December2014

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

CenturyLink’s Holiday Festival of Lights, December 6th Downtown Cape Coral 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

December 2014

Chamber Trends Monthly Advertising

Basic Advertising Prices Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00 Business Card $117.00 (All ads include a hyperlink 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 $367.00 1/2 Page $287.00 1/4 Page $207.00 Business Card $167.00 (All ads include a hyperlink 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 Feature Your Business On The Cover Cover photo showcasing your company with a full page article, up to 3 pictures and company logo spotlighting your business.

Only one per month. First come first serve basis. Your spotlight can also be linked to your company website and/or a commercial promoting your business.

Chamber Trends Weekly Advertising

Press Release $25.00 (Runs 1x, includes 60 words, company logo, link to your company website.)

(Non-profit organizations run 2x for $25.00) Banner Advertisement $50.00 per month (runs 4x, includes link to your website) Company Spotlight $157.00 (Runs 4x, includes short story, link to website, link to additional company information, 2 pictures and Company logo.)

E-mail Blasts

Company Spotlight E-mail Blast $199.00 The investment for the Business Spotlight is $199 and will run twice throughout the month of your choice.

Dimensions - 6 inches wide x 8 inches tall, 300 dpi resolution.

Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext. 107 for more information.

All Chamber Publications Are Distributed to More Than 16,000 contacts

DECEMBER 2014 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 Matt Lamb Membership Sales matt@capecoralchamber.com Annette Siner Membership Sales annette@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@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

DECEMBER 6TH CENTURYLINK HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CAPE CORAL PARKWAY FROM SE 15TH AVE. - CANDIA ST. TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA’S ARRIVAL - 6:15 PM 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM DECEMBER 10TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH SANTA, MRS. CLAUS AND HIS ELVES ARE COMING TO TOWN LA VENEZIA (AT CLUB SQUARE) 4646 SE 10TH PL. CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM DECEMBER 11TH BUSINESS AFTER HOURS PREFERRED COMMUNITY BANK 2127 DEL PRADO BLVD. S. CAPE CORAL, FL 33990 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM EVERY SATURDAY THROUGH MAY CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET CLUB SQUARE - SE 47TH TERRACE & SE 10TH PLACE CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE VETERANS PARKWAY AND SURFSIDE BLVD. CAPE CORAL, FL 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE VISIT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM

Q’s WORLD THEY’RE HERE

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, IOM

I

f you drive on the roads of Southwest Florida you know that the first wave of seasonal visitors are here. You can tell as they drive 10 mph down Del Prado looking for an address, or they make an instant three-lane change, sliding over and cutting you off.

Sometimes I imagine the steering wheel in my hands as a controller for a machine gun or missiles.

While some of us may yell inflammatory greetings to these seasonal residents and visitors, as my wife reminds me, “honey they have not been here for eight or nine months and things have changed.”Then I remember that they do business with our members, which translates into our members paying their dues, which in turn pays the salaries of the Chamber staff.

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Then everything is good, that is until the next traffic foul.

Seriously, folks, in the next four to five months, the Chamber Welcome Center will see 60 percent of its annual visitors. You may say so what? The two Welcome Centers combined see more than 30,000 annual visitors each year and unless you can be here greeting people and handing out your information, you have to put your tri-fold brochures or business cards in the lobby. You can also look into purchasing lobby advertising from Matt Lamb or Annette Siner, call 549-6900 ext. 103 or ext. 109 respectively. These tools are silent salesmen that can be utilized to drive our visitors. The Welcome Center is our bus that drives our visitors to your businesses.

We still have a few Member Monday’s left if you are interested in displaying your goods and services in our lobby for three or four hours. Please contact Melanie at 549-6900 ext. 102 for more information.

Lastly, our website is a powerful tool that according to the metrics, distributed more than 190,377 referrals in November. Make sure we have your information correct and if not, drop us a note, or sign in under your website account to fix it, if you need help, please call Stephanie Roberson at 6998442. We cannot fix it, unless you provide us with the information. Season is going to be awesome, let it snow, let it snow!

