Chamber Trends October 2016

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

BREWTOBER CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM SUNSPLASH WATER PARK SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET EVERY TUESDAY AT THE SHOPS OF SURFSIDE YEAR ROUND 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET AT CLUB SQUARE EVERY SATURDAY DOWNTOWN

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

October 2016

OCTOBER 2016 OCTOBER 4 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE FRANTZ EYECARE 3515 DEL PRADO BLVD, STE 104 , CAPE CORAL, FL OCTOBER 6 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM FOOD FOR THOUGHT LUNCHEON CAPE CORAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE 360 SANTA BARBARA BLVD N, CAPE CORAL, FL OCTOBER 12 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON CAPE CABARET 4725 VINCENNES BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL OCTOBER 15 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM BREWTOBER CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL SUNSPLASH WATER PARK 400 SANTA BARBARA BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL

Publisher & Editor Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com

Contributing Editors Donna S. Germain President/CEO donna@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com

OCTOBER 20 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM BUSINESS AFTER HOURS BOAT HOUSE OF CAPE CORAL 1516 SE 46TH ST, CAPE CORAL, FL

Annette Siner Special Events Director annette@capecoralchamber.com

OCTOBER 28 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM NETWORKING AT NOON THE WESTIN RESORT CAPE CORAL 5951 SILVER KING BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL

Shawna Pike Membership Sales Director shawna@capecoralchamber.com

SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND FROM 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Melanie Lempke Membership Services Director melanie@capecoralchamber.com

CAPE CORAL FARMERS MARKET CLUB SQUARE EVERY SATURDAY FROM 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910 2051 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 339044 Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609

TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE VISIT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS

CHAMBER TRENDS WORKERS COMPENSATION RATE INCREASE Donna S. Germain President

Last week, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) gave provisional approval for a statewide 14.5 percent rate increase in workers’ compensation insurance.

The rate increase, a response to two recent Supreme Court rulings undoing reforms passed in 2003, will take effect on December 1, 2016 for new and renewal policies. It will not affect the premium for policies currently in force.

The September 27 order for a 19.5 percent increase filed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) was rejected by the Office of Insurance Regulation. However, the OIR issued preliminary approval for the 14.5 percent increase.

According to the Office of Insurance Regulation, once NCCI submits the required amended rate filing and the 14.5 percent is approved, the individual rate impacts will include: • A 10.1 percent statewide average rate increase for the April 28 Florida Supreme Court decision in

the case of Castellanos v. Next Door Company, which found the mandatory attorney fee schedule in Section 440.34, Florida Statutes, unconstitutional as a violation of due process under both the Florida and United States Constitutions.

• A 2.2 percent statewide average rate increase for the June 9 Florida Supreme Court decision in the case of Westphal v. City of St. Petersburg, in which the Florida Supreme Court found the 104-week statutory limitation on temporary total disability benefits in Section 440.15(2)(a), Florida Statutes, unconstitutional because it causes a statutory gap in benefits in violation of an injured worker’s constitutional right of access to courts. The Supreme Court reinstated the 260-week limitation in effect prior to the 1994 law change.

• A 1.8 percent statewide average rate increase related to updates within the Florida Workers’ Compensation HCPR Manual per Senate Bill 1402. The manual became effective on July 1, 2016.

For more information on how this will affect your workers comp premium, please contact your insurance provider.

We will also be providing information to our members as updates become available. If you have any questions, please contact me at (239) 549-6900 ext 107 or donna@capecoralchamber. com

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc Chair-Elect Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Coop.

Treasurer Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising Past Chair Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc Barb Adams, LeeSar Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida 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 Nancy Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors Diane Everhart, Blue Chip Financial Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers Tom Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services 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

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates, LLC Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc. Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering Michelle Lewis, B-2 Solutions Heather Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc. 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

TRUSTEES Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village Brandon Deaver, B-2 Technoloy Solutions Rana Erbrick, City of Cape Coral Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center Steve Hook, Oasis Elementary School Bill Jacob, CenturyLink Mike Noone, Goldberg, Racilla, D’Alessandro & Noone, LLC David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Larry Wier, Premier Insurance Corporation

CHAMBER STAFF Donna S. Germain, President Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Annette Siner, Special Events Director Shawna Pike, Membership Sales Director Melanie Lempke, Membership Services Director

