Chamber Trends - October 2017

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET EVERY TUESDAY AT THE SHOPS OF SURFSIDE YEAR ROUND 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET AT CLUB SQUARE EVERY SATURDAY 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

October 2017

OCTOBER 2017 OCTOBER 3 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 2378 SURFSIDE BOULEVARD, STE A133, CAPE CORAL, FL OCTOBER 11 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON OVERTIME PIZZERIA & SPORTS PUB 1708 CAPE CORAL PARKWAY W, UNIT 1, CAPE CORAL, FL OCTOBER 18 | 5:30 PM POLITICAL MYTHBUSTERS CANDIDATES FORUM CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB 5819 DRIFTWOOD PARKWAY, CAPE CORAL, FL OCTOBER 19 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM BUSINESS AFTER HOURS HOSTED BY CORALINA APARTMENTS EVENT LOCATION AT BEEF O’BRADY’S 3015 SW PINE ISLAND ROAD, STE 101, CAPE CORAL, FL OCTOBER 27 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM NETWORKING AT NOON REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CAPE CORAL 2629 DEL PRADO BOULEVARD, 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 Annette Siner Special Events Director annette@capecoralchamber.com Michelle Cherwaty Membership Sales Director michelle@capecoralchamber.com Doug Clark Membership Sales doug@capecoralchamber.com Laura Koehn Membership Services Director laura@capecoralchamber.com

CAPE CORAL FARMERS MARKET DOWNTOWN CLUB SQUARE OPEN SATURDAYS FROM 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Lori Marlowe Welcome Center Specialist lori@capecoralchamber.com

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

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

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR REPORT POST-IRMA Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Coop 2017 Chamber Chair

On Sept. 10, Southwest Florida was hit by Hurricane Irma, a Category 3 storm that ripped off roofs, uprooted trees, flooded coastal cities in the state and knocked out power to almost 7 million statewide. Hurricane Irma was the strongest hurricane the National Hurricane Center ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

Now that Hurricane Irma is behind us, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that the storm did not cause the kind of damage to Cape Coral that we had prepared for. Instead, we can reflect on our many blessings as we extend our support and sympathy to the other communities in Florida that did not fare as well. We also hold the people of Texas and Puerto Rico in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Harvey and Maria.

The way the Cape Coral community pulled together before, during and after this storm was astounding. The Chamber is very proud of our community and the way everyone has come together to help and support one another. Friends, neighbors, and complete strangers joined together to help each other. Many corporate citizens donated significantly to Irma relief efforts. Law enforcement, first responders and direct service providers quickly jumped into action to protect and serve. Utility providers from all over the country immediately began restoring power to the homes and businesses that were in the dark after Irma’s wrath. And, United Way, Cape Coral Caring Center and other agencies coordinated efforts to assist those requiring assistance.

The important thing to remember is that there were plenty of people in need in our community before Hurricane Irma, and there will be plenty of people in need long after our region recovers from the storm. Supporting the United Way Network of human services means that United Way Partner Agencies will not only be prepared for the next regional disaster, but also that they are equipped to handle the day-to-day human services needs in our community.

Since Hurricane Irma, the number of families seeking daily assistance from the Cape Coral Caring Center has more than tripled. The Cape Coral Caring Center serves as a food pantry for those in need. Executive Director Julie Ferguson is concerned supplies will run out, and that plans to feed 600+ families over the holidays could be impacted because that food is being used now. For a list of what’s needed or to make an online donation, go to: www.capecoralcaringcenter.org/how-you-can-help.html

Chair Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Coop.

Chair-Elect Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies Treasurer Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising Past Chair Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc Financial Advisor Tony Constantino, Constantino, Nelson and Werlin Barb Adams Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLC Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral Matthew Connar, Boost Creative Angela Davis, Merrill Lynch Diane Everhart, Blue Chip Financial Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers Tom Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Bill Jacob, CenturyLink Bill Johnson, Jr, Cape Coral Construction Industry Assoc Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc 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, South Cape Hospitality Entertainment Assoc Don Schnell, Regions Bank Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center

TRUSTEES Bonnie Brett, Cape Coral Charter School Brandon Deaver, B-2 Technoloy Solutions Lissa Craig Ford, The News-Press Rana Erbrick, City of Cape Coral Keith Lewis, All Power Electric & AC Mike Noone, Goldberg, Racilla, D’Alessandro & Noone, LLC David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co. Steve Sanabria, The Westin Cape Coral Sarah Sheffield, Massage Envy Molly Wright, Suncoast Beverage

CHAMBER STAFF Donna S. Germain, President Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director Annette Siner, Special Events Director Michelle Cherwaty, Membership Sales Director Doug Clark, Membership Sales Laura Koehn, Membership Services Director Lori Marlow, Welcome Center Specialist

CHAIR REPORT CONTINUED

If your business is in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Chamber for guidance. The U.S. Small Business Administration has disaster recovery loans available. Businesses of all sizes can apply for a physical disaster loan from the SBA to repair/ replace damaged real estate, equipment, inventory or fixtures.

