Chamber Trends Magazine - February 2014

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

February 2014

Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, February 12th at LaVenezia Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press Taste of the Cape Sunday, February 9th 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Business After Hours February 20th at Century 21 Selling Paradise 5:30 p.m.

Join Us Every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside for the Surfside Sunset Market, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

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

FEBRUARY 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 Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director bill@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

FEBRUARY 4TH Business Card Exchange Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Cape Coral, LLC 2629 Del Prado Boulevard , Cape Coral, FL 33904 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

FEBRUARY 6TH Men’s Power Networking Hooters Cape Coral 3120 Del Prado Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL 33904 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 9TH Taste of the Cape Four Freedoms Park Cape Coral, FL 33904 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm FEBRUARY 15 Cape Coral Antique & Craft Market at the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market SE 47th Terrace - Downtown Cape Coral 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

FEBRUARY 20TH 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.

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 New Blood, Fresh Meat Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

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hroughout the year, I get the opportunity to work with many of our city leaders and see them in action as they perform their jobs.

City leader no doubt face some challenges as they attempt to build consensus and guide our city to a wildly successful future.

At the January 29 Cape Coral Rotary Club, I had the privilege of seeing our new Mayor, Marni Sawicki address the group. She was very poised as she shared her actions to date and her observations. She also spoke about creating an environment of good customer service at city hall, where employees feel empowered to improve the experiences that we have as customers.

2014 Board of Directors Even more impressive is the ownership she has taken of the challenges she faces as a leader. She believes that as Mayor and Council, they need to communicate more clearly as they impart the vision and desire of council. A sign of good leadership is taking credit when your team stumbles. Mayor Marni seems to embrace that leadership trait and is committed to move the city forward.

The other leader that I have thoroughly enjoyed is Vince Cautero, the Community Development Director.

What I have noticed as I am in meetings with him is his “Can-do” attitude. His greatest leadership trait that I have seen to-date is his willingness to listen. He is an attentive listener, shows empathy and honestly desires to help people navigate to a successful outcome.

As we meet with stakeholders involved in the sign ordinance and mobile food vendors ordinance, I have watched him skillfully navigate these sometime emotional discussions as the stakeholders explain their concerns and challenges. Vince works hard to extract the information that will allow for balanced outcomes.

In short, I think we are very lucky to have these two newcomers take a leadership role in our community.

They set an example for us all and get me great optimism for our community.

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 - Castle Harbour Homes Cynthia Gallagher - Cynthia Gallagher 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 - B-2 Solutions Donna Meola - Past Chairman - Achieva Credit Union 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 - Elysium Construction Inc.

2014 Trustees Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank Sallie Dywer - SunTrust Merchant Services Sandra Griener - Sun Splash 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 - Seista Peeble 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 Bill Johnson, Jr., Membership Sales Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator Linda Kirby, Membership Sales Annette Siner, Membership Sales

DECEMBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW MEMBERS Andre T. Aho w/ Remax Trend Andre T. Aho BMI Barnett Marine Ray Holton Coral Palms Office Building Martin Helgerson Deborah & Dan Dupuis w/ Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Realty Deborah Dupuis Freedom Boat Club Chris Hyman

Burandt, Adamski & Feichthaler, PL Member Since: 2001

Cape Chorale Barbershop Chorus Member Since: 2010 Cape Coral Institute of Technology Member Since: 1994 CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL Member Since: 2009 CenturyLink Member Since: 1991 Chicago Pizza Member Since: 2008

Jenny Cira w/ Town And River Realty, LLC. Jenny Cira

Edison Beach House Member Since: 2001

Planet Fitness Duncan Morrell

Fifth Third Bank Member Since: 2012

Premier Pain Specialist, LLC Dr. Prendhomme

Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Member Since: 2002

RENEWALS AAA Auto Club South dba AAA Travel Member Since: 2007 Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. Member Since: 2007

Hideaway Waterfront Resort, Corp.

