Trends Chamber
The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET EVERY TUESDAY AT THE SHOPS OF SURFSIDE YEAR ROUND 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET EVERY SATURDAY AT CAPE HARBOUR 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET AT CLUB SQUARE CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER REOPENS OCTOBER 1
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
August 2016
AUGUST 2016 AUGUST 2 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE GULF COAST VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 1333 SANTA BARBARA BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL AUGUST 4 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM FOOD FOR THOUGHT LUNCHEON CAPE CORAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE 360 SANTA BARBARA BLVD N, CAPE CORAL, FL
Publisher & Editor Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
Contributing Editors
AUGUST 10 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON BONEFISH GRILL 900 SW PINE ISLAND RD, UNIT 124, CAPE CORAL, FL
Donna S. Germain President/CEO donna@capecoralchamber.com
AUGUST 12 | 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL KICK-OFF THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT 5951 SILVER KING BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL
Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com
AUGUST 18 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM BUSINESS AFTER HOURS PRIORITY PAYMENTS OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 4814 VINCENNES ST, CAPE CORAL, FL
Annette Siner Membership Sales Director annette@capecoralchamber.com
AUGUST 26 | 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT 5951 SILVER KING BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL
Shawna Pike Membership Services Director shawna@capecoralchamber.com
CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET CAPE HARBOUR EVERY SATURDAY FROM 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@capecoralchamber.com
SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND FROM 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM CAPE CORAL FARMERS MARKET CLUB SQUARE CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE VISIT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS
Lyz Crouthamel Special Events Director lyz@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
JUNE NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW MEMBERS Belk, Inc. Daphne Folsom Brookdale Santa Barbara Deborah Graley-Devnew Castellanos & Tramonte Architect Art Castellanos Edward Jones - Brad Jessen Brad Jessen Edward Jones- Jeremy Frank Jeremy Frank First Command Financial Services Chris Stearns Franckes Inc Coral Marine Mikael Francke
Stinger Digital Print & Graphics, Inc. Gary Olbrich Top Tier IT, LLC Debbie Karlen
RENEWALS Allstate-Kevin Schuman Insurance Agency Member Since: 07/06/2011 American Brokers Realty Group, Inc Member Since: 05/25/2011 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Member Since: 07/19/2006 Battery Giant Member Since: 07/28/2011
Coldwell Banker Residential Roof Smart of SW Florida, Inc. Real Estate, LLC Member Since: 05/12/2015 Member Since: 06/01/1994 Six Bends Harley Davidson Denise Wright CPA Member Since: 06/02/2009 Member Since: 07/07/2015 Sunshine Jewelers East West Veterinary Care Member Since: 06/27/2012 Center Member Since: 09/18/2013 The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village Gary Shierling D.D.S., P.A. Member Since: 02/04/2013 Member Since: 06/07/2007 Top Florida Properties, LLC Gavin’s Ace Hardware Member Since: 07/26/2000 Member Since: 07/29/2015 Vista Key Real Estate, LLC. Goodwill Industries Member Since: 02/22/2012 Member Since: 06/01/2002 Waste Pro of Florida Iguana Mia Member Since: 06/11/2010 Member Since: 04/09/2015 Water City Grill Labor Ready Member Since: 07/21/2015 Member Since: 06/04/2009 York Road Marine Lamar Advertising Member Since: 07/13/2015 Member Since: 07/15/2008
Gulf Coast Family Fitness Center Israel Rosado
BB&T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Member Since: 04/01/1989
It’s IT LLC. Dennis L Shelton
Best Title Solutions, Inc. Member Since: 06/20/2005
Main Street Children Dentistry and Orthodontics Member Since: 03/27/2015
Lenny’s Grill & Subs Brian Allen
Blue Chip Financial - Diane Everhart Member Since: 04/13/1999
Nail Art & Co. Member Since: 05/10/2012
Medical Claim Service of Southwest Florida Stan Grigiski
Bowland Member Since: 06/01/1995
Oasis Charter Elementary School Member Since: 02/10/2006
Red Salon & Spa Kathleen Cantu
Cape Coral Caloosa Chapter ABWA Member Since: 06/01/1995
Preferred Community Bank Member Since: 05/19/2014
South West Veterinary Care Center Amy Kurz
Cheetah Printing & Signs Member Since: 06/27/2012
Records Results! Real Estate Member Since: 06/19/2015
THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc Chair-Elect Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Coop. Treasurer Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising Past Chair Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc Barb Adams, LeeSar Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLC Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar, Boost Creative Tony Constantino, Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A. Angela Davis, Merrill Lynch Nancy Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors Diane Everhart, Blue Chip 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 Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com Mike Quaintance, Keiser University Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, LLC Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc. Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering Michelle Lewis, B-2 Solutions Heather Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Donna Meola, Priority Payments of South Florida Don Schnell, Regions Bank Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center
TRUSTEES Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village Brandon Deaver, B-2 Technoloy Solutions Rana Erbrick, City of Cape Coral Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center Steve Hook, Oasis Elementary School Bill Jacob, CenturyLink Mike Noone, Goldberg, Racilla, D’Alessandro & Noone, LLC David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Larry Wier, Premier Insurance Corporation
CHAMBER STAFF Donna S. Germain, President Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Annette Siner, Membership Sales Director Shawna Pike, Membership Services Director Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Lyz Crouthamel, Special Events Director
CHAMBER TRENDS
themselves but our community.
