Chamber Trends Magazine - January 2013

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

January 2013

Business After Hours, January 17th , hosted by Keiser University Join Us For The General Membership Lunch & Board of Directors Installation, January 9th at Palmetto Pine Country Club Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press Join Us Every Saturday at Club Square for the Cape Coral Farmer’s Market

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 6,000 monthly subscribers Basic Advertising Prices Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00 Business Card $117.00 (All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business.

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

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

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

January 2013 January 5 & 19

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 Bob Knickman Special Events Director bob@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director bill@capecoralchamber.com Amanda Brunson Special Events Assistant amanda@capecoralchamber.com

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910 2051 Cape Coral Parkway Cape Coral, FL 33904 Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609

Cape Coral Antique and Craft Market Club Square - 47th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33904 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

January 9

General Membership Meeting & Board of Directors Installation Palmetto Pine Country Club 1940 SW 9th Court Cape Coral, FL 33991 $20.00 For Members w/reservations Call 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

January 17

Business After Hours Keiser University 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33905 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

January 25

Secrets To Your Chamber Success New Member Orientation Hampton Inn & Suites 619 SE 47th Terr Cape Coral, FL 33904 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Every Saturday

Cape Coral Farmer’s Market Club Square - 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

The Real Value of Chamber Membership Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

I have an appetite for chamber industry writings and therefore I consume a lot of information concerning the industry.

The American Chamber of Commerce Executives commissioned the Schapiro Group to conduct a research study called “The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce.” Attached is the hyperlink for additional detail on the Research Study.

The study was web-based with 2,000 adult participants and the results are pretty interesting when it comes to creating a competitive edge in creating differentiation with non-member businesses. Below are some of the results that help us understand membership value from a consumer perspective.

• Most consumer (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall.

• If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.

• When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

• When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to

think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

So, the question for our members is, how are you maximizing your connection with the Chamber? Do you have your business cards or tri-fold brochure in our lobbies?

Do you have your sixty-word business description on the Chamber website?

Are you using the Chamber logo on your promotional materials and advertising?

These are all great opportunities that cost you zero dollars and only a small amount of time.

If you desire to be more involved with the Chamber, just give us a call to be a lobby volunteer, or a committee member of the Education Committee, Public Affairs Committee, Membership Development Committee, Special Events Committee or Board of Directors Committee. This is the next level of membership that connects you with the Chamber and helps to create that differentiation strategy, separating you from your competitors. The cost associated with this level of involvement is “TIME.” Finally, program and event sponsorship is a great way to market your connection with the Chamber. Event sponsorships range from community events and advertising, to networking and educational events. They include events such as CenturyLink Holiday Festival of Lights, the RE/MAX Red White & Boom, Speed Politics, The News-Press Excellence in Education Awards, Business after Hours, and a whole collection of opportunities.

The Chamber staff can take you to the water, but only you can drink it. For more information on these opportunities and a connection to the Chamber staff person in-charge, please give me a call at 5496900 ext. 106, or e-mail me at Q2U2@ capecoralchamber.com. We exist because of you, and for you, so thank you! We live to serve!

2013 Board of Directors

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

2013 Trustees

Sandra Aguilar - BJ’s Wholesale Club Rhonda Chapman - SunTrust Bank Matt Connar - Boost Creative Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Toni Rae Hurley - Iberia Bank Trish Lassiter - Lee County Electric Coop Eric Malasky - Paradise Deli & Market David Owen - BB&T-Oswald, Trippe & Co Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System Zachary Zeis - Cheetah Printing & Signs

Chamber Staff

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

November New Members & Renewals New Members

Renewals

A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming Artisan Bread Too Cape Coral Hurricanes- Premier Men’s Soccer Team Chandler, Mathis & Zivley Exclusive Consulting, Inc. For The Kids Foundation Ft. Myers Army Recruiting Center Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Kelly Air Systems, LLC. Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’ South Cape Business Center Wounded Warrior Anglers of America, Inc. Zebo’s

All Power Electric, LLC American Cancer Society Bistro In Vivo Cape Coral Bingo Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund Cape Shore Realty Card Systems Inc. CC Stone w/Sandals Realty Chicago Pizza City Smoke Barbecue ClubZ! In Home Tutoring Dixie Roadhouse Downtowner Car Wash Southeast Fenzel Air, LLC FOS Furniture Gulf Coast Coin & Jewelry, LLC

