November 2015

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

NOVEMBER 2015

JOIN US FOR THE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS NOVEMBER 19TH AT FOS FURNITURE 5:30 PM

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB

JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY AT THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE FOR THE SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

LEADERSHIP GRADUATION NOVEMBER 14TH CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB 6:30 PM

CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET EVERY SATURDAY AT CLUB SQUARE 8:00 AM

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

NOVEMBER 2015 Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain President/CEO donna@capecoralchamber.com Contributing Editors Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Matt Lamb Membership Director matt@capecoralchamber.com Annette Siner Membership Sales annette@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@capecoralchamber.com Lyz Crouthamel Special Events Director Lyz@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

NOVEMBER 10 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB 5819 DRIFTWOOD PARKWAY, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM NOVEMBER 14 LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL GRADUATION CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB 5819 DRIFTWOOD PARKWAY, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM NOVEMBER 19 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS FOS FURNITURE 790 DEL PRADO BLVD., CAPE CORAL, FL 33909 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE VETERANS PARKWAY AND SURFSIDE BLVD. CAPE CORAL, FL 33914 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM EVERY SATURDAY CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET CLUB SQUARE 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM DECEMBER 5TH CENTURYLINK HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CAPE CORAL PARKWAY SE 15TH AVE - CANDIA STREET 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE VISIT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER TRENDS You 2016 Board of Directors

Donna S. Germain President

O

n behalf of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, I would like to congratulate the following members who will be serving on the 2016 Board of Directors. Thank you all for your continued commitment and vision and all you do to keep the chamber moving forward.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Chairman, Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc, Past Chairman, Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc., Chair Elect, Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative, Treasurer, Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising, Barb Adams, Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLC, Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral, Matthew Connar, Boost Creative, Tony Constantino, Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A., Angela Davis Merrill Lynch, Diane Everhart, Blue Chip Financial, Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies, Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers, Sandra Griener, Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Tom

Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral, Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services, Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon, Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com, Mike Quaintance, Keiser University, Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates, Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors, Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart TRUSTEES: Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village, Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida, Nancy Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors, Rana Erbrick, Cape Coral City Council, Bill Jacob, CenturyLink, Mike Noone, Goldberg, Racila, D’Alessandro & Noone, LLC, David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co., Larry Weir, Premier Insurance Corporation CHAIRMAN EMERITUS: Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering, Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc., Michelle Lewis, B2 Technology Solutions, Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc., Donna Meola, Priority Payments of South Florida, Don Schnell, Regions Bank, Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney, Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center.

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc. Chair-Elect Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc Treasurer Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative Past Chair Annette Carrasquillo,LAI Design Associates Barb Adams, LeeSar Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLC Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar, Boost Creative Tony Constantino, Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A. Diane Everhart, Blue Chip Financial Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers Sandra Griener, Sun Splash Family Waterpark Tom Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Scott Kashman, Cape Coral Hospital Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com Cheryl Komnick, Caloosa Tent & Rental Michelle Lewis, B2 Technology Solutions Katharyn Owen, Jones, Haber and Rollings, PL Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc. Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. Donna Meola, Priority Payments of South Florida Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center

TRUSTEES

Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida Rhonda Chapman, First Citizens Bank Nancy Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors Sallie Dywer, SunTrust Merchant Services Mike Hollow, RE//MAX Realty Team Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Larry Weir, Premier Insurance Corporation

CHAMBER STAFF

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

Donna S. Germain, President Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Matt Lamb, Membership Director Annette Siner, Membership Sales Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Lyz Crouthamel, Special Events Director Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Contractor Lisa Soundara, Sales Contractor

SEPTEMBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW MEMBERS

AAE Glass Member Since: 10/26/2011

Florida SouthWestern State College Member Since: 10/01/1990

MYCO Business Systems Member Since: 09/26/2014

Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center Jan Kerlin

Arnold Roberts Signature Homes Member Since: 10/17/2011

Gables Insurance Recovery Member Since: 09/26/2014

Parker House Properties Member Since: 09/14/2011

Penguin Pools Member Since: 06/30/2006

Gulf Coast Woman Magazine Member Since: 10/27/2014

Pottery Express Member Since: 10/29/2011

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Inc Member Since: 08/28/2012

