Chamber Trends Magazine - January 2015

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

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January 2015

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(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.)

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JANUARY 2015 Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain Communications Director donna@capecoralchamber.com Contributing Editors Mike Quaintance Chamber President q2u2@capecoralchamber.com Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Matt Lamb Membership 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

JANUARY 6TH

BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE CAPE CORAL OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT THE PAINTED CONCH 1242 PINE ISLAND ROAD UNIT 17 CAPE CORAL, FL 33991 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

JANUARY 15TH

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS HEADPINZ 1899 DEL PRADO BOULEVARD S. CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

JANUARY 30TH

2015 CHAIRMAN’S GALA CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB 5819 DRIFTWOOD PARKWAY CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 6:30 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

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Q’s WORLD COMMIT TO BEING A GIVER

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, IOM

I

have a story, a story about a young banker who had visions of professional success. He strived to utilize whatever edge that he could employ, so he asked a couple of banking mentors for advice. These mentors all told him to go out and network, join the Chamber, Rotary, and other organizations where he could be around business owners. They told him to introduce himself to everyone, give them his elevator speech, hand out business cards, and obtain business cards from these new prospects. Next come back to the office and work the phones, and you will be on your way to success.

This young enthusiastic banker did exactly what his mentors suggested, he called everyone that he had gotten business cards from and offered his services.

He networked until he was blue in the face, but his phone hardly rang, he never heard from these people he networked with. He grew frustrated and angry, he kept trying, but the results did not change. He decided that networking did not work, he was tired of the rejections, so he looked for another career.

At another banking institution, another young banker started about the same time as the other young fellow mentioned at the beginning of the story.

He too had dreams of success. This young man strived to be the best he could be, so he went to a mentor and asked for advice. His mentor shared the same advice that was shared with the other young fellow, but they also explained to the young fellow that he could not expect to get anything without giving first.

The mentors suggested that the young man go to a chamber luncheon and introduce yourself to a few people. Take a few business cards with you. If someone asks, give them a business card and ask

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

for theirs, but do not give them a sales pitch. Ask these new acquaintances what they do, about their latest vacation, their family, favorite sports teams or hobbies. Be earnest, let your new acquaintances do most of the talking, be interested in them. Listen for ways that you might be able to help them. Perhaps, it is an introduction to someone else. Perhaps, it is a problem that someone in your network can fix. If they ask about what you do, answer them, but always turn the conversation back on them to build a relationship.

Next, excuse yourself and repeat this same behavior a few more times at the event.

Think of it as being a farmer, you are planting seeds today, you are not harvesting. By repeating this behavior at several networking events, pretty soon you will know a lot of people, people that you may have helped so they trust you. Before you know it, you will have developed a crop of people that trust you and are willing to help you. This is when your crop begins to mature. These acquaintances will begin to call you to get what you have and what they need. This is a sustainable way to grow your business because you have developed relationships.

I see this scenario play out all the time. I see members helping members and developing successful businesses. I see Welcome Center volunteers building their book of business by volunteering four hours each week meeting and greeting visitors. I see people like Beverly Black from Black Business Solutions, Brent Bisbe from B2 Solutions, Diane Everhart from Northwestern Mutual, and Jeff and Laura Koehn from CapeCoral.com giving and building all the time. My longtime friends Chris Spiro, Spiro and Associates, Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, and Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric all deployed these giving methods, to grow themselves, and their companies.

In short, when you are a giver first, you will be a receiver forever. Happy New Year!

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, Warchol, Merchant & Rollings LLP 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

Mike Quaintance, President Donna S. Germain, Communications Director 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

NOVEMBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW

Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. Tyra N Read Esq Bo Nose K9 Training & Daycare Crystal McClaran Boat House Tiki Bar and Grill Mickey Ferry CAM Consulting Group LLC Claudia Monte Chef Jay’s Dinner by Design Jay Hixon Coconuts Neighborhood Bar & Eatery John M. Laskowski

Cape Chorale Barbershop Chorus Member Since: 12/05/2010

Miceli’s Restaurant Member Since: 10/31/2012

Sandbill Realty Group, Inc.

