Trends Chamber
The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
March 2013
Business After Hours, March 21st hosted by Chicago Pizza 20-12 Pack
20
Celebrating Leadership Excellence
1993-2013
Join The Leadership Cape Coral Class of 2013. Call 549-6900 ext 107 for more information.
Join Us Every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside for the Surfside Sunset Market, 4-8 pm
Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, March 13 at The Wellness Center of Cape Coral Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 11,000 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
March 2013 March 7
Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain Communications Director donna@capecoralchamber.com Contributing Editors Mike Quaintance Chamber President q2u2@capecoralchamber.com Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director bill@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@capecoralchamber.com Bob Knickman Special Events Director bob@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
Networking Cruise Fort Myers Princess 645 Old San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33931 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
March 13
General Membership Meeting The Wellness Center of Cape Coral 609 SE 13th Court Cape Coral, FL 33990 $20.00 For Members w/reservations Call 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
March 21
Business After Hours Chicago Pizza 1341 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33904 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Every Tuesday
Surfside Sunset Market 2408 Surfside Boulevard Cape Coral, FL 33991 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 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 or web.capecoralchamber.com/mobile on your smart phone
Q’s World
Resources, Resources, Resources
Mike “Q” Quaintance, President
With a greater volume of visitors strolling into the lobby lately, I became reacquainted with the value of the resources we have at our disposal. For example, our committed volunteers who work four-hour shifts to help direct our visitors and residents in their quest for information. We have ten volunteer shifts per week, several of them with multiple volunteers. These volunteers have to answer questions like what are some good places to eat, stay and play. They also have to answer questions about our community’s history, tax rates, real estate values and education. Through their volunteer efforts your organizations saves on average $40,000 per year, the cost of salary, benefits and taxes if the Chamber had to hire additional staff to work with the 30,000+ visitors we have each year. Personally, I would like to thank each and every one of them for their dedication and commitment as the ambassadors to our community. As our Welcome Center is brimming with visitors, one cannot help but to get caught up helping visitors in our lobby. One of the resources we regularly distribute to our visitors is the annual publication which is filled with information about our community and our members. We distribute more than 15,000 of these annually. I was speaking to one couple about our community and I was able to use the visitor guide as a resource for every
2013 Board of Directors
question they had. They commented on how helpful the publication will be in learning about the community and how the business directory will help them develop new business relationships for years to come. I was also reminded that when our members bring in brochures to the Welcome Center for the lobby it makes the job of helping our visitors and new residents much easier. Information on dining, accommodations, real estate, sporting, fishing charters and attractions are some of the most requested on a daily basis. So, if we are averaging 3,000 – 4,000 visitors every month, when was the last time you brought in brochures or business cards? While I might have left your business category out, this collection of other information previously mentioned enhances the opportunities for our other categories to get noticed. Attorneys, Accountants, Trades, Bankers and even Property Management Companies for example are all categories that I have personally provided information to our visitors within the last 30 days. Lastly, we distribute many printed publications like The News-Press, the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, Coupon Books, advertising from Southwest Florida Brochure Distributors, Gulfshore Business Magazine just to name a few. These are other great opportunities to go home with our visitors if you cannot bring in your brochures and business cards. Operating a business without marketing and advertising is like trying to operate a business in the dark. There are many “FREE” or “LOW COST” resources available at the Chamber, to find our more, just call Mike at 549-6900 ext. 106, we will get you connected!
...
with a purpose.