Hampton Inn & Suites Member Since: 10/03/2014

Premier Insurance Corp., Inc. Member Since: 10/20/2000

Hodges University Member Since: 10/09/2012

Progressive Employer Management Member Since: 10/10/2014

Holiday and More Member Since: 10/10/2014

REALTOR® Assoc. of Greater Fort Myers & the Beaches Member Since: 10/28/1999

C1 Bank Dan Fulton CRE Cape Harbour Marina, LLC Dennis Bessey Embrace Home Loans Jeff Ocasio FIRPTA Solutions Inc Brenda Allen Florida Stingrays Football Jay Lawrence Individual - Maggie LaCoste Maggie LaCoste KPL Capital Ovadia Ovi Levy No. 3 Craft Brew Greg Calverase Overtime Pizzeria & Sports Pub Kristina Amato Perk & Brew Theresa Knazek Sovereign Health Group Juliana Metzner

Blot Engineering, Inc. Member Since: 10/09/2013 Cambio Dermatology Member Since: 09/19/2007 Cape Coral Power Squadron Member Since: 10/01/2009

Home Services By Rafael Member Since: 08/22/2007

Cataract & Refractive Institute Member Since: 09/01/1991

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa Member Since: 09/30/2014

Seminole Casino Immokalee Member Since: 09/02/2010

CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL Member Since: 03/03/2009

IBERIABANK Member Since: 11/01/2004

Smoothie King Cape Coral Member Since: 09/02/2014

Century 21 Sunbelt Realty, Inc. Member Since: 09/01/1992

Intech Printing and Direct Mail Member Since: 09/02/2014

Choices in Living, LLC Member Since: 10/20/2014

James M. Wesolowski, CPA, P.A. Member Since: 10/27/2014

Sunshine Jewelers Member Since: 06/27/2012 Thank Home Corp.

Member Since: 10/25/2013

City of Cape Coral Member Since: 06/01/1993

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

Coconut Bay Construction, Inc. Member Since: 10/26/2011

Literacy Council Gulfcoast Member Since: 09/26/2006

Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons Jeffrey Hammond

Comfort Keepers Member Since: 10/30/2013

Massage Envy Spa - Cape Coral Member Since: 08/08/2012

RENEWALS

Community Lending a Division of Hamilton Group Funding Inc. Member Since: 10/21/2014

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

A Worldwide Person & Information Locators & Investigations Inc. Member Since: 10/11/2000

Renaissance School Member Since: 10/27/2011

Florida Skin Center Member Since: 10/11/2012

Merits Health Products, Inc Member Since: 09/16/2011

Trafalgar Middle School Member Since: 09/28/2007 Water Medic of Cape Coral, Inc Member Since: 09/19/2013 Woody’s Surfside Island Rum & Grille Member Since: 10/10/2012

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Connect Hearing 1722 Del Prado Blvd. S. Suite 2 Cape Coral, 33990 www.connecthearing.com (239) 458-7900

Records Results! Real Estate 3046 Del Prado Blvd S Ste 1A Cape Coral, FL 33904 | (239) 205-6589 | fax: (239) 205-6594 http://www.recordsresultsrealestate.com/

Vascular & Vein Center At Gulfcoast Surgeons 1003 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 204 Cape Coral, FL 33990 (239) 939-1767 www.gulfcoastsurgeons.com

Minaya Learning Global Solutions, LLC 4645 SE 11th Place Suite 104 Cape Coral, FL 33904 www.minayalearning.com

HEALTHY TRENDS

“A MEDICAL TREATMENT WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS” Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

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his week I had the pleasure of attending a medical conference with 600 other physicians, nutritionists, other health care providers but also a number of non-medical folks interested in learning how to become and stay healthy. Over a four-day period we listened to and participated in almost two dozen presentations which all had one central theme - the delivery of a medical treatment with no side effects and only positive benefits.