Member Since: 2007 Hill, Barth, & King, LLC Member Since: 2013 Independent A.C. Member Since: 2012

Individual – Steve Russell Member Since: 2001

Red Salon & Spa Member Since: 2007

J.M. Todd, Inc Member Since: 2002

Schooner Bay Realty, Inc Member Since: 2011

Kirkwood Electric, Inc. Member Since: 2001

Shell Point Retirement Community Member Since: 2011

Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus Member Since: 1997

Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Member Since: 2011

Law Office of Miguel C. Fernandez III, Esq. Member Since: 2005

St. Andrew Catholic Church & School Member Since: 2001

Lee County Sheriff’s Office Member Since: 2001

Suncoast Portable Sanitation, Inc Member Since: 2003

Lee County Tax Collector Join Date:2013 Lee Memorial Health System Member Since: 1991 Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’ Member Since: 2012 Moonwalk & More Member Since: 1996 On Track Doors, Inc. Member Since: 2013 Palmetto Pine Country Club Member Since: 2008

Sunshine Jewelers & Gold Exchange Member Since: 2012 Taylor-Pansing, Inc. Member Since: 1999 Wounded Warrior Anglers of America, Inc. Member Since: 2012 Zak’s Jewelry Member Since: 2001

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!!!

CHAMBER TRENDS We’re Having Fun In February

Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates 2014 Chairman

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ast month we celebrated the Chamber’s 25th Anniversary at the “Back in the Black” B event! What a night!! The gala was a “HUGE” success – an evening of reminiscing with members and friends, new and old, to a great dinner, an unforeseen floor act by our very own Chamber President Mike Quaintance, the new Board of Directors and Trustees induction, awards and a special appearance by “CC/CC” – culminating with music and dance!

It was spectacular! I want to thank all the sponsors, the committee and the Chamber Staff that worked so hard to create the night and all of you for joining us in celebrating 25 years!

It’s hard to believe that February is already here… and with it comes more opportunities for all of our members to Get In, Get Busy and Have Fun! If you check out the events on the Chamber’s website you will find: The Men’s Power Networking on 2/6 at Hooters, the General Membership Luncheon on 2/12 at LaVenezia, the Business after Hours hosted by Century 21 – Selling Paradise on 2/20 and the Family Fun Bowling Day on 2/22 at Bowland.

And who can forget the Farmers’ Markets, every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside and every Saturday at Club Square – lots of local vendors selling produce, food and crafts! There is a lot happening!

Also in February, the Chamber haves teamed with The Gulf Coast Symphony to create a community event – “The Taste of the Cape.” This event will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 1:00 PM at FOUR FREEDOMS PARK. There will be free outdoor pops concert by the Symphony at 4:30 PM. Admission is free, with food and drinks available priced from $2.00 to $9.00!

All the proceeds from this event will benefit student scholarships and music education programs in the community! So bring the family and enjoy the festivities!

With all that is happening I hope to see you Having Fun in February!

...

with a purpose. & Have Fun!

CHAMBER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

BACK IN THE BLACK Donna S. Germain, Communications Director

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he Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Celebrated it’s 25th Anniversary BACK IN THE BLACK BALL PRESENTED BY SIESTA PEBBLE on January 17th at The Cape Coral Yacht Club. The evening was filled with great memories, great friends and recognition for some very deserving members.

(Clockwise) Congratulations to our 2014 Chairman Annette Carrasquillo (LAI Design Associates) and the Board and Trustees on their induction onto the Chamber Board. Chairman Joe Mazurkiewicz awards the Board Member and Trustee of the Year to Brett Bisbe (B2 Solutions)and Zachary Zeis (Elysium Homes) respectively and Welcome Center Volunteer of the Year to Bob Suhrie (RE/MAX Realty Team). A very heartfelt presentation was made to his son Keith Lewis (All Power Electric) as the Volunteer of the Year. The first ever Chairman Emeritus Awards AKA Silverbacks was awarded to Tom Giles (Avalon Engineering), Wayne Kirkwood (Kirkwood Electric) and Elmer Tabor (Wonderland Realty). And last, but not least, LCEC was awarded the Chamber Business of the Year Award for their outstanding commitment and support of the Chamber. Congratulations to all of our honorees.

The evening however, was not all awards and accolades. In TRUE Cape Chamber fashion and at the request of our new Chair Nettie, we HAD FUN!! Much to her surprise, Chamber President Mike Quaintance had a little fun at her expense with a “Special” dance he had prepared for her. While there is video of this performance floating about, I have been threat...um...told not to release it.