Cape Coral Pet Crematory Member Since: 02/03/2012

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

SC Custom Homes, LLC Robert Ekdahl

CenturyLink Member Since: 09/01/1991

Planet Fitness Member Since: 12/04/2013

South Cape Diner Felix Estivaine Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. Robert Davis

Deborah & Dan Dupuis w/ Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Realty Member Since: 12/13/2013

Premier Cape Construction, Inc. Member Since: 08/01/1995

Samaritan Health and Wellness Center Susan Hook

Welcome Home Florida Cheryl Tretinik

RENEWALS

Davis Surveying, Inc. Eric Davis

Abuse Counseling and Treatment Member Since: 12/05/2007

Fearless Construction Marine Division John L Eaton

All American Sealcoating and Paving, Inc. Member Since: 08/21/2013

Floridian Star Cruises Evelyn Stewart

All Septic All Plumbing Member Since: 06/14/2013

H&R Block of Southwest Florida Chris Bergman

Avalon Engineering Member Since: 12/01/1994

iStorage Cape Coral Evan Jerkunica

Penguin Pools Member Since: 06/30/2006

Merry Maids Matthew D Gour

Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc Member Since: 12/01/2002

Priority Payments South Florida Jonathan Gabel

Burandt, Adamski & Feichthaler, PL Member Since: 12/01/2001

Ron’s Airport Transportation Ron Lomonaco

Edison Beach House Member Since: 12/01/2001 Edward Jones - John T. Evans Member Since: 09/27/2010 Freedom Boat Club Member Since: 12/23/2013

Premier Pain Specialist, LLC Member Since: 12/01/2013 RE/MAX Realty Team Member Since: 08/01/1990 Red Salon & Spa Member Since: 09/26/2007 Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Member Since: 11/21/2011

Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Member Since: 12/01/2002

Slate’s Member Since: 11/25/2013

Hollywood Bicycle Center Member Since: 02/11/2012

State Representative Dane Eagle Member Since: 02/08/2013

Ida S. Baker High School Member Since: 09/01/2009

Thompson Gas Member Since: 05/09/2012

J.M. Todd, Inc Member Since: 12/01/2002

Wounded Warrior Anglers of America, Inc. Member Since: 11/28/2012

Jackson PR Member Since: 02/14/2012 Kelly Air Systems, LLC. Member Since: 11/27/2012 Liberty Tax Service Member Since: 12/28/2004

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

CHAMBER TRENDS

BE NUMBER ONE...BE SECOND TO NONE! Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders 2015 Chairman

W

e have a tremendous opportunity in front of us. This year, it’s time to redeem the rewards of our efforts.

First, I am humbled by your confidence in me to serve as your Chairman for 2015. I promise that as a steward of this position I will stay true to our mission: To Promote and Serve Business and Community.

As business leaders, we have experienced tremendous successes and crippling deficits. Many of those who are reading this have weathered the economic storm with unparalleled resilience. Our past Chair Annette Carrasquillo made her theme to Have Fun as our community was “Back in the Black” and how right she was. We have all transitioned from operating our companies at a minimum, to hiring additional staff to service our clients. But now is not a time for complacency.

2015 is an opportunity to change our mindset as business leaders. It is not a time for our city and businesses to take a backseat to our neighboring communities. It’s a time to show the world what Cape Coral and its business community has to offer. This is not to say that we should be an island unto ourselves as we need to encourage regionalism both by local government and businesses alike. As Joe Mazurkiewicz said, “We can be the ‘Queen of the

Caloosahatchee,’ all we need to do is believe that.”We have a city council that is working together and moving in a positive direction. We have new businesses coming to our community and as Fannie Mae’s Chief Economist (a Cape Coral Resident) states, “confidence is growing, employment and household income is strengthening”.

We can no longer accept mediocrity from our local government or ourselves.

Let’s strive to be number one and be second to none. Please join us to usher the New Year in with our 2015 Chairman’s Gala to be held at the Cape Coral Yacht Club on January 30th and celebrate what being number one is all about.

I thank all of our staff, chamber members and board for all of their help over the years and bringing us to where we are today and remember: Be Number One…Be Second to None !