Chairman - Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, LLC Chairman Elect - Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc. Treasurer - Brett Bisbe, B2 Solutions, Inc Past Chairman - Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions, LLC Ed Bolter - Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett - City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar - Boost Creative Tony Constantino - Financial Advisor Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A. Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Joseph Francioni - The Smart Companies Cynthia Gallagher - The Breeze Newspapers Tom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & Rental Trish Lassiter - LCEC Michelle Lewis - Past Chairman - B2 Solutions Donna Meola, First Merchant Payment Services, Past Chairman Thomas Shipp Jr. - Past Chairman - Tom Shipp at the Martin Law Firm Stanley Spicer - Platinum Service A/C Chris Spiro - Past Chairman - Spiro & Associates Zachary Zeis - The Smart Companies

2014 TRUSTEES

Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank Sallie Dwyer - SunTrust Merchant Services Sandra Greiner - SunSplash Family Waterpark Mike Hollow - RE//MAX Realty Team Scott Kashman - Cape Coral Hospital Laura Koehn - CapeCoral.com David Owen - BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System Michelle Whitlock - Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors

2014 CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Tom Giles - Avalon Engineering Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood Electric Elmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty

CHAMBER STAFF

Mike Quaintance, President Donna S. Germain, Communications Director Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Matt Lamb, Membership Sales Annette Siner, Membership Sales Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator Linda Kirby, Membership Sales Contractor Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Contractor

OCTOBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW

Hampton Inn & Suites Cindy Colley

RENEWALS

JCI Graphics and Promos Member Since: 11/25/2013

Holiday and More Siegfried Fuchs

A Worldwide Person & Information Locators & Investigations Inc. Member Since: 10/11/2000

Kinetic Thoughts LLC Member Since: 01/28/2010

Integrity Title & Document Services, LLC Trina Shandrowski

ABC Pest Control Member Since: 06/07/2011

Lee County Inspection Services Member Since: 10/29/2008

Investors’ Security Trust Greg Blurton

All Power Electric, LLC Member Since: 04/10/2008

Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’ Member Since: 11/30/2012

James M. Wesolowski, CPA, P.A. Jim Wesolowski

Blind Gallery Member Since: 10/05/2011

Outback Steakhouse Member Since: 10/24/2013

Karma and Coconuts, LLC Denise Ahlstrom

Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon Member Since: 07/11/2013

Palm RV & Marine Member Since: 10/11/2011

Kottenbrock & Son’s LLC Joseph Kottenbrock

Cape Coral Housing Development Corp.

Member Since: 11/09/2000

Palmetto Pine Country Club Member Since: 11/19/2008

PakMail Denise Clements

CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL Member Since: 03/03/2009

Park 720 Vehicle Storage Member Since: 11/20/2002

Progressive Employer Management Denise Perchall

Chicago Pizza Member Since: 06/24/2008

PartyLite - Candle Ladies Renee’ & Rhonda Member Since: 04/13/2012

Pure Fort Myers.com Robin Rosario

City of Cape Coral Member Since: 06/01/1993

Paul Homes of Florida, LLC Member Since: 11/01/1995

R. Townsend Rescreens, Inc. Becky Townsend

Comfort Keepers Member Since: 10/30/2013

Pool Doctor Service & Supplies Member Since: 11/01/1991

Community Lending a Division of Hamilton Group Funding Inc. Deanna Adinolfo Rivera

Sakura Japanese Steakhouse Teet Davis

Downtowner Car Wash Southeast Member Since: 11/17/2006

Rebecca A. Ross with Robert W. Baird Member Since: 01/11/2012

Crossfit Hurt Inc. Frank Todd

Sip and Send Jonette Kessack

Thank Home Corp.