WELCOME THE LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL CLASS OF 2016 Donna S. Germain President
This Friday marks the kick off of the 23rd year of our Leadership Cape Coral program. For the last six years, I have had the honor of being the staff liaison to this amazing program and look forward to each and every year as we grow a new crop of leaders for our community. For those of you who have not taken the Leadership Cape Coral challenge, this 13-week program is designed to help you learn about the infrastructure that drives our city, rub elbows with local dignitaries, tour facilities not open to the general public, learn how to support our community, become part of the elite core of chamber members and establish a bond and form a network with your classmates. Leadership Cape Coral has been formed to develop, year after year, a pool of leaders that share a common knowledge and vision for the city. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce the newest group of community leaders to you. Please congratulate them on stepping up to not only enhance
-Greg Allen, Lee County Electric Cooperative -Scott Bogen, Lamar Advertising -Kimberly Brooks, Cape Coral Technical College -Art Castellanos, Castellanos & Tramonte Architect -Amanda Conder, Community Lending a Division of Hamilton Group Funding Inc. -Lissa Craig Ford, The News-Press -Cara Csotty, State Insurance Agency -Elisabeth Dowd, Lee Memorial Health System -Derrick Driver, Self Employed -Aaron Egler, Lee County Electric Cooperative -Jeri Grimes Lee Memorial Health System -Dusty Hubbard, It’s IT LLC. -Richard Leon, City of Cape Coral, District 4 -Shannon Treece, Cape Coral Charter School Authority -Kimberly Morris, Jones, Haber & Rollings, PL -Machelle Shirk, Achieva Credit Union -Mike Torregrossa, Cape Coral Police Dept. -Angelo Vaughn, Lee County Sheriff ’s Office -Kim Verblaauw, Gulf Elementary School -Carey Ralston, Hallway Stories
Diamond Member Lee Memorial Health System P.O. Box 2218 Fort Myers, FL 33902
Executive Member CenturyLink 2710 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral
Lee County Electric Cooperative 4980 Bayline Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917 B2 Technology Solutions 1406 SE 46th Lane Cape Coral, FL 33904
The News-Press - Fort Myers Office 2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers Fifth Third Bank 2402 Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991 2724 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33904 114 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33991 1801 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33909 1600 Cape Coral Pkwy. E, Cape Coral, FL 33904
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RIBBON CUTTINGS Top Tier IT, LLC (239) 219-6839 | www.fltoptier.com
McNamara Inc (239) 898-7397 | www.mcnamarainc.com
It’s IT LLC (239) 935-9891 | www.itsitllc.com
WoodmenLife nsroberts@woodmen.org
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MEET THE CHAMBER STAFF to it.
SHAWNA PIKE She have been in the customer service industry for almost eighteen years. Shawna Pike joined the Chamber “I love to talk and meet new people.” Team in June of 2016. She was a military child growing up and was fortunate to Shawna will be working in Membership Services obtaining travel. new members for the organization as well as Membership Retention with exsisting members. Please help us in welcoming As an adult, Pike knew she wanted to move back to the south. Shawna to the Chamber Team! In 2010 that finally became a reality as she packed up her 14 month old and a few belongings and said good-bye to Indiana. Shawna Pike, Membership Services Membership Services
Since moving to Cape Coral, Pike was able to obtain an Associate of Arts and a Bachelors of Arts both in Criminal Justice. As a single mother, she says it was a struggle but learned that she could achieve anything if she put her mind
(239) 549-6900 x103 shawna@capecoralchamber.com
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JR LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL On July 21, 2016 the steering committee for Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Program met with representatives from the Western zone High Schools to talk about Jr. Leadership and what improvements can be made to the program. Some of the items that came out of the meeting included spending more time with students to help them research scholarship opportunities, increase public speaking skills, exposing them to business etiquette, and discuss social media and ethics. Therefore, this year’s Jr. Leadership class will see some modifications in order to give students some real world exposure to these issues.