On Wednesday evening we listened to the keynote speaker, Dr. Kim Williams, the past president of the America College of Cardiology, who espoused the benefits of this blockbuster treatment. On Thursday we heard from the well-known Dr. Dean Ornish who reiterated many of the benefits discussed by Dr. Williams but expanded further on this wonder treatment. Dr. Scott Stoll spoke about the central mechanism for most of the chronic illnesses known as inflammation of the arteries and explained how this treatment option represented a cure for most of the medical problems we deal with today. Dr. William Li talked about angiogenesis which is the development of new blood vessels and explained how this medical treatment improved circulation and overall health. Dr. Corey Howard spoke about the microbiome and explained how the bacteria in our GI system is beneficially affected by this medical therapy and how not adopting this medical treatment results in leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and other GI maladies. Dr. Brooke Goldner spoke about how this medical therapy improves most auto immune diseases while Dr. Brie Turner-McGrievy spoke about its benefits for women with poly cystic ovarian disease. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn told us how this treatment option also prevents and reverses cardiovascular disease.

He explained in detail how his patients over the last 30 years have been able to reverse the blockages in their arteries and avoid having heart bypass surgery -amazing!

Dr. Craig McDougall told the audience how to implement this wonderful treatment and prevention option in a general medical practice. Next Micaela Karlsen and Kathy Pollard explained the need for individuals interested in the benefits of this treatment option to commit to changing their behavior if they were to reap its benefits. Lastly, Dr. Michael Greger pulled it all together by talking about hundreds of research studies supporting the benefits of this amazing treatment and prevention option which can benefit everyone on the planet including those with disease and those without. He reviewed with us many research reports that continued to drum into our heads the benefits and the reasons why we all should make this prevention and treatment strategy a part of our professional and personal lives.

By now I hope you are sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what this wonder drug is! Well, it is not a drug at all – it is food! Yes, we spent three days hearing about the benefits of food. But not just any food; these are plant based

foods. Yes, vegetables. It is amazing to understand how a plant based nutrition program can prevent disease, treat disease and allow people to live a better quality and a longer life. All of these statements are supported by hundreds, if not thousands, of research studies we heard about during this conference. If you are interested in more details, you can visit online PlantricianProject.org and NutritionFacts.org. At each of these sites, you can follow links to a significant amount of information that can change your life.

At this point you might be asking, “Why do I need to change my life?” The answer is, because if we don’t, then what we have to look forward to as we age is a greater risk of all chronic illnesses and many of the most common cancers.

Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. As a nation if we continue to eat the standard American diet (SAD), the only thing we can count on is the same rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain syndromes, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

When we compare longevity for those eating the standard American diet versus those in the world who eat more of a plant based nutrition program, we see that the populations who eat more vegetables and less meat and dairy live the longest. That is a fact. For the populations who eat more meat and dairy, the risk of more illness is significant and this is one reason I am so passionate about spreading this information to all that are interested.

As I sat and listened to all these wonderful speakers, I kept asking myself, “Why do more people not know about this method of maintaining good health?” Why do we see so many TV commercials about medications for heartburn, back pain, high cholesterol and cancer treatment to name a few? We do not see commercials for healthy eating which we know helps us avoid the diseases these medications are made for. When we treat the cause and not the symptom, we cure and prevent disease. The traditional mentality seems to be: I have a symptom (heartburn) so give me a pill to get rid of the symptom. Wouldn’t it be better to ask, “What is the cause of the symptom and can we do something to get rid of the cause so we do not need to take a medication to treat the symptom?” I believe this is the best takeaway from this conference. We know that the food we eat creates health or disease. The choices we make at each meal and snack moves us closer to better health or faster into aging and disease.

For 18 years I practiced general internal medicine and it saddened me when patients did not get well. Experience highlighted the individuals who took care of themselves by eating healthy food, exercising regularly and making health a priority in their lives. Since 2010 when I took the role as the VP of Health and Wellness for the Lee Memorial Health System, I have been working more diligently with people to prevent disease. My emphasis is finding the cause of the problem and getting rid of that rather than simply treating the symptoms. For my patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and a history of a stroke, I recommend a plant based nutrition program.