AUGUST NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW MEMBERS Aikido of Southwest Florida Barry Benjamin Badgers Business Solutions Sonny Gartin Best Home Services Florice Hodges BeWaterFront.com Skip Kitchen Cairn Park Jenni Stephens CLARIN HOMES USA LLC Clara Saavedra Creative Spaces Inviting Places Laurie and Henry Posey Holiday Builders Inc Kim Howard Hungry Howies Keith Bakom Imagine Barter Robert Britt Julia C Thompson LLC Julia Thompson

Jumpanzee David Denning MJK Marketing Solutions Mike Kazala Paradise Pizza Jeff Cariello Pioneer Printing & Signs Leonard Tullo Sunset Air and Home Services Michael McKee The Cole Team Re/Max Realty Group Brenda Cole

Florida Cooling Solutions Penguin Pools Member Since: 06/30/2006 Member Since: 06/09/2005 Cambio Dermatology Member Since: 09/19/2007

The Foundation For Lee County Public Schools Member Since: 09/20/2005

Campbell Roofing and Goldberg, Racila, Sheet Metal of Florida Inc. Member Since: 05/12/2015 D’Alessandro & Noone, LLC Member Since: 08/26/2015 Cape Christian Fellowship J.J. Taylor Companies Member Since: 09/29/2006 Member Since: 08/24/2015 Cape Coral Irish American LAI Design Associates, LLC Club, Inc Member Since: 04/13/2005 Member Since: 09/13/2010 MYCO Business Systems Cardiac Care Group, LLC Member Since: 08/12/2015 Member Since: 09/26/2014

Century 21 Sunbelt Realty Overtime Pizzeria & Sports Pub Member Since: 09/01/1992 Member Since: 09/23/2015 A-1 Shelters Inc Costco Member Since: 09/01/1991 RE/MAX Realty Team Member Since: 05/14/2007 Member Since: 08/01/1990 Achieva Credit Union Culver’s of Cape Coral Member Since: 01/31/2013 Sam’s Club (Cape Coral Parkway) Member Since: 08/27/2014 Member Since: 09/17/2014 Allstate-David Schuman Insurance Agency Sanibel Outlests Culver’s of Cape Coral Member Since: 07/06/2011 Member Since: 08/22/2003 (Pine Island Road) Member Since: 07/09/2015 Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Schuman Family Insurance Resource Center Member Since: 05/16/2013 Edward Jones - John T. Member Since: 09/21/2015 Evans Member Since: 09/27/2010

RENEWALS

NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS CONT The Rotary Club of Cape Coral Member Since: 08/25/1999

Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons Member Since: 09/24/2015

Tundra Homes Member Since: 09/08/2006

Wicked Dolphin Rum Member Since: 08/23/2013

YogaFit Member Since: 08/06/2015

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

Urgent Care Center of SW Florida Member Since: 09/01/2007

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Mexico Lindo 3724 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral FL 33904 (239) 800-4533

Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC LLC (239) 728-4882 | www.fgcdlfc.com

Lenny’s Grill & Subs 2301 Del Prado Blvd S, Ste 665, Cape Coral 33990 (239) 823-3388 | www.lennys.com

Whether You Just Joined or Just Renewed Your Membership, Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!

Call Shawna Pike, Membership Sales Director (239) 549-6900 ext 103

BEAT THE LINES AND GET UNLIMITED TASTINGS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. ALL ACCESS PASS $35 PRE-SALE - $40 AT THE GATE AVAILABLE AT WWW.BREWTOBERCC.COM INDIVIDUAL TASTINGS - 6 FOR $20 OR $4 PER TASTING. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 239-549-6900

B2 Technology Solutions - Thrive - StormSmart Breweries Point Ybel, Fort Myers Brewing Company, Old Soul, Sea Dog, Naples Beach Brewery, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Goose Island, Millennial Brewing Company, Coppertail, Motorworks Brewing, Islamorada Brewing Company, Blue Point, Fat PointBrewing, Bury Me Brewing, Daughters Brewing, Big Storm Brewing, Big Top, Ballast Point, Riptide Brewing, St. Pete Brewing, Orlando Brewing, Momentum Brewhouse, Cape Coral Brewing, Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada, Orange Blossom, Palm City Brewing, 21A

Diamond Member Lee Memorial Health System P.O. Box 2218 Fort Myers, FL 33902 Lee County Electric Cooperative 4980 Bayline Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917 B2 Technology Solutions 1406 SE 46th Lane Cape Coral, FL 33904

Executive Member CenturyLink 2710 Del Prado Blvd S, 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

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LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL Donna Germain, Staff Liaison

the class learned about our Infrastructure while they toured the North Cape RO Plant, LCEC, WastePro and the Waste Energy Facility. Finally, the class heard from our area real estate experts, the CCCIA, City officials and also painted a house for Habitat For Humanity on Real Estate and Construction Day.

