Trends Chamber
The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Business After Hours, August 15th at Hooters in Cape Coral.
Leadership Kick-off August 9th at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village.
August 2013
Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, August 14th at Bonefish Grill Sponsored by Centurylink, LCEC and The News-Press
2013 Candidates Hobnob August 7th at Gulf Coast Village 5:30 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
August 2013
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 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
August 6th Business Card Exchange Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon 2121 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral, FL 33910 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. August 7th Candidates Hobnob Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991 5:30 p.m. August 9th Leadership Kick-off The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village 5951 Silver King Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. August 14th General Membership Meeting Bonefish Grill 900 SW Pine Island Road Unit 124 Cape Coral, FL 33991 $20.00 For Members w/reservations Call 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. August 15th Business After Hours Hooters Cape Coral 3120 Del Prado Blvd. S Cape Coral, FL 33904 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. August 27th Women’s Leadership Conference Keiser University 9100 Forum Corporate Pkwy., Ft. Myers, FL 33905 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 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
continue to improve its service to you. Your Participation Is Extremely Important! We exist because of you, and we exist to serve you!
Wrap-Up, Cape Coral Health and Wellness Challenge Mike “Q” Quaintance, President
What Are You Thinking
Mike “Q” Quaintance, President
T
his month you will be receiving an e-mail survey from the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral about the Chamber. This confidential annual survey solicits input from the members for the explicit purpose of creating the 2014 Business Plan for the Chamber. In October 2013, the Chamber’s Board of Directors holds an annual retreat to review the results of this survey and create a business plan balancing the needs of the members with the resources available. The Board of Directors is represented by 24 board members and ten trustees who are members in good standing of the Chamber. These volunteer leaders represent a diverse cross-section of the membership which in turn allows for a comprehensive business plan containing components that appeal to a widerange of business interests. As this is a confidential survey, we are unable to remove members who have participated in the survey from our e-mail distribution list so Members will receive an e-mail invitation to participate three times, even though they may have already completed the survey. We encourage and appreciate your participation so that the Chamber may
D
id you know that 83 percent of the participants who completed the Cape Coral Health and Wellness Challenge lost weight and reduced their body age? Thanks to support from the Cape Coral Wellness Center, we had another successful year. We had nine categories segregated by age, under and over 50, gender, and Overall Most Improved Body Age. Please admire and congratulate the following winners….
Most Improved Body Age
Under 50, Female - Melanie Lempke, and Male - Scott Kashman Over 50, Female - Janice Katenkamp, Male – Mark Hamblin
Most Fit Based on VO2
Under 50, Female – Melanie Lempke, and Male – Marty Robinson Over 50, Female – Councilwoman Rana Erbrick, and Male Mark Hamblin At our wrap-up, party we had scrumptious healthy food provided by the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, Jason’s Deli and Lee Memorial Health System. We appreciate our food sponsors for supporting healthy lifestyles by featuring their quality offerings at the July Business After Hours and Wrap-Up! I would like to give a shout-out to Beverly Black from Black Business Solutions who underwrote a portion of the cost of the trophies provided to the winners. Our purpose in participating in this event is to remind our members and community of the importance As Life Changes, So Do Your Financial Needs of healthy lifestyles, to reduce healthcare costs and to improve Danielle Gates, CFP® our community’s quality of life. Financial Services Representative Please keep your eyes open 1227 Del Prado Blvd. S. Ste. 201 Cape Coral, FL 33990 in January 2014 for the third (239) 424-8305 challenge. We look forward to dgates3@metlife.com your participation!
Call Danielle today at (239) 424-8305 Securities products, Investment Advisory Services, and Fee Based Financial Planning offered through MetLife Securities, Inc. (MSI) Member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Adviser. MLIC and MSI are MetLife Companies. L1012283307[0914][All States][DC] 0709-5871 PEANUTS © 2012 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
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 Sandra Greiner, SunSplash Family Waterpark Toni Rae Hurley - IBERIABANK 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 - Elysium Homes
Chamber Staff
Mike Quaintance, President Donna Schuman-Germain, Communications Director Bob Knickman, Special Events Director Bill Johnson, Jr., Membership Sales Director Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator Linda Kirby, Membership Sales
How to Plant Seeds and Grow Your Business! The Cape Coral Farmers’ Market has two sponsorships available for the upcoming season starting October 19, 2013 through May 10, 2014.* Cultivate your business by getting in front of 3500-8000 potential customers every week for 30 weeks.
