Trends Chamber
The Official Publication of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
JANUARY EVENTS
WELCOME CENTER CLOSED
Wednesday, January, 2025
BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Windsor of Cape Coral 831 Santa Barbara Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33991
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday, January 16, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Kiwanis Thrift Store North 652 Del Prado Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33909
SECRETS TO YOUR CHAMBER SUCCESS MEMBERSHIP ORIENTATION
Friday, January 17, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Hampton Inn & Suites
619 SE 47th Terrace
Cape Coral, FL 33904
WELCOME CENTER CLOSED
Monday, January 20, 2025
NETWORKING AT NOON
Friday, January 24, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Monarca’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine Bar & Grill
1604 SE 45th Street
Cape Coral, FL 33904
CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO
Saturday, January 25, 2025
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cape Coral Farmers’ Market - Club Square
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 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
Chamber Trends & Website Advertising
Chamber Trends Monthly Advertising
Full Page $337
1/2 Page $227
1/4 Page $147
Business Card $117
All ads include hyperlink to your company’s website
Non-profit organizations receive 2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership
Chamber Trends Weekly Advertising
Sponsoring Business - Banner Advertising $100/month
Box Advertising $50/month
Press Release $25
Runs 4x, includes a hyperlink to your website or document
Email Blast
Business Spotlight E-mail Blast $199
Business Spotlight will run 2x in the month of your choice
Website Advertising
Leaderboard Banner $250/month
All banners include a hyperlink to your company’s website (choice of Chamber website or Visit Cape Coral website, discounted to include both site locations)
For More Information, Contact Stephanie Roberson (239) 549-6900 x108 (or) stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
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, President/CEO
Chamber Trends
Donna S. Germain, IOM, FCCP President/CEO
CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE AT THE CHAIRMAN’S GALA ON FEBRUARY 1ST
I am thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable evening at the Chairman’s Gala, held on Thursday, February 1st, at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. This event is a valued tradition filled with gratitude and most importantly fun, celebrating leadership both past and present, business excellence, and the incredible work our volunteer members have done throughout the year to make our Chamber and Community better.
Honoring Our Leaders
One of the highlights of the evening will be the official formal induction of the 2025 Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce as well as the official passing of the gavel from Dusty Shelton, who has served as our Chairman for the last 2 years to Bill Johnson, Jr, our 2025 Chairman.
Bill has been a member of our family for many, many years and has served the chamber in several capacities already going from volunteer to Membership Director, where he played a key role in growing our organization. Later, he served as a board member, offering his insight and expertise. Now, as Chairman of the Board, Bill brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Chamber’s mission to his new role.
I also want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dusty Shelton for her outstanding service as Chairman of the Board in 2023 and 2024. Dusty’s unwavering dedication to bridge the gap between the school systems and the business community has been leaving an impact on Cape Coral. Her efforts to further collaboration and create opportunities for our future leaders are paving the way for a brighter future. You will often hear her say “It’s For the Children” and she means every word of that. Dusty, I cannot thank you enough for your remarkable leadership and commitment. It has been an honor serving with someone who shares the same amount of love and dedication to the Chamber as we do.
Celebrating Business and Chamber Excellence
Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager/ Farmers’ Market Director
Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director
Another exciting part of the evening will be the presentation of the Excellence in Business and Chamber Awards. These awards recognize businesses and individuals who have made a significant impact on Cape Coral’s business community. We also recognize members and volunteers in the Chamber for all of their hard work and dedication to our organization, programs and committees.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, February 1, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Location: The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
RSVP: www.capecoralchamber.com or call 239-549-6900 ext. 107 for more information. I encourage all Chamber members, local businesses, and community supporters to join us for this remarkable evening. Reserve your spot today and be part of a night that celebrates the very best of Cape Coral.
Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Director
Maria Ortiz, Membership Relations & Events Director
Michaela Porter, Welcome Center Specialist
For tickets and more information, please visit www.capecoralchamber.com or contact our office directly. (Sponsorship Opportunties available at end of magazine publication)
Let’s make the 2025 Chairman’s Gala an evening to remember!