Member Since: 10/25/2013

Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC. Stephan Bukard

Stillwater Grille Julie Meyer

Family of Faith Christian Academy Preschool & Daycare Member Since: 07/19/2013

Adirondack Chocolatier Jennifer Murphy ADT Security - Frank Myers Frank Myers Around the Clock Fitness Georgia Kline Autonation Toyota Fort Myers Javier Lastra Beach Bungalow Blinds Jimmy Hawley Beltone Hearing Care Center Jane Lopez Ceno Grille George Lukas Center Pharmacy Ben Levene Choices in Living, Inc. Devorah Beavers Comcast Business Scott Carley

Dale’s Dockside Dale Walker Escape To Sparadise, LLC Maria Resto-Triquero Estero River Outfitters Paula Stuller Gulf Coast Woman Lisa Murray

Storm Solutions, Inc Jimmy Hawley SUPciety LLC Ryan Niederberger Thomas E. Shipp, Jr. Attorney at Law Thomas Shipp, Jr US Health Group Deborah Maroney

For The Kids Foundation Member Since: 11/21/2012

The Legacy Wealth Management GroupUBS Financial Services, Inc. Member Since: 09/18/2012

FOS Furniture Member Since: 11/01/1994

The News-Press Member Since: 07/01/1990

High Fidelity Studios Member Since: 11/17/2008

Wade’s Heating and Cooling Member Since: 07/29/2013

Home Services By Rafael Member Since: 08/22/2007

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation Member Since: 10/31/2012

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CHAMBER TRENDS WHAT A FUN YEAR IT HAS BEEN!

Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates 2014 Chairman

I

t’s hard to believe that this year is almost over! It seems like yesterday that I wrote my first article for this newsletter and we were on our way to celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral!

I can honestly say that as your Chairman of the Board, it has been fun! What a great year to be a Chamber member and a part of this Community! We have grown our membership; provided continued business leadership and advocacy through our Government Affairs Committee; continued our partnership in education and celebrated its’ leadership through the Education Committee; developed more focus on our Member Services; graduated the Leadership Class of 2014, known as the “14 Karats!”; and continued to provide Special Events and the Farmers’ Markets for our Community! And there was the Key West Trip! So much FUN!!

Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, I know that I am very thankful for the Chamber Family and all that we have accomplished over the past 25 years!

As we get ready to close out this year, I want to thank all of YOU, Our Members…the lifeblood of the Chamber… for being a part of, supporting and helping us grow and give back to our community! It is because of all of you that we are able to do what we do and continue to develop, promote and grow

business for the future of this City and for those that are yet to come.

To the Board of Directors and the Chamber Staff, Thank You! For supporting me and my endeavors this year as your Chairman; for going along with the “Fun” games at the Board meetings; for calling just to see how it was going; and for always offering your wisdom, time, talent and treasure to the Chamber, the Staff and the Members; and for just Having Fun! And so it’s the winter holiday season! Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Ramadan, Christmas or Kwanzaa, I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays, spent with loved ones and friends and a New Year filled with new opportunities, success and prosperity!

As always, I hope to see you Having Fun in 2015!

& Have Fun!

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

S

peed networking was back and better than ever at the November General Membership Lunch at La Venezia.

Close to 100 members came out to get to know their fellow members and make new business contacts.

The chamber also welcomed its new members as they gave their 30 second introductions to the group. Thank you for your membership!

Thank you to our annual lunch sponsors.

The News-Press, CenturyLink and LCEC. Please be sure to join us for the December General Membership Lunch on December 10th. Santa, Mrs. Clause and his elves will be there to wish the members a happy holiday season.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

CAPE CORAL PARKWAY ( SE 15th Ave - Candia St.) 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

SANTA’S ARRIVAL & TREE LIGHTING 6:15 PM

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HEALTHY TRENDS

MEN’S HEALTH

Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

T

oday’s article is a continuation in the series of articles highlighting information regarding anti-aging medicine. We next journey into the area of men’s health and we will review how male hormone changes occur as we mature.

As most people know, testosterone is the primary male hormone but there is also a certain level of testosterone in healthy females.

Testosterone is considered an anabolic steroid which means that it is a bodybuilding hormone.

Testosterone is produced from cholesterol and has a number of different physiologic effects including increasing muscle mass, bone maturation and bone density; and early on is responsible for the development of the sex organs and the secondary sexual characteristics. There are receptors for testosterone in all of the major organs and this is one reason why so many signs and symptoms develop when testosterone is deficient. Most men realize that a low testosterone level affects the libido but it is also known to affect vigor, vitality and virility.

