February2015

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

February 2015

Application Deadline, February 26, 2015. See inside for details!

FEBRUARY 11TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MEETING AT LA VENEZIA

JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY AT THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE FOR THE SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET EVERY SATURDAY AT CLUB SQUARE 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

JOIN US FOR THE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS FEBRUARY 19 AT CENTURY 21 SELLING PARADISE

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

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

FEBRUARY 2015 Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain Interim Vice President 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 Director 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

FEBRUARY 3RD BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE 5951 SILVER KING BLVD. CAPE CORAL, FL 33914 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM FEBRUARY 5TH MEN’S POWER NETWORKING HOOTERS CAPE CORAL 3120 DEL PRADO BLVD. S. CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 5:30 PM- 7:30 PM FEBRUARY 6TH SECRETS TO YOUR CHAMBER SUCCESS THE AUBUCHON TEAM OF COMPANIES 4707 S.E. 9TH PL. CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM FEBRUARY 11TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MEETING LA VENEZIA 4646 SE 10TH PL CLUB SQUARE, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM FEBRUARY 19TH BUSINESS AFTER HOURS CENTURY 21 SELLING PARADISE 3409 DEL PRADO BLVD, S. STE 103, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 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 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (NEW HOURS) TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE VISIT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM

Q’s WORLD

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADVANCED LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, IOM

O

ne of the programs that many of our volunteer leaders are most proud of, and one that garners us regional recognition is our Advanced Leadership Program. After all, we are the LEADERSHIP CHAMBER! The program starts on March 6, 2015 and runs for eight concurrent Fridays.

It has been compared to a mini-MBA program offering insights into team building, emotional intelligence, assessment and planning, positive communication, positive change, decision-making, innovation and

critical thinking, and financial acumen and planning.

We work with Keiser University to provide this low cost, high quality education, which provides participants with actionable outcomes that invigorate owners and managers. Yes, you are getting college professors, many with both academic and private practice real-world credentials.

We also provide a networking lunch following each session to allow participants to debrief and share additional ideas. These groups also provide future resources as participants enjoy networking and exchanging ideas. So far, we have a diverse group of representatives from the technology industry, financial industry, retail industry, and services industry.

In this classroom setting, we allow up to twenty students in order provide an extraordinary quality learning environment, and extremely communicative interactions. If you have key employees that could benefit from a mini-MBA then sign them up! If you need something to help you re-visit your business knowledge, then sign up now!

For more information open up the attachment to see if the program is for you, or call Donna Germain at 549-6900, ext. 107.

Chairman Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc. Chair-Elect Brett Bisbe, B2 Solutions, Inc Treasurer Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative Past Chair Annette Carrasquillo,LAI Design Associates Barb Adams, LeeSar Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLC Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar, Boost Creative Tony Constantino, Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A. Diane Everhart, Northwestern Mutual Financial Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers Sandra Griener, Sun Splash Family Waterpark Tom Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Scott Kashman, Cape Coral Hospital Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com Cheryl Komnick, Caloosa Tent & Rental Michelle Lewis, B-2 Solutions Katharyn Owen, Jones, Haber and Rollings, PL Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc. Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Donna Meola, First Merchants Payment Systems Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center

TRUSTEES

Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida Rhonda Chapman, First Citizens Bank Nancy Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors Sallie Dywer, SunTrust Merchant Services Mike Hollow, RE//MAX Realty Team Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Larry Weir, Premier Insurance Corporation

CHAMBER STAFF

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

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

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

10 years ago, we started our climb.

And we haven’t peaked yet.

Specializing In Re-Roofs & Repairs

10th Anniversary

10th Anniversary For the past 10 years, we’ve taken what some might see as a unique approach to the way we go about our business–doing things the right way. From preliminary site visits to wood work, drying in, flashing and, ultimately, the roof, everything is done without the shortcuts commonly taken by so many others. We believe that when it comes to protecting your home, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We’ve done it this way for 10 years, and we’re just getting started!

Shingle • Tile • Metal • Flat Roof

200 OFF $75 OFF $75 OFF

$

ANY COMPLETE RE-ROOF*

ANY ROOF REPAIR*

SOLAR ATTIC FAN**

239.540.4550 • HomePlusInc.com Licensed & Insured • LIC #CCC1327391

*Offers may not be redeemed for cash or be combined with any other promotions. **Go to HomesPlusInc.com for details on fan.

DECEMBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW

Adult Dentistry of SW Florida Norma Jeanne Appelbaum Cabinet Genies Jim Gaubeart Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar Jeff Gately Extraordinary Eventz Lisa Reece

Card Systems Inc. Member Since: 06/04/1999

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

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

Individual (Russell) Member Since: 12/01/2001

Cheetah Printing & Signs Member Since: 06/27/2012

Keiser University Member Since: 12/14/2009

Chicago Pizza Member Since: 06/24/2008

Ken’s Auto Repair of Cape Coral Member Since: 05/02/2005

Chili’s Grill & Bar Member Since: 11/04/2013

Ken Schuman Insurance Member Since: 05/02/2005

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network - Diane Everhart Member Since: 04/13/1999 Premier Insurance Corp., Inc. Member Since: 10/20/2000 Primary Electric Member Since: 11/01/2000 Right Choice Realty, LLC. Member Since: 08/28/2013 Southwest Florida Brochure Dist.

Member Since: 01/01/1995

Family Traditions Home Decor & Furnishings Kelsey Crandall

Corona Property Holdings, LLC Member Since: 01/19/2012

Forcon Precision Products Dale Wheeling

CounterStrike Security & Sound Member Since: 01/04/2007

Freedom Financial & Troutman Retirement Income Planners Sallie Heart

Dawson of Florida, LLC Member Since: 01/13/2006

Lee County Sheriff’s Office Member Since: 12/01/2001

Sunshine Jewelers & Gold Exchange Member Since: 06/27/2012

Dixie Roadhouse Member Since: 11/21/2011

Lee County Tax Collector Member Since: 01/18/2013

Taylor-Pansing, Inc. Member Since: 12/29/1999

Florida SouthWestern State College Member Since: 10/01/1990

Lee Memorial Health System Member Since: 09/01/1991

Torchlight Productions, LLC Member Since: 08/14/2013

Literacy Council Gulfcoast Member Since: 09/26/2006

Trafalgar Middle School Member Since: 09/28/2007

Matteo Graphics Member Since: 05/25/2011

Vogue Hair Studio Member Since: 01/02/2013

Men’s Rights Law Firm Member Since: 10/06/2008

Windfall, Inc. Member Since: 04/12/2013

Merits Health Products, Inc Member Since: 09/16/2011

Zak’s Jewelry Member Since: 12/01/2001

Morris Law Firm, P.A. Member Since: 11/30/2009

Thank you for your Membership!

Hudson Cabinets Mark Hudson The Painted Conch Terry Courtemanche The Red Headed Witches Crissy Barchers TOMASSO MORTGAGE Kristi Kostera

RENEWALS ACRA Electric Inc. Member Since: 01/01/1994 Cape Coral Institute of Technology Member Since: 01/01/1994

German American Social Club of Cape Coral Member Since: 01/01/1995 Gulf Coast Humane Society Member Since: 01/25/2013 Hideaway Waterfront Resort, Corp.

Member Since: 12/05/2007 High Fidelity Studios Member Since: 11/17/2008

Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus Member Since: 03/01/1997 La Venezia Member Since: 10/26/2011

Suncoast Portable Sanitation, Inc Member Since: 12/01/2003

2015 CHAIRMAN’S GALA

Donna S. Germain, Interim Vice President he Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral held it’s 2015 Chairman’s Gala Sponsored by Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors on January 30th at The Cape Coral Yacht Club. The evening was filled with great memories, great friends, great food by Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery and recognition for some very deserving members.

As we passed the gavel to our 2015 Chairman Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, we recognized our 2014 Chairman Annette Carrasquillo LAI Design Associates and thanked her for her service this past year. We also inducted the 2015 Board of Directors and adopted our new mantra for the year, “Be Number One…Be Second To None!