Music Sponsor-$4500.00 Includes weekly 10x10 space-Value of $3000.00 Logo recognition in season long advertising-newspapers, posters, coupons ,etc. Logo on Market and Chamber websites.
Event Sponsor- $ 6000.00 Includes weekly 10x10 space-Value of $3000.00 Logo recognition in season long advertising-newspapers, posters, coupons, etc. Logo on Promotional Items Logo on Market and Chamber websites. For more Info contact Claudia St. Onge at 239-549-6900 x 101 * Non Real-Estate/Builder Businesses’ only
June New Members & Renewals New Members Advanced Title & Settlements Carl Russell All Septic All Plumbing Carlos Casanova
Suzanne Vasbinder w/ Southern Premier Realty Suzanne Vasbinder
Renewals
Honc Marine Contracting, Inc. Dr. Len Brown It’s All Good Consignment Boutique Juniper Village at Cape Coral
Penguin Pools
Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus
Barton Insurance Agency/
Koogler Homes, Inc.
Nationwide
Lee County Inspection Services
Battery Giant
Lifeline Family Center
Best Title Solutions, Inc.
Merrill Lynch
BMI Florida Realty, LLC
Northwestern Mutual Financial
Bowland
Network
Cape Coral Caring Center
Pet Coral Resort and Veterinary
Cape Coral Charter School
Plumberman, LLC
Dante’s Coal Fired Pizza Heather Gafford
CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL
Quality Pest Control of S.W. FLA, Inc.
Cheetah Printing & Signs
Rebecca A. Ross with Robert W. Baird
Grease Trap Solutions, Inc Carlos Casanova
City of Cape Coral
Red Salon & Spa
Coldwell Banker Residential Real
Roofing By HOMEPLUS, Inc
Estate, LLC
Rossman Realty Group, Inc
CRS Technology Consultants
Serendipity Hair Studio
D.R. Horton America’s Builder
Shell Factory & Nature Park
Dellutri Law Group
So Sweet Cupcake Bakers LLC
Dolphin Boat Lifts, Inc.
StoutenCramer, Inc.
EZ to Use.com
Sunshine Jewelers & Gold Exchange
Faith Presbyterian Church
Sweetbay Supermarket
Florida Cooling Solutions, Inc.
The Bagel Factory of Cape Coral
Fort Myers Harley Davidson
Top Florida Properties, LLC
Frank & Sons Moving & Storage
Villa Homes of SW FL
Gary Shierling D.D.S., P.A.
Vista Key Real Estate, LLC.
Goodwill Industries
Waste Pro of Florida
Greenwell Bat-A-Ball, Inc.
WFTX-TV
Greenwire, LLC
Wolf Business Consultants
Gulfshore Business
Wright Corporate Benefits
Boyd And Sons Pressure Cleaning Marty Boyd BP CLAIM RECOVERY Christopher Scarlett BusinessLegal, PC Lynn R. Emerson Esq
Green Go Cooking Oil Solutions Carlos Casanova Pay it Forward Realty Melissa Farmer Resident Club Card, LLC Sheryl Bissett Rosie’s Pizza Gregory Hill Send it Sweetly Anita Grant Shear Art Hair Studio. Inc Meghan Van Cour Sinclair Custom Homes I, LLC Courtney Neuhousel Smith Insurance Agency Raymond Smith
Habitat for Humanity HD PR Group High Fidelity Studios HONC Docks & Lifts, Inc
Thank you for your membership!!