The symptoms of a low testosterone level are extremely varied and can often times be very vague. Some men will simply describe the loss of a sense of well-being, difficulty concentrating, irritability, nervousness and depression; as well as altered behavior and changes in the sleep pattern. Over time one may notice a decrease in the muscle mass and strength. The hair density may decrease and because of bone loss, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis. There are many causes of low testosterone including age-related decline, obesity, medications; and there are many associated medical problems including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s dementia, Hercules, osteoporosis and inflammatory conditions.

In males, testosterone levels start to decline around 20 to 30 years of age and by age 40 the levels decline 1% annually. According to a report in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, in recent years there has been a substantial age independent population level decrease in testosterone in American men. This has been a decline that is not just associated with age and therefore it is important to know what environmental factors affect testosterone levels. We do know that diet, stress and toxin exposures all contribute to declining testosterone levels. In relation to the diet, too many simple sugars and saturated fats result in increased fat storage and when this happens, this becomes toxic to the pancreas and results in a decrease in insulin release or causes insulin resistance. The end result is that insulin ends up affecting the production of testosterone resulting in the various symptoms that are described above.

When we look at how stress affects the production of testosterone, we know that chronic stress increases the production of cortisol which is the stress hormone. As this occurs, there is an

abnormal production of cortisol at the expense of testosterone.

When we look at toxins that affect the production of testosterone, we know that these include pesticides, food additives and preservatives, heavy metals, and chemicals called phthalates and bisphenol. Phthalates are chemicals used as plasticizers and in 2004 production levels reached 800,000,000 pounds! Sources of phthalates include personal care items such as make up, shampoo, moisturizers, liquid soap, hair spray, cologne; detergents, cleaning materials, paints, food packaging, are examples. They are even found in children’s toys and in fishing lures!

Bisphenol A (BPA) is primarily used to make plastics and has been in commercial use for the past 50 years. BPA is found in baby bottles, water bottles, dental sealants, sports equipment, eyeglasses, CDs and DVDs. Both phthalate and BPA affect the hormone levels in the body and are also known to increase the risk of obesity and prostate cancer.

As mentioned previously, low testosterone is associated with a decrease in the mass and strength of skeletal muscles; and overall is associated with a higher mortality. In addition it is known that low testosterone affect cognitive functions and probably increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that testosterone replacement therapy prevents the production of beta amyloid which is an abnormal protein that develops in the brain of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Low testosterone also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease which we know is the number one killer in the United States and probably in the world today.

Testing for testosterone deficiency involves a number of blood, urine and saliva tests. This allows for the measurement of all of the precursor hormones as well as all of the metabolites of testosterone.

The general treatment plan for low testosterone includes replacing testosterone with either a patch, gel or injection; ensuring an appropriate amount of quality sleep; reducing exposure to toxins such as phthalates and BPA; eating organic foods to limit pesticide exposure; supplementing the diet with antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients; and ensuring that all of the hormones in the body are balanced including estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, insulin and cortisol.

When testosterone is replaced, the levels need to be measured at regular intervals and the individual needs to be evaluated periodically to be sure that the dose is correct and there are no side effects occurring.

In summary, getting old is not for sissies, as many of my patients have told me, but fortunately there is a lot we can do. As described above, we can balance the hormones which will have a significant positive effect on the aging process; and if we eat right, exercise, sleep well and manage our stress, we cannot only improve the quality of our lives but also increase the longevity.

This is all part of a comprehensive lifestyle management plan which should be developed for all individuals. With each new day my recommendation for you is to forget the “New Year” resolutions and instead make a “New Day” resolution. Your new day resolution each and every day should be to make your health the number one priority and as you know, by taking care of your health, your health will allow you to take care of everything else.

Stay well my friends and as always please send comments and questions to Dr.Sal@ Leememorial.org

Get In Touch with New Residents, Prospects and Visitors with our Relocation Leads Program!