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH The Chamber welcome some very special guests at the December General Membership Lunch. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elf paid us a visit to ask some very special members what their wanted for Christmas and to see whether they had been naughty or nice this year. (Mid left and right) Chairman Annette Carrasquillo, seated with Santa AKA Elmer Tabor and her “double�

Margie Stevens. Santa also asked his old friend Joe Mazurkiewicz what he was asking for this holiday season.

The chamber also welcomed its new members as they gave their 30 second introductions to the group. Thank you for your membership! (top left) (Bottom Left) Membership Director Matt Lamb, Councilwoman Rana Erbrick and Trish Lassiter, LCEC. (Bottom Right) Bill Johnson, Jr., CCCIA, Mayor Marni Sawicki and Janice Keim, CCCIA. Thank you to our annual lunch sponsors. The News-Press, CenturyLink and LCEC.

2015 Chairman’s Gala annual Chamber awards & board inductions January 30th Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Parkway

6:30 pm Sponsored By

RSVP TO (239) 549-6900 ext 300 www.capecoralchamber.com

$50 Per person - Semi Formal Attire - Silent Auction

2015 Chairman’s gaLA Past chairman sponsorships $100 SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES Sponsor Name In Program Banner Ad in Weekly Chamber Trends (1 Month) Sponsor Logo In Rotating Power Point at event Sponsor Name in All E-mail Invitations to event Sponsor Name on Event Webpage Sponsor Recognition on all social media communications - 16,000 contacts *Sponsorship does not include dinner or Ticket To Event

___ 1989 PETER HAIR/JIM PUCCIO ___ 1990 DONNA PRASSER ___ 1991 MIKE STRICKLAND ___ 1992 RICHARD BARTON ___ 1993 MIKE GEML ___ 1994 TODD RINEHART ___ 1995 RICHARD WUNDERLICH ___ 1996 BERNIE BRADEN ___ 1997 GLORIA TATE ___ 1998 MAUREEN GREEN ___ 1999 RICHARD WUNDERLICH ___ 2000 GARY AUBUCHON ___ 2001 CHRIS SPIRO - SPONSORED BY Spiro & Associates ___ 2002 KEVIN OSTROWSKY ___ 2003 DON SCHNELL ___ 2004 JACK GLARROW ___ 2005 WAYNE KIRKWOOD ___ 2006 DAN WRIGHT/WAYNE KIRKWOOD ___ 2007 TOM SHIPP ___ 2008 HEATHER MAZURKIEWICZ ___ 2009 ELMER TABOR ___ 2010 JOE PADGETT ___ 2011 MICHELLE LEWIS ___ 2012 DONNA MEOLA ___ 2013 JOE MAZURKIEWICZ ___ 2014 Annette Carrasquillo

fax form to 549-9609 or e-mail to donna@capecoralchamber.com BUSINESS NAME BILLING ADDRESS CARD NUMBER CARD TYPE

EXPIRATION DATE

PHONE

E-MAIL

THREE DIGIT CODE

HEALTHY TRENDS

LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD

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

A

s we come to the close of 2014, we should take the opportunity to look back at our accomplishments and challenges from the current year, but also look ahead to 2015 as a new opportunity to achieve goals previously out of reach. The New Year provides an opportunity to create new goals and develop new action plans for life, relationships, jobs, hobbies and hopefully health. Since I am all about finding new and improved ways to advance our health, I believe this should be the number one goal for 2015 and beyond. There is nothing more important than good health.

Think about this: “A man with good health has a thousand things to worry about; but the man with poor health has only one thing to worry about.” When health fails, nothing else matters. At that time we are willing to do all we can, spend whatever money and invest as much time and effort into getting well again. I have seen this situation over and over again in the 20+ years that I have been practicing medicine; and it both saddens and frustrates me since in general, we all know what to do to maintain good health. Why do we not do it until our backs are against the wall? Why do we take health for granted? Why do we not do as many of the simple things each day to ensure good health? Why do we have to wait for something bad to happen before we decide it is time to take health seriously?

