being a cooperative member! www.lcec.net

N o r t h Fo r t M y e r s Academy for the ARTS Presents

The Nutcracker at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

December 13th, 2012 at 7:00pm

RELAY FOR LIFE OF CAPE CORAL APRIL 27 - 28, 2013 The performance features 3:00 PM - 9:00 AM 200 dancers, singers and musicians.

A Spectacular Performance of the HIGH time honored ballet.

MARINER SCHOOL 701 N CHIQUITA BLVD., CAPE CORAL

$10, $15, $20, REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY AT and $25 Tickets WWW.RELAYFORLIFE.ORG/CAPECORALFL For tickets call 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com

Real Estate Trends 3-27-13

Recessionary Backlash?

Berge (CDPE) Real Aslanian Estate Trends What Does Upward Realtor, RE/MAX IslandMean?

Harbor

F

For well over a year now we have been seeing and writing about the strong or well a year have beenCoral. seeing writing evidence of our over upturning real now estate we market in Cape In and the past few weeksabout there have been articles in the of local and in the local newspapers the strong evidence ournews upturning real estate market about our new “seller’s market”. Is an upturning, seller’s market consistent with in Cape an upward trend?Coral. In the past few weeks there have been articles

in the local news and in the local newspapers about our new “seller’s market”.

Is an upturning, seller’s market consistent with an upward Let’s see how the numbers look for our most recent period. trend?

The as ofasMarch 27th: 27th...

Thenumbers numbers of March For Sale Sold

January ’13 Homes Median $ 1525 $249,000 181 $139,000

For Sale Sold

January ’13 Condos Median $ 307 $134,500 25 $101,500

February ’13 March ‘13 Median $ Homes Median $ Homes 1545 $243,500 1501 $239,750 231 $155,000 311 $155,000 February ’13 March ‘13 Condos Median $ Condos 317 $134,500 307 36 $106,000 47

Median $ $135,000 $106,000

Just like last month, inventory of single family homes and condos seems to last be holding fairly steady. for condos and single Just like month, inventory of single Prices family homes and condos seems family to be holdingare fairlyconsistent. steady. Prices fornumbers condos andofsingle family homes consistent. homes The condos sold andarehouses sold The numbers of condos sold and houses sold have increased. have increased.

Having been involved in this real estate market for several years, is safe toyears, say Having been involved in this real estate market for itseveral this represents an upward trend. Prices are holding strong and numbers of it that is safe to say that this represents an upward trend.

Prices are properties sold are up. Sounds easy to understand and it makes sense. holding strong and numbers of properties sold are up. Sounds easy then, why doand so many buyerssense. coming into this market think that they should toSo understand it makes offer 15-25% less than the listed price of a property? Is it that “never pay list So then, why do so many buyers coming into thisIsmarket think price” mentality that seems to follow houses and vehicles? it a remnant of that the distressed real estate market that a “buyer’s market”? is there are they should offer 15-25% lesswas than the listed priceAll ofI aknow property?

Is it a number of disappointed buyers out there who missed out on some really good that “never pay list price” mentality that seems to follow houses and deals because they thought they were so much smarter than those of us who do vehicles?

Is itina this remnant the distressed real estate market that was this every day specificof market. a “buyer’s market”? All I know is there are a number of disappointed Most sellers have been cooperative by realistically pricing their property and then buyers out athere missed ifout on some really goodpriced dealsproperties because negotiating smallwho bit downward necessary.

Many correctly havethought ended upthey sellingwere for slightly moresmarter than listed pricethose when knowledgeable they so much than of us who do buyers swarm and bid them up. this every day in this specific market.

Most sellers have been cooperative by realistically pricing their property and then negotiating a small bit downward if necessary.

Many correctly priced properties have ended up selling for slightly more than listed price when knowledgeable buyers swarm and bid

them up.

Here’s today’s riddle. What do we get when we bring an unrealistic buyer to a cooperative seller? The answer: Nobody gets anything!

A close friend from up North decided he wanted to invest in this rising market. He found a house on the internet in Cape Coral. It was an older home with sailboat access to the gulf, close to 1,900 sq. ft. under air with no pool for $249,900. Against my better judgment I submitted his offer of $190,000. After a few conversations with the selling agent we determined seller’s lowest price to be $210,000; an excellent price for this property. Buyer would not go higher than $200,000. Buyer wouldn’t budge. Seller was a bit miffed to think of selling for 20% less than list. No sale! Nobody gets anything!

