August 2014

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

August 2014

Welcome The Leadership Class of 2014 at Kick off August 8th The Pink Shell Resort

Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, August 13 at Palmetto Pine Country Club, Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press

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

Business After Hours August 21, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

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

AUGUST 2014 Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain Communications Director donna@capecoralchamber.com Contributing Editors Mike Quaintance Chamber President q2u2@capecoralchamber.com Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director bill@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@capecoralchamber.com Amanda Brunson Special Events Coordinator amanda@capecoralchamber.com Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910 2051 Cape Coral Parkway Cape Coral, FL 33904 Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609

AUGUST 6TH 2014 CANDIDATES HOBNOB Gulf Coast Village 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM AUGUST 8TH Leadership 2014 Kick-off The Pink Shell 275 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 5:30 PM AUGUST 13TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH Palmetto Pine Country Club 1940 SW 9th Court, Cape Coral, FL 33991 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM AUGUST 21ST BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services 3740 Del Prado Boulevard S., Cape Coral, FL 33904 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM AUGUST 26TH WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Keiser University 9100 Forum Corporate Pkwy., Ft Myers, FL 33905 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND Surfside Sunset Market The Shops at Surfside - Veterans and Surfside 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM To register for any of the above events online visit www.capecoralchamber.com

Q’s WORLD WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUGUST Mike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, CCE

H

ow about and opportunity to meet many of the candidates who are on the upcoming ballot and seeking office? That is what the Candidate’s Hobnob provides on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 5:30 PM at Gulf Coast Village. The event is free and open to the public and includes complimentary food provided by Gulf Coast Village and a cash bar.

Please remember to check out our Government Affairs Website at www.capecoralvoice.com!

As of the date of this article, it looks as though the Chamber’s Leadership Cape Coral class will have 28 participants. That is a great size class for this program that started in 1993. This 14-week program focuses on public safety, education, healthcare, utilities and other aspects of operating a community. Knowledge levels of the participants will at least double concerning the needs of our community. This program kicks off Friday, August 8 at The Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach.

Every Tuesday the chamber hosts the Surfside Sunset Farmers’ Market at the Shops at Surfside. It is a great place to purchase fresh produce, experience some healthy alternatives and then support chamber member Woody’s Surfside Island Restaurant in the same plaza. If you would appreciate a larger selection,

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

the Chamber currently has 45 member restaurants to patronize. Please visit www.capecoralchamber.com to view your choices.

The General Membership Meeting will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at Palmetto Pine Country Club at 11:30 am. We have a distinguished marketing panel to illuminate you as to the latest and greatest ideas in marketing and public relations. Call 5496900 ext. 300 to make reservations or go to www. capecoralchamber.com.

On Thursday, August 21, 2014, we are going to have an AWESOME Business After Hours at Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services located at 3740 Del Prado Blvd. South. Tim Hauck, the long tenured key figure for the organization has lots of fun stuff planned for the benefit of our members. I have been sworn to secrecy, but if you know Tim, you know his nickname is Mr. Fun! We look forward to seeing you for this networking extravaganza on 8/21/2014 at 5:30 PM! The Annual Member Survey also takes place in August. We need as much participation as our members can provide so the Chamber Board of Director can create the 2015 Business Plan. This plan gives direction to the committees and staff as to the current and future needs of the membership. This is your greatest opportunity for input. Please help us, help you!

The Women’s Leadership Conference will be Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at Keiser University. This is a great opportunity to listen and learn from other successful women leaders inside and outside our community.

Most of these speakers have shattered the glass ceiling in corporate America. For more information, please contact Amanda at Amanda@capecoralchamber.com or (239) 549-6900 ext. 111.

Therefore, if you are not taking advantage of these opportunities, you are missing some great ones that will help you grow your business.

