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Trends Chamber

CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

APRIL EVENTS

BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Lake Michigan Credit Union of Florida

530 Cape Coral Parkway E | Cape Coral, FL 33904

CASINO IN THE CAPE

Presented by Leadership Cape Coral Class of 2024

Friday, April 4, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Splendor Event Hall

360 Santa Barbara Bouelvard S | Cape Coral, FL 33991

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Coral Ridge Event Center

950 Chiquita Bouelvard S | Cape Coral, FL 33991

CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

Chamber Trends & Website Advertising

Chamber Trends MonthlyAdvertising

FullPage$337

1/2Page$227

1/4 Page$147

BusinessCard$117

Alladsincludehyperlinktoyourcompany’swebsite

Non-profitorganizationsreceive 2 free1/2pageadsper yearuponrequestwiththeirmembership

Chamber Trends WeeklyAdvertising

Business- BannerAdvertising$ 00/month

Box Advertising $50/month

PressRelease$25

Runs4x, includesa hyperlinkto yourwebsiteor document

Email Blast

BusinessSpotlightE-mailBlast $199

BusinessSpotlightwillrun2xinthemonth of yourchoice

Website Advertising

LeaderboardBanner $250/month

(Choiceof ChamberWebsiteor Visit Cape CoralWebsite – both sitestogetherwith a$100 discount)

Allbannersincludea hyperlink toyour company’s website

ForMoreInformation,

Q: Do I need a fire permit for construction?

A: Most likely, yes. Fire permits are typically required for site work, remodeling, firewalls, sprinklers, alarms, suppression systems, exhaust hoods, and LP (liquid propane) tanks. These permits ensure the work meets current fire codes.

Q: What do I need to get a fire permit?

A: The Fire Department can guide you on what forms and information are needed. However, they cannot advise on how to build your project or recommend contractors. Their role is to review submissions for compliance with fire codes.

Q: Why is it so important to follow fire codes?

A: Cape Coral follows the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which includes NFPA 1 (Uniform Fire Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). These codes are designed to protect lives by minimizing fire risks and ensuring safe evacuation during emergencies.

Q: Can my business move into this particular unit?

A: It depends. Requirements like firewalls and sprinkler systems vary depending on the type of occupancy. For instance, a daycare next to a realtor’s office may need a 2-hour firewall if the building lacks sprinklers. With sprinklers, the requirement could drop to 1-hour. These requirements are based on NFPA 101-6.

Q: What are fire plan reviewers looking for?

A: Key safety features: safe egress (exiting), fire suppression systems (sprinklers, alarms), building construction, hydrant locations, and fire department access. Planning ahead for these elements ensures safety for occupants and responders alike.

Q: What happens after my permit is issued?

A: Fire inspectors conduct all required inspections based on the type and number of permits issued. A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Zoning Compliance (ZC) will only be issued once all inspections are complete. Businesses cannot open until these are finalized.

Q: Can I use a third-party private provider for fire inspections?

A: No. While third-party providers can be used for building plan reviews and inspections, they are not permitted for fire plan reviews or inspections. Only city-certified fire inspectors can perform these services.

At the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, we’re here to help you grow your business and understand the processes that keep our community thriving and safe. If you have additional questions about permitting or fire inspections, we’re always happy to connect you with the right resources. This FAQ can also be found at https://www.capecoralfire. com/business-fire-plans-faqs. Let’s continue building a better, safer Cape Coral together.

SAVE THE DATE annuAL EVENTS

SPECIAL EVENTS

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS HOSTED AT THE BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE ON MONDAY MAY 5TH, 2025

This annual event honors one educator and one student from each of our local schools. Each honoree is presented with a plaque and gifts provided by local businesses. Scholarships are awarded to some of our community’s finest high school seniors. Family members are invited to accompany the recipients as local business leaders, school district officials and area government officials honor them for their achievements Sponsor and present a scholarship to a local High School Senior!

