Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2015

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

Thank You Q!

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

April 2015

APRIL 2015 Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain Interim Vice President 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 Matt Lamb Membership Director matt@capecoralchamber.com Annette Siner Membership Sales annette@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@capecoralchamber.com Lyz Crouthamel Special Events Director Lyz@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 7TH REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CAPE CORAL, LLC 2629 DEL PRADO BOULEVARD, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM APRIL 8TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH ADA COMPLIANCE AND YOUR BUSINESS CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB 5819 DRIFTWOOD PARKWAY, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM APRIL 9TH JUNIOR LEADERSHIP GRADUATION CAPE CORAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM APRIL 16TH BUSINESS AFTER HOURS GULF COAST HUMANE SOCIETY 2010 ARCADIA STREET, FT. MYERS, FL 33916 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM APRIL 27TH EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE 1380 COLONIAL BLVD., FORT MYERS, FL 33907 5:30 PM TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE VETERANS PARKWAY AND SURFSIDE BLVD., CAPE CORAL, FL 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (NEW HOURS) TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE VISIT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM

Q

THE END OF AN ERA

Donna S. Germain, Interim Vice President

L

ast month, the staff and I decided that we would pay tribute to Mike “Q” Quaintance in the April edition of the Chamber Trends Magazine. As most of you know, Q will be leaving us after 18 years of leadership as the President of the Chamber to pursue his dream of being an educator.

While we knew this day would come, that knowledge has not made this any easier, especially as we get closer to his last day at the Chamber.

The simple task of writing a paragraph thanking you was much harder than we all expected. Because, how to you properly thank someone who has done all he has done over the last 18 years?

When I started with the Chamber in 2004, I had no idea I was walking into what would become my dream job and life’s passion. Q helped me to realize that. To say he is an amazing boss would be an understatement. He is by every definition, a mentor, leader, advisor, confidant and most importantly friend. He is the type of leader people hope to become.

Q, I cannot thank you enough for everything you have taught me over the last 11 years or for your guidance and advice. I cannot thank you enough for believing in me, always seeing the best in me and continuing to push me to meet my full potential.

You have put your heart and soul into this organization for the last 18 years and have no doubt you will do the same for your future students. They have no idea how lucky they are.

No matter what the future holds, I can promise you, we will continue to make our chamber the best it can be!

As you skim through the pages of this issue, you will find a special message from each of us to you. We wanted you to know how much you have influenced our lives.

Some of us have been with you for 18 years and some of us only one. Regardless of the amount of time, it is evident that you made a difference to each and every one of us and for that, we love you Q! Enjoy your Special Issue Chamber Trends. You have earned it!

Leadership 2015 LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS $2,500 Annual Investment – Cornerstone • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Company Logo on Jr. Leadership Shirt Company Logo on Leadership Cape Coral Shirt Company Logo on all Leadership Program Materials 4 Tickets to Leadership Cape Coral Kick-off 4 Tickets to Leadership Cape Coral Graduation 4 Tickets to Jr. Leadership Graduation Opportunity to speak at Leadership Cape Coral Graduation Opportunity to speak at Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Graduation Opportunity to hang banner at Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Graduation Opportunity to audit one Leadership Cape Coral Day Opportunity to audit one Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Day Opportunity to audit one Advanced Leadership Day or Chamber University Day Company Logo on Sustaining Partner Leadership Web Page One Full page advertisement in Chamber Monthly E-Trends Newsletter Annually

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BJM CONSULTING BB&T-OSWALD, TRIPPE & CO THE AUBUCHON TEAM OF COMPANIES

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BUSINESS NAME BILLING ADDRESS CARD NUMBER C A R D T Y P E E X P I R A T I O N D A T E T H R E E D I G I T C O D E P H O N E E - M A I L

Q’s WORLD

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LAST RIDE

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, IOM

W

ell this is officially my last monthly e-newsletter article as the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral.

First, and most importantly, I wish to thank each and every member, volunteer, and staff member for allowing me to serve in this capacity for the last 18 years. It has been a wonderful experience for both my family and myself. My children were raised helping at community events in Cape Coral and I believe those experiences helped them grow up and develop into the caring socially responsible adults they are today.

