Chamber Trends Magazine - May 2014

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

May 2014

Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, May 14 at Bonefish Grill Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press Business Card Exchange, May 6th, Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc.

Business After Hours May 15th, at Rockade

Join Us Every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside for the Surfside Sunset Market, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 12,000 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 2014 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 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

MAY 6TH Business Card Exchange Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc 1056 NE 7th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33909 7:30 am MAY 14TH General Membership Lunch Bonefish Grill 900 SW Pine Island Road Unit 124 Cape Coral, FL 33991 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

MAY 15TH Business After Hours Rockade 1023 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33904 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAYS THROUGH MAY 10TH Cape Coral Farmers’ Market Every Saturday - Club Square SE 47th Terrace - Downtown Cape Coral 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To register for any of the above events online or for more up-to-date information please visit www.capecoralchamber.com

Q’s WORLD IS YOUR BUSINESS AMBIDEXTROUS

T

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

he Internet is an interesting phenomena. It allows us to market, communicate, educate and simplify many things we did in the past.

Its acceptance has been nothing less than amazing.

In the U.S. Internet users went from 108,097,000 in the year 2000, to over 266,225,000 in the year 2010. In 2010, that equated to over 77 percent of the U.S. population. This growth represents a huge growth of 146 percent. So, how are you leveraging the opportunities?

While the numbers are staggering, what is going on in other markets? In the year 2000, Europe had 105,096,000 Internet users. In 2010, they had 475,069,000 for a 352 percent increase. That equates to 58.4 percent of the population. So, what are the implications for your business?

Asia had 114,304,000 Internet users in the year 2000 and 825,094,000 in 2010, equating to user growth of 622 percent and only representing 21.5 percent of the population in Asia. So, what are the implications for your business?

Latin America had 18,069,000 Internet users in the year 2000, and 204,690,000 in 2010, representing a 1,033 percent growth in users. The market penetration equates to 34.5 percent. So, what are the implications for your business?

Lastly, Africa had 4,514,000 in the year 2000, and an unbelievable growth to 110,932 in 2010. The growth was 2,357 percent during that ten-year period. In 2010, that represented 10.9 percent of the African population. So, what are the implications for your business?

Yes, I tried to dazzle you with some very impressive figures to make a point. That point is that we all need

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS to be looking into the future as to how we leverage the Internet for competitive advantage. I have had business people say, “I am just a small business here in our little corner of paradise and the Internet is not going to have any impact or value for me.”

Really? What goods or services are you unable to obtain on the Internet? I could not come up with any goods that most of us purchase except for perishable goods like some foods. The only services that I could think of were on-ground services such as waste removal, dry-cleaning, restaurants, maintenance and trades (there are “how to” websites), and medical treatment (there are online diagnostic services).

So how are you leveraging the Internet? Are you using social media, texting or website to promote your business? Are you using these tools to grow a relationship with you customers, to keep you top of mind? What are others in the industry doing? What are your competitors in our regions doing? The point is, all businesses should understand the importance of ambidexterity to both align resources to take advantage of existing product markets, as well as proactively explore new opportunities.

At the Chamber, we will be rolling out a new website leverage what we believe are some new opportunities for our members as well as a separate new government advocacy website that will allow our members interact more efficiently and effectively with elected officials from the federal to local levels.

The purpose of the new Chamber website is not only refresh our look, but to organize the information on the website in reference to relevant searches we have identified through our website analytics.

Additionally, we hope to gain more web sessions as new search engine optimization strategies are employed. What does this mean for you, the members? We believe it means more opportunities for commerce!

We truly appreciate your support of the Chamber; we are open to ideas you might have to improve our level of service to you. Please feel free to call or e-mail Mike Quaintance at (239) 549-6900 ext. 106, or Q2U2@CapeCoralChamber.com to share your ideas.

If you are interested in more Internet stats, I obtained the information provided in this article at www.interntworldstats.com.

Chairman - Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, LLC Chairman Elect - Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc. Treasurer - Brett Bisbe, B2 Solutions, Inc Past Chairman - Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions, LLC Ed Bolter - Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett - City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar - Boost Creative Tony Constantino - Financial Advisor Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A. Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Joseph Francioni - The Smart Companies Cynthia Gallagher - The Breeze Newspapers Tom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & Rental Trish Lassiter - LCEC Michelle Lewis - Past Chairman - B2 Solutions Donna Meola - Past Chairman - First Merchant Payment Systems Thomas Shipp Jr. - Past Chairman - Tom Shipp at the Martin Law Firm Stanley Spicer - Platinum Service A/C Chris Spiro - Past Chairman - Spiro & Associates Zachary Zeis - Elysium Construction Inc.

