Trends Chamber
The Official Publication of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral September 2025
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
WELCOME CENTER CLOSED
September 1, 2025
BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
High Fidelity Studios & Ashur Designs Chamber Offices/Welcome Center
2051 Cape Coral Parkway E | Cape Coral, FL 33904
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Coral Ridge Event Center 950 Chiquita Boulevard S | Cape Coral, FL 33991
EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 7:30 AM
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Mellow Mushroom 53 NE Pine Island Road | Cape Coral, FL 33909
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Friday, September 19, 2025 | 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cape Vineyard 923 SE 47th Terrace | Cape Coral, FL 33904
NETWORKING AT NOON
Friday, September 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Wintrust Banking Center 915 Cape Coral Parkway E | Cape Coral, FL 33904
Publisher & Editor
Stephanie Roberson, IOM Technology Director
stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Cape Coral Farmers’ Market - Club Square
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, September 29, 2025 | 4:00 PM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 7:30 AM
CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET Club Square
Saturdays 8 AM - 1 PM www.capecoralfarmersmarket.com
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL DAYS
September 4 - Health Care Day
September 11 - Media Day
September 18 - Public Safety Day
September 26 - Tourism/City Government Day
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE EVENTS AT www.capecoralchamber.com
Contributing Editors
Donna S. Germain, IOM, FCCP President/CEO
donna@capecoralchamber.com
Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com
Lisa Barrella
Membership Sales Director lisa@capecoralchamber.com
Maria Ortiz
Membership Relations and Events Director maria@capecoralchamber.com
Michaela Porter
Welcome Center Specialist michaela@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
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2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair, Bill Johnson, Jr, Lee County Horizon Foundation
Chair Elect, Mick Sheldrake, Guardian Angels For Special Populations
Past Chair, Dusty Shelton, It’s IT
Treasurer, Bill Jones, WastePro
Financial Advisor, Stephanie Ramirez, Assured Bookkeeping
Member at Large, Jeff Justin, Lee County Electric Cooperative
DIRECTORS
Vanessa Chaviano, LIV Digital Marketing
Matthew Connar, Connar Enterprises
Jenell Dolan, Lee County Electric Cooperative
Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center
Eric Gundersen, Drones SWFL
Kurt Godwin, Discovery Maps
Barry Kadel, The Westin Resort Cape Coral
Rachel Kaduk, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Toni Mueller, FineMark National Bank
Lorri Philbin, Lee Health
Jay Santos, Busey Bank
Tracy Sicard, Fastsigns Cape Coral
Nancy Travis, Individual
Chuck Warren, Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation
Samara Weidner, Technology at Work
Nita Whaley, CC Real Estate Services
Sharon Woodberry, City of Cape Coral
Molly Wright, Suncoast Beverage
TRUSTEES
Lenny Cannova, Modern Woodman of America
Alex Dias, Florida Blue Medicare
Sergio Nascimento, IncredibleBank
Cory O’Donnell, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.
Michelle Richard, Main Street Home Loans
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions
Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, LLC
Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc.
Joseph Francioni, SWFL Water Testing
Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering
Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative
Michelle Lewis, B2 Technology Solutions
Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc.
Donna Meola, Truist Bank
Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc
Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates
Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center
Zachary Zeis, Suncoast Beverage
CHAMBER STAFF
Donna S. Germain, IOM, FCCP, President/CEO
Chamber Trends
Donna S. Germain, IOM, FCCP President/CEO
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2025
The Leadership Cape Coral Program kicked off its 32nd year in August and welcomed 23 new Leaders into the class. It was wonderful seeing so many Alumni at kick off this year, thank you all for your continued support of this program.