For the individuals who are committed to becoming and staying healthy, they transition into this new and healthy lifestyle realizing the benefits over a short period of time.

Please feel free to send comments and questions to Dr.Sal@Leememorial.org

10 years ago, we started our climb.

And we haven’t peaked yet.

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Chamber Trends Monthly Advertising

Basic Advertising Prices Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00 Business Card $117.00 (All ads include a hyperlink 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 $367.00 1/2 Page $287.00 1/4 Page $207.00 Business Card $167.00 (All ads include a hyperlink 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 Feature Your Business On The Cover Cover photo showcasing your company with a full page article, up to 3 pictures and company logo spotlighting your business.

Only one per month. First come first serve basis. Your spotlight can also be linked to your company website and/or a commercial promoting your business.

Chamber Trends Weekly Advertising

Press Release $25.00 (Runs 1x, includes 60 words, company logo, link to your company website.)

(Non-profit organizations run 2x for $25.00) Banner Advertisement $50.00 per month (runs 4x, includes link to your website) Company Spotlight $157.00 (Runs 4x, includes short story, link to website, link to additional company information, 2 pictures and Company logo.)

E-mail Blasts

Company Spotlight E-mail Blast $199.00 The investment for the Business Spotlight is $199 and will run twice throughout the month of your choice.

Dimensions - 6 inches wide x 8 inches tall, 300 dpi resolution.

Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext. 107 for more information.

All Chamber Publications Are Distributed to More Than 16,000 contacts

LCEC – your cooperative

empowers you!

When you are an LCEC customer, you belong to one of the largest not-for-profit electric cooperatives in the nation. Governed by customers, we are committed to delivering reliable and cost competitive electricity.

Financial Strength

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• No rate increase for six years. Rate decrease in 2014*

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• One of only six Centers of Excellence in the utility industry

Quality Service

Community

• Top ten United Way employee contributor and community partner • Employees volunteer more than 5,000 hours annually

* 7% Public Service Tax – Imposed by Cape Coral City Council * 3% Cape Coral Franchise fee * 4.5% Unincorporated Lee County Franchise Fee – Approved by Lee County Commissioners

www.lcec.net

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

GETTING CLOSER TO HIGH SEASON Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, Island Harbor Realty

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s we proceed into the holiday season we are getting closer to our high season. Some interesting things have been happening in the wonderful world of Cape Coral real estate. The numbers from October 11-2-15 are offering Real Estate Trends a few hints but the real Getting Closerinformation to High Season will come from firsthand To tomake sureseason. you have As we proceed into the holiday season weexperience. are getting closer our high Somea interesting things have been happening in the wonderful world of Cape Coral real estate. truly Thanksgiving, readoffering on. a few hints but the real information will come TheHappy numbers from October are from experience.

To make youfirst, havelet’s a truly Happy Thanksgiving, readCoral on.

Our firsthand trends will shed some light.sureBut take a look at the Cape Our trends some light. But first, ending let’s take10/31/15: a look at the Cape Coral numbers for numbers forwilltheshed three month period the three month period ending 10/31/15:

For Sale Sold

Aug ‘15 Sept ’15 Median $ Homes Homes 1235 $329,750 1258 308 $198,000 357

Oct ‘15 Median $ Homes $329,750 1348 $194,000 313

Median $ $325,000 $193,500

For Sale Sold

Aug ’15 Sept ’15 Condos Median $ Condos 193 $179,500 199 36 $125,000 33

Oct ‘15 Median $ Condos $199,500 220 $122,000 45

Median $ $180,500 $125,500

All of a sudden, inventory of homes for sale has taken a jump upward while median prices dropped a bit. Prices of single family homes Sold have also dropped slightly along with numbers of homes Sold.

All of a sudden, inventory of homes for sale has taken a jump upward while median prices dropped a bit. Prices of single family homes Sold have also Condos For Sale also went up in numbers of units while median prices decreased. Sold dropped slightly along of homes units jumped by over 35%with with numbers median prices showingSold. a small improvement.

