Chamber Trends Magazine - May 2013

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

Business After Hours, May 16th at Radiology Regional Cay West Pavillion Location, 5:30 p.m.

Join Us Every Saturday through May 11th at Club Square for the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

May 2013

Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, May 8th at La Venezia.

Guest Speaker, Mei Mei Chan, The News-Press.

Sponsored by Centurylink, LCEC and The News-Press

Chamber Golf Tournament May 3rd at Palmetto Pine Country Club. Presented by The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village.

Surfside Sunset Market at the Shops at Surfside, every Tuesday, 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

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

May 2013 May 7th

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

Business Card Exchange Sunshine Jewelers & Gold Exchange 1924 Del Prado Blvd. S. Cape Coral, FL 33990 7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

May 4th

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

May 8th

General Membership Meeting La Venezia 4646 SE 10th Place, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Guest Speaker: Mei Mei Chan, The News-Press $20.00 For Members w/reservations Call 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

May 16th

Business After Hours Radiology Regional Center 1708 Cape Coral Parkway W, Suite 3 Cape Coral, FL 33914 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Every Tuesday

Surfside Sunset Market The market will be moving inside for the summer months.

Look for us in Unit D101 at The Shops at Surfside 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Every Saturday through May 11 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-todate information, please visit www.capecoralchamber.com

Q’s World

Cape Coral Strong

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

T

here are two very difficult jobs in Cape Coral, one - the City Manager (CM) and two - Council and the

Mayor.

When you think about the organizational structure, the CM has to answer to the city council, government legislation and to the public. The CM provides the governing body with solutions and opportunities.

Once adopted, the CM implements those policies.

Being the CM is like being the pickle in the middle. Our pickle acts very poised and professional. For that, we thank you sir!

Often, City Council creates policies that are good for the whole rather than just the vocal minority. Depending on the issue, the city council will receive input from the public. At times, it may even seem like the majority does not agree with the outcome of the council’s decision.

Last Monday, our council voted to diversify the city’s tax revenue stream and

2013 Board of Directors

end its great reliance on ad valorem taxes.

It was clear that about 50 percent of the audience was in favor of tax diversification.

In 2010, the Chamber’s Public Policy statement supported the diversification of tax revenue with a corresponding reduction to ad valorem taxes. As council made its decision on Monday, your Chamber Board unanimously supported that stance once again.

We often suggest that the city should be run like a business. This horizontal movement of revenue streams is a great example of just that.

How many of you could survive on only one customer for 70 percent of your business? How risky is that? What happens when that customer goes away?

We experienced just that as housing values dropped significantly in 2006. As a result, revenues dropped and we ended up robbing the capital improvement bank to make ends meet. We all know that our people are our best asset and that the city cut hard in order to provide the citizens with the services we demand.

Historically, we have seen city councils waffle on the difficult decisions while catering to the vocal minority. This council showed that they are Cape Coral Strong in voting to support the Public Service Tax and reduce the ad valorem millage. Whatever side of this issue you fell on, council deserves our admiration for making the decision they feel will give our city the best chance at future growth and development. Thank you City Council!

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 Sandra Greiner, SunSplash Family Waterpark Toni Rae Hurley - IBERIABANK 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 - Elysium Homes

Chamber Staff

...

with a purpose.

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

March New Members & Renewals New Members

Batteries Plus

Danwood America, Inc. Linda Kirby

Bill Smith Inc.

Fix Marine Supply John Fix Harris-Stutchin Law Group PLLC Burt Stutchin Individual - Lisa Montemarano Lisa Montemarano King Family Chiropractic, LLC Dr Patrick King My Clear View Windshield Repair Douglas Stroh

Bistro In Vivo Boost Creative Cape Coral Association of Realtors Cape Jewelry & Pawn Cape Realty, Inc. Casa Loma Motel on the Waterfront CC Stone w/Starlink Realty Chicago Pizza

Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral Fort Myers Area Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus Law Offices of Sylvia E. Heldreth P.A. Life Made Easy LLC Miromar Outlets MJS Graphics NSU- Nova Southeastern University Private Care at Home Regions Bank

Coastal Building Materials, LLC

Serendipity Hair Studio Stroemer & Company, P.A.

Coral Cove Condominium

Suntrust Merchant Services, LLC

Dolphin Key Resort, LLC

The Aubuchon Team of Companies

Entech Computer Services

The Strickland Financial Group, Inc.