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. Individual (Russell) J.M. Todd, Inc JP’s Auto Care Ken’s Auto Repair of Cape Coral, Inc Matteo Graphics Napa Auto Care Center North American Title Company Palmetto Pine Country Club Park 720 Vehicle Storage Parker House Properties Perico’s Inc Pirate Coast Cycles Pool Doctor Service & Supplies Primary Electric Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors St. Andrew Catholic Church & School Trafalgar Middle School

GUNS N HOSES

HOCKEY 2013 F E B R U A 4 G E R M A T i c k e t s

R Y 2 , 2 0 1 3 p . m .

I N A R E N A f o r $ 1 6 . 0 0

One ticket gets you two hockey games all in the name of charity. Come out and support your local police and firefighters as they take to the ice head to head for charity. Then stick around for your Florida Everblades as they battle the Greenville Road Warriors. All proceeds benefit For The Kids Foundation, a local organization that helps kids who are battling cancer.

To Purchase Tickets 541-0461 Former Everblades players will be playing on both teams

Call

From Our Chairman Healthy Trends 2012 Healthy Nutrition

Donna Meola,Lacagnina, Kirkwood Electric Salvatore D.O. 2012 Chamber of Chairman Vice President Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health can’t believe Systemits December and I am writing my last article as have Chairman of the s we discussed in Board. many 2012 has just flown by previous articles, and there been so many the havefoundation for accomplishments I would to healthy living resides in like daily share. (Please forgive me ifregular I have healthy eating and forgotten any!!) So what happens physical activity.

How fortunate we areAre to live during the holidays? we in Paradise!

Our Can economy is allowed to splurge? we go “off growing and the for 2013 the diet” and still outlook be healthy?

The is for continued answer is duringgrowth. the holiday it is 2012 was a great year!! Much was forgo you, OKaccomplished to splurge and offincluding the diet. making Cape better place do business.

Here are a few of However, thisCoral does anot mean youto should eat three helpings of the the highlights: main course and then eat half of the baked apple pie with a gallon of CapeonCoral Economic Development Office delivered on their iceThe cream top! LOL! promise to increase business, investment and should employment the Seriously, eating healthy during the holidays be not in much area.

The than team eating closed healthy 137 economic projects, different during development the non-holiday times. which When represents 85 new businesses the Cape 52healthy expansions. you think about it, you can stayinhealthy by and eating foods most a public/private strategic partnership with Lamara ofThe the EDO timecreated and then taking a meal or two where you enjoy yourself Advertising andkey HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign that little more. The is doing this in moderation.

You can have a small says “Cape Coral Open for Business. ” piece of pie withisone scoop of ice cream!

Eat enough to make you Cape Coral welcomed theare opening of 1,156 satisfied and to feel like you not missing out. businesses in 2012 including 301 placesince basedeating businesses, 809 home-based businesses This is important is pleasurable to the palate but also and 46 mind unspecified businesses.

Commerce shorter to the and spirit.

Food does comfort.means But we shoulddistances be able to travel for yourby goods services. meansWe a to feel comforted eatingand 1500 caloriesCommerce per day andalso not 3000. diversified basethe andright jobs!kinds of food because food is fuel for the need to betax eating The You Chamber Commerce of Cape continues as body. must of provide your body withCoral healthy fuel so to thegrow engine well; in December 2011 and our long. membership was at an all time low of continues to run strong 583What members, today we stand atlook 744.like?

This Picture resultednine in a servings 78 percent does healthy nutrition of membership growth with retention rate of 81 percent. could fruits and vegetables daily;aeating some complex starchesThis including not have beenbreads accomplished without the referrals fromwater; our members, whole grain and pasta; drinking lots of fresh limiting ameats dynamic team andtimes an awesome development to 4sales ounces a few per weekmembership and eating organic, grass committee. fed meats; taking supplemental vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants; Chamber Leadership tosodas develop community and avoiding fast food programs restaurantscontinue as well as which typically leaders.

In November, 20 men and women graduated Leadership are loaded with unhealthy sugars.