I have been touched by the well wishes that have been showered upon me. They are appreciated, but not needed. The experiences that have availed themselves during this stint in my life have been awesome and will stay with me for the balance of my life. They range from throwing out the first pitch at a Miracles game, include wearing the odoriferous Miracle sumo suits, riding in an Air Force refueling plane, two trips to Germany with the Chamber and European Business Council, numerous trips to Tallahassee, the mid-point bridge opening, and

meeting presidential candidates. The most special experiences were those that dealt with our leadership programs. Those programs are valuable tools for the development of our future community leaders.

I do look forward to working as a volunteer with the new president of the Chamber when the Board of Directors completes its search process. I can tell you that the remaining staff are consummate professionals, who are skilled and talented in their jobs, the Chamber is fortunate to have them.

I would also encourage the chamber to take this opportunity to take a leap towards, and reach for a new paradigm. I would suggest that the team here at the Chamber supports a culture of change and a ready for the challenge. For the past several years, business survival has been the chambers priority because of the economy. Now that things continue to improve, there are multiple sales professional on board, the chamber is posed to reach that 1,000 member mark again.

With the leadership of the Board, the time treasure and talent of the volunteers, and the hard work and commitment of the Chamber staff, the Chamber can once again achieve the success it enjoyed in the first eight years of the new millennium.

Will I miss it? “Yes”, I will miss the people, the excitement, and the challenges. This change will be awesome for the organization and it is the right move for me at this stage of my life. I appreciate the opportunity and the chance that Keiser University President, Nancy Tedros has provided, as the fire in my belly has been reignited. Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve as the president of the Chamber, and for your support and fellowship for the last 18 years. As my friend, former Representative Gary Aubuchon often says, “Rock On!”

Chairman Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc. Chair-Elect Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc Treasurer Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative Past Chair Annette Carrasquillo,LAI Design Associates Barb Adams, LeeSar Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLC Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar, Boost Creative Tony Constantino, Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A. Diane Everhart, Northwestern Mutual Financial Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers Sandra Griener, Sun Splash Family Waterpark Tom Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Scott Kashman, Cape Coral Hospital Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com Cheryl Komnick, Caloosa Tent & Rental Michelle Lewis, B2 Technology Solutions Katharyn Owen, Jones, Haber and Rollings, PL Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc. Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Donna Meola, Priority Payments of South Florida Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center

TRUSTEES

Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida Rhonda Chapman, First Citizens Bank Nancy Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors Sallie Dywer, SunTrust Merchant Services Mike Hollow, RE//MAX Realty Team Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Larry Weir, Premier Insurance Corporation

CHAMBER STAFF

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

Mike Quaintance, President Donna S. Germain, Interim Vice President Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Matt Lamb, Membership Director Annette Siner, Membership Sales Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Lyz Crouthamel, Special Events Director Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator Linda Kirby, Membership Sales Contractor Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Contractor

Chamber Trends Monthly Advertising

Basic Advertising Prices 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 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 $367.00 1/2 Page $287.00 1/4 Page $207.00 Business Card $167.00 (All ads include a hyperlink 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 Feature Your Business On The Cover Cover photo showcasing your company with a full page article, up to 3 pictures and company logo spotlighting your business.

Only one per month. First come first serve basis. Your spotlight can also be linked to your company website and/or a commercial promoting your business.

Chamber Trends Weekly Advertising

Press Release $25.00 (Runs 1x, includes 60 words, company logo, link to your company website.)

(Non-profit organizations run 2x for $25.00) Banner Advertisement $50.00 per month (runs 4x, includes link to your website) Company Spotlight $157.00 (Runs 4x, includes short story, link to website, link to additional company information, 2 pictures and Company logo.)

E-mail Blasts

Company Spotlight E-mail Blast $199.00 The investment for the Business Spotlight is $199 and will run twice throughout the month of your choice.

Dimensions - 6 inches wide x 8 inches tall, 300 dpi resolution.

Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext. 107 for more information.

All Chamber Publications Are Distributed to More Than 16,000 contacts

CHAMBER TRENDS NEW BEGINNINGS Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders 2015 Chairman

M

any of us view the month of April as a new business quarter. Many of us just think of April as the month to file (or extend) our taxes and many of us worship the significance of Easter.

Whatever your beliefs, April is marked as a month of new beginnings whether in your personal life, or business. Take the time to reinforce the resolutions you made in January and make sure to follow them through.

April will also mark a new Chapter with our Chamber. As many of you know, Mike Quaintance is realizing his dream of post-secondary education at Keiser University. Mike has been an integral part of the Chambers success over the years and he will be missed.