Florida Buyer Broker

The Windsor of Cape Coral

Southern Pavers, Inc Beth Spicci

Florida Sun Magazine

Turn Key Homes

Renewals

Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community

Williamson Eye Center

Omni Financial Services James D Amrhein Pelican Pool Care, LLC. Geoff Coseo Rita M. Oben, Inc. Rita M Oben

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

High Fidelity Studios

Wolf Business Consultants ZREV Farm, LLC

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

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

Chamber Trends The Voice of Business Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting 2013 Chamber Chairman

A

t the beginning of this year, I spoke about the great work past administrations had done to put our Chamber in a strong financial position and how in 2012, we grew the Chamber into the largest business group in the Cape.

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

When I said this, I did not expect to be facing so many tough issues so soon.

To date, the Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee has dealt with a new ordinance mandating fire sprinkler systems for single family and duplex homes, the diversification of city revenues, a new sign code, the City-County Ceitus barrier/North Spreader issues, the reduction of county impact fees and a request for Lee Memorial Health Systems to get involved in the health care debate at the state level.

In each case, the PAC discussed how these issues would impact our local business community.

Some of our discussions were spirited; all of them had members originally on both sides of the issues. However, after thoughtful debate, the PAC voted unanimously to take a position one way or the other.

Prior to presenting its public position to the city council, the PAC had to have the full endorsement of the Chamber Board of Directors.

This is a process that protects us all as chamber members.

To date, we have been very successful in the positions presented to our elected officials. Though they may not agree with us on every issue, the council respects our process for taking these positions and recognizes the Chamber as the voice of the Cape Coral business community.

During the coming months, I am sure the Chamber will be asked to look at other issues facing the city and our community. I can assure you, we will exhaust the same time and energy so your voice is heard amongst city leaders when important decisions are being made.

If you would like to raise an issue for the Chamber’s consideration or become a member of the Public Affairs Committee, please let me or any chamber staffer know. We would love to hear from you.

...

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: Guest Speaker Carolyn Conant spoke to the membership about the Cape Coral Bike-Ped Project that will link Cape Coral’s bike lanes once completed.

Mid Left: The Chamber welcomed our Special Events Director Bob Knickman back. We missed you Bob!!!

Bottom Left: Leadership Alumni Moe Beneke - CCCIA speaks to the group about the benefits of the Leadership Cape Coral program.

Top Right: Welcome to our new members for the month of April. Thank you for your membership!

Mid Right: Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center, announced the Feed The Cape Summer Food Drive. The Chamber has partnered with The News-Press, CCCIA, Spiro & Associates, the City of Cape Coral and FOX 4 on this community project. For More Information Click Here!

As the summer months are upon us it becomes harder and harder for families and individuals to find sources for food. School programs slow down for the younger generation and in many cases our food pantries see critical lows in inventory. Please help us Feed The Cape and Save Our Summer. Stop by any of these Cape Coral business locations to drop off your canned goods, non-perishable food items or cash donation: Cape Coral Caring Center - 4645 SE 15th Ave. Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral - 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy E. Community Bank of Cape Coral - 61 Hancock Bridge Pkwy.

Community Bank of Cape Coral - 1645 SE 47th Terrace Sweetbay - 1016 Cape Coral Pkwy E. Suite 100 SunSplash - 400 Santa Barbara Blvd.

City of Cape Coral City Hall - 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.

FOS Furniture - 111 N. Del Prado Blvd.

Century 21 Sunbelt - 725 Cape Coral Parkway W. Achieva Credit Union - 1631 Del Prado Blvd. S. Achieva Credit Union - 1616 Cape Coral Parkway W.

SPONSORED IN PART BY:

City Government

For More Info: 239.549.6900 | www.capecoralchamber.com City Government 2051 Cape Coral

Parkway E. | Cape Coral, Florida 33904

Get In & Get Busy Advertise In The Chamber Trends Magazine Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107

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

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

EMAIL

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

We deliver Cape Coral news 24/7

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

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

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

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

Get In Touch with Get In Residents, & Get Busy New Advertiseand In Prospects The Chamber Visitors with our Trends Magazine Relocation Leads Program!

Contact Donna Germain at

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

T

Leaders Needed

he time is approaching for the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Board of Directors to re-populate itself as both Directors and Trustee seats come to term.

We are now soliciting applications from members in good standing to populate those seats. The commitments to serve on the Board of Directors include serving on at least one chamber committee or special events task force, attendance at business after hours and general membership meetings and attendance at monthly board meetings. For most members of the Board of Directors, the minimum investment of time is approximately five hours per month.

Approximately 85 percent of our sitting board and trustee members are graduates of Leadership Cape Coral. While it is not a prerequisite, it does improve the chances.

