Chamber Trends Magazine - February 2013

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

February 2013

Business After Hours, February 21st hosted by Century 21 Selling Paradise

Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, February 13th at La Venezia, Sponsored

by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press

Join Us Every Saturday at Club Square for the Cape Coral Farmer’s Market

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 6,000 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

February 2013 February 5

Publisher & Editor

Business Card Exchange Computer Heaven of SWFL, LLC. 1490 NE Pine Island Road Suite 7C Cape Coral, FL 33909 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Contributing Editors

February 13

Donna Schuman-Germain Communications Director donna@capecoralchamber.com

Mike Quaintance Chamber President q2u2@capecoralchamber.com Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com Bob Knickman Special Events Director bob@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director bill@capecoralchamber.com Amanda Brunson Special Events Assistant 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

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.

February 21

Business After Hours Century 21 Selling Paradise 3409 Del Prado Blvd., S. Ste 103 Cape Coral, FL 33904 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Every Saturday

Cape Coral Farmer’s Market Club Square - Downtown Cape Coral 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Every Tuesday

Surfside Sunset Market 2408 Surfside Boulevard Cape Coral, FL 33991 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 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

Transition

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

I

s your business ready for an unexpected transition?

It could me the voluntary or involuntary loss of an employee or owner.

It could be the retirement of a key person.

Drivers for change could be family, economics, new competitors or other career opportunities.

These preparations are probably just about as fun as planning your funeral or your will.

French poet Anatole France said, “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.”

When change happens, it is easier to assimilate through preparedness.

2013 Board of Directors

Your Chamber had begun this process through cataloging the various tasks each team member preforms and then crosstraining with other staff members.

We also took inventory of the knowledge, skills and abilities (SKA’s) that each team member has in order to identify any strategic advantages that we might capitalize on. Please know that your Chamber staff is doing its best to serve you and our community.

Have you thought about the changes happening in your business or industry?

With technology, we find that most industries are in a state of change. Have you spent time contemplating your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats? Many of you probably developed a business plan when you started or expanded your business. Perhaps it is time to take the plan off the shelf and make some enhancements?

The four functions of management are planning, organizing, leading and controlling. We should be doing all four of these on a regular basis so we are prepared for inevitable changes and maximizing our strategic advantages.

If you are working in and not on your business, planning for change can be a challenge. If we are not changing, we are not growing, if we are not growing, we are dying.

Joe Mazurkiewicz, Chairman - BJM Consulting, Inc Annette Carrasquillo, Chair-Elect - LAI Design Associates, LLC Ed Ramos, Treasurer - Ramos Builders, Inc Donna Meola, Past-Chair - Kirkwood Electric Tony Constantino, Financial Advisor - Kevin M Burns & Assoc, CPA Barb Adams - Individual Member Brett Bisbe - B2 Solutions, Inc Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions Ed Bolter - Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett - City of Cape Coral Joe Francioni - Castle Harbour Homes Cindy Gallagher - The News-Press Tom Giles - Avalon Engineering Tom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Colleen Humphries - LCEC Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood Electric Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & Rental Michelle Lewis - B2 Solutions, Inc Gary Locke - Sunstream Hotels and Resorts 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

Sandra Aguilar - Individual Rhonda Chapman - SunTrust Bank Matt Connar - Boost Creative Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Toni Rae Hurley - Iberia Bank 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 - Cheetah Printing & Signs

Chamber Staff

...

with a purpose.

Mike Quaintance, President Donna Schuman-Germain, Communications Director Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Bill Johnson, Membership Director Linda Kirby, Membership Sales Bob Knickman, Special Events Director Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Assistant

December New Members & Renewals New Members

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, Inc.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office

The Art of Literature, Inc. Victoria Moore

Century 21 Sunbelt Realty, Inc.

Liberty Tax Service

Chicago Pizza

Moonwalk & More

Competitive Edge Dance Studio

Olive Garden

Edison Beach House

Optimization Service Corporation

Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services

Plumberman, LLC

Cape Coral Gourmet Food & Wine, Inc. Hans D Zumkeller Custom Pools by Design, Inc Wayne Moomjian No Pier Pressure Charters Paul Gibbons

Hideaway Waterfront Resort, Corp.

Premier Cape Construction, Inc.

PuroClean Emergency Restoration Services Gary Widich

High Fidelity Studios

Realmark Realty Group Cape Harbour

Island Harbor Construction Corp.

