Chamber Trends Magazine - October 2013

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

Business After Hours, October 17th at The Crazy Olive

It’s Back!!!!

Cape Coral Farmers’ Market Opens October 19th at Club Square 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

October 2013

Join Us For The General Membership & Principal’s Lunch, October 9th at The Italian American Club Sponsored by Centurylink, LCEC and The News-Press

Save The Date!

Leadership Graduation & 20th Anniversary Celebration November 8th at The Cape Coral Yacht Club

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 11,000 monthly subscribers Basic Advertising Prices Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00 Business Card $117.00 (All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business.

Non-profit organizations receive 2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership.)

Prime Advertising Pricing Full Page $387.00 (includes banner ad on chamber website only 4 available per issue, full page only) 1/2 Page $287.00 1/4 Page $207.00 Business Card $167.00 (All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter) Specials Spotlight On Business Article - One per issue $347.00 Includes a hyperlink to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business, a banner ad on the Chamber website and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter.

Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 for more information. donna@capecoralchamber.com

OCTOBER 2013 OCTOBER 9th

Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain Communications Director donna@capecoralchamber.com Contributing Editors Mike Quaintance Chamber President q2u2@capecoralchamber.com Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director bill@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@capecoralchamber.com Bob Knickman Special Events Director bob@capecoralchamber.com Amanda Brunson Special Events Coordinator amanda@capecoralchamber.com Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910 2051 Cape Coral Parkway Cape Coral, FL 33904 Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609

General Membership Meeting Italian American Club of Lee County 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33904 $20.00 For Members w/reservations Call 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 17th

Business After Hours The Crazy Olive 1141 Pine Island Road SW Unit 14 Cape Coral, FL 33991 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 19th

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

OCTOBER 25th

Secrets To Your Chamber Success - Membership Orientaiton Hampton Inn & Suites 619 SE 47th Terr Cape Coral, FL 33904

NOVEMBER 8th

Leadership Cape Coral 2013 Graduation & 20th Anniversary Celebration The Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904 6:30 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

2013 Board of Directors

Interesting Opportunity Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

O

n Monday, September 30, the Cape Coral City Council passed Ordinance 29-13 with enforcement beginning April 1, 2014.

The vote was 5-3 in support of the ordinance. There was a diverse group of business entities and interests that were represented at the City Council Meeting.

If I had to categorize the four areas of concern of the business community, they would be…

• Restriction of the amount of widow/door space up to 30 percent to be utilized for marketing a business. If the commercial message was deemed to exceed the 30 percent, a permit would be required and the excess would be used towards the overall site signage allowance.

• Enforcement and elimination of A-Frame Signs, which technically are currently non-compliant, but enforcement has been waived for the past four years.

• Limited use of bow-banners or flag banners to four times per year and three weeks per occurrence with a permit.

• Enforcement and elimination of sign wavers in the public right-of-way. A business will be able to have a sign waver on their private property, just not in the public right-of-way.

I would suggest that those on the prevailing side of this vote were truly concerned with public safety and aesthetics. In the case of the window signage portion of this ordinance, this could be negated as a concern as there was no regulation on window murals, tinting, window blinds or shades.

The intent of the delay of enforcement to April 1, 2014, was provided to allow the small business community time to offer up solutions to these issues through input to city staff, and the stakeholders group that participated in the initial review of the ordinance.

Possible solutions might allow each business to have one standard A-Frame sign to be placed on their private property and not in the public right of way during that businesses normal operation of hours.

While speaking with the City Manager last night after the City Council meeting, he requested that that these public meetings be held after the New Department of Community Development Director is in place at the end of October. I would suggest that this is a reasonable expectation.

Additionally, I believe a new council sponsor of any agreed upon changes to the ordinance will be required.

As four of the council seats will be determined by our community’s vote in November 5, 2013, I would suggest that the timing aligns with the City Manager’s request. I believe during this process of input, the city manager will also participate.

I believe all parties desire a vibrant and successful community that we can all be proud of, and that the input that small businesses will be appreciated and valued. I would encourage all those that wish to be a part of the solution, take those opportunities for input as they avail themselves. If you do not participate in the process that means others will determine the course of this pending legislation. The Chamber is committed to helping move the process along over the next six months and to find a balance between the community and business needs.

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with a purpose.

