April2014

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

April 2014

Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, April 9th at Palmetto Pine Country Club Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press Speed Politics April 30th at Cape Coral Tech 5:30 pm

Business After Hours April 17th at BankUnited 5:30 p.m.

Join Us Every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside for the Surfside Sunset Market, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 12,000 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 2014 Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain Communications Director donna@capecoralchamber.com Contributing Editors Mike Quaintance Chamber President q2u2@capecoralchamber.com Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director bill@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@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

APRIL 3RD Networking Cruise Fort Myers Princess 645 Old San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33931 6:00 p.m.

APRIL 9TH General Membership Lunch Palmetto Pine Country Club 1940 SW 9th Court Cape Coral, FL 33991 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

APRIL 17TH Business After Hours BankUnited 2503 Del Prado Blvd. S. Cape Coral, FL 33990 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

APRIL 30TH Speed Politics Cape Coral Institute of Technology 360 Santa Barbara Blvd N. Cape Coral, FL 33993 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAYS THROUGH MAY 10TH Cape Coral Farmers’ Market Every Saturday - Club Square SE 47th Terrace - 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 REBUILDING THE TEAM Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

E

very year the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral goes through a rebuilding of its Board of Directors. We do this because of the bylaws, which create terms for sitting board members and trustees. It is an opportunity to garner some new ideas, energy, and enthusiasm. The Board of Directors is responsible for strategic planning, policymaking, as well as the financial well being of the Chamber.

The member volunteers are required to attend monthly board meetings, networking events and serve on committees. For most, a minimum of 5 to 10 hours per month is normal. There are a few who give much more. We truly appreciate their commitment and enthusiasm as the Chamber would only be able to accomplish one half of what it does without volunteers.

Last year, Annette Carrasquillo, came up with the idea of creating a new volunteer level on the Board called “Chairman Emeritus,” some of us refer to them as “Silverbacks” as coined by Chris Spiro. These “Chairman Emeritus” are past board chairman that still serve on the board, but in the capacity of an advisor.

They are invited to attend all board meetings, discuss

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ideas, concerns and such, but they do not participate in voting, and they are not calculated in as part of the quorum.

The charter class of “Chairman Emeritus” included Tom Giles, Wayne Kirkwood and Elmer Tabor. Please note, all these gentlemen volunteered to take these positions to create new leadership opportunities for you.

What this enhancement did was free up three board seats last year to allow chamber members to move into these vacated decision-making roles. This allows for greater participation by the membership in the governance of the Chamber.

The Nomination Committee has been formed, with Ed Ramos as the Chairman, and members Matt Lamb, Diane Everhart, Don Schnell, and Brett Bisbe.

They are taking applications so that they can create a ballot of qualified members for the Board to vote on in September 2014.

Every member who fills out an application and is a member in good standing (defined as membership dues are current) makes the ballot.

However, the Nomination committee does make recommendations. Elements that the Nomination Committee ponders when creating the ballot and making recommendations include; industry, gender, involvement and participation in the Chamber leadership programs.

So now that we have shared the opportunity, commitment, and the process, you may want to proceed to the next step. To obtain an application to serve on the board, please contact me, Mike Quaintance at (239) 549-6900 ext. 106, or via email at Q2U2@CapeCoralChamber.com. I will then forward the application to you for your completion by the deadline of July 1, 2014.

Chairman - Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, LLC Chairman Elect - Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc. Treasurer - Brett Bisbe, B2 Solutions, Inc Past Chairman - Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions, LLC Ed Bolter - Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett - City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar - Boost Creative Tony Constantino - Financial Advisor Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A. Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Joseph Francioni - The Smart Companies Cynthia Gallagher - The Breeze Newspapers Tom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & Rental Trish Lassiter - LCEC Michelle Lewis - Past Chairman - B2 Solutions Donna Meola - Past Chairman Thomas Shipp Jr. - Past Chairman - Tom Shipp at the Martin Law Firm Stanley Spicer - Platinum Service A/C Chris Spiro - Past Chairman - Spiro & Associates Zachary Zeis - Elysium Construction Inc.