Seminole Casino Immokalee

Renewals

Jason’s Deli

Serendipity Hair Studio

Keiser University

Shell Point Retirement Community

Kirkwood Electric, Inc.

Shops At Surfside

Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus

Suncoast Portable Sanitation, Inc

Law Office of Miguel C. Fernandez III, Esq.

Taylor-Pansing, Inc.

Abuse Counseling and Treatment Badcock Home Furniture & More Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc Burandt, Adamski & Feichthaler, PL Cape Chorale Barbershop Chorus

Zak’s Jewelry

Get In & Get Busy Advertise In The Chamber Trends Magazine Call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 donna@capecoralchamber.com

Chamber Trends Get In & Get Busy With A Purpose!

Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting 2013 Chamber Chairman

W

elcome to the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s New Year!

We have added a few important words to our slogan of Get In and Get Busy. Those words are: With a Purpose. It is our hope to create a filter so that everything we do will be laser focused on our mission: To Promote and Serve Business and

Community.

Our business plan is all about the three I’s: Invest, Influence and Inspire.

We will invest our time, talents and treasure to enhance your business and our community. We will inspire those in our circles of influence to do the same and we will inspire the masses to join us in this effort.

We will develop a culture recognizing the great place we live and work and all the assets we have here; the great quality of life and unlimited opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Past Chamber administrations have made great strides in developing a financially strong organization. Last year, under the leadership of Donna Meola, we grew into one of the largest business organizations in Southwest Florida. It is now time for us to take this

puppy out for a test ride; we will use our strengths to influence this community to take the next steps to be a regional leader.

It is time for Cape Coral to become: The Queen City on the Caloosahatchee: a center of population, commerce, culture, education and recreation; a safe community where our young people are nurtured; our seniors are respected and cared for; and the environment is recognized as a key component of our unique community. We will build a sustainable community that will be enhanced and available for our children and grandchildren.

We will be establishing this culture through the use of sharing those great stories of our successes both past and present. We will focus on the positive while quietly addressing our challenges.

This is going to be a great ride. You are going to want to be a part of it; making the most of our successes while growing your business, making new friends, gaining new clients and developing new strategic partners. We will be accomplishing all this while we endeavor the make our community a better place to live. All I ask is that you get on board and Invest, Influence and Inspire. It is going to be a terrific ride!

...

with a purpose.

Ribbon Cuttings Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

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

For The Kids Foundation PO Box 101264 Cape Coral, FL 33910 (239) 541-0461 www.4thekidsfoundation.org

General Membership Lunch

Top Left: Newly inducted 2013 Chamber Chairman Joe Mazurkiewicz recognizes Outgoing Chair Donna Meola for all of her hard work in 2012.

MId Left: Welcome to all of our new members!

Bottom Left: Congratulations to Brett Bisbe, B2 Solutions, who was recognized as the Board member of the Year.

Top Right: Thank you to State Representative Dane Eagle for issuing the Oath of Office for our 2013 Board of Directors and Trustees.

Bottom Right: Congratulations to Zack Zeis, Cheetah Printing and Signs, who was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. Sandi Silva, Ida S. Baker High School (not pictured) was also recognized as the Chamber Member of the Year.

Thank you to everyone who attended the lunch and thank you to our sponsors The News-Pres, CenturyLink and LCEC for their continued support.

Diamond Member Chamber of Commerce ofSystem Cape Coral Lee Memorial Health 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

Executive Member Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral BJ’s Wholesale 1929 Pine Island Rd N.E., Cape Coral Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr, North Fort Myers 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

CAPE CORAL It’s where you want to be!

March 15–17 & 22–24 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday/Saturday • Noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday

Register at any of our Showcase Homes to win a new flat panel TV! 2 0 1 3 B U I L D E R S’ S H O W C A S E

Marketing Trends Customer ServUS!

Christopher T. Spiro CEO, Spiro & Associates Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations

C

ongratulations!

You survived yet another holiday season. The rush and stress to find that perfect gift, that one trinket that will make someone smile. That one gift that will define that person’s holiday!

Then again, there are those of us who fail miserably, which is evident when a person elects to return our gifts, ultimately crushing our holiday spirit!

This year my son CJ was the crusher of spirits. My wife and I labored diligently to find the perfect gifts, mainly clothing, to help our 17-yearold have a Merry Christmas. As he opened his gifts we were greeted with such classics as “Really, Dad?” and my favorite “Not a chance in hell I’m going to wear this” (OK, I may be exaggerating his responses to help this article along, but regardless, we were crushed). So the week after Christmas we headed out to do the return/exchange dance (similar to the hokey-pokey and slightly more embarrassing)!