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

2014 TRUSTEES

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

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

CHAMBER STAFF

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

2014 Candidates Hobnob

A Family of Senior Living Options

August 6th 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 & Meet Your Local, State and federal Candidates Straw Poll Conducted by The Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office FREE Event - Open To The Public

Sponsored By

LAI Design Associates - WastePro - Dry Zone LCEC

Please RSVP at (239) 549-6900 ext 300. For More information call (239) 549-6900 ext 107

JUNE NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS New

4 Words Foundation, Inc. Marie Springsteen Baywood Veterinary Hospital Elizabeth Smith,DVM,MS Dry Zone, Inc. Darlene Snyder

Southern Premier Realty Chris Cheney

Cheetah Printing & Signs Member Since: 06/27/2012

Men’s Rights Law Firm Member Since: 10/06/2008

Waterside Wine Club MaryJane Baker Vu

Chicago Pizza Member Since: 06/24/2008

Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’ Member Since: 11/30/2012

WJ Bachman Mechanical Sheetmetal Willard Bachman

Crown Trophy of Cape Coral Member Since: 04/16/2004

You Choose Cleaning Inc. Jesus M Bermudez

CRS Technology Consultants Member Since: 04/01/1996 Florida Buyer Broker Member Since: 08/13/2003

Florida Vet on Wheels Leena Plavumkel

Renewals

Foster’s Grille Don Kelly

Allied Portables, LLC Member Since: 07/27/2012

Floridian Insurance Agency Member Since: 08/18/2008

The Hair Color Experts Gary Benson

American Business Women’s Assoc.

Member Since: 06/01/1993

Gary Shierling D.D.S., P.A. Member Since: 06/07/2007

It’s IT LLC. Dennis L Shelton Jones, Haber & Rollings, PL Charles C Jones Landscape Pro’s of SWFL James Ciamillo Professional Secure Assistance David Hampton Ron’s Barbershop Ron Villanueva Southern Customs LLC Joshua Huston Southern Premier Homes Chris Cheney

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Member Since: 07/19/2006 BottomLine Solutions, LLC Member Since: 04/29/2009 Brents Music & Sound Member Since: 02/01/1998 Cape Coral Charter School Member Since: 03/18/2011 Cape Coral Insurance Group, LLC Member Since: 09/01/1994 Century 21 Selling Paradise Member Since: 07/18/2012

Gulfshore Business Member Since: 06/20/2008

Quality Pest Control of S.W. FLA, Inc. Member Since: 03/16/2009 Ramos Builders, Inc. Member Since: 05/30/2000 Realty World - Florida Member Since: 12/29/2006 Shell Factory & Nature Park Member Since: 06/01/2009 Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Member Since: 11/21/2011

High Fidelity Studios Member Since: 11/17/2008

Southwest Florida Copier Service Member Since: 06/13/2012

Home Services By Rafael Member Since: 08/22/2007

Stabley Marketing, LLC Member Since: 04/11/2012

HONC Docks & Lifts, Inc Member Since: 05/25/2010

SunTrust Bank Member Since: 02/17/2010

Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral Member Since: 05/21/2012

Tim Collier-State Farm Member Since: 12/01/1990

Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus Member Since: 03/01/1997

Top Florida Properties, LLC Member Since: 07/26/2000

Koogler Homes, Inc. Member Since: 06/04/2001

Villa Homes of SW FL Member Since: 12/01/2001

CHAMBER TRENDS GET OUT AND VOTE!

Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates 2014 Chairman

M

ark your calendars! On August 26th, all registered voters will have the right to vote in the Primary Election.

This election includes Judges, Lee County School Board, Lee County Hospital Board, Lee County Commission, State Senate and Representatives, Florida Governor and Federal Congressional seats.

Our County, State and Nation need leaders that are experienced and proven; leaders that will jump in and help all the citizens. We need people who are dedicated, have knowledge and can move our County, State and Country forward.

I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with those seeking election in the August Primary and then in the November General Election. It is one of the most important votes you will cast!

If you have not had the chance to attend a forum or debate, the Government Affairs Committee will be hosting the annual Candidate Hobnob on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Gulf Coast Village at 5:30 PM. This is a meet and greet event where you will have an opportunity to speak to those candidates that are running.

Remember, early voting for the Primary Election starts on August 16 and runs through August 23, 2014. In addition, you can still request an absentee ballot by calling 239-533-6919.

Remember, voting is a privilege and our opportunity to make our voice heard. I encourage everyone to please Get Out to Vote – August 26th, 2014.

Together the voice of our strong Chamber membership can make a difference!