I consider Mike an advisor and a friend, with that said the Chamber has many opportunities ahead as new leadership comes in.

Please join me in thanking Mike for his many years of service and dedication.

BE NUMBER ONE...

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Luminaria Ceremony 9:00 p.m.

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FEBRUARY NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW

Affordable Marble & Granite Ray Becerra

Infinite Ideas - Creative Sign Specialists Nathan Loy

BankUnited Nick Yockel

Melograno Italian Gourmet Bakery & Bistro Augusta Halaorne

Cape Coral Republican Club Peggy Patterson

Pronto Accounting & Taxes Ileana C Alberdi

City Center Building Darlene DiFederico

Sans Sushi Connie Keovongsak

City Vapor Sallie Dwyer

Sugar Rush Dawn Leman

Employee Care, Inc. Flora Sanchez Fifth Third Bank Victoria Donaldson Fifth Third Bank Steve Scudder Fifth Third Bank David Cox

I Ragazzi Pizza Member Since 02/27/2009

Chicago Pizza Member Since 06/24/2008

Individual (Manning) Member Since 03/07/2012

Complete Music Video Photo & Photo Booth Member Since 01/29/2014

Jackson PR Member Since 02/14/2012

Cyber Computer Technology, Inc. Member Since 03/17/2014 Dolphin Key Resort Member Since 03/09/2012

Edward Jones Investments - Sam Sun Commercial Solar/division of Mazzotti Michael W Fink Electrical Inc. Member Since 02/01/1995 Michael Fink Fix Marine Supply Wolf, Metzger, Maurillo & Member Since 03/25/2013 Banfield Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Florida Buyer Broker LLC Member Since 08/13/2003 Kurt Maurillo Floridian Insurance Agency Member Since 08/18/2008 RENEWALS

Fifth Third Bank Jacob Underwood

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

Fifth Third Bank Richard Niekamp

Boats and Fun Member Since 01/22/2011

Florida Future Realty, Inc. Susan Milner

Cape Coral Association of Realtors Member Since 03/01/1989

Hope HealthCare Services Amy Objartel

Cape Shore Realty Member Since 11/01/1993

Cape Jewelry & Pawn Member Since 03/23/2012

KHR Solutions, LLC. Member Since 03/26/2014 Law Office of Miguel C. Fernandez III, Esq. Member Since 12/19/2005 NSU- Nova Southeastern University Member Since 03/25/2009 Olin Hill & Assoc.

Member Since 03/01/1989 Platinum Service A/C Member Since 05/28/2008 Rasmussen College Member Since 02/07/2013

Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community Member Since 03/01/1989

Regions Bank Cape Coral Pkwy East Member Since 10/04/2013

Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral Fort Myers Area Member Since 03/01/1989

St. Andrew Catholic Church & School Member Since 11/01/2001

Hollywood Bicycle Center Member Since 02/11/2012

Thompson Gas Member Since 05/09/2012

Hooters Cape Coral Member Since 02/02/2012

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

HEALTHY TRENDS

REWIND THE FUTURE

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

“

How the heck did this happen?” That is the opening line in the You Tube video about childhood obesity which we now know is becoming an epidemic in this country.

We need to look at why this is happening and do something about it – NOW! I am not the only one feeling this way. I met last week with a number of very concerned physicians and hospital administrators specifically to discuss this very topic and to develop some immediate action plans. I thank Dr. Emad Salman, Medical Director for the Golisano Children’s Hospital, for bringing us together so that we could collectively brainstorm on the right approach. He invited a diverse group of health care providers from Fort Myers, Naples and Port Charlotte who specialize in pediatric medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, weight management and public health.

We talked for over two hours and heard presentations about ongoing work in these areas and highlighted the successful programs. The commonality among these programs is the extensive nature of the solutions. This means this health crisis has to be solved by involving not only the overweight child and their family, but also the school system, the local governments, grocery stores, restaurants, parks and fitness facilities, religious organizations and libraries.

During the meeting one of the participants recommended we watch the You Tube video Rewind the Future. It is an odd name for a video but I did watch it. In summary, it shows a 35 year old obese male being wheeled into an emergency room suffering an acute heart attack and needing resuscitation. The emergency department (ED) physician asks, “How the heck did this happen?” The video then flashes back over this person’s life. We see how he was fed since he was born and we quickly understand that this problem began with the behaviors of those caring and loving him as a child, which were continued by him as he became a young adult and up until the time of his heart attack. Bottom line: food and an unhealthy lifestyle created his problem.

