

The Official Publication of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral May 2025
Excellence in Education Awards presented by The Breeze Newspapers
May 5, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Braodway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Bouelvard Fort Myers, FL 33907
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS
Presented by The Breeze Newspapers
Monday, April 5, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard Ft Myers, FL 33907
BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Lenny Cannova, Modern Woodmen of America 3046 Del Prado Boulevard S
Cape Coral, FL 33904
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
Publisher & Editor
Stephanie Roberson Technology Director
stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Bayside Burger & Beer
211 Hancock Bridge Parkway
Cape Coral, FL 33990
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Wintrust Banking Center 915 Cape Coral Parkway E
Cape Coral, FL 33904
EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 7:30 AM
NETWORKING AT NOON
Friday, May 23, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location TBA
WELCOME CENTER CLOSED
Friday, May 26, 2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 | 7:30 AM
CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cape Coral Farmers’ Market - Club Square
CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET
Club Square
Saturdays 8 AM - 1 PM www.capecoralfarmersmarket.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE EVENTS AT www.capecoralchamber.com
Contributing Editors
Donna S. Germain President/CEO
donna@capecoralchamber.com
Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com
Lisa Barrella
Membership Sales Director lisa@capecoralchamber.com
Maria Ortiz
Membership Relations and Events Director maria@capecoralchamber.com
Michaela Porter Welcome Center Specialist michaela@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
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Chair, Bill Johnson, Jr, Lee County Horizon Foundation
Chair Elect, Mick Sheldrake, Guardian Angels For Special Populations
Past Chair, Dusty Shelton, It’s IT
Treasurer, Bill Jones, WastePro
Financial Advisor, Stephanie Ramirez, Assured Bookkeeping
Member at Large, Jeff Justin, Lee County Electric Cooperative
Vanessa Chaviano, LIV Digital Marketing
Matthew Connar, Connar Enterprises
Jenell Dolan, Lee County Electric Cooperative
Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center
Eric Gundersen, Drones SWFL
Kurt Godwin, Discovery Maps
Barry Kadel, The Westin Resort Cape Coral
Rachel Kaduk, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Toni Mueller, FineMark National Bank
Lorri Philbin, Lee Health
Jay Santos, Busey Bank
Tracy Sicard, Fastsigns Cape Coral
Nancy Travis, Individual
Chuck Warren, Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation
Samara Weidner, Technology at Work
Nita Whaley, CC Real Estate Services
Sharon Woodberry, City of Cape Coral
Molly Wright, Suncoast Beverage TRUSTEES
Lenny Cannova, Modern Woodman of America
Alex Dias, Florida Blue Medicare
Sergio Nascimento, IncredibleBank
Cory O’Donnell, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.
Michelle Richard, Main Street Home Loans
Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions
Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, LLC
Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc.
Joseph Francioni, SWFL Water Testing
Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering
Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative
Michelle Lewis, B2 Technology Solutions
Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc.
Donna Meola, Truist Bank
Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc
Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates
Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center
Zachary Zeis, Suncoast Beverage
Donna S. Germain, President/CEO
Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager/ Farmers’ Market Director
Donna S. Germain, IOM, FCCP President/CEO
On May 5th, the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral proudly hosted its 33rd Annual Excellence in Education Awards at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. The event welcomed over 330 students, educators, administrators, and community members in a heartfelt celebration of academic achievement and educational excellence.
These prestigious awards honor outstanding elementary, middle, and high school students from each school in the west zone, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and success both inside and outside the classroom.
Thank you to our AMAZING Education Committee who work all year long to plan this event and raise money for scholarships. This inspiring event was also made possible through the generous support from numerous community sponsors, including: The Breeze Newspapers, Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, The Guardian Angels for Special Populations, The Doug Lockhart Fund – Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, LCEC, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Forest Development, LifeSynergy Wellness, Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), Florida Blue, IncredibleBank, Bright Land Inc., Fort Myers Tip-Off, Cape Coral Rotary Foundation, The Brotherhood of Heroes Museum and Resource Center, Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, Mellow Mushroom, SuEllen’s Floral Company, Crown Trophy, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., Arthur Printing, The Oasis at Surfside, and Cape Coral Pet Vet.