More information about the SBA Disaster Recovery Loans can be found at https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance. For additional resources that are available to aid Florida’s business community

Diamond Member Lee Health P.O. Box 2218, Fort Myers, FL 33902

Lee County Electric Cooperative 4980 Bayline Dr, North Fort Myers, FL 33917

visit www.FloridaChamber.com/Hurricane.

This is also a good time to review and update your business continuity and disaster recovery plans. The goal is to go from business interruption to business as usual as soon as possible. After any crisis, a business continuity and disaster recovery plan should be revisited with an honest appraisal of what worked and what didn’t. By assessing and analyzing, along with regular reviews and testing, plans can continue to improve and evolve.

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

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

Gunterberg Charitable Foundation 1350 Park Road, Lancaster PA 17601

2 weeks FREE

digital subscription trial

Offer Expires 12/31/1.

REGISTER TODAY AT:

news-press com/free

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

CHAMBER TRENDS New Trustees 2018: Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, Donna S. Germain Brandon Deaver, B2 Solutions, Denise Perchall, Access Point President/CEO HR, Leigh Strand, Brand 1 Ink, Louise Herbert, Done by Droc, Molly Scott, Chris Tel Construction, Steve Scudder, 5/3 Bank, At the July and September Chamber Tami Coalwell, I Edit Web, Tim Hennessy, Comcast, Yoselyn of Commerce of Cape Coral Board Hollow, RE/MAX Realty Meetings respectively, the Chamber’s Nomination Committee held the Chairman Emeritus: Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders 2018 elections for Board Members and Chairman Emeritus and then 2018 Chamber Officers: Chairman, Joseph Francioni, Trustees and Officers.

The Smart Companies, Chair Elect, Bill Jacob, CenturyLink, Treasurer, Matt Connar, Boost Creative, Immediate Past Chair, More than 20 applications were reviewed by the committee Trish Lassiter, LCEC. with the final recommendations voted on by the 2017 Board Members. Recommendations made by the nomination These volunteer leaders are required to attend bi-monthly committee are based on industry, involvement and board meetings, networking events and serve on committees. participation in the Chamber Leadership Cape Coral programs. For most, a minimum of 5 to 10 hours per month is normal.

However, a few give much more. The board meets the last Congratulations to the following applicants who were Tuesday of each odd number month (ex: January, March, May, selected to sit on the 2018 Board of Directors. etc.) at 7:30 am. Directors are committed to 3 year terms and Trustees are committed to 1 year terms.

New Board Members 2018: Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral, Joseph Francioni, Storm Smart, Keith Lewis, All Power We truly appreciate their commitment, as the Chamber AC, Kim Morris, Jones, Haber, Rollings, Lisa Craig Ford, The would only be able to accomplish one-half of what it does News-Press, Sarah Sheffield, Massage Envy, Steve Sanabria, without volunteers.

The Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village, Tony Constantino, Constantino, Nelson, Werline, Trish Lassiter, LCEC, Kevin The 2017 Nomination Committee included with Joseph McNamara, Cape Style Magazine, Molly Wright, Suncoast Francioni as the Chairman and members Trish Lassiter, Brett Beverage. Existing Board Members 2018: Ed Bolter, Lamar Bisbe, Mike Quaintance, Bill Johnson, Jr and Dusty Shelton.

Advertising, Brett Bisbe, B2 Solutions, Inc, Angela Davis, Merrill Lynch, Barb Adams, Individual, Jay Johnson, Bubba’s If you have any questions, please contact me at (239) 549Roadhouse and Saloon, Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida, 6900 ext. 107 or donna@capecoralchamber.com.

Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services, Bill Jacob, CenturyLink, Bill Johnson, Jr, CCCIA, Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers, Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center, Matthew Connar, Boost Creative, Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart NEW CHAMBER LEADERS

&ș1Ȝ,Ȝ$Ȭ(ȫ 5ȫ9Ȩ Ȋ ȑ Ȍ ȅ ȑ Ȉ (Ȱ7 Ȉ 7Ƞ$Ȧ. <ȧ8 7ȧ 2ȭ5 6Ȩ2Ȧ6ȧ5ȫ

RIBBON CUTTINGS

SUPER CUTS 1751 NE PINE ISLAND RD #2 (239) 458-9888

Whether your a new or existing member, dont miss your opportunty to promote your business thru a Ribbon Cutting.

For more information or to schedule your date, contact Laura Koehn Membership Services Director at (239) 549-6900

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Thank you to our September 21st Business After Hours host, Tim Hauck and Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services for another great networking opportunity for our chamber members.

You can also host a Business After Hours event at your business. Call Membership Director, Michelle Cherwaty at (239) 549-6900 to reserve your date.

AUGUST NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW MEMBERS

RENEWALS

BRYANT GRAY CLEANING SERVICES Bryant Gray

A-1 Shelters Inc Member Since: 09/01/1991

COLLIER COUNTY HONOR FLIGHT Cindy McCue

Allstate-David Schuman Insurance Agency Member Since: 07/08/2011

DAVE BYRON MUSIC Dave Byron DIRECT AUTO & LIFE INSURANCE/2 Steven Ward FAMILY OF FAITH PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE Christine Mosley GRAND VILLA OF FORT MYERS Tammy McCray

Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center Member Since: 09/21/2015 Andrew Barnette & Associates, CPAs Member Since: 08/01/1992 Cairn Park Memory Care Home Member Since: 08/23/2016 Cambio Dermatology Member Since: 09/19/2007

INDIVIDUAL - DEBRA CHANG LAWYER NICK, PLLC

Cape Christian Fellowship Member Since: 09/29/2006

MAXIMUM PEST CONTROL, INC David Markovits

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

OFFICE DEPOT Jill Diettrick

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

SALON SUITES Gene White

CenturyLink Member Since: 09/01/1991

THE MOBILE MINISTER, LLC Nicholas Zurawskyj

Duffy’s of Cape Coral Member Since: 08/19/2015

VANGUARD CLEANING SYSTEMS OF SW FLORIDA Mike Dickson

Edible Arrangements Member Since: 09/01/2016

WALL HOMES Kimberly Howard

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER!

Edward Jones - John T. Evans Member Since: 09/27/2010 The Foundation For Lee County Public Schools Member Since: 09/20/2005

Gulfshore Business Member Since: 06/20/2008

Sanibel Outlets Member Since: 08/22/2003

HBK Sorce Financial, LLC Member Since: 05/16/2007

Sea Tow Member Since: 05/25/2000

Ida S. Baker High School Member Since: 09/01/2009

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

J & K Trucking and Transport LLC Member Since: 09/13/2016 J.J. Taylor Companies Member Since: 08/24/2015 Jet’s Pizza Member Since: 09/23/2016 La Corte Bistro Member Since: 09/02/2016 Lamar Advertising Member Since: 07/15/2008 Merits Health Products, Inc Member Since: 09/16/2011 MYCO Business Systems Member Since: 09/26/2014 Napa Auto Care Center Member Since: 08/21/2009 Oasis Charter Elementary School Member Since: 02/10/2006 Pavese Law Firm, LLP Member Since: 09/01/1991 Phil Deems Real Estate Member Since: 08/01/1990 Reef Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Member Since: 09/26/2016 Sam’s Club Member Since: 09/17/2014

Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market Member Since: 05/23/2016 Wicked Dolphin Rum Member Since: 08/23/2013 Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center Member Since: 07/01/1991

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RENEWALS! For Membership Benefits Contact a member of our Sales Team Michelle Cherwaty Membership Sales Director michelle@capecoralchamber.com Doug Clark Membership Sales doug@capecoralchamber.com Laura Koehn Membership Services Director laura@capecoralchamber.com

DECEMBER 2, 2017 Cape Coral Parkway 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM SPONSORS/VENDORS AVAILABLE

SPONSORSHIPS | FOOD VENDORS | CRAFT VENDORS www.HolidayFestivalCC.com

LCEC – your cooperative

empowers you!