& Have Fun!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

W

e had another packed house for the July General Membership Meeting at Bonefish Grill. The Chamber welcomed Guest Speaker Mei Mei Chan, Publisher of The NewsPress. (top right) The Chamber also welcomed quite a few new members at the lunch. Each member had the opportunity to address the membership and provide a short speech about their business (top left) The Lucky 13 Leadership Class of 2013 (mid left) gave a very special presentation to Guardian Angels For Special Populations and Voices For Kids.

The group raised more than $21,000 dollars at their Casino In The Cape Event in April. The proceeds were split between the two organizations.

(Bottom Left) Thank you to Lynnie Guzman and the team from The News-Press for being our annual lunch sponsors along with CenturyLink and LCEC. (Bottom Right) Our 2014 Chairman Annette Carrasquillo prepares to lead the July General Membership Lunch.

Leadership Cape Coral Kick-Off

August 8, 2014 The Pink Shell Ft. Myers Beach, 6:30 pm SPONSOR THE CLASS OF 2014 At KICK-OFF ___ Scott Blonde, The Breeze Newspapers - Sponsored By Bubba’s Roadhouse

___ Eileen DeLuca, Florida SouthWestern State College

$100 SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES

___ Rana Erbrick, Cape Coral City Council, Dist 5

•

___ Greg Blurton, Investors’ Security Trust - Sponsored By Siesta Pebble ___ Christin Collins, Lee Memorial Health System - Sponsored By Lee Memorial Health System

___ Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center - Sponsored By Mortgage 1, Inc. ___ Paul Flores, Waste Pro of Florida - Sponsored By WastePro

•

___ Jonathan Gabel, Priority Payments South Florida - Sponsored By Black Business Solutions

•

___ John Hobson, CenturyLink ___ Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com ___ Casey Logan, The News-Press-Cape Coral Bureau ___ Stacy Lomonaco, Regions Bank Cape Coral Pkwy East ___ Nancy MacPhee, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau ___ Carmine Marceno, Lee County Sheriff’s Office ___ Laurie Morris-Wilson, IBERIABANK - Sponsored By ACRA Electric ___ Chris Nicely, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community ___ Dan Puleio, Cape Cleaners - Sponsored By First Merchant Payment Systems ___ Sarah Sheffield, Massage Envy Spa - Cape Coral - Sponsored By Don Schnell Mutual

• •

Sponsor Name In Program Sponsor Logo In Rotating Power Point at Event Sponsor Name in All E-mail Invitations to Kick-off Sponsor Name on Event Webpage Sponsor Recognition on all social media sites (12,000 contacts) Does not include dinner

Please Fax or e-mail to Donna Germain donna@capecoralchamber.com (239) 549-6900 ext 107 (239) 549-9609 fax

of Omaha Bank ___ Tracy Siekmann, City of Cape Coral Parks & Rec ___ Annette Siner, Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral - Sponsored By Patrick Quinlan, Broker Associate Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group ___ Ross Smith, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC ___ Debbie Stella, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC ___ Margie Stevens, A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming ___ Emily Teachout, American Cancer Society - Sponsored By Jet’s Pizza ___ Steven Teuber, Neaher & Teuber, P.L. ___ Dottie Tronnes, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community ___ Chuck Warren, Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery - Sponsored By UBS Financial - Karen S. Barnes ___ Russ Winstead, FGCU-Small Business Development Center

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

HEALTHY TRENDS

SUGAR BY ANOTHER NAME

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

A

s many of the readers may know from my past articles, I have written about the importance of reading the labels on all food and drink products. This is an essential part of understanding nutrition but often times it is somewhat confusing. A perfect example is sugar. Did you know that there are dozens of different names for compounds that are all classified as sugar? This is extremely important when understanding the components of a food or drink product. If you do not understand the names on the label, how will you know if it is a healthy food product to eat or drink?

We all know the reasons for needing to understand the amounts of sugar in any food and drink: excess sugar in the diet is linked to diabetes, pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease, some forms of dementia as well as other diseases. Also, since cancers primarily use sugar as its energy source, this is another reason to be concerned about the amount of sugar in your diet.