Women’s
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE CHAMBER of COMMERCE of CAPE CORAL
August 27, 2013
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Keiser University 9100 Forum Corporate ParkwayFort Myers, FL 33905 $129.00 per person - Includes Breakfast and Lunch Speakers Include... Mei-Mei Chan, President and Publisher, The News-Press Media Group Judge Josephine Gagliardi, Lee County Circuit Judge Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor, Keiser University Topics... Leadership, Work/Life Balance, Community Relations & Outreach Breakout Sessions... Women’s Wealth, How to Brand Yourself, Make Social Media Work For You, How to Network Effectively
RSVP at www.capecoralchamber.com - (239) 549-6900 ext 111 For More Information
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
2013 Candidates Hobnob
Wednesday, August 7th Gulf Coast Village
1333 Santa Barbara Boulevard Cape Coral, Florida 33991 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Join us for Hors D'oeuvres & Hobnob with your Candidates
Sponsored By A Family of Senior Living Options
Waste Pro - Sunshine Jewelers & Gold Exchange Dixie Roadhouse - LAI Design Associates Smith Insurance Agency LCEC - Windstream Please RSVP to (239) 549-6900 ext 300
General Membership Lunch
Top Left: Guest Speaker Suzanne Boy with Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. Top Right: Thank you to The Crazy Olive for hosting a great lunch. Mid Right: Thank you to our lunch sponsors, CenturyLink, The News-Press and LCEC represented by Colleen Humphries (right)
Ribbon Cutting Shear Art Hair Studio. Inc Kelly Simes Meghan Van Cour 1103 Cape Coral Pkwy. East Suite C Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 257-3620 www.sheararthairstudiocapecoral.com
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 RE/MAX Realty Team 2326 Del Prado Blvd Cape Coral, FL 33990 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 413 NE Van Loon Lane, Cape Coral
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
LCEC Trends Be Better Than The Competition
Karen Ryan, APR, CPRC, LCEC Public Relations Manager
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s a business owner or operator, you are always looking for ways to let your customers know you are unique. You tout the things that separate you from the competition. Your “hook” is how your product or service is better than your rivals’. But what if you don’t have competition? What if your customers don’t have another option? Does that mean you don’t have to strive to offer quality products and great service? Absolutely not! Surprise! There is always competition no matter what business you are in…even in the electric utility industry where a customer’s provider is determined by where they live. Successful businesses are forward-thinking and operate like there is, or could be, competition. Because frankly, who knows what the future may bring? Operating with strong core values is the right thing to do. Reinforcing corporate
values throughout your organization is a step toward beating the competition. At LCEC, the corporate values are emphasized utilizing various communication mediums including an annual “State of LCEC” meetings, performance reviews, employee newsletters and pocket cards. Most employees can name them - Safety, Service, Integrity, Diversity, Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, and Community. Ensure your company has core values employees are aware of and can stand behind. Following are additional reasons you should work to compete: • Not many consumers have unlimited funds. They make tradeoffs in their spending habits. You may not have competition in your industry, but there is plenty of competition for a share of the family budget. • Sustainability. Besides creating good karma, actions such as honest business practices, giving back to the community, treating customers with respect, providing quality customer care, operating safely, and delivering on your promises helps to build a strong reputation and create loyalty. • A positive company image supports employee engagement, recruitment and retention. Devoted employees and customers who stick with you, even in the hard times, enhance the odds that your company will be around for many, many years.
Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today! Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or donna@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 In Touch with Get In Residents, & Get Busy New Advertiseand In Prospects The Chamber Visitors with our Trends Magazine Relocation Leads Program! Contact Donna Germain at
549-6900 ext 107 or Contact Donna Germain at donna@capecoralchamber.com 549-6900 ext 107 or donna@capecoralchamber.com
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As the summer months are upon us it becomes harder and harder for families and individuals to find sources for food. School programs slow down for the younger generation and in many cases our food pantries see critical lows in inventory. Please help us Feed The Cape and Save Our Summer. Stop by any of these Cape Coral business locations to drop off your canned goods, non-perishable food items or cash donation: Cape Coral Caring Center - 4645 SE 15th Ave. Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral - 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy E. Community Bank of Cape Coral - 61 Hancock Bridge Pkwy. Community Bank of Cape Coral - 1645 SE 47th Terrace Sweetbay - 1016 Cape Coral Pkwy E. Suite 100 SunSplash - 400 Santa Barbara Blvd. City of Cape Coral City Hall - 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. FOS Furniture - 111 N. Del Prado Blvd. Century 21 Sunbelt - 725 Cape Coral Parkway W. Achieva Credit Union - 1631 Del Prado Blvd. S. Achieva Credit Union - 1616 Cape Coral Parkway W.