2014 TRUSTEES

Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank Sallie Dwyer - SunTrust Merchant Services Sandra Greiner - SunSplash Family Waterpark Mike Hollow - RE//MAX Realty Team Scott Kashman - Cape Coral Hospital Laura Koehn - CapeCoral.com David Owen - BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System Michelle Whitlock - Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors

2014 CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Tom Giles - Avalon Engineering Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood Electric Elmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty

CHAMBER STAFF

Mike Quaintance, President Donna S. Germain, Communications Director Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Bill Johnson, Jr., Membership Sales Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator Linda Kirby, Membership Sales Annette Siner, Membership Sales

MARCH NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW

All About Payroll Lou Peppe Best Western Fort Myers Waterfront Michelle Giesel Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate- Market America Group Stacy Gizzi Cyber Computer Technology, Inc. Dominik Hayder First Merchant Payment Systems Donna Meola Hurricane Grill & Wings Dave Swazey KHR Solutions, LLC. Kimberly Hansen Martin Law Firm, PL Steven Martin Monarca’s Guillermo Cuevas Purr-fect Air Faye Hogoboom Ronald McDonald House Charities of SWFL, Inc. Laura Ragain

RENEWALS

BB&T Bank - Del Prado Branch Member Since: 12/18/2002 Bill Smith, Inc. Member Since: 03/01/1989 BMI Florida Realty, LLC Member Since: 04/07/2011

High Fidelity Studios Member Since: 11/17/2008

BobSuhrie.Remax-Florida.com Member Since: 02/02/2010

Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral Fort Myers Area Member Since: 03/01/1989

Boost Creative Member Since: 03/05/2008

I Ragazzi Pizza Member Since: 02/27/2009

Cape Coral High School Member Since: 09/28/1999

Kindness Animal Hospital Member Since: 04/01/1990

Cape Coral Hurricanes- Premier Men’s Soccer Team Member Since: 11/30/2012

King Family Chiropractic, LLC Member Since: 03/20/2013

Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant Member Since: 04/13/2012 Primary Electric Member Since: 11/01/2000 Rasmussen College Member Since: 02/07/2013 Red Salon & Spa Member Since: 09/26/2007

Regions Bank Cape Coral Pkwy West Member Since: 03/21/2007 Roofing By HOMEPLUS, Inc Member Since: 03/03/2011

Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus Member Since: 03/01/1997

Sea Breeze International Management Corp Member Since: 04/26/2005

La Venezia Member Since: 10/26/2011

Spiro & Associates Member Since: 01/01/1996

Chicago Pizza Member Since: 06/24/2008

Law Offices of Sylvia E. Heldreth P.A. Member Since: 03/01/1996

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

Coral Cove Condominium Member Since: 03/16/2007

LeeSar Member Since: 04/17/2013

The Breeze Newspapers Member Since: 04/01/1989

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

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

The Letter Box Member Since: 04/01/1989

Edward Jones Investments Terry Frith Member Since: 02/01/1995

Miromar Outlets Member Since: 03/19/1999

The Strickland Financial Group, Inc. Member Since: 03/01/1989

Nevermind “Awesome Bar & Eatery” Member Since: 01/31/2013

Timothy W. Barrier CPA, P.A. Member Since: 04/27/2012

Cape Smoke Shop Member Since: 04/01/1995 Cheetah Printing & Signs Member Since: 06/27/2012

A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming Member Since: 11/06/2012

Edward JONES Investments – Sam Mazzotti Member Since: 02/01/1995

Associates In General & Vascular Surgery Vein and Laser Center Member Since: 04/18/2012

Entech Computer Services Member Since: 08/28/2006

Barton Insurance Agency/ Nationwide Member Since: 02/01/1989

Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community Member Since: 03/01/1989

North Nicholas High School Member Since: 02/02/2011

Fix Marine Supply Member Since: 03/25/2013

NSU- Nova Southeastern University Member Since: 03/25/2009

Fort Myers Princess Member Since: 11/17/2011

Office Furniture & Design Concepts Member Since: 03/10/2004

Turn Key Homes Member Since: 03/28/2012 WFTX-TV Member Since: 03/01/1989 Williamson Eye Center Member Since: 03/01/1996

CHAMBER TRENDS

SO MUCH TO DO AND SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES

drinks, great prizes and a special presentation by Linda Kolber, with Associates in General & Vascular Surgery, on skincare. So much to learn!