We woke early on Saturday. Found each receipt to match the article.

Put the items into two piles: 1. Exchange for different size, and 2. What the hell were my parents thinking? We gassed the truck, limbered up, chugged an energy drink and off we go for the adventure.

Stop one was Coconut Point in Estero to deal with some major national brands. When we arrived at Hollister Co. (the so-called “coolest destination for genuine SoCal style clothes for guys and girls”) we divided into teams. I stood number 32 in line to return/ exchange while my wife looked for appropriate sizes for exchanges, and my son and his girlfriend looked for new items for his impending store credit.

After 35 minutes in line I was greeted by the sales associate at the register who I can only describe as “mean girl meets prom queen and goes crazy.” The fact that I wanted to return and exchange something

in the same transaction possibly caused this young lady to have an aneurysm right there. She rolled her eyes and began the process. I was ready! Receipts in one hand, credit card in the other.

Somewhere between 30 minutes and an eternity later, I was presented with about 11 miles of receipts, another roll of the eyes and yes, more attitude. As I thanked the young lady for her help she asked, “Would you like to sign up for our e-discounts or to receive text messages with regards to additional savings?” I replied with a resounding “NO!” Not because I didn’t want the discounts (those of you who know me know I love a deal), but because I hope to never have to go into that store and deal with those people again.

You see, as I stood at the counter and witnessed what was going on it just wasn’t my Prom Queen who was having a bad day, it was the entire team of store reps on the front line at the counter. And, as we went from store to store, the day wore on and things got worse.

I know what you’re thinking, “OK Spiro quit rambling and get to the goshed darned marketing point.” Okay, here’s the point…the tip…the reason I wrote this article…you had us, Hollister! You had us as a customer. We liked your brand. My son likes your clothing (just not the ones we selected). My daughter likes your clothing. We demonstrated our desire to do business with you by buying several hundred dollars of your products and you reward us by treating us as second-class citizens. All because Dad picked the wrong color and Mom picked the wrong size.

When people ask me how they can reduce marketing and advertising costs, I tell them to make sure they treat every customer with great care every time. If people are buying from you on a frequent basis, it’s because they like your brand and they like your products, services and customer experience. Keep them happy, and continue to market to your target markets.

P.S. Hollister Co. touts itself as a lifestyle retailer geared towards energetic and outgoing guys and girls, offering trend-setting styles authentic in character. They might want to work a little bit harder with their sales associates on the character part.

While Christopher “The BrandMan” Spiro is not standing in insufferably long lines waiting to return bad-idea gifts, he can be found online at Facebook.com/christopher.spiro and Twitter @chrisspiro. Or hit him up at cspiro@spiroandassociates.com and (239) 481-5511, extension 234.

...

with a purpose.

Support Special Populations The Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center is a facility that offers a variety of programs for adults and children with developmental disabilities.

The mission for Special Populations is to promote independence through exposure, education and experience in a safe, caring environment.

Leadership Alumni Class of 2012 Presents

An evening of fun with

Casino Style Games Including:

Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33904 7:00 - 11:00 Registration 6:30 PM

Blackjack, Roulette, Craps & Texas Hold ‘Em

Casino Night Conducted by Rotary Club of Cape Coral

$75 Buy-In (admits 2) Includes: Entry in $1,500 reverse raffle Casino Night - $75 (admits 2) Texas Hold ‘Em - $75 (admits 1) Day of the Event - $85 Spectator - $30

$400 in funny money Italian dinner Open bar (beer/wine) Valuable prizes

Checks made payable to: Cape Coral Chamber Foundation

Name _______________________________________________________ Address________________________ City______________ Zip_________ Contact Michelle Whitlock ~ Phone (239) 229-5454 ~ Fax (239) 540-1034 ~ Siesta.Michelle@gmail.com

Political Advertisement Paid For And Approved By Vince Cummings, Nonpartisan For Cape Coral Mayor

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

We deliver Cape Coral news 24/7

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

Subscribe:1.800.468.0233 Cape Coral Editor: Casey Logan | clogan@news-press.com | 344.4721 Advertise: Lynnie Guzman | lguzman@news-press.com | 910.4575