(Continued on Next Page)

CHAMBER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Another fantastic performance of the evening, which is available somewhere on Facebook, was that of the CC/CC Reunion. Sticking with our theme, Back In The Black, we couldn’t help but close the night with our rendition of AC/DC’s Back In Black featuring Gary Aubuchon as Lead Singer Brian Johnson, Elmer Tabor as Angus Young, Joe Mazurkiewicz as Malcolm Young, Chris Spiro as Cliff Williams and Kevin Ostrowsky as Phil Rudd under the Artistic Direction of Reggie Germain.

Guests also enjoyed the photo booth (yes, those are on Facebook too) sponsored by Complete SWFL. (Mid Left) Tony and Sarah Constantino. (Bottom Left) Bill Johnson, Jr., Reggie Germain and Chris Spiro.

While the Chamber loves to host events like this one, we cannot do it without the help of our sponsors and volunteers. On behalf of the Chamber Staff, I would like to thank everyone who attended, sponsored, supported the auction and volunteered their time to make this event a success.

A very special THANK YOU goes out to Michelle Whitlock (Siesta Pebble), who was our title sponsor of this event and was awarded Member of the Year in 2013. I cannot thank you enough for your commitment to the Chamber.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Seminole Casino Immokalee, LAI Design Associates, Angela Davis Merrill Lynch, Complete Music, The News-Press, CapeCoral.com, Achieva Credit Union and Kevin M. Burns & Associates, PA. Spiro & Associates, Achieva Credit Union, LCEC, Marilyn & Tony Stout, Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill, The Shell Factory, Caloosa Tent & Rental, IBERIABANK, ACRA Electric, DJC Insurance & Financial Services, Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, The Aubuchon Team of Companies, The Quaintance Family, Tim Collier Insurance - State Farm, HBK, LLC, Lamar Advertising, BJM Consulting.

And thank you to the amazing committee Annette Carrasquillo, Chris Spiro, Angela Davis, Michelle Lewis, Sandra Greiner, Trish Lassiter, Cindy Gallagher, Barb Adams, Donna Meola, Cheryl Komnick and Laura Koehn for all of your help!

MARKETING TRENDS I Want To Clone Michelle Christopher T. Spiro, Spiro & Associates

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or the past couple of years there has been a star rising in Cape Coral and her name is Michelle Whitlock, President of Siesta Pebble. I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle and her mother Rhonda Graham several years ago when we talked about marketing their business. While we didn’t “land” that account, I landed some great new friends.

These ladies, in a male-dominated, pool-finishing business, brought class and integrity to an otherwise rough and highly competitive industry.

They built the business on relationships and delivering a superior product with outstanding customer service time and time again. Unfortunately for all of us, Rhonda passed. But in Rhonda’s passing, an amazing journey was started…Michelle’s. She grabbed the helm of Siesta Pebble and guided it through the toughest downturn in our economy any of us have seen since the Great Depression.

Recently, Michelle and I got back together to discuss taking her brand to the next level. I was so damn impressed with how thoughtful she was about building on the groundwork her mother had laid while simultaneously putting into play her own vision. She created a new logo for the brand (no, we didn’t get to do it…damn it!) She set out to get to understand her clients’ needs better by talking to them. She created and ran some advertising successfully.

But the two key things she did that impressed me so much were 1) she got heavily involved in the community and had her brand associated with great causes, organizations and industries; and 2) she went back to school…not college, not technical school, but leadership training. Michelle submerged

herself in leadership training and built on her innate ability to motivate her staff to continue to perform, as well as motivate, her clients to continue to work with her and motivate new prospects to contract her and her firm.

Okay Spiro, get to the marketing point! Well the marketing point is simple.

It’s not the ads, its not the brochures, its not the web…in this case it’s the community service, the leadership tenacity and the leader herself. Michelle just didn’t graduate from leadership programs; she embraced leadership and made it her own. Michelle put to work all the aspects of her training, blended it with her community involvement and great brand partnering, and is watching her market share grow as well as her personal stock.

Ya’ see, Michelle’s marketing approach, by design or not, was to let her actions and those of her company do the talking for her. Those actions have continued to build her brand and caused more and more customers to gravitate to her company and brand. Now it also helps that they deliver a superior product and customer service.