going to happen in 2016. We reached out to some of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral board members to help sponsor an educator. Those who agreed to help cover the costs were Michelle Whitlock, Larry and Jacque Wier, Keith Banasiak, and the Quaintance family who agreed to sponsor Joy Marks, Assistant Principal at North Fort Myers High School. Chris Spiro, of Spiro and Associates agreed to cover the total cost of Kim Verblaauw, Principal of Gulf Elementary who will also have the opportuntiy to go through Leadership Cape Coral. We truly appreciate everyone’s generosity and gift. We believe that these generous gifts will help further the connection the business community has with our K-12 educational institutions. We also anticipate greater involvement in the Chamber’s leadership programs and education committee programs. After each Jr. Leadership session, we will be sharing news about what our 30 high school juniors are accomplishing throughout the program this year.
Jr. Leadership Orientation is scheduled for November 3, 2016 at 6:00 PM at Keiser University, where there will be a session on locating scholarship opportunities given by the Keiser University staff. Jr. Leadership kicks off on November 16, 2016 at the Ft. Myers Beach Coast Guard Station in the morning with Captain Pete Louzao (a Cape We thank you for those who have already stepped up to Coral Leadership graduate) and then moves to the Chamber the plate to help and those who will be helping to make Welcome Center where Siesta Pebble’s, Michelle Whitlock, this year’s Jr. Leadership Cape Coral program memorable. is hosting a lunch and Waste Pro, Keith Banasiak’s team is preparing food in a mobile kitchen to feed our hungry Mike “Q” Quaintance teenagers. After lunch, Brandon Deaver, Junior Leadership Jr. Leadership Program Chair co-chair and his team will be conducting team building exercises. Any Alumni that wish to attend and participate just need to R.S.V.P. to Donna Germain to be a part of the noon to 3 PM activities. On another note, some of the academic representatives from the July 21, 2016 meeting expressed an interest in attending the adult leadership program in 2016. However, as it was never placed in their school budget it was not
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS “P.A.Y.: POLITICS AFFECTS YOU!” Annette M Carrasquillo, Chairperson Government Affairs Committee
Florida’s Primary Elections are just around the corner! I know that I said this last month but I believe that it bears repeating. This primary election includes seats from the Lee County Commission, Lee County Judges, Lee Co. School Board, Lee Memorial Hospital Board, Lee County Supervisor of Elections, the Florida House of Representative, Florida Senate, United State Senator and Congress Representatives and Amendment 4 (Solar Devices). It has been said that our local elected officials are the ones that most effect what happens in our community and especially now it is so true. We need leaders that are experienced and proven and that jump in and help all the residents in Lee County. We need people that are dedicated, not just a “politician” touting the same old rhetoric… someone that has the knowledge and specific ideas that will move Cape Coral and Lee County forward.
Remember, early voting for the Primary Election starts on August 20th and ends August 27th. The primary election Day is August 30, 2016. In addition, you can still request an absentee ballot by calling 239-533-8683 or online at www. lee.vote (download form). Remember, voting is a privilege and our opportunity to make our voice heard. I encourage everyone to please Get Out to Vote – August 30, 2016. Together the voice of our strong Chamber membership can make a difference! Remember: Politics Affect You! Annette M. Carrasquillo Chairperson Government Affairs Committee
“Word of the Month” APATHY 1: lack of feeling or emotion: impassiveness 2: lack of interest or concern: indifference
UNIVERSITY TRENDS BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE DIVERSITY Mike “Q” Quaintance, MBA, CCE Business Professor, Keiser University
being attempted. Companies that have a reputation for engaging in diversity tend to have higher quality applicants, better employee retention, and a workforce with higher job satisfaction.