Network Administration Administration Network Maintenance Agreements Agreements Maintenance Off-site Data 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 & Get Busy Busy Advertise In The Chamber Trends Magazine Magazine Contact Contact Donna Donna Germain Germain at at 549-6900 549-6900 ext ext 107 107 or or donna@capecoralchamber.com donna@capecoralchamber.com

From Our Chairman Healthy Trends 2012 In The Being Healthy Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric New Year 2012 Chamber Chairman

Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & can’t believe its December Wellness, Lee Memorial Health and I am writing my last System article as Chairman of the Board. 2012 has just flown by n the New Year how do you and there have been so many know if you are healthy? Are accomplishments I would like to you healthy simply because share. (Please forgive me if I have you do not have any obvious forgotten any!!) diseases? Are you healthy because How fortunate we are to live you do not have any symptoms? in Paradise! Our economy is During my 20 years in practice, growing and the outlook for 2013 I have seen many patients who is for continued growth. thought they were healthy only 2012 was a great year!! Much was accomplished for you, including to experience a heart attack or a stroke or develop cancer. Some of making Cape Coral a better place to do business. Here are a few of these folks even had been for a general physical prior to these events the highlights: and the customary office physical did not pick up any signs of these The Cape Coral Economic Development Office delivered on their problems. promise to increase business, investment and employment in the How do we know for sure that we do not have any problems area. The team closed 137 economic development projects, which brewing? Well, certainly the starting point is the annual wellness represents 85 new businesses in the Cape and 52 expansions. examination during which time the physician/ health care provider The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership with Lamar will ask many questions about your overall health, how you have Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign that been feeling since the last visit, to get an idea if anything is going says “Cape Coral is Open for Business.” wrong with any parts of your body. He/she will do what is called a Cape Coral welcomed the opening of 1,156 businesses in 2012 “review of systems” and then will examine all the body systems. Blood including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses tests will be ordered to screen for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and 46 unspecified businesses. Commerce means shorter distances and other chronic illnesses and some cancers; some radiographic to travel for your goods and services. Commerce also means a tests and other procedures may be ordered as well. diversified tax base and jobs!

All adults over 50 should be screened for colon cancer. Males The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral continues to grow as should have a prostate examination and blood test. Females should well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of be checked for cervical and breast cancer; all adults should have a 583 members, today we stand at 744. This resulted in a 78 percent full body examination to look for skin cancers (which incidentally are membership growth with a retention rate of 81 percent. This could the most common cancers). notNext haveisbeen accomplished without the referrals from our members, the fitness examination and this is where you get on aa dynamic sales team to andsee an how awesome development treadmill machine well membership your heart and lungs are committee. functioning. During many of these tests, your strength and flexibility Chamber Leadership continue towhat develop community will be checked and youprograms might even be given is called a “Body leaders.

In November, 20 men and women graduated Leadership Age” number. This is your fitness age compared to your chronologic Cape Twenty-four members of chronologic the 2012 Chamber board haveif age. IfCoral. the Body Age is less than your age that is good; graduated from the Leadership Program including the Chairman and it is higher, then you need to talk with a fitness specialist to develop

I I

Chair-Elect.

We exercise currentlyplan havefor27improvement. high school juniors in our Junior a nutrition and Leadership Program.

The fitness assessment complements the annual wellness The Chamber successfully presented Disney Institute programs examination and tests. The overall(2) program is completed by in 2012.

The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because making sure you have had your adult immunizations and any other itprocedures, takes a village!!) an measures astounding and tests orbrought preventive that250,000+ will keepcitizens you healthy members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, until your next visit.

Farmers Market, , Family Bowling a Casino An action planBusiness should Expo be developed and youDay, should have Trip the to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on opportunity to ask any and all questions so you fully understand December 1st. your risk factors and any chronic illnesses you might have. If you on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals doOur have a chronic illness (diabetes for example), you must be sure in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!! you understand your role in keeping this disease well controlled (Who says you membership doesn’t pay?)basis to be sure it does not get and what need to do on a daily A new Chamber mobile app was introduced in 2012.team. Without worse. Realize that you are part of the healthcare It was also a very busy election year for our Public Affairs your full effort and support, the physician will be unable to keep you Committee!

This is a group of passionate people who make sure as healthy as you should be. It is your responsibility to do all that you the of business is heard, level but also can“voice” do to stay healthy and to benot sureonly youat arethe notlocal doing things that state and federal. candidates’ forums were verynot wellexercising, attended by negatively impactThe your health (such as smoking, or members and citizens of Cape Coral. eating too much of the wrong foods).