Friday, we ended the week with our Annual Chamber Golf Tournament!

Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates The morning started out a little gloomy, but quickly cleared up so golfers 2014 Chairman could enjoy the beautiful weather in paradise! The tournament was hosted at s I sit here writing this letter I feel Palmetto Pines Country Club and was a great time for everyone!

As always we hold the Surfside Market weekly on Tuesdays and the Cape bad because for the first time I am late in getting this to Donna Coral Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, showcasing our vendors produce and Germain, our Communication Director. But products! Whew…. What a week!

I am sharing all of this because this week as I tried to attend all of these Donna, being so kind and knowing that we have so many things happening in our events, I realized what great members, volunteers and Chamber Staff we community, has given me some leeway! For have. The support we get from everyone involved is tremendous and the work that our Chamber Staff does to coordinate all this (especially so many events that I say “Thanks”!

We really have had a busy month with Ribbon Cuttings for new members, in one week) is tremendous… all to provide our members the benefits of our General Membership Luncheon and the monthly Business After Hours, networking and exposure for their companies, as well as giving back to the not to mention a great time spent at the Leadership Class of 2013’s Casino community.

So with that, I want to take this opportunity to thank our Chamber Staff, Night. It seemed like this past month went by in a flash… and then we got Mike Quaintance, Donna Germain, Claudia St. Onge, Billy Johnson, Jr., to this week.

In the past week we have held: The Education in Excellence Award where Amanda Brunson, Melanie Lempke, Stephanie Roberson and Annette Siner. we honored students and teachers from each of our schools for excellence in You guys ROCK! I also want to send special thanks all the volunteers and all of the sponsors education. We also awarded five scholarships to seniors embarking on their that supported each of these events. Without them we could not accomplish college careers. What a wonderful and heartfelt event!

The Government Affairs Committee held their 4th Annual “Speed Politics,” so much and give back to our community. Thank you!

I look forward to new opportunities in the coming months to meet new which affords our members and residents throughout the Lee County an opportunity to meet with their elected officials. We hosted the Mayor and members, network and have fun! I hope to see you somewhere on the journey! all the Councilmembers of the City of Cape Coral, all of our Lee County Commissioners, the Lee County Tax Collector, the Lee County Clerk of the Courts and the Chief Financial Officer from Lee County Electric Cooperative.

This is a great opportunity to meet with all of these constituents and have ... your issues heard.

Thursday, the Women’s Power Networking Committee held their quarterly with a purpose. & Have Fun! gathering at the Joint. What a great turn-out for networking, appetizers,

A

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

The Chamber welcomed Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki (top right) as the guest speaker for the April General Membership Lunch. The Mayor updated more than 100 members as to the State of the City.

Mid Left - The Chamber also welcomed some of its new members including Lou Pepe from All about Payroll, Kevin Winter from First Merchant Payment Systems and Michelle Giesel from The Best Western.

Bottom Left - Thank you to our table sponsors Steve Root, Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group, Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors and Massage Envy.

Bottom Right - A Special thank you goes out to Pastor Dennis Gingerich from Cape Christian Fellowship. Pastor Gingerich has provided the invocation for the Chamber lunches for several years. Congratulations on your upcoming sabbatical.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS ONLINE TRAINING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

also access Coggno’s state-of- the-art, proprietary Learning Management System that will allow you to keep track of employees’ progress in chosen courses. This very valuable tool makes it easy for supervisors to distribute, Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director monitor, and mentor employees in their courses.

To check out the courses available, visit our website by clicking on the link f you haven’t already taken advantage of the online training below. Also keep an eye out for an email as well as our social media links as we that’s available, check out the will offer FREE courses from time to time. resource we have available for our Online Training Courses Page Link member, thanks to a partnership with www.capecoralchamber.com/commerce/programs/onlinetraining.aspx#/ Coggno.com.