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

RIBBON CUTTINGS

4 WORDS FOUNDATION Marie Springsteen (239) 887-9264 www.4wordsfoundation.org

CHOICES IN LIVING, INC. Devorah Beavers 3812 Skyline Blvd Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 540-6813 www.ciladultdaycare.com

CROWN TROPHY Mike Rachel 861 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 540-9905 www.crowntrophy.com

EDWARD JONES John T. Evans 4426 SE 16th Place Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 540-0429 www.edwardjones.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

KRISTIN’S HAIR SALON Kristin Schwartz and Jane Kelley 303 N.E. 3rd Avenue Cape Coral, FL 33909 (239) 677-7430

MOLLY MAID OF FORT MYERS Douglas Heffner 39 Mildred Dr. Suite 7 Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 418-0052 www.mollymaid.com

R. TOWNSEND RESCREENS, INC. Becky Townsend Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 244-4759 www.rtownsendrescreens.com

WHITE GLOVE EXECUTIVE TRANSPORT Kyle Dias 909 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 443-9593 www.wgetransport.com

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LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2014

14 KARATS GRADUATE Donna Germain, Communications Director

T

he Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral graduated it’s 21st Leadership Class on November 15th at Palmetto Pine Country Club.

The class, also known as the 14 Karats, heard from Gary Aubuchon, Class of 1996, speak about the importance of leadership and taking what you have learned in the program to make our community a better place to live and work.

The event turned out to be a wonderful evening for our graduates, alumni, family and friends and we could not have done it without your help. On behalf of the Chamber and the Leadership Cape Coral Steering Committee, I would like to thank the following members for your support.

Thank you to our Class Sponsors: 4 Words Foundation, Achieva Credit Union, BJM Consulting, Black Business Solutions, CCCIA, CenturyLink, Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery, FGCU Small Business Development Center, First Merchant Payment Systems, Frank and Sons Moving and Storage, IBERIABANK, Lamar Advertising, LCEC, Lee Memorial Health System, Mortgage1, Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., The Painted Conch, Patrick Quinlan with Miloff Aubuchon Realty, Premier Insurance Corp, Regions Bank, Sharee Thieleman with Miloff Aubuchon Realty, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors, The Boat House of Cape Coral, The Breeze Newspapers, The News-Press, UBS Financial - Karen S. Barnes, Vogue Hair Studio, WastePro USA

Thank you to our Best Class Ever Sponsors: Patrick Quinlan with Miloff Aubuchon Realty and Nancy Ramos, Ramos Builders from the Class of 2003 Thank you to our Auction Donors: Bubba’s Roadhouse, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors, Buca Di Beppo Italian Restaurant, Coral Oaks Golf Course, Florida Everblades, Around The Clock Fitness, Complete Nutrition, Pottery Express, Costco, Applebee’s, Cape Cleaners, Palmetto Pine Country Club, Papa Joe’s, Hooters, LCEC, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Battery Giant, Wellness Center Of Cape Coral, Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., Reds Seafood, Kristin’s Hair Salon, The Pink Shell On Fort Myers Beach, Key West Express, Massage Envy, Vogue Hair Studio, Tracy VanLandschoot - Mortgage 1, Cape Coral Hurricanes, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Red Salon And Spa, Beverly Howe - Florida Buyer Broker, Sunshine Jewelers, Investors Security Trust, Sylvan Learning Center, Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, Cape Coral Police Department, The Lee County Supervisor Of Elections, Miracle Baseball, IBERIABANK, Chico’s, The News-Press.

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REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman PRE SEASON WORKOUT

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) 2012 Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric s we Chamber enter the holiday season on 2012 Chairman

AI

the eve of Cape Coral’s high season

can’t believe for tourists and its real December estate, some and things I amarewriting my Those last interesting happening.

11-28-14 article as Chairman of the thingsTrends happening now are slightly ahead Real Estate Board.

2012 has just flown by when they usually happen, kind of like the Pre-Season Workout and there have been so many robins of springtime coming way too early.

As we enter the holiday season on the eve of Cape Coral’s high season for tourists accomplishments I would likeand to A look at some our most recent now monthly real estate, some interesting things are happening.

Thoseofthings happening are share.