Congratulations to the following members who received Chairman Awards this year; Karen Schuman Barnes, Volunteer of the Year, Rhonda Chapman, Trustee of the Year, Matt Connar, Board Member of the Year and Suncoast Beverage, Business of the year. The Chamber staff also added the additional category of Chamber Champion to this year’s awards. The five awards went to the following members; Siesta Pool Interiors, CenturyLink, WastePro, LCEC and B2 Technology Solutions A very special THANK YOU goes out to Michelle Whitlock (Siesta Pebble), who was our title sponsor of this event for the second year in a row. We cannot thank you enough for your commitment to the Chamber.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Lamar Advertising, Angela Davis Merrill Lynch, Complete Music, Karen Schuman Barnes – UBS Financial Services, Inc. and Ramos Builders, Spiro & Associates, LAI Design Associates, Florida Southwestern State College, Dixie Roadhouse, Back Streets Sports Bar, Lee Memorial Health System, Mortgage One - Tracy VanLandschoot, Mullins Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., LCEC, Iberiabank, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., Cape Coral Insurance Group, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services, Kirkwood Electric, Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, Red Salon & Spa, Cape Cleaners and Hertz.

Special Thanks To the gala planning committee Karen Barnes, Zack Zeis, Ed Ramos, Chris Spiro, Kevin Ostrowsky, Trish Lassiter, Donna Meola, Cheryl Komnick, Annette Carrasquillo, Annette Siner, Matt Lamb, Linda Kirby, Amanda Brunson, Lisa Barrella, Claudia St. Onge, Melanie Lempke and Mike Quaintance.

T

2015 CHAIRMAN’S GALA

The Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund presents

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH 2015 Dinner & Cocktails

5:30pm - 6:30pm at the Cape Coral Art League Building

Showtime

7:00pm (Doors open at 5:00pm) at the Cultural Park Theater You may walk between venues, or assistance will be provided.

$30pp

Tickets can be purchased from any Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund Board Member or call (239) 898-0442.

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts

Vip Room

“Be Our Guest” in the VIP Room one hour prior to our show and during intermission. Invitations to our VIP Room are extended to our “Sponsor of the Arts” members and ten lucky winners. Your chance to win an invitation for you and your party will be given when you purchase show tickets at the NFMAA Main Office. nfa.leeschools.net, 997-2131 1856 Arts Way, North Fort Myers, FL 33917

Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice

Tickets $8

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: (212) 541-4684 Fax: (212) 397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth Book by Linda Woolverton Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions

HEALTHY TRENDS

OPTIMAL HEALING ENVIRONMENT

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

H

ealing from an injury or an illness requires more than just medicine - we all know that. What is the environment in which healing becomes optimal? What is the optimal healing environment (OHE)? What components must this involve and who needs to participate so that the individual has the best chance to become and stay healthy?

Over the last three years a team of professionals within the Lee Memorial Health System and in the community have been working to develop such an optimal healing environment based on the Samueli Institute’s evidence based holistic and person centered framework. Internally, we have been working with our employees on wellness and preventive health care programs to help them become and stay healthy. Externally, with the help of the “Healthy Lee” initiative, many hundreds of health care professionals, community leaders and others in fields related and unrelated to health care have been doing the same.

You can be part of the “Healthy Lee” movement to create a culture of healthy lifestyles. As an individual, family, business, congregation, organization or neighborhood, you can begin the journey to a healthy you and a healthy community with Healthy Lee. Together we are collaborating for community health. This path begins when you “Choose. Commit. Change.” (our Healthy Lee tagline). Check out the website www.healthylee.com for resources to help start your journey. Whether you want to bring workplace wellness programs to your business, or learn about health and wellness events in the community, or better manage your personal health, you will find resources here. Priorities include engaging the community in healthy lifestyles, community-based primary care to avoid unnecessary use of emergency rooms, chronic disease management, access to behavioral health care, developing our healthcare workforce and greater use of electronic health records to improve quality care.

Since Healthy Lee was launched in 2007, we have seen improvement in our community’s health. Lee County deaths from heart disease and stroke have each dropped by 29% and are now lower than average compared to the rest of Florida and the nation. Our county rankings have similarly improved. Lee County’s ranking rose from 30th to 23rd in Florida for Risk Factors (which predict our future health) and from 21st to 11th in Health Outcomes (which show our current health). As you focus on what you can do to improve your health, you will contribute to even more improvement in the health of our community and that builds a better quality of life for us all.

In order to understand the work occurring both internally and externally, and understand the OHE, I will explain further. Good health begins with the individual who decides this is a priority that he/she needs to focus on. Without good health nothing else really matters. Through

the Health & Wellness services developed at Lee Memorial Health System, we have been able to involve thousands of people in programs designed to help them become and then stay healthy. When the individual has a chronic illness or cancer, the programs and services are highly specific. When they do not, then the programs include general recommendations for healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, screening for cancers, and looking for early signs of disease. From the individual, the work to develop an OHE spreads outward to include the physical structure. This means developing the physical environment to support optimal healing.