Recently, after showing several houses to out-of-state buyers from another northeastern state, we found one that was exactly what they wanted for $320,000. Instead of offering 3-5% less than list, they thought they were being smart by offering 12% less than list ($282,000).

Against all advice they insisted their way was the best way. Even when it was explained that they just might be creating an adversarial relationship by insulting the seller with such a low offer, they would not budge.To make this too long of a story much shorter, the sellers made a counter-offer slightly below the listed price and said they were done negotiating. Buyers were extremely disappointed but wanted to ride their offer up by $5,000. What didn’t they understand about “final offer”?We ended up getting the deal done at the original counter offer made by the sellers. Buyers had to eat a little crow and pony up to the price. They really love the house and they are getting a great deal but they had some distorted fantasy about how real estate transactions work.

Most realtors try not to spend too much time with clients trying to impress everyone with their real estate “knowledge”. But when you realize there are well over 2000 realtors selling homes in Cape Coral and only 311 homes got sold last month you may understand why we sometimes entertain these “longshot buyers.”

Please remember, a good realtor will help you find a nice home within your means if you give them a chance. That same realtor will help you sell your home reasonably if you put some trust in them.

Your challenge is to find a realtor with whom you feel comfortable and then you will get exactly what you want!

More GMM Highlights

Top Left: 2012 Holiday Festival of Lights Chairman Brett Bisbe thanks Brian Hamman representing Title Sponsor CenturyLink for their support of the event.

Mid Left: Cape Christian Fellowship, represented by Chad Wolfe sponsored the Free Kids Area.

Bottom Left: Vapin’ in the Cape stepped up as the Snow Slide sponsor.

Top Right: Once again, LCEC sponsored Santa’s Arrival and the Tree Lighting.

Bottom Right: Long time event supporter, Kiwanis Club sponsored the Tiny Tots Train.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers and everyone who participated in the Centurylink Holiday Festival of Lights this year. We could not do these events without your support.

Congratulations 20-12 Pack!!

CONGRATULATIONS goes out to the Leadership Cape Coral Class of 2012.

Their Casino In The Cape event on March 2nd raised more than $20,400 for Cape Coral Special Populations.

Managementthe and check The group presented to Sara Sansone, Special Pops Supervisor and Steve Pohlman, Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Director at the Management March 18th Cape and A D VA N C E D Coral City CouncilL EMeeting.

ADERSHIP Thank you to the 20-12 pack for all of your hard work on this event!

Enroll now for summer camp and the 2013-2014 school year Join us for a memorable summer of fun as we travel Around the World on a Cultural 37 Barkley Circle Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-275-2022

Register here

www.montessorichild.org/programs Each two-week session is designed to provide a relaxed & interesting enrichment utilizing our Montessori curriculum in a safe, nurturing environment with caring adults.

Ages 12 months to kindergarten or 6 years.     

This summer your child can…

Develop self-confidence Explore individual talents & creativity Increase cultural awareness Discover a sense of wonder & appreciation for nature Learn how to resolve conflicts easily & make new friends Session 1: June 3-14 - South America Session 2: June 17-28 - North America Summer Fun Program is closed July 1– 5 for the Independence Day Holiday!

Session 3: July 8-19 - Australia Session 4: July 22–August 2 - Africa Summer of Fun Hours: 8:00am—3:00pm 3 day or 5 day program

Our Mission: Renaissance School inspires individuals to express their unique potential with purpose, passion & vision.

Accredited by SACS / AdvancEd. Renaissance School is a Florida not for profit corporation 501(c)3. Renaissance School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic origin. Licensed with the State of Florida #C08LE7378

FIRST HOUR FREE

BUSINESS MENTORS

Here To Help!

The First Hour Free Program is designed to provide Chamber Members with professional business resources to help them start or grow a business, and the First Hour Is Free!!! Need Professional Business Advice? Need to Explore the Merits of a Business Idea? Need to Identify New Opportunities? Looking to Trial a New Business Relationship?

GET YOUR INFORMATION HERE! RESOURCES INCLUDE;

HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT INSURANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN ENGINEERING BUSINESS COACHINGATTORNEY FINANCE ADVERTISING PRINTING ACCOUNTING GOVERNMENT CONSULTANT FIND these professionals by going to www.capecoralchamber.com under “Membership” then Programs.

(239) 549-6900

...

with a purpose.

2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 (800) 226-9609 www.capecoralchamber.com