(Please forgive me if I have slightly ahead when they usually happen,figures kind ofwill likeillustrate… the robins of springtime coming forgotten any!!)will illustrate… way too early. A look at some of our most recent monthly figures ForHow the fortunate three month weperiod are toending live For the three month period ending 11/28/14: 11/28/14: in Paradise! Our economy is and Nov the ‘14 outlook for 2013 Sept ’14 Octgrowing ’14 Homes Median $ Home isMedian $ Homesgrowth. for continued Median $ s 2012 was a great year!! Much was accomplished for you, including For Sale 1408 $250,000 1524 $260,000 1660 $275,500 making Coral a$175,000 better place do business. are a few of Sold Cape 290 281 to$170,000 313Here $173,500 the highlights: Sept ’14 Oct ’14 ‘14 The Cape Coral Economic Development OfficeNov delivered on their Condos Condos Condos Median $ Median $ Median promise to increase business, investment and employment in $the For Sale 252 $151,000 245 $148,000 253 $149,000 area.

The team closed 137 economic development projects, which Sold 36 $136,000 38 $120,000 40 $125,000 represents 85 new businesses in the Cape and 52 expansions.

Inventory of single family homes For Sale continues to climb confidently along with a The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership with Lamar Inventory of single familyprice. homes For Sale to climb confidently along with a strong increase in median Homes soldcontinues have alsomarketing increased andcampaign the median prices Advertising and HDPR price.

GroupHomes and sold a new that strong increase in median have also increased and the median have now begun to climb. prices have Coral now begun to climb. says “Cape is Open for Business.”

Condos Coral For Salewelcomed slightly increased followed byof a slight in median Cape the opening 1,156increase businesses inprice.or 2012 Condos For Sale slightly increased followed by a slight increase in median price.or Sale.

Sale.

Numbers of condos Sold went up slightly while the median prices of Sold condos including 301 place based businesses, home-based Numbers of condos Sold went up slightly while809 the median prices of businesses Sold condos increased noticeably. businesses. Commerce means shorter distances increased noticeably. and 46 unspecified What doesfor thisall allmean? mean?

Well, ofservices. those inexpensive properties that to What travel your goods Commerce means a does this Well, alland ofallthose inexpensive properties thatalso made usmade famousus are mostly gone.

As the decreases and the demanddemand remains remains strong diversified tax base and jobs! famous are mostly gone.

Assupply the supply decreases andpent-up the pent-up (that’sChamber because our of prices here are stillof well, well below averages), users The Cape Coralnational continues to end grow as strong (that’stobecause ourCommerce prices are willing pay a higher price. here are still well, well below national averages), end well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of users are willing to pay a higher price.

As members, the prices on today used homes go up, new home This construction has become much more 583 we stand at 744. resulted in a 78 percent As the prices used ithomes goaup, new home construction has become much more attractive evenon though remains bit more expensive (but not much more) than existing membership growth with rate of 81 percent.

This could homes. even For athough change, increases have been modest butnot steady rather meteoric. attractive it our remains aabitretention more expensive (but much more)than than existing not havemodest been accomplished without thestable referrals from our members, Steady, increases are usually much more than skyrocketing prices, and homes.

Fortoo. a change, our increases have been modest but steady rather than meteoric. healthier a dynamic sales team and an awesome membership development Steady, modest increases are usually much more stable than skyrocketing prices, and committee.

But with this upward trending market there are some caveats for both buyers and sellers. healthier too.beenLeadership We have seeing too many buyers still pushing forto lastdevelop year’s prices.

This is a Chamber programs continue community strong message to our northern buyers, “Offering 10-20% less than for the both listed buyers price onand a But with this upward trending market there are some caveats leaders.

In November, 20 men and women graduated Leadership home already with a fair market value will not get the house for you and there is no need sellers.

We have been seeing too many buyers still pushing for last year’s prices.

This Cape Coral. of the 2012toChamber board have to get huffy, Twenty-four especially when members that house ends up selling a more experienced andis realisticmessage buyer fortosometimes morebuyers, than Program the listed price.” a strong our northern “Offering 10-20% less than the listed price on graduated from the Leadership including the Chairman and An equally strong message goes out to that segment of sellers who think their property is their own private Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, “Just because you have heard and read that prices are going up, please do not think you can beat the market and drag off a pot

a home already with a fair market value will not get the house for you and there is no need to get huffy, especially when that house ends up selling to a more experienced and Chair-Elect.

We currently 27 listed highprice.” school juniors in our Junior realistic buyer for sometimes morehave than the Leadership Program.