Joe Mazurkiewicz, Chairman - BJM Consulting, Inc Annette Carrasquillo, Chair-Elect - LAI Design Associates Ed Ramos, Treasurer - Ramos Builders Donna Meola, Past Chair - Achieva Credit Union Tony Constantino, Financial Advisor - Kevin M Burns & Assoc, CPA Barb Adams - LeeSar Brett Bisbe - B2 Solutions, Inc Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions Ed Bolter - Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett - City of Cape Coral Joe Francioni - The Smart Companies Cindy Gallagher - The News-Press Tom Giles - Avalon Engineering Tom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Colleen Humphries - LCEC Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood Electric Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & Rental Michelle Lewis - B2 Solutions, Inc Thomas Shipp - Tom Shipp at the Martin Law Firm Stan Spicer - Platinum Service A/C Chris Spiro - Spiro & Associates Elmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty

2013 Trustees Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank Matt Connar - Boost Creative Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial Sandra Greiner, SunSplash Family Waterpark Toni Rae Hurley - IBERIABANK Trish Lassiter - Lee County Electric Coop Eric Malasky - Paradise Deli & Market David Owen - BB&T-Oswald, Trippe & Co Katharin Owen, Warchol, Merchant & Rollings Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System Zachary Zeis - Elysium Homes

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

How to Plant Seeds and Grow Your Business!

The Cape Coral Farmers’ Market has two sponsorships available for the upcoming season starting October 19, 2013 through May 10, 2014.* Cultivate your business by getting in front of 3500-8000 potential customers every week for 30 weeks.

Music Sponsor-$4500.00 Includes weekly 10x10 space-Value of $3000.00 Logo recognition in season long advertising-newspapers, posters, coupons ,etc.

Logo on Market and Chamber websites.

Event Sponsor- $ 6000.00 Includes weekly 10x10 space-Value of $3000.00 Logo recognition in season long advertising-newspapers, posters, coupons, etc.

Logo on Promotional Items Logo on Market and Chamber websites.

For more Info contact Claudia St. Onge at 239-549-6900 x 101 * Non Real-Estate/Builder Businesses’ only

NETWORKING AT NOON WEDNESDAY OCT 30TH FROM 12-1PM Menchie’s Coral Walk

1830 NE Pine Island Road, Suite 140 (In the super Target Center) The Chamber wants to make sure all of our members have the opportunity to come out and network with fellow members no matter what your schedule is. That is why we have created a new networking event called Networking at Noon.

Join the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and Menchie’s Coral Walk for a mid-day snack and networking.

Menchie’s Coral Walk will provide their delicious yogurt free while networking. We will also have a brief 15 minute presentation on How to Network Effectively.

Networking, Yogurt & Presentation ALL FREE THIS IS A FREE EVENT HOWEVER WE ARE ASKING THAT YOU REGISTER AT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM

ONLINE TRAINING COURSES NOW OFFERED

The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, in conjunction with Coggno.com, is happy to announce a new service for our membership. We are now offering a selection of online training courses for purchase directly from the Chamber website.

We’ve hand-picked courses that we feel are relevant to our membership and their employees, covering topics in Human Resources, Compliance, and Business Management. All courses will be available on-demand, 24/7, and administered through an employee’s workstation. When purchasing the courses through our site, chamber members will also receive a free Learning Management System, or LMS. This tool makes it simple to distribute, monitor, and report on all your employees’ training. The training courses are specifically designed to address many of the issues around risk and liability faced by businesses today, as well as develop the skills of your employees. Visit HERE today. Call Stephanie Roberson for more information (239) 699-8442 Special Promotion – Free Course!

As a special promotion to kickoff our new online training member service, we are giving away a free online training course to every Chamber Member (one per company). Simply go to the online training section on our website and choose a course you would like to share with your employees.

Send an email to info@coggno.com with your name, your company’s name, our chamber name, and the course title, and they will respond to you directly with your free course.

Happy training everyone! *Conditions Apply* * For courses $30 and under; offer expires October 25th

CHAMBER TRENDS Your Chamber Working For You! Joe Mazurkiewicz, Ph. D. 2013 Chamber Chairman

R

ecently, your Chamber has been very busy working for you and our community.

Members of Staff, the Public Affairs Committee and the Board have been working with city staff on the new sign ordinance which passed with a 5-3 vote on Monday, September 30th.

This effort has been going on for a couple of months and it seems we have a proposed sign code that is close to meeting the proper balance between the needs of business and the wants of the community to establish an esthetically pleasing look to our business districts.

There are still areas of this codes that will need to be addressed as we move forward with this effort. While council did approve the ordinance, they did so with the caveat that the business community would have 6 months to suggest any changes. The ordinance is set to go into effect on April 1, 2014.