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
LEE HEALTH BRINGS HOME HIGH-QUALITY HOSPITAL CARE
In a groundbreaking approach to patient care, Lee Health is bringing hospitallevel treatment directly into patients’ homes. The innovative Hospital at Home program offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional hospital stays for patients with specific medical conditions—patients like Wendy Markman.
Wendy, the first patient in Lee Health’s Hospital at Home program, experienced the benefits firsthand. A week before Thanksgiving Day, the 69-year-old Fort Myers resident was taken to the emergency department at Lee Memorial Hospital with a fever of 103.7 and dangerously low oxygen levels. Her condition, later diagnosed as pneumonia, required hospitalization.
“After I was stabilized in the ER, I was told I qualified for a new program that would let me receive hospital-level care in my home instead of staying at the hospital,” she says. “I thought, I’d rather sleep at home. My husband doesn’t drive, either, so it would be difficult for him to visit me at the hospital if I stayed for a few days. Plus, the idea that he’d be with me at all times was comforting.”
After Wendy was “admitted” to Lee Memorial Hospital, she was taken by ambulance to her residence. Lee Health Hospital at Home (HaH) nurses, who followed behind, set up Wendy’s hospital care in the comfort of familiar surroundings: her own home.
The Promise of Lee Health’s Hospital at Home Program
The HaH program allows patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, cellulitis, and urinary tract infections to receive comprehensive medical care in the comfort of their own homes.
“We’re really excited about providing this new program for our patients in Lee County,” says Larry Antonucci, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Lee Health. “This is an opportunity to take care of patients with lower acuity illnesses in the comfort of their own homes—where we know they tend to heal better. The evidence also tells us that readmission rates are lower for patients who had Hospital at Home care, which is such an important finding because it shows patients stay healthier, and it lowers treatment costs.”
How it works
The program is more than just simply sending patients to receive quality hospital care at home. It helps ensure that patients remain safe in between clinical in-person visits by enabling providers to continuously monitor them. “What the Hospital at Home program looks like for patients is very similar to what they would experience at one of our hospitals,” says Iahn Gonsenhauser, MD, MBA, Lee Health’s Chief Medical Officer. “They’re going to experience the same admission process as they would for admission to the hospital. They’ll be seen by a clinician, who will determine whether an inpatient level of care is necessary. And at that point, potentially choosing home-based hospital care will be an option for them.”
He adds, “Home-based hospital care is an incredible way of delivering the same high-quality care that patients would get in a hospital setting but in the comfort and convenience of their own home.”
Technology at the forefront
The Hospital at Home program involves advanced technology, which is critical to its success. Eligible patients who participate in the program receive the following products and services that ensure real-time data transmission and that emergency response protocols are in place:
An iPad for communication with clinical staff
Easy-to-use wearable devices for continuous transmission (biometric monitoring) include blood glucose meters, blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and pulse oximeters 24/7 monitoring through a dedicated command center
Twice-daily in-person visits from clinical staff
Continuous virtual check-ins and video consultations
Medications, imaging and lab tests at home
Jennifer Higgins, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Lee Health’s Chief Nursing Officer, says technology is the backbone of keeping a patient’s healthcare team in constant communication with them.
“We can see their heart rate, understand their vital signs, their weight, and communicate with them,” she says. “It’s vital they have access to our nurses all the time, 24-7.”
In her experience as a former bedside nurse, Jennifer says she’s familiar with inpatient concerns about hospital stays. “Some patients, understandably, have issues with not being in their own bed, that maybe the hospital is too loud, that they miss having their family or pets around them. Having those things appeals to some people, and that’s where the Hospital at Home program works for patients who qualify for it.”
Proven benefits
The Hospital at Home program isn’t just convenient—it’s also effective, as in Wendy’s case.
She was provided an iPad and monitoring devices that continuously tracked her vital signs. Nurses visited twice daily to administer IV antibiotics, draw her blood, administer medications, and check her progress.
“The Hospital at Home nurses were so professional and caring,” Wendy notes. “They were so professional, thoughtful, and kind.”