Condos For Sale also onwent up in atnumbers oftypically units while median prices With so many properties the market one of our slow periods, sales will naturally go down. Even though prices of all Sold units are relatively steady, we are decreased.

Sold units jumped over 35% with median prices showing seeing a drop in homes sold with by an increase in condos sold. The market is buyinga moreimprovement. of the lower priced properties. small Sellers been pricing their veryataggressively maximize profits while With sohave many properties onproperties the market one of our totypically slow periods, taking advantage of our strengthening real estate market. But, if prices are too high, lesswill homes will be sold as we see the single familyofcategory.

The jump in condos sales naturally go down.

Evenin though prices all Sold units are relatively sold is a knee-jerk reaction to the higher prices of single family homes; if you can’t afford steady, we are a drop in homes withreal an increase in condos the home, you seeing aim lower and buy a condosold because estate prices here aresold. still noticeably lower than most of the national markets.

The market is buying more of the lower priced properties.

In the past ten days, I have had two experiences with over-zealous sellers. The first Sellers have been pricing their properties very aggressively to maximize experience had me representing the potential buyer of a property that had been over improved (and not in aadvantage very practical The seller wantedreal wayestate too much considering profits while taking ofway). our strengthening market.

But, the price per square foot and the location. Seller would not budge in price and the buyer, trying to use VA less financing, simply the as appraisal paid if prices are too high, homes willoffered be sold we seeamount. in theBuyer singlehadfamily for a VA Appraisal prior to making the offer; they smartly paid before so they would not category.

Thefees jump condos sold isfora the knee-jerk reaction to the prices incur all the andin costs of applying loan without knowing theyhigher would get the property. of single family homes; if you can’t afford the home, you aim lower and buy a condo because real estate prices here are still noticeably lower than most of the national markets.

In the past ten days, I have had two experiences with over-zealous sellers.

The first experience had me representing the potential buyer of a property that had been over improved (and not in a very practical way). The seller wanted way too much considering the price per square foot and the location.

Seller would not budge in price and the buyer, trying to use VA financing, simply offered the appraisal amount. Buyer had paid for a VA Appraisal prior

to making the offer; they smartly paid before so they would not incur all the fees and costs of applying for the loan without knowing they would get the property.

Then, at the end of last week a new client who wanted me to list their house told me they “needed” to sell it for 25% more than its actual market value.

Why? Because they wanted to pay off school loans, credit cards and still have enough for a strong down payment on a bigger house. Good idea but not very realistic. Just because you need the money does not mean you will get it, especially when the amount is so much higher than what the market will pay for a house.

When looking through the MLS, we are seeing a higher number of properties, including lots and condos, that are priced way higher than what the market will pay. When looking at listed properties, one only has to look at Days on Market (DOM); when the number is 150 or higher, the most likely explanation is that it is priced too high.

In a rising market like we have been experiencing, sellers eyes have been known to roll back in their heads causing them to get too ambitious in what they think the property is worth. To maintain consciousness, it is extremely important to talk with an experienced realtor who can provide comparative pricing and insight to determine a price that makes sense.

Those that don’t follow this instruction are doomed to have their property remain in the “Active” category rather than the “Sold” category. When looking at the most recent “Sold” numbers, it becomes apparent that buyers are buying up the lower priced properties simply because they represent a better value and they are more affordable.

Also, under the new settlement statement rules we know that financed properties may take significantly longer to close because the statements are generated by the lender. To enhance buying power, cash deals now have more sway because settlement statements for these deals are generated by the local title company handling the transaction. That means a buyer can negotiate a bit more favorable deal by offering cash and a quick closing.

In order to make a good deal when selling, price the property realistically based on comps and not on what a friend, neighbor or relative tells you. When buying, try to pay cash if you want to make a better deal in today’s changing market. How can you do all of this, get a licensed real estate agent to help you. Happy Property Hunting or Selling!