The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s Leadership Cape Coral Through the coming weeks, the class will learn about City program has entered its second Government, Education, Public Safety and how the Coast month.

Guard works to protect our waterways, Arts and Entertainment in our community, infrastructure and much more. Thank you The Class of 2016 started the to all of our day chairs thus far; Laura Koehn, Scott Blonde, month with Healthcare Day where they learned toured Cape Chuck Warren, Scott Kashman, Sarah Mitchell, Annette Siner, Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Village and Coral Ridge Funeral Fernando Gomes, Reggie McKinnon, Doug Barker, Richard Home and Cemetery. Next was Media Day where they visited Helvey, Sarah Sheffield, Julie Ferguson, Michelle Whitlock, and The Breeze Newspapers, Spiro & Associates, The News-Press, a special thank you to our program chairs Stacy Lomonaco and Beasley Broadcasting and CapeCoral.com, The following week, John Hobson and Co-Chairs DeAnna Rivera and Sarah Sheffield.

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL CONTINUED

Don’t miss out on another year of the Leadership Cape Coral Program! Call Donna Germain for information on next years program. (239) 549-6900 x107

UNIVERSITY TRENDS Research has shown that attitudes derived from direct experience and social learning are powerful. They can be difficult to change or overcome. The reasons are they are easily ATTITUDES Mike “Q” Quaintance, MBA, CCE accessed and active in our cognitive processes. However, the Business Professor, Keiser University most poignant method for change is direct experience, which Sometimes I hear employers leaves a strong physical and mental imprint on our cognitive lament about their employee’s processes. attitudes. I hear that their One method for changing employee attitudes is social employee’s do not care about their work, they are not engaged, and they do not think for themselves. Let us assume modeling. Below are the four processes involved in social that attitudes are learned and our responses to people and modeling in order to be successful. issues evolve over time. Therefore, the two major influences 1.The learner must focus attention on the model. on attitudes are direct experience and social learning.

Direct experience with objects or persons can be powerful 2.The learner must retain what was observed from the influencers on our lives. For example, as a youth I had some poor model. dental experiences, which even today plague me as an adult a) The learner ‘stamps in’ what was learned by forming a by creating a great deal of stress when I go for my semi-annual verbal code for the behavior. dental checkups. I have overcome this fear is through several b) The learner visualizes themselves behaving like the positive experiences with Cape Dental Care. Both father and model that they are observing. son are dentists who realize this abnormal discomfort I have sitting in the chair and are very communicative throughout the 3.The learner must practice the desired behavior(s). process. I appreciate them encouraging me to communicate if there is pain, while providing a calming atmosphere as they 4.The learner must be motivated to learn from the model. perform their work.

For Example, you are pairing up a newer employee (learner) Social learning refers to family, peer groups, religious with an experienced high-performing employee (model). organizations, and cultures that shape an individual’s attitudes The learner observes how the model is performing the job, in an indirect manner. As children we learn to adopt certain the model ask questions from the learner to determine if attitudes by the reinforcement that is given by our parents. the learner is observing the desired behaviors or actions.

For example, our parents might insist that we eat all the food The learner answers the questions therefore visualizing the on our plate because children are starving in Africa, or that behavior or action. Next, the model has the learner perform we do not wait until the last moment to get our homework the behavior or action. As the learner gains success, that completed. One look at my supersized body and it is easy to success leads to motivation. see which of these attitudes I adopted.

While it is always easier to hire the right employee the first-

UNIVERSITY TRENDS CONTINUED time, it may become necessary to attempt to modify employee attitudes from time to time, due to changing technologies, advancement, or new organizational goals and objectives.

Please know that change will take time and patience on the part of both the leader and follower, as an attitude may

have a lifetime of reinforcement to overcome. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to e-mail me at mquaintance@keiseruniversity.edu or call me a (239) 2771336 ext. 34128.