With the start of another new year, we have the opportunity to make health our number one priority each and every day. I have recommended in the past that the readers watch the You Tube video entitled “Make Health Last” and many of you have done so and told me how eye opening it is. I finish many of my presentations now by showing this video to remind the audience to “make health last by making health first (the first priority).” It is great to now see many of the same folks at my presentations and to hear how much they have learned about their own health

and how they have made so many positive changes. I am encouraged when I hear their stories and when I hear how they are out in the community spreading the wellness word. We have been creating a wellness culture within this great community that we live in. Many folks see and believe in the power of prevention. They know it is better to stay healthy as compared to trying to regain health once it has failed (or once we have failed it!).

Good health is our responsibility. We are all blessed with one healthy body from the start of life and from then on we are responsible for taking the best care of it. We know when we are abusing our body and our mind. We know that lifestyle either creates good health or destroys it.

We can look at our meals and know which ones are healthy and which ones will contribute to our heartburn, bowel dysfunction, our sluggish thinking, and the clogging of our arteries.

We know that most of the chronic illnesses and many of the cancers are directly related to lifestyle; so the goal for the new year is to create a healthy lifestyle that will survive the journey.

Getting to a place of optimal health is a journey. Each day we need to take another step closer to optimal health. We need to make the right choices when it comes to our nutrition, the time we will devote to being active, the hours we sleep and the stress we manage. When we do these things, we influence the people around us to do the same and over time our individual good health spreads to our family and friends. We then see a healthier community that is growing and vibrant.

As the “Make Health Last” video asks: “Will you grow old with vitality or get old with disease?”

The choice is yours. Genetics does not determine our future or our health. Our lifestyle choices do. This is a fact. Even when we are born with “bad genes”, research shows that these bad genes can be turned on when we live an unhealthy life or conversely these genes can be turned off when we live a healthy life. Our behavior and the choices we make influence our DNA! So for 2015 the only New Year resolution we should create is to make our health last by making good health our number one priority each and every day. By doing so we will be able to live the life we desire, enjoy our family and friends longer, be better at our jobs, contribute more to society and make a significant difference in the world. Good health affords us so many opportunities and when we bless ourselves with good health, we bless everyone and the world around us.

Thank you for your support over the last few years. I have enjoyed the comments and questions many of the readers have sent it or told to me directly as we have met in the hospital or in the supermarket. I pray for our collective good health in 2015 and look forward to a blessed and successful new year!

Stay well my friends.

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

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Adirondack Chocolatier Jennifer Murphy 1031 Santa Barbara Blvd. Unit #14 Cape Coral, FL 33991 (315) 528-9330 www.theadirondackchocolatier.com

James M. Wesolowski, CPA, P.A. 2503 Del Prado Blvd S., Suite 500 Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 574-4449 www.jwesocpa.com

Kottenbrock & Son’s Mobile Snow Cones, Funnel Cakes & More Joseph Kottenbrock 816 NE 7th Terrace, Ste 7, Cape Coral, FL 33909 www.facebook.com/pages/Kottenbrock-Sonsllc/740640069349814

PakMail Denise Clements 1751 NE Pine Island Rd. Suite 155 Cape Coral, FL 33909 (239) 424-8293 www.pakmailfortmyers.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Paradise Pizza Jeff Cariello 842 Lafayette St. Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 945-1555 www.paradisepizzafl.com

Welcome Home Florida Cheryl Tretinik PO Box 153022 Cape Coral, FL 33915 (239) 898-1548 www.welcometoyourfloridahome.com

Myers Academy for the Arts North Fort Presents the annual performance of

The Nutcracker at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

December 12, 2014 7:00 pm

$10, $20, and $30 Tickets Reserved Seating Only

For tickets call 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com Publicity created by Pamela Manning

REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN?

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) 2012 Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric 2012 Chamber he end of theChairman year is upon

TI

us

and

certain

events

can’t believe its December are happening again. and I am writing my last The cycle has begun once again and article as Chairman of the itBoard. is time to2012 reallyhas take just notice.

