Chamber Trends Magazine - December 2013

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

CenturyLink’s Holiday Festival of Lights, December 7th Downtown Cape Coral 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

December 2013

Save The Date

25th Anniversary Back In Black Ball January 17th Cape Coral Yacht Club 6:30 pm Sponsored By

DECEMBER 2013 DECEMBER 3RD

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

Business Card Exchange Southern Pavers, Inc 1332 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral, FL 33904 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

DECEMBER 5TH

Business After Hours Koogler Homes, Inc. 1534 SW 56th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33914 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 7TH

CenturyLink Holiday Festival of Lights Downtown Cape Coral Parkway SE 15th Avenue - Candia Street Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting - 6:15 p.m.

4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 11th

General Membership Meeting La Venezia 4646 SE 10th Place - Club Square Cape Coral, FL 33904 $20.00 For Members w/reservations Call 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

SATURDAYS THROUGH MAY 10TH Cape Coral Farmers’ Market Every Saturday - Club Square SE 47th Terrace - Downtown Cape Coral 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To register for any of the above events online, or for more up-to-date information, please visit www.capecoralchamber.com

Q’s WORLD Customer Service Seminar Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

A

t our awesome Customer Service Seminar on November 20, one of the questions asked was, “Is customer service an investment or a cost?” Most would respond one way or the other, but your answer probably depends on your goal.

Some would suggest that it is an investment because of dollars spent on training, customer service management software, incentives and other components. That investment will not only generate money today, but in the future. Others might include marketing, advertising and public relations into the equation, which are costs.

Customer services proficiency will indeed impact the effectiveness of your team’s interaction with clients.

So, how does one determine the answer for their organization? Let me pose an answer that reflects an investment thought process which may be important if resources are limited. Please note, this process may

2013 Board of Directors or may not be a fit for you.

• Segment your customers into sub-groups and compare their long-term profitability. You might be looking at volume, pricing, cost of labor and the cost of carrying the credit if necessary.

• Once you determine who your most lucrative customers sub-groups are, determine how much you spend or need to spend to acquire more of those sub-groups.

• The next component you might look at is retention; how much does it cost to retain these desired high profit customers?

• As stated earlier, if resources are limited, you may be looking at customer service as a cost that is important to your “Return on Investment.”

Customer Service Best Practices discussed in the breakout sessions were: free consultation, situation evaluation, customer knowledge, body language interpretation, efficiency, customer relationships, customer expectation management, hiring the right people, quick response time, positive mentality, taking ownership, show empathy and create a pleasant experience.

We truly appreciate the support of LCEC, Bonefish Grill, Gary Avin - LCEC, Heather Christie – Action Coach, Dr. Brian Moffitt – Keiser University, Sean O’Keefe – Bonefish Grill, Chris Richling – Bill Smith Appliance and Technology, Dr. Phil Kraver – Cape Dental, Keith Banasiak – Waste Pro USA, Toni Rae Hurley IBERIABANK, and Gary Aubuchon – Aubuchon Team of Companies, for giving their time, treasure or talent to this effort.

Joe Mazurkiewicz, Chairman - BJM Consulting, Inc Annette Carrasquillo, Chair-Elect - LAI Design Associates Ed Ramos, Treasurer - Ramos Builders Donna Meola, Past Chair - Achieva Credit Union Tony Constantino, Financial Advisor - Kevin M Burns & Assoc, CPA Barb Adams - LeeSar Brett Bisbe - B2 Solutions, Inc Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions Ed Bolter - Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett - City of Cape Coral Joe Francioni - The Smart Companies Cindy Gallagher - The News-Press Tom Giles - Avalon Engineering Tom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood Electric Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & Rental Michelle Lewis - B2 Solutions, Inc Thomas Shipp - Tom Shipp at the Martin Law Firm Stan Spicer - Platinum Service A/C Chris Spiro - Spiro & Associates Elmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty

2013 Trustees Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank Matt Connar - Boost Creative Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Sandra Greiner, SunSplash Family Waterpark Trish Lassiter - Lee County Electric Coop Eric Malasky - Paradise Deli & Market David Owen - BB&T-Oswald, Trippe & Co Katharin Owen, Warchol, Merchant & Rollings Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System Zachary Zeis - Elysium Homes

Chamber Staff

...

with a purpose.

