September 2015

Trends Chamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2015 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB GUEST SPEAKER DENNIE HAMILTON, CEO LCEC

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

SEPTEMBER 2015

JOIN US FOR THE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SEPTEMBER 17, BOWLAND 5:30 PM NETWORKING AT NOON HOSTED BY ABUSE COUNSELING CENTER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 AT ANTHONY’S ON THE BOULEVARD 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

A Family of Senior Living Options

Are You Smarter Than A Politician?

Candidates Forum Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Gulf Coast Village 1333 Santa Barbara Boulevard Cape Coral, Florida 33991 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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Contact Lyz Crouthamel at 549-6900 ext. 107 for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2015 Publisher & Editor Donna Schuman-Germain President/CEO donna@capecoralchamber.com Contributing Editors Stephanie Roberson Technology Director stephanie@capecoralchamber.com Claudia St. Onge Business Manager cso@capecoralchamber.com Matt Lamb Membership Director matt@capecoralchamber.com Annette Siner Membership Sales annette@capecoralchamber.com Melanie Lempke Administrative Generalist melanie@capecoralchamber.com Lyz Crouthamel Special Events Director Lyz@capecoralchamber.com Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910 2051 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH DENNIE HAMILTON, CEO, LCEC CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB 5819 DRIFTWOOD PARKWAY CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS BOWLAND 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 NETWORKING AT NOON HOSTED BY ABUSE COUNSELING CENTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF CAPE CORAL 2051 CAPE CORAL PARKWAY EAST CAPE CORAL, FL 33904 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE VETERANS PARKWAY AND SURFSIDE BLVD. CAPE CORAL, FL 33914 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE VISIT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER TRENDS GET OUT AND VOTE Donna S. Germain President

O

n September 15, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your city by voting in the primary election for the City of Cape Coral.

Voters will vote on the candidates for Council Districts 2, 3, 5, and 7 that will go onto the General Election on November 3. This is a non-partisan election.

We would like to encourage all of our members to become educated voters. Throughout the election season, there will be several opportunities to attend candidate’s forums and other events. These are the people that will be deciding the future of our city. You owe it to yourself, your business and your community to learn the issues and learn where each candidate stands on them.

Prior to the general election in November, the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral will be hosting the 2015 “Are You Smarter Than A Politician?”

Candidates Forum on October 7 at Gulf Coast Village.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to educate yourselves and meet the candidates. This event is free and open to the public and we encourage all of you to attend. Thank you to our sponsors for this event, Gulf Coast Village, Lamar Advertising, High Fidelity Studios and LCEC.

For more information on becoming a sponsor for this event, please contact Lyz Crouthamel at 5496900 ext 111 or email her at Lyz@capecoralchamber. com.

We also encourage you to visit www.votecapecoral.com Some of your fellow chamber members and Cape Coral businesses on this site are giving you special offers on election days for both the primary and general elections. All you need to do is show up at their place of business wearing an “I voted” sticker from your polling place. Click on the link above to see what some of the special offers are.

We look forward to seeing you all there and remember to VOTE on September 15 and November 3!

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

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

TRUSTEES

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

CHAMBER STAFF

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

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

JULY NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS NEW MEMBERS

York Road Marine Tom Papesh

AA Temperature Services, Inc Janet Gentry

RENEWALS

Culver’s Of Cape Coral Pine Island Rd. LaVonne Daveler

Allstate-Kevin Schuman Insurance Agency Member Since: 07/06/2011

Denise Wright CPA Denise Wright

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Member Since: 07/19/2006

Gavin’s Ace Hardware John Gavin

Batteries Plus Member Since: 08/21/2014

Mullins Memorial Funeral Culver’s Of Cape Coral Home & Cremation Member Since: 08/27/2014 Service, Inc Florida Cooling Solutions, Member Since: 10/31/2011 Inc. Member Since: 06/09/2005 Oasis Charter Elementary School Ford’s Garage Cape Coral Member Since: 02/10/2006 Member Since: 07/29/2013 Realty World - Florida Member Since: 12/29/2006 Head Case Salon Member Since: 07/09/2012 Schuman Family Insurance Holiday Inn - Fort Myers Member Since: 05/16/2013 Downtown The News-Press Member Since: 07/11/2014 Member Since: 07/01/1990 Jackson PR Member Since: 02/14/2012 Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center Junior Achievement of Member Since: 07/01/1991 Southwest Florida, Inc Member Since: 08/03/2005 THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP! Kinetic Thoughts LLC Member Since: 01/28/2010