2014 TRUSTEES

Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank Sallie Dwyer - SunTrust Merchant Services Sandra Greiner - SunSplash Family Waterpark Mike Hollow - RE//MAX Realty Team Scott Kashman - Cape Coral Hospital Laura Koehn - CapeCoral.com David Owen - BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System Michelle Whitlock - Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors

2014 CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Tom Giles - Avalon Engineering Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood Electric Elmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty

CHAMBER STAFF

Mike Quaintance, President Donna S. Germain, Communications Director Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Bill Johnson, Jr., Membership Sales Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator Linda Kirby, Membership Sales Annette Siner, Membership Sales

FEBRUARY NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW

Ariani Restaurant & Lounge Dario Zuljani Chippendale Audiology Maura Chippendale Complete Nutrition Jeff Buethe Envirosave Enterprises LLC Dan Justice Fez Interior, LLC. Victor Severino Healthy Start Southwest Florida Cathy Timuta Individual - Brittney Grimm Brittney Grimm Jodie Holland - Independent Representative Jodie Holland

Avalon Engineering Member Since: 12/01/1994

Cape Coral Association of Realtors Member Since: 03/01/1989 Cape Coral Pet Crematory Member Since: 02/03/2012 Cape Coral Social Club Member Since: 02/23/2009 Cape Jewelry & Pawn Member Since: 03/23/2012 CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL Member Since: 03/03/2009 ClubZ! In Home Tutoring Member Since: 11/21/2011 Dellutri Law Group Member Since: 02/23/2011 Dolphin Key Resort, LLC Member Since: 03/09/2012

Porto Bello at The Burnt Store Marina Cathy Cirrincione

Dorado’s Dockside Restaurant Member Since: 09/11/2012

Safety One Stop Christopher V. Kirby

Dr. Mel Youngs, DC., PA. Member Since: 02/21/2012

SWFL Mattress Jerry LeCompte

Family Hardware Do-it Express Member Since: 02/01/1998

RENEWALS Airmark Air Conditioning, Inc Member Since: 02/12/2012

First Round Draft Sports Bar & Grille Member Since: 02/11/2012 Florida Weekly

Member Since: 10/30/2012 HD PR Group Member Since: 02/10/2009 Hollywood Bicycle Center Member Since: 02/11/2012 Individual John Manning Member Since: 03/07/2012 Jackson PR Member Since: 02/14/2012

Life Made Easy Home Watch Member Since: 03/29/2011 Matteo Graphics Member Since: 05/25/2011 Merrick Seafood Member Since: 02/11/2012 Midwest Plumbing Contractor’s, LLC Member Since: 02/21/2012 Platinum Service A/C Member Since: 05/28/2008 Seminole Casino Immokalee Member Since: 09/02/2010 Serendipity Hair Studio Member Since: 12/21/2011 Shops At Surfside Member Since: 09/07/2010 Sotolongo Landscape Maintenance, Inc Member Since: 02/22/2012

Southwest Florida Community Foundation Member Since: 02/23/2011 Stifel Member Since: 02/17/2009 StoutenCramer, Inc. Member Since: 02/07/2012 Sun Dream Services Inc. Member Since: 02/20/2013

Suntrust Merchant Services, LLC Member Since: 02/07/2012 The Legacy Wealth Management Group-UBS Financial Services,Inc. Member Since: 09/18/2012 The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village Member Since: 02/04/2013 The Windsor of Cape Coral Member Since: 05/21/2008 Thompson Gas Member Since: 05/09/2012 Trebing Tile and Carpet Member Since: 02/11/2012 Vista Key Real Estate, LLC. Member Since: 02/22/2012 Zoomers Amusement Park Member Since: 02/21/2012

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

CHAMBER TRENDS SIGNS

Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates 2014 Chairman

S

ign, sign, everywhere a sign; blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind; Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?

Many of you may remember this song, but this is not about the song but rather the message of signs… a sign ordinance to be exact.

Many of you know that the City of Cape Coral has always had a sign ordinance. Yet, since the downturn of the economy, the City has not enforced the sign ordinance and allowed new signs to pop up around the City as businesses used signage to promote their goods and identify their locations.