Examples include meditation areas within a hospital environment, walking paths outside the facility, nutritious foods within the cafes, and work areas conducive to healthy living while on the job.

Continuing the outward progression the OHE then begins to include more and more people and organizations within the community. In order for a community to become healthy many things need to be developed including the physical structure of the neighborhood; policies in the work place, schools and public areas to support the OHE; recurring events related to health and healing. As for the physical structure of the neighborhood, the OHE needs to include parks, sidewalks, bike lanes, and other areas which make being physically active safe and easy. Policies within the workplace and schools need to support healthy eating, physical activity, and reduced emotional stress. Public areas should be free from cigarette smoke, have clean water available to drink, noise should be limited, and the environment controlled to support good health.

Vaccination programs should be affordable and accessible to those with and without health insurance. The same for health care in general. The community efforts should also involve the development and management of support groups for specific illnesses, physical and emotional.

Concrete examples of success in these areas include the recent development of the Park Royal Psychiatric Hospital in Ft. Myers and the Golisano Children’s Hospital, now under construction adjacent to the HealthPark Medical Center.

The goal of the OHE is to make as many products and services available that enable as many people as possible to become and stay healthy. Even when we live a healthy life often times injury and disease occurs. There are many things people are unintentionally exposed to that negatively affect their health. Diligently surveying the environment and removing as many of these harmful things is part of the work that occurs as an OHE is being developed. Realize that this is an ongoing effort. It is a journey with essentially no end point. For the individual, he/ she is continually trying to become and stay healthier. The same goes on in the community and all places mentioned above. Improvement continues lifelong. The process and the efforts are to occur each and even day. Good health should be the #1 priority.

Education is a big part of the OHE. As a benefit to the community, over the past year we have been fortunate to have several nationally known experts in the field of health and wellness come to town to present their thoughts on preventive health care. Last year we had Brendan Brazier, world class athlete, author and expert in the area of sports nutrition speak with many of us in the health care field and to the general community. A few months ago Dr. Phil Tuso from Kaiser Permanente spoke with us about the “Healer zone” – healthy eating, active living and emotional resilience. On February 18, 2015 we will be honored to host Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, expert in the area of treating and preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dr. Esselstyn has 30 years of experience improving the lives of those afflicted with and at risk for CVD. He will explain his work in this area and help us understand how to focus on daily habits that produce a multitude of benefits which can improve the quality and longevity of life. Sessions at noon and 5:30 p.m. are open to the public. Those interested in attending should call 239-424-3232 to RSVP.

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

LCEC – your cooperative

empowers you!

When you are an LCEC customer, you belong to one of the largest not-for-profit electric cooperatives in the nation. Governed by customers, we are committed to delivering reliable and cost competitive electricity.

Financial Strength

Reliability

• No rate increase for six years. Rate decrease in 2014*

• Maintaining 8,000 miles of power lines year-round

• Proudly serving customers since 1940

• Returned $220 million • On-call 24 hours a in equity over the day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year years

• One of only six Centers of Excellence in the utility industry

Quality Service

Community

• Top ten United Way employee contributor and community partner • Employees volunteer more than 5,000 hours annually

* 7% Public Service Tax – Imposed by Cape Coral City Council * 3% Cape Coral Franchise fee * 4.5% Unincorporated Lee County Franchise Fee – Approved by Lee County Commissioners

www.lcec.net

Tuscany

With the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Tuscany

, rson if e p r 9 pe rson

9 pe !* $2,8799 pery Nov. 30 $2, osited b dep

One Hote Holid l ay!