Health Planning Council of Best Western Airport Inn Southwest Florida, Inc. Member Since: 07/11/2014 Christina Teague Blind Gallery Hi-Def Printing Member Since: 10/05/2011 Benjamin Kiesinger Cape Dental Care JJ Home Watch Services Member Since: 08/05/2010 Jesus Del Rio Century 21 Selling Paradise Tidy Tammy’s Cleaning Member Since: 07/18/2012 Matteo Graphics Service Member Since: 05/25/2011 Tammy Ramos Costco Member Since: 05/14/2007 Men’s Rights Law Firm Water City Grill Member Since: 10/06/2008 Mackenzie Baird

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Blaze Bistro 2612 Santa Barbara Blvd, Unit #12 Cape Coral, 33914 www.blazebistro.com (239) 800-2517

Florida Future Realty, Inc. 804 Nicholas Pkwy E, Ste 3 Cape Coral, 33990 (239) 542-8521 www.findcapecoralrealestate.com

Just Brakes 1820 Del Prado Blvd. S. Cape Coral, 33990 www.justbrakes.com (239) 214-6911

Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office 1039 SE 9th Place Cape Coral, 33990 (239) 533-8683 www.leeelections.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Red Headed Witches 1910 Del Prado Blvd S. Cape Coral, 33990 (239) 573-6566 www.redheadedwitches.com

Zotter Chocolates US www.zotterusa.com (239) 214-7883 1020 N.E. Pine Island Rd., Unit 302 Cape Coral, 33909

The Wellness Center of Cape Coral 609 S.E. 13th Ct Cape Coral, 33990 (239) 573-4500 www.leememorial.org/wellness/index.asp

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HEALTHY TRENDS

GIVING CREDIT

Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O. Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

A

s a lifelong learner, I love to read and when I read something helpful, I like to pass it on and give credit to the kind person who provided this information. I usually read two or three books at one time and currently I am finishing “Brain Maker” by Dr. David Perlmutter and “The Blue Zones Solutions”

by Dan Buettner. Since I am tremendously interested in how nutrition affects health, I would like to share, while giving credit to the authors, some of the information in these books. I also encourage the readers of this article to read both books.

As many of you might know, the “Blue Zones” are areas in the world where there are more people in their 100’s than any place else. If you visit Costa Rica, Loma Linda, Sardinia, Ikaria and Okinawa, you will meet some of these amazing people and you can talk with them directly about the secrets to longevity. As Dan Buettner details in his book, the secret to longevity is in the lifestyles they lead and even though these folks live miles apart, they have many things in common such as the foods they eat, the activity they get daily, the stress they are able to minimize or tolerate well, the social support they enjoy and the sense of belonging they have in their community which allows them to be able to be productive participants in the family and in the community.

The common thread regarding their nutrition is that they eat real food. Many of these folks grow their own produce. They eat the proper amount of calories and do not overdo it with meat and dairy. They enjoy their food in the company of family and friends; and they do not eat processed or fast foods. At least in the past there have been no fast food restaurants in these places.

Physical activity is part of everyday life. They do not go to the gym but their lives require movement and daily physical work which keeps them in good shape physically and mentally. Yes, research has shown that physical activity improves brain function, lessens depression and lowers the risk of dementia. The social support these fortunate people have significantly contributes to their longevity since they do not stress out about who is going to care for them as they get old and sick. They are comforted knowing they belong to a family and a community that looks out for them and helps them cope with the realities of growing older. The interesting thing about these areas is that the degree of chronic illness and cancer is significantly lower than in more developed areas. I use the word developed in jest since many of the advances that have occurred in other areas of the world (non-Blue Zones if you will) have lead to more disease, cancer, decreased quality of life and earlier death so it is hard to believe this is progress!