Our in Education Noweducation that you committee know morehosted about the howExcellence your overall health is Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to with deserving assessed, please feel free to discuss this information your high school seniors! physician/health care provider. Also feel free to write me with any It was also first yearabout of our “rotating” luncheons are being questions or the comments this or any other healththat related topic. very well received by our membership.

Stay well and Happy New Year!

Serving as your Chairman of the Board has been an excellent 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!

“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

Scan to download our mobile site

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

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

People you can trust.

Power you can rely on.

Possibilities that are endless!

That’s the benefit of being a cooperative member! www.lcec.net

N o r t h Fo r t M y e r s Academy for the ARTS Presents

The Nutcracker

at IRISH Barbara FESTIVAL B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 9TH ANNUAL 2013 MARCH 2ND 11AM - 10PM MARCH 3RD 11AM – 8PM

December 13th, 2012 at 7:00pm

“The Best Irish Music in SWFL” BAVARIAN GARDENS GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB 2101 SW PINE ISLAND ROAD CAPE CORAL, FL

The performance features 200 dancers, singers and musicians.

Admission $6 adults-Children 12 & free A for Spectacular Performance ofunder the time honored Students $3 with school ID Free children’s area

ballet.

For more information $10, $15, $20, www.capecoralirishamericanclub.org and $25 Tickets 239-573-7014

For tickets call 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com Created By: Cassidee Kelly & Nicole Paquin

Q’s World 2 Time’s Up

Mike “Q” Quaintance, Chamber President ne minute two nurses are pulling out a tube from my femoral artery and the next moment I wake up surrounded by medical professionals and I hear my wife weeping as if she lost her best friend.

I was in for my second stent from a recent heart attack to improve the circulation of blood throughout my body. Imagine ninety seconds with no heartbeat, no pulse, just brain activity. It gives you a new perspective on life and its fragility. No, I did not see a white light, nor do I now see images of souls trapped between two plains or dimensions, which would be kind of cool. What I do see is an opportunity, an opportunity to minister about the benefits of a proactive health and fit lifestyle.

As I reflect, I recall thinking that, prior to my health challenges, I had plenty of time to get more serious about working out and eating better. End of life was far out into the future.

O

I look at one of my mentors, who just turned 61 and run several miles per day, and say to myself, I got time, I am only 55. I look at another friend and, I will not disclose her age, but last year she got involved in the Cape Coral Health and Fitness Challenge. Now, Moe looks wonderful as she abounds with purpose and energy. I look at another friend, Mike, who lost about 70 pounds and was able to stop taking several medications. These friends all heeded the pontifications of health care professionals that convinced them to find their life balance.

Right now you have the opportunity to find that balance using the resources of Lee Memorial Health System and the Wellness Center. You can be a part of our three month program that will help transform you into a healthier, fitter you. February 8, 2013 is the last day to sign up for this annual initiative that starts March 1, 2013. An initiative that includes a Health and Wellness membership, lab tests, a coach, wellness testing, and nutrition classes, all the components that are needed to make a lifestyle change.

Yes, it will cost you $200 without the health club membership, and $300 with the membership. Yes, you will have three months to see the benefits of your investment. Consider this, one heart attack and two surgically inserted stents, an investment of just over $100,000, so far, and counting. Please learn from my mistaken assumptions of invisibility and zero time constraints. Please call the Cape Coral Wellness Center at 573-4800. Do it for yourself, do it for your family and do it for your friends. Just do it!

CAPE CORAL MAYORS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Annie presents

THURSDAY, MARCH 14TH Cultural Park Theater Buffet Dinner begins at 6pm Showtime at 7pm

$30pp

Tickets can be purchased from any Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund Board Member or call 239-770-2200.

Business After Hours The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral traveled across the river last month for the Business After Hours hosted by Keiser University.

We would like to offer a special thank you to our hosts for a great event. Thank you to all of our members who took part in the event.

Top Left and Bottom Right: Chamber members enjoy the networking opportunities and of course, the hospitality at the January Business After Hours at Keiser University.

Mid Left: Nancy Tedros, Campus President welcome the guests to the Business After Hours.

Bottom Left: 2013 Chamber Chairman Joe Mazurkiewicz thanked Keiser University for their continued support of the Chamber with his daughter Mia by his side.

...

with a purpose.