Personally, I grew up in a traditional Italian-American household where we learned that food and meals were (and still are) a sign of love. My mother cooked for us because she loved us.

She wanted us to feel good and be well. I will always appreciate and cherish her devotion to my family and I pray I can do some of what she did for my children. But now we know that the way my family ate (and the way most families in America still eat today) is unhealthy. The standard America diet is unhealthy. It consists primarily of high fat, high sugar and high salt foods; processed in so many ways that most of the nutrients have been removed with attempts thereafter to “fortify” what has been stripped from the natural product. So many chemicals have been added with an array of names such as food coloring, flavoring, enhancers and preservatives; in reality these are all chemicals that cause disease. Over the past 50 years our food supplies and lifestyle have become so unhealthy it has led to the point where 35 year old men and women are suffering heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses as well as many cancers. In an attempt to make our lives easier, we have made our lives more difficult. Over the years the

food industry has made food “quick and easy” with fast food restaurants, ready to serve meals and processed foods that can be eaten out of the box or the bag they come in. At every gas station you can purchase foods (that I often refer to as “Frakenfoods”) as quickly as you fill up the gas tank. Computers have created a world whereby you do not even have to leave the house to do your job. IPad and IPhone have brought a lot of benefit to the world but have also made it such that a person is able to text a coworker in the office next door rather than getting up from the chair and walking 20 steps to speak directly to the person. In short, we have advanced so much as a nation in the last 50 years but in many - and probably the most important ways - we have really regressed. We have moved health from the number one priority to some number far down the line. It is not until we end up in the ED having the shirt cut off our bodies so the defibrillator paddles can be applied to shock our hearts back to life that we then relegate health back to the number one spot. I always ask the audiences that I present to, “Is there anything more important than health?” The answer is an obvious “No.” So why do we wait until it is too late to really do something about our health (or lack of it)? Most often we know what is good and what is bad for our health, but too often we make the wrong decisions only to regret them in the future. When reality sinks in, then we decide it is time to act; and that was the reason for this meeting. We came together as a group of independent physicians and hospital administrators to do something about this epidemic which is affecting those we love so dearly, our children. As parents, most of us would say that we are willing to do anything to help our children. If that is true then we should be willing, as a community, to take on the epic task of dealing with the obesity epidemic, both children and adults. We should be anxious to participate in needed activities that address issues such as: unhealthy foods being served in the schools; inadequate time for the kids to exercise during the school day; insufficient education to teach young children and adolescents what healthy food actually is; and the perils of eating the standard America diet. We should insist on making healthy foods available and affordable to all in the community, and that time and money are devoted to after school programs and parks that make it fun and easy for kids to be active. We need to find every reason to do all the work necessary to create an environment which fosters optimal health. We should be demanding “no excuses” because when we allow the environment to support unhealthy habits, we all suffer. Please understand that I am blaming no person or organization individually for this problem – we are all at fault, but collectively we can solve this terrible health crisis.

At this meeting I did learn of many wonderful things being done in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties to help with the childhood obesity epidemic, which we will use as a starting point for future success. The participants at the meeting did openly discuss the sensitivity of this issue and how difficult it is sometimes to talk with overweight kids and their parents about it. We all agreed it must be done in a compassionate and caring way. Turning a blind eye to this problem only makes it worse. If we truly care about our children then we should be willing to do what is right, for each and every child affected, and for the benefit of our communities.

Our action plan going forward is to work with all necessary organizations and individuals who can assist in this enormous task and work to improve the health of our children. By doing so, we also improve the health of future generations; making our communities and the nation as a whole healthier, more productive and more successful.

Please join us on our journey to make southwest Florida one of the healthiest places in the nation.

Feel free to send comments and questions to Dr.Sal@Leememorial.org

Get In Touch with New Residents, Prospects and Visitors with our Relocation Leads Program!

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

Q

To Mike

It is with love, friendship and respect that we watch you move on to achieve your next goal in life. It is truly a bittersweet feeling but you will now be sharing all your Claudia St.Onge, Business Manager gifts with your students. So while we will miss you every day, we know that your life am usually not a loss for words but to think will be filled with a renewed and invigorated purpose.