Cape Coral. members the 2012 Chamber board have If we wantTwenty-four to stay healthy duringof the holidays in addition to eating graduated Leadership Programactive. including the Chairman and healthy, wefrom alsothe need to stay physically Add this into your daily

I A

Chair-Elect.

Weshould currently have 27 school juniors in 15 ourminutes Junior schedule. You be doing 15 high minutes of cardio and Leadership Program. of light weight lifting daily. If you are not currently exercising, please The Chamber successfully (2) Disney programs consult with your physician presented first to be sure you doInstitute not need a stress in 2012.

The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because test before starting a formal exercise program. it takes village!!) anorastounding and If youa have any brought questions comments 250,000+ regardingcitizens the above, members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, please feel free to contact me at Dr.Sal@Leememorial.org Farmers Market, Business Expo , Family Bowling Day, a Casino Trip to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on December 1st.

Our on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!!

(Who says membership doesn’t pay?)

A new Chamber mobile app was introduced in 2012.

It was also a very busy election year for our Public Affairs Committee! This is a group of passionate people who make sure that the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by members and citizens of Cape Coral.

Our education committee hosted the Excellence in Education Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving “Your Business Connection” high school seniors!

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral It was also the first year ourCoral “rotating” luncheons thatFL are being 2051of Cape Parkway E. Cape Coral, 33904 very well received by our membership.

(239) 549-6900 Fax (239)549-9609 Toll Free (800) 226-9609 Serving as your Chairman of the Board has been an excellent experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of meeting so many of you at meetings and events.

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

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

Scan to download our mobile site

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

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

General Membership Lunch

The Chamber switched up the regular format of the December General Membership Lunch at La Venezia with a little speed networking.

Each participant rotated tables every 10 minutes and had one minute to tell the group about their business and themselves.

Thank you to The News-Press (Community Conversation Editor Tom Hayden pictured top left), LCEC and Centurylink for their support and sponsorship of our month Chamber lunches.

Thank you also to our Table Sponsors Battery Giant, Boost Creative (pictured bottom left), Fishermen’s Village, Rain Forest Tours, Red Salon & Spa and Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors.

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

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

Executive Member Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral BJ’s Wholesale 1929 Pine Island Rd N.E., Cape Coral Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr, North Fort Myers Premier Oncology Radiation Specialists In Urology 24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral The News-Press - Fort Myers Office 2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers 413 NE Van Loon Lane, Cape Coral

Real Estate Trends Closing Out The Year Berge Aslanian RE/MAX Island Harbor

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here’s good news and bad news. You can label the information yourselves because for some it is good and for some, maybe not. So here we go. For those of you who read this column regularly, you might have noticed that there 12-24-12 Real Estatewasn’t Trendsone last month. No, the dog Closing Out the didn’t Year eat my homework and my computer didn’t crash. Your faithful author had to go into the There’s good news and bad news. You can label the information yourselves replacement part and because for some it is good and for some,shop maybefor not.aSo here we go. For those of you surgery who read this column regularly, you might haveunder noticed the that influence there wasn’t of major pre-empted me from writing one last month. No, the dog didn’t eat my homework and my computer didn’t serious medication.

A month later, everything gone extremely crash. Your faithful author had to go into the shop for a has replacement part and majorand surgery me from under the that, influence well now pre-empted so am I. Now that writing we’ve covered let’s ofseeserious what’s medication. A month later, everything has gone extremely well and now so am I. trending in Cape Coral real estate.

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s see what’s trending in Cape Coral real estate.

The numbers as ofas December 24th: The numbers of December 24th:

For Sale Sold

October ’12 Homes Median $ 815 $259,000 344 $138,500

November ’12 December ‘12 Homes Median $ Homes Median $ 1141 $258,500 1447 $245,000 353 $134,500 202 $144,000

For Sale Sold

October ’12 Condos Median $ 186 $132,000 52 $105,000

November ’12 December ‘12 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ 252 $134,000 307 $133,000 48 $90,000 21 $100,500

Regular readers might remember have been around muddling around Regular readers might remember we havewe been muddling in terms of prices have been going steadily.

For going single family homes, even involume termswhile of volume while pricesuphave been up steadily.