All of this to say that one of the best ways you can market your business, service and yourself is to put that leadership training and community involvement to work for you. Don’t just make it a resume line-item or something you have to do. Yes it’s fun. Yes it’s interesting, but it’s also an amazing investment in your brand (corporate and/or personal).

When you see Michelle say “thank you.” Thank you for getting involved.

Thank you for lending your time, talent and treasure. Thank you for being a great example, and thank you for growing your brand and business here in Southwest Florida!

Christopher “The BrandMan” Spiro is a self-proclaimed leadership junkie.

When he’s not espousing the virtues of true leaders being defined by their actions, you may find him either at Team Spiro’s World Headquarters in Fort Myers or at his satellite office at Nevermind. Hit him up: 239.481.5511, CSpiro@ SpiroAndAssociates.com, and www.facebook.com/christopher.spiro.

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

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

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REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman 2013 Recap

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor

O

2012

Donnance Meola, Electric again Kirkwood we are entering the 2012 Chamber Chairman New Year and trying to figure

1-29-14

I

out believe how this its season will go. can’t December Economic uncertainty has been casting and I am writing my last article as Chairman eerie shadows across our crystalofball.the

Real EstateBoard.

Trends 2012 has just flown by 2013 Recap and there have been so many

But first, let’s look at the numbers

accomplishments I would like to forshare. the to(Please three period Once again we are entering the New Year and trying figure month out how this season will forgive me if ending I have go. Economic uncertainty has been casting eerie shadows across our crystal ball. forgotten any!!)

1/29/14: But first, let’s look at the numbers for the three month period ending 1/29/14: How fortunate we are to live in Paradise!

Our economy is Nov ’13 Dec ’13 Jan ‘14 growing the outlook for $2013 Median $ Medianand $ Median Homes Homes Homes For Sale 1697 $235,000 1740is for $235,000 1993 $240,000 continued growth.

Sold 279 $160,500 291 $160,000 147 $160,000 2012 was a great year!! Much was accomplished for you, including making Cape Coral a better place to do business. Here are a few of Nov ’13 Dec ’13 Jan ‘14 the highlights: Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos For Sale 309 Economic $138,000 Development 290 $138,000 $140,000 The Cape Coral Office 343 delivered on their Sold 37 $110,000 41 $108,000 25 $124,500 promise to increase business, investment and employment in the In case noticed,137 the economic numbers ofdevelopment units SOLD for projects, the most current area.

The anyone team closed which In case anyone noticed, the numbers of units SOLD for the most current period are way represents 85 new businesses in the Cape and 52 expansions. period are way off intrends. termsThis of past trends.tooThis is because tooagents manyare reallaxestate off in terms of past is because many real estate in changing the created status of their listings to SOLD; it strategic often takes them a week or more into the The EDO a public/private partnership with Lamar agents are lax in changing the status of their listings to SOLD; it often takes new month to correctly report what they’ve done in the prior month.

Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign that them a week or more into new they’ve Now“Cape that we Coral have cleared that the up, we canmonth proceed the actual report trends. what There are a says is Open for Business. ” toto correctly couple of common sense reasons why inventories are up. Single home and condo done in the prior month.

Cape Coral welcomed the opening of 1,156 businesses in 2012 inventories are increasing as more owners decide to capitalize on the increasing prices.

We alsothat see301 an inbased inventory thisup, timewe of year asproceed sellers tryto to the take actual advantage of including place businesses, 809 home-based businesses Now weincrease have cleared that can trends. our peak season population. and 46 unspecified businesses.

Commerce means shorter distances There are a couple of common sense reasons why inventories are up. Single are going up. In goods the local papers we see articles weekly aboutalso the increasing toPrices travel for your and services.

Commerce means a home and inventories are increasing as morethe owners decide to capitalize number of condo new residential construction permits. Although housing economy here is diversified tax base and jobs! not booming as it was in 2005, it does seem healthier than it has been in a long time. onThe the increasing We also seeofanCape increase in inventory thisto time of year Chamberprices. of Commerce Coral continues grow as There is a backlash to all of this. For quite some time now our market has been one of well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of asbigsellers try toFortake advantage of our population. bargains. a few years not too long peak ago it season was a buyer’s market. Now that so many of the “junk”today houses we havestand been sold and rehabbed, the marketinhas shifted and 583 members, at 744.