Our members are able to click a documents simple link on our website to find a selection of online training courses that are relevant to your needs.

Categories include Human Resources, Compliance, Workplace Safety, Software, Business Management and many others that will prove useful to employees of every type of business. All of the online training options are available on-demand “24/7”and can be accessed on any work computer as well as from home computers, tablets, and even smart phones. All that’s needed is an Internet connection and the desire to learn.

When online training courses are purchased through our website, you can

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Leadership 2014 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 Management your performance within the largest city and 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 500 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. Monthly payment plans are available for tuition. Tuition is $1,200 and includes hotel stay at kick-off, all meals and transportation. Be sure to fill out and submit your application before July 28, 2014.

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 2014 FULL ADDRESS P H O N E E M A I L

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

Click Here For Application

Leadership 2014 LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS $2,500 Annual Investment – Cornerstone • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Company Logo on Jr. Leadership Shirt Company Logo on Leadership Cape Coral Shirt Company Logo on all Leadership Program Materials 4 Tickets to Leadership Cape Coral Kick-off 4 Tickets to Leadership Cape Coral Graduation 4 Tickets to Jr. Leadership Graduation Opportunity to speak at Leadership Cape Coral Graduation Opportunity to speak at Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Graduation Opportunity to hang banner at Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Graduation Opportunity to audit one Leadership Cape Coral Day Opportunity to audit one Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Day Opportunity to audit one Advanced Leadership Day or Chamber University Day Company Logo on Sustaining Partner Leadership Web Page One Full page advertisement in Chamber Monthly E-Trends Newsletter Annually

Management and

$1,200 Annual Investment – Partner • • • • • • • • • •

Company name of all Leadership Programs Materials 2 Tickets to Leadership Cape Coral Kick-off 2 Tickets to Leadership Graduation 2 Tickets to Jr. Leadership Graduation Opportunity to speak at Leadership Cape Coral Kick-off Opportunity to hang banner at Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Graduation Opportunity to audit one Leadership Cape Coral Day Opportunity to audit one Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Day Opportunity to audit one Advance Leadership Cape Coral Day or Chamber University Day Company Name on Sustaining Partners Leadership Web Page

$500 Annual Investment – Supporter • • • •

Company name on all Leadership Programs Materials 2 Tickets to Leadership Cape Coral Kick-off 2 Tickets to Leadership Cape Coral Graduation 2 Tickets to Jr. Leadership Cape Coral Graduation

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

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

It is simple to participate, just fill out the registration form below and fax, or mail it to the Chamber.

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

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Premier Pain Specialists, LLC Dr. Jules A. Prendhomme 1228 SE 8th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33990 (239) 945-1105 www.premierpainspecialists.com

Best Pets Patricia Campo 845 SE 47th Street Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 471-7133 www.bestpetservice.com

Fez Interiors, LLC Fez & Victor Severino 4632 Del Prado Blvd S. Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 471-2682 www.fezdeco.com

Dolphin Key Resort, LLC Magdalena Tengroth-Dyberg 1502 Miramar Street Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 945-0060 www.dolphinkeyresort.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Allstate-David Schuman Insurance Agency David Schuman 1329 Hibiscus Drive Cape Coral, FL 33909 (239) 242-8072 www.allstateagencies.com/davidschuman3/

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext. 107

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REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman LISTENING TO THE UNIVERSE

2012(CDPE) Berge Aslanian Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor 2012 Chamber Chairman

OI

ur experience and the world aroundbelieve us provide extremely can’t its December useful information.

The to 4-26-14 and I am writing mykeylast Real Estate Trends understanding this information and using article as Chairman of theit Listening to the Universe beneficially creativehas listening. numbers Board. is2012 just The flown by andextremely there have been soThe below are part of thatinformation. information butmany there Our experience and the world around us provide useful key to understanding this information and using it beneficially is creative listening. The like to isaccomplishments often more to thanmore justI would numbers. numbers below are part of that information but there is itoften to it than just share.

(Please forgive me if I athave numbers.

First, we can start by looking the forgotten any!!) numbers for the three month period ending First, we can start by looking at the numbers for the three month period ending 4/26/14: How fortunate we are to live 4/26/14: For Sale Sold

Feb ’13 Homes Median $ 2086 $242,000 229 $170,000

’13 ‘14 inMarParadise!