Before we get into the exact names for the different types of sugar, let’s discuss some of the reasons why excess sugar in the diet can be detrimental to health. We know that the brain preferentially uses sugar(glucose) for energy; and that glucose is stored in the skeletal muscles which use it for energy. Therefore, if we think of glucose as an energy source, then the next question that comes up is: what happens to the excess glucose if it is not used for energy? The answer is: it is converted into fat and in addition, it also affects all the proteins in the body through a process called glycosolation. The sugar molecules actually attach to many proteins in the body affecting the normal function of these proteins. This process is also known to contribute to and advance the aging of an individual.

When we look at the amount of energy produced by sugar, picture one teaspoon of ordinary white table sugar (sucrose) which is actually a combination of glucose and fructose. Each teaspoon contains 16 calories which is 4 grams of sugar. Notice that food labels tell you how many grams of sugar is in one serving of the food or drink.

When reading the labels, convert grams to teaspoons so you can fully visualize and understand how much sugar the product contains.

Next, picture one 12 ounce can of regular soda which contains about 10 teaspoons or 160 calories of sugar. If you drink one can of regular soda daily for one year, you have added 58,400 calories to your diet; and if you do not “burn off” these calories with exercise, then you have added more than 16 pounds to your waistline.

Depending on the literature that you read, the recommended limit for sugar is about 6 to 9 teaspoons per day. Unfortunately the average American takes in about 26 teaspoons per day. When you do the math, this comes out to about 84 pounds of sugar in one year. When you start to read all the food and drink labels and knowing the different names for sugar, you will see that sugar is in most food products and this is one of the reasons why Americans end up consuming so much sugar. When we look at the statistics of what Americans actually consume, it is staggering to know that we consume 15 billion gallons of soft drinks per year, 2.7 billion Krispy Kreme donuts, and 500 million Twinkies! No wonder diabetes, obesity, and heart disease are now epidemic in our population.

Let’s now look at the various names for sugar. Based on a federal law that was passed after World War II, a “sugar” must have at least 96% of all other plant matter stripped from it in order to be called sugar. When you realize that 90% of the bulk of cane sugar is fiber, protein and other nutrients, we realize that all of this is lost in the sugar refining process.

Barley Malt is one name for sugar and this is a mild natural sweetener made from barley sprouts and is less sweet and has less effect on the blood glucose and insulin levels. How different sugars affect the blood glucose level is called the “glycemic index”. In essence this is the sugar’s ability to quickly increase blood glucose levels and the higher the number the more detrimental the sugar. As a reference, glucose has a glycemic index of 100. Dry dates or a white potato have around the same glycemic index level which mean they have the same effect on the speed and height of the blood glucose rise. At the other end of the glycemic index spectrum are soybeans and peanuts with a glycemic index around 10 to 20. This means they increase the blood glucose level more slowly and not to such a high level. Brown and white rice, a sweet potato, banana, power bars and honey fall into the mid-range glycemic index category around 50. So if you are using the glycemic index to make selections on sugary foods, just remember that the lower the number, the healthier the product.

Blackstrap molasses is another type of sugar and this is what is left over at the bottom of the barrel in the sugar refining process. Black strap molasses contain more calcium than milk and is a rich source of potassium, but it still has a high glycemic index and can wreak havoc on the blood glucose levels.

Brown sugar is made by blending white sugar with molasses and therefore has little advantage over white sugar.

Corn syrup is another sugar that you might see on a food label and is commercially produced from cornstarch. This is a very refined food with a very high glycemic index.

It is simple to remember that the more refined/processed the food or drink product, the less healthy it is. The refining process removed many of the nutrients necessary for good health. So go natural!

Date sugar is made from dried and ground dates which is very tasty but has a high glycemic index.

Fructose is another name for sugar and this is found in many fruits and has a glycemic index of 20. Therefore, it is very useful for diabetics because it is fully absorbed from the intestinal tract and has less effect on the blood glucose levels.

Fruit juice concentrate is another name for sugar and because of the high concentration of fructose has a more favorable glycemic index.