This resulted a 78 percent Prices are going up. In the local papers we see articles weekly about the become a seller’s market. membership growth with a retention rate of 81 percent. This could increasing number of new residential construction permits.

Although the not have without therecently, referrals fromthan our members, Yes, pricesbeen are upaccomplished and inventories, though climbing are lower they were 4 or 5 years ago. Investors seem to have diminished because thereitare a smaller number housing economy here is not booming as it was in 2005, does seem healthier a ofdynamic sales team and an awesome membership development homes to buy for a song and sell for large profit. Even the general buying public (end committee. users) forathose than it are haslooking been in longdeals time.and nostalgically reminiscing about how cheap things used to be. A few have even gotten angry at sellers for being too aggressive in pricing Chamber Leadership programs totime develop community There is a backlash this. upward For continue quite some now our market their properties for sale. to Asall theofsteady trend shows increasing prices, that ishas leaders.

In allNovember, 20they men graduated Leadership exactly what buyers do when go toand sell a women property. They try to sell it for as much been one of big bargains.

For a few years not too long ago it was a buyer’s as they can!

Cape Coral. Twenty-four members of the 2012 Chamber board have market.

Now that soeerie many of thecome “junk” houses have been sold and rehabbed, graduated from Leadership Program the Chairman and So here is where thethe shadows in. From a including real estate sales perspective, high

the market has shifted and become a seller’s market.

Yes, prices are up and inventories, though climbing recently, are lower than they were 4 orWe 5 years ago. Investors have diminished because there Chair-Elect. currently have 27seem hightoschool juniors in our Junior are a smallerProgram. number of homes to buy for a song and sell for large profit.

Leadership Thethe Chamber successfully Even general buying public presented (end users) (2) areDisney lookingInstitute for thoseprograms deals and in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because nostalgically reminiscing about how cheap things used to be. A few have it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and even gotten together angry at sellers for being too aggressive in pricing properties members for Red White and Boom , Golftheir Tournament, for sale. As the steady upwardExpo trend, shows is exactly Farmers Market, Business Familyincreasing Bowling prices, Day, athat Casino Trip to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights what all buyers do when they go to sell a property. They try to sell it foron as December much as they1st. can!

Our on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals herethat is where thetoeerie shadows comeover in. From a real sales in So 2012 equates 3,544 on average the year perestate member!! perspective, high season here usually builds slowly as visitors become more (Who says membership doesn’t pay?)

A new Chamber app Our wasactivity introduced in 2012. enamored of our fine mobile community. increases and then peaks right It was also a very busy election year for our Public Affairs around Easter. We had an incredible amount of activity in December as we Committee! This is a group of passionate people who make sure that eased into high season.

Then, January failed to live up to its promise the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level butwhen also activityand seemed to sputter.

So here weforums are, a month supposedly state federal.

The candidates’ were into veryour well attendedbest by members and citizens of Cape Coral. time for buying and selling real estate, and it almost feels like there is some Ourineducation hosted Excellence in as Education water our gas tankcommittee ‘cause the engine isn’t the running as smoothly it should.

Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving The national economy does have an influence on our market; the national high school seniors! news about ourthe limp national economic recoveryluncheons appears to that have are an impact It was also first year of our “rotating” being very by ourhas membership. here. well The received Canadian dollar lost some buying power and that too has an Serving your Chairman has been anthere excellent impact here.as Although we can’t of findthe oneBoard large single reason, are a experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of number of smaller reasons that have had an influence on why our market is meeting so many of you at meetings and events. notThank zooming along. you for honoring me with your trust and commitment! It has been privilege to work with mydeals fellow and amazing And yet,my there are still some really good outdirectors there in houses and lots. staff as well as the membership.

Most sellers are not as stressed as they were a few years ago. Buyers are able look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you to Ifind some nice properties out there if they exercise patience in their search good health and prosperity! and have faith in their realtor.

If you are buying, prices keep going up so the longer you wait the more it will cost. If you are selling, times are good and prices now are in your favor.

Either way, please try to work with a real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of this marketplace. Happy House Hunting or Selling!

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) 989-3463 or visit www.