Our Apr economy is Homes Homes Median $ Median $ growing and the outlook for 2013 2098 $244,500 1995 $244,500 252is for$164,500 continued353 growth.$164,500

2012 was a great year!! Much was accomplished for you, including Feb ’13 Apr ‘14 making Cape Coral a better place Mar to ’13 do business. Here are a few of Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ theForhighlights: Sale 341 $141,000 319 $139,750 333 $139,750 The Economic Office delivered on their Sold Cape Coral 45 $118,500 Development 46 $118,000 62 $118,000 promise to increase business, investment and employment in the Inventory of single family homes in Cape Coral is slightly down while median prices Inventory of single family in Cape Coral is slightly while median prices area.

The team closed 137 economic projects, which remain steady.

Even thoughhomes the median price of development sold homes down also remained the same, pleasesteady. notice85 there was a 40% single homes sold during thethe lastsame, 30 remain Even though theincrease median price of family soldand homes remained represents new businesses in inthe Cape 52also expansions. day period.

Thenotice EDO there created public/private strategic partnership with please was a 40% increase in single family homes sold during theLamar last 30 Inventory of condos for sale Group slightly increased and the median price also held firm.

Advertising and a new marketing campaign that day period. and HDPR Please notice that sales of condos increased 43% in the same period. says “Cape Coral is Open for Business. ” Inventory of condos for sale slightly increased and the median price also held firm.

Snowbelt backlash?

Who knows?

What we doof know is that sales increased Cape Coral welcomed the opening 1,156 businesses in very 2012 Please notice that sales of condos increased 43%from in the same period. significantly.

Judging from anecdotal evidence other realtors, we will probably see including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses the same trend in May as the last wave of sales generated in our high season finally Snowbelt backlash? Who knows? What we do know is that sales increased very close. and 46 unspecified businesses. Commerce means shorter distances significantly.

Judging from anecdotal evidence from other realtors, we will probably see toOurtravel for your goods and services.

Commerce also means a local media have been reporting up and are up in some theranges. same trend in May as theHowever, last wave ofsales salesare generated inprices our high season finallyprice close.

Yes,tax thatbase is true.and diversified jobs! we have noticed there are some sellers who price their property too have high based solely on sales this news rather than on real market comparative Our local media been reporting are up and prices are up in some price ranges.

The Chamber ofmore Commerce of Cape Coral continues tolooking growatas sales.

This holds true condos than single family homes.

We are still Yes, true.

However, wefor have noticed there are some sellers pricetime their property 5-6that months of inventory with steady prices and increasing sales. well; inisDecember 2011 our membership was at who an all low of too high based solely on this news rather than onThis real market comparative sales.

This 583 members, today we stand at 744. resulted in a 78 percent What we can expect from that data is prices are going up for properties that actually sell holds more for condos than family We looking atThis 5-6 months and true over-priced properties are single remaining on homes. therate market for indeterminate periods of membership growth with a retention ofare 81still percent. could Sometimes the market will catch up to an over-priced home but mostly the overoftime. inventory with steady prices and increasing sales. not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members, priced property languishes on the market. Sellers wanting to sell will price their property What wetocan expect from data isawesome prices are going for market properties thatindicate actually their market andthat buyers to buy will payup what comps a according dynamic sales team and anwanting membership development fair. Those sellers over-pricing and some buyers trying to lowball will end up angry committee. sellas and over-priced properties are remaining on the market for indeterminate periods of and frustrated because they will not be reaching their goals.

Chamber Leadership programs to home develop community time.

Sometimes the market will catch up tocontinue an over-priced but mostly the overRecently instances of these two issues stand out very clearly. A buyer who claims to leaders.

In November, 20some men and women Leadership priced languishes on the market.

Sellers wanting tograduated sell will priceand theirlaws property have property been a realtor in Michigan years ago when things were simpler not Cape Coral.

Twenty-four members thewill 2012 Chamber board as stringent kept lookingand in the junkwanting yard ofof government foreclosures. call indicate ithave the according to their market buyers to buy pay what market(We comps graduated fromover-pricing the Leadership Program including as fair. Those sellers and some buyers trying to lowballthe willChairman end up angryand and

frustrated because they will not be reaching their goals.

Recently instances of these two issues stand out very clearly. A buyer who claims to have been a realtor in Michigan some years ago when things were simpler and laws not Chair-Elect.