Your chamber staff spent hours collecting data and receiving input from members as to how this new code will impact their business. Our Chamber

President addressed those issues at the public meeting on September 30.

You can be assured your PAC committee will be following this issue. Please continue to share your concerns with us so we can address all your issues.

The new sign code will go a long way to establish a professional look to our business districts. As with all change there will be a learning curve for business owners and city staff alike. Continued communication is the only way we will be able to meet the needs of all the stakeholders.

Thank you for your continued efforts on behalf of our Chamber and community.

...

with a purpose.

AUGUST NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS New Members Action Coach Heather Christie All American Sealcoating and Paving, Inc Mike Phillips Bridgestone / Firestone Don Duncan Cape Coral Mortgage Kim Martini Cruise One Juanita Bion Dan Ashby Dan Ashby Independence At Home Services, LLC. Debbie Merz Nerium International Dawn Fleming Norwex Jacquelyn Miley One Click Cleaners John Kline

Paradise Cheer & Dance Tina Tomasino Paradise Cheer & Dance Booster Club Nicole Brimm Right Choice Realty, LLC. Jack Solloway Wicked Dolphin Rum JoAnn Elardo

Renewals All Star Tech Support Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall BJM Consulting, Inc. Cape Coral Pet Crematory CapeCoral.com CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL City Smoke Barbecue ClubZ! In Home Tutoring Fireservice Disaster Kleenup, Inc. Florida Buyer Broker The Foundation For Lee County Public Schools Hello Beautiful Salon High Fidelity Studios Hollywood Bicycle Center Impressions Photography Jackson PR

JP’s Auto Care Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, Inc Kaye’s Antiques Art & Estate Sale Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral Labor Ready LAI Design Associates, LLC Massage Envy Spa - Cape Coral Matteo Graphics Nail Art & Co. Olive Garden Pirate Coast Cycles Platinum Service A/C Progressive Employer Management Realmark Realty Group Cape Harbour Red Salon & Spa Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Cape Coral, LLC Sotolongo Landscape Maintenance, Inc Tanger Outlet Center The Rotary Club of Cape Coral Thompson Gas Timothy W. Barrier CPA, P.A. Tundra Homes Villa Realty Group, Inc. Wal-Mart

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2013 Donna Germain, Communications Director

S

eptember was an exciting month for the class of 2013.

They started the month out with Real Estate and Construction Day chaired by Kim Maxwell ‘11 and Anthony Greco ‘12. The day started at the Paul Homes Model with an overview of the history of Real Estate and Construction in Cape Coral given

by Bob Knight from Paul Homes ‘01 and Gloria Tate with Raso Realty. The group then toured a Paul Homes construction site. The group then traveled to the Aubuchon Homes Model where they met with representatives from the CCCIA, BIA, Builders Care and City of Cape Coral. The group ended the day at Tarpon Point with a tour of the highrise condos.

Education Day followed and thanks to day chairs, Sandi Silva and MerriBeth Farnham (both 20-12 packers), the class got a very thorough overview of the schools in our area. The class traveled to Gulf Elementary, Trafalgar Middle, Ida S. Baker High School, Cape Coral Institute of Technology where they enjoyed lunch prepared by the culinary academy students and Sponsored by AAE Glass.

The following week was Industry Appreciation Day where the class came dressed in their best to network with hundres of leaders in our business community at the Industry Appreciation Lunch. Thank you to day chairs John Chin ‘11, Kelly Pilkington ‘12 and Kevin Hobstetter ‘12 and our pannel Joe Mazurkiewicz,

Tom Giles, B.Pat O’Rourke, Wayne Kirkwood and Dana Brunette.

Only one word could describe Public Safety/ City Government Day...Awesome - thanks to our Day Chairs Heather Mazurkiewicz ‘01 and Kevin Hobstetter ‘12. The day started with a overview of the Cape Coral Fire Department and then the class got some hands on training on what it takes to be a firefighter in Cape Coral. At different stations, the class learned CPR, rode in the ladder truck, and cut a car apart with the jaws of life.

At lunch time, the Cape Coral Police Department took over and the class again started with an overview of the department and then met with Sgt. Dave McConnell for a K-9 demo. The group then went on to meet with the SWAT Team and toured Police headquarters.

For the last portion of the day, the class traveled to City Hall where they participated in a Mock Council Meeting lead by Heather ‘01 and Joe Mazurkiewicz ‘93 where they were voting on impact fees.

Join us for the Leadership Cape Coral 2013 Graduaiton & 20th Anniversary Celebration on November 8th at The Cape Coral Yacht Club. Call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 for more information or visit www.capecoralchamber.com.