Over the past year and half, the Chamber of Commerce and many community stakeholders worked with the City of Cape Coral to modify the existing sign ordinance in an effort to implement an ordinance that was business friendly, but still protected the life safety of our citizens and promoted a more esthetic look throughout the City.

Last year, the City adopted the sign ordinance and its’ effective date of April 1, 2014. While most of the sign ordinance remained as it was, some changes are coming. The following are some of the highlights that were changed in the ordinance: • Window/Door Signs: maximum coverage is 30%* of the glazed area per side collectively is allowed. *Note: This is proposed to be revised

to 50% coverage. It is important to state that this is a new regulation.

Construction Site Signs: Increased to allow 3 per site under one acre and 6 per site above one acre.

• Permit Boards & Real Estate Signs: Sizes were increased to meet industry standard, as well as allowing for the use of sign blades attached to Real Estate Signs.

• Electronic Message Signs: Permitted signs providing the message changes at intervals of two seconds or greater in duration.

Off-Site Signs: This definition includes A-Frame Signs and Sign Waivers. The use of Off-Site Signs was never allowed in the old ordinance and is prohibited by the new ordinance, however a revision is proposed to be made that will allow for one A-Frame Sign on the business property, not in the right of way or on a sidewalk.

While this sign ordinance will take effect on 4/1/14, there will be a 90 day period of education to allow the businesses to comply. Additionally, there is a time frame to comply for businesses with permanently attached signage that will now be considered non-conforming.

We encourage all of our members to take the time to become familiar with the Sign Ordinance. If you have questions, please contact the Code Enforcement Division of the City of Cape Coral or the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral.

•

...

with a purpose. & Have Fun!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

The March General Membership Lunch was all about Leadership. The Chamber prides itself on its extensive Leadership programs which include Leadership Cape Coral, Advanced Leadership Cape Coral, Junior Leadership Cape Coral and the Community Trustee Program.

The members welcomed not only the graduates of the Advanced Leadership program (pictured above) but also the 2014 Junior Leadership Cape Coral class (pictured left) Top Right: 2011 Graduate and Lunch Sponsors Lynnie Guzman from The News-Press spoke to the group.

Bottom Left: Wathal Bush, Blot Engineering, Zack Zeis, Elysium Homes and Matt Connnar, Boost Creative.

Bottom Right: Chris Berardi, Torchlight Productions and Ed Castner, BB&T Oswald Trippe & Co greet their Junior Leadership students.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

Top Left: The Chamber welcomed its new members at the March General Membership Lunch.

Top Right: Guest Speaker joe Mazurkiewicz speaks to the group about Leadership.

Mazurkiewicz was also the Chairman of the 2014 Advanced Leadership Program which graduated 21 members at the March Lunch.

Far Left: Membership Director Bill Johnson, Jr. presents Dorothy Saviste from the Dellutri Law Group with the Mentor of the Month Award from the Membership Development Committee.

Left: The CenturyLink Holiday Festival of Lights Chair Sallie Dwyer, Co Chair Zack Zeis and Special Events Coordinator Amanda Brunson thank Bill Jacob from CenturyLink for their sponsorship of the event. This was the second year that CenturyLink sponsored the event.

Total Technical Solutions, Inc.

Total Technical Solutions (TTS) is a Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Self declared minority owned business and Comptia certification provider, with the right blend of knowledge and business processes needed to support small and large projects around the globe.

www.totaltech.us.com

  

IT Service and Support Project Planning and Management IT Certification and Training

Contact us today: Email: Inquiry@totaltech.us.com Phone: 239-220-5842

REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

I

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor

2012

Donna Electric t is soMeola, easy toKirkwood forget to do things, 2012 Chamber Chairman especially when they are not pleasant

I

things to do. However, the need for its December action can’t does notbelieve go away and delaying that and I am writing my last 3-26-14 action article can causeasserious consequences not Chairman of the Real Estate Trends just with real estate but with life in general.

2012 has just flown by Time is of theBoard.

Essence When consequences of delayed action and the there have been so many are dire, the impact on real estate can accomplishments I would likealso to It is so easy to forget to do things, especially when they are not pleasant things to do.

However, the need for action does not go cause away and delaying forgive thatimpact actionme canif cause share.