The Chamber extends its deepest appreciation to all who contributed to this memorable evening, and to the educators and students whose passion and perseverance continue to inspire our community.
Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director
Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Director
Maria Ortiz, Membership Relations & Events Director
Michaela Porter, Welcome Center Specialist
Congratulations to the following honorees…
Scholarship Recipients: Sarah Kuznets, Cape Coral Technical College; Sophia Vianest, Cape Coral High School; Alexis Klutsarits, Ida S. Baker High School; Faith Hershman, Island Coast High School; Andy Seeley, Mariner High School; Khalid Bourne, North Fort Myers High School; Skylar Muncy, Oasis High School; Adrielle Costa, Mariner High School; Joseph John Speruta, Ida S. Baker High School; Kamryn Conn, North Fort Myers High School; Sabrina Dong, Cape Coral High School; Esther Saintilien, Cape Coral High School; Kris Fellows, Island Coast High School; Sophia Irene Perez, North Fort Myers High School; Giancarlo Talgier Farfan, North Fort Myers High School; Nayla Yero Satorre, Ida S. Baker High School.
Caloosa Elementary School honored Carter Emerson, a student who enjoys science, reading, and basketball, and is inspired by positive role models like his brother. Educator Andrea Bertel, a 12year teaching veteran, finds joy in helping students overcome challenges and enjoys gardening and journaling.
Cape Elementary School recognized Brynn Parker, an award-winning student involved in dance and school clubs who hopes to start a business and help animals. Educator Courtney Bryant, now a science coach, is passionate about hands-on learning and student engagement after a decade of classroom teaching.
Cape Coral High School featured Sophia Vianest, a multi-sport student with academic accolades pursuing physical therapy, and Barbara Wissman, a math teacher and program leader known for achieving exceptional student success and preparing for school leadership.
Ida S. Baker High School honored Alexis Klutsarits, a scholar-athlete bound for UF to become a pediatrician, and Kim d’Albenas, a counseling leader who guided students through Hurricane Ian recovery and spearheads mental health support.
Island Coast High School recognized Faith Hershman, a standout in JROTC and athletics aiming for law school, and Analia Hernandez, an ESOL/ELD teacher who uses her economics background to support multilingual learners with structured, student-centered instruction.
Mariner High School celebrated Andy Seeley, a JROTC commander and scholar headed to Norwich University for engineering and military service, and Joshua Gompper, a history teacher and mentor who connects with students academically and personally.
Oasis High School honored Skylar Muncy, an academically driven student leader planning to study law or journalism at UF, and McKenna Korchick, a digital design teacher and cheer coach who leads school media and empowers creative growth.
North Fort Myers High School featured Khalid Bourne, a scholar-athlete aiming for a medical career in biomedical engineering, and Tiffany Graves-Bucher, a dynamic teacher and club sponsor passionate about global awareness and lifelong learning.
Cape Coral Technical College recognized Sarah Kuznets, a nursing student who relocated from New Jersey to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse anesthetist, and Nicki Torres, a Practical Nursing instructor whose leadership has helped rank the program #1 in Florida.
For more information about this event or how you can become a member of our Education Committee, please contact Maria Ortiz at (239) 549-6900 ext. 111 or maria@capecoralchamber.com
Kiwanis Club Cape Coral showed its support for Mariner High School.
President-Elect Marilyn Stout dropped off a check of money raised for the school’s Wrestling Club and JROTC program.
Pelican Elementary was recognized as a School of Honor by Imagine Learning. Imagine Learning uses the term “School of Honor” to recognize schools that demonstrate a high level of engagement with their program and achieve positive results for their English Language Learner (ELL) students.
The Diplomat Middle School Fishing Club was featured on Gulfcoast News for their effort to clean up the canals in Cape Coral. The thirty member club divided into three teams to clean up three canals on a Saturday morning.
The JROTC Ball was held Saturday, March 8 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. Cadets from Cape Coral, Ida S. Baker, Island Coast, Mariner and North Fort Myers high schools enjoyed dinner and dancing.
Mariner High School’s Max Brady is a four time State Champion. He’s the first in school history and just the second wrestler in Lee County to win four state titles. He was perfect in his senior season, going 27-0.
North Fort Myers High School wrestler Seth Tshiams is also a State Champion in wrestling. He was 48-1 in his senior season.