7 i ÊÞ ÕÊ>ÀiÊ> Ê

ÊVÕÃÌ iÀ]ÊÞ ÕÊLi }ÊÌ Ê iÊ vÊÌ iÊ >À}iÃÌÊ Ì v À «À wÌÊ i iVÌÀ VÊV «iÀ>Ì ÛiÃÊ ÊÌ iÊ >Ì °Ê ÛiÀ i`ÊLÞÊVÕÃÌ iÀÃ]ÊÜiÊ>ÀiÊV ÌÌi`ÊÌ Ê `i ÛiÀ }ÊÀi >L iÊ> `ÊV ÃÌÊV «iÌ Ì ÛiÊi iVÌÀ V ÌÞ°Ê

Financial Strength

Reliability

UÊ

UÊ > Ì> }Ên]äääÊ iÃÊ vÊ« ÜiÀÊ iÃÊ Þi>À À Õ `

UÊ *À Õ` ÞÊÃiÀÛ }Ê VÕÃÌ iÀÃÊÃ ViÊ £ {ä

UÊ ,iÌÕÀ i`ÊfÓÓäÊ Ê UÊ " V> ÊÓ{Ê ÕÀÃÊ>Ê ÊiµÕ ÌÞÊ ÛiÀÊÌ iÊ `>Þ]ÊÇÊ`>ÞÃÊ>ÊÜii ]Ê ÎÈxÊ`>ÞÃÊ>ÊÞi>À Þi>ÀÃ

UÊ " iÊ vÊ ÞÊ Ã ÝÊCenters of ExcellenceÊ ÊÌ iÊ ÕÌ ÌÞÊ `ÕÃÌÀÞ

ÊÀ>ÌiÊ VÀi>ÃiÊ v ÀÊà ÝÊÞi>ÀðÊ,>ÌiÊ `iVÀi>ÃiÊ ÊÓä£{IÊ

Quality Service

Community

UÊ / «ÊÌi Ê1 Ìi`Ê7>ÞÊ i « ÞiiÊV ÌÀ LÕÌ ÀÊ > `ÊV Õ ÌÞÊ «>ÀÌ iÀ UÊ « ÞiiÃÊÛ Õ ÌiiÀÊ ÀiÊÌ > Êx]äääÊ ÕÀÃÊ> Õ> Þ

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

www.lcec.net

UNIVERSITY TRENDS

knowledge and skill development.

DEVELOPING BUSINESS SKILLS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL For knowledge and skill enhancement to be effective the SUCCESS Mike “Q” Quaintance, MBA, CCE Keiser University, Fort Myers Campus Business and Hospitality Department Chair

Most of us would ascribe to the notion that workforce development is essential for a competitive organization, but how many of us actually contemplate what that means? The U.S. Department of Labor suggests that the essential skills for success in the workplace are: • Resource management skills • Information management skills • Personal interaction skills • Systems behavior and performance skills • Technology utilization skills

employee must accept responsibility for their own behavior, actions, and learning. There needs to be some accountability and measurement of levels of success. A group or an organization cannot learn for its individual members.

Second, each employee must actively participate in the individual or group-structured activities. In a group setting participation is very important in the knowledge enhancement process and the skill development process. Everyone has different interpretations and experiences which contribute to group and organizational knowledge, especially in our diverse world. In group settings is where much of the self-correcting benefits are reaped.

Third, each employee must be open to new information, new skills, new ideas, and experimentation. This requires an open attitude that is accepting of change, which is derived through the As we contemplate what this means for each of our organizations, learning process. resource management skills might relate to time management skills, or managing physical waste. If we are pondering what information A well-structured knowledge and skill development program management skills are referring to, we might be considering data takes time and money to develop, but can have significant positive interpretation skills or critical thinking skills. Personal interaction impacts on organizational behavior by creating more fulfilled skills might have one thinking about how our team members work employees and groups. I often hear business owner complain and play together. Systems behavior and performance skills may about the cost to develop knowledge, but consider this. What is have us contemplating cause and effect relationships. Technology the costs of employees who are not motivated? What is the cost of utilization skills such as troubleshooting or leveraging technology. employees missing work? What is the cost of employee turnover?

All of these skills are important and have a direct impact on our What is the cost of poor customer service? Perhaps these costs do decision-making, which influences our organizations. not show up on our financial statements as line item expenses, but I want to assure you that they exist.