(Please I have a tremendous on our lives. serious consequences not just with real estate but with life in general. When the forgotten any!!)

Time is ofonthereal essence.

Butalso first,cause a looka at consequences of delayed action are dire, the impact estate can How fortunate we month are toperiod live tremendous impact on our lives. Time is of the essence. the numbers for the three in Paradise!

Our economy is But first, a look at the numbers for the three month period ending 3/26/14: ending 3/26/14: growing and the outlook for 2013

Jan’13 Feb Mar ‘14 is ’13 for continued growth.

Median $ Median $ Median $ Homes Homes Homes 2012 great year!!

Much 2086 was accomplished for you,$244,500 including For Salewas a1993 $240,000 $242,000 2098 Sold 229to do $170,000 $164,500 making Cape147 Coral a$160,000 better place business.252 Here are a few of

the highlights: Jan ’13 Feb ’13 Mar ‘14 The Cape Coral Economic Development Office delivered on their Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos promise business, investment and employment in the For Sale to increase 343 $140,000 341 $141,000 319 $139,750 Sold The team 25 closed $124,500 45 $118,500 46 projects, $118,000 area.

137 economic development which represents 85 new businesses in the Cape and 52 expansions.

The of single family homes listed listed for salefor continues to increase.

This is a This goodis a Thenumber number of single family homes sale continues to increase.

The EDO created public/private partnership withareLamar sign because we are twoamonths above the sixstrategic month of inventory level. Prices still almost 3%because higher than January. good sign weHDPR are twoGroup monthsand abovea the six marketing month of inventory level. Prices Advertising and new campaign that are still almost 3%sale higher than January. says “Cape is have Open for Business.More ” keep getting listed but they also Condos listedCoral for been decreasing. keep getting soldfor even thethe prices have been In fact, there 25also Cape Coral welcomed opening ofconsistent.

1,156 businesses in 2012 Condos listed salethough have been decreasing.

More keep getting listed butwere they sales in January with 45 and 46 sold in February and March. It appears that the rather including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses briskgetting winter up North hasthough created brisk saleshave downbeen here in sunny Florida. keep sold even the prices consistent.

In fact, there were 25 and 46 unspecified businesses.

Commerce means shorter distances sales January withnational 45 and 46 soldhasin been February and March.

It appears thatyear theand rather Overin past few days, news reporting that homes sales this toespecially travelduring for your goods and services. means the February/March period have beenCommerce extremely low also and they aren’t a brisk winter up North has created brisk sales down here in sunny Florida. sure why. Those us with friends diversified tax of base and jobs!and relatives up North know that this has been the worst in over twenty years withhas excessive snow storms and severely cold Overwinter past few days, national news been reporting that homes sales this year The Chamber of Commerce Cape Coral continues tonationally grow as temperatures. Do you think that may haveof had something to do with low sales and during February/March period havewas beenatextremely low and andespecially higher sales here? the well; in December 2011 our membership an all time lowthey of aren’t sure why.

Those of us with friends and relatives up North know that this has 583 members, today we stand at 744.

This resulted in a 78 percent And now for the topic of the title. Twice in the past month this realtor has received calls from the desperate who received notices foreclosure and needed immediate been worst homeowners winter in over twenty years withofrate excessive storms This and severely membership growth with a retention of 81snow percent. could help. not been accomplished without the referrals from our members, cold have temperatures.

Do you think that may have had something to do with low sales Indynamic both cases, the team homeowners had awesome exhausted savings to keep up on monthly anationally and an membership development andsales higher sales here? payments. As their savings were depleted they saw the end was near and tried to apply committee. forAnd loannow modifications.

Both of homeowners were turned down. for the topic ofsets the title.

Twice in the past month this realtor has received Chamber Leadership programs continue to develop community calls homeowners who received notices of foreclosure andhad needed One from coupledesperate was refused because they were told their debt was too high. They a leaders.

November, 20 men andtrying women graduated Leadership first and a In predatory second loan.

They were to consolidate by refinancing at a immediate Inofboth cases, the homeowners exhausted savings to keep up lower rate inhelp. hopes saving their home from of foreclosure.

The “expert” assessing their Cape Coral.