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

“Your Business Connection�

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E. Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 Fax (239)549-9609 Toll Free (800) 226-9609

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or download our mobile site at web.capecoralchamber.com/mobile iPhone and Android compatible

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2013 Donna Germain, Communications Director

T

he Leadership Cape Coral Graduation and 20th Anniversary Celebration was a huge success. We are so thankful to all of the volunteers, sponsors, annual sponsors, participants and alumni who helped make this event possible.

Thank you to our Annual Sponsors: LCEC, The NewsPress, The Cape Coral Community Foundation and our BJM Consulting, The Aubuchon Team of Companies, BB&T – Oswald, Trippe & Co. Thank You to our Class of 2013 Graduate Sponsors: Angela Davis Merrill Lynch, LCEC, BIA, Black Business Solutions, CCCIA, Sharee Thieleman with Miloff Aubuchon Realty, LAI Design Associates,. One Click Cleaners, Cape Coral Housing Development, Tracy VanLandschoot with Cape Coral Mortgage, CenturyLink, ACRA Electric, Metropole Construction, Achieva Credit Union, BJM Consulting, WastePro, Elysium Homes, Lee Memorial Health System, Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors, Sunshine Jewelers & Gold Exchange, John Evans with Edward Jones, Gulf Coast Village, IBERIABANK, Platinum Service AC, Michele Schafer with Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group, Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, LLC, Caloosa Tent & Party Rental and Send It Sweetly.

Thank you to our special guest speakers for the evening: Joe Saber, Class of 1993, Don Schnell, Class of 1998, Dane Eagle, Class of 2011.

Thank you to our Leadership Chairs: Beverly Black, Michelle Whitlock and Matt Lamb and all of the Day Chairs and Co-Chairs: Heather & Joe Mazurkiewicz, Beth Sanger, Capt. Pete Louzao, the Class of 2011 and the 20-12 Pack!

And most importantly, Congratulations to the Class of 2013 - Lucky 13 Jeffrey Abbott, Kinetic Thoughts LLC, Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida Lorraine Barraco, Jet’s Pizza Geoff Campbell, Honc Marine Contracting, Inc. Randall Cooley, Custom Pools by Design, Inc Christopher Cordrey, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Susan Crisafulli, Lee County Electric Cooperative Tatiana Dixon, D Gates Wealth Management Lisa Ferrara, RE/MAX Realty Group Fernando Gomes, IBERIABANK Timothy Hayes Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon Bill Johnson, Jr., Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Scott Kashman, Lee Memorial Health System Teresa Kitts, The News-Press Andrew Lampkins, Achieva Credit Union Johnny Matthews, Coastal Building Materials, LLC John McGowan, CenturyLink Jacque Miloff, Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group, Inc. Shannon Mullins, Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, LLC Jeff Passantino, RE/MAX - Sanibel Pavita Sandhu, BankUnited Karen Schuman-Barnes, UBS Financial Services,Inc. Elena Schwartz, Cape Coral Housing Development Corp.

George Smith, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC Tony Solgard, Bookkeepers Plus of SWFL, LLC. Brad Turek, Resident Tracy VanLandshoot, Cape Coral Mortgage Yvonne Werline, Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A.

JOIN US FOR OUR

Koogler Kringle Mingle Join Us For Our Catered Holiday Event To Benefit Thurs., Dec. 5 @ 5:30 p.m.

1534 SW 56th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33914

Click here to find out more about Camp Boggy Creek!

239.542.4540 | www.KooglerHomes.com

Click here to join us for this fun holiday event!

RSVP

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

Top Left: The Chamber welcomed its new members at the November general membership Lunch.

Mid Left: Tracy Van Landschoot from Cape Coral Mortgage accepts her Leadership Cape Coral Graduation Plaque along with classmates Jacque Miloff from Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group and Randy Cooley from Custom Pools by Design. Congratulations to the Class of 2013!

Bottom Left: Guest Speaker Ismael Hernandez, Executive Director of Freedom & Virtue Institute spoke about “A New Vision of Poverty Alleviation: How to Help Without Hurting” Top Right: The Farmers’ Market Minute with Dynasty Guacamole.