Thank you for everything! about not having you here with us on a daily basis is such a foreign concept that I Love, Claudia find it hard to speak or write about.

I want you to know that the past 18 years working with and for you at the Cape Coral Chamber has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience. It has not only been a working experience but a learning experience that has enriched my life in so many ways. You have guided our chamber team by being a true role model. You have passed on skills to all of us that will enhance our lives for years to come.

Personally, I have become confident in my leadership and decision making skills.

You have allowed me to fall and get back up, all the time knowing that you had my back. You have taught me when to be heard and when to shut up and listen. You created a working environment that has always been family friendly and you have embraced our families with your friendship.

I

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Cape Coral Republican Club Peggy Patterson P.O. Box 100996 Cape Coral, FL 33910 www.caperepublican.com (239) 810-6241

Floridian Star Cruises Evelyn Stewart 5991 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33914 www.floridianstarcruises.com (239) 540-2557

Hollywood Bicycle Center Rob Ossichag 2728 Santa Barbara Blvd. S. Cape Coral, FL 33914 www.hollywoodbikeshop.com (239) 242-9253

Preferred Community Bank Steve Stewart 2127 Del Prado Blvd S. Cape Coral, FL 33990 www.pcbbank.net (239) 574-4707

LCEC – your cooperative

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REAL ESTATE TRENDS

THE NEW VERSION OF THE PRICE IS RIGHT Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor

A

s the housing market here has been growing, we are seeing some folks getting a bit too excited about it. Well, excitement has 3-31-15 different ways of showing itself. Could Real Estate Trends buyers, sellers or prices? Read A New Version of this “Thebe Price is Right” on to find out…

As the housing market here has been growing, we are seeing some folks getting a bit too excited about it. Well, excitement has different wayslet’s of showing be But first, take aitself. quickCould lookthis at the buyers, sellers or prices? Read on to find out… numbers. For the three month period But first, let’s take a quick look at the numbers. For the three month period ending ending 3/31/15: 3/31/15: Jan ‘15 Homes Median $ For Sale Sold

For Sale Sold

1809 266

Feb ’15 Mar ‘15 Home Median $ Homes s $280,500 1821 $282,500 1719 $172,000 280 $175,000 404

Jan ’14 Feb ’15 Mar ‘15 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos 286 $150,000 266 $154,500 263 39 $130,000 44 $123,000 67

Median $ $289,500 $189,000 Median $ $151,500 $136,500

Inventory of single family homes For Sale has settled downward, probably due to the significantly higher number of homes sold. Median prices continue to climb steadily upward. And, if you will notice there is a rather large jump in median prices of homes sold.

Inventory of single family homes For Sale has settled downward, probably due to the significantly higher number of homes sold. Median prices continue toNumbers climb steadily upward. And, if you will notice there is a rather large jump in of Condos For Sale decreased slightly again followed by median prices showing a slight decrease.

Numbers of condos Sold jumped along with median prices of median prices of homes sold.

Sold condos.

Numbers of Condos For Sale decreased slightly again followed by median The market is building momentum. With so many more sales and increasing prices we prices showingtrending a slight decrease. ofactivity condoscanSold jumped along with are definitely upward.

Now, Numbers much of this be attributed to seasonal sales. However, we usually don’t see increases as great as these in both the single median prices of categories.

Sold condos. family and condo The market is building momentum. With so many more sales and increasing In our local version of the Price is Right, sellers are trying to outthink the market by aggressively pricing their homes beyond what the market to pay or the can actual prices we are definitely trending upward.

Now, muchwants of this activity be value. It is easy to see this by two tests. attributed to seasonal sales. However, we usually don’t see increases as great If a decent house languishes on the market without attracting a reasonable offer, it is asprobably these inbecause both thethatsingle andtoocondo housefamily is priced high. categories.

Listing agents use comps of similar homes sold in the area to suggest prices to sellers. We are seeing more and more In ourwho local version ofsmarter the Price Right, sellers are trying to outthink sellers think they are thaniseveryone in the business because they wantthe to sell their precious property for 20% higher than what comps show. They justify taking market by aggressively pricing their homes beyond what the market wants to this weak position by saying,”Everyone says the market is going up and my neighbor sold his house for xxx$ and I read it on the internet.” These geniuses are in for a hard landing.