Twenty-four members thehad 2012 Chamber board have turned them down without considering how a new, rateend loanwas would onsituation monthly payments.

AsLeadership their savings were depleted theylower sawthe the nearbe and graduated from the Program including Chairman and more affordable than the current debt they could not afford any longer; the conclusion

tried to apply for loan modifications. Both sets of homeowners were turned down.

One couple was refused because they were told their debt was too high. They had a first and a predatory second loan. They were trying to consolidate by refinancing at a lower rate in hopes of saving their home from foreclosure. The “expert” assessing Chair-Elect. We currently have 27 high school juniors in our Junior their situationProgram. turned them down without considering how a new, lower rate loan Leadership would be more affordable than the current debt they could notInstitute afford anyprograms longer; the The Chamber successfully presented (2) Disney conclusion they were given “if you can’t afford this debt, we don’t think you can afford in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because it a village!!) anytakes other loan”.

Really? brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and members Boom , for Golf The secondtogether couple wasfor told Red to stopWhite paying and their mortgage threeTournament, months while Farmers Market, Business Expo , Family Bowling Day, a Casino Trip their application for modification was being analyzed. At the end of three months to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights the “expert” assigned to them told them that if they paid approximately $17,000on to December 1st. cover past due payments, interest, penalties and legal fees they would qualify for a Our on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals loan modification having atomonthly payment of about current in 2012 that equates 3,544 on average over$200 themore yearthan pertheir member!! payment.

Their response was that if they had $17,000 they wouldn’t be in this (Who says membership doesn’t pay?) predicament in the firstmobile place. Once A new Chamber appagain, was really? introduced in 2012.

It wasone also very with busya large election ourthey Public Affairs Couple was adealing nationalyear bankfor where had accounts.

Committee! is awith group of passionate whothe make sure that Couple two wasThis dealing a government agencypeople tasked with responsibility of the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also helping homeowners faced with severe financial distress. state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by In both cases, these homeowners didn’t do too much after being beaten down by members and citizens of Cape Coral. those thought were supposed tohosted help them. they in eachEducation called and Ourthey education committee theEventually Excellence asked for whatever help I might provide.

In both cases, they had already received Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving notification of lenders intent to foreclose along with actual dates of foreclosure. high school seniors!

It waswith alsoshort thedeadlines, first yearthe of options our “rotating” luncheons Faced were rather limited. Inthat bothare casesbeing I got very received by ourone membership. them well legal assistance.

Couple had their house foreclosed before they could get as your Chairman hasforbeen an excellent in Serving front of a judge; we were able to of get the themBoard some cash relocation assistance experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of pending the outcome of having the sale set aside when we do get in front of a judge. meeting so many of you at meetings and events.

Couple two had a bit more time before foreclosure and there are legal maneuvers Thank you for honoring me with your trust and commitment! It currently in my play privilege to try and save their home. has been to work with my fellow directors and amazing Theas lesson is: Time is of the Essence. We have all heard that phrase but when staff wellhere as the membership. notified a pendingtoaction against or your is imperative act quickly I lookofforward seeing all you of you at home futureit events andtoI wish you good health and prosperity! before someone else takes the next step that is not in your favor. Ask around, talk to people, call a realtor that people tell you can be trusted. Sometimes attorneys will not be interested in seeing you simply because the problem was not explained to their screening assistant correctly. Calling on someone with expertise, experience and knowledge of applicable resources for YOUR situation will be the first step toward positive resolution. Solutions take time so it is not in your best interest to wait until the last minute. Time is of the Essence!

So keep on plugging, the market here is moving forward and so should you. When it comes to real estate, build your team well by finding a realtor in your area to help accomplish your goals. We want you to succeed because when you do, we do too!

Happy House Hunting or Selling!