Mid Right: Thank you to our Chamber Lunch Sponsors CenturyLink, The News-Press and Lee County Electric Cooperative - Colleen Humphries, LCEC pictured.

Get In & Get Busy Advertise In The Chamber Trends Magazine Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107

OCTOBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW MEMBERS Andy’s Island Seafood Co. Brian Urso

Allstate-Kevin Schuman Insurance Agency Join Date: 2011

Blot Engineering, Inc. Ed Blot

Angels Helping Vets, Inc. Join Date: 2012

Florida Skin Center Join Date: 2012

Pool Doctor Service & Supplies Join Date: 1991

Head Case Salon Join Date: 2012

Pottery Express Join Date: 2011

Comfort Keepers Dawn Pudlin

Arnold Roberts Signature Homes Join Date: 2011

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. Join Date: 2011

Premier Insurance Corp., Inc. Join Date: 2000

Dock Doctor of Southwest Florida Francis Esquerre

Banana Joe’s Tiki Bar & Grill Join Date: 2012

Hodges University Join Date: 2012

Don Truax Mobile Detailing Donald Truax

Barkley Place Senior Living Join Date: 2012

Home Services By Rafael Join Date: 2007

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Michael Messineo

Best Pets Join Date: 2012

Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation Join Date: 2012

Rebecca A. Ross with Robert W. Baird Join Date: 2012

Guthrie Brothers, LLC H. Thomas Guthrie

Blind Gallery Join Date: 2011

Kelly Air Systems, LLC. Join Date: 2012

Red Salon & Spa Join Date: 2007

Kona Ice Cape Coral South Denise Bateman

Cape Coral Plumbing, Inc. Join Date: 2012

Kinetic Thoughts LLC Join Date: 2010

Renaissance School Join Date: 2011

Krise Commercial Group, LLC Pam Wittenauer

Cape Coral Power Squadron Join Date: 2009

Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC Join Date: 1993

SERVPRO of Cape Coral Join Date: 2007

Lozz Dozz Raquel Alonso

Card Systems Inc. Join Date: 1999

Literacy Council Gulfcoast Join Date: 2006

Simonson & Sons, Inc. Join Date: 2011

Outback Steakhouse Kelly Nadolny

CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL Join Date: 2009

Men’s Rights Law Firm Join Date: 2008

Stabley Marketing, LLC Join Date: 2012

Regions Bank Cape Coral Pkwy East Stacy Lomonaco

Century 21 Selling Paradise Join Date: 2012

Nancy Kratt w/ Century 21 Sunbelt Join Date: 2010

Sunset Home Health Services, Inc. Join Date: 2012

Thank Home Corp.

Todd Hankinson

Chicago Pizza Join Date: 2008

Sunstream Hotels and Resorts Join Date: 2012

Virtus Protection Agency Sandy Dominguez

Coastal Elements, Inc. Join Date: 2011

North Fort Myers Academy For The Arts Join Date: 2008

RENEWALS A Worldwide Person & Information Locators & Investigations Inc. Join Date: 2000

Coconut Bay Construction, Inc. Join Date: 2011

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Join Date: 1999

Community Homes, LLC Join Date: 2007

Palm RV & Marine Join Date: 2011

Dixie Roadhouse Join Date: 2011

Park 720 Vehicle Storage Join Date: 2002

Edison State College Join Date: 1990

PartyLite - Candle Ladies Renee’ & Rhonda Join Date: 2012

AAE Glass Join Date: 2011 ABC Pest Control Join Date: 2011 Allin’s Blinds, Verticals & Hurricane Shutters Member Since: 2012

Edward Jones - John T. Evans Join Date: 2010

Paul Homes of Florida, LLC Join Date: 1995

Professional Tax & Bookkeeping Services, Inc Join Date: 1999 REALTOR® Assoc. of Greater Fort Myers & the Beaches Join Date: 1999

The Legacy Wealth Management Group-UBS Financial Services, Inc. Join Date: 2012 Vital Records Control Join Date: 2008

...

with a purpose.