Among those that began their 13-week Leadership Journey include Sandra Alamilla, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC, Monica Avila, Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU, Alexandra Caraballo Valdes, Azzendo Wealth Advisors, Ron Clayton, WM - Waste Management, Alexis Cortez, Wintrust Banking Center - Cape Coral, Elizabeth Goldbach, Small Business Development Center at FGCU, Rachel Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services, Kailee Hazen, IncredibleBank, Nadaud Jacques-Louis, Affordable Senior Home Care, Matt Jasilewicz, Garage Door Works, LLC, Ira Liebman, Mighty Mussels Baseball, Juan Nunez, Florida Blue Center, Madison Obrochta, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC, Brad Peska, Experience Real Estate Group, Kristen Raposa, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., Eric Reed, Sun Splash Waterpark, Sarah Richard, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community, Kara Rogers, Powers & Rogers, PLLC, Paul Sanchez, Funtodo.com, Nancy Satala, Aubuchon Homes, Jodi Tanner, IncredibleBank, Kim Taylor, Cape Coral Hospital, Joe Yapello, The Cape Coral Sun.
Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager/ Farmers’ Market Director
Stephanie Roberson, IOM, Technology Director
Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Director
Maria Ortiz, Membership Relations & Events Director
Michaela Porter, Welcome Center Specialist
Our program chairs for 2025 include Sam Weidner, Technology at Work and Annette Warren, Priority Business Solutions. Co-chairs include Kennedy VanDyke, LCEC and Dr Omar Clark, Experience Health and Wellness.
During their first session as a class, our Dynamic duo of Mike Quaintance, Class of 1996 and Joe Mazurkiewicz, Class of 1993 once again lead our teambuilding for Kick-off at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and Suncoast Beverage did an outstanding job helping with the alumni reception and dinner.
Thank you to our Kick-Off Sponsors; Platinum Kick Off Sponsors: WastePro and The Guardian Angels For Special Populations, Class Sponsors: Cape Cleaners, Owen-AmesKimball Co. and FastSigns Cape Coral.
Their second session, Made in Cape Coral Day took the class through the history of Cape Coral and its development. They toured our city’s industrial parks and learned about what is manufactured right here in Cape Coral including Nor-tech Boats and Wicked Dolphin Rum! We also made our first trip to Bones Coffee Company!
Real Estate and Construction Day provided the class with a behindthe-scenes tour and some historical knowledge of two of our largest industries in Cape Coral. The class also participated in a Builders Care Project through the Lee BIA and were able to help with some much-needed landscaping and clean up for a person in need.
On Community Steward Day, the Class spent the day visiting and learning about several non-profit organizations in Cape Coral including the Cape Coral Caring Center, Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center & Museum, Guardian Angels for Special Populations, PACE Center For Girls, Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, Rotary Club of Cape Coral and Thrive, just to name a few.
Thank you to our day chairs, speakers, sponsors, and hosts so far…
Donna Germain 2005, Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, Elmer Tabor 1993, Joe Mazurkiewicz 1993, Wicked Dolphin Rum, Bayside Burger & Beer, Nor-Tech High Performance Boats, MATT LAMB!!! 20-12 Pack, Dusty Shelton 2016, Leigh Strand 2018, Brand1 Ink, Gloria Tate, Raso Realty, Shannan O’Brian 2018 and Bill Steinke, Miloff Aubuchon Realty and Aubuchon Homes, Amy Yearsley 2004, Matt Grambow, The City of Cape Coral, Chapman Insurance Group, Mick Sheldrake – Class of 2020, JNS Defense Logistics, Eric Gundersen – Class of 2021, Melanie Musick – Class of 2023, Julie Ferguson – Class of 2014, Cape Coral Caring Center, Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center & Museum, Liz McCauley, Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Meg Deluca, Class of 2021 and Thrive.
Thank you to our annual sponsors, Lee County Electric Cooperative, The Breeze Newspapers, The News-Press and Waste Pro
Real Estate & Construction Day - Builders Care landscape clean up project
Made in Cape Coral - Wicked Dolphin Rum
Made in Cape Coral - Nor-tech Boats
Rachel Hauck sings with the group at Special Pops
Madison - LCEC
Chamber staff in the news
Stephanie Roberson of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Graduates from Institute for Organization Management
A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Stephanie Roberson, IOM, Technology Director, of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessar y to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
OUTSTANDING WOMAN 2025
Chamber President/CEO, Donna Germain, was nominated and names one of Sunny 106.3 top outstanding women in our community for 2025 Congratulations Donna!
Farmers’ Market
The Cape Coral Farmers’ Market has been hopping all summer and now we are preparing for our Fall/Winter season. Vendors are taking their last vacations and resting up for what is hoped to be a stellar season. We are updating signs, marketing, and making sure all the infrastructure is in good shape.