Honey is another type of sugar which is formed when bees partially digest the nectar from flowers. Honey is usually about 31% glucose, 38% fructose, 9% other sugars but also contains other helpful compounds that appear to be antiseptic and antibiotic (help fight infections).

Lactose is milk sugar and it is known that about 50 to 90% of adults are lactose intolerant and therefore do not digest this sugar well.

Maltitol is a relatively new sugar found in health food stores and is made from corn. It has a better glycemic index than sucrose or table sugar. It also has 25% fewer calories per gram.

Maple syrup is a concentrated sweetener from the center of a sugar maple tree.

Unless the product is labeled as pure maple sugar, it is probably mixed with corn syrup to decrease the cost. The glycemic index of maple sugar is just a little better than white table sugar.

Rice syrup is made by culturing rice with digestive enzymes to break down the starch into glucose. Rice syrup is a tasty food with a high glycemic index.

Sorbitol is a sugar substitute derived from corn and is absorbed slowly requiring little insulin and therefore is helpful in diabetics.

Women’s

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE CHAMBER of COMMERCE of CAPE CORAL August 26, 2014 - Keiser University 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33905

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $99.00 per person - Includes Breakfast and Lunch Speakers Include...

Eva Krzewinski,MBA.,CHRM - President/ Partner Pearls for Women, LLC Lorna J. Kibbey, MBA, CPM - Kibbey Leadership Solutions Topics...

Managing Personality Types- DISC, Finding your own Leadership Style Breakout Sessions...

Influence and Negotiation, Effective Communication Organization and Time Management, Teambuilding Succession Planning RSVP at www.capecoralchamber.com - (239) 549-6900 ext 111 For More Information

Capturing Life in The Cape

HEALTHY TRENDS (CONTINUED) Xylitol is a sugar substitute extracted from Birch wood chips and is used in chewing gum.

Tagatose is the name of a new sugar substitute.

Sorghum molasses is another type of sugar which is produced from the concentrated juice of the sorghum plant which is a cereal grain.

Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener derived from the Stevia plant.

Splenda (sucralose) is an artificial sweetener invented in 1976 and is made from sugar and does not significantly raise blood sugar.

Turbinado sugar is raw sugar that has been washed of its molasses content but is basically overpriced white sugar.

Nutrasweet/Equal is a sugar substitute that contains Aspartame which is a chemical that is 180 times sweeter than table sugar; and is contained in 1200 products in America. This appears to be a dangerous chemical which, in many studies, has been associated with brain cancer, depression, chronic headaches and other health problems. In the body, Aspartame breaks down to methyl alcohol (wood alcohol) and is very toxic and should be avoided at all cost.

Saccharin is another sugar substitute which is derived from petroleum and toluene which is a solvent used to decrease the knocking of automobile engines. Knowing this (and the information about Aspartame) should we really be ingesting it? Some studies reveal an association between saccharin and bladder cancer.

A product called Sweet One was approved by the FDA in 1988 as a sugar substitute but some studies have implicated this chemical as another cause for cancer. Much of this information leads us back to the sugar-cancer link. Research is being done

at many world class institutes to understand how we can manipulate the diet in order to starve the cancer and feed the patient and his/her immune system. At the prestigious Harvard University, they have developed a TPN (total parenteral nutrition) formula which contains much less glucose(sugar) and more protein and fat. TPN is a nutrition formula given into the veins in order to get large amounts of healthy nutrients into very sick patients.

What is the take home message? It appears that sugar is more of a drug than a food. In small amounts it provides the brain with its primary energy source; and glucose stores up in the muscles and liver to provide us with a quick source of energy to move about and to use for exercise. But since we probably ingest three times the amount of sugar that we need in our daily diet, all this excess sugar increases the risk of many chronic medical problems and many common cancers.

If you want to learn more about these topics an interesting “YouTube” video to watch is called “The Secrets of Sugar”; and a great book to read is called “Salt, Sugar & Fat” by Michael Moss. Reading, questioning and learning are the best ways to ensure you have accurate information that enables you to continue getting stronger and healthier each and every day. Stay well my friends and as always please send questions and comments to Dr.Sal@Leememorial.org Dr. Sal VP of Health & Wellness Lee Memorial Health System

HELP US, HELP OTHERS!