Cape Coral High had one wrestler going to state. Gavin
Trafalgar Elementary School first-grade teacher
Brittany Owen and Hancock Creek Elementary art teacher Danielle Hopkins were honored as Golden Apple Teachers by the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. They will be celebrated at the Golden Apple Banquet in April.
4450 Camino Real Way | Fort Myers, FL 33966 (239) 567-9992 | www.StateInsuranceUSA.com
1004 Cape Coral Pkwy. E. | Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 549-4260 | www.visionacehardware.com
As we approach National Foster Care Awareness Month in May, I am writing to draw attention to the urgent need in Florida (and Cape Coral) for more foster parents. Thousands of children in our state enter the foster care system every year, often due to abuse, neglect, or family crises. Yet, the number of available foster families often falls short of demand, leaving many children without the stable, loving homes they desperately need.
National Foster Care Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the challenges faced by children in the system, but it is also an opportunity to take action. Children in foster care are among the most vulnerable in our society, and their well-being depends on the availability of compassionate and dedicated foster families. By increasing the number of foster parents in Cape Coral, we can provide these children with the care and stability they need to thrive. We serve the population of children who have a bit higher level of need and provide enhanced and therapeutic care.
I urge you to support initiatives that encourage more individuals and families to consider becoming foster parents. This can be achieved through increased public awareness, training programs, and offering the necessary resources and support for those who open their homes to children in need.
We must work together—government, community organizations, and concerned citizens—to create a system that gives every child in Florida the chance to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. I can provide materials, pamphlets, a short information session and/or answer questions you or your constituents may have.
Please join me in raising awareness and encouraging action this National Foster Care Awareness Month. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of Florida’s children and families.
Kim Leipold, Foster Care Licensing and Recruitment Coordinator
National Youth Advocate Program, Inc. 2503 Del Prado Blvd. S. | Cape Coral, FL 33904 Mobile: 239-898-0127 | Office: 239-242-5983
Expose your business to over 15,000 visitors per month on the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Cape Coral websites. Imagine having anyone in the world with a computer finding out about your business. Included in your Chamber membership is an opportunity to place a your business information which includes; 60-word paragraph about your business, your e-mail address and a hyperlink to your website on the Chamber’s website. Enhanced listings are also available and includes company logos and photos. Your membership also offers you the opportunity to track referrals and for you to place Help Wanted ads and review Posted Resumes. Banner advertising is also available as the Internet continues to grow and become a larger tool in search for businesses and local information. Chamber members may post discount certificates and/or coupons as members-to-member opportunties or to the general public. (fill out attached form) For more information, contact Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director at (239) 549-6900 x108 (or) via email at stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
QUALITY MARINE REPAIR
Julius Wellenreiter
AFFORDABLE MARBLE
G R A N I T E O F F L, I N C GRANITE OF FL, INC.
Madison Becerra
CO LO N I A L L I F E COLONIAL LIFE