Seeds are being planted, and we will soon have our delicious local offerings available every Saturday from 8a-1p. Until then, we rely on our surrounding states for their great summer produce. One of the best we have found is Tennessee tomatoes. Each year they come to us, and they are as tasty as they can be. We have learned over the years that folks are very fond of their home state tomatoes and are a bit stubborn about new things, especially tomatoes! Give these a try. You won’t be disappointed.
We hope you get an opportunity to visit the market. Stop by our office tent in the middle and say hello when you come. We would love to meet you.
Here are some pictures of our fantastic vendors and their products.
STop BY THE WELCOME CENTER
�� Season is Almost Here! ��
We’re already seeing more calls and walk-ins at the Chamber Welcome Center, and that means thousands of visitors are starting to explore Cape Coral. This is your chance to make sure your business is what they find first!
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to bring us your menus, brochures, business cards, and any freebies or merch you want to share. Visitors love grabbing those little extras — coupons, pens, keychains, whatever you’ve got — and it really helps keep your business top of mind.
Short on time? No worries! You can always mail your materials to our PO Box, and we’ll make sure they’re stocked and ready for the season.
The Welcome Center is often the first stop for new visitors, so let’s make sure Cape Coral is shining this season — and that your business is right there in front of them!
Michaela Porter, Welcome Center Specialist (239) 549-6900 x102 | michaela@capecoralchamber.com W to If sh yo Sh
welcome center volunteer needed
We are currently looking for 1 volunteer for the Welcome Center for a fill-in shift. Shifts run M-F 8am-12pm or 12pm-4pm and is on a needed fill-in basis.
If you are interested in filling this spot, please call Michaela Porter at (239) 549-6900 x102
EXPRESS CAR WASH CAR WASH
Cape Coral Parkway West | Cape Coral, FL 33914 https://whistleexpresscarwash.com/
Cape Coral, FL | (239) 205-6173 www.spydentpestcontrol.com
|
REAL ESTATE TRENDS
What is REALLY affecting the real estate market in Cape Coral?
We’ve all seen articles with headlines that range from “fastest growing city” to “worst market in America”. It can’t possibly be both! Or can it? Over the next few weeks, I will share insights from my experience in the real estate and lending industries. I don’t just hold a license; I make my living in the industry. As someone deeply involved in both sectors for fifteen+ years, across four states, I know it incredibly well. I’m also one of those rare people who LOVE numbers. Let’s start with what many people incorrectly think is among the biggest contributing factors—interest rates. Although this seems like the most obvious answer, this is among the smallest contributors to our current buyers’ market. Simply put, the entire nation shares the same rates, and we sat and watched for quite some time as our homes sat on the market while the rest of the country didn’t have enough inventory. Let’s call the rates “the icing”, but this had nothing to do with the screeching halt we experienced nearly 3 years ago.
So, what happened three years ago that was specific to our area??? Hurricane Ian-9/28/22
Hurricane Ian, in my opinion, was the first strike in many ways. Today, I am going to focus on the effect on our inventory. For single-family homes only:
In 2021, Cape Coral had 5,085 closings between 1/1-9/28 and another 1,884 between 9/29-12/31.
In 2022, Cape Coral had 4,902 closings between 1/1-9/28 and only 869 closings between 9/29-12/31.
One can argue that there was already a decline, but that decrease was only 3.75% before the Hurricane date of 9/28. After the hurricane, there was an extreme difference of more than 46%. In my opinion, this is where it started, and this is why we were hit so hard.
Think of all the damage—from cages and roofs, to flooding or total destruction. From no power to an entire county of people who needed the same contractors, building materials, and resources at the same time. Houses couldn’t be sold until the damage was repaired because the home would be uninsurable. Correction, it COULD be sold, but that would be with known damage, as land value, and only for cash. In other words…investors who would pay you much less than your property was worth before the storm, and much less than what it would be worth once repaired. So, most of the community took as long as they needed to have their homes made whole again. Sadly, many are still living with damage, but that’s an article for a different day. If they had money to pay for the repairs on their own, it happened more quickly than for those who needed to wait for insurance. My own example: I paid more than $250,000 out of pocket to get
the ball rolling on repairs so I wouldn’t have to wait in line with thousands who needed the same services. Even still, despite hiring our initial contractor before noon the day after the storm while still in Miami, house damage unknown, and assuring him I was paying cash, our home was not “made whole” until October 2023…almost 13 months later.