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HEALTHY TRENDS HOW’S YOUR ENERGY LEVEL Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

an energy drink, the body feels more energetic because of the effects caffeine, sugar and other stimulants have on the heart. They speed up the heart and this increases the blood pressure. The added sugar increases insulin which drives more glucose into the cells. For a short time the person feels more energetic but in a few hours they start to crash. This is because the effects of the caffeine and sugar wear off ; and, then as the sugar level actually plummets, the person again feels tired, might actually feel jittery and again, starts thinking about the need for another energy drink.

When you get up in the morning, how is your energy level? Is it good enough so that you are able to get out of bed relatively quickly, ready to start the day, or do you drag yourself out of bed looking immediately for the first cup of coffee which will allow you Instead of reaching for the typical energy drinks, a to open your eyes? person looking to have more energy should eat and drink nutritious foods that are easy to digest and help to produce Energy production is one of the most important biologic the ATP necessary to get through the day. The definition functions and, in relation to how energy is produced, one of of nutritious should be foods and drinks that are natural, the most misunderstood. This is evident when reading the non-toxic, with the proper balance of healthy protein, fats content of so called “energy drinks” which are essentially and carbohydrates. In today’s world of diets which are loaded with caffeine and sugar. Let’s look at how energy supposed to make people into athletes and super-models, is produced so we can understand how to make more of it. many people avoid major food groups. Many avoid carbohydrates at all cost, others stay on super low fat diets In every cell of the body there are energy producing units and some eat so much protein that their kidneys yell out called mitochondria. These are the specialized portions of “enough!” the cells which make ATP which is the chemical equivalent of what we know to be energy. When a certain amount The three major food categories necessary for good of glucose and fatty acids enter the mitochondria, they health include fats, proteins and carbohydrates. All are are used to make ATP and this is what drives all chemical needed for the body to carry out its normal, physiologic reactions in the body. Without ATP, the trillions of cells functions. Limiting fats too much interferes with normal in the body would not be able to carry out their normal brain function, decreases the production of vital hormones functions. and makes cell membranes less healthy. Limiting healthy carbohydrates makes it harder for the cells to make ATP There is a misconception on how we can make more for the reasons detailed above. Eating too much protein energy and this usually involves more caffeine, more sugar damages the kidneys over time and is unnecessary. For the and more stimulants -- none of which actually work in the average person, the daily need for protein is about 60-70 long run. Certainly in the short time period after having grams per day. One cup of lentils provides 18 grams, so

HEALTHY TRENDS CONTINUED

you can see that it does not require a lot of food to supply a healthier source of protein; and, when buying organic the daily requirement of protein. and non-GMO, you avoid many of the contaminants which destroy health.

When we look at healthy fats we think of avocados, walnuts, flax seed and salmon. Fruits provide good Vitamins and minerals round out the discussion on carbohydrates and the fiber necessary to keep the GI tract healthy eating and energy production. The macro healthy. If a person wants to “juice” their fruits, it is okay molecules (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) are the to do this in a blender which retains all the fiber. Using components needed for the cells to perform their vital a “juicer” removes the fiber and produces a glass of pure functions; however, our cells cannot do this without sugar which overwhelms the body’s ability to handle vitamins and minerals which are necessary for the cells to glucose. Remember, whatever sugar (glucose) in the perform all the thousands of chemical reactions necessary bloodstream is not used for energy gets converted into for life. fat and becomes stored in the liver, around the heart and under the skin of the abdomen, buttocks and hips.

In addition to the nutrients needed to produce ATP/ energy, the body also needs seven to eight hours of quality Protein is the other issue. Protein intake is necessary sleep as well as stress management. When a person on a daily basis since our body does not store protein as it is chronically stressed, he/she has an elevated level of does fats and carbohydrates. Therefore, a daily supply is cortisol. This is the stress hormone which interferes with necessary but must be provided in a level that is healthy so many vital functions and over time lessens the quality and not harmful. Protein sources include all animal meats, and length of one’s life. dairy, soy products, beans, nuts and vegetables. Realize not all proteins are alike. This is because of the contaminants In summary, if you want to be full of energy you have in many sources of protein. Unfortunately, the meats to supply the body with nutritious food and drink, get available today are not the same quality as the meats enough sleep nightly, take vitamins and supplements our grandparents ate. Animals back then were raised on when needed and manage the stress life throws your farms, eating grass and enjoying a relatively stress free way. When tired in the afternoon, if you have the ability, life in the sunshine. Today, animals are raised in confined take a 10 minute power nap and then have a vegetable animal feeding operations (CAFO). Thousands of animals smoothie, both of which will do the body more good than are raised in such close quarters that they do not have any energy drink on the market. enough room to move around. They do not see sunlight, are majorly stressed and for most of their lives they stand Stay well my friends and please feel free to send in their own feces. For more on this topic read The Meaty comments and questions to Dr.Sal@LeeMemorial.org Truth which is an eye opening book detailing the realities of how much of the foods Americans consume directly cause most of chronic illnesses and cancers many suffer from daily. Remember, calorie for calorie, vegetables are