I N D E P E N DA N T AG E N T INDEPENDANT AGENT
Patrick Esposito Patrick Esposito D I P LO M AT E L E M E N TA RY DIPLOMAT ELEMENTARY
S C H O O L SCHOOL
David Sanon D I P LO M AT M I D D L E S C H O O L DIPLOMAT MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jason Plucker
F I S H W I N D O W C L E A N I N G FISH WINDOW CLEANING
Dylan Weissinger Dylan Weissinger
F O RT M Y E R S T I P O F F FORT MYERS TIPOFF
Merr y Coffman Merry Coffman G E T L I T O U T D O O R L I G H T I N G GET LIT OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Scott Beard I N D I V I D UA L INDIVIDUAL
Joan Loew
I N F I N I T Y B U S I N E S S B R O K E R S INFINITY BUSINESS BROKERS
Michael Finley Michael
L E E CO U N T Y S C H O O L B OA R D LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
- W E S T R E G I O N A L A S S O C I AT E - WEST REGIONAL ASSOCIATE
S U P E R I N T E N D E N T SUPERINTENDENT
Charles Vilardi M A R I N E R H I G H S C H O O L MARINER HIGH SCHOOL
Dr. Thomas Michel
N AT U R E S M E A D O W L LC NATURES MEADOW LLC
Joseph Rodriguez
P E L I C A N E L E M E N TA RY PELICAN ELEMENTARY S C H O O L SCHOOL
Michele Stanford
P R I N T M A I L D I R E C T PRINT MAIL DIRECT
Melody Rongstad
BMI of Southwest Florida LLC MEMBER SINCE: 04/07/2011
Roofing By HOMEPLUS, Inc
MEMBER SINCE: 03/03/2011
Modern Woodmen of America: Lenny Cannova
MEMBER SINCE: 05/14/2019
Q U I C K Y C YC L E S 2 QUICKY CYCLES 2
Yolanda Alexa
S K Y L I N E E L E M E N TA RY SKYLINE ELEMENTARY
S C H O O L SCHOOL
Principal Stephanie Metzger Principal Metzger
T H E S C H O O L B OA R D O F L E E THE SCHOOL BOARD OF LEE
CO U N T Y COUNTY
Nicole Osterholm
TO M M Y ’S E X P R E S S TOMMY’S EXPRESS H O L D I N G S - K I S M E T HOLDINGS - KISMET
Chris Miner
T R A N S PA R E N T R E A LT Y TRANSPARENT REALTY
Tracie Finley Tracie
V I S I O N AC E H A R D WA R E VISION ACE HARDWARE
Jackie Marrero Marrero
WA L K - O N’S O F C A P E CO R A L WALK-ON’S OF CAPE CORAL
Steven Hall
W H I S T L E E X P R E S S C A R WHISTLE EXPRESS CAR
WA S H WASH
Dan Kur ta Kurta
R E N E WA L S RENEWALS
Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park
Gator Mike’s Fun Park MEMBER SINCE: 07/18/2019
A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming MEMBER SINCE: 04/10/2017 MEMBER SINCE:
Alair Homes Homes
MEMBER SINCE: 05/01/2024
Aspire Apar tments Apartments MEMBER SINCE: 01/27/2023 MEMBER SINCE:
Aspire Apar tments Apartments MEMBER SINCE: 01/27/2023
BJM Consulting, Inc. BJM Inc.
MEMBER SINCE: 05/01/1989 MEMBER SINCE:
MEMBER SINCE:
Cape Coral Mor tgage Coral Mortgage MEMBER SINCE: 04/24/2024
Snead Eye Group Snead MEMBER SINCE: 03/22/2021 MEMBER SINCE:
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
CC Real Estate Services, Inc.
CC Real Estate Ser vices, Inc.
MEMBER SINCE: 02/14/2023
Crown Trophy of Cape Coral Crown of Cape Coral
MEMBER SINCE:
MEMBER SINCE: 04/16/2004
Energy Harness Corporation Harness
MEMBER SINCE: 04/13/2017
Entrust Payroll Solutions Inc.
Entrust Solutions Inc.
MEMBER SINCE: 03/26/2018 MEMBER SINCE:
Garage Door Works LLC Door Works LLC
MEMBER SINCE: 05/13/2024
Grace Heating & Cooling
Grace Heating & Cooling Ser vices Services
MEMBER SINCE:
MEMBER SINCE: 10/04/2022
Honc Marine Contracting, Inc.
Honc Marine Contrac ting, Inc.
MEMBER SINCE: 05/06/2009
J2 Capital Management J2 Management
MEMBER SINCE: 03/22/2021
MEMBER SINCE:
Keller & Koczara CPAs, PA Keller & Koczara PA
MEMBER SINCE: 05/12/2010
LPT Realty - Eric
LPT Realty - Eric Conley
MEMBER SINCE: 03/30/2023
MEMBER SINCE:
Midtown Coastal Luxur y Midtown Coastal Luxury Living
MEMBER SINCE: 11/20/2017
Paradise Deli & Grill
MEMBER SINCE: 12/05/2019
MEMBER SINCE:
Priority Business Solutions Priority Business Solutions
MEMBER SINCE: 11/10/2014
Ramos Builders, Inc. Ramos Inc.
MEMBER SINCE: 05/30/2000
MEMBER SINCE:
Rib City Group Rib City
MEMBER SINCE: 04/01/1997 MEMBER
Southwest Florida Yachts, Inc.