The numbers for 2023 are skewed, so I’m not going to try to break them down. Our MLS even created new statuses that weren’t previously available (known damage & land value), so numbers wouldn’t be completely accurate. The important thing to consider is what can happen to a volatile market in the relatively “short” time between the storm and when communities are pieced back together? When buyers were afraid to buy here after watching that monster, Hurricane Ian, literally take us by storm? When sellers couldn’t sell because of damage or open insurance claims? When tourists went elsewhere because our beaches and amenities were unsafe or inaccessible? When Airbnb, our main go-to for vacationers, wasn’t available because our homeowners and/or out-of-state contractors needed places to stay. THIS is the reason the market correction hit us first, and this is the reason we were hit hard and FAST. This was an event that changed everything for us. Next, I will break down another one of the significant challenges our hyperlocal area faces when it comes to buying or selling: insurance
Michelle Richard, Broker/Owner
Almost Home Real Estate Services
Michelle@AlmostHomeFL.com 401-744-7721
AlmostHomeFL.com
Michelle has been active and full-time in real estate for over 15 years, as a Broker since 2012. She has several years of experience in the banking industry as a branch manager, now as a licensed loan originator, which gives her a unique insight into both aspects of the industry. Michelle was among the top 10% for closed real estate sales in Cape Coral for 2024, and among the top 5% for volume. She is very active in her community and a proud member of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board and several committees. Michelle is also a member of Kiwanis, CERT, Cape Coral Republican Club, and a Cape Coral Leadership graduate of 2022.
ONLINE OPPORTUNTIES
COUPONS - BANNER ADVERTISING - JOB POSTINGS - AND MORE
Expose your business to over 15,000 visitors per month on the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Cape Coral websites. Imagine having anyone in the world with a computer finding out about your business. Included in your Chamber membership is an opportunity to place a your business information which includes; 60-word paragraph about your business, your e-mail address and a hyperlink to your website on the Chamber’s website. Enhanced listings are also available and includes company logos and photos. Your membership also offers you the opportunity to track referrals and for you to place Help Wanted ads and review Posted Resumes. Banner advertising is also available as the Internet continues to grow and become a larger tool in search for businesses and local information. Chamber members may post discount certificates and/or coupons as members-to-member opportunties or to the general public. (fill out attached form) For more information, contact Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director at (239) 549-6900 x108 (or) via email at stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
HEALTH CARE TRENDS
National Suicide Prevention Month, observed each September, is a vital time to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote emotional well-being for all. It’s a moment to honor the lives lost to suicide, support those who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, and recognize the profound impact suicide has on individuals, families, and communities.
The month serves as a reminder that suicide is often preventable and that hope and help are within reach. Mental health organizations like NAMI lead efforts to educate the public, foster understanding, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Through community events, campaigns, and shared resources, they aim to empower individuals to seek support and to stand in solidarity with those affected.
National Suicide Prevention Month calls on all of us to be part of the solution—by listening, learning, and showing compassion. Sandra Mills, Ph.D., clinical director of Lee Health Behavioral Health Center, says that sharing our experiences helps promote the understanding that mental health challenges are not defects of character.
“Today, we recognize that mental health is simply another aspect of our overall wellbeing—as essential and worthy as primary care treatment for infections, physical ailments, and diseases,” Dr. Mills says. “Sharing personal experiences can foster understanding and help reduce the stigma around mental healthcare.”
The evolution of mental health treatment and its perception
Dr. Mills notes that, historically, mental healthcare was poorly understood, often feared, and stigmatized as a result.
“Not so long ago, the approach of professionals in the mental health field (medical, psychological, and psychiatric) to mental health challenges was far from compassionate. This was reinforced by portrayals of ‘insane asylums’ and treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as frightening experiences,” Dr. Mills says. “Movies like ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Shutter Island’ dramatized and promoted historical approaches that lacked patient dignity and understanding.”