There are some challenges for companies which are moving toward diversity engagement. First, communication may present encounters that create confusion; or teamwork and morale issues. Second, there may be concerns regarding proposed cultural changes by existing employees who fear or misunderstand the value of more culturally diverse organizations. Third, companies may have to re-write some of their workplace policies to embrace and accommodate a more diverse workforce. Fourth, the transition may require How would you define diversity? This business person a strategic plan, which helps implement the cultural change. defines diversity as real or perceived differences among Planning can be perceived as a waste of time by employees people in race, ethnicity, sex, age, physical and mental ability, who adopt attitudes where if it is not broken, don’t muck it up. sexual orientation, religion, work and family status, and other How can an organization embrace diversity? First, like identity-based attributes which influence relationships and interactions. These delineations of group identity are often any other major change, change strategy requires the total readily apparent to others by the historical disparities related commitment from the company’s top executives. Second, to power, treatment, opportunities, and outcomes. These it requires an internal environment which embraces worker disparities prevent some organizations from benefiting from inclusion, hence the adage ‘people own what they help create’. Third, companies should promote diverse populations a divergence of ideas, values, or experiences. into leadership positions. Last, develop a strategic plan that Several of the academic articles which I have read link embraces diversity and helps shape their diversity policy. While most of us no longer believe the world is flat, many of us fail to contemplate that it is shrinking. Thus, creating diverse opportunities for commerce. Engaging in commerce through smartphones and other mobile devices makes our companies more accessible to diverse populations. Our ability to interact with diverse populations continues to help define business success.
diversity engagement to increased organizational agility. This means that companies that embrace diversity can contemplate a wider range of solutions to problems. When a company has a workforce from predominately the same group, it is easy for the company to suffer from groupthink, which inhibits organizational agility and creates mediocre results.
If you are interested in learning more about creating a strategic diversity plan, check out the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) at http://www.shrm.org page “Diversity initiatives: What key elements should an employer consider when creating a diversity program?” If you have questions, please e-mail me at mquaintance@keiseruniversity. More diverse companies can create business strategies that edu or call (239) 277-1336 ext. 34128. incorporate a wider appeal to diverse populations (customers, clients, or patients), whether local or global initiatives are
NETWORKING AND MORE
At the monthly General Membership Luncheon on July 13th, EOC, CCPD and CCFD joined us to discuss Disaster Prepareness at Cape Cabaret. Thank you to our lunch sponsors, The News-Press and LCEC and to our table sponsors for the month, H&R Block of Southwest Florida and State Insurance Agency - Brian Chapman Jr
Last L month we hosted the 2016 Candidates Hobnob where the community was invited to come out and w meet m the city Council Candidates as well as a Straw Poll was w conducted by The Lee County Supervisor of Elections Offi O ce. Thank you to all our sponsors who helped make this t event possible for the community.
HEALTHY TRENDS WHAT ARE SOME COMMON REASONS FOR CHRONIC FATIGUE Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System
Testosterone is the male hormone for sexual development and function. It is important to understand that females also need a certain amount of testosterone to age in a healthy way. When the testosterone level is low, the individual lacks a sense of wellbeing, muscle and bone strength declines, mood changes can occur and the risk of depression increases. Checking the level of free/active testosterone is another easy blood test and replacement with bio identical testosterone works well to get the level back into a healthy range. The goal in replacing hormones is to get the level up to an optimal range where maximal function can occur. The goal is to optimize health and not just to prevent disease.