We currently haveyard 27ofhigh schoolforeclosures. juniors in(We ourcall Junior as stringent kept looking in the junk government it the Leadership Program. junkyard because the properties almost always require additional investment to make The Chamber successfully presented (2) Disney Institute programs them livable and they always require tons of paperwork to get them through the system.) in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because on a couple of themancaused enough reality check to bid closer toand the it Getting takes aoutbid village!!) brought astounding 250,000+ citizens asking price ontogether future offers. being in play,and she bemoans fact that none of this members forNow Red White Boom ,theGolf Tournament, is happeningMarket, fast enough for her needs followed by threats and complaints.

Even though Farmers Business Expo , Family Bowling Day, a Casino Trip all was in that require more paperwork she still to Theexplained Price isgoing Right, asthese wellthings as our Holiday Festivaland of time, Lights on wanted to save1st. a few thousand dollars instead of paying market price for a move-in, plain December vanilla that could close easily in 2-4 weeks.

And, those savings will easily eaten up Oursale on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 webbereferrals in 2012 thatappliances equatesand tomaking 3,544 other on average the year per member!! by purchasing necessaryover repairs.

(Who membership doesn’t pay?)

We’vesays also seen a seller or two that priced their property way too high because friends new Chamber app was introduced 2012. andAthe media told themmobile that this has become a seller’s market.inThen, not wanting to lose also reasonable a very offers, busy they’ve election yearthemselves for ourhow Public Affairs faceItbywas considering convinced right they are to Committee!

This is a group of passionate people who make sure that stand firm on price. Guess what? Those properties are still for sale while others around the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also them have sold at reasonable, market prices. state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by And lastly we have the knowledgeable buyers who saw a house, liked the house, members and citizens of Cape Coral. offered list price the same day, closed in two weeks and are now happily improving it to Our education committee hosted the Excellence in Education flip it for happy, clean$4,500 deal and with no stress!

Awardsa 15-20% in Aprilprofit. andA awarded in scholarships to deserving Looking at the numbers in the beginning of this article you can see empirical evidence high school seniors! thatIt sales definitely up. year We also that pricing too high turns that your property into wasare also the first ofknow our “rotating” luncheons are being avery showpiece that will help sell other, lower-priced properties.

And, savvy buyers know well received by our membership. thatServing Mom wasas right, you get what you pay animosity and most your Chairman of for; thelowball Boardoffers hascreate been an excellent experience I feel blessed for having the opportunity of foreclosures areand not the bargains most people think theyhad are. Buying or selling at a fair meeting so many of you meetings and events. price will make you money in theatlong run.

Thank me withplease yourconsider trust this. andSince commitment!

And just toyou add for a newhonoring tidbit of information, the cheap stuff It is has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing almost all sold out, investors are more and more turning to residential lots in anticipation staff wellconstruction. as the membership. of newashome Yes, it’s true. Single family homes are approaching the point I look forward seeing all you at been future eventsBuying and Ithose wishlots you where it pays to build.to Materials andof labor have climbing. at good health and prosperity! today’s prices is a more affordable way to capitalize on an increasing market. Plenty of nice lots are available for under $25,000; of course, water lots will be higher. A word of caution, please don’t make a decision solely on price, check the location, assessments, the neighborhood and proximity to shopping and schools.

This is the universe speaking to you. You don’t have to listen. But if you do, you may just save yourself a whole bunch of time in selling a property or buying a property. Just verify prices with an experienced realtor and you can play to win! We want you to succeed because when you do, we do too! Happy Property Hunting or Selling!

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

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JUNIOR LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL Congratulations to the Junior Leadership Class of 2014 Donna Schuman Germain, Communications Director

T

wenty-eight up and coming community leaders were honored this month as they graduated from the Junior Leadership Cape Coral program on April 9, at Cultural Park Theatre.

The 12-year program, facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, teaches high school juniors the ins and outs of their community through a series of hands on classes that focus on City Government, Media, Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Healthcare, Cape Coral History, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Economic Development and so much more.

“This program taught me that I am a leader and…I am so thankful for it,” said Jehiel Rosario, a junior at Island Coast High School. “It allowed me to make amazing friends and lasting memories. I’ve learned that I am a valuable part of this community and that my voice does count.”