Departing October 20, 2015 For more information, please contact Amanda Brunson at (239) 549-6900

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Adult Dentistry of SW Florida Dr. Norma Jeanne Appelbaum 1519 S.E. 47th Street Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6100 www.adswfla.com

Crossfit Hurt Inc. Frank Todd 75 Mid Cape Ter. Unit 1 Cape Coral, 33991 (239) 220-0593 www.crossfithurt.com

iStorage Cape Coral Evan Jerkunica 3300 Chiquita Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 541-0051 www.istorage.com/self-storage/florida/cape-coralpremier-self-storage

Karma and Coconuts Denise Ahlstrom 1021B Cape Coral Pkwy E. Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 542-0424 www.karmaandcoconuts.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Point Ybel Brewing Company Walt Costello 16120 San Carlos Blvd #4 Ft. Myers, 33908 (239) 603-6535 www.pointybelbrew.com

Southern Premier Homes Chris Cheney 1716 Cape Coral Pkwy. West Cape Coral, 33914 (239) 628-4715 www.southernpremierhomes.com

Sam’s Club of Cape Coral John McAdoo 301 SW Pine Island Rd. Ste 207 Cape Coral, 33991 (239) 772-9603 www.samsclub.com

SC Custom Homes Robert Ekdahl The Grand Martinique Model 5745 Rose Garden Rd., Cape Coral, 33914 (239) 600-6124 www.sccustomhome.com

13th Annual

Burrowing Owl Festival At Rotary Park

Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Celebrate the OFFICIAL bird of Cape Coral - The Burrowing Owl  Maitland Audubon  Peace River Wildlife Center  Tours of the Butterfly House  Guided Owl Burrow Bus Tours  *NEW* Photographer’s Bus Tour

7:30am By Advance Reservation Only + Additional Fee

 Wildlife Presentations  Nature & Wildlife Exhibitors & Vendors  Owl Burrow Maintenance Demonstrations  Owl Starter Burrow Demonstrations  Student Wildlife Art Contest  Creative Crafts for Kids  Silent Auction  Jonesez BBQ  Love Boat Ice Cream  Kettle Corn & Funnel Cakes  Butterfly Plants for sale and more!

$5 donation requested at the gate, FREE for children 16 and under.

5505 Rose Garden Road Cape Coral, FL 33914 Phone: (239) 549-4606

rotaryparkinfo@capecoral.net www.CapeParks.com www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org

SPONSORS

n o i t a t i v n I e Exclusiv We cordially invite you to become a sponsor of the 2nd Annual “Taste of the Cape,” on Sunday, March 1st, 2015 at Four Freedoms Park.

The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Education Committee and Gulf Coast Symphony are partnering together to host this cultural event for the City of Cape Coral. Your decision to partner with us will not only make it possible to offer a major cultural event for the City, but will also support the educational endeavors of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Education Committee and Gulf Coast Symphony, so we may provide scholarships and musical outreach in our schools. Last year Taste of the Cape was visited by 7000+ people.

We anticipate an even larger crowd this year. We only have a limited number of sponsorships available for this event. Please act fast!

o

Presenting Sponsor ( 1 available ) ...............................................................................

Investment

$7500

o “Top Chef” Sponsorship ( 2 available ) .......................................................................

Investment

$2500

o “Master Chef” Sponsorship ( 4 available ) .................................................................

Investment

$1000

Includes logo in all external advertising materials, verbal in all broadcast advertising, logo in all internal chamber advertising, primary company banner placement on main stage, 5 minutes of stage time. 500 food tickets

Includes logo in all external advertising materials, logo in all internal chamber advertising, company banner placement on main stage, on stage shout-out.

Includes logo in all external advertising materials, name in all internal chamber advertising, company banner at event, on stage shout-out.

o “Executive Chef” Sponsorship ( 8 available ) ............................................................

Investment

Includes company name in all external advertising materials, company name in all internal chamber advertising, company banner placement at event.

$500

o “Sous Chef” Sponsorship .......................................................................................

Investment

$99

o

Investment

TBD

Company name in program, company banner placement at event.

Media Sponsorship ..................................................................................................

Company logo in event marketing material and a physical presence at event.

NAME OF BUSINESS

C O N TA C T N A M E

FULL BUSINESS ADDRESS

PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

Payment Method:

o

o

Invoice

Credit Card

CREDIT CARD NUMBER C r e d i t C a r d Ty p e :

o

E X P. D A T E Visa

o

Mastercard

o

Discover

CODE ON BACK

o

Amex

Please return this form with payment to: Gulf Coast Symphony, c/o Taste of the Cape: 6314 Corporate Court, Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33919 For more information visit www.TasteOfCapeCoral.com **For tax deduction purposes please make your checks payable to “Taste Of The Cape”

REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman ANOTHER FRESH START

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) 2012 Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric Amid2012 all those resolutionsChairman for the new year Chamber

and the increasing change in local traffic, believe realtors,can’t builders, buyersitsandDecember sellers like I am writing my last childrenand opening presents on Christmas Day article as Chairman of the have been hopeful for another fresh start that 1-28-15 Board.

