Trends Chamber
The Official Publication of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral August 2025
AUGUST EVENTS
BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Lake Michigan Credit Union 521 Del Prado Boulevard S | Cape Coral, FL 33990
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Stones Throw
1339 Cape Coral Parkway E | Cape Coral, FL 33904
EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 7:30 AM
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday, August 21, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
LifeSynergy Wellness
1425 Viscaya Parkway S, S#102 | Cape Coral, FL 33990
NETWORKING AT NOON
Friday, August 22, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Monarca’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Cruisin Tiki’s 1604 SE 46th Street | Cape Coral, FL 33904
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, August 25, 2025 | 4:00 PM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 7:30 AM
CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO
Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Cape Coral Farmers’ Market - Club Square
WELCOME CENTER & CHAMBER OFFICES CLOSED
Monday, September 1, 2025
CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET
Club Square
Saturdays 8 AM - 1 PM www.capecoralfarmersmarket.com
Publisher & Editor
Stephanie Roberson Technology Director
stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
Contributing Editors
Donna S. Germain 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
Commerce
Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609
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,
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS &
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, President/CEO
Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager/ Farmers’ Market Director
Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director
Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Director
Maria Ortiz, Membership Relations & Events Director
Michaela Porter, Welcome Center Specialist
Chamber Trends
Donna S. Germain, IOM, FCCP President/CEO
GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS A Chamber Refresher
Sometimes we get so caught up in the many things we do—planning events, managing programs, supporting our members—that we forget to take a step back and revisit the basics. This month, I wanted to offer a refresher for both new and existing members on everything the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral offers to help your business grow and thrive.
Our Mission: Champion for Business. Advocate for Community.
As a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit business organization chartered in the State of Florida, we exist to serve our members and the broader Cape Coral community. We’re governed by a Board of up to 25 directors and 10 trustees who set the strategic vision and policies for the Chamber.
Our dedicated staff of six professionals brings more than 85 years of combined chamber experience, and we’re fortunate to be supported by hundreds of passionate volunteers. Our Chamber thrives because of the investment—of time, resources, and talent—by over 1,200 members and strategic partners.
What We Do for You
We are a business organization focused on providing:
Professional support
Effective communication
Strategic networking opportunities
Business training and educational programs
We facilitate one of the finest leadership programs in the State of Florida, starting with Jr. Leadership, Leadership Cape Coral, Advanced Leadership, the Community Trustee Program and Leadership Cape Coral Alumni.
Advocacy and Representation
Our Government Affairs Committee keeps a close watch on local and state issues impacting business. Committee members attend every Cape Coral City Council meeting and maintain strong relationships with the Emergency Operations Center and the Economic Development Office to support local business recovery and communication efforts.
In short: the Chamber is working on your behalf—even when you can’t be at the table.
Welcome Center & Member Promotion
We operate Cape Coral’s only official Welcome Center, greeting more than 50,000 residents and visitors annually. It’s essential to have your business materials on display—kept current and stocked. We’ll reach out annually to verify your information and notify you if your materials are running low.
Additional visibility tools include:
Business directory with 8.7 million annual searches—make sure your info is up to date!
Members-Only Referral Program: Our volunteers refer at least three Chamber members when asked about services, and those referrals are logged and emailed. You can track your referral report anytime via your Member Portal or through your renewal notice.
Annual Visitor & Relocation Guide: Your business listing appears in this high-distribution publication, delivered to thousands of homes and businesses, in partnership with the Cape Coral Breeze.
Exclusive advertising opportunities at both Welcome Centers—available to members only.
Membership Benefits That Keep Giving
Membership includes more than just an introduction. You receive:
An annual Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate anniversaries or milestones
Access to Mentorship, our First Hour Free program, and monthly networking events
Free promotion of your business news, job postings, events, coupons, resumes, and special offers on our website and social media
For our nonprofit members: you receive two free half-page ads annually in Chamber Trends Magazine.
Plus, don’t forget our New Member Referral Rewards Program—refer a vetted lead and earn a $25 credit when they join!
Commitment to Education
Education has always been a cornerstone of what we do. Through our Education Committee, we:
Host the Annual Excellence in Education Awards
Coordinate the Annual Principal’s Luncheon
Award scholarships to deserving local graduates
And of course, our Junior Leadership Program remains a flagship experience for high school students interested in civic and business leadership.
Special Events: Grow Your Business by Giving Back
We host some of the largest events in Southwest Florida—from the award-winning Cape Coral Farmers’ Market to the beloved Holiday Festival of Lights. These events create hundreds of volunteer opportunities for members and their families throughout the year. Volunteering is a great way to connect, serve your community, and promote your business—plus we’re happy to provide documentation for students who need service hours.
Our team is always here for you. If you ever have questions or want to explore how to get more involved, please reach out to us. You can also learn more at www.capecoralchamber.com.
Let’s continue to build something great—together.