Mental health treatment has come a long way, she says, and so has its perception. Among its many messages, this month’s recognition promotes the idea that mental health “is as crucial to our overall well-being as our physical health,” Dr. Mills says.
“Mental health conditions, like primary care issues, require proper treatment, like any other part of our body system. They deserve the same attention, treatment, and care as a primary care issue,” Dr. Mills says.
Our minds require balance just like our bodies
Just as our bodies function optimally when in homeostasis (balance), so do our minds. When this balance is disrupted—whether by chemical
imbalances, trauma, stress, or other factors—we experience symptoms that signal something needs attention.
“Our bodies work perfectly when they’re in homeostasis, and minds are the same,” Dr. Mills notes. “When we develop a fever from a flu infection, we get treatment that reduces the fever, clears the infection, and puts us back to our normal selves,” says Dr. Mills. “Our brains work the same way.”
This medical model, she says, helps us understand mental health conditions as legitimate health issues requiring proper treatment—not as character flaws or personal weaknesses.
Normalization helps reduce stigma and encourages treatment
Normalization, in its simplest form, means making something normal or regular. Dr. Mills says that when public figures, media personalities, or social influencers speak openly about their mental health journeys, they contribute significantly to this normalization process.
By normalizing conversations about mental health, we create a world where no one has to suffer in silence, Dr. Mills says.
“Their vulnerability helps others recognize that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of success, wealth, or status,” she says. “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month helps us understand that mental health challenges are incredibly common, a normal part of the Human experience.”
Approximately one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year. “By acknowledging this prevalence, we reduce isolation and encourage those struggling to seek help,” Dr. Mills adds.
Community support plays a vital role in mental health recovery
Support groups provide tremendous value for those facing mental health challenges. Like behavioral addiction recovery programs, these groups offer:
- A community with shared experiences and a common language
- A space free from judgment where people can speak openly
- One-on-one relationships that foster growth and accountability
Professional therapy can offer these benefits, too, Dr. Mills notes. Therapeutic approaches include group therapy and individual counseling, where patients are met with what she calls “unconditional positive regard,” a concept pioneered by Carl Rogers.
“This simple act of holding space for someone without judgment is often reported as the most healing aspect of their journey,” Dr. Mills says.
It’s OK to not be OK
Human imperfection should be embraced and not hidden, according to Dr. Mills. “Rather than hiding our struggles, we can embrace them as part of our unique stories.”
She says the Japanese art of Kintsugi beautifully illustrates this concept. In this tradition, broken pottery isn’t discarded; instead, the cracks are filled with gold, creating something even more beautiful than the original.
“Our mental health journeys—including the struggles and healing—can similarly transform us into stronger, more compassionate individuals. Even broken crayons can still color.”
As we observe this important month, let’s remember that seeking help for mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness but rather an act of courage. Let’s commit to treating mental health with the same importance we give to physical health, and to seeing the strength in every mental health story—including our own.
If you are in a crisis
The statistics on suicide are staggering. The age-adjusted suicide rate in 2022 was 14.21 per 100,000 individuals. If you are in a crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline provides confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Support is also available via live chat. Para ayuda en español, llame al 988.
How are you feeling?
If the answer is “overwhelmed with emotions” like sadness, depression, or anxiety, reach out to our experienced, compassionate professionals at Lee Health Behavioral Services at 239-343-9188.
| Friday, September 19 • 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | | Cape Vineyard • 923 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33904 |
Maria Ortiz • (239) 549-6900 ext. 111 • maria@capecoralchamber.com
FREEDOM 5K RECAP
The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K and Scooter’s Lawn Care Kid’s Fun Run on the Fourth of July, bringing together our community in celebration and gratitude for those who serve. At our August General Membership Luncheon, we were honored to present the Brotherhood of Heroes with a $2,355 donation from the proceeds of this year’s event. In addition, the Special Operations Communicators Association (SOCA), though unable to attend, also received a $2,355 donation thanks to the generosity of our community and sponsors.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Priority Business Solutions, Scooter’s Lawn Care, Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, Fix Marine Supply, 5 Day Plantation Shutters, Brotherhood of Heroes, Solay Cape Coral Luxury Apartments, Tommy’s Express Holdings, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, Viles & Beckman LLC, Signarama Cape Coral, Wintrust Banking Center–Cape Coral, The Salad King, The Bagel Factory, City of Cape Coral, The Breeze Newspapers, Sprouts Farmers Market of Cape Coral, Suncoast Beverage, Lamar Billboards, FOS Furniture, Waste Pro, Cheetah Printing & Signs, Cape Cleaners, Key West Express. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, participants, and especially our veterans, whose presence and dedication made this patriotic celebration so meaningful. Together, we honored the Fourth of July by giving back to those who give so much for us.