Joe Mazurkiewicz, Chairman - BJM Consulting, Inc Annette Carrasquillo, Chair-Elect - LAI Design Associates, LLC Ed Ramos, Treasurer - Ramos Builders, Inc Donna Meola, Past-Chair - Achieva Credit Union 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 Thomas Shipp - Tom Shipp at the Martin Law Firm Stan Spicer - Platinum Service A/C Chris Spiro - Spiro & Associates Elmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty
2013 Trustees
Sandra Aguilar - Individual Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank Matt Connar - Boost Creative Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Toni Rae Hurley - Iberia Bank Trish Lassiter - Lee County Electric Coop Eric Malasky - Paradise Deli & Market David Owen - BB&T-Oswald, Trippe & Co Katharin Owen, Warchol, Merchant & Rollings Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System Zachary Zeis - Cheetah Printing & Signs
Chamber Staff
Mike Quaintance, President Donna Schuman-Germain, Communications Director Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Bill Johnson, Membership Sales Director Linda Kirby, Membership Sales Bob Knickman, Special Events Director Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator
21st Annual Excellence In Education Awards Participation Form
April 22, 2013 at 5:30 PM at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Please mark your sponsor selection below Scholarship Sponsor Opportunities Professor Level—$1,000 Adjunct Professor Level—$500
Event Sponsor Opportunities
Senior Level—$1,000 Junior Level—$500 Sophomore Level—$250 Freshman Level—$100
Contact Name: ________________________________________________________ Business Name: _______________________________________________________ Business Address: _____________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________
Fax: ___________________________
E-mail Address: _______________________________________________________ Payment Method:
Invoice
Credit Card
Credit Card Number: __________________________________ Card Type: Visa Mastercard Discover AMEX Expiration Date: _________ Code on Back of Card: _____________
**For tax deduction purposes please make your checks payable to the Cape Coral Chamber Foundation ** Memo: Education Committee—Mail to 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy. E. Cape Coral, Fl. 33904 For more information call Claudia St. Onge at (239) 549-6900 ext 101 or Melanie Lempke ext. 109 Please Fax Sponsorship Form to (239) 549-9609 or email to Melanie@CapeCoralChamber.com Deadline for Artwork is April 5, 2013
21st ANNUAL EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS
APRIL 22, 2013 5:30 PM
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS Senior Level Sponsor—$1,000
1/2 page Advertisement in E-trends Company Logo on all External Media Company Logo on all Internal Media Company Banner at Event Two VIP Tickets for Event
Junior Level Sponsor—$500
Company Logo on all External Media Company Logo on all Internal Media Two VIP Tickets for Event
Sophomore Level Sponsor—$250
Company Name on External Media Company Name on Internal Media One Ticket for Event
Freshman Level Sponsor—$100 Company Name on Event Program Company Name on PowerPoint
Scholarship Sponsors
Professor Level
$1,000 Investment
Two Seats with Student Company Logo on all Media Stage Check Presentation
Adjunct Professor Level $500 Investment
One Seat with Student Company Name on all Media Stage Check Presentation
(Please note Adjunct Professor Level is a shared sponsorship with another sponsor).
Hosted at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, located at 1380 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL. See reverse side for more details on how to participate.
Brought to you by. . .
January New Members & Renewals New Members Achieva Credit Union Cape Coral Pkwy. W. Donna Meola Achieva Credit Union Del Prado Blvd. Donna Meola Donna L. Manning, LLC. Donna L Manning DQ Grill & Chill John Kraus FISHMISSHAYDEN Captain Frank Ventimiglia Gulf Coast Humane Society Jennifer Galloway Gulf Coast Humane Society Veterinarian Clinic Jennifer Galloway H2O Dryout Mike Baciqalupo Hill, Barth, & King, LLC Gerry Kimble Lee County Tax Collector Joanne Robertson Nevermind “Awesome Bar & Eatery” Brittany Bowman On Track Doors, Inc. Buddy Smith
Radiology Regional Center Traci Hotka SOL Major Music Studio Cathia Matos Vogue Hair Studio Janelle Franklin
Renewals AAA Auto Club South dba AAA Travel ACRA Electric Inc. American Red Cross of Lee County Blind Gallery Boats and Fun
High Fidelity Studios Home Services By Rafael Kinetic Thoughts LLC Lee County Inspection Services Literacy Council Gulfcoast Men’s Rights Law Firm Morris Law Firm, P.A. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, LLC Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Palm RV & Marine
Cape Coral Art League
Premier Designs Jewelry, Jim & Linda Kirby, Independent Distributors
CC Stone w/Sandals Realty
Pro Detailing
Chicago Pizza
Rebecca A. Ross with Robert W. Baird
Coastal Elements, Inc.