When you talk with family and friends, many people seem to complain of a lack of energy. They describe the feeling of always being tired. Most of the time people just ignore this feeling and keep going assuming that the fatigue is due to the 24/7/365 lifestyle that we lead in Sleep deprivation is another obvious cause of chronic fatigue. the U.S. Frequently this might be due to an underlying health Not only limited hours of sleep but also decreased quality of problem which should be diagnosed and then properly treated. sleep. As many people get older, they frequently get up at night to urinate. Frequent interruptions in sleep decrease the Below I describe the more common causes of chronic fatigue. quality of the sleep and make it difficult to feel rested in the It is important for the reader to understand that there are many morning. This also interferes with the production of Growth more medical problems which can lead to chronic fatigue; Hormone which is made at night and is necessary for the therefore, it is most important that you see your physician/ maintenance of healthy muscles, bones and weight. health care provider if you suffer from chronic fatigue. Depression is an under-diagnosed cause of chronic Low thyroid is one of the most common reasons many fatigue. Very often an individual hesitates to talk with his/ people believe to be the cause of their tiredness. Certainly, this her physician about depression or does not even realize is part of the differential diagnosis for chronic fatigue. When symptoms of depression. When the physician initially starts being considered, the way this is diagnosed is with a simple to evaluate a person complaining of chronic fatigue, he looks blood test. There are actually several tests run as part of the for the common illnesses which can cause fatigue; and, in this thyroid panel including the levels of T4 (the pro-hormone), T3 evaluation he also considers depression as a cause, especially (the active hormone) and TSH which is the regulator hormone if the work up for physical illness is non-revealing. If it is released from the brain and sent to the thyroid gland to control apparent that depression might be the reason for the chronic the production and release of thyroid hormone. When thyroid fatigue, the initial part of the treatment should be an attempt hormone levels are decreased, the person feels tired, might to identify the reason for the depression. It might be due to a gain weight, hair and nail strength start to diminish; and, over recent traumatic life event, a bad relationship, loss of a job, to time if this is not corrected, the heart function can begin to name a few. Once the reason for the depression is identified, decline making the person more susceptible to heart failure. then psychological counseling is often helpful. Sometimes antidepressant medications can be helpful; yet, if they simply Low Testosterone is another reason for chronic fatigue. mask the cause of the problem (treating only the symptom),
HEALTHY TRENDS CONTINUED they could make the fatigue worse.
Iron and/or B12 deficiency are other common reasons for chronic fatigue. Many times females develop iron deficiency anemia secondary to heavy menstrual periods. B12 deficiency is usually due to poor nutrition. In these situations, replacement of iron and B12 correct the anemia which then corrects the fatigue. In some situations a person with iron deficiency anemia requires consultation with a gastrointestinal specialist who looks for blood loss in the GI tract as the cause for the anemia. Chronic stress is another common cause of chronic fatigue as a result of low Cortisol. When stress is persistent, the adrenal glands are continually producing and releasing Cortisol hormone to deal with the stress. Over time the adrenal glands begin to fail resulting in what is called Adrenal fatigue. Diagnosis of this problem requires either a 24 hour urine collection or several blood tests done over a 24 hour period. Similar to the plan for depression, finding the cause of the stress and working to eliminate this usually helps eliminate the adrenal dysfunction and then the chronic fatigue. There are many prescription medications which can cause fatigue including beta blockers (used for heart problems and high blood pressure), anti-depressants as mentioned above, anti-anxiety medications, attention deficit disorder medications, etc. Keeping a diary of symptoms is often helpful in determining if a newly started medication is causing side effects; and, if there seems to be a relationship between starting a medication and the development of symptoms (i.e., chronic fatigue), speak with your physician before making any adjustments.
high in salt, sugar and fat), the mitochondria (parts of the cells where energy is made) do not function normally and cannot make enough energy to maintain all the vital functions of the body and brain. Therefore, overall function suffers and the individual complains of always being tired. This is one of the reasons I recommend eating six servings of organic vegetables daily which are filled with all the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber that we need to stay healthy. Lack of exercise is another reason for chronic fatigue which becomes a vicious cycle. The more a person does not exercise, the more he/she becomes de-conditioned and the less energy he/she has. The general recommendation is to do at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise daily including some aerobic and some weight lifting/resistance exercise. Before starting an exercise program, check with your physician to be sure you are healthy enough to start an exercise program. Many adults require a stress test before starting exercise to ensure they do not have any underlying heart disease. Once this is done, starting slowly and advancing the exercise program under the supervision of an exercise specialist is helpful. In summary, it should be clear that there are many reasons for chronic fatigue and as such, the recommendation is to visit with your physician/health care provider if low energy is a chronic problem. Most of the time, the reason for the chronic fatigue becomes apparent after a comprehensive history, physical examination, blood and other tests are performed. Once a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is determined, the energy starts to return getting the individual back to maximal function again!
Stay well my friends and please send comments and Poor nutrition is a very common reason for a lack of energy. questions to Dr.Sal@Leememorial.org Think of the nutrition in food as fuel for your gas tank. If you put the lowest grade of gasoline in your car, then the engine will not work at maximum efficiency. The same is true for the body (your engine). When you eat low quality foods (processed,
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. Call Stephanie Roberson for more information at (239) 699-844 or email stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
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* 7% Public Service Tax – Imposed by Cape Coral City Council * 3% Cape Coral Franchise fee * 4.5% Unincorporated Lee County Franchise Fee – Approved by Lee County Commissioners
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REAL ESTATE TRENDS REAL ESTATE TRENDS LOVIN THE OLDIES Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, Island Harbor Realty
In order for marginal buyers to buy homes and successfully complete the transaction, realtors must be on their toes and knowledgeable about financing, correct forms and the process of the transaction. Unfortunately, most of this is not taught in real estate schools. Not knowing how to and why and when can cause frustrating results to buyers and sellers.