Mayor Marni Sawicki, who served as the keynote speaker at graduation, congratulated the group and encouraged them to take an active role in city government and growth.

“We want to hear from you,” Sawicki told the graduates. “Our decisions effect you too.”

The program also provides supplemental learning possibilities to students interested in developing leadership skills before leaving their high school years. The program also presents the many career possibilities in the local area.

“We try to focus on preparation for their future by learning about their local community,” said Mike Quaintance, Chamber President.

“This is done in an eight week program filled with forums, specialized tours and education by local city and business leaders.”

The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral would like to thank all of the city and community leaders that helped make this program possible. A special thank you goes to Diane Everhart, 2014 volunteer Chairperson for more than 8 years, Melanie Lempke, staff liaison and all of the day chairs and guest speakers for your hard work and dedication to this program.

Cape Coral High School: Liam Avery, McKenna Beach, Troy McDermott, Kimberly Haworth. Ida S. Baker High School: John Attwood, Kathleen Driscoll, Brooke Garrison, Brandon Lockart, Benjamin Mars, Eduardo Ortega. Mariner High School: Holly Fritz, Cody Gatewood, Monica Gomez, Hunter Sperry. North Fort Myers High School: Wycliffe Grafton Jr., Michael Haefele, Taylor Pascal, Marisa Sauer. Oasis High School: James Cooper, Marshall Hess, Debora Lobaina, Anisha Pednekar. Island Coast High School: Jennifer Fasano, McKenna Leonard, Danielle Moody, Gabriel Muhammad, Nashali Nunez, Jehiel Rosario.

For more information about the Junior Leadership Cape Coral program, please call (239) 549-6900 ext 102.

Cape Coral

CLASS OF 2014

HEALTHY TRENDS

WHAT’S THE FUSS ABOUT ALL THE SALT?

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

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ecently I had the honor of being part of a presentation by the Horizon Council on “Workplace Wellness.” The purpose of this day long workshop at Edison State College was to talk about the importance of companies focusing on the health of their employees and how this impacts not only the bottom line of the organization but the strength of a community. The presenters talked about how companies could support programs for their employees that helped them eat healthier, exercise more, reduce stress and overall live healthier lives. At the end of the presentation, I showed a YouTube video called “Make Health Last” which shows what the last ten year of your life could be if you take care of your health; and what it will undoubtedly be if you do not take care of your health. To me this video emphasizes the importance of taking care of your health not only for you but also for your family.

Personally each day I try to remember: • You only get one life so don’t blow it!

• You don’t know if today might be your last.

• Take care of yourself because it’s important to me but also it’s important to my family.

• Cherish my family and help them stay healthy.

• If I don’t take care of my health, I might be taken away from my family.

• If they don’t take care of their health, they might be taken away from me!

Let’s discuss the importance of taking care of the ones you love.

I talk and write a lot about the importance of making health a priority. This is necessary since we all have lots to do and without good health it is difficult to accomplish your goals. Sometimes things happen that negatively affect our health even when we are doing many of the right things. Sometime bad things happen to our health because we do not live a healthy life.

My father grew up within a generation of hard workers, helping to continue building the foundation of what America stands for, taking care of his family but often times not taking care of his health. He smoked for as long as I can remember. Most of the pictures I have of him show a cigarette in his hand. Back then it seemed like all the men (and many of the women) smoked. I guess many did.

Despite the surgeon general’s report which came out in January 1964, many people continued to smoke. I guess they thought “it won’t happen to me”. Well, more often than not, it does happen to you! A person can only abuse their body for so long before it catches up with them.

Making your health a priority is important for the family. Taking care of your health (or neglecting it) affects the individual but also affects his/her family, friends, coworkers, company, neighborhood and community. We often shy away from talking to others about their poor health habits. It is uncomfortable to do this and many people probably do not want others telling them what to do. I have seen this first hand especially when it comes to what they should and should not eat!

My father died unexpectedly in September 2010 after a long bout from the ravages of cigarette smoking. He was fortunate enough to retire at 58 but lived a downward spiral of bad health until he died at 83. In the early years of his retirement his emphysema didn’t stop him from gardening and taking care of the acre of property he owned on Long Island. Then, over time, his lungs continued to fail and the rest of the body followed. Near the end, it was difficult for him to walk to the bathroom or take a shower without getting severely short of breath. Being Italian he loved to eat, but in the last years of his life food was not as pleasurable since his poor health affected not only his taste buds but so many other parts of his body. Simple things he previously enjoyed now became difficult.