SPONSORED IN PART BY:
City Government
For More Info: 239.549.6900 | www.capecoralchamber.com City Government 2051 Cape Coral
Parkway E. | Cape Coral, Florida 33904
Get In & Get Busy Advertise In The Chamber Trends Magazine Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107
Healthy Trends It’s Really Sad
Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System
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f you do not already know this, S.A.D. stands for “standard American diet” and this has resulted in a sad state of affairs for the health of most Americans. Also known as the Western diet, the standard American diet is made up of approximately 50% carbohydrates, 15% protein and 35% fat. There is an abundance of meat, sugary desserts, high-fat items, low fiber foods laced with chemicals that come out of a box or a bag, high dairy and high in processed foods. The result of this standard American diet is almost a million deaths annually from heart disease, millions of young and older people with diabetes and even more people with pre-diabetes; more and more individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia; an overwhelming epidemic of people that are overweight and approximately 30% of the population with obesity; chronic musculoskeletal problems because of people being terribly unhealthy and unfit; a multitude of individuals suffering from stress and depression because of chronic health problems; and the list goes on and on. The standard American diet is killing our population. This is a fact. Just look around on a daily basis to see how many people are unhealthy and unfit. How many people do you know with at least one of the medical problems described above? Many of these people have 2, 3, 4 or even more of these problems. How many people in their 50s have told you that because of all these medical problems, they consider themselves old. Who is responsible for fixing the situation? Is it the responsibility of the government to fix this problem? Or is it the responsibility of each and every individual to fix this problem? Personally, I feel that it is a combination of the two. We should have a government that regulates the food and nutrition industry so that we are able to purchase inexpensive healthy food on a daily basis. The food without question has to be affordable. We have to stop hearing people say they cannot buy fresh fruits and vegetables because they are too expensive! Healthy food must be affordable and we should demand this from our government. We should also demand from ourselves that we make healthy eating a daily priority. This must be one of the main focal points of our day because FOOD IS MEDICINE! When you look at it, there is no one thing on a daily basis that is better for your health than eating healthy food including healthy beverages. Now consider H.A.D. - the Healthy American Diet! From all the research I have done, I believe the healthy American diet removes most of the meat proteins, limits sugary desserts and drinks, limits the amount of high fat items, increases fiber in the diet, limits dairy and limits processed foods (foods that come in a box or a bag that looks nothing like it did when nature developed it). Let me explain the reasons for my recommendations. Limiting meat proteins result in significant health benefits and research supports this fact. I have mentioned the book “The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell in many of my previous articles. You can refer to that book for the studies which show that limiting meats from the diet decreases the risk of all chronic diseases and all the common cancers. Realize that chicken is included in this statement and that chicken is not really a low fat food. Non-organic chicken has only
about 4 grams less fat than a similar size piece of steak. Limiting sugary drinks significantly decreases the risk and incidence of weight problems, obesity and diabetes. Limiting processed foods does the same to decrease your exposure to chemicals that the body does not know how to handle. Realize also that these foreign chemicals increase the risk of food allergies. Reference the book “Your Hidden Food Allergies Are Making You Fat” by Dr. Rudy Rivera. Limiting high-fat foods decreases the risk of all cardiovascular diseases including strokes, heart attacks, circulatory problems and even Alzheimer’s dementia. Since erectile dysfunction in some instances is a circulatory problem (high cholesterol clogs all the arteries in the body), decreasing the fats in the diet decreases the risk of hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) and thus improves the circulation to all parts of the body. Limiting dairy products is recommended because of its high fat content but also because of the amounts of estrogen (female hormone) that is found in dairy products. This has been shown to cause young females to get their periods prematurely and probably also increases the risk of some female cancers. The dairy companies will certainly try to make you believe that dairy products are necessary in order for you to get adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in the diet but this is not the case. You can certainly get enough calcium and vitamin D from other whole food sources as well as over-the-counter supplements. When I make the recommendation not to eat anything out of a box or a bag, I do so because most of these products are more chemical experiments as opposed to food products! If you cannot read the labels and understand what is in the food product you are about to consume, then you probably should not eat (or drink) it. We need to look at our bodies as high performance engines. You would not put cheap gas in a high performance automobile so why do we put unhealthy food (fuel) in our bodies? Let’s consider a few healthier suggestions for your daily nutrition. Again, as a result of all the research I have done thus far, I would recommend the following: get healthy fats from avocados, extra virgin olive oil, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, salmon, mackerel and herring. Get your protein from egg whites, lentils, legumes, nuts and also from a variety of vegetables (yes, veggies do contain proteins). Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and beans. Drink lots of water and limit drinks which contain sugar. When you read the label, know that one teaspoon of sugar equals 4 grams which is equal to 16 calories. Therefore when a 20 oz soda contains 65 grams of sugar, this means it has 16 teaspoons of sugar. This equals 250 calories from the sugar alone! It is helpful to supplement your diet with necessary vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants. Knowing which ones to take is a matter of measuring the blood levels and you can do this with the “Spectracell” blood test as I have mentioned in previous articles. In summary go from S.A.D. to GLAD by eating H.A.D.! Eat a “Healthy American Diet” and live life to the fullest with more energy and purpose. Realize that food is not only for the soul and for comfort but it is the fuel your body needs to stay healthy and vibrant. Take care of your body and it will take care of you! As always please send your questions and comments to Dr.Sal@ Leememorial.org.