One memorable moment came on the second night of her Hospital at Home stay. Wendy, anxious to leave her bed and stretch her legs, attempted to walk around the house at 2 a.m. The monitoring system immediately alerted
nurses about her oxygen levels, which had dropped.
“They called immediately and told me to get back in bed. And don’t do that again,” she adds with a laugh, highlighting their attentive care. Clinical evidence suggests HaH programs help patients experience:
70 percent reduction in readmission rates
Improved sleep quality
Reduced stress and anxiety
Increased ability to ambulate (move) around at home than in the hospital
Dr. Antonucci notes another critical advantage of the HaH program is that it should free up beds for patients with more severe conditions by reducing admissions to the brick-and-mortar hospital for lower-acuity patients. The program can help reduce overcrowding and ensure Lee Health hospitals can accommodate patients who require more acute care. Also, the reduced demand for hospital beds may lead to shorter wait times and improved patient care access.
As for Wendy, she credits the program with helping her recover more quickly than if she had stayed in a hospital room.
“My recovery was shorter because I was at home, and I could move around,” she says. “The biggest thing was that I was able to get good sleep, which made a huge difference.”
A patient-centered approach
Lee Health’s Hospital at Home program is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Patient participation is entirely voluntary. The program includes a rigorous screening process to ensure patient safety and appropriate care.
“No one will be forced into this program,” Dr. Gonsenhauser says. “It’ll absolutely be a choice that an individual patient can make based on their level of comfort with the services we deliver.”
The future of healthcare
For Lee Health, its Hospital at Home program is more than a temporary innovation, Dr. Antonucci notes.
“I think we’re definitely going to see more care like this, care closer to home and care in the home as the technology continues to advance,” he says. “I think there are technologies that are out there that we haven’t even imagined yet. If you think about where we were five years ago, you can only imagine where we’re going to be five years from now. “And Lee Health intends to be at the forefront of that.”
Wendy’s experience with the Hospital at Home program demonstrates that Lee Health is not just treating patients—they’re reimagining what healthcare can look like, prioritizing patient comfort, technological innovation, and personalized medical treatment.
WATCH: Lee Health’s Hospital at Home program: Hospital-level care in the comfort of your own home
A Pre-K3 through Grade 8 School of Excellence
Join us for a fun-filled evening or become a sponsor! All proceeds benefit the children of St. Andrew Catholic School.
NEW & Renewed MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS JOINED
ABO PAINTING AND PRESSURE WASHING
Dan Adams
CAPITAL TITLE PARTNERS
Daniel Montecelo
COMPASSIONATE HEALTHCARE OF FLORIDA
Tara DeMond
CRAZY LURE BAIT & TACKLE
Christy Dunn
EDWARD JONES - NE CAPE GROUP
Hector Gomez Jr
FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Rev. Dr. Gillian Weighton FOR EYES
Reagan Parks
HALF CENTURY PLUS SOFTBALL
Tom Manzari
LOCAL LADIES SOCIAL NETWORK, INC.
Christy Dunn
MAIDTHIS CLEANING OF CAPE CORAL-FORT MYERS
Boyd Bradshaw
MIDAS SCREENING
Beth Cafaro
PENTAS HOMES, LCC
Michel Gables
ScoopGAYLESoldiers TODD
SOUTH CAPE SCOOTERS
Christopher Trimble
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MARINE TECHNOLOGIES
Tom Manzari
STORY ROOFING COMPANY, INC
Jacqueline Schlesselman
THRIVE BY K
Kristin Gustin
RENEWALS
AAA AUTO CLUB GROUP
DBA AAA TRAVEL
MEMBER SINCE: 07/31/2007
ADULT DENTISTRY OF SW FLORIDA
MEMBER SINCE: 06/08/2021
AMY MCGARRY LAW OFFICE, PL
MEMBER SINCE: 10/03/2019
APEX WATER DAMAGE & MOLD EXPERTS
MEMBER SINCE: 10/14/2023
ASSUREDPARTNERS
MEMBER SINCE: 01/13/2006
BARUNCH MEMBER SINCE: 02/11/2023
BIOFEED 4 U
MEMBER SINCE: 10/18/2024
BLUE LINE BEARS
MEMBER SINCE: 08/25/2019
BUSINESSLEGAL, PC
MEMBER SINCE: 11/10/2020
CAPE CORAL HIGH SCHOOL
MEMBER SINCE: 09/28/1999
CAPE CORAL TOWING & RECOVERY
MEMBER SINCE: 11/10/2022
COMPLETE WEDDINGS + EVENTS
MEMBER SINCE: 01/29/2014
DISCOVER INTERIORS
MEMBER SINCE: 10/22/2020
DQ GRILL & CHILL
MEMBER SINCE: 01/23/2013
DRCA, LLC
MEMBER SINCE: 10/18/2023
EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES MEMBER SINCE: 11/24/2015
EHL FRAGILE X FOUNDATION, INC.