Even if they get close to their price, some of these homes will be financed. For sure when financed and often with a cash buyer, the homes will be appraised. If the

pay or the actual value. It is easy to see this by two tests.

If a decent house languishes on the market without attracting a reasonable offer, it is probably because that house is priced too high. Listing agents use comps of similar homes sold in the area to suggest prices to sellers. We are seeing more and more sellers who think they are smarter than everyone in the business because they want to sell their precious property for 20% higher than what comps show. They justify taking this weak position by saying,”Everyone says the market is going up and my neighbor sold his house for xxx$ and I read it on the internet.” These geniuses are in for a hard landing.

Even if they get close to their price, some of these homes will be financed.

For sure when financed and often with a cash buyer, the homes will be appraised. If the appraisal comes in lower than the contract price, the buyer will have to make up the difference (if financing) but usually buyers try to negotiate a lower price or they plain walk away.

To avoid the unpleasantness of over-reaching when trying to arrive at a fair, market price simple listen to an experienced realtor. You can save time and frustration by pricing it right when you go to market instead of having to lower prices to find the market. If you talk and listen, you can win the Grand Prize Showcase by getting your property sold quicker, cleaner and with less stress!

As always, we urge you to take advantage of our climbing market but please use a reputable realtor to help. Happy Property Hunting or Selling!

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral. For questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or email realtorberge@att.net or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.

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9 pe !* $2,8799 pery Nov. 30 $2, osited b dep

One Hote Holid l ay!

Departing October 20, 2015 For more information, please contact Amanda Brunson at (239) 549-6900

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Matt Lamb, Membership Director

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t’s one letter, a single consonant, that has been and forever will be associated with one man here in Cape Coral – “Q”. I’ve had the honor of knowing Mike Quaintance since the mid 90’s when he and staff would frequent the restaurant I managed for their lunch meetings. Over the years, from volunteering in the Welcome Center, to joining the fulltime staff, one thing is crystal clear – “Q” is a community treasure. His tireless passion, countless contributions, and leadership of the Chamber have guided the non-profit organization for nearly 2 decades, through good economies and bad, charting its course to become one of the premier Chambers Of Commerce in SWFL and beyond.

It’s been a long journey, complete with the usual footnotes – names that have come and gone over the course of time, of friendships that will last a lifetime, of family that has grown – the scrapbook of memories and accomplishments is truly noteworthy. There’s always a list being compiled somewhere by someone, and when one is drafted displaying the names of Cape Coral’s most caring and influential people, there will no doubt be the ever recognizable stand-alone consonant among the top. It’s been an honor & privilege to know you, to work with you, and to call you my friend. Thank you, sir!

Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director

You have always given us direction and not orders, you gave us vision, you led by respect, and you made us a team and a family. For that, I am grateful that I was able to join the chamber family many years ago.

I have grown from a college student, into a women, a wife and a mother. Many of the things that I learned working with you I was able to bring home and live by over the years.

You leaving the Chamber ends some great days that our team has seen but such inspiration in realizing that it’s never to late to make your dreams happen.

Wishing you the best of luck in your new adventure and knowing that you will succeed in all you do brings happiness to my heart for you.

Will host a Fundraising Event for Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. a non-profit agency serving victims of domestic violence and their children and survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking for over 36 years.

Saturday, April 11, 1:00 to 5:00 PM 1305 Cape Coral Parkway Cape Coral, FL 33904 Raffle, Silent Auction, 50/50 Drawing and Great Food!

We will, also, be accepting donations of clothes, canned foods and non-perishable items.

If you would like to donate or want more information please call 939-2553.

O J I N E M U O S C

PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

B R E A K FA S T I N C L U D E S ; PA N C A K E S , S A U S A G E , C O F F E E A N D J U I C E

DATE: APRIL 11, 2015

PLACE: THE ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB

TIME: 8:00AM TO NOON

4725 VINCENNES BLVD. CAPE CORAL FL 33904

COST: $5.00 ADULTS - $3.00 KIDS | PRIZES, RAFFLE, 50/50, FACE PAINTING

Please R.S.V.P.

- 239.770.8277

LUVYBEAR

QUILTS 4 TOTS, Inc. For further information visit us on the web at www.luvybearquilts4tots.com

LUVYBEAR QUILTS 4 TOTS, Inc. is a newly founded non-profit organization in Lee County.