Schooner Bay Realty, Inc
Coconut Bay Construction, Inc.
Simonson & Sons, Inc.
Community Bank of Cape Coral
Southwest Florida Brochure Dist.
Corona Property Holdings, LLC
Spiro & Associates
Dawson of Florida, LLC
Sunset Home Health Services, Inc.
Grace Community Center
VizMarket
Great Clips for Hair
Get In & Get Busy Advertise In The Chamber Trends Magazine Call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 donna@capecoralchamber.com
Chamber Trends Get Yo Know Your Chamber Staff
Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting 2013 Chamber Chairman
T
he strength of any organization and its ability to successfully carry out its mission is totally dependent on the quality of the people involved. In the world of chambers, people are made up of two groups: our members and professional staff. In our chamber, we are extremely fortunate to have some of the most involved and passionate members of any organization I have been associated with. We are also very lucky to have a very professional and committed staff as a partner in moving our agenda forward. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with our staff in an informal setting where we got to know each other better and talked about where we are going as an organization. Let me assure you, this group epitomizes the meaning of TEAM! They are passionate about the chamber’s mission and truly excited about what we are trying to accomplish together.
This is teams who, as most of us have, had to endure a reduction in force and a loss of benefits and salary. In spite of that, they have come together to take up the slack to make sure all of our programs and services have continued at a high level. I have to commend Mike Quaintance, as the team leader, for establishing a culture where getting it done is more important than whose job it was to accomplish. Going forward, I challenged them to become even more entrepreneurial in their efforts to move our agenda ahead. They responded with excitement and a cadre of new ideas to offer new services, expand our communications with members and continue to grow our chamber to do more with less. All of these efforts were in the field of adding value to the membership. It was clear to me this group of professionals really gets it. I ask each of you to take the time to get to know our staff better. They are accessible and can be found at any of our events. They are there to assist you, the member to grow your business and expand your reach into the community. Take a couple of minutes and talk with them. I assure you it will be time well spent. They will definitely help you with your efforts to invest, influence and inspire others to get involve with your business and our community. ...
with a purpose.
Personal and Business
Solutions
to meet your banking needs. We make banking easy and convenient for your business and personal banking needs, so that you have more time for the things in life that matter most.
Call or visit one of our Cape Coral branches today!
www.iberiabank.com |
1715 Cape Coral Parkway West | (239) 541-5200 812 Del Prado Boulevard South | (239) 985-8120 2546 Heydon Lane | (239) 433-6000
Fort Myers: 9101 College Pointe Court | 2247 First Street | 6651 Orion Drive | 4670 Summerlin Road | 8341 Dani Drive | 8870 Daniels Parkway | 7580 Winkler Road | Estero: 23250 Via Villagio
General Membership Lunch
Top Left: Cape Coral EDO Director Dana Brunette Mid Left: Thank you to Brian Hamman with CenturyLink for sponsoring the February lunch along with The NewsPress and LCEC. Bottom Left: The Chamber welcomed more than 150 guests to the February General Membership Lunch. Top Right: The Chamber of Commerce welcomed its New members for the month of February. Thank you for your membership! Bottom Right: The chamber also welcomed the Junior Leadership Class of 2013 to the lunch. Each class member was sponsored by a member who mentored them for the day. Thank you to all of those businesses for supporting this great program. Thank you to everyone who attended as well as our table sponsors Exclusive Consulting, Inc., Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, PA, Hodges University, Warchol, Merchant & Rollings, LLP.