An interesting statement made in the Blue Zones book is that the environment in which these people live supports good health. They do not have to struggle against the environment to stay healthy. Think about how we in America struggle against an environment that is filled with so much processed food, toxins in the air, water and food; chemicals in almost every part of our lives, stress which comes at us from all angles, and in many families and communities, lack of social support. When communities are designed to make staying healthy easy, people live longer. That

is a fact! And this is why it is important for us to make healthy food accessible and affordable to all, to ensure that our children are being fed healthy food in school and at home, that our communities are filled with bike paths, parks and other recreational areas and that we continually help one another learn how to stay healthy to avoid disease. It does take a village to raise a healthy child and we also need controls to limit the advertising of junk food to kids and to ensure that schools are able to provide healthy food. When kids and adults eat healthier foods, their brains develop and stay healthier and this has many downstream benefits for individuals and the community.

In Dr. Perlmutter’s book “Brain Maker,” he explains how nutrition affects the function of the brain and how the health of the GI tract significantly influences brain function. He describes in detail the microbiome and explains how gut bacteria are very important in overall health. He discusses the health of kids born vaginally in comparison to c-section, breast fed and not given too many antibiotics. These are all things that influence the microbiome and therefore, the overall health of the individual. A vaginal delivery causes the child’s GI tract to become populated with healthy bacteria. Breast feeding delivers important antibodies to the child which strengthens his/her immune system from the start. Limiting antibodies helps keep healthy bacteria in the GI tract and helps avoid the growth of harmful pathogenic bacteria. I enjoyed reading the section on prebiotics which are fiber foods that we eat to essentially function as food for the gut bacteria. Probiotics help the normal gut bacteria to live and populate the GI tract. The reader is even given a list of natural prebiotics including Jerusalem artichoke, raw dandelion greens, cooked onions, raw garlic and asparagus. By including these foods in our diet we can help the microbiome stay healthy. This helps avoid the leaky gut syndrome which we know contributes to many health problems including decreased brain function.

I also like the way he explains the mechanism of inflammation and how this is the common denominator in all chronic illnesses and many cancers. He details how eating real, unprocessed foods decreases inflammation and how this not only improves GI function but also how it improves the function and health of the brain thereby limiting the risk of dementia as we age. Chapter 4 details the relationship between the bacteria in the GI tract and weight gain. We all know how much of a problem obesity is in the USA and because of this epidemic, we have seen a rise in all chronic illnesses and most cancers. Science has shown that improved nutrition decreases the risk and incidence of all these medical conditions. The first step in avoiding illness is to change what we eat. If you eat the standard American diet, slowly make a change so that you eat more real food, more vegetables and less processed foods. This one change will have direct and lasting effects on all aspects of your health and life. It will allow you to live longer.

You can develop a “Blue Zone” within yourself and within your family by doing these simple things. Taking medicines daily, having operations to cut out cancers, living a poorer quality life and dying earlier than necessary, should not be the way you live the last years of your life. By taking care of yourself, the last years of your life will be spent enjoying vitality, great energy, sharp mental function, productivity and happiness. What more can you ask for (yes, I know – winning the lottery!) but it is more of a sure bet that a quality lifestyle will win you great health and that is worth all the money in the world!

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

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LCEC – your cooperative

empowers you!

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

Financial Strength

Reliability

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

• Maintaining 8,000 miles of power lines year-round

• Proudly serving customers since 1940

• Returned $220 million • On-call 24 hours a in equity over the day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year years

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

Quality Service

Community

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

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

www.lcec.net

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

MORE CAREFULLY NOW Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor

L

ast month we discussed proceeding more carefully as the Cape Coral real estate market continued its steady growth.

It appears that buyers and sellers have 8-31-15 beenTrends heeding this advice.

Real Estate End of Summer Let’sReview take a look at the Cape Coral Last month we discussed proceeding more carefully the how Capethey Coralfit real numbers toassee in estate to the market continued its steady growth. It appears that buyers and sellers have been heeding this advice. current trend. For the three month Let’s take a look at the Cape Coral numbers to seeending how they fit in to the current trend. period 8/31/15: For the three month period ending 8/31/15:

For Sale Sold

June ‘15 July ’15 Aug ‘15 Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes 1318 $315,250 1279 $318,500 1235 $329,750 434 $189,500 389 $197,250 308 $198,000

For Sale Sold

June ’14 July ’15 Aug ‘15 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ 215 $168,000 197 $170,250 193 $179,500 50 $128,250 48 $122,000 36 $125,000

Single Home and Condo inventory continue to decrease while median home and condo prices steadily climb. Although the number of homes Sold dropped, the median price of those Sold has increased slightly showing market stability.