HEALTHY TRENDS

Lifestyle Medicine: The solution to the health care crisis Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

P

icture this: a world where people looked at their health as a priority and as a blessing and where they did all they could on a daily basis to stay healthy.

We would look around at people who appeared fit, filled with energy and who were happy and productive. Chronic disease would not be as apparent and people would not be running to the doctor’s office, to the hospital and to the pharmacy anywhere near the rate that they do now. How wonderful would this be?

Unfortunately that is not the case in America and in many other parts of the world today. Because many folks do not see their health as a blessing and do not maintain healthy lifestyles, the rate of all the major chronic illnesses and even many of the cancers is high and continues to rise.

Just look around. It almost seems like the norm today is an unhealthy person with significant weight problems, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, or arthritis, for example. These folks are on several different medications and are unable to walk a few flights of stairs without shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue.

Wow … have we grown old fast! Our unhealthy lifestyles have resulted in an upcoming generation that is possibly going to die at a younger age than the preceding generation. This is a terrible statement especially in a world where we know what to do to stay healthy and where, in America, we have the finest health care and medical technology available.

Information about how to stay healthy is all around us and is in volumes on the Internet. There is no longer an excuse that we do not know which behaviors are bad for us. Maybe years ago smokers did not understand the complications associated with cigarette smoking but certainly today that is not the case. The same is true with eating high fat foods and not exercising.

It is estimated that 80% of the health care costs in this country come from chronic avoidable illnesses. Think of all the money that would be available if it was not necessary to spend it on diseases that could be prevented.

As individuals and as a country, we would be more prosperous, productive and living lives we often dream about. I talk to many folks in their fifties and they tell me “well I’m just old and this is why I can’t do the things I want to do”. How sad! Fifty is old? Not to me (especially since I just turned 55). At the mid portion of life, we should be able to do all the things we want to do for work and for fun. We should be able to run around with our kids or grandchildren without the need to call 911 complaining of chest pain. We should be able to take hiking vacations and enjoy the beautiful outdoors without stopping every few yards complaining of leg pains and back pains.

I hear these stories every day in my practice and when I do I usually talk with the person about lifestyle management. What is lifestyle management? Simply it is a way of living that promotes good health, vitality and productivity. The foundation

for lifestyle management starts with a few simple behaviors as follows: healthy nutrition, daily physical activity, stress reduction, quality sleep, and a number of preventive health care recommendations that I will describe below.

Healthy nutrition is eating whole foods that are grown and not processed.

These are foods that come out the ground and not from a box, a bag or a fast food restaurant. These foods have colors that signify all the essential vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants we need to stay healthy. They are eaten daily and become the reason why we do not need caffeine and stimulants mid day for an energy boost.

They supply the body and the brain with the essential nutrients which in turn provide the energy to keep ourselves living long and living strong.

Daily physical activity means that each day you put aside 30 minutes to do moderately intense activity such as brisk walking, swimming or bike riding; and do not forget the weight lifting or resistance exercises. This is very important since healthy skeletal muscle allows you to burn calories more efficiently and thus maintain a more normal body weight. Exercise also helps you to sleep better and it is also known to help the brain function better. There are only benefits to healthy eating and regular physical activity so there is no reason not to follow these recommendations.

Stress reduction is important to keep the cortisol levels down; and sleep allows your body to make growth hormone which is necessary for the development of healthy skeletal muscles. There is such interplay between what we do and the way we make either helpful or harmful hormones. Cortisol in excess creates fat around the midsection and hips. Adipose tissue (fat) then creates proteins that make the blood more susceptible to clotting. These are all bad things. On the other side if we do not make the proper amount of growth hormone, we do not have the resources to build healthy skeletal muscles and thus less efficient calorie burning and more weight gain.

As you can see, the body is very in tune with the mind so both have to be in sync and healthy to achieve total health. As I tell my patients, you cannot be healthy in the body if you are unhealthy in the mind. So we work together on a holistic approach to get all areas healthy and fit. We make an action plan that takes care of the whole person.

The solution to the health care crisis is in the hands of each and every individual.

We do not need someone else to solve this problem for us. We all know what to do to stay healthy and avoid chronic disease, cancer and the expense and inconvenience associated with all of these medical problems. All we need to do is maintain a healthy lifestyle. That is what lifestyle medicine is all about. It is about seeing our health as the number one priority each and every day. When we do this, we stay healthy and then we are able to do all the things we want to do with our lives.