RECapeCoral.com.

season here usually builds slowly as visitors become more enamored of our fine

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

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HEALTHY TRENDS

Weigh In On Weight Bearing Exercises

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

I

t appears often that weight-bearing exercises are more important to young people, especially men; and it also appears that as we age this is one of the exercises we do less often. This brings to mind several questions including is weight-bearing exercise necessary? Are there particular individuals who benefit more from weight-bearing exercises? Are there individuals who should not be doing weight-bearing exercises? Are there particular diseases that benefit more from weight-bearing exercises? Lastly, how do you go about starting a weight-bearing exercise routine?

Let’s take the first question: is weight-bearing exercise necessary? The answer is absolutely. This is because weight-bearing exercises are extremely beneficial for not only the muscles but also the skeleton. When we think about the benefit to the muscles, the entire mechanism of metabolism comes to mind. Have you ever thought about why healthy skeletal muscles are so important? The answer is not necessarily because they give you a better beach body but because healthy skeletal muscles increase your metabolism which allows you to burn calories more efficiently. Calories are burned within the skeletal muscles, so the more healthy skeletal muscles you have, the better you burn calories and this is obviously helpful to maintain more of an ideal body weight. Also, when the muscles are strong and healthy, they keep the spine and skeleton in better alignment and thereby decreasing the incidence of musculoskeletal aches, pains and arthritis.

Weight-bearing exercises are also very important for the bones of the skeleton.

The act of weight-bearing actually makes the bones stronger and this is extremely necessary especially for post menopausal women. But let’s not forget that men as they age are also at risk for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a severe and sometimes debilitating disease that affects all of the bones especially the weight-bearing bones of the spine and hips. As mentioned, weight-bearing exercises help to decrease the risk and incidence of osteoporosis but let’s not forget about the affects nutrition has on the health of the skeleton. In this regard we think about the effects of healthy fruits and vegetables versus the standard American diet. It is well-known that eating lots of healthy fruits and vegetables keeps the blood more on the alkaline side versus animal products (meats and dairy) which keep the blood more on the acidic side. When the blood is more acidic, this is actually harmful to the bones as calcium is pulled out of the bones to lower the level of acid in the blood. The bones do need calcium but this can be obtained by taking a calcium supplement.

Let’s next consider if there are individuals or conditions where weight-bearing exercises are potentially harmful. If an individual has a herniated disc, weight-bearing exercises could make this situation worse as more weight is loaded on the spine. Also, if a person is dealing with a low back strain or sprain, these individuals should not be weight bearing in order to rest the muscles of the low back.

How would one go about starting a weight-bearing exercise program? As I recommend for all of my patients interested in starting any type of exercise program,

first check with your physician or healthcare provider to be sure that you are healthy enough to start a vigorous exercise program. If you have not been exercising formally, you might need an exercise stress test to be sure that your heart is healthy before starting any exercise program. As we know, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States and many people have occult or hidden disease. An exercise stress test will allow your healthcare provider to see if this is the case for you.

Once you know that the heart is healthy, you can start an exercise program including weight-bearing.

At this point it is helpful to work with an exercise physiologist or a trainer that can set up a total body weight lifting program for you. It is important to exercise all of the muscles of the body from head to toe and these professionals are very helpful in this regard. You will be taught the correct way of lifting free weights or using resistance machines so as to avoid injury. The exercise specialist will also help you to determine what level of weights you should be lifting. Once a weight-bearing exercise routine has been developed, you can thereafter do this program on your own but occasionally should check in again with your exercise specialist who will help you to advance your routine as you become stronger. One mistake that I see many people making is not increasing the amount of weight they lift as time goes on. In order to develop healthier skeletal muscles you need to progressively challenge them as time goes on.

The exercise specialist can help you determine the right time to do this and how much weight should be added to your routine.

In addition to the weight bearing part of your exercise routine, you also need to be doing exercises to keep the cardiovascular system healthy. These types of exercises would include walking on the treadmill, light jogging, bicycle riding, swimming, etc.

Adding cardio exercises to your weight-bearing routine will help to round out your overall exercise program and together these are extremely beneficial for the body and brain. Yes, exercise is tremendously helpful to keep the brain healthy as it helps to maintain normal circulation to all of the vital organs including the brain. It is actually well-known that regular exercise decreases the risk and incidence of dementia.