Executive Member
Diamond Member Chamber of Commerce ofSystem Cape Coral Lee Memorial Health
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral BJ’s Wholesale 1929 Pine Island Rd N.E., Cape Coral
P.O. Box 2218 Fort Myers, FL 33902
Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral
CenturyLink Store 2710 Del Prado Blvd. South Cape Coral, FL 33904
Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr, North Fort Myers
RE/MAX Realty Team 2326 Del Prado Blvd Cape Coral, FL 33990
Premier Oncology Radiation Specialists In Urology 24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral
LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917
The News-Press - Fort Myers Office 2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers 413 NE Van Loon Lane, Cape Coral
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Production of
$7 Reserved Seating
March 21 & 22, 2013 at 7pm
1856 Arts Way North Fort Myers, FL 33917 nfa.leeschools.net (239) 997-2131 Words and Music by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newly
5 golden tickets will be given out for each show and will admit your party to our VIP Chocolate Extravaganza. Come to NFMAA to purchase tickets and see if you will find one of these Golden Tickets!
Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse & Timothy A. McDonald
Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory By Roald Dahl
ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKS JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre Internationa (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
Ribbon Cuttings
Aha Center (Advanced Health Alliance) 4825 Coronado Pkwy Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 541-7758 www.aha-centers.com
Cape Coral Social Club (239) 541-1725 www.capecoralsocialclub.org
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, Inc. P.O. Box 152761 Cape Coral, FL 33915 (239) 980-2593 www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org
DQ Grill & Chill 2525 Skyline Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 458-4410 www.krausfoods.com
Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today! Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107
Leadership 2013
20
Celebrating Leadership Excellence
1993-2013
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL DEFINED.
TESTIMONIALS
Leadership Cape Coral is a thirteen week program for an adult that educates the participants about the components that make up Cape Coral. The various program days include team building, public safety, education, government, cultural opportunities, infrastructure, corrections, public services, and parks and recreation. These program days are organized and chaired by recent past graduates of the program so that they can share their knowledge concerning the various days.
Leadership Cape Coral isn’t for those that are content with things the way they are. If you or the owner of your business is ready to elevate your performance within the largest city in SW Florida then please sign up for Leadership Cape Coral, it will help you reach that next level. You WON’T be disappointed!
There have been more than 400 graduates of the program since the charter year in 1993. Many of these graduates become a part of Cape Coral Leadership Alumni and often go on to the Advanced Leadership Cape Coral program with a focus on developing and enhancing management and leadership skills. The final tier of leadership education is Cape Coral Community Trustee program, which is by invitation and helps participants discover areas where they can assume community leadership roles. Today, our leadership graduates are contributing to vital areas of the community such as; leadership roles in government from the City Council to the State of Florida, community organizations like American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, and Junior Achievement, and leadership with our largest employers. It is not uncommon for our leadership graduates to see the value and feel the need to pass along the gift of leadership by participating in our Cape Coral Jr. Leadership program. Without a doubt the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral has one of the most comprehensive leadership programs in Florida.
ARE YOU INTERESTED? It is simple to participate, just fill out the registration form below and fax, or mail it to the Chamber. We will send you an application. Be sure to fill out and submit your application before July 26, 2013.