Our goal at LUVYBEAR is to bring a smile to a child’s face by providing a quilt and Teddy Bear to tots ages 3 and up to Golisano Children’s Hospital and Cape Coral Hospice in Lee County.

Sponsored By

Q I

Annette Siner, Membership Sales Coordinator

have not known Mike nearly as long as most, I was not witness to the wild shenanigans that Mike gets nostalgic about when telling stories of a simpler time, and although I have lived in this city for most of my life it has just been recently that I have had the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Mike has created a place here at the chamber that is not just a place to work, he has created a place where people have the freedom to express ideas, and he gives people a true sense of purpose. He tells you when you can do something better in private and gives people praise in public.

He has clear expectations and gives us goals. He is constantly developing us for the jobs we someday hope to land, he is consistent and fair, and he sees and appreciates us as people not just as employees. According to Jeff Hade’s 10 Things Extraordinary Bosses Give Employees Mike is an Extraordinary Boss. Thank you Mike.

Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator

M

ike, to say you are an amazing person is the understatement of the year.

It’s hard to finds the words to truly express my gratitude for everything you have done for me. You have been an amazing mentor and friend; I actually have no idea what I will do without talking to you daily. You have shown me that a leader can be kind, compassionate and lead with grace and integrity. I want to express my deepest gratitude for believing in me; you gave me room to grow but with guidance and compassion made sure to catch me before I fell. I will miss our lunches and inside jokes more than I can express in words. I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished and I know you will be the best professor Keiser has ever had. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met and I am going to miss you with all my heart. Good luck on your new journey and a pray that our paths will meet again.

Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist ou could not ask for a better boss. Mike is smart, caring, understanding, fair; funny this list goes on and on. I loved working for him at the chamber 12-years-ago and hated to leave, but I left to be a stay at home mom. Then two and-a-half-years-ago, I found myself out of a job not knowing where to start when my phone rang. It was Mike, he had heard I was out of work and wanted me back.

The first day back, it was as if I never left and we picked up where I left off. I felt at home. Mike, you will truly be missed. Best wishes for your new endeavor you worked hard for it. Enjoy!

Y

Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales ll of us who know Mike have to agree that “Q” stands for quintessential.

Mike Quaintance is the quintessential leader, educator, boss, man and friend. Mike’s passion and excitement for his new endeavor is a comfort to those who will certainly miss him as our beloved Chamber President.

A

Presented By‌

Join us Friday May 1st at Palmetto Pine Country Club for a day of Networking, Golfing & Fun! $400.00 Foursome $125.00 Single Player $99.00 Hole Sponsor 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start Registration includes‌

18 holes of golf, carts, breakfast, drinks on the course, chance for prizes at specialty holes & lunch

Gather your friends, your co-workers and your partners in crime for a great day on the course!

Company: ______________________________ Name: __________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________City: _____________________ Zip: Phone: _________________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Credit Card #: _____________________________ Exp. Date: ___________3 Digit Security Code: ______ Item Purchased: _______________________

Amount: ____________________________________

Players List: 1___________________________________2______________________________________ 3______________________________________________4______________________________________

Call Amanda at 549-6900 ext 111 for more information

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 B2 Technology Solutions 1406 SE 46th Lane Cape Coral, FL 33904

$ 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 Dean Street Insurance 615 Cape Coral Pkwy W 104, Cape Coral

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 Suntrust Bank 530 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904 4532 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904 1533 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33914 2139 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904

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

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

At the March General Membership Lunch, the Chamber welcomed our Junior Leadership Class of 2015 (mid right), Mayor Marni Sawicki and Former Mayor Joe Mazurkiewicz (mid left). During the appropriately titled Caper Coral, Past, Present and Future presentation, members heard where we have been, where we are now and the Junior Leadership Class, lead by Mayor Preston Siner presented their vision for the future of our city.

The Chamber also welcomed its newest members (top left).

Our special events staff also gave recognition to our CenturyLink Holiday Festival of Lights Sponsors (pictured bottom left and right).Thank you to Bill Jacob and everyone at CenturyLink, the staff at LCEC and all of our event sponsors for their support.

Vendor Form

May 2, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. $150 Vendor Package Includes: 10X10 Space and electrical access _________________________________________ Company

_____________________________________ Contact

_________________________________________ Address

________________________ City

_________________________________________________________ Email _________ CC Type

__________________________________________ Credit Card Number

___________ Zip

_____________________ Phone

___________ Exp Date

________________________________________________________________

___________ Sec Code

______________

Email completed form to Amanda@capecoralchamber.com or fax to: 239-549-9609 Contact Amanda at (239) 549-6900 ext 111 for additional details

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

The March Business After Hours, hosted by Ramos Builders, proved to be another great night of networking and fun for our members.