If you have not yet started a formal exercise routine including weightlifting, I would recommend the following: first, as mentioned above check with your physician or healthcare provider to be sure that you do not need to do an exercise stress test before starting your exercise program. Next, consider having a “body age assessment” done. This is a fitness evaluation that will tell you how strong you are, how flexible you are and, in combination with some laboratory tests will give you a “body age” number. This is your fitness age compared to your chronologic age and is a wonderful motivator when you are determined to become healthier. Also as time progresses, make sure that you reevaluate your routine and advance your routine as you become stronger and more fit.

The overall goal of your weightlifting and cardio exercises should be to get you more fit and functional. It is not just about losing weight. This is about increasing your overall fitness level and to be more healthy so that you are able to do all of the things in life that you enjoy.

One great magazine that I read regularly is entitled “OnFitness”. I have found this magazine tremendously helpful over the years because it is filled with practical, scientific-based information that is easily readable. It clearly explains how to do specific exercises and why they are important and it gives you references if you would like to read more.

In combination with weight-bearing, cardio exercises and healthy nutrition with the major emphasis on eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, this lifestyle will allow you to age gracefully and fitfully and in many cases will improve the quality and length of your life.

Cape Coral Health & Fitness Challenge 12-Week Program Organized by Lee Memorial Health System & the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

Starts March 15, 2014 Ends June 15, 2014

WHAT IS OFFERED TO 2014 PARTICIPANTS 

Pre and Post Body Age Fitness Assessment



Labs from Lee Memorial Health System



Customized Exercise Prescription



Assigned Fitness Coach Throughout the Challenge



Medical Director Oversight and Review



Lecture Series on Nutrition, Fitness, and Goal Setting



Weekly Fitness Events Scheduled in the Community



Summary of Post Challenge Results Reviewed Individually



Group Statistics & Results at a Post Challenge Celebration

Cost To Participate In The Challenge...

$150 per participant $250 if participant desires a three-month dual location

membership at one of Lee Memorial Health System’s Wellness Centers

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

LOOK WHAT YOU MISSED AT THE CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET

Personal and Business

Solutions

to meet your banking needs.

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

Family Fun Bowling Day The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral invites you to become a sponsor for our annual Family Fun Bowling Day 2014 presented by Main Street Children Dentistry and Orthodontics. This event is a fundraiser for the Chamber and will help assist funding for future events within the chamber.

This family friendly networking event will be held on February 22nd from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bowland in Cape Coral off Santa Barbra Blvd. It is a networking event the whole family can enjoy.

Come network with fellow chamber members and enjoy a day of bowling with your family all at the same time. The event will also include a friendly tournament that will have some great prizes.

VIP LANE SPONSOR $149.00 ONLY 7 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Signage on Lane Text Name on Scroll at Bowling Alley (1) Lane Sponsorships at the event which include: (4) Bowlers per lane includes 2 games per person and shoe rental, One large Pizza and pitcher of soda for each lane.

Lane will be located in VIP section of the Bowling Alley with special seating and lane positions

LANE SPONSOR $99.00 ONLY 25 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Signage on Lane Text Name on Scroll at Bowling Alley (1) Lane Sponsorships at the event which include: (4) Bowlers per lane includes 2 games per person and shoe rental, One large Pizza and pitcher of soda for each lane.

Your sponsorship will help assure the success of Family Fun Bowling Day!!!!!

If you are interested in any of these sponsorships register online at www.capecoralchamber.com Or contact Amanda Brunson at Amanda@capecoralchamber.com or (239) 549-6900 ext. 111

Thank you to our sponsors!

Main Street Children Dentistry and Orthodontics Wonderland Realty Black Business Solutions, LLC B2 Solutions Wade's Heating & Cooling Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, LLC

GOVERNMENT TRENDS The PAC is now the GAC “The Voice of Business” Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting 2014 GAC Chairman

A

t the beginning of 2013, I spoke as the Chamber Chairman about the great work past administrations had done to put our Chamber in a strong financial position and how we grew the Chamber into the largest business group in the Cape.

I then went on to say, “It’s time to take this puppy out for a ride and flex

our collective muscle.”

This year as Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, (formerly the Public Affairs Committee) we have expanded our role in the continued effort to enhance our area of influences with local government.