Ribbon Cuttings
MELLOW MUSHROOM, RESTAURANT 53 NE Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL 33909 (239) 539-2099 ttps://www.mellowmushroom.com/locations/fl/cape-coral/53-ne-pineisland-road/ MELLOWMUSHROOM ISLAND FLAIR, ART GALLERY 4630 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993 (239) 443-0244 sacredsoulsllc.com ISLANDFLAIRARTGALLERY
418 SW 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 673-9034 https://elitedna.com/
PIZZERIA,
3123 Chiquita Boulevard S, Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 205-6935 www.lelulospizza.com
PLANETCANNABISFORTHEPLANET
PLANET 13 CANNABIS FOR THE PLANET MEDICAL SERVICES/SUPPLIES
1411 Cape Coral Parkway E, Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 599-2934
STop BY THE WELCOME CENTER
Hey Chamber Members! ��
We’re Here for YOU!
Have you visited the Cape Coral Chamber Welcome Center recently? It’s not just for visitors — it’s a key place for you to connect, promote your business, and stay involved in our amazing community.
Here’s what’s waiting for you inside:
-�� Your business cards and brochures — be sure to check and refresh!
-�� Cape Coral + SWFL-themed t-shirts
-�� Wicked Dolphin merchandise
-�� Books such as “The Lies That Came True” — a local author favorite -�� Plus maps, guides, gifts, and plenty of Cape Coral charm!
�� Exciting update: We’re refreshing the **Visit Cape Coral** Facebook page — your go-to spot for anything Cape Coral! ���� From events to local highlights, this page is all about showcasing our vibrant community. **Be sure to like and follow Visit Cape Coral on Facebook** to stay in the loop and help us build traction for our local businesses, events, and attractions.
��♀ Have something you’d like us to feature? Reach out to Michaela at **Michaela@CapeCoralChamber. Com** — we’re always happy to help promote our members and community gems!
So stop by the Welcome Center, say hello, and see all the ways your Chamber is here to support YOU!
welcome
center volunteer needed
We are currently looking for 1 volunteer for the Welcome Center This full time shift is needed for Monday afternoon from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM If you are interested in filling this spot, please call Michaela Porter at (239) 549-6900 x102
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
Replacing Fear with Hope
NEW & Renewed MEMBERS
N E W M E M B E R S J O I N E D
NEW MEMBERS JOINED B OAT U R BOATUR
Brian Luizzi
C A P E CO R A L M I D W I F E RY CAPE CORAL MIDWIFERY
Maureen Berning Maureen Berning
D E CO R AT I N G D E N I N T E R I O R S DECORATING DEN INTERIORS
Trinette Nelson Trinette
E A S Y M O R TG AG E L LC EASY MORTGAGE LLC
Pamela Fajardo Pamela
E A S Y T I T L E A N D E S C R O W L LC EASY TITLE AND ESCROW LLC
Pamela Fajardo Pamela
F O R T M Y E R S M E M O R I A L FORT MYERS MEMORIAL
G A R D E N S F U N E R A L H O M E & GARDENS FUNERAL HOME
C E M E T E RY CEMETERY
Holly Donahue Donahue
I S L A N D F L A I R ISLAND FLAIR
Jennifer Bennett Bennett
L I G H T E N I N G S H A R E D LIGHTENING SHARED S CO OT E R CO M PA N Y SCOOTER COMPANY
Fabienne Milord
M A R I N E R M I D D L E S C H O O L MARINER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mason Clark
M A R K S C H O E N F E LT MARK SCHOENFELT P H OTO G R A P H Y PHOTOGRAPHY
Mark Schoenfelt Schoenfelt
M I S TO B Y C H E F R O CCO MISTO BY CHEF ROCCO
David Budney David
M U S I C A L I V E S W F L MUSIC ALIVE SWFL
Jason Collins
N U N E Z L AW O F F I C E , P. A . NUNEZ LAW OFFICE, P.A.