HEALTHY TRENDS

Food Is The Problem And The Solution Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

W

hat if you had the solution to preventing and helping to treat many cancers and chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity? Would you use this solution and also pass it on to your family, friends and others? I think I hear you all say “heck, yes!” I certainly know I would and I AM! This week I had the good fortune to attend the North American Plant Based Nutrition Conference in Naples and listened to the scores of research projects that support plant based nutrition as a major part of the prevention and treatment of the medical problems mentioned above. As most of you have either read in my articles or heard in my presentations, chronic disease and cancer development is intimately related to lifestyle and is mainly preventable.

Yes, it is true that diabetes, obesity, heart attacks, strokes, cancers, dementia, etc. are preventable illnesses. They are treatable and even reversible with nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. At this conference leaders in the area of plant based nutrition (PBN) talked for almost three days about the research that supports this statement. So much work has been done in this area but it is amazing to me that plant based nutrition is not talked about more and not recommended more by physicians and other health care providers.

When you compare nutrition and healthy lifestyle to conventional treatments (medications and high technology), plant based nutrition is a no brainer. It is effective, has no side effects, is affordable, does not require a trip to the hospital and can be done by everyone. In order to see the effectiveness and other benefits all you need to do is analyze the research with an open mind; read the hundreds of research papers on this topic; watch “Food, Inc”, “Forks over Knives”, “Vegucated”; read “Eat to Live”, “Power Foods for the Brain”, “Thrive”, and “The China Study”.

Chronic disease and cancer is a way of life in the USA which now has also spread to many parts of the world that have embraced the western way of living and eating;

but it does not have to be this way. There is a better way of living, eating and enjoying life.

The Standard American Diet is SAD as I have written in other articles. It is SAD because it causes most of the health problems we are dealing with now and will be dealing more with in the future. If we continue to live the way we are living now, eating the foods we eat now, living such a sedentary life, we will get more of what we have now - sickness!

Look around. How many friends and family members do you know with cancer, diabetes, heart problems, dementia, and obesity? Too many!

Why is this happening now when most of these health problems were non existent 100 years ago? You need to question what happened to our population that resulted in such poor health. Did you know that in the USA we spend twice the amount of money on health care than most other countries in the world but our overall health is ranked 27th.

We will continue to spend more and more of our money; and continue to deal with even worse medical problems if we do not change our ways now.

We need to change the way we educate health care providers and the general population; we need to understand how to use food as medicine; how we pay for wellness and preventive medicine programs; and how we demand the availability of healthy food and beverage. We should stop subsidizing unhealthy food and start supporting and subsidizing healthy foods, exercise programs, stress management programs, to name a few.

There is so much we can do on the preventive side and research has shown a positive return on investment when companies and communities invest in wellness.

The numbers are clear. The return on investment comes when we see healthier populations and from this comes healthier companies, families and communities.

Let’s take a tip from Einstein who said (paraphrasing) the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. Since too many of our family and friends are not getting better with conventional medicine, we should ask if there is a better way. It is sad to see people develop illnesses that are avoidable; and when we know there is a better way, it is sad when we do not shout it from the rooftops. So hear me shouting: please read all you can about plant based nutrition as a prevention and treatment! Then make up your own mind and decide if you want to eat healthy in order to stay healthy; or if you want to stay with the status quo.

For my family this is the way we are living and I am encouraging my patients to adopt a similar healthy lifestyle. Please let me know if this works for you; and as always send your comments and questions to Dr.Sal@Leememorial.org

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or donna@capecoralchamber.com

2013 Annual Gift Basket Auction December 7th, 4-10pm at Holiday Festival Of Lights Attention Local Businesses WE NEED YOUR HELP! As a valued business in our community, we would greatly appreciate a donation of a holiday gift basket for use in our annual auction. Each year the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Education Committee hosts a holiday gift basket auction at Holiday Festival Of Lights, the “feel good� event of the year. This auction is a major fundraiser for the Education Committee and...

All proceeds go directly to student scholarships right here in the city of Cape Coral!

Your donation of a holiday gift basket is highly needed to sustain our scholarship program. If you are interested, please call...