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. Donate your canned goods, non-perishable food items or cash donations at the following locations!

Arthur Printing - 1518 SE 46th Ln Bubba’s Roadhouse - 2121 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral Caring Center - 4645 SE 15th Ave. Century 21 Sunbelt - 725 Cape Coral Parkway W. CCCIA - 611 S.E. 11th Street, Suite A Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral - 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy E. FOS Furniture - 790 Del Prado Blvd. N. IBERIABANK - 1715 Cape Coral Pkwy W IBERIABANK - 812 Del Prado Blvd S IBERIABANK - 2546 Heydon Ln

Ken’s Auto Repair - 4533 Del Prado Blvd Premier Insurance - 1326 Cape Coral Pkwy E Raso Realty - 4812 Cape Coral St. Rumrunners - 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors - 1126 SE 12th Court Spiro & Associates - 12651 McGregor Blvd., Suite 4-402, FM Surfside Sunset Farmer’s Market – Veterans Parkway & Surfside Blvd. (The Shops at Surfside, Tuesdays 3pm - 8pm) SunSplash - 400 Santa Barbara Blvd

SPONSORED IN PART BY:

For More Info: 239.549.6900 | www.capecoralchamber.com 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E. | Cape Coral, Florida 33904

LCEC – your cooperative

empowers you!

When you are an LCEC customer, you belong to one of the largest not-for-profit electric cooperatives in the nation. Governed by customers, we are committed to delivering reliable and cost competitive electricity.

Financial Strength

Reliability

• No rate increase for six years. Rate decrease in 2014*

• Maintaining 8,000 miles of power lines year-round

• Proudly serving customers since 1940

• Returned $220 million • On-call 24 hours a in equity over the day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year years

• One of only six Centers of Excellence in the utility industry

Quality Service

Community

• Top ten United Way employee contributor and community partner • Employees volunteer more than 5,000 hours annually

* 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

www.lcec.net

RIBBON CUTTINGS & MORE

Sleep Number by Select Comfort James Recca 12641 S Cleveland Ave Unit 102 Ft. Myers, FL 33907 (239) 362-0158 www.sleepnumber.com

SCHEDULE YOUR RIBBON CUTTING TODAY! Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or donna@ capecoralchamber.com

(Top and Mid Right) We had a great turnout for this month’s Business Card Exchange hosted by The American Cancer Society and Dry Zone. Thank you to everyone who came out to support these two members and make some new business connections.

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

To Whom it may concern, The below information is a golf tournament on August 23rd, 2014, that is being hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Ft. Myers to benefit For the Kids Foundation.

For The Kids Foundation is a 501c3 organization that benefits the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of SW Florida. For The Kids Foundation provides entertainment, activities, special treats and supports the Child Life Specialists at the hospital. Serving the children of SW Florida for seven years we continue to bring smiles to the faces of these kids who are fighting for their lives.

For The Kids Foundation is comprised of a group of volunteers that strive to ensure the mission is fulfilled, money is spent wisely and most importantly that the children get what they need.

Our Board of Directors are dedicated to providing the best services we can to the pediatric patients at The Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. The board members are made up of volunteers who will accept no compensation for the many hours, hard work and dedication that they give. With a diverse background including business owners, accounting, leadership, and professional backgrounds; the foundation is strong and very capable of long term success.

The only compensation the board members receive is seeing the smiles on the children's faces. We strive to be an open nonprofit organization sharing our information and ensuring that we are financially responsible and ensure that the funds we raise are used appropriately and ethically in our own community.

Please help our foundation raise funds to benefit our local children in their time of need. Your donation is tax-exempt.

REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman SUMMERTIME AT THE CAPE

2012(CDPE) Berge Aslanian Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor 2012 Chamber Chairman

LI

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We currently 27 highBut, school in our you have, it isProgram. called deficit spending and we are experts in that. Our debt is Leadership The Chamber (2) Disney quadruple what it successfully was before thepresented current leadership tookInstitute control. programs

ast month we saw evidence of in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because

can’t believedoldrums its December summertime in terms and I am writing my last of Cape Coral real estate activity. article as Chairman of the Are we getting better? Let’s look at the Board. 2012 has just flown by 7-30-14 numbers to see… there have been so many Real Estateand Trends I would like to Summertime ataccomplishments the Cape share.