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

Leadership Alumni Class of 2013 Presents the 3rd Annual

Proceeds to Benefit

Friday, April 25, 2014 Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33904 7:00 – 11:00 PM - Registration - 6:30 PM Tickets: Casino Night - $75 (admits 2) Texas Hold 'Em Tournament - $75 (additional buy-in) Casino Style Games $1500 Reverse Raffle Dinner from Bubba's Roadhouse & Saloon Open Bar (beer/wine)

Please make checks payable to Cape Coral Chamber Foundation

www.casinointhecape.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

CAPE CORAL HURRICANES PREMIER MEN’S SOCCER TEAM JP Terrasi PO Box 152696, Cape Coral, FL 33915 www.capehurricanes.com (239) 339-8054

FOR THE KIDS FOUNDATION Woody Woodward PO Box 101264 Cape Coral, FL 33910 www.4thekidsfoundation.org (239) 541-0461

LIFE MADE EASY HOME WATCH Cindy and Jerry McKay Cape Coral, FL www.lifemadeeasyhomewatch.com (239) 770-5618

THE BOATHOUSE OF CAPE CORAL Tom Hansen 1428 SE 46th Street Cape Coral, FL 33904 www.boathousecc.com (239) 549-2628

RIBBON CUTTINGS Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext. 107

NATURAL FAMILY PHYSICIANS Robert Murdoch, A.P. 1222 SE 47th Street Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 540-1220 www.naturalfamilyphysicians.com

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Presents North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Presents

April 9, 10, 11, 2014

7:00 pm

April 9, 10, Seating 11, 2014 $7 Reserved Only 7:00 pm River City VIP Room $7 Reserved Seating Only

Ten invitation tickets will be given out and R ifor v eeach r C show ity V I Pwill R admit o o myour party to our River City VIP Room!

Ten invitation tickets will be given for each show and Come to NFMAA to out purchase will admit yourtickets party and to our VIPone Room! Come to see River if you City will find NFMAA to purchase tickets and see ifsome youRiver will find one of of these chances to enjoy City, Iowa hospitality!!! these chances to enjoy some River City, Iowa hospitality!!!

Check out our facebook page for information regarding our extensive summer Arts Camp nfa.leeschools.net

1856 Arts Way North Fort Myers FL 33917 (239) 997-2131

1856 we Arts Way,credit North Fort Myers, 33917 (239) 997-2131 For your convenience accept cards, checks andFL cash.

For your convenience we accept credits cards, checks and cash.

Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Script, music and all other material © 2010 iTheatrics Broadway Junior and MTI’s Broadway Junior Collection are trademarks of Music Theatre International. All rights reserved.

Publicity created by NFMAA student Erica Sauer

nfa.leeschools.net

Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Script, music and all other material © 2010 iTheatrics Broadway Junior and MTI’s Broadway Junior Collection are trademarks of Music Theatre International. All rights reserved.

HEALTHY TRENDS

WHAT’S THE FUSS ABOUT ALL THE SALT?

Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

T

able salt--sodium chloride-sea salt: is there really a health concern? We all know that the body needs sodium. All cells in the body require sodium, so why is it such a problem if we add some salt to our food?

The American Heart Association recently recommended decreasing the maximum amount of sodium in the diet from 2300 mg daily to 1500 mg. As it turns out, the average American consumes about 3500 mg of sodium today! Processed foods and restaurant foods make up 80% of this 3500 mg. Processed foods are foods that come out of the box, bag or can; and foods that have been changed by man in an attempt to make them more palatable and desired.

The problem with excess salt is that it is notorious for increasing blood pressure; and because of the standard American diet, Americans have a 90% lifetime probability of developing high blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure accounts for 62% of strokes and 49% of coronary heart disease. As it turns out, the risk for heart attacks and strokes begins climbing when the systolic blood pressure rises above 115 millimeters of mercury.

In addition, salt has dangerous effects that are not necessarily related to the increase in blood pressure alone. In the 1990s it was found that there is a strong relationship between salt intake and stroke mortality that is actually stronger than the relationship between blood pressure and stroke mortality.

What this means is that salt has a deleterious effect on the cardiovascular system that is not related to its effects on blood pressure alone.

It is also known that high blood pressure affects the kidneys but it also appears that dietary sodium has a damaging effect on the kidneys that is above and beyond the direct effects of high blood pressure.

Research has actually shown that long-term excess dietary sodium

promotes excessive cell growth and this leads to thickening of the walls of the blood vessels and causes them to be stiffer. This results in a decreased ability of the vessels to carry blood, oxygen and nutrients to all the cells of the body and brain.