LYNNIE GUZMAN l News-Press l 2011 Leadership Cape Coral opens doors and open your eyes to the community around you. It lays out the assets and the opportunities for you in a way no other investment of time and money could do. I have seen it change the lives of many people and I know it has changed my life forever and that is why I am still involved in Leadership Cape Coral today. The program continues to pay benefits to me, my family, my business and my community. JOE MAZURKIEWICZ l BJM Consulting l 1993 Leadership Cape Coral helped save my life! During health day, a physician was telling us that heart attacks don’t always happen in the most common perceived way–chest pain and numbness in the left arm. I remembered that comment when the following week I had a heart attack (throbbing in both arms just below my elbows and no chest pain). I was rushed to the hospital. B. PAT O’ROURKE l Lee County EDC l 2007
FULL NAME BUSINESS NAME
ADULT LEADERSHIP 2013 FULL ADDRESS PHONE
Are you a Chamber Member? o Yes o No Is a business sponsoring you? o Yes o No
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, Florida 33904 (239) 549-6900 phone (239) 549-9609 fax www.CapeCoralChamber.com
More Ribbon Cuttings
Fletcher’s Grille & Spirits 627 Cape Coral Parkway, W Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 542-7878
Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation 4820 Leonard Street Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 690-7715 www.veterans-foundation.org
No Pier Pressure Charters Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 313-1750 www.nopierpressure.com
South West Veterinary Care Center 1616 Cape Coral Pkwy. W. Suite 116 Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 540-4100
Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today! Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107
We deliver Cape Coral news 24/7
The News-Press Media Group connects Cape Coral residents and visitors with news and information in Cape Life every Thursday, and in the Cape section on Sunday. Get the latest updates online and on your mobile device at news-press.com
Subscribe:1.800.468.0233 Cape Coral Editor: Casey Logan | clogan@news-press.com | 344.4721 Advertise: Lynnie Guzman | lguzman@news-press.com | 910.4575
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 Donna Germain Germain at at 549-6900 ext ext 107 107 or or donna@capecoralchamber.com donna@capecoralchamber.com
Networking Cruise Join Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Networking Cruise Aboard the Fort Myers Princess
Thursday, March 7TH 5:00pm - 7:30pm Boarding at 5pm Enjoy networking with your fellow chamber members, drinks and appetizers aboard the beautiful sunset cruise
$15.00 Per Person *Note: There are no refunds for cruise
Appetizers - Drink Specials - Prize Raffles ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY - Visit www.capecoralchamber.com/events and scroll down to the March 7th Networking Cruise Link. Space is limited so make your reservations early! Once you have booked your cruise, we will send you back confirmation and directions for boarding the cruise. Boarding Location: 645 Old San Carlos Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 *Allow time to park and board - boarding begins at 5:00 p.m. The Princess is located under the skyway bridge behind "Snug Harbor Restaurant" adjacent to “Marina Village Resort Condominium" dock.
From Our Chairman Healthy Trends 2012 Brain Attacks
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 Chairman thea rain Attack? Is thatoflike Board. Heart 2012Attack? has just by Yesflown it is and and there so many here have is whybeen it is important accomplishments to to act quickly Iifwould you like have share. (Please me if I have symptoms thatforgive suggest a stroke. forgotten any!!) Like a heart attack, time is of the How fortunate are to live essence but evenwemore critical in Paradise! economy is since the brainOur is less tolerant of growing theThis outlook for 2013a low bloodand flow. is because is for continued brain attack, likegrowth. a heart attack, 2012 was a great year!! Much was accomplished for you, including represents a decrease in blood making a better to do business. Herelike arethe a few of flow to Cape a vitalCoral organ. Whenplace this happens, the brain heart the highlights: responds by not functioning properly and this is evident by the signs Thesymptoms Cape Coral Economic Development Office delivered on their and that will be described below. promise increase and employment in the When toblood flowbusiness, to the investment brain is decreased, the individual area. The team closed 137responsiveness economic development projects,slurred which develops problems with or may experience represents 85 new businesses 52 expansions. speech, problems with vision in in the oneCape eye, and problems moving an arm EDO created a public/private strategic with Lamar orThe problems walking because of weakness inpartnership one leg. Balance might Advertising HDPR and a new marketing campaign that be affected and making theGroup person veer to one side or even fall down. says “Cape Coralmay is Open for Business. Consciousness be impaired and” the person might even have Cape Coral welcomed opening of 1,156 businesses in 2012 problems staying awake. the If you experience any of these