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with Island Harbor Realty 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 email realtorberge@att.net or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

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t the October General Membership Lunch, more than 100 members came out to honor our local principal’s at the Chamber’s Annual Principal’s Lunch. The members were entertained by some very talented students from the Skyline Elementary School Chorus.

(Mid Left) Guest Speaker, Dr. Doni Landefeld spoke to the group about the importance of education and growing leaders.

(Mid Right) Achieva Credit Union picked a lucky principal to enter their money booth at the luncheon.

(Bottom Left) The staff from the Cape Coral Caring Center presented the final total and plaques to the organizations who helped with this year’s SOS Feed The Cape Food Drive - pictured, Julie Ferguson, Wendy Wooton, Donna Germain and Bill Johnson, Jr. (Bottom Right) Annual Lunch Sponsor, Joe Padgett with LCEC addressed the group at the luncheon.

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

Executive Member Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Dean Street Insurance 615 Cape Coral Pkwy W 104, Cape Coral

Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral The News-Press - Fort Myers Office 2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers Fifth Third Bank 2402 Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991 2724 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33904 114 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33991 1801 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33909 1600 Cape Coral Pkwy. E, Cape Coral, FL 33904

B2 Technology Solutions 1406 SE 46th Lane Cape Coral, FL 33904

$ LCEC works hard to manage costs, maintain the electric system, improve processes and create efficiencies so that electric rates can remain competitive for customers. We do not plan to raise rates in 2013 and will continue to do everything possible to keep rates stable.

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

UNIVERSITY TRENDS WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE HOLD

Professor MIchael “Q” Quaintance, MBA Keiser University

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ost of us do not own a crystal ball, and therefore we are unable to foretell the future. Sometimes we might think that it would be an advantage to know what life has in store for us. However, not knowing our future allows each of us a clean slate every morning. As business professionals, we have a responsibility to look out into the future to predict changes in the environment, both opportunities and challenges. I would suggest that it is better to be a predictor than a responder. This is much like being a sled dog; the view is much rosier at the front of the pack.

One regional coalition that has formed to address our region future needs is called “Future Makers”, which has the support of many organizations in the five county area. As a product of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, the coalition’s purpose is to increase our constituencies post-secondary and certification rates from 27 percent to 40 percent.

Why are more degrees and certifications important? From an economic development perspective, it is ‘HUGE’, as it is an indicator of a community’s overall

brainpower, which can be inducement for businesses relocation and investment in our region. Having an educated workforce is critical to businesses, which rely on local talent to provide them a competitive edge. Through a higher educated regional workforce, we can increase the amount of economic activity in our region, and this rising tide will raise the level of success for all businesses.

Opportunities for you, the business owner, as they relate to a highly educated workforce include job satisfaction, retention, competitive advantage, a motivated workforce, better succession planning, enhanced decision-making, and greater overall productivity. A higher educated workforce can lead to lower taxes, as the burden of the cost of government is shared amongst a greater number of players.

To move the degree/certification needle from 27 percent to 40 percent in our region, it is going to take a paradigm shift for all of us. For education organizations, it means a more expedient or predictive processes to meet the changing needs of business in our region. For businesses, the shift means greater support and creativity for existing employees and their educational endeavors. Considerations could include time-off for educational opportunities, internship opportunities for students, childcare, and a shared financial investment. These shifts in activities will be required to promote a healthier Southwest Florida.

If you would like to learn more about the Future Makers Coalition go to http:// floridacommunity.com/futuremakers-coalition, click on the “FutureMakers Coalition” icon at the bottom of the page. I would like to thank Campus President, Nancy Tedros of Keiser University of Fort Myers for encouraging myself and others on the KU staff to participate in building the future of our region.

Get In Touch with New Residents, Prospects and Visitors with our Relocation Leads Program!