For though inventory seems to be increasing, prices of homes sold are up noticeably. single family homes, even though inventory seems to be increasing, Sold condo prices are also up and firm. prices of homes sold are up noticeably. Sold condo prices are also Low inventory, increasing prices and steady but low unit sales clearly up and firm. demonstrate we are about to break through the “resistance” points of price vs.

Low inventory, increasing prices and steady but low unit sales demand that dominated our market for so long. clearly demonstrate we are about to break through the “resistance” Match this with high season just around the corner and smart investors will clearly see the opportunity to make strong profits by selling if they don’t get too greedy.

Knowing that prices have been going up for a variety of reasons also gives a clear evidence to buyers that those “el cheapo” prices are well behind us.

Just the other day a realtor friend called me to ask if the MLS computers were broken. The natural response was, “Why do you ask?” He told me that he was researching single family properties under $85,000 within a very small radius of the river in North Fort Myers and nothing came up.

points of price vs. demand that dominated our market for so long.

Match this with high season just around the corner and smart investors will clearly see the opportunity to make strong profits by selling if they don’t get too greedy.

Knowing that prices have been going up for a variety of reasons also gives a clear evidence to buyers that those “el cheapo” prices are well behind us.

Just the other day a realtor friend called me to ask if the MLS computers were broken. The natural response was, “Why do you ask?” He told me that he was researching single family properties under $85,000 within a very small radius of the river in North Fort Myers and nothing came up.

After laughing just a little, it was easy to explain that nothing was broken but the reason nothing came up is because there is nothing available. In fact, a quick search revealed that the least expensive property was a foreclosure with 1100 square feet, 2 BR/2 BA and a 1 car garage built in 1963 priced at $139,900. The next lowest priced home was similar but priced at $165,000; almost double what he was trying to find.

As recently as a year ago, you might have been able to find something low priced requiring minimal improvement to make it move-in ready. But, they’re all gone now. Just look at the price statistics. Prices are up, inventory is way down; when demand remains constant and supply decreases, prices always go up.

The good news is that we are still below national averages. Even though we are priced higher than we have been in long time, with a consistent upward trend buying is still a good investment.

Our high season is just about here so prices will continue upward as our visitors become enamored with our lifestyle and lower than national prices.

If you can, now is a good time to buy. If you are selling, please price yourself within the market. The best buying and selling occurs when you use a solid, experienced realtor. So, until next year, Merry Christmas to All, Happy New Year too and Happy House Hunting!

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

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

We deliver Cape Coral news 24/7

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

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

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

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

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

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

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Live Music Sponsor

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

Business After Hours The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral celebrated the holidays a little early this year at the December Business After Hours hosted by Capital Bank.

Thank you so much to Libby Knight and the entire staff for their hospitality and support over the years.

(Top Left) Bryce Grimsley, Cape Coral Insurance Center, Denise Perchall, Progressive Employer Management, Kim and Chris Horseman, Horseman’s Landscaping and Eric Malasky, Paradise Deli.

(Mid Left) Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Funeral Home, Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com, Denise Perchall, Progressive Employer Management and John and Rosie Elya.

(Bottom Left) Jeff Abbott, Kinetic Thoughts and Reggie Germain, High Fidelity Studios.

(Below) 2013 Chamber Chairman Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Stacey Wilder and Joe Francioni, Castle Harbour Homes

Burrowing Owl Festival 11th Annual Southwest Florida Burrowing Owl Festival Beverly Saltonstall, Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife

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very February thousands of people descend on Rotary Park in southwest Cape Coral. They come to celebrate the official start of nesting season of Cape Coral’s official City bird – the Burrowing Owl. As small as a can of soda pop, these little owls with huge yellow eyes have captured the hearts of the residents of Cape Coral, as well as visitors from all over the world.

This 11th Annual Festival, organized by Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) & Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department, will take place on Saturday February 23, 2013. There will be over sixty animal loving organizations and vendors providing something for everyone.

Narrated van tours to see the Burrowing Owls in their actual habitat and lectures covering wildlife topics are held during the day.

A favorite activity at the festival is a tour of the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House. Festival goers have the opportunity to see the fascinating life cycle of various local butterflies, gain knowledge on how to start a butterfly garden, and be able to purchase plants to

start a butterfly garden of their own.