We know that objective knowledge acquisition and skill development are interrelated. The process for learning can include A few final questions, the Association for Talent Development structured or experiential activities as an individual or group. The compiled its 2016 State of the Industry Report based on what process works like this, the employee engages in an individual or organizations spent on training and development per employee group-structured activity and systematically reviews that activity, in 2015. The dollar amount was $1,252 per employee. Where do which leads to new or modified knowledge. If learning and skill you fall compared to this national statistic? What percent of your development occurs this way, a self-correcting element to learning annual budget is dedicated to training and development? occurs through the modification of the employee knowledge and skills over time. Key to these knowledge acquisition and As always, if you have questions or comments please e-mail skill development efforts is the individual employee. Employees mquaintance@keiseruniversity.edu or call me at (239) 277-1336. need to be a willing participants and vessels in the acquisition of

Could your business use a little more loyalty?

l a y o L

We’ll help you turn new customers into brand advocates.

No one knows Southwest Florida better than The News-Press Media Group. From brands to customers, we connect more audiences, in more places, in more ways with the right mix of marketing.

But it’s more than having the right tools; it’s knowing how to use them. We’ll help you stay ahead of what’s trending for the best ways to build your business.

CALL EMAIL VISIT

239.335.0520 advertising@news-press.com marketingstrategies.news-press.com

We Know Marketing.

We deliver reliable electricity at the lowest price possible. We aren’t in business to make a profit. We work to wow you!

Bringing you WOW since 1940.

www.lcec.net 239-656-2300

MEET THE CHAMBER STAFF MICHELLE CHERWATY Membership Sales Director

Michelle Cherwaty is originally from Newark, Delaware and moved to Cape Coral in 2005.

She lives with her fiancé Jake, and her four children, ages 18, 14, 12 and 4. Passionate about personal health and fitness, Michelle became certified to teach Children and Family yoga in 2015, with aspirations to earn her RYS 200 hour Yoga teaching certification in the future (when she can find the time!).

Michelle was employed with The News Press, working in the advertising department. During her two years at The News Press, she earned her Google Analytics Certification, as well as a Social Media Practitioner Certification.

Michelle’s goals with the Chamber is to introduce prospects to the benefits of membership with the Chamber of Commerce Cape Coral, promote members and their businesses, and to maintain a positive experience for all current and prospective members.

Please reach out to Michelle any time if you are interested in hosting an event, if you have any membership questions, sales inquiries, or are interested in advertising in the Welcome Center/ Chamber Lobby.

Michelle Cherwaty Michelle comes from a background in the hospitality industry, Membership Sales Director with 16 years’ experience in the field. During that time, she (239) 549-6900 x110 helped organized special events including weddings, receptions, michelle@capecoralchamber.com promotions, and corporate luncheons. Prior to the Chamber,

HOST A NETWORKING EVENT IN 2018 Business Card Exchange Networking at Noon

Business After Hours

For the early birds, the Business Card Exchange is designed for those who cannot get away midday or for those looking for the extra early morning networking from 7:30am. You will find members passionate about networking the first Tuesday of each month at the Business Card Exchange Networking Event.

Join your fellow Chamber members for the Business After Hours Networking Event from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Enjoy the opportunity to network with 100+ members. We always have networking activities, great giveaways and sponsorship opportunities to expose your business.

Join your fellow Chamber members the forth Friday of each month from 12:00pm - 1:00pm for Networking at Noon. Enjoy the opportunity to network with other chamber members and potential customers during the lunch hour.

We are now reserving hosts for networking events in 2018. To reserve your date or for questions regarding each of these opportunties, contact Michelle Cherwaty, Membership Sales Director at (239) 549-6900 x110 or michelle@capecoralchamber.com

HEALTHY TRENDS

and helps us understand how to deal with short lived pressure.

HURRICANE VERSUS When life is such that stress is never ending, that is when people TORNADO INDUCED STRESS become ill. We do live in a 24x7x365 world and as such we do not often leave enough time for relaxation. We are most often not Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. System Medical Director of Wellness and intentional about de-stressing. We are more often mindless on Employee Health, Lee Health how we deal with stress and do not even realize how it is affecting us until significant damage occurs.