Paul Nunez
R E F R E S H M E D S PA REFRESH MEDSPA
Jules Lawrence
S CO OT E R ’S L AW N C A R E SCOOTER’S LAWN CARE
Jacob Godar
S E R V I C E P R O ’S A I R SERVICE PRO’S AIR CO N D I T I O N I N G L LC CONDITIONING LLC
Steve Hunter
T H E G OAT P LU M B I N G THE GOAT PLUMBING CO M PA N Y COMPANY
Melissa Camis
U N I Q U E H O M E S UNIQUE HOMES
Danilo Tonel
R E N E WA L S RENEWALS
ADAMS HOMES OF N.W. FLORIDA 04/24/2002
BIG 8 BBQ, INC. 07/30/2020
CAPE DENTAL CARE 08/05/2010
CAPE FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC CARS 07/24/2020
CENTURY 21 SELLING PARADISE 07/18/2012
CHAPMAN INSURANCE GROUPBRIAN CHAPMAN JR 08/19/2015
CHEETAH PRINTING & SIGNS 06/27/2012
DISCOVERY MAPS OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 04/16/2021
ELITE DNA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 06/26/2024
EXPERIENCE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER 09/16/2016
FINEMARK NATIONAL BANK & TRUST 08/25/2022
GALLAGHER AND RHODES CPA’S 05/01/1995
GAVIN’S ACE HARDWARE 07/29/2015
GREEN PANDA ENERGY 07/12/2021
HEAD CASE SALON INC 07/09/2012
HL POSEY BUILDERSBUILDERS OF BACKYARD HANGOUTS 08/19/2016
IT’S IT LLC. 06/16/2016
LAMAR ADVERTISING 07/15/2008
MERCOLA.COM HEALTH RESOURCES 10/08/2019
MY SHOWER DOOR 05/20/2020
OFFICE OF REPRESENTATIVE MIKE GIALLOMBARDO 03/02/2021
PET CORAL RESORT AND VETERINARY 06/08/2011
SANTA BARBARA ANIMAL HOSPITAL 07/14/2017
SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS 07/01/2022
SPORTCLIPS - HK ENTERPRISE 03/29/2024
TRADEMARK ROOFING 08/22/2018
THE NEWS-PRESS 07/01/1990
INDIVIDUAL - NANCY TRAVIS 04/03/2024
WINTRUST BANKING CENTERCAPE CORAL 07/30/2024
COLLIER-LEE HONOR FLIGHT 08/28/2017
JEWISH FEDERATION OF LEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES 07/22/2022
BIG JOHN’S - CAPE CORAL TOWN CENTER 07/01/1991
DAWN SULLIVAN STATE FARM AGENCY 05/04/2022
KOBAYASHI DOJO / MAIN CAMPUS 03/01/1997
MICHAEL SULLIVAN STATE FARM AGENCY 05/04/2022
OPTIMAL WELLNESS 04/23/2021
TOI TOI USA 06/27/2023
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
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
IncredibleBank
Kiwanis
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
JULY NETWORKING EVENTS
I wish to say a heartfelt thanks to our July Networking Event Sponsors!
This month Seminole Casino Immokalee hosted our Business After Hours Event on July 18th! They sent us a Party Bus to take our members and guests to the Casino and back, gave us FREE Play money to use that evening and on a return trip, as well as appetizers and drinks in the Zig Zag Lounge that was closed off just for us! The Staff took such great care of us and many thanks and a big shoutout to Karen Locke, the Business Development Manager there, who knocks it out of the park every time for us! Thank you Seminole Casino Immokalee!! It is such a fantastic event that we are proud to offer to our members and future members alike!
FREEDOM 5K RECAP
Thank you to everyone involved for making the 2025 Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K & Scooter’s Lawn Care Kid’s Fun Run a Success!
Despite the rain on the morning of July 4th, the spirit of patriotism and community shined bright at the Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K & Scooter’s Lawn Care Kid’s Fun Run! We are filled with gratitude for every runner, child, veteran, sponsor, and volunteer who showed up and made this year’s event such a memorable and meaningful celebration.
To all the attendees and runners, thank you for your energy and enthusiasm—even under rainy skies! Your commitment to kicking off the Fourth of July with us was truly inspiring. A very special thank you to our veterans, who not only joined us in the weather but also stood as a powerful reminder of the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, who helped bring this celebration to life:
Title Sponsor: Priority Business Solutions – Thank you for leading the way and believing in our mission.
Kid’s Fun Run Sponsor: Scooter’s Lawn Care – Your support brought joy and excitement to our youngest participants!
Veterans Sponsor: Coral Ridge Funeral Home – Thank you for once again providing Veterans Challenge Coins and honoring our heroes in such a meaningful way.
Also this month, on July 25th, Misto by Chef Rocco hosted our Networking at Noon Event! We had a wonderful turnout for this event! They gave us a table full of delicious appetizers and also had a “Content Strategist” on site and offered each member and guest a professional and complimentary 2 minute video that showcased them and their business! Many thanks to the Manager David and the excellent staff that took care of us that day! Thank you Chef Rocco!
Lisa Barrella, Membership Director
21 Harley Salute: Fix Marine Supply – Your contribution made for a truly powerful and patriotic race kickoff.
Shirt Sponsors: 5 Day Plantation Shutters and Brotherhood of Heroes –Thank you for outfitting our runners with pride.
Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral- Thank you for always supporting this event and providing our runners with their race day bags
Event Sponsors: Solay Cape Coral Luxury Apartments, Tommy’s Express Holdings, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, and Viles & Beckman – Your support fuels the heart of this event.
First Aid Sponsor: The Salad King – Thank you for keeping our runners safe and well-supported.
Starting Line Sponsor: Signarama Cape Coral
Finish Line Sponsor: Wintrust Banking Center – Cape Coral
Mile Marker Sponsor: Viles & Beckman
After Party Sponsors: The Bagel Factory, Sprouts Farmers Market Cape Coral, and Suncoast Beverage – Thank you for helping us celebrate post-race with great refreshments and camaraderie!
Community Sponsors: The City of Cape Coral, Lamar Advertising, The Breeze Newspapers, FOS Furniture, WastePro, Cheetah Printing & Signs, and Cape Cleaners- We appreciate your continued community partnership.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center and Museum and the Special Operations Communicators Association, two causes close to our hearts.
We invite everyone to join us at our August General Membership luncheon, where we will present the donation checks to these incredible charities and recognize the sponsors who made it all possible!
Maria Ortiz, Membership Relations and Events Director