Chamber’s E-mail Leads & Stuff It Program Expose Your Business To New Cape Coral Residents And Visitors and Contact Them Directly!!!

The Chamber E-mail Leads and Stuff It Program will put your company information in the hands of new residents and visitors first!

Each week, you will be e-mailed a list of prospective new residents and visitors; they will also have received your marketing materials in a Visitor and Relocation Packet.

For more information, please call Melanie Lempke at 549-6900 x102 (or) melanie@capecoralchamber.com $150.00 for 6 months (or) $300.00 for the year

LCEC – your cooperative

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* 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

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REAL ESTATE TRENDS FALL IS HERE Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, Island Harbor Realty

on scattered lots and that those sales were often not included in numbers of sales from the MLS because they were never listed in the MLS. As you drive through various neighborhoods of the Cape, please take notice of new residential construction. It’s there and we are seeing it more and more. That too is a good sign that our market is becoming more healthy, tax roles are increasing from both increased numbers of homes plus higher values of those homes.

Just the other day, Summer decided to end and Fall came into focus. The days are still warm and it seems to continue raining almost every day. But, pretty soon we will turn the clock forward and lose an hour of daylight. For those of us that are solar powered there will be a noticeable change in after-work activity. Will that That means there are jobs to support these purchases also apply to the local real estate market? Read on to see. and that also means people are moving in. An unofficial conversation earlier this month disclosed the Cape Coral In the meantime, let’s take a look at the past month’s population is now around 175,000. Heading into season numbers to see if we can shed some light on where we are. we are seeing more new restaurants opening and other Cape Coral numbers for the three month period ending new businesses sprouting!

9/28/16:

That business influence on our economy is great fuel for our overall success. If our community thrives, we all benefit by an improved quality of life! Now if we can only improve that traffic on the midpoint bridge between 4:30 and 5:30 entering the Cape, it would be easier to get home Inventory of single family homes for sale has stabilized when business calls us to Fort Myers. and tweaked up a bit with prices slightly down. The sold numbers are up 28.6%! It looks like we are rebounding As everything improves we can’t help but notice home from the really low August number of homes sold. And, prices have risen this year. If any of you have friends and family in the northern states, ask them what they pay in the prices are pretty stable too! property taxes. It is very interesting that even states that Condo inventory for sale improved slightly with very have no income tax like Florida usually have very high firm median prices. Condos sold also improved slightly property taxes on homes. We are blessed with no income tax and low, low property taxes. That adds to the value of with median prices of units sold increasing just a bit. being a Cape Coral, Florida resident.

All in all, for the dog days of summer, seeing stability in prices and increases in units sold are very good signs.

Often we hear that these ridiculously high prices have to come down. Well, factoring in the quality of life, no state Last month we mentioned that builders were building income tax and low property tax compared to almost every

REAL ESTATE TRENDS CONTINUED other state in these United States, our prices are a great Just remember, you don’t need an army of prospects going bargain. If a potential buyer gripes about prices, we just through your home, you only need one serious buyer. mention that if they can find a better home for less money Getting properties priced correctly, finding qualified and less ongoing cost in another state, please buy it. buyers and finding nice homes to buy will always be easier Now you know why our prices have been creeping up. with an experienced realtor. With so many of us around, it You also know why builders are busy building again. And shouldn’t be difficult to find one. Just ask your friends or for those of you wanting to sell please remember that the make a few calls or look online; we are all over the Cape! best way to price your property competitively is to have a reputable realtor provide you with comps (comparative Always remember, successful real estate IS a team sport. market analysis). Being the highest priced property will Happy Property Buying and Selling! only get you showings using your house to sell a similar, lower priced property.