I hope that you choose to be healthy by adopting a lifestyle that allows you to stay fit, energetic and happy. Please do not take your health for granted. See good health as a blessing and then use your good health to do wonderful things in the world.

Stay well my friends and please send comments and questions to Dr.Sal@ Leememorial.org

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

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

CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET Celebrating 20 Years of Local Freshness and Community Spirit!

Claudia St. Onge, Market Director

S

eeds are being planted in South Florida as planning is being completed for the 20th year of the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market. With thousands of loyal customers and the area’s finest vendors, the market will be bigger and better than ever. Opening day is Saturday, October 19th. The market will be open every Saturday from 8am-1pm.

The Cape Coral Farmers’ Market has become known for its abundance of fresh, local produce, Gulf-fresh seafood including Pine Island Clams. Other delicious selections include fresh baked breads and pastries, pickles and olive mixes, Certified Organic produce, hydroponically grown greens, sprouts, cheeses, native plants and trees, homemade jellies and jams, organic pet treats, made-on-site guacamole and salsa’s.

The list goes on and on!

Hungry at the Market? How about fresh made donuts, gyro’s, pizzas, crepes, Bar-B-Q, Mac n’ Cheese, Fried Chicken, beignets as just a few of many delicious choices.

We love kids and starting in November, Mixers Mobile Art Studio will be at the market on the 2nd Saturday of each month helping kids create a masterpiece to take home at no charge!

Even the music is bigger this year. Two music locations will be featured with three of South Florida’s best musicians. Dave Lapio on the Steel Drum, Trop-Rock from John Friday and Yard Dog Charlie, who blends Cajun, zydeco, blue grass, country, folk and rock & roll into a fun uplifting and entertaining sound called Florida Swamp Music.

On the 1st and 3rd Saturday’s, November through April, The Cape Coral Antique & Craft Market joins the Farmers Market offering creative and clever hand-made crafts, antiques, collectibles and more.

The Cape Coral Farmers’ Market - Your

Saturday Morning Destination for 20 years!

For more information call 239-549-6900 or visit www.capecoralfarmersmarket.com.

Like us on Facebook at Cape Coral Farmers’ Market.

Every Saturday October 19th - May 10th 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Downtown Cape Coral, SE 47th Terr. & SE 10th Pl. in “Club Square”

October 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cape Coral Italian American Club Featured Speaker: Former Mariner Triton, Florida Gator & Tampa Bay Buccaneer

EARNEST GRAHAM The Education Committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral will be hosting area Principals at the October 9, 2013 General Membership Luncheon. Grab the opportunity to sponsor a Principal for $100.00. Your business or organization will be featured in the PowerPoint presentation during the lunch and will get the opportunity to be seated with the sponsored Principal. If you know of a specific principal you would like to sponsor, contact the Chamber today. If not, a full list of available principals will be emailed to you in the next month and a listing will also be available at next months General Membership Luncheon.

T H I S LU N C H E O N H A S T H E L A R G E S T T U R N O U T A L L Y E A R .

This is one of the only events where Principals are able to hobnob together with the local community. If you care about education, this event is a no-brainer.

Winning Principal Of The Annual Photo Contest Will Be Announced.

Join Us For A Chance Auction <<

featuring auction items from prominent area businesses like the Florida Everblades and the Gulf Coast Symphony.

All proceeds will directly benefit local schools.

Event & Table Sponsorships Also Available:

239.549.6900 ext. 102

REAL ESTATE TRENDS From Our Chairman Going Down an Up Escalator Berge Aslanian (CDPE) 2012 Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor

Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric 2012 Chamber veryone has Chairman tried this at least once, especially when can’t believe we were kids.its ItDecember was fun I am itwriting my last then and but now has a different article Everyone as Chairman of the meaning. is looking 9-30-13 Board.

2012 has just flown by for that bargain in a market with Real Estate Trends and there have And, beenassoalways, many Going Down anclimbing Up Escalator prices. accomplishments would like to timing is everything.I How is yours?

Everyone has tried this at least once, especially when we were kids. It was fun then but share.

(Please forgive menumbers if I with have now it has a different meaning. Everyone is looking for that in the a market But first, let’sbargain look at climbing prices. And, as always, timing is everything.

How is yours? forgotten any!!) for the three month period ending How fortunate we are to live But first, let’s look at the numbers for the three month period ending 9/30: 9/30: in Paradise! Our economy is July ’13 Aug ’13 Sept ‘13 for 2013 growing and the outlook Homes Homes Homes Median $ Median $ Median $ continued growth.

For Sale 1136 $250,000 1178is for $248,000 1295 $244,000 Sold $159,900 305 accomplished $175,000 316 2012 was a362 great year!!