Sandi Silva at 239.458.6690 or sandralsi@leeschools.net ( detailed basket instructions on the reverse )

REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman It Really Is Thanksgiving

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor (239)2012 989-3463 Donnawww.RECapeCoral.com.

Meola, Kirkwood Electric 2012 Chamber Chairman

OI

nce again we are entering that

can’t believe its December stressful yet magical time of the and year.I am writing my last article opened as Chairman of now the 11-27-13 Halloween the door and Board.

2012 has just flown by Real Estate Trends Thanksgiving has come and gone.

It Really is Thanksgiving and there have been so many We all know what follows, or do we? accomplishments I would like to share. (Please forgive me if I have Once again we are entering that stressful yet magical time of the year. Halloween But let’s look atfollows, the numbers for forgotten any!!) opened the door and now Thanksgiving is upon us. first, We all know what or do we? the three month period ending 11/27: How fortunate we are to live But first, let’s look at the numbers for the three month period ending 11/27: in Paradise! Our economy is Sept ’13 Oct ’13 and the outlook Nov ‘13 for 2013 growing Median $ Median $ Median $ Homes Homes Homes is for$224,500 continued1697 growth.$235,000 For Sale 1295 $244,000 1748 Sold $155,000 265 accomplished $165,000 275 2012 was a 316 great year!!

Much was for you, $160,500 including making Cape Coral a better place to do business. Here are a few of the highlights: Sept ’13 Oct ’13 Nov ‘13 Median $ Development $ $ Condos Median Condos The CapeCondos Coral Economic Office deliveredMedian on their For Sale 250 $135,000 288 $135,000 309 $138,000 promise to increase business, investment and employment in the Sold 40 $114,000 39 $99,000 35 $110,000 area. The team closed 137 economic development projects, which represents 85 new businesses in the Cape and 52 expansions.

Forsingle singlefamily family homes, listings increased in October andinventory that inventory is still For homes, listings increased in October and that is still holding strong.

Most created noticeably,aprices are rising on strategic current inventory.

Sales took theirLamar usual The EDO public/private partnership with holding strong.

Most noticeably, prices are rising on current inventory.

Sales took October dip but prices did not and those prices are still holding through November.

Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign that their usual October dip but prices did not and those prices are still holding through says “Cape is Open for Business. ” Condo listingsCoral continue rising, showing market consistency.

Sales were off a tiny bit but November. prices went up about 10%.

Cape Coral welcomed the opening of 1,156 businesses in 2012 Condo listings continue rising, showing market809 consistency.

Sales were offmarket a tiny including 301time place businesses, home-based businesses For quite some now based this column kept demonstrating that our Cape Coral was climbing out of the zone of depressed prices.

Anyone looking for single family bit but prices went up about 10%. and 46 unspecified businesses. Commerce means shorter distances homes or condos will attest to the fact that selection is low to moderate and prices are toindeed travel for goods and services.

Commercethat also For quite some timethey’ve now this column kept demonstrating our means Cape Corala higher nowyour than been for two or three years. diversified tax base and jobs! market was climbing out of the zone of depressed prices.

Anyone looking for single Steady trend? Yes. Buying opportunity? Yes, Yes! When we identify a steadily moving Thehomes Chamber of Commerce of fact Cape continues to growand as upward trend,or condos experienced buyers and investors begin profit-making family will attest to the thatCoral selection isenjoying low to moderate opportunities.

Just remember, is just around thewas corner will rise even well; in December 2011 season our membership atand anprices all time low of prices higherbuyers now than they’ve been for twoitorhappens three years. higherare as indeed more potential this market; every year.

583 members, today we spend standtime at in744.

This resulted in a 78 percent Steady trend?growth Yes. Buying opportunity?

Yes, Yes! When wetheidentify a steadily membership with a retention rate ofbesides 81 percent.

This could So, what follows after Halloween and Thanksgiving anticipation of moving upward trend, experienced buyers and investors begin enjoying profitChristmas?

In terms of local real estate, let’s look at the big picture.

For most realtors, not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members, this has been an improved year; more units sold and higher average prices. The market opportunities.