Single Home and Condo inventory continue to decrease while median home andForcondo prices steadily climb.

Although the number Sold Condos Sale followed the trend set by single family homes For Sale of withhomes decreasing inventory while median prices are up. Numbers of condos Sold dipped once again but dropped, the median price of those Sold has increased slightly showing median prices have increased. market stability.

People are still buying (and selling). But, it appears that buyers and sellers are indeed proceeding cautiously.

This time year isset almost always family a bit slow but there Condos For Sale followed theof trend by single homes For also Sale seems to be market hesitancy as the presidential wannabes begin their media auditions. with decreasing inventory while median prices are up. Numbers of condos So, now that the market trend has established itself, what are we going to do about it?

Sold dipped once again but median prices have increased.

Just last week in a class at a local MLS office we learned that the new HUD-1 People are still buying (andchanged selling).to help But,us itall.appears that and Settlement Statements were being One might ask,buyers how? Our fearless Washington leaders have decided to have lenders originate these new forms sellers proceeding cautiously.

Thisthetime of year is almost always rather are thanindeed continuing to let title companies originate old forms. a bit slow butvery there also seems to be market as have the an presidential There are two important consequences that morehesitancy than likely will impact on financed home and condo sales. Any properties purchased with mortgage financing will wannabes their mediastatement auditions. have to usebegin the new settlement forms. These forms must be originated by the lender, not the local title company. Final forms must be distributed to buyer, seller and So, now that the market trend has established itself, what are we going agents no less than three days before closing. Any changes made to the settlement statements will initiate another three day advance before closing. All this takes effect for tocontract do about it? signed after October 30 . The two consequences to all this are longer closing times Just and lastpossible week delays. in a class at a local MLS office we learned that the new HUD-1 Settlement Statements were being changed to help us all. One might ask, how? Our fearless Washington leaders have decided to have lenders originate these new forms rather than continuing to let title companies originate the old forms.

There are two very important consequences that more than likely will have an impact on financed home and condo sales. Any properties purchased with mortgage financing will have to use the new settlement statement forms. These forms must be originated by the lender, not the local title company. Final forms must be distributed to buyer, seller and agents no less than three days before closing. Any changes made to the settlement statements will initiate another three day advance before

closing. All this takes effect for contract signed after October 30th. The two consequences to all this are longer closing times and possible delays.

The long and short of it is that we have been advised to write contracts with 75-day closing dates to allow enough time for the lenders to do everything they have to do. If it is a cash transaction, we can still do everything the old, quick and efficient way.

Imagine this. A couple moving to Cape Coral has their moving van scheduled to arrive on the day of closing so they can move in to their new home. The final walk-through inspection takes place the day before and some issues are noted that need to be fixed or a cash adjustment can be made to accommodate the cost of repairs. A change to the settlement statement to reflect the cash adjustment can be made by calling the lender who originated the form. However, once the requested changes are made, buyer and seller must have the new settlement statement for 3 days before they can close; this will result in the closing delayed, the moving van back to the warehouse and the buyers in a hotel.

60-75 day closings along with other likely negative consequences tells me to recommend cash deals as much as possible to close quickly and more easily.

Like it or not, change is inevitable. Knowing about the changes allows us to prepare for them. Anticipating problems is a step towards avoiding them and also solving them. Using experienced, licensed real estate agents to get you through this minefield is always the best way to Happy Property Hunting or Selling!

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

th

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

At the August General Membership Lunch, the Chamber members were entertained with a dose of Speed Networking. The nearly 100 people in attendance at the lunch got the opportunity to rotate tables and meet 10 new members during each 10 minute rotation.

The Chamber is all about creating new business opportunities and relationships for our members and this annual luncheon gives our members just that. We hope you all enjoyed the lunch and made some great new business connections.

(Top Left) The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral recognized our Membership Development Committee for all of their hard work. For more information on joining the MDC, please contact Annette Siner at 5496900 ext 109.

(Below) Our members enjoy a little speed netowrking at the August General Membership Lunch.