A high intake of salt is also a known risk factor for osteoporosis because excess salt in the diet promotes the loss of calcium in the urine and this leads to calcium loss from the bones thus decreasing bone density. This is also problematic in young girls eating a high salt diet because this may prevent them from obtaining their peak bone density by puberty, putting them at risk for osteoporosis later in life.

In relation to the risk of cancer, salt is a strong risk factor for stomach cancer.

A high salt intake increases the growth of H. Pylori which is an ulcer-promoting bacteria that increases the risk for stomach cancer.

As you can see, there are many reasons to decrease the dietary intake of salt.

We know that natural foods supply us with 600 to 800 mg of sodium per day.

When you add salt to your food or get additional salt from processed food and restaurant food, you significantly increase your risk of all the complications mentioned above. One additional teaspoon of salt per day adds 2400 mg of sodium to your overall intake!

It is also important to understand that sea salt is still salt and carries the same health risks as the garden variety salt that is purchased in the supermarket.

Since most of the salt that we consume comes from processed foods and foods that we eat in restaurants, avoiding added sodium should not be that difficult. When purchasing food in the grocery store, purchase salt free canned goods and soups to lower the overall intake. It is difficult to avoid the salt in restaurant food, so on the days you eat out, keep your intake of salt at home extremely low. Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce and relish are all high in sodium, so use them sparingly.

Believe it or not, salt is not the only seasoning that can be used to make food taste delicious. Substitutes to use are garlic, onion, fresh or dried herbs, spices, lemon or lime juice, or vinegar to flavor your food. There are many recipes that are extremely tasty and healthy. So put away the salt shaker, make healthy choices at the grocery store, and look for restaurants that cook healthy, low salt foods. The choice is yours and the ability to stay healthy and age fitfully is yours. I know you will make the right decision!

ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT DONNA GERMAIN AT (239) 549-6900 EXT 107

Diamond Member Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Lee Memorial Health System P.O. Box 2218 Fort Myers, FL 33902 CenturyLink Store 2710 Del Prado Blvd. South Cape Coral, FL 33904 LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917

$ LCEC works hard to manage costs, maintain the electric system, improve processes and create efficiencies so that electric rates can remain competitive for customers. We do not plan to raise rates in 2013 and will continue to do everything possible to keep rates stable.

Executive Member Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral All Power Electric 2534 NE 9th Ave, Cape Coral, FL

Wades Heating and Cooling CCI Competent Solutions 1209 SE 9th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral Premier Oncology Radiation Specialists In Urology 24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral The News-Press - Fort Myers Office 2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers

LCEC hasn’t raised electric rates in nearly 5 years!

The increase on your upcoming electric bill is due to a tax imposed by the City of Cape Coral. LCEC customers in Cape Coral will notice a change in their electric bill beginning October 1, 2013. Cape Coral City officials recently levied a public service tax of 7 percent that will be added to monthly electric bills. The new tax will be displayed on your LCEC bill as a separate line item so it can be easily identified.

LCEC is required by law to collect the tax from business and residential customers who purchase electricity in Cape Coral. LCEC will deliver funds to the City similar to how Cape Coral franchise fees are delivered, which are also collected through electric bills.This new tax will be used to fund the City’s general operations. To calculate the amount the monthly public service tax will add to your electric bill, visit www.capecoral.net and utilize the PST Calculator. Please refer any questions regarding the Cape Coral public service tax to the Cape Coral Citizens’ Action Center, 239-574-0425. www.lcec.net • 239-656-2300

Monday, April 28, 2014 at 5:30pm Hosted at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre • 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers See reverse side for more details on how to participate

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

Senior Level Sponsor—$1,000

Professor Level—$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

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

Adjunct Professor Level—$500 • One Seat with Student • Company Name on all Media • Stage Check Presentation

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

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

CELEBRATE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THOSE WHO CREATE THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY BY SPONSORING THIS EVENT >> Details on Reverse

Sponsorship Form Thank you for your investment in our community. Please fill out the information below.