Much was for you,$155,000 including making Cape Coral a better place to do business. Here are a few of Aug ’13 Sept ‘13 the highlights: July ’13 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ The Cape Coral Economic Development Office delivered on their For Sale 262 $135,000 251 $130,000 250 $135,000 promise to increase business, investment and employment in the Sold 44 $112,000 52 $115,000 40 $114,000 area. The team closed 137 economic development projects, which For single85family homes, numbers listings have been increasing represents new businesses the of Cape and increasing 52 expansions.

For single family homes, numbers of in listings have been a bit over the asummer. bit over the summer.

Homes sold have been fluctuating from Homes sold have been fluctuating from slightly over 300 to slightly over 360 The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership with Lamar each month.

Can we to blame it on end of summer?

Probably.

Because school starts it slightly over 300 slightly over 360 each month.

Can we blame Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign here in August and school usually starts in other states in early September, there is that an on end of summer?

Probably.

Because starts here in August historical drop off in activity during time because it’s not fun moving simultaneously says “Cape Coral is Open forthat Business. ” school with school starting. and school usually starts in statesofin1,156 early September, there is Cape Coral welcomed theother opening businesses in 2012 an historical drop off in activity during that time because it’s not fun Condo inventory to declinebusinesses, slightly with listed prices in the same range as prior including 301continues place based 809 home-based businesses months. Condo buyers are not with usuallyschool as concerned with school issues as single family moving simultaneously starting. and 46 unspecified businesses.

Commerce means shorter distances home buyers. The number of units sold has gone down while the prices have been Condo continues decline Commerce slightly withalso listed pricesa to travel for your goods andtoservices. means holding firm. inventory in the same range as prior months.

Condo buyers are not usually diversified tax base and jobs!

With so much improvement in prices for homes and condos over the past couple of as concerned asCape single home buyers.

The The Chamber of school Commerce Coral continues tobegrow as years, there is nowith doubt that the issues bottomofis behind us.family There will always minor fluctuations in prices numbers sold butdown overall this market climbing back low tobeen theof well; in December 2011 our membership was atisan all time number of unitsand sold has gone while the prices have point where homebuilders will soon be back in this market.

583 members, holding firm. today we stand at 744. This resulted in a 78 percent AsWith prices so have been going up and inventory stayed we have avoid thecould trap membership growth with a retention rate of 81allpercent.

This much improvement in has prices forlow homes andto condos over of pricing properties higher than the market will accept. Realtors are pretty good at this not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members, the past couple of years, there is no doubt that the bottom is behind because they want to sell but homeowners too often get overly ambitious in what they feel their home is worth. aus. dynamic sales team be andminor an awesome membership development There will always fluctuations in prices and numbers committee. sold but overall this market is climbing back to the point The simplest way to solve this dilemma is to ask your realtor for a Comparative where Price Analysis (CMA) Leadership of homes for sale and homes sold similar toto yours and in thecommunity same area.

Chamber programs continue develop homebuilders will soon be back in this market.

This will clearly illustrate what the market will pay. We almost always see a noticeable leaders.

In November, 20 men and women graduated Leadership As prices haveof been andListings) inventory stayed low we difference in pricing Homesgoing For Saleup (Active versushas the price of Homes Sold.all It is theto Sold price that the market because that2012 is what the market pay.market Cape Coral.

Twenty-four members of the Chamber board have have avoid thedefines trap of pricing properties higher thanwill the graduated from the Leadership Program including the Chairman and will accept.

Realtors are pretty good at this because they want to sell Recently a couple were referred to me by another couple who had purchased a small

EI

retirement home here four years ago. The new couple were interested in the same thing but understood prices were now higher. They were interested in something under

but homeowners too often get overly ambitious in what they feel their home is worth.

The simplest way to solve this dilemma is to ask your realtor for a Comparative Price Analysis (CMA) of homes for sale and homes sold similar to yours and in the same area. This will clearly illustrate what the market will pay. We almost always see a noticeable difference in pricing of Homes For Sale (Active Listings) versus the price of Homes Sold.

It is theWe Sold price that defines the market becauseinthat what Chair-Elect. currently have 27 high school juniors ourisJunior the market will pay.

Leadership Program.

Recently a couple were referred to me(2) byDisney another coupleprograms who had The Chamber successfully presented Institute purchased a small retirement home here four years ago.

The new in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because couple were interested in the same thing but understood prices it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and were now higher. interested something $100K members togetherThey for were Red White and in Boom , Golf under Tournament, in move-in condition.