2012the has justimprovements flown by will crack through minor Real Estate Trends and there have been so many Another Fresh Start last year by opening that treasure chest accomplishments I would like to Amid all those resolutions for the new year and Real the increasing change called Estate. Did it, caninit,local willtraffic, it? realtors, builders, buyers and sellers like children opening presents on Christmas share.

(Please forgive me if IDay have Let’scrack takethrough a look atthethe numbers to see how have been hopeful for another fresh start that will minor improvements forgotten any!!) last year by opening that treasure chest called Real Estate. Did it, can it, will it? we have off in 2015.

For the Howstarted fortunate we are to three live Let’s take a look at the numbers to see how we have started off in 2015. For the three month period ending 1/28/15: month period ending 1/28/15: in Paradise! Our economy is

I

growing and the Dec ’14 Jan ‘15 outlook for 2013 Home isMedian $ Homes growth. for continued Median $ s 2012 was a 1660 great year!!

Much was $275,000 accomplished including For Sale $275,500 1708 1809 for you, $280,000 Sold Cape Coral 313 317 to $175,000 266 Here $172,000 making a$173,500 better place do business. are a few of Nov ’14 Homes Median $

the highlights: Nov ’14 Dec ’14 Jan ‘15 CondosEconomic Condos MedianOffice Median $ Development $ Condos Median The Cape Coral delivered on$ their For Sale 253 $149,000 257 $149,500 286 $150,000 promise business, investment and employment in the Sold to increase 40 $125,000 40 $135,000 39 $130,000 area. The team closed 137 economic development projects, which represents 85single new businesses thecontinues Cape and 52 expansions.

Inventory of homes ForinSale to climb steadily with a slight Inventory of median single family family Forsold Saledecreased continuesand to climb steadily with a slight increase in prices. homes Homes the median price The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership withslightly Lamar decreased. increase in median prices.

Homes sold decreased and the median price slightly decreased.

Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign that Numbers of of Condos Condos For For Sale Sale increased increased over over 10% followed bybymedian prices holding Numbers 10% followed median prices holding says “Cape Coralof iscondos OpenSold forare Business. ” the firm.

Numbers steady while median prices of Sold condos showed a slight decrease. firm.

Numbers of condos Sold are steady while the median prices of Sold condos showed Cape Coral welcomed the opening of 1,156 businesses in 2012 a slight The decrease. market hereplace is building strength.

Along with healthy there has been no back including 301 based businesses, 809 prices home-based businesses sliding; this points to consistent growth ahead of us. Actually, those of us in the trenches The market here is enthusiastic building strength.

Along with healthy prices therehomes has been and 46 unspecified businesses. means shorter distances are probably more becauseCommerce the numbers for January closed and no condos are mostly comprised of contracts written in December, typically one of our backtravel sliding;for this your points to consistent ahead of us. Actually, also those of us in thea to goods andgrowth services.

Commerce means slowest months for real estate sales. diversified tax base and jobs! because the numbers for January closed homes trenches are probably more enthusiastic Jumping a little forward, we have been seeing a bit more activity at higher price points Chamber Commerce of two Cape Coral continues to grow as now.

That showof up as sales in next months. as claimed previously, andThe condos arewillmostly comprised ofthe contracts written inAnd, December, typically onethe of our prices ARE going up! well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of slowest months for real estate sales.

Part of our first quarter marketing plan at is the weather upresulted north. It isin performing quite 583 members, today we stand 744.

This a 78 percent Jumping a little forward, have been a bit more activity at higher priceitpoints nicely and fulfilling its role we in getting folks seeing to appreciate how much more comfortable is membership growth retention rate of $600 81 percent. and how much easierwith it is toalive without having to pay or more per This month could just now.here That will show up as sales in the next two months.

And, as claimed previously, the to heat your home. not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members, prices ARE going up! been seeing greater acceptance from buyers north of the frost line.

Personally, sales we haveteam a dynamic and an awesome membership development Interest is strong and sales are beginning solidify.

With up great relief It we seeing less Part of our first quarter marketing plan isto the weather north. is are performing quite committee. and less of those frustrated buyers who still think a nice home can be bought for under $100,000.