In the past, the GAC members conducted quarterly meetings with the Mayor and Council Members to discuss issues facing the business community, listen to what they are working on and offer our assistance, as needed, to their efforts.

We will continue that practice this year while expanding our efforts to the five Lee County Commissioners. We communicated with the Commissioners regarding our intentions and received a welcoming response from many of them saying they are looking forward to meeting with our members.

Along with this expanded business plan, we will continue all of our annual events for the upcoming election year such as: Speed Politics, Candidate Hobnob and Are You Smarter Than a Politician. We have also added a Health Care Forum at the February General Membership meeting regarding the Affordable Health Care Act and its effect on small business.

It is sure to be a busy election year, so please stay tuned so you can be an informed voter this election cycle.

If you have an issue for the Chamber’s consideration or would like to become a member of the Government Affairs Committee, please contact Mike Quaintance at 549-6900 ext. 106 or myself at joe@bjmconsult.com.

Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund, Inc. invites you to

Cultural Park Theatre 528 Cultural Park Boulevard Cape Coral, FL 33990

March 27, 2014 for

Reception 5:30 p.m.

Dinner 5:45 p.m. ‐ 6:30 p.m.

Showtime 7:00 p.m. $30.00 donation benefits 2014 Scholarship Fund For tickets contact: Steve Riggs @ 239‐770‐2200

Government Affairs Committee

SPEED POLITICS READY...SET….GO! March 11, 2014 Oasis High School

3519 Oasis Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33914 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Come Mix & Mingle With The Cape Coral City Council, Lee County Commissioners, Lee County Tax Collector , Lee County Clerk of Courts & More.

Networking Begins At 5:30 PM “Speed Politics” Begins At 6:30 PM You Will Have The Opportunity To Talk One-On-One With All The Participants For 10 Minutes In Each Break-Out Room Rsvp (239) 549-6900 Ext 300

LCEC

Speed Politics Sponsorships Gold Sponsor $500

Company Logo included in all media spots Company Logo on event PowerPoint Company Display Table at the event Company Logo in event program Company Logo on printed materials, flyers, etc. for the event Company Logo on Chamber Website Event Calendar (with link to company website) Company name mentioned as a sponsor on all press releases Company Logo in Chamber E-newsletter with event photo’s and story Introduction and three minute company presentation at the event

Silver Sponsor $250

Company name in all media spots Company name on event PowerPoint Company name in event program Company Display Table at the event Company name in Chamber E-newsletter with event photo’s and story Friends of Speed Politics $100 Company name on event PowerPoint Company name in event program Yes, I want to be a ___ Gold Sponsor ___ Silver Sponsor ___ Friend Sponsor.

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Business: _____________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card: ___________________________________________________________________________ Card Type: ______________________ Expiration Date: ________________ Code: __________ Phone: _______________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________ E-Mail: _______________________________________________________________________________ Please return to: The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy, E. Cape Coral, FL. 33904 fax to: 549-9609 or donna@capecoralchamber.com More information or questions please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107

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

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 InInTouch withBusy New Get & Get Residents, Prospects Advertise In and Visitors with our The Chamber Relocation Program!

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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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

The Wellness Center of Cape Coral is designed with you in mind: and certified staff, • Fitlinxx, an integrated • Degreed with medical oversight by exercise tracking software a physician

most Les Mills group • The exercise programs in the area

screening and • Medical fitness assessment fitness plan for • Customized each member

Free Personal Training Session for all chamber members with a new one-year membership.

that provides feedback on exercise plans

age assessment, • Body including strength,

flexibility, cardio respiratory capacity and body composition

Wellness Center of Cape Coral 609 SE 13th Court Cape Coral, FL 33990

239-573-4800

D

ixie Roadhouse hosted a great Business After Hours in January complete with line dancing, corn hole and some great prizes. The Chamber would like to thank the entire staff at Dixie Roadhouse for their hospitality and for hosting a great event.

(Left) Chamber members take some quick line dancing lessons.

(Mid Right) Johnny Matthews, Andrew Lampkins, Jay Johnson, Karen Barnes and Billy Johnson, Jr. have an impromptu Leadership cape Coral Lucky 13 Reunion.

(Bottom Right) Members enjoying some great networking at Dixie Roadhouse. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this event.

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