symptoms, including 301have placeanbased businesses, 809 home-based businesses call 911 and ambulance take you to the emergency room and 46 unspecified Commerce means shorter distances immediately. Do notbusinesses. ask someone to drive you to the ER! I emphasize to for your goods and services. Commerce alsoemergency means a thistravel because in an emergency you need trained diversified tax base andto jobs! response professionals attend to you quickly. They will assess your The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral grow as condition and relay this information to the ERcontinues physician to who might well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time of recommend some treatment in the ambulance before you getlow to the 583 members, today we 744.arrival This resulted in aget 78 the percent ER. They will prepare thestand ER foratyour so you can best membership growth with a retention rate of 81 percent. This could care as quickly as possible. notOnce havein been without theER referrals from members, the accomplished ER the physician and the team will doour certain tests atodynamic sales team and awesome membership development determine what type of an stroke you have had and then decide on committee. the best treatment. Some types of strokes can be treated with blood Chamber programs toOther develop community thinners if aLeadership blood clot has causedcontinue the stroke. types might be leaders. In November, and women graduated Leadership caused by bleeding in20 themen brain and thus cannot be treated with Cape Twenty-four members of the board have bloodCoral. thinners. A “CT Scan” x ray test will2012 helpChamber distinguish between graduated the two. from the Leadership Program including the Chairman and
I B
Chair-Elect. have a27“Brain highAttack” school or juniors in our Junior What canWe youcurrently do to prevent a stroke? Since this Leadership Program. is a blood flow problem, it is most important to keep the cholesterol The Chamber successfully presented (2) Disney Institute programs levels and the blood pressure controlled. Keeping the cholesterol in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because levels controlled requires a low fat diet and daily exercise. Sometimes itmedication takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and is necessary but many studies have shown that people members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, who eat a plant based diet have lower cholesterol levels, lower blood Farmers Business Expo , Family Bowling a Casino Trip pressureMarket, and a decreased risk of strokes, heart Day, attacks and many to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on other chronic illnesses. These folks also have a more ideal body December 1st. weight and less risk of diabetes. A plant based diet and daily exercise Ourbeon-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 webincidence referrals can the foundation for a healthy lifestyle with lower in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!! of all chronic illnesses and many cancers. To get more information (Who doesn’t pay?)Also look at the documentaries aboutsays this,membership read the “China Study”. A new Chamber mobile app was introduced 2012. much about called “Food, Inc” and “Forks Over Knives” whichinexplain It was also a very busy election year for the benefits of eating lots of fruits and vegetables.our Public Affairs Committee! This a group of passionate people make sure Remember if is your doctor asks you to take who aspirin daily, it that is a the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also medicine and should be taken as prescribed, usually daily. Some state The candidates’ forums very well attended by otherand painfederal. medications can interfere withwere the effect of aspirin. If you members and citizens of Cape Coral. have extra pain, please ask your doctor for the best choice. Our committee the Excellence in back Education Witheducation all the talk about healthhosted care reform, we always get to the Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving same principles: preventing a problem is much more effective than high school seniors! trying to treat and then cure it. If we can avoid a medical problem It was first year of luncheons that are being then wealso are the much better off.our We“rotating” spend less money on health care; very well received by our membership. less time in the physician’s office or in the hospital; and have more Serving as and yourenergy Chairman of fun theand Board time, money to have do allhas thebeen thingsanweexcellent want to. experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of What is better than that? If we focus on staying healthy and keeping meeting so many of you at meetings and events. active while we eat healthy foods, keep the stress level down, get Thank youand for do honoring me with yourback trust commitment! It good sleep some things to give toand society, then we will has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing find ourselves being more productive and living a happy and long staff life. as well as the membership. IAs look forward to seeing allme of you future eventsorand I wish you always, please contact withatany questions comments at good health and prosperity! Dr.Sal@Leememorial.org
...
with a purpose.