A good flown by 12-31-14 and tothere have been so many place start is always a review of the Real Estate Trends accomplishments I would like to Déjà Vu Allnumbers…

Over Again? share. (Please forgive me if I have For the month ending The end of the year is upon us and certain events are three happening again.period The cycle has forgotten any!!) begun once again and it is time to really take notice. A good place to start is always a 12/31/14: How fortunate we are to live review of the numbers… in Paradise! Our economy is For the three month period ending 12/31/14: growing and the outlook for 2013 for continued Oct ’14 Novis’14 Dec growth.

‘14 MedianMuch $ Home Median $ Homes 2012 was Homes a great year!! was accomplished for you, including Median $ s making Cape Coral a better place to do business.

Here are a few of For Sale 1524 $260,000 1660 $275,500 1708 $275,000 theSold highlights:281 $170,000 313 $173,500 317 $175,000 The Cape Coral Economic Development Office delivered on their Oct ’14 Nov ’14 ‘14 promise to increase business, investment and Dec employment in the Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ area.

The team closed 137 economic development projects, which For Sale 245 $148,000 253 $149,000 257 $149,500 represents 85 new and 52 expansions.

Sold 38 businesses $120,000 in the 40 Cape $125,000 40 $135,000 The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership with Lamar Advertising and HDPR Group and aSale new campaign that Inventory of of single family homes For Sale tomarketing climb steadily with steadily median prices Inventory single family homes Forcontinues continues to climb with holding firm.

Homes sold have also increased says “Cape Coral is Open for Business. ” and the median prices have been climbing steadily. median firm. Homes sold haveofalso increased and theinmedian Cape prices Coralholding welcomed the opening 1,156 businesses 2012 Condos For Sale slightly increased followed median prices holding firm.

Numbers of prices have been climbing steadily. including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses condos Sold are steady while the median prices of Sold condos increased noticeably. and 46 unspecified businesses.

Commerce means prices shorter distances Condos For Sale slightly increased followed median holding firm.

The market is increasing here inand a very healthy way.

No radical jumps, but steadya to travel for your goods services.

Commerce also means Numbers condos Sold are foundation steady while the median prices of Sold condos growth inofprices builds a firm for growth.

Now that our high season has diversified and jobs! started, looktax for base a continuation of this growth in prices. As prices continue to climb, increased noticeably. buyersChamber are opting for construction of more and more because for a fewto extra dollars The ofnew Commerce Cape Coral continues grow as they have is a brand new home aabuilder’s warranty.

Theincan market increasing inmembership very healthy way.atNo jumps, well; December 2011 here ourwith was anradical all time lowbut of Ourmembers, friends fromintoday up north we who stand visita us on regular basis realizing we our as 583 at afoundation 744.

This resulted in athat 78what percent steady growth prices builds firm foraregrowth.

Now that realtors have been saying is really true, “buy now because prices will not be this low membership with rate ofbuy!

81 could high season hasgrowth started, look aAnd forretention athey continuation thispercent. growth inThis prices.

As again in the foreseeable future.” are starting toof not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members, prices continue to team climb,are buyers opting construction more and In a rising market, based are past salesfor andnew do not accurately reflect current a dynamic sales comps and anonawesome membership development market prices unless allowance is made for that adjustment. Unfortunately, we hardly more because for a few extra dollars they can have a brand new home with committee. ever see adjustments like this in a rising market. Consequently, appraisals often comea in belowwarranty. salesLeadership price that may cause difficulties in completing transaction. builder’s Chamber programs continue to the develop community leaders.

In November, 20who men and women graduated Leadership The here to buyers and sellers is toa be realistic whenare pricing properties.

Our message friends from upboth north visit us on regular basis realizing that Buyers tend Twenty-four to offer lower prices than they of should conversely, sellers tend to ask Cape Coral. members theand, 2012 Chamber board have too much their property.

Offering too low usuallytrue, has “buy a verynow negative impactprices on a what we asforrealtors have been saying is really because graduated from the Leadership Program including the Chairman and transaction. Asking too much prevents offers from coming in.

Doing the right thing will get the job done. Using a good realtor will get it done sooner and probably better than relying on well-meaning, inexperienced but ill-informed friends.

As we proceed into this new year, if you have been reading this column over the years,

will not be this low again in the foreseeable future.” And they are starting to buy!