Oh, there arein still a few folks stubborn ones out there but theymore are beginning to it nicely and fulfilling its role getting to appreciate how much comfortable Chamber Leadership continue community realize the music has stoppedprograms and there are no more chairsto left develop to sit on. is here andIn howNovember, much easier it20 is tomen live without having to graduated pay $600 or more per month leaders. and women Leadership just to heat your home.

Cape Coral. Twenty-four members of the 2012 Chamber board have Personally, from we have seeing greater acceptance from buyers north of the and frost graduated thebeen Leadership Program including the Chairman

line. Interest is strong and sales are beginning to solidify. With great relief we are seeing less and less of those frustrated buyers who still think a nice home can be bought for Chair-Elect. highones school juniors in are ourbeginning Junior under $100,000.We Oh,currently there are stillhave a few 27 stubborn out there but they Leadership Program. to realize the music has stopped and there are no more chairs left to sit on.

The Chamber successfully presented For those enlightened buyers who understand(2) theDisney upward Institute mobility ofprograms real estate in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because prices, there are good deals to be had. Two examples come to mind. First we had the it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and couple who had sold their home in another state and were living in a motel here while members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, looking for Market, that specialBusiness home on aExpo saltwater canal. After lookingDay, a bit, aweCasino found a new, Farmers , Family Bowling Trip soon-to-be-finished home listed for $460,000 with no frills (Formica counters, no garage to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on door opener, no dock or lift, etc.). Builder said we could buy it for $410,000 if we were December 1st. willing close in 30 days. directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals Ourtoon-line business found another one to 5 years oldon in average the builders priorthe phase with of extras in We 2012 that equates 3,544 over year pertons member!!

(Who says membership (travertine floors, wrap around doesn’t dock, lift &pay?) canopy, even a garage door opener, etc.) and A new aChamber mobile app was introduced in 2012. negotiated price of $365,000.

It a isvery busy year for Public Thewas other also example a retired lady election from New England whoour wanted a condoAffairs in the Committee! is a group oflooking passionate peoplerenovated who make sure that same complex asThis her friend.

She was at a completely 1BR for $45,000; the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but we found her a slightly renovated 2BR in the same complex for $36,000. Contract isalso now state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by signed and closing end of February. members and citizens of Cape Coral.

First off, there are good deals to be made if buyer and seller are willing to work with Our education committee hosted the Excellence in Education each other.inIf either is greedy or inflexible, chances are the deal willtonever close.

Awards Aprilside and awarded $4,500 in scholarships deserving Secondly, in showing real estate trends, please understand that what we see as today’s high school seniors!

SOLD activity actually went under contract a month or more ago.

We can judge from the It was also the first year of our “rotating” luncheons that are being numbers of people looking buymembership. and looking to sell if we are likely to trend upward or very well received by to our downward ServingNEXT as month. your Chairman of the Board has been an excellent experience blessed for having the opportunity of We also knowand from Iourfeel old supply and demand curve inhad Economics 101 that as demand meeting so many you at causing meetings increases, supply usuallyofdecreases pricesand to goevents. up. Our real estate market in Cape Thank you for honoring trust andand commitment!

It Coral has been a textbook example ofme thatwith for theyour past few months strongly suggests has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing this trend will continue as long as the economy does not shrink. In reality, our economy staff as well as the membership. has been improving very noticeably as evidenced by our current low unemployment rate.

I look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you With that writing on the wall, one can conclude prices will not be going down soon. good health and prosperity!

If you can afford it, buy it! Even stretch a little to buy it if you really like it. If you need to sell, do it now because buying your replacement home or condo will not be any cheaper in the foreseeable future.

The crystal ball is there for all to see. Now that you know, it is time to capitalize on that information. But please, please use a reputable realtor to help. Happy Property Hunting or Selling!

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.