Chamber Networking From Our Chairman 2012
Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric 2012 Chamber Chairman
I
Chair-Elect. We currently have 27 high school juniors in our Junior Leadership Program. The Chamber successfully presented (2) Disney Institute programs in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, Farmers Market, Business Expo , Family Bowling Day, a Casino Trip to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on December 1st. Our on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!! (Who says membership doesn’t pay?) A new Chamber mobile app was introduced in 2012. It was also a very busy election year for our Public Affairs Committee! This is a group of passionate people who make sure that the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by members and citizens of Cape Coral. Our education committee hosted the Excellence in Education Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors! It was also the first year of our “rotating” luncheons that are being very well received by our membership. Serving as your Chairman of the Board has been an excellent experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of meeting so many of you at meetings and events. Thank you for honoring me with your trust and commitment! It has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing staff as well as the membership. I look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you good health and prosperity!
can’t believe its December and I am writing my last article as Chairman of the Board. 2012 has just flown by and there have been so many accomplishments I would like to share. (Please forgive me if I have forgotten any!!) How fortunate we are to live in Paradise! Our economy is growing and the outlook for 2013 is for continued growth. 2012 was a great year!! Much was accomplished for you, including making Cape Coral a better place to do business. Here are a few of the highlights: The Cape Coral Economic Development Office delivered on their promise to increase business, investment and employment in the area. The team closed 137 economic development projects, which represents 85 new businesses in the Cape and 52 expansions. The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership with Lamar Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign that says “Cape Coral is Open for Business.” Cape Coral welcomed the opening of 1,156 businesses in 2012 including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses and 46 unspecified businesses. Commerce means shorter distances to travel for your goods and services. Commerce also means a diversified tax base and jobs! The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral continues to grow as well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of 583 members, today we stand at 744. This resulted in a 78 percent membership growth with a retention rate of 81 percent. This could not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members,Top Left and Right: Dr. Sal Lacagnina and Special Events Coordinator a dynamic sales team and an awesome membership developmentAmanda Brunson pictured with two of the Fitness Challenge Winners committee. Melanie Lempke, CC Chamber and Mark Hamblin, Fort Myers Pest Chamber Leadership programs continue to develop communityControl at the July Business After Hours at The Wellness Center. leaders. In November, 20 men and women graduated Leadership Left: Sally and Mike Jackson at the July Business After Hours. Cape Coral. Twenty-four members of the 2012 Chamber board have Above: Wes Dale - Napa, Amy Emme and friend - Aha Center, John graduated from the Leadership Program including the Chairman and Evans - Edward Jones.