CHOOSE YOUR SPONSORSHIP LEVEL: Event Sponsorships:

Scholarship Sponsorships:

o Senior Level Sponsor—$1,000

o Professor Level—$1,000

o Junior Level Sponsor—$500

o Adjunct Professor Level—$500

o Sophomore Level Sponsor—$250 o Freshman Level Sponsor—$100 F I L L O U T Y O U R I N F O R M AT I O N : C O N TA C T N A M E

BUSINESS NAME

BUSINESS ADDRESS

PHONE

EMAIL

Payment Method:

Card Type:

o Invoice

o

o Credit Card

CREDIT CARD NUMBER

E X P. D AT E

o

o

o 3 DIGIT CODE

**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 Please Fax Sponsorship Form to (239) 549-9609 or email to Melanie@CapeCoralChamber.com For more information call Claudia St. Onge at (239) 549-6900 ext 101 or Melanie Lempke ext. 102 DEADLINE FOR ARTWORK IS APRIL 5, 2014

Join Us April 28, 2014 at 5:30pm Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre • 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers The Excellence In Education Awards is another fine event from the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Education Committee.

If you would like to join our group call 239.549.6900.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO CONTINUOUSLY CHECK YOUR ONLINE LISTING

services/bookkeeping, rentals and education. You never know who is going to be checking out your online listing so you want to be sure it is always up to date with a business description that will stand your business out amongst the rest.

Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director This next month has some exciting changes coming for your chamber ave you check out your website. Besides having the option to include your logo with your business business listing on the listing, you will soon be able to have a photo stream and social media links chamber website lately to that will direct even more prospects to your business.

Keep an eye out for more information to come SOON! be sure we have all your correct and up to date information? Do you have a business description about your company or organization that will let visitors know exactly who you are?

In the month of February, the chamber online Business Directory had 154,980 visitors. Of those visitors, the top ten categories visited included; restaurants, accommodations, seasonal rentals, home builders, real estate, non-profit, contractors, accountant/tax

H

RELAY FOR LIFE OF CAPE CORAL

APRIL 4-5 6:00 PM - 12:00 PM

MARINER HIGH SCHOOL 701 N CHIQUITA BLVD. CAPE CORAL Survivor Registration & Reception Sponsored By Jet’s Pizza 4:00 PM Opening Ceremonies 6:00 p.m.

Survivor & Caregiver Lap and Reception immediately following.

Luminaria Ceremony 9:00 p.m.

Mz. Relay Pageant 11:00 PM REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY AT WWW.RELAYFORLIFE. ORG/CAPECORALFL

Join us Friday May 2nd 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!

Sponsorships available please contact Amanda at (239) 549-6900 ext 111 or Amanda@capecoralchamber.com

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

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

Get InInTouch withBusy New Get & Get Residents, Prospects Advertise In and Visitors with our The Chamber Relocation Program!

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

LOOK WHAT YOU MISSED AT THE CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET

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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

A healthy and productive workforce is essential to the success of any business.

The Wellness Center of Cape Coral is designed with you in mind: and certified staff, • Fitlinxx, an integrated • Degreed with medical oversight by exercise tracking software a physician

most Les Mills group • The exercise programs in the area

screening and • Medical fitness assessment fitness plan for • Customized each member

Free Personal Training Session for all chamber members with a new one-year membership.

that provides feedback on exercise plans

age assessment, • Body including strength,

flexibility, cardio respiratory capacity and body composition

Wellness Center of Cape Coral 609 SE 13th Court Cape Coral, FL 33990

239-573-4800

L

iberty Tax Service hosted a great Business After Hours in March.

Members enjoyed a fantastic spread and the hospitality of Peter and Mary Aileen Ardolino, their family and staff.

Top Left - Mary Aileen Ardolino and family welcome guests to the March Business After Hours.

Mid Right - New Member Sandro Grima, Select Technology Services and his Mentor Laura Koehn, CapeCoral. com Bottom Right - Host Peter Ardolino announces the raffle and 50/50 winners with the Chamber’s Bill Johnson, Jr. and Melanie Lempke.

Thank you to Liberty Tax Service and to all who attended the event.

Join us this month at BankUnited for the April 17th Business After Hours.

...

with a purpose. & Have Fun! 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 (800) 226-9609 www.capecoralchamber.com