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with Island Harbor Realty, active members of the Chamber Whether new or used, the most in-demand homes are of Commerce of Cape Coral. For questions about clean, well-maintained, easy to show and priced right. residential real estate, please call (239) 989-3463 or email realtorberge@att.net or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.

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Let us give you a helping hand Use the chambers online Job Bank If you need more information about the chamber Job Bank, please contact Stephanie Roberson at (239) 699-8442 or stephanie@capecoralchamber.com http://web.capecoralchamber.com/jobbank

C I Destinations “The difference is in the details�

The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce presents

The Best of Ireland March 21, 2017

$6. $% %22 287 .

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For more information or to sign up please contact 0HODQLH /HPSNH at (239) 549-6900 ext.1 .

SPACE IS LIMITED. SIGN UP EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SEAT! Ireland is a country that has never lost a shared sense of community. Even in towns and cities, the pace of life is gentler here; people stop to chat in the streets, they are happy to give directions to tourists, they are glad you have come and they are sorry to see you go. Ireland has much to offer everyone. From storybook castles to magnificent gardens, wide open spaces to the bustle of international cities, breathtaking natural scenery to man made megalithic structures, Ireland opens her arms and welcomes you to explore her ancient sites, traverse her green fields and discover her treasures. The scenery is gorgeous, the weather is mild (though changeable), there is a rich cultural heritage to discover, and a wealth of music and stories to share. But the real joy of Ireland lies in the friendliness of the people, the warmth of their welcome, and the ease with which they make you feel at home.

RESERVATION FORM Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Ireland, March 21, 2017

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Enclosed please find a deposit in the amount of __________($450 per person) to secure reservations for ___# of people.

Reservations are on a first come first serve basis. Sign up early to secure your space Please reserve me a single room at a $450 supplement (limited availability).

I have read and accept the terms and conditions as outlined below. Your deposit to C I Destinations constitutes a contract between the parties and acceptance of the foregoing terms and conditions.

Signature______________________________ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Please _ _ _ cut _ _along _ _dotted _ _ _line_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Passport Information: A valid passport is required for this tour and is the responsibility of each passenger. Passports should be valid for up to six (6) months beyond the travel dates. All names must be submitted to C I Destinations exactly as they appear on the passenger passport.

Rate: $3099 per person double occupancy. Single Supplement $450. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Included in the tour price: Roundtrip and airfare from Fort Meyers. CID is not responsible for airport transportation in the case of strikes, delays or natural disasters. Fuel surcharges and airport departure taxes are included but can increase at the time of billing and any difference will be added to your statement *Early Booking Discount: $VN 0HODQLH /HPSNH 0HODQLH#&DSH&RUDO&KDPEHU FRP RU [ Refunds: Cancel up to 90 days prior to departure $200 per person non-refundable fee: Cancel 89 - 50 days prior to departure 50% of the total trip price is refunded: Cancel 49 days or less prior to departure 100% charge of the total trip price. We strongly suggest you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself. Please contact our office for more details. Written cancellation is required and is effective when received by C I Destinations during normal business hours.

C I Destinations (CID) a California LLC acts only as an agent for tour participants in arranging room accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, admissions and restaurants. CID reserves the right in its sole discretion to make changes to the itinerary and is not responsible to any person for expenses, loss of time, money or other happening resulting from a change of tour scheduling made for tour members. CID does not have any vested interest in any services, facilities and vehicles in relation to this trip and can not guarantee or be held accountable for any actions or omissions of any agents, employees, etc. CID will make no refund in the event of delay, strike, overbooking, cancelations, bankruptcy, natural disaster, or for any part of the tour not utilized by the customer. These conditions are imposed by all suppliers and any other firms utilized in the tour. Currency, taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges are subject to change. CID reserves the right to decline/accept or retain any person as a member of a tour/cruise at its discretion. CID and/or its tour managers retain the right to require any participant to withdraw from a tour/cruise at any time if determined to be in the best interest of health, safety and general welfare of the tour/cruise group or of the individual participant. I/ We agree any disputes concerning this contract or any material concerning this trip must be resolved exclusively pursuant to binding arbitration governed by CA law & subject to the jurisdiction of Fresno County. The cost of your trip has been calculated on currency exchange rate based on date of pricing and is subject to change if the USD weakens. CST 2111772-40.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Amendment 2 Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions Ballot Language: “The medical use of marijuana by a qualifying patient or All material is from the James Madison Institute’s report on caregiver in compliance with this section is not subject to this years amendments. criminal or civil liability or sanctions under Florida law... A physician shall not be subject to criminal or civil liability Amendment 1 or sanctions under Florida law solely for issuing a physician Rights and Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy certification with reasonable care to a person diagnosed Choice with a debilitating medical condition in compliance with this Ballot Language: “This amendment establishes a right under section.”