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

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

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 LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917 B2 Technology Solutions 1406 SE 46th Lane Cape Coral, FL 33904

$ 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 Dean Street Insurance 615 Cape Coral Pkwy W 104, Cape Coral

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 Suntrust Bank 530 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904 4532 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904 1533 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33914 2139 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904

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

Jr. Leadership Cape Coral SPONSOR THE CLASS OF 2015 AT THE MARCH 11th CHAMBER LUNCH ___Alexis Peter, N. Ft. Myers ___Bryce Can Horn, Ida S. Baker ___Donte Carter, Ida S. Baker ___Drayton Diggs, Ida S. Baker ___Edmund Aviles, Mariner ___Hannah Hauck, Ida S. Baker ___Hannah Theriault, Mariner ___Ian Milaski, Oasis Charter ___James Shannon, Cape Coral ___Jasmine Casiano, Ida S. Baker ___Jenifer Schuman, Ida S. Baker ___Jillian Lucia, Oasis Charter ___Jordan Diggs, Ida S. Baker ___Joseph McNeely, Mariner ___Josh Mamott, Oasis Charter ___Julian Valdivia, Oasis Charter ___Kayla Morris, Ida S. Baker ___Kevin Persaud, Island Coast ___Kyle Soricelli, Cape Coral ___Madison Lampkins, N. Ft. Myers ___Melia Coughlin, Oasis Charter ___Melissa Kindma, Oasis Charter ___Preston Siner, Cape Coral ___Rachel Barnes, Mariner ___Rebecca Goldstein, Mariner ___Rileigh Baker, Island Coast ___Sara Bryce, Oasis Charter ___Shaena Carson, Oasis Charter ___Taylor Hadden, Oasis Charter

$100 SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES THE CHANCE TO MEET AND SIT WITH YOUR STUDENT AT THE MARCH 11TH CHAMBER LUNCH AT LA VENEZIA, 11:30 AM YOUR COMPANY LOGO IN EVENT POWERPOINT RECOGNITION IN EVENT E-MAILS RECOGNITION AT THE LUNCH AS A SPONSOR EACH SPONSOR WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND JUNIOR LEADERSHIP GRADUATION ON APRIL 9TH AT CULTURAL PARK THEATRE AND WILL BE RECOGNIZED THAT EVENING **100% of your sponsorship goes to fund the Junior Leadership program for our local students. The program is FREE to students and is funded through generous sponsorships like these. Please note lunch is not included in the price of the sponsorship and will be $20.00 at the door.

Please Fax or e-mail to Melanie Lempke melanie@capecoralchamber.com (239) 549-6900 ext 102 (239) 549-9609 fax Please e-mail your high resolution logo to q2u2@capecoralchamber.com by March 6th.

BJM CONSULTING, BB&T-OSWALD, TRIPPE & CO, THE AUBUCHON TEAM OF COMPANIES, MUTUAL OF OMAHA BANK

BUSINESS NAME BILLING ADDRESS CARD NUMBER C A R D T Y P E E X P I R A T I O N D A T E T H R E E D I G I T C O D E P H O N E E - M A I L

Saturday February 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hope United Methodist Church 2006 S Chiquita Blvd, Cape Coral Entry Fee: $15 Pre-Register or $20 day of Event

Trophies for all classes

FOOD

DRINKS

RAFFLES

MUSIC

FUN IN THE SUN

To Pre-Register, complete the form below and mail, along with a check, to 4 The Kids Foundation, P.O. Box 101264, Cape Coral, FL 33910 (pre-registration forms and funds must be post marked no later than Sat., Jan. 31, 2015) This fundraiser will help bring smiles to children battling cancer right here in our own backyard. 4 The Kids Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that works closely with the Oncology Staff at The Golisano Children’s Hospital of SW Florida. www.4thekidsfoundation.org We encourage all participants and spectators to bring at least one box of child-themed band aids, these will be used at the hospital to help bring a smile to a child’s face.

Name___________________________________________ Phone _____________________________ Address__________________________________ City_________________ Zip__________________ Vehicle Make_______________________ Model___________________ Year____________________ It is agreed that all persons who enter for exhibition and competition purposes in the show will abide by the rules set forth by the show management. It is also agreed that neither the show producer nor the owners of the grounds in which the show is held shall be responsible for personal injury, damage or theft of any part of my entry or display.

No entry accepted without signature. Signed______________________________________________

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

B

owland Centers hosted another great Business After Hours, this time at their HeadPinz location on Del Prado.

The Bowland Team of Marc Ciniello, Sandra Blackwood, Alissa Troutman and Mike Cannington (pictured left) once again rolled out the red carpet for our members with an everything of great food, great networking and some great fun in their game room.

The chamber would like to thank the entire staff at HeadPinz for a great evening and also thank our members for coming out to support the event.

Don’t miss this month’s after hours at Century 21 Realty - Selling Paradise.

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

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

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