We deliver, every day. Call Lynnie to advertise
910.4575
Real Estate Trends Reality Check
Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor, www.RECapeCoral.com 7-26-13
B
Real Estate Trends
Check eside talking withReality realtors or listening to well-meaning friends or hearing bits and pieces on the news, how does a Beside person talking with realtors or listening to real well-meaning friendsand or hearing bits keep informed about estate prices real estate and pieces on the news, how does a person keep informed about real estate trends? Not everyone reads this column monthly but just about prices and real estate trends? Not everyone reads this column monthly but just everyone has access to the internet. there about everyone has access to the internet. IsIsthe theinformation information there andand is it is itaccurate? accurate? Before getting into those answers, look at thefornumbers for the Before getting into those answers, let’s looklet’s at the numbers the past month ending 7/26: ending 7/26: past month
For Sale Sold
May ’13 Homes Median $ 1197 $260,000 373 $158,750
June ’13 July ‘13 Median $ Homes Median $ Homes 1166 $258,000 1136 $250,000 389 $159,750 362 $159,900
For Sale Sold
May ’13 Condos Median $ 283 $138,000 60 $119,750
June ’13 July ‘13 Median $ Condos Median $ Condos 274 $135,000 262 $135,000 29 $105,000 44 $112,000
Overthethe past three months single-family home herefairly have Over past three months single-family home sales here sales have been been fairly steady both pricewise and in numbers of homes steady both pricewise and in numbers of homes sold. There has beensold. a noticeable during this same period. In fact, if you There hasdecline been ina inventory noticeable decline in time inventory during thisdivide same the number of homes sold into the number for sale, you can see we have a bit time In fact, you divideinventory the number ofthis homes soldvery intolow the moreperiod. than 3 months of ifsingle-family for sale; is a very, number. for sale, you can see we have a bit more than 3 months of number single-family inventory for sale; this is a very, very low number. Condo inventory has declined slightly with an increase in sold prices from last Condo inventory has declined slightly sold month to this month. After a dip in units sold in with June, an Julyincrease showed a in bump upwardfrom in units and median This After probably duein to units condossold being prices lastsold month to thisprice. month. a dip inmore June, affordable than single family homes. July showed a bump upward in units sold and median price. This When inventory (asbeing it has the last 3affordable months) andthan pricessingle are firmfamily with probably due decreases to condos more steady or upward sales, the most logical conclusion is that we are in a seller’s homes. market. That means making ridiculously low offers on properties won’t work and Whenmostly inventory decreases hastothe last 3from. months) and prices sellers will have more than (as oneitoffer choose So, making solid offers without should bring successful results. are firm withcontingencies steady or upward sales, the most logical conclusion is that we are in a seller’s market. That means making ridiculously low Now, how does one find out what prices will make sense when buying or selling offers on properties workorand sellers will have more a property? Most peoplewon’t in the market about to entermostly it want validation of what they’ve been told by that when you want to find out than one offer to realtors. chooseEveryone from. knows So, making solid offers without about something the best place to go is the internet, right? contingencies should bring successful results. Now, how does one find out what prices will make sense when buying or selling a property?
Most people in the market or about to enter it want validation of what they’ve been told by realtors. Everyone knows that when you want to find out about something the best place to go is the internet, right? Tools in the hands of people not accustomed to using them can become dangerous. And so is internet information like those tools. A very important consideration is that often the information found on real estate websites is not accurate or it is not up-to-date. For some reason, these websites tap into data feeds from different sources when a listing first comes up but they neglect to update or refresh the data on a regular basis. Having a constant data feed is probably too expensive so they choose the least expensive way which is to get the information and then just leave it regardless of how out-of-date it is. Just this past week a couple of inquiries came in from two different prospects inquiring about properties that have not been available for a few months. The originally listed prices had been increased four months ago and the properties were sold a month and a half ago. Yet, they thought these were still available because they saw them on the internet. There are some websites that like to give values of existing homes to help the user decide if the listed prices make sense. In reality the information given is based on listed prices, not on SOLD prices. Plus the information can be as much as six months old. If you are going to invest in a house or if you want to sell a property, please do not rely on old and inaccurate information. And please don’t use national averages to make a judgement on local property. You will only be setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. How then can a buyer or seller become an informed decisionmaker? Simple, ask a realtor in your specific market. We are the ones who have immediate access to real-time information. We can provide you with a timely Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to substantiate property values. We can also show you exactly what is selling in the immediate area and what those real prices are today. There are a host of other services that we can provide as they become necessary. We know the internet is an extremely valuable tool for so many different issues. But we also know that just because you saw it there doesn’t mean it’s true. Prioritize your resources and use them appropriately starting with a local, licensed realtor at the top of your list. Doing that will insure your success. Happy House Hunting!
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