An equally strong message goes out to that segment of sellers who think their The Chamber presented Disney Institute property is their ownsuccessfully private Lost Dutchman’s Gold(2) Mine, “Just because youprograms have heard in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because and read that prices are going up, please do not think you can beat the market and drag it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and off a pot of gold. Regardless of what the internet told you or a well-meaning friend, your members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, house is notMarket, worth 30% more thanExpo everything else onBowling the market.”

Farmers Business , Family Day, a Casino Trip The old story is still true, if you like the property enough to live in itof andLights the priceon is to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival affordable, negotiate December 1st. reasonably and you will get to enjoy the house. Nobody is stealing houses anybody.

Ourfrom on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals we saw a buyertofrom a northern suburb ofover a major try per to work the price in Recently 2012 that equates 3,544 on average thecity year member!!

(Who says20% membership doesn’t pay?) They came up slightly on the counterdown about on a very fairly priced house.

A new app in 2012. offer processChamber but backedmobile away from thewas dealintroduced eventually because the seller would not It to was a they verykept busy year our Actually, Public the Affairs agree everyalso change tryingelection to sneak into the for contract. seller Committee! is a group passionate people sure that refused to sign This the contract that of differed significantly from who what make had been verbally the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also represented and ageed; the sellers said they would honor the deal as originally agreed state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by but would not allow the sneaky little changes that were added to the written contract. members and citizens of Cape Coral.

Buyers were caught in their deception and slithered away. It turns out this was the fourth Our education committee hosted the Excellence in Education time they played and gamesawarded with a transaction, with a different selling agent and Awards had in April $4,500each in scholarships to deserving had gotten busted each time. high school seniors!

It iswas worth mentioning one because we are seeing more andbeing more It also the firstanecdotes year oflike ourthis “rotating” luncheons that are buyerswell and sellers who have readmembership. things on the internet and decided to try them or add very received by our their own spinas to them. advice goesofoutthe to allBoard and it has “Just Serving your This Chairman hasuniversal been application, an excellent experience feel blessed formean having hadClever the real opportunity of because you readand it onIthe internet does not it is true!” estate strategies meeting so out many of you in atthose meetings and events. just don’t play as described get-rich-quick articles. Because of all the fraud you fornothonoring your trust and commitment!

It andThank over-extension too long ago,me youwith can’t buy a house with no money down and get has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing cash back at closing and there are so few sellers (you can count them on one hand) who staff as well as the membership. are willing to do a lease-purchase in a RISING, seller’s market.

I look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you As we approach the busiest time of the year, please remember that common sense good health and prosperity! is always the best way to measure the validity of a transaction. If it makes sense and doesn’t make people smirk when you tell them about it, proceed; if not, then don’t waste your time or other peoples’ time.

Life is too short. Do the right thing and enjoy the process of buying and selling properties by using the expertise that is available to all from experienced realtors.

Hoping that you all had a Happy Thanksgiving, it is now time to wish you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Oh yes, Happy Property Hunting or Selling too!

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral. For questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or email realtorberge@att.net or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.

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Lee Memorial Health System P.O. Box 2218 Fort Myers, FL 33902 CenturyLink Store 2710 Del Prado Blvd. South Cape Coral, FL 33904 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 Commerce of Cape Coral

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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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

A

t the November Business After Hours, chamber member FOS Furniture and the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral presented the 2014 First Responders of the Year Awards.

This year, Cape Coral Fire Department Lieutenant Anthony Demos, Cape Coral Police Officer Cristian Munoz-Lunz, and Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies Russell Park and Jeff Pierot were honored as the 2014 First Responders of the Year. (Left) For the last 13 years Pat Corlew, owner of FOS has recognized our local first responders in this annual ceremony.

Clockwise: Michelle Dean and Jill Irzyk; Members at the November BAH; Zack Zeis, Donna Meola, Ed Ramos and Michelle Whitlock, Jay Johnson and LeeAnn King.

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

Advertise in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter.

A Banner Ad is just $50 per month!!

Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or 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. & Have Fun! 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 (800) 226-9609 www.capecoralchamber.com