We deliver, every day. Call Lynnie to advertise
910.4575
SPEED POLITICS READY...SET….GO! April 25, 2013 Oasis High School
3519 Oasis Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33914 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Come Mix & Mingle With Your City Council Members, Lee County Commissioners and representatives from LCEC and WastePro Networking Begins At 5:30 PM “Speed Politics” Begins At 6:30 PM You Will Have The Opportunity To Talk One-On-One With All The Participants For 10 Minutes In Break-Out Rooms Rsvp (239) 549-6900 Ext 300
LCEC, Kirkwood Electric
Speed Politics Sponsorships Gold Sponsor $500
Company Logo included in all media spots Company Logo on event PowerPoint Company Display Table at the event Company Logo in event program Company Logo on printed materials, flyers, etc. for the event Company Logo on Chamber Website Event Calendar (with link to company website) Company name mentioned as a sponsor on all press releases Company Logo in Chamber E-newsletter with event photo’s and story Introduction and three minute company presentation at the event
Silver Sponsor $250
Company name in all media spots Company name on event PowerPoint Company name in event program Company Display Table at the event Company name in Chamber E-newsletter with event photo’s and story Friends of Speed Politics $100 Company name on event PowerPoint Company name in event program Yes, I want to be a ___ Gold Sponsor ___ Silver Sponsor ___ Friend Sponsor.
LCEC Kirkwood Electric
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Business: _____________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card: ___________________________________________________________________________ Card Type: ______________________ Expiration Date: ________________ Code: __________ Phone: _______________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________ E-Mail: _______________________________________________________________________________ Please return to: The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy, E. Cape Coral, FL. 33904 fax to: 549-9609 or donna@capecoralchamber.com More information or questions please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107
People you can trust. Power you can rely on. Possibilities that are endless! That’s the benefit of being a cooperative member! www.lcec.net
N o r t h Fo r t M y e r s Academy for the ARTS Presents
The Nutcracker
9TH ANNUAL IRISH FESTIVAL at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 2013 MARCH 2ND 11AM - 10PM MARCH 3RD 11AM – 8PM
December 13th, 2012 at 7:00pm
“The Best Irish Music in SWFL” BAVARIAN GARDENS GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB 2101 SW PINE ISLAND ROAD CAPE CORAL, FL
The performance features 200 dancers, singers and musicians.
Admission $6 for adults-Children 12 & under free A Spectacular Performance of the time honored Students $3 with school ID Free children’s area
ballet.
For more information $10, $15, $20, www.capecoralirishamericanclub.org and $25 Tickets 239-573-7014
For tickets call 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com Created By: Cassidee Kelly & Nicole Paquin
Real Estate Trends Recessionary Backlash? Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor
I
n times of recession most folks tighten their collective belts as disposable income 2-28-13 becomes Real Estate Trends more dear. An uncertain usually creates an unstable Recessionaryfuture Backlash? economy. Today’s question: Does that mean the opposite is true? In times of recession most folks tighten their collective belts as disposable First, let’s look at the numbers income becomes more dear. An uncertain future usually creates an unstable to economy. Today’s question: Does that mean true? itself. seethe if aopposite patternis shows First, let’s look at the numbers to see if a pattern shows itself. The numbers as of January 29th:
The numbers as of January 29th:
For Sale Sold
December ’12 Homes Median $ 1147 $245,000 202 $144,000
January ’13 February ‘13 Median $ Homes Median $ Homes 1525 $249,000 1545 $243,500 181 $139,000 231 $155,000
For Sale Sold
December ’12 Condos Median $ 307 $133,000 21 $100,500
January ’13 February ‘13 Median $ Condos Median $ Condos 307 $134,500 317 $134,500 25 $101,500 36 $106,000
Inventory of single family homes and condos seems to be holding Inventory of singlePrices family homes and are condos seems to be holding fairly steady. of fairly steady. of units showing increases. Numbers Prices of units are showing increases. Numbers of properties sold is showing properties sold is showing improvement in February but the big improvement in February but the big news is the price. news is the price. Cape Coral is stillistrending upward on upward prices paidon for prices homes sold February. Cape Coral still trending paidin for homes Smart buyers are paying listed price or higher for properties while those who sold in February. Smart buyers are paying listed price or higher won’t, go away empty-handed. Low inventories with steady demand leads tofor higher prices. while It looks like a who backlash of those high inventory and low properties those won’t, go days awayof empty-handed. Low prices. inventories with steady demand leads to higher prices. It looks like a backlash those days offorhigh inventory and and lowinvestment) prices. is driving Perhaps theof pent up demand housing (both primary these price increases. it is the for safety of owning(both real property as and a Perhaps the pentPerhaps up demand housing primary hedge against anticipated inflation. Perhaps it is simple a frenzy fueled by investment) is driving these price increases. Perhaps it is the safety people wanting what they may not be able to have. Instead of going on and on, of property hedge let’sowning just say it real is all of the aboveas andathen some.against anticipated inflation. Perhaps it is simple a frenzy fueled by people wanting what they may And yet, too many buyers do not want to understand the dynamics of what is not beapparent able totohave. Instead of going onare andjuston, let’s justthan sayhalf it is clearly those who live here. If prices a bit more of all what it costs to build and prices have been going up each month for about two years, do you think someone is going to sell you a property for less than comparative values just because you showed up and offered them significantly less than their price?