Thank you so much to our hosts Chamber Chairman Ed and Nancy Ramos (top left) on a fantastic event.

(Mid left) Bonnie Schnell and Donna Meola.

(Mid Right) Matt Lamb, Chris Berardi, Kevin Mikolashek and Patrick Quinlan.

(Bottom Left) Tracy Siekman and beverly Black (Bottom Right) Ashley and Tony Stabley.

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

l a y o L Could your business use a little more loyalty?

We’ll help you turn new customers into brand advocates.

No one knows Southwest Florida better than The News-Press Media Group. From brands to customers, we connect more audiences, in more places, in more ways with the right mix of marketing. But it’s more than having the right tools; it’s knowing how to use them. We’ll help you stay ahead of what’s trending for the best ways to build your business.

CALL EMAIL VISIT

239.335.0520 advertising@news-press.com marketingstrategies.news-press.com

We Know Marketing.

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

Advertise in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter.

A Banner Ad is just $50 per month!!

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

MICROENTERPRISE COACHING MICROENTERPRISE COACHING HELPS SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS GET STARTED Tony Solgard, Bookkeepers Plus

T

ony Solgard, President of Bookkeepers Plus, recently coached a group of small business entrepreneurs participating in the MicroEnterprise Institute at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida Inc. He takes a moment to share his thoughts about supporting the program and the inspiration he finds in being a mentor for small business development.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of speaking at the graduation of the latest class to complete the MicroEnterprise program at Goodwill Industries SWFL. It was rewarding to see the enthusiastic entrepreneurs I had coached in the weeks before as they took another big step toward turning their business ideas into reality.

I first learned about Goodwill’s MicroEnterprise project when I joined the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce in 2013 and met Elliott Rittenhouse, director of the project. He explained that the program aims to help aspiring small business owners by providing them with the skills they need to succeed as entrepreneurs and become more independent. When Elliot asked if I would like to be a volunteer coach, I quickly said yes.

“Tony has served as a mentor/coach in our business training program for the past year. He is a great resource for the group, able to help them understand the financial aspects of the business, which tends to be the biggest challenge for the participants.”

— Dorothy Browning, Program Manager, MicroEnterprise Institute of Goodwill SWFL Since joining the program, I’ve discovered the joys of coaching. It is inspiring to meet enthusiastic potential entrepreneurs and listen as they describe their business ideas. One of the first things I noticed is how passionate and skilled they are at delivering their product or service. At the same time, the range of tasks and skills required to start and run a business can be quite daunting. They just need someone to help them move forward. The MicroEnterprise Institute helps them explore the feasibility of their idea, work out a business plan, and get hands-on advice to develop their skills.

What sets this group of business people apart is that they decided to invest first in themselves, which gives them a much better chance at succeeding. I was impressed by their dedication to attending the course every week and do the studying, even after long days on the job. I know their decisions to improve their businesses will help them succeed.

It is such a privilege to help these entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to life. The late Leonard Nimoy once said, “Whatever I have given, I have gained.” With each success these new business owners achieve, I am reminded of the rewards of volunteering and sharing with my community.

Did you know?

• MicroEnterprises represent 87% of all businesses in the United States.

• There are more than 24 million microenterprises in our country.

• One out of every six private sector employees in our country works for a microenterprise.

Learn more about Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute. www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise

Sponsored by:

Saturday

Friday

April 17th, 2015

April 18th, 2015

PARTY

REGATTA

Pre-Event

.. ..

Four Freedoms Park Downtown Cape Coral, FL

5 pm - 10 pm Free Admission Food & Drinks Boat Preview & Judging

Live Music with ROCKER S.W. Florida's Rocking Party Band

(*Rain Date is Sunday April 19th)

Four Freedoms Park Downtown Cape Coral, FL

.. ..

11 am - 3 pm

Cardboard Boat Races Food & Drinks Free Admission

Live Music with KILLA-WATTS

No time to build a boat?

Race one of ours for a small fee.

Get all the details on our web site

CapeCoralRegatta.com or call (239) 699-7942

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