NEW & Renewed MEMBERS
PRECISE HOMEWATCH, LLC
MEMBER SINCE: 06/15/2017
A Z Z E N D O W E A LT H A D V I S O R S AZZENDO WEALTH ADVISORS
Alexandra Caraballo Valdes
C A N CO M M U N I T Y H E A LT H - CAN COMMUNITY HEALTHF O R T M Y E R S FORT MYERS
Jasmine Akins
C A P E CO R A L TA L K R A D I O CAPE CORAL TALK RADIO
Ed Ryan Ed
C A P E W E L L N E S S A N D CAPE WELLNESS AND I N F U S I O N S INFUSIONS
Hannah Dowling Hannah Dowling
Jody Haas Haas S
Gevon
Lisa Balzotti
Michelle Hiltzman
ABOUT POPCORN
Claudia Silva S antisteban Santisteban
RASO REALTY, INC.
MEMBER SINCE: 04/01/1989
ROELENS VACATIONS
MEMBER SINCE: 01/30/2024
SKLAWYERS, PLLC
MEMBER SINCE: 08/21/2019
TUNDRA HOMES
MEMBER SINCE: 09/08/2006
TURNER PEST CONTROL
CAPE CORAL FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE, INC.
MEMBER SINCE: 09/12/2005
CAPE CORAL HIGH SCHOOL MEMBER SINCE: 09/28/1999
CHRISTIAN LIFE ACADEMY MEMBER SINCE: 08/17/2018
FAITH GENERATION CHURCH MEMBER SINCE: 09/10/2019
FAMILY INITIATIVE MEMBER SINCE: 08/21/2019
C E N T R O C R I S T I A N O D E C A P E
CENTRO CRISTIANO DE CAPE CO R A L , I N C CORAL, INC
Marcelo Guidi
E X T R E M E F LO R I DA R O O F I N G , EXTREME FLORIDA ROOFING, L LC LLC
Heather Kiesel Kiesel
F I B R E N E W C A P E CO R A L FIBRENEW CAPE CORAL
Luke D eering Luke Deering
F U N TO D O. CO M FUNTODO.COM
Paul S anchez Sanchez
I 75 AU D I O & V I D E O L LC I75 AUDIO VIDEO LLC
Chris Zino Zino
I S L A N D S I D E D E N TA L C A R E ISLANDSIDE DENTAL CARE
B eth Kempain Beth
L I F E ’S B E AU T I F U L LIFE’S BEAUTIFUL
T R A N S F O R M AT I O N S L LC TRANSFORMATIONS LLC
Leah S ampson Leah Sampson
N WA R
S O LU T I O N S SOLUTIONS
Edmundo Pena
SINCLAIR CABINETRY, INC
Matt Sinclair Matt
J U LY R E N E WA L S JULY RENEWALS
ALLIANCE FINANCIAL GROUP
MEMBER SINCE: 08/12/2020
CAPE LIFE
MEMBER SINCE: 09/20/2022
CHILL
MEMBER SINCE: 05/25/2022
CORAL RIDGE FUNERAL HOME, CEMETERY AND CREMATIONS
MEMBER SINCE: 04/28/2008
ENVIROSAVE ENTERPRISES LLC
MEMBER SINCE: 02/20/2014
FAMILY HARDWARE DO-IT EXPRESS
MEMBER SINCE: 09/06/2016
LAI DESIGN ASSOCIATES, LLC
MEMBER SINCE: 09/13/2010
PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS OF LEE COUNTY
MEMBER SINCE: 09/21/2022
MEMBER SINCE: 04/11/2005
EASY MORTGAGE LLC
MEMBER SINCE: 06/19/2025
INDIVIDUAL - EDWIN (ED) ESTES
MEMBER SINCE: 06/25/2024
A HANDY HOME INSPECTOR
MEMBER SINCE: 08/31/2023
HARRISON’S PEST CONTROL
MEMBER SINCE: 08/31/2023
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUN COAST, INC
MEMBER SINCE: 08/28/2012
CAPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MEMBER SINCE: 09/29/2006
CAPE CORAL ART LEAGUE
MEMBER SINCE: 01/28/1999
CAPE CORAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
MEMBER SINCE: 04/30/1999
THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS MEMBER SINCE: 09/20/2005
PROMISE FOR HEROES MEMBER SINCE: 09/19/2024
THE ROTARY CLUB OF CAPE CORAL MEMBER SINCE: 08/25/1999
FLORIDA BLUE MEDICARE MEMBER SINCE: 08/16/2022
HOTWORX - CHIQUITA MEMBER SINCE: 09/30/2024
PAM’S PLUMBING, INC. DBA HAMILTON’S PLUMBING MEMBER SINCE: 09/06/2024
PROPARKS MANAGEMENT MEMBER SINCE: 06/10/2022
THE DAMEX CORPORATION MEMBER SINCE: 07/09/2020
We love Local.