(Please forgiveperiod me if ending I have For the three month Last month we saw evidence of summertime doldrums in terms of Cape Coral real forgotten any!!) estate activity. Are we getting better? Let’s look at the numbers to see…

7/29/14: How fortunate we are to live For the three month period ending 7/29/14: in Paradise! Our economy is May ’14 June ’14 July ‘14 for 2013 growing and the outlook Homes Homes Homes Median $ Median $ Median $ is for continued growth.

For Sale 1777 $248,750 1664 $249,500 1557 $249,500 Sold $165,000 373 accomplished $166,250 320 $159,750 2012 was a378 great year!!

Much was for you, including making Cape Coral a better place to do business. Here are a few of the highlights: May ’14 June ’14 July ‘14 Condos MedianOffice Condos Median $ $ Median The CapeCondos Coral Economic Development delivered on $their For Sale 302 $144,250 290 $149,750 273 $149,000 promise to increase business, investment and employment in the Sold 61 $130,000 53 $115,000 45 $118,000 area. The team closed 137 economic development projects, which Single family home inventory for sale continues to decrease as listed prices are holding represents 85 new in prices the Cape andbuyers 52 expansions. firm. Less homes for businesses sale with steady indicates are still buying but Single family home for sale continues to decrease aswith listed prices inventory is not replenishing at the same rate strategic as sales. Homes sold at current prices The EDO created ainventory public/private partnership Lamar support the fact that homes are still in demand at prices higher than last year. are holding firm. homes for sale steady prices indicates buyersthat are Advertising andLess HDPR Group andwith a new marketing campaign Condos for sale have andreplenishing listing prices” steady.

Numbers of condos soldHomes this says “Cape Coral isdecreased Open for Business. still buying but inventory is not at the same rate as sales. past month decreased but the median price increased. Inexpensive units are selling out Cape Coral welcomed the opening of 1,156 businesses 2012 and price points for condos sold are moving up. sold at current prices support the fact that homes are still in demandin at prices including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses We have some but the real question is “what does this all mean?” higher than lastgreat year.information and businesses.

Commerce means shorter distances Well,46 hereunspecified is an overview that should generate some discussion.

Condos for sale have decreased andservices. listing prices steady. Numbers of condosa to travel for your goods and Commerce also means Most of our politicians seem to manipulate numbers to serve their specific purposes. For diversified base and jobs! sold this Washington pasttax month decreased butinflation. the median price Inexpensive instance, says we don’t have I guess theseincreased. people haven’t been to the supermarket or gas station recently. of Everything is higher than it was to before and as The Chamber ofand Commerce Cape Coral continues grow units are selling out price points for condos sold are moving up. prices continue to go up. Isn’t it interesting that Congress votes themselves cost of living well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of expense increases are information almost double but the cost living increasesisgranted socialthis Wemembers, have somethat great theofbe. real question “whattodoes security recipients? today Fuzzy math?

What else 583 we stand at could 744.itThis resulted in a 78 percent allOurmean?”

Well,growth here is an overview that should generate some discussion. membership a retention rate of 81 Thissome could fearless leaders have with been spending a lot of money on percent. a lot of things, questionable andpoliticians some necessary.

But, when the you spend morefrom youtheir have, it is not have accomplished referrals our members, Most ofbeen our seem towithout manipulate numbers tothan serve specific called deficit spending and we are experts in that. Our debt is quadruple what it was apurposes. dynamic sales team and an awesome membership development For instance, Washington before the current leadership took control. says we don’t have inflation. I guess these committee. people haven’t been to the gas stationprint recently.

Everything One of the ways of delaying thesupermarket impact of deficitorspending more money.

And is Chamber Leadership programs continue istotodevelop community so they do. The downside to this is that the buying power of each dollar is diminished. It higher than itNovember, wasmoney before and prices to goor up.

Isn’t it interesting simply takes to buy samecontinue loaf of bread gallon of gas.

That impactthat leaders.

In more 20the men and women graduated Leadership trickles down into everything we buy, including building materials and labor.