Because had prepared by Farmers Market, Business Expo , they Family Bowling Day,themselves a Casino Trip searching theisinternet for well properties theyFestival seemedoftoLights gravitate to The Price Right, as as ourhere, Holiday on toward foreclosures since those were priced most reasonably.

December 1st.

The side directory of most foreclosures is that theyweb need work.

Our unfortunate on-line business resulted in 1,300,829 referrals Carpeting, appliances, & exterior paint the most in 2012 thattile, equates to 3,544interior on average over the year are per member!!

(Who saysrepairs membership doesn’t pay?) common but sometimes there are other, more extensive A new ChamberThat mobile app was introduced 2012. repairs required. $95,000 bargain can endinup costing upwards was alsowith a very busy election for oureverything Public Affairs of It$115,000 no guarantee that year you found that Committee!

This is a group of passionate people who make sure that needed doing. the “voice” business heard, renovated not only athome the local level move-in but also We endedofup buying isa newly in terrific state and federal.

The candidates’ forums were very well attended by condition for $118,000. It was once a foreclosure that an investor members and citizens of Cape Coral. purchased, fixed and is now flipping. The home was priced fairly, education committee thetoExcellence in Education theOur buyers were well prepared hosted and ready make a decision quickly.

Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving Everybody wins! high school So here areseniors! the lessons learned. Know what you can spend and try It was also first year of our “rotating” luncheons that to be realistic;the you may possibly have to come up a bit to are get being what very well received by our membership. you want in reasonable condition. On the opposite side for sellers, try as your Chairman of the Board has been anthe excellent to Serving be realistic in pricing your property according to what actual experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of selling prices have been for similar homes in the neighborhood. meeting so many of you at meetings and events.

Buyers who try to run down the up escalator by offering much Thank you for honoring me with your trust and commitment! It less than listed price in a rising market are only going to get tired. has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing Conversely, sellers who are trying to go up too much in price will staff as well as the membership. only frustrate themselves as they become the reason for buyers to I look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you buy other, more priced properties. good health andsensibly prosperity!

Complicated? No, not really. Local realtors know the market better than anybody. Seek counsel from knowledgeable sources. They will help you ride the escalator in the right direction and that will get you to your destination feeling victorious rather than tired.

Being prepared and open minded enough to use real estate resources constructively will give you a more productive result in a shorter period of time. Just ask a realtor to insure your success.

Happy House Hunting!

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

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise

910.4575

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 RE/MAX Realty Team 2326 Del Prado Blvd Cape Coral, FL 33990 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 of Cape Coral AllCommerce 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 413 NE Van Loon Lane, Cape Coral

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

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

TOP LEFT: Through a very successful community partnership with local businesses and organizations, the “Feed The Cape” food drive met its goal of collecting 10,000 pounds of food and nearly $16,000 in donations.

The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral joined forces with the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, Spiro & Associates Marketing and Public Relations, FOX 4, Rum Runners Restaurant, The News-Press, Arthur Printing and the City of Cape Coral on “Feed The Cape” to help struggling families this summer.

“Just the thought of children not having anything to eat is reason enough,” said Mike Quaintance, chamber president. “Many rely on free or reduced lunches during the school year. In reality, that might be the only meal some of these children have. Once school is out, it takes the support of the community through drives like this one to help these families make it through the summer.”

Through community donations and initiatives like “Feed The Cape,” the Cape Coral Caring Center served 1,044 families equaling 3,716 individuals, passed out 823 kids bags for a total of 45 tons of food dispensed this summer.

“I never cease to be humbled by the graciousness and generosity of our citizens who themselves may be going through tough times,” said Julie Ferguson, executive director of the Cape Coral Caring Center.

“These donations will mean the world to so many.”

Community Partners Giving Back: (Left - Right) Joe Mazurkiewicz, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, Dana Brunette, Economic Development Director for the City of Cape Coral, Chris Spiro, CEO of Spiro & Associates Marketing & Public Relations, Tracy VanLandschoot, Board Member of the Cape Coral Caring Center, Lynnie Guzman, Sales Manager for The News-Press, Charlie Henrich, General Manager for WFTX-FOX-4, Moe Beneke, Executive Director of The Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, Wendy Wootton, Operations Manager for the Cape Coral Caring Center and Julie Ferguson, Executive Director for the Cape Coral Caring Center.

MID LEFT: The Chamber recognized its sponsors of the RE/MAX Realty Team City of Cape Coral Red, White and Boom and CenturyLink Freedom 5K. Brian Hamman and his team at Centurylink are pictured with 5K Chairman Ed Ramos and Chamber Chairman Joe Mazurkiewicz.