We’re part of the local community just like you. And we’re dedicated to helping you connect with the people that matter most: your neighbors. All to help you grow your business.
LCEC works year-round to harden the electric system and prepare for storms. The plan to respond as quickly and safely as possible.
Since 1940, LCEC employees, contractors, and vendors have been there to respond to our community 24/7/365. about Storm Preparedness.
Welcome Center Advertising
ADVERTISE AT THE ONLY WELCOME CENTER IN CAPE CORAL
OVER 50,000 PEOPLE WALK THROUGH OUR LOBBY DOORS A YEAR!
We have multiple options available including backlit advertisements in various sizes as well as Welcome Center TV advertisements. Welcome Center TV advertisements include 5 slides of your choice that will rotate on a slide show all day long!
Although our advertising agreements are a one-year commitment, we do offer semi-annual or annual billing. We have advertising opportunities that will work with any budget!
Our Welcome Center is located at 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E, Cape Coral, FL 33904
For more information or to purchase an advertisement space, please contact Maria Ortiz at (239)549-6900 ext. 111 or maria@capecoralchamber.com
*Advertisement spaces are limited to active members of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral only
For more information about membership please contact Lisa Barrella at (239) 549-6900 Ext. 103
August Networking Recap
A very big and special THANKS to all our hosts this month! Our members were treated to a Business Card Exchange, a Business After Hours and a Networking at Noon!
Our Business Card Exchange Event was hosted by LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION (LMCU) at 521 Del Prado Blvd S. with Manager and Personal and Business Banker MONICA AVILA! This new full-service branch is the 21st LMCU location in Florida, and the credit union’s second in Cape Coral. The branch is ready to serve individuals, families, and businesses, offering great rates on personal banking products!
Our Business After Hours Event was hosted by LIFESYNERGY WELLNESS at 1425 Viscaya Parkway Suite 102 with Owners ZAHILY PERAZA-HIGGINS and ROBERT HIGGINS! LifeSynergy Wellness is a Nurse Practitioner-owned and operated health lounge focused on Men’s Health, Medical Weight Loss, IV Hydration and Vitamin Therapy, Aesthetics, Menopause relief and more! We are dedicated to helping our clients improve their overall health, boost energy, lose weight, and achieve lifelong health and wellness. Come see what separates us from the rest. Whether you are looking to improve energy, performance and stamina, maximize your weight loss goals, or boost your immunity, our staff is ready to assist you.
Our Networking at Noon Event was hosted by MONARCA’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE BAR & GRILL and CRUISIN TIKIS at 1604 SE 46th Street with VICTOR CERNA and NICK & STACY BECKER! MONARCA’S is Decorative spot for Mexican eats with flavored margaritas & other festive cocktails. Check out their NEW FOOD & DRINK offerings NEW Mariachi Band and other events including a Paint & Sip with Margarita’s!