MEMBER SINCE: 10/18/2018
FULLER METZ CREMATION AND FUNERAL SERVICES
MEMBER SINCE: 12/01/2002
GERO TRAVEL
MEMBER SINCE: 11/19/2018
KIWANIS CLUB OF CAPE CORAL MEMBER SINCE: 05/21/2012
LEE COUNTY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER
MEMBER SINCE: 01/11/2024
LEE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR MEMBER SINCE: 01/18/2013
LIGHTNING REALTY GROUP LLC MEMBER SINCE: 08/02/2021
PHOTO BOOTH CAPE CORAL MEMBER SINCE: 01/13/2022
PREMIER HOME MAINTENANCE MEMBER SINCE: 11/18/2022
RE/MAX NAUTICAL REALTY MEMBER SINCE: 01/24/2022
SELLSTATE EXCELSIOR REALTYSHELLEY GENTRY MEMBER SINCE: 10/31/2021
SIESTA PEBBLE, INC. MEMBER SINCE: 01/11/2018
SOUTHERN CROSS CONTRACTING SERVICES, LLC MEMBER SINCE: 06/17/2021
THE OASIS AT SURFSIDE MEMBER SINCE: 11/20/2020
THE ROTARY CLUB OF CAPE CORAL MEMBER SINCE: 08/25/1999
TUNDRA AIR LLC MEMBER SINCE: 11/20/2023
VISITING ANGELS FLORIDA WEST COAST MEMBER SINCE: 01/24/2022
WINDSOR OF CAPE CORAL MEMBER SINCE: 09/01/2023
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.
For new and existing members or even those wanting to learn more about chamber benefits, join us on a quarterly basis to find out the Secrets to your Chamber Success.
With so many opportunities within your Chamber, stay on top of how to make the most of your membership.
Meet with Chamber Staff and volunteers at this informative meeting to learn about all the programs and opportunities within the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral! SAVE THE DATE
January 17, 2025 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Coral
619 SE 47th Terrace | Cape Coral, FL 33904 RSVP at www.capecoralchamber.com
Lee Health’s Exceptional Women’s Care
From your first gynecology exam to menopause and everything in between. Family planning, maternity services, birthing suites, support and postpartum care. Breast health, sexual health and much more.
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
HOST A NETWORKING EVENT
Business Card Exchange
For the early birds, the Business Card Exchange is designed for those who cannot get away midday or for those looking for the extra early morning networking from 7:30am. You will find members passionate about networking the first Tuesday of each month at the Business Card Exchange Networking Event.
Networking at Noon
Join your fellow Chamber members the forth Friday of each month from 12:00pm - 1:00pm for Networking at Noon. Enjoy the opportunity to network with other chamber members and potential customers during the lunch hour.
Business After Hours
Join your fellow Chamber members for the Business After Hours Networking Event from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Enjoy the opportunity to network with 100+ members. We always have networking activities, great giveaways and sponsorship opportunities to expose your business.
BOOKING FOR 2025 NETW ORKING EVENTS
To reserve your date or for questions regarding each of these opportunties,
Contact Membership Director, Lisa Barrella at lisa@capecoralchamber.com (or) (239) 549-6900 x103
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
Executive
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.
RESTORATION PROCESS WORKS