Chair-Elect. We currently have 27 high school juniors in our Junior In a rising Program. market, comps are based on past sales and do not accurately Leadership reflect current market prices unless allowance made Institute for that adjustment.

The Chamber successfully presented (2) isDisney programs in 2012. The Chamber team (yes, I say Unfortunately, we hardlySpecial ever seeEvents adjustments like this in teams a risingbecause market. it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and Consequently, appraisals often come in below sales price that may cause members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, difficulties in completing the transaction.

Farmers Market, Business Expo , Family Bowling Day, a Casino Trip to both sellers is to be realisticofwhen pricing to The Themessage Price ishere Right, as buyers well asand our Holiday Festival Lights on December 1st. tend to offer lower prices than they should and, conversely, properties. Buyers Our tend on-line business resulted Offering in 1,300,829 referrals sellers to ask too muchdirectory for their property. too lowweb usually has a in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!! very negative impact on a transaction. Asking too much prevents offers from (Who says membership doesn’t pay?) coming in.Chamber mobile app was introduced in 2012.

A new It wasthealso very our realtor PublicwillAffairs Doing rightathing willbusy get theelection job done.year Usingfora good get it Committee!

This is a group passionate who make sure that done sooner and probably betterofthan relying onpeople well-meaning, inexperienced the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also but ill-informed friends. As we proceed into this new year, if you have been state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by reading thisand column overofthe years, you will realize you have heard this members citizens Cape Coral. before. once committee again is repeating itself.the ThisExcellence déjà vu information should Our History education hosted in Education Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving trigger positive responses because we kind of know what will be happening high school seniors! next. Now that you know, it is time to capitalize on that information. Happy It was also the first year of our “rotating” luncheons that are being Property or Selling! very wellHunting received by our membership.

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtorofinthe CapeBoard Coral with Island Harbor Serving as your Chairman has RE/MAX been an excellent experience I feelofblessed for having had the of and an activeand member the Chamber of Commerce of opportunity Cape Coral. For meeting so many of you at meetings and events. questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or Thank you for honoring me with your trust and commitment! It emailbeen realtorberge@att.net visit with www.RECapeCoral.com. has my privilege toor work 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!

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

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS 2014 ONLINE MEMBER REFERALS HITS AN ALLTIME HIGH

Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director

T

he New Year is here and big things happened in 2014. Your Chamber of Commerce made the investment to update it’s website to better serve our members as well as visitors and residents.

As of December 30, the online directory referrals for 2014 reached 2,029,821. Of those visitors, the top twenty-five categories visited were as follows; 1. Restaurants, 2. Real Estate, 3. Home Builders, 4. Accommodations, 5. Non Profit Clubs, 6. Insurance, 7. Non

Profit Organizations, 8. Banks, 9. Financial Services, 10. Seasonal Rentals, 11.

Attorney, 12. Accounting/Tax Services/Bookkeeping, 13. Education – Schools, 14. Vacation Rentals, 15. Property Management, 16. Contractor – General, 17. Advertising, 18. Rentals, 19. Education – College/University, 20. Air Conditioning, 21. Assisted Living, 22. Bakery, 23. Retail Store, 24. Landscape Lawn Maintenance, 25. Pools/Sales/Service/Supplies There are many online opportunities which include business descriptions, social media links, listing enhancements with logos, photos and video clips, coupon discounts, banner advertising, employment opportunities, resume posting and more. Don’t let 2015 get past you without taking advantage of what your membership has to offer.

If you need your online credentials to access the Members Only Portal to update your business description, social media links or to add discounts (or) would like more information on advertising opportunities, please contact Stephanie Roberson at (239) 699-8442 or stephanie@capecoralchamber.com

TWO GREAT MARKET’S TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY! T he Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral provides two amazing commununity markets to serve you.

A Saturday morning tradition for more than 20 years, the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market is located at Club Square in downtown Cape Coral from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. In addition to its fresh produce, seafood, olives, pickles and delicious pastries and breads, the market is filled with hand crafted, original & one of a kind creations, collectables and antiques.