NICK & STACY BECKER have brought the fun to Cape Coral with both CRUISIN TIKIS and their BRANDNEW TROLLEY PUB CAPE CORAL! Cruisin Tikis Cape Coral is a floating tiki bar that offers multiple cruises for guests up to 12, bring aboard your favorite drinks or food to enjoy our breathtaking waterways. You can find us floating out of Monarca’s Mexican Restaurant. We have been running since December of 2021 and currently have two locations in Southwest Florida.
Hop aboard the Trolley Pub, Cape Coral’s unique pedal powered bar tour! Perfect for bar hopping, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more! Our trolley seats up to 14 and require 6 peddlers. With electric assist, BYOB fun, and a certified guide, it’s the ultimate way to explore the city’s top spots with friends!
Special Events
14TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
ANNUALWOMEN’SLEADERSHIP KSkSSilCi
The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce is buzzing with excitement as we prepare for our 14th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference, taking place on Friday, September 19th, at Cape Vineyard. This event celebrates the power of women coming together to inspire, connect, and lead with purpose.
We are happy to announce our keynote speaker, Bestselling Author, TEDx speaker, Podcast Host and founder of Boss In Heels, Heather Monahan! Attendees will enjoy multiple breakout sessions, dynamic networking opportunities, and our diverse Hive Trade Show. The day is filled with valuable takeaways from women in leadership roles across various industries. This event promises to empower participants with fresh perspectives and practical tools to create confident people, teams, and organizations.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Venue Sponsor: Cape Vineyard
Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee Corporate Sponsors: Lee Health, LCEC, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Wintrust Banking Center–Cape Coral, Florida Blue Center, Suellen’s Floral Company
Visit some of our sponsors and speakers at the Hive Trade Show as well as the Key West Express, IncredibleBank, Bath Fitter, PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, FASTSIGNS of Fort Myers, Cape Coral Animal Shelter
Support our cause! A portion of our proceeds from this event are given back to the Cape Coral Animal Shelter.
With inspiration, collaboration, and community at the heart of the conference, this bee-themed event is one you won’t want to miss. Together, let’s build a stronger hive of women leaders shaping the future!
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to register for the event, please visit womensleadershipcc.com or contact Maria Ortiz at (239) 5496911 ext. 111 maria@capecoralchamber.com
Visit Florida
We are excited to announce that the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral has launched www.visitcapecoral. com.
Be sure to like and follow our Facebook page @visitcapecoral
The new division of our website offers more value to our beautiful city as we drive traffic to visitors with information that includes community resources and business information.
The goal of www.visitcapecoral.com is to focus on making it easier for visitors from out of the area as well as community members to learn and locate valuable information about places to stay, things to do and events city wide. Created with the user experience in mind, the site includes many updated features to help users quickly and easily navigate the site to find the resources they need. It is a fully responsive design for laptop and mobile experiences.
For more information about opportunities on the new website, contact Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director at (239) 5496900 x108 or stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
SIMPLE ENROLLMENT
ABOUTUS
Your Chamber has partnered with Chambers of FL Healthcare to assist and better serve those small to mid-sized businesses that are underserved and often priced out of complete health insurance coverage.
WHATWEDO
We offer complete healthcare insurance coverage for you and your team. This includes both ACA and medically underwritten plans, alongside ancillary options like dental, vision, worksite, disability, life, and so much more.
REAL-TIME QUOTING
A clear and simple shopping experience with real-time quoting from more than 170 national and regional carriers.
ZERO PAPERWORK
The entire shopping and enrollment process is led by a trusted advisor and is completely done online with esignatures for security and simplicity.
SAVINGSYEAR AFTERYEAR
Thousands of plan options ensure your coverage fits your team, helping save more.
LCEC works year-round to harden the electric system and prepare encouraged to prepare with a plan that includes special needs,
The plan
LCEC has a tried and true plan that is electric grid is built to be resilient.
When power is interrupted, the LCEC team is prepared to respond as quickly and safely as possible.
Since 1940, LCEC employees, contractors, and vendors have been there to respond to every major event with a sense of urgency. We know our members depend on electricity to power their lives and we are our community 24/7/365.
Visit the lcec.net Storm Center for more