Committee Trends Membership Development Committee

Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com Chair-elect, Membership Development Committee

2

013 is going to be an exciting year for the Chamber’s Membership Development Committee. At least that is what the MDC Chairperson, Zack Zeis has promised. I believe he said that, at every meeting, he will be giving away free TV’s, trips, new cars, and maybe even SUPERBOWL tickets.

Ok, so that never happened, but now that I have your attention, let me tell you what we really do.

As members of the MDC, we work together to welcome new members to the chamber.

Do you remember that first event you attended? Walking into one of the many excellent networking opportunities that the chamber offers, such as the monthly luncheon, a ribbon cutting or the business after hours? At first it is a little awkward and you scan the room looking for just one friendly face. As Mentors and Ambassadors in the Membership Development Committee, we are that friendly face.

On the second Tuesday of every month we meet at 7:45am at the Hampton Inn. During the meeting, each member of the committee chooses at least one business to mentor. We, then, reach out to that business and begin to show them all of the opportunities that the chamber has to offer. We assist them with ribbon cuttings, remind them to attend events and greet them when they do.

It is not only a terrific way for our new members to feel welcome and value in our chamber; it is also a perfect opportunity for you, the mentor, to market yourself.

You have already invested your money into the Chamber. Now you can join us on the Membership Development Committee and reap the rewards of its success and growth.

The next meeting will be February 12th at 7:45 am at the Hampton Inn at 619 S.E. 47th Terrace.

2013 is the 75th Anniversary of the Barbershop Harmony Society worldwide. Your local Chamber Member Cape Chorale Chorus is celebrating BIG in February with their Singing Valentine Program as well as their annual show on February 23 at Island Coast High School in Cape Coral.

The Singing Valentine Package will bring a Quartet (4) to a place of your chosing to sing a couple of love songs to your chosen loved one. Plus they will be dressed in tuxedos and present a Valentine Card in your name as well as a fresh rose and chocholates.

We will be available at the following number to schedule your requests for February 13 and 14. Please call 855-425-3631 to schedule and for more information. $50 is the price for the Cape and Ft. Myers area. Price may vary depending on distance.

The annual show held at the Island Coast High School will present two shows on that date. 1:30 and 7:00 PM. Top quartets from around Florida as well as the Cape Chorale Chorus will perform about a two hour show for you. Tickets ($17) are available at 239-574-7861 (Bob or Millie). All seats are reserved. Advertising is still very available for your business in our show program. Every ad will receive two free tickets to our show. Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you.

Farmer’s Market is located at Club Square every Saturday (SE 10th Place just North of 47th Terrace)

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Live Music Sponsor

Don’t Miss The Antique and Craft Fair the first and third Saturday of every month at Club Square. www.capecoralfarmersmarket.com Another great community event presented by The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

Real Estate Trends We Are Off And Running

Berge Aslanian RE/MAX Island Harbor

S

ounds like a horse race doesn’t it? Well in some ways it is. If you are still 1-28-13 waiting to see what happens in Real Estate Trends 1-28-13 ourRunning local, residential real estate We Are Off and Real Estate Trends market We Are Off and Runningyou are probably eating someone’s dust as the market Sounds like a horse race doesn’t it? Well in some ways it is. If you are still races pastreal you. waitinglike to see whatrace happens in our residential Sounds a horse doesn’t it? local, Well in some ways itestate is. If market you areyou stillare probably eating someone’s the market racesreal pastestate you. market you are waiting to see what happens dust in ouraslocal, residential probably eating someone’s dust as the market races past you.

The numbers as of January 29th: The numbers as of January 29th: The numbers as of January 29th: November’12 December ’12 January ‘13 $ January Homes Median $ Homes Median Homes ‘13 Median $ November’12 December ’12 For Sale Homes 1141 Median $258,500 1447 Median $245,000 1525 Median $249,900 $ $ Homes $ Homes 353 $258,500 $134,500 1447 202 $245,000 $144,000 1525 181 $249,900 $139,000 ForSold Sale 1141 Sold

353

$134,500

202

$144,000

181

$139,000

November ’12 December ’12 January ‘13 $ December Median $ Condos Condos Condos ’12 NovemberMedian ’12 January ‘13Median $ For Sale Condos 252 Median $134,000 307 Median $133,000 307 $134,500 $ $ Condos Median $ Condos $90,000 $100,500 30725 $101,500 ForSold Sale 25248 $134,000 30721 $133,000 $134,500 Sold $90,000 21 25 $101,500 For quite 48 some time now (over a$100,500 year) we have been saying

the For quiteissome time now (overthe a year) we have saying theCape bottomCoral is behind bottom behind us and proof is inbeen those solid prices. usquite and some the proof in those solid Cape Coral prices.