BOTTOM LEFT: The Chamber welcomed it’s new members at the September Lunch.

TOP RIGHT: Dennie Hamilton, LCEC was our guest speaker for the September Lunch.

MID RIGHT: Anita Grant, owner of Send It Sweetly was our featured Farmers’ Market vendor at the lunch. Anita brought tons of delicious treats for the membership.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Achieva Credit Union Camelot Isles 1616 Cape Coral Pkwy. W. Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 471-3560 www.achievacu.com

Gulf Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916 www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org (239) 332-2719

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

Women’s Power Networking Quarterly Event Join the Women’s Power Networking group November 14th to jump start your holiday giving, do some early Holiday shopping to support local non-profits and network with a great group of professionals. The topic is focused on Community and how much it means to give back to your community especially during the holidays.

*

November 14th 5:30 to 7:30pm First Citizens Bank Located at Bell Tower Shops

Tickets are $25 price includes: networking opportunities, appetizers, drinks, presentation by Kathleen Leitch Head of School at Renaissance School who has an extensive background with non-profits.

We also have marketing tables available for $99 and this event is unique to get in the spirit of giving when you purchase a table you can donate the table next to you to a non-profit of your choice.

REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM Amanda at (239)549‐6900 ext 111 Amanda@Capecoralchamber.com

We deliver Cape Coral news 24/7

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Donna Germain at

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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS S

iesta Pebble Pool interiors hosted a fantastic Business After Hours last month at their showroom located in the Viscaya Industrial Park. Owner, Michelle Whitlock (pictured right with Bill Johnson, Jr.) and her staff did an amazing job welcoming the members at the event.

Whitlock, who is also the Co-Chair of the Leadership Cape Coral Program was joined by her fellow 20-12 Pack classmates and her new Lucky 13â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - the Class of 2013.

Showing their support for their chairman, (pictured below left) Scott Kashman, Elena Schwartz and her husband Michael, Kevin Ahmadi, Fernando Gomes, and Tony Solgard. (right) Andrew Lampkins, Tracy VanLandschoot and Johnny Matthews.

(Bottom Left) Danielle Gates of D.Gates Wealth Management and her husband John.

(Bottom Right) Also a Lucky 13, Chef Jay Johnson with Bubbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roadhouse & Saloon.

Thank you to everyone who came out and thank you to everyone at Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors for your hospitality!

ELECTRIC TRENDS October is National Electric Cooperative Month Karen Ryan, APR, CPRC

L

CEC is one of 40,000 businesses that operate as a cooperative throughout the United States.

Cooperatives are member-owned, non-profit businesses that do not work to maximize returns for shareholders who may or may not use the goods or services of the business. Instead, they work to provide cost-effective, quality service to their members.

LCEC is one of more than 900 electric cooperatives that owns and maintains nearly half of the electric distribution lines in the nation. Electric cooperatives all have a similar mission â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to provide reliable electric service to members at the lowest possible cost. Keeping the best interests of memberowners in mind is also at the forefront.

Fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, continued transparency, accountability, strategic planning, high ethical standards and community involvement are just a few of the ways LCEC is committed to operating the business so that customer-members are receiving great benefit from their cooperative.

Benefits of LCEC membership: 1. Equity: Money comes in from electric bill payments. Money goes out to pay expenses. A little is set aside for emergencies, lending requirements and future investment. Any leftovers (margins) are returned to

members (rather than to shareholders). Equity is not in the form of dollars, but an accounting representation of the ownership of assets such as poles, wire and other equipment.

2. Membership: Open to everyone regardless of race, gender, and creed.

3. Democracy: Members elect board of directors, who are memberowners.

4. Equal Economic Participation: Everyone pays for membership and shares in ownership responsibility. The same expectations of payment for service apply to all and risk is minimized as much as possible so no customer subsidizes another unnecessarily.

5. Community: Investment in education, training, information, wellness and the environment. Concern for people such as memberscustomers, employees and all stakeholders.

6. Autonomy/Independence: Decisions are made locally for local people by local people.

7. Cooperation among cooperatives: Financing options, emergency aid, legislative voice, research and resource sharing are just a few of the ways the network helps to serve customers.

Although LCEC is a sole-source provider to our customers, we work hard not to behave as if we are the only game in town. We appreciate the opportunity to serve business and residential customers and we take our obligation to members to heart.

Want to right for the Chamber Trends?

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

...

with a purpose.

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