Justprices remember, season is just around the corner amaking sales team and an membership development isdynamic still trending upward and hereawesome are still below both replacement costand andprices the national market. will rise even higher as more potential buyers spend time in this market; it happens committee.

Chamber programs continue develop every year. thatLeadership Processing basic information leads one to conclude a to coming season community that will make us all veryIn thankful.

Most (including me) are thankful for this year that is now leaders.

November, 20 men andextremely women graduated Leadership So, what follows after Halloween and Thanksgiving besides the anticipation ending. But, the promise of the coming year is even more attractive. Our prices have Cape Coral. Twenty-four members oflet’s the 2012 board have recovering.

This is of great news those that look need sell big theirpicture. property and for ofbeen Christmas?

In terms local realforestate, attoChamber the For most those lookingfrom to buy.the Leadership Program including the Chairman and graduated

The market is still trending upward and prices here are still below both replacement cost and the national market.

Processing that basic information leads one to conclude a coming season that will Chair-Elect. We currently have 27 high school juniors in our Junior make us all very thankful. Most (including me) are extremely thankful for this year Leadership Program. thatThe is now ending.successfully But, the promise of the coming year isInstitute even moreprograms attractive.

Chamber presented (2) Disney Our prices have been recovering.

This is great news for those that need to sell their in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because property and for those looking to buy. it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and members together for Red and BoomBuying , Golfin Tournament, You may ask “How do rising pricesWhite help if I’m buying?” a rising market Farmers Market, Business Expo , Family Bowling Casino provides more equity as the months pass. We know banks areDay, payinga very, veryTrip low to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on interest rates on cash deposits. If that same cash were invested in real property December 1st. increasing in value at over 20% per year, you would feel pretty good about being an Our on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals investor, you? Lots folks on haveaverage been doing thisthe for various periods of time in 2012wouldn’t that equates to of 3,544 over year per member!! and doing well.

Knowing that our market has been rising now for almost three years (Who says membership doesn’t pay?) with of room stillmobile to go makes me want to go out and buy another property A plenty new Chamber app was introduced in 2012. alsoaccepted a veryyesterday busy election year for foracceptance our Public Affairs (weItgotwas one offer and we’re waiting on another).

Committee! a group people who make sure that Now that youThis knowis what thoseofofpassionate us in the trenches know, what are you waiting the “voice” of business heard, not only the for?

Think about it, contact aisknowledgeable realtoratand seelocal whatlevel can bebut donealso for state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by you within your budget. As the Cape Coral real estate market continues to heat up, members and citizens of Cape Coral. please stay out in committee the cold. So now it is timethe to sign off by wishing all Happy Ourdon’t education hosted Excellence in you Education Holidays and Happy House Hunting (or Selling)!

Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor and high school seniors! wasmember also theoffirst year Coral of our “rotating” luncheons are being an Itactive the Cape Chamber of Commerce.

Forthat questions about very wellreal received by ourcallmembership. residential estate, please his cell, (239) 989-3463 or visit www.RECapeCoral.

Serving as your Chairman of the Board has been an excellent com. experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of meeting so many of you at meetings and events.

Thank you for honoring me with your trust and commitment! It has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing staff as well as the membership.

I look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you good health and prosperity!

realtors, this has been an improved year; more units sold and higher average prices.

You may ask “How do rising prices help if I’m buying?” Buying in a rising market provides more equity as the months pass. We know banks are paying very, very low

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS The 12th annual Business After Hours event, hosted

by FOS Furniture and the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, named its law enforcement officers and firefighter of the year.

Honored for his 23 years of service with the Cape Coral Fire Department was District Chief Donald Cochran.

Law enforcement honors went to Cape Police Officer Stephen Burkhart, who received the honor for diving into a canal to pull a man from a vehicle.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office detectives Michael Tamulionis and Richard Russo were named Deputies of the Year. Both were involved in the capture of double-murder suspect.

Thank you to everyone who came out to honor these individuals that evening.

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

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We make banking easy and convenient for your business and personal banking needs, so that you have more time for the things in life that matter most.