Criteria that is considered in the decision making process is your business category, completion of the Leadership Cape Coral program, committee involvement, special events involvement and program sponsorship. The next leadership class starts in August of 2013. Please contact Donna Germain for details (239) 549-6900 ext.

107 or donna@capecoralchamber.com The balloted elections for both Board and Trustee seats will be completed by October, 2013 for the following fiscal year. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Quaintance, President at 549-6900 ext 106 or q2u2@capecoralchamber.com. Deadline for application submission is 7/1/2013.

Board Application for Board Member and Trustee Name: ___________________________________ Business Name: _________________________________ Title: ___________________________________ Business Address: ________________________________ City: _______________________ Zip: _________ Phone: ____________________ Fax: ________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Why are you requesting a Board or Trustee seat? ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Do you understand the requirements of the Board?

Yes

No

Please, describe your business or occupation. __________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Please list your history of community involvement. ______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ How do you plan to contribute to the Chamber? ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________

Date: ___________________

Please return to Mike Quaintance Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, Fl. 33910 Phone: (239) 549-6900 Fax: (239) 549-9609 e-mail to: Q2U2@capecoralchamber.com Deadline 5/15/2013

Ribbon Cuttings

Sleep Number by Select Comfort 4125 Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers , FL 33901 (Edison Mall) (239) 275-4360 www.sleepnumber.com

Associates In General & Vascular Surgery Vein and Laser Center 1206 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990 (239) 574-6593 www.agvs21c.com

IBERIABANK 1715 Cape Coral Parkway W Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 541-5205 www.iberiabank.com

D Gates Wealth Management an office of Met Life 1227 Del Prado Blvd. S, Suite 201 Cape Coral, FL 33990 (239) 424-8305 www.dgates.metlife.com

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

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



Debit Card Danger Zones Would you knowingly allow a thief to have direct access to your checking account? Most likely the answer is a resounding no! Unfortunately, you may be doing just that by regularly using your debit card for purchases at risky locations. Although debit cards may look identical to credit cards, there is one key difference….debit cards draw money directly from your checking account rather than from an intermediary such as a credit card company. You can be sure if a criminal gains access to the “cash” in your account, the balance in your bottom line will be broke.

To help keep criminals out of your bank account, the Lee County Sheriff's Office wants you to keep the following tips in mind: •

Outdoor ATMs present a perfect opportunity for thieves to skim users’ debit cards. Skimming devices can be placed over the real card slots allowing the criminal to capture the information on the card’s magnetic strip. Tip: Use an ATM located inside a retail outlet, banking institution or other high-trafficked, well-lit place. Check for ATM components that look beat-up or askew.

•

Gas stations are another danger zone for debit card use. These pay-at-the-pump terminals have many of the characteristics card fraudsters love because it is difficult to maintain continual supervision over the pumps, which allows an opportunity for a thief to place a skimmer device inside. Tip: With the high potential for debit card fraud while filling up, it might make sense to use an alternative such as cash or credit cards.

•

Consumers should never use their debit card to buy products online. The web can be a risky place for shoppers because it is susceptible at so many points. Unfortunately, data can be compromised by malware or from the merchant’s database, leaving buyers bank accounts vulnerable to intrusion. Tip: Use only a credit card for internet purchases, even if using a “trusted” website.

•

Anytime your debit card leaves your hands, fraud is possible. Restaurants, delivery orders placed over the phone and merchants who do not take the necessary steps to safeguard your payment information can be problematic for consumers. Tip: Using credit or cash is less risky than using a debit card, and keeps your financial information out of the hands of unscrupulous thieves.

To arrange to have someone come out to your community to talk about this or another safety or security topic please contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Community Relations Section at (239) 477-1400.



Healthy Trends The New and Improved

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

F

ortunately as time goes on we learn about new ways of evaluating someone’s health and treating their medical problems. In medicine it is all about prevention and treatment.

If you are able to live a healthy lifestyle, you will lessen your risks for all the chronic illnesses as well as all the cancers. When your physician or health care provider sends you for tests, he or she is looking for early signs of disease and if found, will treat them early so as to avoid the progression of that disease.

Let me tell you about new and improved ways of looking for health problems. One test is the “Body Age Assessment” (BAA).

This is a fitness test where you complete a health history, walk on a treadmill, do a test for strength and flexibility, and take a blood test to check the fat levels in your blood (a cholesterol profile). The result of this information is a “Body Age” number which is your fitness age as compared to your chronological age. This is often an eye opening number, especially if the number is higher than your chronologic age which would mean you are really older than your stated age.