In the past I have written about the health implications of acute The point of this article is to help us all be mindful of the types versus chronic stress. A good of stress which affect us on a daily basis; and, then to develop an example is the stress caused action plan to better deal with the stresses in life. As mentioned, by the immediate result of a becoming mindful of stress is the first part of the action plan. You tornado versus the chronic stress caused by waiting for and then have to initially be aware of what is stressing you in order to deal dealing with the effects of a hurricane. We know that acute stress with it more healthfully. There are many situations in which the affects the immune system in a way very different from what the stress is not that significant; yet, a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction to the stress body experiences with chronic stress. In most cases, someone is inappropriately severe. One example is when you are driving experiencing a tornado does not know what is going to happen until in the car and someone cuts you off. You can respond by sending the tornado touches down and the sirens start to warn people to get them thoughts to bless them or you can respond the way many into a shelter. Adrenaline surges, blood pressure elevates, and the people do by sending ugly gestures which internally affect your body and brain prepare for this emergency which is usually short own health in a negative way. At this point you are mindful of lived. This is the typical fight-or-flight reaction which in essence the stressor and aware of your reaction. Now you can question if is a survival mechanism. In centuries past, humans counted on your reaction is appropriate and ask yourself how your reaction is the fight-or-flight defense mechanism to run from a saber-tooth affecting your health. If your reaction is not appropriate, you can tiger or to deal with another life threatening emergency. All of work to change your behavior in order to lower your overall stress the bodily functions divert to life saving physiologic functions such level. This can be done by meditation, yoga, prayer, deep breathing as speeding up the heart, dilating the eyes for better vision and exercises to name a few. sending more blood to the muscles rather than the digestive tract.

Who needs to work on digesting food when you might become You can also work with a wellness coach, a psychologist or a food for another animal? mental health counselor in order to create an action plan which In contrast, while we wait for a hurricane to arrive, chronic changes in physiologic function over time can become maladaptive. The stress hormone cortisol elevates at the beginning of the stressful period and does not quickly come back to normal. The same is true for the heart rate, blood pressure, level of glucose and adrenaline in the blood all leading to persistent changes which increase the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure and more.

Life in general is often similar to the changes which come about as a result of either a tornado or a hurricane. Acute stress is physiologically beneficial. It also teaches us about ourselves

is effective for you. Our latest experience with Hurricane Irma can teach us a lot about stress as mentioned above. We also need to be prepared for the stresses in life so we can deal with them effectively so that they will not have a significantly negative effect on our health. Stay well my friends and please send comments and questions to Dr.Sal@LeeHealth.org

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL September proved to be a somewhat challenging month for our Leadership Cape Coral program with the unexpected arrival of Hurricane Irma, but our amazing 2017 class made the best of the situation and are anticipating the make-up days for Media Day, Infrastructure Day and Healthcare Day that will follow in the coming weeks.

The class did however get to participate in Real Estate and Construction Day on September 26 and were genuinely happy to be back together as a class.

lunch sponsored by Castellanos and Tramonte Architects, the class assisted with a Habitat For Humanity rehab project as well as yard debris pick up from Hurricane Irma.

Through the coming weeks, the class will learn about Healthcare in our community, Public Safety and City Government, Arts and Entertainment in our community, infrastructure and much more. Thank you to all of our day chairs thus far; Rob Iafrate, Amanda Conder, Art Castellanos, Joe Mazurkiewicz, Mike Quaintance, Richard Leon, Rob Iafrate, Reggie McKinnon, Nancy McPhee, Julie Ferguson, Amanda Condor, and a special thank you to our program chairs DeAnna Rivera and Sarah Sheffield and our Co-Chairs Aaron Egler and Dusty Shelton.

On Real Estate and Construction Day, the class learned the ins and outs of construction, permitting, development and Real Estate in our community. They met with local officials including Vince Cautero, DCD Director, Amy Yearsley from the Cape Coral Planning Department, Dana Brunett, Cape Coral Thank you to our annual sponsors who make this program EDO Manager and Bill Johnson, Jr, Executive Director/CEO of the possible. The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation, LCEC, The Cape Coral Construction Industry Association and Joe Bonora, News-Press, The Cape Coral Community Foundation, The Managing Director Aileron Capital Management. Following Aubuchon Team of Companies and BJM Consulting.

Chamber Trends Monthly Advertising Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00 Business Card $117.00 All ads include a hyperlink to your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website Non-profit organizations receive 2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership

Chamber Trends Weekly Advertsing Press Release $25 Banner Advertising $50/month Runs 4x, includes a hyperlink to your website or document E-mail Blast Business Spotlight $199 Business Spotlight will run 2x throught the month of your choice

Website Advertising Leaderboard $100/month Internal Banner $80/month All banners include a hyperlink to your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website For More Information, Contact Stephanie Roberson (239) 699-8442 (or) stephanie@capecoralchamber.com

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