Cape Coral.

Twenty-four of expense the 2012increases Chamber have Congress votes themselves members cost of living thatboard are almost graduated from Program including Chairman and As inflation ourLeadership lives (whethergranted or not ourtoleaders admit it),the prices of just about double thecreeps cost ofintothe living increases social security recipients?

Fuzzy everything go up. That house you can buy today for $150,000 will cost $180,000 or more next year. Yep, that is a conservative 20% increase. If you are going to buy anyway, why pay $30,000 more tomorrow for what you can get today?

it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and One of thetogether ways of delaying impactand of deficit spending to print more members for RedtheWhite Boom , Golf isTournament, money. And so they do. TheExpo downside to this is that the powerTrip of Farmers Market, Business , Family Bowling Day,buying a Casino to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on each dollar is diminished. It simply takes more money to buy the same loaf December 1st. of bread or gallon of gas. That impact trickles down into everything we buy, Our on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals including building materials and labor. in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!!

As inflation creeps into ourdoesn’t lives (whether (Who says membership pay?) or not our leaders admit it), prices new Chamber mobile app washouse introduced of Ajust about everything go up.

That you can in buy2012. today for $150,000 It was also a very busy election year for our Affairs will cost $180,000 or more next year. Yep, that is a conservativePublic 20% increase.

Committee! This is a group of passionate people who make sure that If you“voice” are going to buy anyway, whynot pay only $30,000 morelocal tomorrow for what the of business is heard, at the level but also you canand getfederal. today? The candidates’ forums were very well attended by state members citizens Cape Coral.

Our localand media have ofreported already that home sales are up in Lee Our education committee Excellence in and Collier Counties. We aren’t yethosted seeing the this improvement in Education Cape Coral.

Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving However, with inflation around the corner, smart people will buy ahead of high school seniors! theItincreases, now that they can see growth is happening other was alsoespecially the first year of our “rotating” luncheons that areinbeing very received by our membership. countywell communities.

Serving your Chairman of on theyour Board has been an excellent If you canasgenerate 20% returns investments, please stay with experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of them.

If, like most people, 20% returns would be a gift, then please think meeting so many of you at meetings and events. about real you estateforto honoring see if it is right youryour situation.

Thank me for with trust and commitment! It has beenelse my can privilege to awork myin, fellow directors and amazing Where you buy placewith to live deduct the mortgage interest staff as well as the membership. and property tax from your federal return and enjoy a 20% or more increase look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you onI your purchase price? We have seen many cases where it is significantly good health and prosperity!

cheaper to own than it is to rent.

Astute buyers and sellers always try to stay a step ahead of the trend. All indicators are trending upward now and low fruit is ripe for the picking. But please, please find a reputable Realtor and work with him or her to maximize your satisfaction while improving your outcome. 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 visit www.RECapeCoral.com.

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

Diamond Member Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

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

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

Executive Member Chamber Commerce of Cape Coral AllofPower 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 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

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

The Wellness Center of Cape Coral is designed with you in mind:

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

and certified staff, an integrated • Degreed • Fitlinxx, with medical oversight by exercise tracking software a physician

most Les Mills group • The exercise programs in the area

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

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

that provides feedback on exercise plans

age assessment, • Body including strength,

flexibility, cardio respiratory capacity and body composition

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

239-573-4800

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

T

he July Business After Hours, hosted

by Lee Memorial Health System at the Cape Coral Wellness Center, not only served as a great networking venue for our members, but also wrapped up the Chamber’s annual fitness challenge.

In the three years since its inception, the annual fitness challenge has served as a life changing platform for many of our members and the community.

(Top Left) Tom Hayden, Community Conversations Editor of The News-Press gave his testimonial on how the challenge helped him to live a healthier life.

(Pictured Below) Some of the Challenge winners as well as challenge facilitator Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O., Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System.

(Bottom Right) Patrick Quinlan, Miloff Aubuchon Realty and Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator for the Chamber.

FIRST HOUR FREE

BUSINESS MENTORS

Here To Help!

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

GET YOUR INFORMATION HERE! RESOURCES INCLUDE;

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

(239) 549-6900

...

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