Florida’s Constitution for consumers to own or lease solar equipment installed on their property to generate electricity What it does: The ballot measure authorizes the medicinal for their own use. State and local governments shall retain use of marijuana for patients with debilitating medical their abilities to protect consumer rights and public health, conditions and other debilitating medical conditions of the safety and welfare, and to ensure that consumers who do not same kind or class as dictated by a licensed Florida physician choose to install solar are not required to subsidize the costs of who deems the use of marijuana outweighs the potential backup power and electric grid access to those who do.” health risks associated with the patient’s illness. The measure also permits caregivers to assist the use of marijuana to those What it does: Through adding Section 29 to Article X of the who are unable to use it themselves.

Constitution, solar choice will be deemed a Constitutional Pro: Through passage by vote of the people, the Amendment right for citizens. Amendment 1 also protects rate payers, who is allowing the electorate to play a firsthand, direct role in the decide to not install solar equipment on their homes, from direction of healthcare in the state. Supporters argue available subsidizing the cost of electricity to those who do in times of prescription drug medicines often carry far more serious side backup power or grid access. effects than marijuana. Nausea, appetite loss, pain, and Pro: The passing of Amendment 1 would effectively anxiety are common side effects that can be mitigated by contribute to the following: it would establish the right of an the use of medical marijuana. They also indicate medical individual to own or lease solar equipment to generate electric marijuana is a better substitute for those who are not able to power for their own personal use. It would also retain state take pills by vaporizing the drug. Finally, morphine and other and local government ability to protect consumer rights and methamphetamine are all legal medical remedies. Those public health by protecting rate payers from subsidizing cost supporting the Amendment argue medical marijuana should during times of low or no backup power. also be included noting it has a much lower dependency rate Con: Those who oppose the Amendment will claim the and has never recorded an overdose. passage will create an environment not conducive to free Con: Opponents of Amendment 2 argue two possible markets saying the Amendment does not provide a mechanism negative impacts associated with the passage of this for third party sales generated from consumers. However, that ballot initiative. The first involves enacting a Constitutional provision is a policy solution that can and should be handled Amendment that directly contradicts federal law prohibiting by the Florida Legislature. any use of marijuana, recreationally or medicinally. This

FLORIDA’S 2016 AMENDMENTS Joe Mazurkiewicz Government Affairs Committee

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONTINUED is also coupled with a pressing question; is the need for medical marijuana pressing enough that it rises to the level where it should be added in a constitution? Constitutions are founding documents meant to articulate the overall governing foundation for a state. In Florida’s Constitution, this is reflected in the clause “in order to secure its benefits, perfect our government, insure domestic tranquility, [and to] maintain public order.” Those opposed to the initiative would argue that the legalization of medical marijuana is a matter to be taken up by the Florida Legislature to debate and vote on, not a measure to be added to the State Constitution.

The second negative consequence opponents argue the Amendment could create is fiscal instability. Opponents claim, based on Florida’s patient needs, that the number of marijuana treatment centers could top 1,993; more than Walmart and Walgreens stores combined. Estimating Conference also notes, based on other states’ experiences, “the Department of Health estimates that it will incur $2.7 million in annual costs for its regulatory responsibilities, upon full implementation.”

More costs will also be produced as the Conference indicates the Departments of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Law Enforcement, and the Sheriffs Association expect additional law enforcement costs based on the experience of other states with similar laws.

Amendment 3 Tax Exemption for Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders Ballot Language: “A joint resolution proposing an amendment to Section 6 of Article VII and the creation of a new section in Article XII of the State Constitution to authorize a first responder, who is totally and permanently disabled as a result of an injury sustained in the line of duty, to receive relief from ad valorem taxes assessed on homestead property, if authorized by general law, and to provide an effective date.”

What it does: Amendment 3 amends a portion of Section 6 where disabled first responders who sustained permanent

disabled injury can receive a property tax exemption. Prior, only widowed spouses could receive such an exemption.