Call or visit one of our Cape Coral branches today!

www.iberiabank.com |

1715 Cape Coral Parkway West | (239) 541-5200 812 Del Prado Boulevard South | (239) 985-8120 2546 Heydon Lane | (239) 433-6000

Fort Myers: 9101 College Pointe Court | 2247 First Street | 6651 Orion Drive | 4670 Summerlin Road | 8341 Dani Drive | 8870 Daniels Parkway | 7580 Winkler Road | Estero: 23250 Via Villagio

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts

The Nutcracker

December 12, 2013 7:00pm

at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall For tickets call 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com

Reserved Seating Only $10, $15, $20, and $25 Tickets

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The News-Press Media Group connects Cape Coral residents and visitors with news and information in Cape Life every Thursday, and in the Cape section on Sunday.

Get the latest updates online and on your mobile device at news-press.com

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

Get In Touch with New Get In & Get Busy Residents, Prospects Inour andAdvertise Visitors with The Chamber Relocation Leads Trends Magazine Program!

Contact Donna Germain at Contact Donna 549-6900 extGermain 107 or at 549-6900 ext 107 or donna@capecoralchamber.com

donna@capecoralchamber.com

Diamond Member Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Lee Memorial Health System P.O. Box 2218 Fort Myers, FL 33902

CenturyLink Store 2710 Del Prado Blvd. South Cape Coral, FL 33904 RE/MAX Realty Team 2326 Del Prado Blvd Cape Coral, FL 33990 LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917

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

Executive Member Chamber of of Cape Coral AllCommerce Power Electric 2534 NE 9th Ave, Cape Coral, FL

Wades Heating and Cooling CCI Competent Solutions 1209 SE 9th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral Premier Oncology Radiation Specialists In Urology 24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral The News-Press - Fort Myers Office 2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers 413 NE Van Loon Lane, Cape Coral

LCEC hasn’t raised electric rates in nearly 5 years!

The increase on your upcoming electric bill is due to a tax imposed by the City of Cape Coral. LCEC customers in Cape Coral will notice a change in their electric bill beginning October 1, 2013. Cape Coral City officials recently levied a public service tax of 7 percent that will be added to monthly electric bills. The new tax will be displayed on your LCEC bill as a separate line item so it can be easily identified.

LCEC is required by law to collect the tax from business and residential customers who purchase electricity in Cape Coral. LCEC will deliver funds to the City similar to how Cape Coral franchise fees are delivered, which are also collected through electric bills.This new tax will be used to fund the City’s general operations. To calculate the amount the monthly public service tax will add to your electric bill, visit www.capecoral.net and utilize the PST Calculator. Please refer any questions regarding the Cape Coral public service tax to the Cape Coral Citizens’ Action Center, 239-574-0425. www.lcec.net • 239-656-2300

RIBBON CUTTINGS

US Health Advisors Jeanette Tricoche 2743 Oak Ridge Ct #403 Fort Myers, FL 33901 (888) 288-6124 www.ushagent.com

Outback Steakhouse Kelly Nadolny 1642 Pine Island Rd NE Cape Coral, FL 33909 (239) 772-5454 www.outback.com

DeFinis Chiropractic Center, LLC Dr. Steven DeFinis 410 Del Prado Blvd. North Cape Coral, FL 33909 (239) 574-4564 www.definischiropractic.com

Paradise Cheer & Dance Tina Tomasino 915 SE 14th Place Units 10-14 Cape Coral, FL 33990 (239) 573-4247 www.paradisecheer.com

Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 12,000 monthly subscribers Basic Advertising Prices Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00 Business Card $117.00 (All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business.

Non-profit organizations receive 2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership.)

Prime Advertising Pricing Full Page $387.00 (includes banner ad on chamber website only 4 available per issue, full page only) 1/2 Page $287.00 1/4 Page $207.00 Business Card $167.00 (All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter) Specials Spotlight On Business Article - One per issue $347.00 Includes a hyperlink to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business, a banner ad on the Chamber website and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter.

Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 for more information. donna@capecoralchamber.com

FIRST HOUR FREE

BUSINESS MENTORS

Here To Help!

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

GET YOUR INFORMATION HERE! RESOURCES INCLUDE;

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

(239) 549-6900

...

with a purpose.

2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 (800) 226-9609 www.capecoralchamber.com