Diamond Member Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Lee Memorial Health System P.O. Box 2218 Fort Myers, FL 33902

CenturyLink Store 2710 Del Prado Blvd. South Cape Coral, FL 33904 LCEC 4980 Bayline Dr North Fort Myers, FL 33917

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

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

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

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

LCEC hasn’t raised electric rates in nearly 5 years!

The increase on your upcoming electric bill is due to a tax imposed by the City of Cape Coral. LCEC customers in Cape Coral will notice a change in their electric bill beginning October 1, 2013. Cape Coral City officials recently levied a public service tax of 7 percent that will be added to monthly electric bills. The new tax will be displayed on your LCEC bill as a separate line item so it can be easily identified.

LCEC is required by law to collect the tax from business and residential customers who purchase electricity in Cape Coral. LCEC will deliver funds to the City similar to how Cape Coral franchise fees are delivered, which are also collected through electric bills.This new tax will be used to fund the City’s general operations. To calculate the amount the monthly public service tax will add to your electric bill, visit www.capecoral.net and utilize the PST Calculator. Please refer any questions regarding the Cape Coral public service tax to the Cape Coral Citizens’ Action Center, 239-574-0425. www.lcec.net • 239-656-2300

Tuscany

With the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Tuscany

, rson if e p r 9 pe rson

9 pe !* $2,8799 per Nov. 30 $2, osited by dep

One Hote Holid l ay!

Departing October 20, 2015 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT LYZ CROUTHAMEL ForAT more information, please contact (239) 549-6900 EXT 111 Amanda Brunson at (239) 549-6900

UNIVERSITY TRENDS TIPS FOR HANDELING NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

Professor MIchael “Q” Quaintance, MBA Keiser University

A

t some point in our lives whether it is work, family, or friend related, we all receive negative feedback. Feedback can throw us off guard, as we feel defensive, maybe even perceiving the feedback as an attack. It can be hard to listen to and consider even when you know you deserve the critique.

So how can someone change his or her state of mind to view the feedback as a positive opportunity?

Step one: reach down deep into your emotional intelligence and welcome the news. Frame the feedback as an opportunity to work on something that will help you achieve greater success. You may want to disagree with the feedback at first, but strive to commit to the possibility that the messenger may be correct in their observation. Respect and gratitude should be your default setting.

Step two: sometimes we have to check our egos at the door to see what we can learn from the feedback. Reactions come from our egos--openness comes from our commitment to work towards a greater goal. Always reply to feedback with openness and a willingness to change.

Step three: when you are struggling with accepting feedback, try responding

with one of these five responses to help put you in a better frame of mind and to treat the messenger with respect: • Thank you for caring enough about me to give me that feedback.

• I have noticed that about myself too, and it is something I am working on.

• Will you help me to improve?

• I am willing to see if I can find some truth in that.

• I used to think that about myself, too, and here is what I did to change it.

Using these statements will help you center yourself and aid in neutralizing your defenses.

Step four: move from thinking of yourself as the victim to a professional who can account for the actions and thoughts that led to the feedback. Figure out how to grow, otherwise the feedback may continue to repeat itself over-and-over until you have grown.

Step five: focus on yourself, your development, your assumptions, and the choices and actions that can help you grow and improve. Do not spend time placing blame, or trying to justify the situation, as it will limit your progress and compound the negativity.

Last, I often question myself “Can those around me identify my personal values and goals by watching my behavior?” As an evolving servant leader, I attempt to focus on what I can give versus what I can get. By being open to feedback as an opportunity to improve, by placing the needs of others before my needs, I find greater happiness, energy, and fulfillment.

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

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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

SC Custom Homes hosted an amazing Business After Hours in August complete with giveaways, great food and some great networking opportunities for our members.

Thank you to Courtney and his entire staff at SC Custom Homes for a wonderful event.

(Mid Left) Janice Keim, CCCIA and Steve Hook, Oasis Charter Elementary.

(Mid Right) Host Courtney Neuhousel, SC Custom Homes greets the guests at the Business After Hours and presents the raffle prizes.

(Bottom Left) Michelle Dean, City of Cape Coral, Jill Irzyk, JCI Graphics and Promos, Kim Hubbard, Coffee News and Donna Meola, Priority Business Solutions stop for a picture at the August Business After Hours.

BE NUMBER ONE...