Pro: Those supporting this amendment would make the case that it is imperative to recognize the sacrifice our first responders give in the line of duty protecting our liberties and way of life. The State of Florida and its citizens are, by the very nature of the services performed by first responders, forever in debt for the sacrifice so many men and women make.

One mechanism that our state can collectively express our appreciation is through the passage of Amendment 3, granting property tax relief. Following such a traumatic experience in the service of our state, it is argued by those supporting the amendment that Florida should repay that debt through passage of this amendment Con: Opponents of Amendment 3 will argue the establishment of a tax exemption for one’s property separates taxpayers based simply on occupation. Opponents claim all taxpayers should be treated consistently and objectively with respect to taxation. With respect to a concept such as property tax rates and exemptions – the better solution would be to have rates set at as low as possible for all taxpayers, rather than disparate treatment dependent upon job categories.

Amendment 4 (Passed in the Primary Election) Solar Devices or Renewable Energy Source Devices; Exemption from Certain Taxation and Assessment Ballot Language: “A joint resolution proposing amendments to Sections 3 and 4 of Article VII and the creation of Section 34 of Article XII of the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the assessed value of solar devices or renewable energy source devices that are subject to tangible personal property tax, to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit the consideration of the installation of such devices in determining the assessed value of residential and nonresidential real property for the purpose of ad valorem taxation, and to provide effective and expiration dates.”

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONTINUED What it does: Through Amendment 4, Sections 3 and 4 of Article VII would be altered to permit the Florida Legislature to exempt taxation on solar and renewable energy devices that would otherwise fall under the tangible property tax bracket.

As a result, Amendment 4 would allow Florida businesses to invest more in their solar-related products and services to provide to Floridians.

Pro: Florida is famous for its moniker as the “Sunshine State,” and those in support of the amendment make the case that approval will give property owners the opportunity to install solar devices and contribute to the growth of renewable energy in Florida without the burden of additional taxes being placed on their property. Those in favor of the Amendment maintain the impact will also allow businesses (at least those that own property) to invest in solar installations, which will have several indirect benefits for consumers, tourists, and others throughout the state.

Con: Those opposing the ballot measure claim property subject to taxation should be treated consistently and objectively. With respect to a concept such as property tax rates and exemptions – the better solution would be to have rates set at as low as possible for all taxpayers, rather than disparate treatment. Installing solar panels is an expensive project, and consequently, the benefits of the tax exemption would be felt for the most part by the wealthiest property owners, creating more of a regressive effect on the property tax system.

Amendment 5 Homestead Tax Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-Income, Long-Term Residents; Determination of Just Value Ballot Language: “A joint resolution proposing an amendment to Section 6 of Article VII and the creation of a new section in Article XII of the State Constitution to revise the homestead tax exemption that may be granted by counties or municipalities, if authorized by general law, for the assessed value of property with a just value less than $250,000 and owned by persons age 65 or older who meet certain residence and income requirements to specify that just value shall be determined

in the first tax year that the owner applies and is eligible for the exemption and to provide retroactive applicability and an effective date.”

What it does: The proposed Amendment would empower counties and municipalities to grant homestead tax exemptions to home owners age 65 or older. Residents would also be required to meet certain income requirements to show just value in determining tax exemption status. If passed, the Amendment would take effect January 1st, 2017.

Pro: The passage of Amendment 5 would, under general law, empower counties and municipalities to grant a tax exemption to home owners ages 65 or older who’s home value does not exceed $250,000, income does not surpass $20,000, and who’s time in residence is longer than 25 years in the home.

This would provide for lower income senior citizens, who (typically) no longer have the ability to work 40 hours a week, to receive a tax break and keep more of their own money for their personal needs, whether that be for necessary medicine, healthcare, or time with grandchildren on the weekends. The second positive impact the passing of the Amendment would bring is a tax rebate for public schools. Most senior citizens do not utilize the public school system and as such, this property tax relief would act as a rebate for those citizens.

Con: Opponents of the Amendment claim property tax relief for certain citizens, regardless of age, separates rate payers unfairly based simply on age and length of occupation in the home. Opponents claim all taxpayers should be treated consistently and objectively with respect to taxation. With respect to a concept such as property tax rates and exemptions – the better solution would be to have rates set at as low as possible for all taxpayers, rather than disparate treatment dependent upon categories such as age, income, and length of time residing in a home.

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