In the last year of his life he spent many weeks in and out of the hospital. For me it seemed like I was constantly canceling my work days and apologizing to my patients because I had to fly from Florida to New York to see Dad when he was in the hospital taking a “turn for the worse” as they say. The last time this happened he was in a hospital not far from where he and my mother lived. My brother, Freddie, called me late in the evening on a Sunday and I took an early flight Monday morning to get to the hospital around 11 am. Dad actually looked good at that time and I looked at my younger brother and thought “why did you call me up here? Dad looks like he’s doing ok!”

We spent most of the day with him, helping him out of bed, watching him eat (yucky hospital food), but also planning to take him home. This time, as in past times when he was in the hospital, all he wanted to do was go home. On this day we talked with the Palliative care physician and he agreed there was not much more they could do for my father in the hospital so we arranged for a hospital bed at home as well as the other necessary things. We planned to take him home the following morning.

My brother, mother and I left the hospital around five to go home for dinner but Freddie and I planned to return after dinner to hang out with my father for a few more hours that night. Dad was so excited because he was going “home.” He did not say much but gave us the thumbs up when we left his hospital room that evening and I felt his excitement about going “home.” Little did I know that he wasn’t excited about going home to our house on Long Island but rather he was excited about going home to his Heavenly Father. He died a few hours later shortly after we finished dinner at home. We did not get a chance to say a final goodbye to him. Technically we did but we didn’t realize when we said goodbye to him in the hospital room and told him we would see him after dinner that it was our final goodbye.

I often wonder if he took better care of himself or if we helped him more to do so, would he still be with us today?

What is the point I am trying to make? It is about responsibility! We all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves, for ourselves but also for our family and friends; and as family and friends, we have a responsibility to help others stay healthy.

We all can influence others (in a nice way) to do more to stay healthy. If we realize that today might be our last day on this wonderful planet, we would probably do more to keep ourselves healthy; and we might do more to help others stay healthy.

We would make healthy living a priority for ourselves; and we would talk with our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about living a healthy life. We all would elevate health to the number one priority. And for me, for selfish reasons, I would have taken those lousy cigarettes and thrown them in the garbage while telling my father he needed to take better care of his health for himself, his children and his wife.

We miss him dearly.

So please do not live a life which results in you being the one that is missed too soon; or makes you lose someone you love too early. Make health last by making health first.

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

$ 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 All Power Electric 2534 NE 9th Ave, Cape Coral, FL

Wades Heating and Cooling CCI Competent Solutions 1209 SE 9th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 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

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

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

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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 InInTouch withBusy New Get & Get Residents, Prospects Advertise In and Visitors with our The Chamber Relocation Program!

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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

A healthy and productive workforce is essential to the success of any business.

The Wellness Center of Cape Coral is designed with you in mind: and certified staff, • Fitlinxx, an integrated • Degreed with medical oversight by exercise tracking software a physician

most Les Mills group • The exercise programs in the area

screening and • Medical fitness assessment fitness plan for • Customized each member

Free Personal Training Session for all chamber members with a new one-year membership.

that provides feedback on exercise plans

age assessment, • Body including strength,

flexibility, cardio respiratory capacity and body composition

Wellness Center of Cape Coral 609 SE 13th Court Cape Coral, FL 33990

239-573-4800

The Dolphin Key Resort hosted a great Business After Hours in April. CEO, Magdalena Tengroth-Dyberg and her partners have done an outstanding job renovating the Cape Coral hotel. Please be sure to check out the changes at www.dolphinkeyresort.com.

Top Left - Guests enjoy the Tiki Bar at The Dolphin Key Resort.

Mid Right - Rafael Ramos, Home Services By Rafael and Patrick Quinlan, Miloff Aubuchon Realty catch up at the April Business After Hours.

Bottom Right - Magdalena TengrothDyberg, CEO of the Dolphin Key Resort welcomes guests to the Business After Hours.

LOOK WHAT YOU MISSED AT THE CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET

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

...

with a purpose. & Have Fun! 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-6900 (800) 226-9609 www.capecoralchamber.com