Another test called “Spectracell” is a comprehensive blood test that checks the levels of all the vitamins, minerals, anti oxidants and fat

levels. This is a great test for those interested in taking vitamins and supplements as it tells you what you are deficient in; gives the levels of anti oxidants which are substances in the blood that decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes; and then allows you to know which vitamins, supplements and anti oxidants you should be taking rather than simply taking a multiple vitamin as a shotgun approach.

The next new and improved subject to talk about is the CHIP (Complete Health Improvement Program). This is a lifestyle intervention program that teaches participants how to eat healthy foods, incorporate physical activity into your day, learn about healthier ways to live at home and at work, and how to make significant changes in your daily habits and routines so you can live a more productive life. The CHIP program encourages you to eat more (healthy plant based foods), move more (be more physically active), learn more (about healthy living), be more (of who you want to be) so you can do more of the things you want to do in life. The CHIP program is a great way of improving the quality and length of your life because it decreases the risk of all the major chronic illnesses, as well as all the major cancers, and even reverses these chronic illnesses when you have them. What a wonderful thing!

In summary it is important to know the things you can do to evaluate your risk factors for chronic disease and cancer; know if you already have early disease or if you are developing small early cancers; know what to do if this is the case; and if you don’t have any early developing problems, what to do to stay healthy. It is all about staying healthy and avoiding the problems in the first place.

Prevention is the key! If you never get a disease in the first place, you will not have to worry about treating it. You will then have better health and more money to spend on other more important or fun things rather than on medicines, doctor visits and hospitalizations.

In closing remember to count your blessing, give back to the world and help others less fortunate. Have fun and stay well my friends.

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

Thursday, July 4th, 2013

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graduated from the Leadership Program including the Chairman and

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575 Looking for something to do? Do you have a few hours a week to spare for a good cause ?

THE GRACE THRIFT STORE NEEDS YOU!!!!

Cashiers Donation Pick-Ups Processing Sorters Merchandising MISC. All proceeds of the Grace Thrift Store benefit the many ministries at the Grace Community Center that serve our neighbors in need.

For more information contact Donna Linder at 656-0122.

4151 Hancock Bridge Pkwy North Fort Myers, Fl. 33903

“Your Business Connection�

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E. Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 Fax (239)549-9609 Toll Free (800) 226-9609

Scan to download our mobile site

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

Real Estate Trends End of Season?

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

I

t is not a surprise that we have a very active residential real estate market here in Cape Coral. The activity has been steady now for a couple of years.

Historically agents report a flurry of activity at the end of high season as visitors try to grab something before going home. But, does this mean prices and activity will drop now that the season is over?

Let’s see if there is a trend to help answer that question. The numbers for the 30 day period ending 4/26:

On single family homes, listings of homes for sale are dropping while sales have noticeably increased. That means inventory of homes for sale is not being replenished as fast as homes are being sold. The result is rising prices.

Condos show the same trend. Numbers of units for sale are decreasing and numbers of units sold are up. Once again, the result is rising prices.

Without getting into too much “analysis paralysis” we have been seeing fewer and fewer short sales and less foreclosures. This is

contributing to escalating prices. Even Homepath/HUD homes are showing much higher prices. None of these sellers seem to want to offer bargain pricing anymore. Why? Because they don’t have to.

A few clients have mentioned that they are waiting for the season to end because the prices will come down and the inventory will go up giving them more choices at lower prices. Let’s see, since this hasn’t happened for the past two years one wonders why they think it would happen this year when prices have gone even higher and inventory is at an extremely low point.

The answer is that unless something unanticipated occurs, prices won’t go down. End of season does not mean end of price increases.

If the number of solds keeps increasing and driving prices up and buyers keep buying as inventory shrinks, activity will continue as it has.

People who have gotten so used to bargain prices that they complain about today’s prices being too high have to be reminded that our prices in this market are still well below national averages and still well under the cost to build equivalent new homes here.

Then there are those who recognize the value here and the upward trend. These are the astute buyers who are not afraid to buy in because they are confident in what they see. And, these are the ones making the most of these attractive opportunities.

Our goal as realtors is to help seller’s get the most for their property; our goal is to help buyers get the best value when they purchase property. These goals are not mutually exclusive. In fact, in today’s market it is becoming easier to accomplish these goals. The best way to reward yourself with value is to use a reputable and experienced real estate agent who knows your marketplace.

Please don’t miss out on these opportunities. They are here now. We probably won’t see these low prices ever again. Do your homework, work with a realtor and accomplish your goal!

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor and an active member of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce. For questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.

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