Newbies and Oldies in a stabilizing real estate market make for an Too many times in recent weeks have we seen green rookies interesting combination. We are talking about new (green submit offers that were incomplete because they did not rookies) agents and old (experienced) agents. What happens include mandatory riders or addenda. We have seen mistakes when you mix the two? Read on to find out but first… in math on contracts that could be very costly to either buyer or seller. We have seen ridiculously low offers apologetically Let’s take a look at the past month’s numbers to see get a submitted because the new agent did not know how to more clear picture. Cape Coral numbers for the three month educate their buyer correctly. We have seen deals fall apart period ending 7/26/16: because the rookie did not know when to use and when not to use FHA financing (not all properties will qualify for FHA loans). And we have seen these same agents look for extension upon extension because they did not ask enough question or even the right ones of their buyers and mortgage people. For single family homes, the inventory continues to shrink while prices are hovering just over the $300,000 mark. Numbers of single family homes sold are well under where they should be (500-600 per month) while their prices continue to rise. The interesting fact is that we should have at least 6 months of inventory; we had 3.8 months of inventory in May, 4 months of inventory in June and now 3.7 months of inventory at the end of July. No wonder prices are going up steadily.
Without going into the sordid and ugly details of deals that fell apart because of inexperience and lack of knowledge, it can simply be distilled into the Reader’s Digest version of what to do to avoid wasting everyone’s expensive time. This becomes especially true when considering that blowing a deal and wasting time the first time means the next house will likely cost thousands of dollars more in this rising market. That’s a high price to pay for your agent’s “tuition” as he or she learns what not to do or how to do it better.
So, avoiding these problems and additional costs can be Condo inventory is also decreasing and median prices are done easily. Ask you agent how many of these deals specific going up. On the sold side, the numbers of condos sold has to your situation he has done in the past. Ask how they came once again gone down while median prices are holding up. out and how long they took. These questions work for buyers and sellers alike. Engage the agent in conversation to get We are seeing folks buying while they can in both single a feel for his comfort level in working for you. If you detect family homes and condos. As always, the lower priced units nervousness or any anxiety, find another agent. Friends and are the ones that go first. As they sell, prices climb but less relatives always can recommend someone. But, please stay people can afford them.
REAL ESTATE TRENDS CONTINUED away from “ my niece just got her license and she would be happy to help”. Don’t let anyone guilt you into working with an agent. It may seem like too much time is being spent on the issue of newbies versus oldies but remember this. In Florida, 50% of licensed real estate agents have gotten their license in the past 12 months. I’m sure there are some really good ones in that group but are you willing to gamble your hard earned money on picking a winner?
Once again, the key to successful real estate transactions is working with experienced realtors. Always remember, successful real estate IS a team sport. Happy Property Buying and Selling! Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with Island Harbor Realty, active members of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral. For questions about residential real estate, please call (239) 989-3463 or email realtorberge@att.net or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.
As an oldie, I can tell you that most of the newbies I’ve seen don’t like hearing that they don’t know something. And I personally don’t want the liability of cleaning up the mess they make or schooling them on how to complete a transaction. Not only do they waste their own and their client’s time and money but my client’s and mine as well.
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RESTAURANTS
p u n g i Early S
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4th Annual Taste of the Cape - Last year was our biggest turnout and preparations are already underway for next year. We are offering our preferred restaurants a special discounted rate of $150 (normally $195) for early registration. Taste of the Cape will take place on Sunday, February 26th, 2017 at Four Freedoms Park in Downtown Cape Coral.
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Please enclose payment of $150*. A 10’ x 10’ tent, table, 2 chairs and 110 volt electricity is included. Checks should be made payable to “Taste Of The Cape” Please return this form with payment to:
Gulf Coast Symphony, c/o Taste of the Cape 6314 Corporate Court, Suite 100 Fort Myers, FL 33919 More info? TasteOfCapeCoral.com or 239.549.6900 * This special early-bird rate is only good through 9/5/16.
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2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 www.capecoralchamber.com