Turns out, that is true.

For timeisis now (overtrue. a year) we havethat been saying the bottom is very behind Turns out, that very In fact, trend is consistent with Lee fact, trend is those consistent Lee County numbers usIn and thethat proof is in solidwith Cape Coral prices.

Turnstoo. out, that is very true.

County too. with Lee County numbers too.

In fact, thatnumbers trend is consistent The Fort Myers News Press reported on 1/19/13 that based on figures from the The Fort Myers Press reported 1/19/13 that showed based on Realtor Association ofNews Greater Fort on Myers and that theon Beach, Lee County The Fort Myers News Press reported 1/19/13 based on figures from the single family homes: figures from the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach, Lee County showed single family Beach, Leehomes: County showed single family homes: 2011 2012 Percent Change Median Price2011 $97,000 2012 $126,000Percent +30% Change Inventory 8,005 $126,000 6,930 -13% Median Price $97,000 +30% Inventory 8,005 6,930 -13% Prices have been goinggoing up as inventory goes down ingoes Cape down Coral asin well as theCoral Prices have been up as inventory Cape entirehave county. really lowinventory priced inventory has in been sold even Prices beenThe going up as goes down Cape Coral asthough well aswe thestill as well as the entire county.

The really low priced inventory has get county. inquiries The for homes priced from $50,000 $65,000.

These folkswe must entire really low priced inventory hastobeen sold even though stillbebeen reading oldthough magazines instill doctors’ offices because houses are now get inquiries for homeswe priced from to $65,000.

These folks mustselling be sold even get$50,000 inquiries for those homes priced from $50,000 for $90,000 and up. in doctors’ offices because those houses are now selling reading old magazines to $65,000.

These folks must be reading old magazines in doctors’ for $90,000 and up.

As we keep reporting here,houses even at $100,000 are stillfor a bargain because offices because those are nowthey selling $90,000 and the up. cost tohere, buildeven one at today would they be atare least a very,the very Asreplacement we keep reporting $100,000 still$125,000 a bargain on because cheap lot. cost Don’ttoyou think housebe forat25% than market replacement replacement build onebuying today awould leastless $125,000 on a very, very in a rising market a good deal?

It surefor is and buyers havereplacement noticed it too! cheap lot. Don’t youisthink buying a house 25%smart less than market in a rising market is a good deal? It sure is and smart buyers have noticed it too!

On the selling side we have to be careful not to over-price a property in climbing market used as comps will insure Onanticipation the sellingof side we prices. have toCurrent be careful notvalues to over-price a property in anticipation of climbing prices. Current market values used as comps will insure

As we keep reporting here, even at $100,000 they are still a bargain because the replacement cost to build one today would be at least $125,000 on a very, very cheap lot. Don’t you think buying a house for 25% less than market replacement in a rising market is a good deal? It sure is and smart buyers have noticed it too!

On the selling side we have to be careful not to over-price a property in anticipation of climbing prices. Current market values used as comps will insure selling the property at a fair price in a reasonable amount of time. Missing that sweet spot could cause the property to be on the market for an extended period of time.

Overall, we are still not up to national market prices for similar homes. And, we are still below the cost of building the same home.

Knowing that the market is continuing upward in Cape Coral and county-wide while still below new cost and nationwide averages tells us it is a great time to buy before prices rise beyond our reach.

Remember, your best profit on a house is made when you buy it; buying it right will maximize your profit when you go to sell later.

There is one more thing to keep in mind. A week or two ago I had a conversation with a local insurance consultant who explained that a number of people buying or renewing homeowners insurance did not anticipate having to pay higher premiums as the market value of their property increased. The premium increases may have included a factor for rising insurance rates but they also included the higher value of the property as well as replacement cost.

Whether or not you finance your property, it is always wise to insure it. When financed, lenders require homeowners insurance.

When you own a property fully, insurance is not required but most certainly recommended. Paying a bit more for insurance coverage makes me feel good because it is an indicator of increased value and that really feels good!

Hoping your real estate experience is a good one, Happy House Hunting!

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor and an active member of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce.

For questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 9893463 or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.

...

with a purpose.

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