BE SECOND TO NONE!

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

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

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

Join our fellow sponsors

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

Create a localized following that rivals the competition.

We’ll help you elevate your customer base to an applauding new level.

FANS

We get by with a little help from our friends, so why should your business be any different? The business of social media takes tact. It takes knowing your audience – what they respond to and where they interact. No one knows Southwest Florida better than The News-Press Media Group. We connect with more audiences, in more places, in more ways.

We help you stay ahead of the competition.

CALL EMAIL VISIT

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

We Know Marketing.

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

Advertise in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter.

A Banner Ad is just $50 per month!!

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

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2015

T

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

In their first month, the class attended Made In Cape Coral Day where they learn the history of Cape Coral while touring some of our industrial areas. Media Day took them on a tour of the local media outlets located in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Community Steward Day taught the class about our local nonprofit sector.

Through the coming weeks, the class will learn about Healthcare in our community, how the Coast Guard works to protect our waterways, Arts and Entertainment in our community, infrastructure and much more.

Thank you to all of our day chairs thus far; Joe Mazurkiewicz, Bill Johnson, Jr. Rana Erbrick, Sarah Sheffield, Julie Ferguson, Beth Sanger, Yvonne Werline, Laura Koehn, Theresa Kitts, Elena Schwartz and Pavita Sandhu And a special thank you to our program chairs Jay Johnson and Karen Schuman Barnes and our Co Chairs Stacy Lomonaco and John Hobson.

TITLE SPONSOR

FULL PAGE COLOR AD IN PROGRAM BOOK 10 EVENT T-SHIRTS FEATURED TIMES FOR ON-STAGE PRESENTATION 6 BOOTH SPACE BUSINESS DISPLAY AREA AT KIDSFEST PROMINENT RECOGNITION ON TV ADVERTISING, SIGNS & ON-SITE RECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON STAGE LOGO AND NAME PROMINENTLY PRINTED ON T-SHIRTS

TION $5,000 INVESTMENTITAB LE FOU N DA B E RG G U NTE R

COMMUNITY SPONSOR HALF PAGE COLOR AD IN PROGRAM BOOK 6 EVENT T-SHIRTS 3 BOOTH SPACE DISPLAY AREA AT KIDSFEST RECOGNITION IN ALL PRESS RELEASES, BANNERS AND SIGNS RECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON STAGE NAME & LOGO PRINTED ON BACK OF VOLUNTEER SHIRT

C HAR

$1,200 INVESTMENT

HARVEST SPONSOR QUARTER PAGE COLOR AD IN PROGRAM BOOK 2 EVENT T-SHIRTS UP TO 2 BOOTH SPACES DISPLAY AREA AT KIDSFEST RECOGNITION ON EVENT SIGNS AND BANNERS ONSTAGE ANNOUNCEMENT OF SPONSORSHIP NAME PRINTED ON BACK OF VOLUNTEER SHIRT

$500 INVESTMENT

Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner • Sheriff Mike Scott Grummel Stencil Century 21 Birchwood Realty Weinstein Wilkes Financial Group Cape Coral Community Foundation • Publix Computer Heaven of SWFL • 4 The Kids Foundation

You can reach thousands of your neighbors as a KidsFest Sponsor, while supporting community service organizations in our schools like Key Club and funding scholarships to deserving high school seniors.

BUSINESS NAME:

TITLE SPONSOR

$5,000

CONTACT NAME:

COMMUNITY SPONSOR

$1,200

HARVEST SPONSOR

STREET ADDRESS: CITY:

STATE:

ZIP:

$500

BOOTH SPACE

$60

POWERED BOOTH SPACE

$80

PHONE: E-MAIL:

AMOUNT ENCLOSED: PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO HARNEY POINT KIWANIS CLUB

RETURN THIS FORM TO: HARNEY POINT KIWANIS CLUB, P.O. BOX 100295, CAPE CORAL, FL 33910 / FAX: 239-542-9203 / E-MAIL: ERIC@CAPECORALATTORNEY.COM

TO RESERVE YOUR SPONSORSHIP OR VENDOR SPACE TODAY, PLEASE CONTACT ERIC FEICHTHALER (239) 542-4733 OR EMAIL ERIC@CAPECORALATTORNEY.COM

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