of the above and then some. And yet, too many buyers do not want to understand the dynamics of what is clearly apparent to those who live here. If prices are just a bit more than half of what it costs to build and prices have been going up each month for about two years, do you think someone is going to sell you a property for less than comparative values just because you showed up and offered them significantly less than their price? Most realtors try not to spend too much time with clients who want to show off how savvy they think they are. Unfortunately, sometimes it can’t be avoided. Take the three, out-of-state “gentleman” who showed up to see houses with two dogs in tow; they were extremely critical of everything they saw even though they wanted size, curb appeal, four bedrooms and a pool for the cost of small starter home. Of course they wanted FHA financing with a $100 deposit, no more than 5% down and seller concessions on foreclosed homes. Yikes! Ask any realtor and they will share some stories of unrealistic clients with you. However, the point here is to keep a reality based attitude when buying and selling, especially in an up-trending market. This is a seller’s market. Knowing that and acting realistically can and will get you a good deal whether or not you are a buyer or seller. If you know prices are increasing at 2-3% per month, even if you pay list price today, in six months you are going to look and feel pretty smart when you see the double digit increase in your property’s value. As an example, a young, local couple purchased a home from me not too long ago. Very nice people, she is a banker and he is an electrician. We found them a home, made a successful short sale offer for just under $100k for about 2000 sq ft of newer home. Well, today that home is worth about $140k and every time our paths cross they are reminded of how well their investment has been going. Yep, they look pretty smart now that the trend has continued upward! Just remember our prices are still way under replacement cost or the cost of new construction. Until we get really close to replacement cost, there is built in value for the buyer and an easier sale for the seller. If you’re in the market, try to do the right thing by working with an established realtor who knows the market. Hoping your real estate experience is a good one, Happy House Hunting!
Business After Hours Thank you so much to Bobby Mahan and the entire staff at Century 21 Selling Paradise Realty who hosted a fantastic Business After Hours in February. Our hosts and their affiliates gave our more than 15 different prizes throughout the evening. The event brought in well over 150 people which made for some great networking opportunities. Please be sure to join us for the March Business After Hours at Chicago Pizza. It is sure to be another great event. For more information about hosting a Business After Hours, please contact Melanie Lempke at 549-6900 ext 109 or melanie@capecoralchamber.com.
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with a purpose.
ATTENTION ALL MEN - FREE VOICE LESSONS The Cape Chorale Barbershop Chorus is offering free voice lessons starting March 4th at 6:45 PM at the Tony Rotino Center (next to the Cape Coral Yacht Club) International Coach and Director, Jeff Ebner will provide instructional voice lessons from basic voice to competition level singing.
JOIN US No experience required, do not have to read music. Only requirement is you must love to sing. It is a life changing experience If you have always wondered what it would be like to harmonize with other Barbershoppers, here is your chance. Having fun singing For more information call 855-425-3631 www.capechorale.org
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
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with a purpose. 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 (800) 226-9609 www.capecoralchamber.com