Contact Melanie Lempke at 549-6900 ext 102 or donna@capecoralchamber.com

A 2016 Real Estate Look Forward

Presented By:

Tuesday, Nov. 17th, 2015 · 5-8:30 pm Cape Christian Fellowship · 2110 Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral

Trade Show begins at 5:00 pm · Featured Presenters start 6:30 pm $10 Admission includes food and drink Part of the proceeds to benefit the Tickets can beVisit purchased online at CatchTheVisionCapeCoral.com For Tickets www.CapeCoral.com/CatchTheVision

For more information call Gloria Tate/Linda Biondi of Raso Realty, Inc. at 239-542-2254 In Conjunction With: Sponsored By: DAVIS JR. PLUMBING INC. “ For All Your Plumbing Needs” (239) 558-8599 RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

SERVICING ALL OF SOUTH WEST FLORIDA

24 Hour Emergency Service

Jr. Leadership Sponsorship Opportunity ____I would like to be a STUDENT SPONSOR $199.00 (30 Available) Student sponsor will have their company name & logo on two power point presentations— March 2016 Luncheon and Jr. Leadership Graduation, a paid seat with their student at the March 2016 General membership luncheon and will sit with student at Jr. Leadership Graduation.

____I would like to be a SNACK SPONSOR—$250.00 (2 Available) Snack sponsor will have their company name and logo on all Jr. Leadership material*, Company name and Logo in Jr. Leadership handbook and one seat at the 2016 Jr. Leadership Graduation. This sponsorship will cover the cost of snacks and drinks for all nine Jr. Leadership program sessions. Approx. 35 guest .

____I would Like to be a BUS SPONSOR—$500.00 (4 Available) Bus sponsor will have their company name logo on all Jr. Leadership materials*, Company name & Logo on power point presentations at March 2016 Luncheon and at Jr. Leadership Graduation, Name & Logo in Jr. Leadership Handbook, Recognition at Jr. Leadership Orientation, March 2016 general membership luncheon and at Jr. Leadership Graduation. You will also have two seats at the 2016 Jr. Leadership Graduation. *This does not include Jr. Leadership shirt.

Join our fellow sponsors

BJM Consulting - BB&T Oswald, Trippe & Co. - The Aubuchon Team of Companies

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

Advertise in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter.

A Banner Ad is just $50 per month!!

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

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2015

The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral kicked off the 2015 Leadership Cape Coral program by welcoming this year’s class at kick off on August 14. The “Dream Team of 2015” didn’t take long to get into the spirit of Leadership picking their class name and declaring themselves “The Best Class Ever!”

In their third month, the class attended Mosquito Control and Sheriff’s Day where they learned about the importance of having the Lee County Mosquito Control District in our community. The also visited the Lee Country Sheriff’s Department forensics building, the Lee County Gun Range and Lee County Jail. The next week was Education Day where they learned about the Lee County and Cape Coral Charter School systems.

They also enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the Culinary Academy at the Cape Coral Technical College. The following week was Coast Guard Day where the class spent the day at the US Coast Guard Station at Fort Myers Beach. They learned how the Coast Guard protects our waterways, which is crucial to a community with over 400 miles of canals. The next week was City Government and Public Safety Day where they witnessed a mock SWAT hostage situation, toured and did some hands on activities with the Cape Coral Fire Department and also participated in a mock Cape Coral City Council meeting. The final week for the Dream Team of 2015 was Arts and Entertainment Day. They visited Cultural Park Theatre where they performed some improvisational skits and also worked on an art project at the Cape Coral Art League.

The class was treated to a special lunch with some of our Leadership Alumni sponsored

by Karen Schuman Barnes with UBS Financial Services and Keith Banasiak of Waste Pro. Thank you to all of our day chairs who rounded out the last month of the program; Fernando Gomes, Chuck Warren, Annette Siner, Captain Pete Louzao, Dan Puleio, Yvonne Werline, Laura Koehn, Heather Mazurkiewicz, Rana Erbrick, Joe Mazurkiewicz, Eileen DeLucca, Steve Teuber, Bill Johnson, Jr. Andrew Lampkins, Sarah Sheffield And a special thank you to our program chairs Jay Johnson and Karen Schuman Barnes and our Co Chairs Stacy Lomonaco and John Hobson.

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