Southwest Florida Inc. MEMBER SINCE: 03/18/2024
MEMBER SINCE: 02/07/2023
All Fence Contractors, Inc. MEMBER SINCE: MEMBER SINCE: 08/02/2019
MEMBER SINCE:
Sposen Signature Homes Homes MEMBER SINCE: 05/01/2023
Superior Hemp Dispensar y Dispensary MEMBER SINCE: 10/09/2023
The Breeze Newspapers The Breeze Newspapers MEMBER SINCE: 04/01/1989 MEMBER SINCE:
The Club on Pine Island on MEMBER SINCE: 01/17/2024
The Westin Cape Coral Resor t The Westin Coral Resort at Marina Village at Marina MEMBER SINCE: 02/04/2013 MEMBER SINCE:
Truly Nolen Pest Control Nolen Pest Control MEMBER SINCE: 03/05/2019
Williamson Eye Center Williamson Eye Center
Bone Dry Roofing MEMBER SINCE: 01/25/2024
Enterprise Car Sales MEMBER SINCE: MEMBER SINCE: 05/17/2022
Flaherty & Collins Properties MEMBER SINCE: MEMBER 04/08/2024
Holtz Builders Inc. MEMBER SINCE: 02/06/2023
Kelleher Renovations MEMBER SINCE: MEMBER SINCE: 05/01/2024
Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus MEMBER SINCE: MEMBER SINCE: 03/01/1997
MEMBER SINCE: 03/01/1996
MEMBER SINCE:
Tranquility Lakes RV Resor t
Tranquility Lakes RV Resort MEMBER SINCE: 01/04/2024
Cape Coral Fraternal Order of Coral Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #33 Police #33
Lake Michigan Credit Union of Florida MEMBER SINCE: 03/04/2020
MEMBER SINCE: 03/18/2019
MEMBER SINCE:
Cape Coral Museum of Histor y Coral Museum of History MEMBER SINCE: 04/09/2017
Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Gulf Coast University MEMBER SINCE: 05/07/2004 MEMBER SINCE:
German American Social Club American of Cape Coral of Coral
MEMBER SINCE: 01/01/1995
Lee County Super visor of Lee County Supervisor of Elec tions Office Elections Office
Longhorn Steakhouse of Cape Coral MEMBER SINCE: MEMBER SINCE: 08/26/2022
TeamIDry MEMBER SINCE: 12/12/2023
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of Cape Coral MEMBER SINCE: MEMBER SINCE: 04/11/2024
WMF Watercraft and Marine MEMBER SINCE: 12/06/2022
MEMBER SINCE: 04/11/2014
MEMBER SINCE:
The LCEC surgeSENSE surge-protection program is designed to help protect major appliances from harmful transient voltage surges attempting entry into the home
Refrigerators/FreezersHVAC UnitWasher/Dryer
PROTECT YOUR ELECTROMECHANICAL COMPONENTS IN YOUR EVERYDAY APPLIANCES AND SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS
We are excited to announce that the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral has launched www.visitcapecoral. com.
Be sure to like and follow our Facebook page @visitcapecoral
The new division of our website offers more value to our beautiful city as we drive traffic to visitors with information that includes community resources and business information.
The goal of www.visitcapecoral.com is to focus on making it easier for visitors from out of the area as well as community members to learn and locate valuable information about places to stay, things to do and events city wide. Created with the user experience in mind, the site includes many updated features to help users quickly and easily navigate the site to find the resources they need. It is a fully responsive design for laptop and mobile experiences.
For more information about opportunities on the new website, contact Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director at (239) 5496900 x108 or stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
Members networking at our April Business After Hours hosted by the Aubuchon Team of Companies!
Congratulations to all the students and educators awarded at this years Excellence in Education Awards! and Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers who made this evening a great success!
Are you prepared for a possible power outage?
We provide Safe Generator hook-up.
How can I order my GenerLink™? Call 239-656-2300, .
Many Southwest Florida residents use portable electric generators to power their homes during electrical outages. While generators are a convenience, if used improperly they can cause hazardous conditions for the homeowner and for electric crews working in the area. and other hazardous connections by providing a safe connection at the electric meter directly to the generator.
GenerLink™ also detects when a generator is operating and automatically disconnects from the utility grid, eliminating dangerous backfeed.