For more information contact maria@capecoralchamber.com 239.549.6900 ext. 111

Thank you to our sponsors:

The Breeze Newspapers, Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, Guardian Angels for Special Populations, LCEC, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Forest Development, LifeSynergy Wellness, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Florida Blue, Bright Land Inc., Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, & SuEllen’s Floral Company

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

SEA STAR Program Celebrates One Year of Transforming Care for Children with Sensory Needs

In April 2024, Lee Health Golisano Children’s Hospital launched a first-ofits-kind program to support patient care for pediatric patients with Autism Spectrum and Sensory Disorders (ASD). The SEA STAR Program, which stands for Safety Education Awareness, Sensory Training – Autism Readiness, included the hospital’s certification as the first Certified Autism Center in Florida.

Now, coinciding with Autism Acceptance Month, the unique program celebrates one year of providing specialized care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory sensitivities.

Filling the growing need for specialized pediatric care

“In every shift I work, I see at least one child that’s on the spectrum,” says Dr. Alfredo Vargas, emergency room physician at Golisano. “They’re unique in the way you have to approach them, the way you have to manage them, because they’re going to have limitations in how they communicate, how they interact.”

The need for specialized pediatric care is significant and expanding, research shows:

 Nearly 100,000 children are in the School District of Lee County, many requiring specialized care

 1 in 6 children experiences sensory sensitivity, or sensory processing difficulties. A child with sensory processing difficulties can be overresponsive or under responsive to a particular sensory input.

 Over 11,000 students in Lee County receive Special Education Services

Another first: A sensory-friendly ambulance ensures safe and comfortable transportation

Golisano also became the first hospital in Florida to debut a sensory-friendly ambulance, specially designed to accommodate the unique needs of children with sensory sensitivities.

“Ambulances in general can be pretty scary. Just being sick as a child is scary. And then, if you have to go into an ambulance, it’s loud, the lights are very bright, and it’s a very strange environment,” says Dr. Emad Salman, Chief Physician Executive of Children’s Services. “We try to make this as friendly as possible.”

The sensory-friendly ambulance includes feature, such as:

 Soundproof cab to minimize the noise from lights and sirens

 Dimmer lighting, illuminated stars and a sky view mural on the ceiling

 Tactile sensory strips along handrails to help patients hold onto something

 Fidget spinner distraction items



Vertical bubble machine to enhance relaxation

 Weighted blankets for comfort and security

“When the child goes into the cab of that ambulance, the lights are dim. The lighting is not overstimulating,” explains Alyssa Bostwick, the hospital’s Chief Nursing and Operations Executive. “And then you can’t hear what’s going on outside. It’s incredible.”

For Bostwick, Golisano Hospital’s achievements with SEA STAR Certification and as a Certified Autism Center are personal. As the parent of an autistic child, she understands firsthand the challenges families face.

“As a parent, when you have to leave the safety of your home with an autistic child, I know that feeling in the pit of your stomach, because you’re scared. And you’re worried about what the world is going to think about the uniqueness of the way your child behaves, and acts,” she says. “When you come to Golisano Children’s Hospital, you don’t need to have that feeling, because we got you.”

Comprehensive training for hospital staff

To achieve the Certified Autism Center designation, over 80 percent of the hospital’s physicians, nurses, and patient-facing staff underwent specialized training.

Dr. Alexander Ortega, Pediatric Critical Care Physician, emphasizes that the program is “not a piece of equipment. It’s not a specific procedure per se, but rather a complete revamping of our mindset and how do we approach the unique needs of every and any child with or without the label of a diagnosis like autism spectrum or any sensory disorders.”

He says the comprehensive approach ensures that children with sensory needs receive appropriate care throughout their hospital journey, not just during transportation.

Sensory-friendly spaces extend Sea Star’s healing reach

The SEA STAR Program also includes sensory rooms throughout the hospital. These spaces help put patients and families at ease during stressful situations by

Adjustable lighting based on specific patient needs  Engaging tools like bubble tubes and fiber optic light strands

Dynamic seating options  Various therapeutic sensory integration products

Golisano Children’s Hospital and its partners now feature a total of 10 sensory rooms throughout the region. This initiative, supported in part by Children’s Miracle Network funds, demonstrates Golisano’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of all children in our community, especially those who may find traditional healthcare settings challenging.