Shop by day or night at The Surfside Sunset Market Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. This market features fresh, local produce, seafood, homemade jellies, jams & sauces, breads, pastries, pickles, olive mixes and so much more!

Both the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market and the Surfside Sunset Market are EBT/SNAP authorized markets.

For more information on these markets, please contact Market Director Claudia St. Onge at 549-6900 ext 101 or cso@capecoralchamber.com.

We hope to see you there!

GOVERNMENT TRENDS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS IN 2015 Joseph Francioni, Smart Companies GAC Chairman

I

am honored to be the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for 2015. I have been a member of the committee, the Chamber Board of Directors and other numerous community organizations for many years. This year I also have the privilege of serving as President of the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association.

In 2015, we have four city council seats up for election. District 2: John Carioscia, District 3: Lenny Nesta, District 5: Rana Erbrick, and District 7: Dr. Derrick Donnell. District 7: Dr. Derrick Donnell has termed out and will not be able to run for re-election.

The Government Affairs Committee or the Chamber of Commerce cannot endorse any candidate, but we will provide information and venues for

Q’S WORLD 2

THE NEXT GENERATION

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, IOM

W

eezer Murphy handed me this photo at Rotary just before Holiday Festival of Lights. I can remember showing it to Elmer Tabor and Tim Hauck and thinking to myself, how young we were back then. This photo was from May 1997 when we were planning Red, White and Boom at Tarpon Point, which we all know now as the Westin property.

Many of these same folks also volunteered with the other special events that we did like Celebrate Cape Coral Block Party, Celebrate Cape Coral Parade, Cinco de Mayo, Red White and Boom, The PUB crawl, Home and Garden Show, Columbus Day Block Party, Holiday Festival of Lights and others. At one time, the Chamber was pushing out ten community events per year. We burned out volunteers and drained sponsors dry, and thus, we reduced the number of special events and picked up events like the Farmers’ Market, which Claudia requires no volunteer help.

This last Holiday Festival of Lights, two key volunteers retired. Kevin Ostrowsky (50+), who has done sound and run stages since 1996. The other retiree was Joe Mazurkiewicz (60+), who performed electrical duties at Holiday Festival of Lights. Elmer Tabor (60+) is still involved with the special events that the Chamber still organizes, but he too is

members to make informed decisions and to promote voting. Throughout the year, we will host both a Candidates Forum and a Candidates Hobnob to introduce and learn more about the running parties. We encourage everyone to visit our website www.capecoralvoice.com for more voter resources, political news, reports, and polls.

I would like to thank Dr. Joe Mazurkiewicz for serving as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the past two years. We appreciate the hard work he and the committee have done on behalf of the Chamber and the community. As our community grows internally and as a recognized region, our involvement is essential to ensure a positive growth climate for our businesses and families. We have dedicated staff and a committee already working towards that goal and are excited to have you, our members, join us in growing and prospering.

slowing down.

So what is my point? The Chamber needs the next generation of volunteers to raise their hands and get involved if the Chamber is going to continue to provide special events for our community. We need people who can roll up their sleeves, pick up tools and help put similes on the faces of kids and adults alike. If we are unable to develop the next generation of volunteers, community special events are going to look a lot different in the future.

In 2015, when the call goes out for volunteers, please respond, or if you want to volunteer now call Amanda Brunson (Special Events Coordinator) at 549-6900 ext. 111.

If we do not support it, we will lose it! Thank you to all of the volunteers over the years that have made special events possible, our community and the Chamber certainly appreciate your support.

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

T

he Chamber kicked off the holiday season at the Preferred Community Bank Business After Hours. Complete with delicious food and holiday cheer, Steve Stewart (mid left) and his staff at the bank were gracious hosts and got everyone who attended in the holiday spirit. (mid right) Bill Johnson, Jr., CCCIA, Melanie Lempke, Claudia St. Onge, Lisa Barrella, Chamber and Anne Deburghgraeve, Wallace International. (bottom left) Kim Keiger, Preferred Community Bank. (bottom right) Rafael Ramos, Home Services By Rafael, Kim Hubbard, Coffee News.

Happy New Year to all of our members.

Please be sure to join us for this month’s Business After Hours at Head Pinz!

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

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