Eco-friendly organizations such as CROW, Audubon, the Fossil Club and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation will be on hand to answer questions and provide free information on a variety of nature related topics.

Vendors will have a great variety of nature related goods. Beautiful photography, paintings, jewelry, pottery and clothing are just a few of the items that will be available to purchase. A children’s corner will have arts and crafts and plenty of other activities for the little ones.

To achieve their goal of educating citizens on the importance of protecting the Burrowing Owl, CCFW is helping homeowners learn to attract Burrowing Owls to their property and to properly maintain burrows in their neighborhoods. Loss of the species in Cape Coral would have a devastating effect on the population in the rest of Florida, so preservation of habitat is critical.

Festival attendees will leave with a greater understanding of just how fragile the relationship is between man and his environment and wildlife.

The $5.00 entrance fee for adults and free admission for children under 16 makes this one day event a bargain for the budget conscious family. For more information go to www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call CCFW at 239-980-2593.

Cape Coral Bike-Ped Cape Coral Bike-Ped - Together We Can Develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian-Friendly Cape Coral Carolyn E. Conant

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ape Coral Bike-Ped is a new volunteer organization whose mission is to develop a system of interconnecting bike and pedestrian routes throughout Cape Coral for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are an avid runner or cyclist or someone who seldom exercises, connecting bicycle and pedestrian routes in Cape Coral is good for our economy, improves quality of life for citizens and increases tourism.

Tourism is big business in Florida and Cape Coral is not getting its fair share of bicyclists, runners, and walker’s tourist dollars. As Craig Dearden, an avid cyclist and CFO & COO of Realmark Development notes, “Being outside is what Florida is all about, improving the walking and bike lanes will promote our community as a place to exercise and safely enjoy our paradise.”The monetary effect of cycling tourism can have a huge impact on our City. Cyclists alone contribute an estimated $133 billion to the US economy. Over $46.9 billion is spent on meals, transportation, lodging, gifts and entertainment during bike trips and tours. When you add in the contribution from runners and walkers the economic impact is even more substantial.

Patricia Young, a member of the Lee County MPO Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinating Committee notes, “Connecting bike lanes, paths and sidewalks improves the quality of life for everyone. It encourages health and well-being and spurs economic development.”

Cape Coral Bike-Ped volunteers are Stepping Up to work in partnership with the City of Cape Coral to make a difference in the way the city improves and builds its bike lanes, paths and sidewalks.

Visit our newly created website at www.CapeCoralBikePed.org to learn more, donate and volunteer. We need your help through taxdeductible contributions and your willingness to volunteer to make this vision a reality.

Together, we can develop a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly Cape Coral.

Cape Coral Bike Ped is a volunteer organization working in partnership with the City of Cape Coral to make a difference in the way the city improves and builds its bike lanes, paths and sidewalks.

Our Mission is to develop a system of interconnecting bike and pedestrian routes throughout Cape Coral for everyone to enjoy.

Our Strategy is to: • Identify phased improvements and routes to begin creating a city wide network • Mark the routes with standardized signage and pavement markings • Improve critical areas where potential problems may exist • Publicize the routes through a website and elsewhere for the world to see.

Donate: Your tax-deductible donations enable us to build new pathways and maintain existing ones. Click on Donate to see all of the ways you can support this effort. Click on Join Us to volunteer.

Cape Coral, Florida is ideally suited as a community with over 400 miles of beautiful canals and adjacent streets, much of it in quiet, serene settings for cycling, walking, running or pet walking. It is the one of the largest cities in Florida in terms of land mass. By creating well-coordinated, connected bicycle and pedestrian pathways, we and generations to follow will enjoy safe, attractive routes to cycle or walk to schools, shopping areas, libraries and parks.

Ribbon Cuttings and More

South Cape Business Center 3208 Chiquita Blvd. South Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 549-3208

Congratulations to Janice Walker of SERVPRO of Cape Coral for winning $2012 worth of advertising from The News-Press at the December General Membership Lunch.

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

3-13-13

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

FIRST HOUR FREE

BUSINESS MENTORS

Here To Help!

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

GET YOUR INFORMATION HERE! RESOURCES INCLUDE;

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

(239) 549-6900

...

with a purpose.

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