NEW & Renewed MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS JOINED

CAPE CORAL RE:MADE

Pamela Van Eck

CAPE VISTA APARTMENTS

Paola Varela Garces

CAPTAINS’ EXPRESS CAR WASH

Justine Martinescu

CROCKER MARINE SERVICES

Blake Sutton

DYB FASHION BOUTIQUE

Sherry Macdonald

ECO MOLD TESTING

Andrew Sharpless

FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Mrs. Diane Winningham

FUEGO PILATES

Amy Majewski

PARADISE PIZZA

Jeff Cariello

PARADISE PUBLISHING

Stephen Longest

SIESTA LAKES APARTMENTS

David Sands

STATE INSURANCE USA,LLC

Elizabeth Willis

RENEWALS

ATRIUM AT LIBERTY PARK

MEMBER SINCE: 11/03/2017

BEST FLORIDA CONSULTING

MEMBER SINCE: 02/06/2024

BILL SMITH INC.

MEMBER SINCE: 03/01/1989

BMI MARINE CONSTRUCTION

MEMBER SINCE: 12/19/2013

BUBBAKOO’S BURRITOS

MEMBER SINCE: 10/12/2023

CAPE AT SAVONA POINT APARTMENTS

MEMBER SINCE: 02/06/2020

CAPE CORAL AIKIDO

MEMBER SINCE: 08/10/2018

CAPE CORAL CLOSETS

MEMBER SINCE: 03/14/2022

CHRIS-TEL CONSTRUCTION

MEMBER SINCE: 03/03/2017

GENESISCARE

MEMBER SINCE: 04/14/2023

RE/MAX TREND

MEMBER SINCE: 11/24/2021

SCHOONER BAY REALTY, INC

MEMBER SINCE: 01/12/2011

SIGN ON, LLC

MEMBER SINCE: 04/02/2018

SKYNAR BOOKKEEPING SERVICES, LLC

MEMBER SINCE: 04/08/2019

SLIPAWAY FOOD TRUCK PARK & MARINA

MEMBER SINCE: 03/14/2023

SYNOVUS BANK

MEMBER SINCE: 01/20/2023

SKIN SPOT LASER CLUB

MEMBER SINCE: 03/03/2021

TIKI TAILS DOG RESORT

MEMBER SINCE: 02/05/2024

TIM COLLIER-STATE FARM

MEMBER SINCE: 12/01/1990

VANTAGE APARTMENTS

MEMBER SINCE: 08/22/2023

ZENBUSINESS MEMBER SINCE: 01/19/2021

GULF COAST VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY MEMBER SINCE: 03/01/1989

SWIFT ROOFING SERVICES MEMBER SINCE: 09/08/2023

AUBUCHON HOMES

MEMBER SINCE: 11/01/1995

CAPE CORAL ANIMAL SHELTER MEMBER SINCE: 04/10/2018

GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE OF SW FLORIDA MEMBER SINCE: 01/05/2021

MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION MEMBER SINCE: 03/03/2021

THE HADLEY APARTMENTS MEMBER SINCE: 01/08/2024

ADVOCATE RADIATION ONCOLOGY MEMBER SINCE: 02/06/2020

KARI MANN DENTAL STUDIO MEMBER SINCE: 04/08/2024

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE MEMBER SINCE: 01/24/2024

WILLIAMSON & SONS MARINE CONSTRUCTION MEMBER SINCE: 03/23/2020

WINDY CITY SIDELINES, LLC MEMBER SINCE: 03/01/2024

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.

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

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

B2 Technology Solutions Brotherhood of Heros

Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park

Diamond Member

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

Gunterberg Charitable Foundation ForestIncredibleBankDevelopment

Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral

Kiwanis Foundation of Cape Coral Kiwanis Thrift Stores

Lee County Electric Cooperative Lee Health Mellow Mushroom Sharktek

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Cape Coral

Executive Member

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.

In blue skies and when

LCEC continually strengthens the electric infrastructure through ongoing maintenance, vegetation management, facilities inspections, and replacements or upgrades of equipment, and utilization of technology.

LCEC has a comprehensive hurricane restoration plan enhanced by years of storm season experience. We update and practice our response plan through annual employee training and simulations. We also work with our restoration partners, mutual aid utilities, suppliers, and vendors to ensure they are also ready when needed.

LCEC has been able to restore power quickly and safely throughout our six-county service territory, even after catastrophic damage. Thanks to the support of 400 employees and thousands of utility workers from around the nation who join in our efforts, all customers able to receive power are able to being rebuilding their lives as soon as possible.

Chamber Trends April 2025