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TrendsThe Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral February 2014
Chamber
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
Business After Hours February 20th at Century 21
Selling Paradise5:30 p.m.
Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, February 12th at LaVenezia Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press
Join Us Every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside for the Surfside Sunset Market, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Taste of the CapeSunday, February 9th
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 12,000 monthly subscribers
Basic Advertising PricesFull Page $337.001/2 Page $227.001/4 Page $147.00
Business Card $117.00(All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business.
Non-profit organizations receive 2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership.)
Prime Advertising PricingFull Page $387.00
(includes banner ad on chamber website only 4 available per issue, full page only)1/2 Page $287.001/4 Page $207.00
Business Card $167.00(All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business
and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter)
SpecialsSpotlight On Business Article - One per issue $347.00
Includes a hyperlink to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business, a banner ad on the Chamber website and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly
E-Newsletter.
Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 for more [email protected]
Publisher & EditorDonna Schuman-GermainCommunications Director
Contributing EditorsMike Quaintance
Chamber [email protected]
Stephanie RobersonTechnology Director
Claudia St. OngeBusiness Manager
Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director
Melanie LempkeAdministrative Generalist
Amanda BrunsonSpecial Events Coordinator
Chamber of Commerce of Cape CoralP.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910
2051 Cape Coral ParkwayCape Coral, FL 33904
Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609
FEBRUARY 2014FEBRUARY 4TH
Business Card ExchangeRehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Cape Coral, LLC
2629 Del Prado Boulevard , Cape Coral, FL 339047:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
FEBRUARY 6THMen’s Power Networking
Hooters Cape Coral 3120 Del Prado Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL 33904
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 9THTaste of the Cape
Four Freedoms Park Cape Coral, FL 33904
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
FEBRUARY 15Cape Coral Antique & Craft Marketat the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market
SE 47th Terrace - Downtown Cape Coral8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
FEBRUARY 20THBusiness After Hours
Century 21 Selling Paradise 3409 Del Prado Blvd, S. Ste 103 , Cape Coral, FL 33904
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAYS THROUGH MAY 10THCape Coral Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday - Club SquareSE 47th Terrace - Downtown Cape Coral
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. To register for any of the above events online, or for more up-to-date information,
please visit www.capecoralchamber.com
2014 Board of DirectorsChairman - Annette Carrasquillo,
LAI Design Associates, LLCChairman Elect - Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc.
Treasurer - Brett Bisbe, B2 Solutions, IncPast Chairman - Joseph Mazurkiewicz,
BJM Consulting, Inc.Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions, LLC
Ed Bolter - Lamar AdvertisingDana Brunett - City of Cape CoralMatthew Connar - Boost Creative
Tony Constantino - Financial AdvisorKevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A.
Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual FinancialJoseph Francioni - Castle Harbour Homes
Cynthia Gallagher - Cynthia GallagherTom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral
Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremationand Funeral Services
Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & RentalTrish Lassiter - LCEC
Michelle Lewis - Past Chairman - B-2 SolutionsDonna Meola - Past Chairman - Achieva
Credit UnionThomas Shipp Jr. - Past Chairman - Tom Shipp
at the Martin Law FirmStanley Spicer - Platinum Service A/C
Chris Spiro - Past Chairman - Spiro & AssociatesZachary Zeis - Elysium Construction Inc.
2014 TrusteesRhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank
Sallie Dywer - SunTrust Merchant ServicesSandra Griener - Sun Splash Family Waterpark
Mike Hollow - RE//MAX Realty TeamScott Kashman - Cape Coral Hospital
Laura Koehn - CapeCoral.comDavid Owen - BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co.
Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health SystemMichelle Whitlock - Seista Peeble Pool Interiors
2014 Chairman EmeritusTom Giles - Avalon Engineering
Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood ElectricElmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty
Chamber StaffMike Quaintance, President
Donna S. Germain, Communications DirectorClaudia St. Onge, Business Manager
& Farmers’ Market DirectorBill Johnson, Jr., Membership Sales Director
Stephanie Roberson, Technology DirectorMelanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist
Amanda Brunson, Special Events CoordinatorLinda Kirby, Membership Sales
Annette Siner, Membership Sales
New Blood, Fresh MeatMike “Q” Quaintance, President
Throughout the year, I get the opportunity to work with many of our city leaders and see them in action as they perform their jobs.
City leader no doubt face some challenges as they attempt to build consensus and guide our city to a wildly successful future.
At the January 29 Cape Coral Rotary Club, I had the privilege of seeing our new Mayor, Marni Sawicki address the group. She was very poised as she shared her actions to date and her observations. She also spoke about creating an environment of good customer service at city hall, where employees feel empowered to improve the experiences that we have as customers.
Even more impressive is the ownership she has taken of the challenges she faces as a leader. She believes that as Mayor and Council, they need to communicate more clearly as they impart the vision and desire of council. A sign of good leadership is taking credit when your team stumbles. Mayor Marni seems to embrace that leadership trait and is committed to move the city forward.
The other leader that I have thoroughly enjoyed is Vince Cautero, the Community Development Director. What I have noticed as I am in meetings with him is his “Can-do” attitude. His greatest leadership trait that I have seen to-date is his willingness to listen. He is an attentive listener, shows empathy and honestly desires to help people navigate to a successful outcome.
As we meet with stakeholders involved in the sign ordinance and mobile food vendors ordinance, I have watched him skillfully navigate these sometime emotional discussions as the stakeholders explain their concerns and challenges. Vince works hard to extract the information that will allow for balanced outcomes.
In short, I think we are very lucky to have these two newcomers take a leadership role in our community. They set an example for us all and get me great optimism for our community.
Q’s WORLD
NEW MEMBERSAndre T. Aho w/ Remax
Trend Andre T. Aho
BMI Barnett MarineRay Holton
Coral Palms Office Building Martin Helgerson
Deborah & Dan Dupuis w/ Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida
Realty Deborah Dupuis
Freedom Boat Club Chris Hyman
Jenny Cira w/ Town And River Realty, LLC.
Jenny Cira
Planet Fitness Duncan Morrell
Premier Pain Specialist, LLC Dr. Prendhomme
RENEWALSAAA Auto Club South dba
AAA TravelMember Since: 2007
Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc.
Member Since: 2007
Burandt, Adamski & Feichthaler, PL
Member Since: 2001
Cape Chorale Barbershop Chorus
Member Since: 2010
Cape Coral Institute of Technology
Member Since: 1994
CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL
Member Since: 2009
CenturyLinkMember Since: 1991
Chicago PizzaMember Since: 2008
Edison Beach HouseMember Since: 2001
Fifth Third BankMember Since: 2012
Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services
Member Since: 2002
Hideaway Waterfront Resort, Corp.
Member Since: 2007
Hill, Barth, & King, LLCMember Since: 2013
Independent A.C.Member Since: 2012
Individual – Steve RussellMember Since: 2001
J.M. Todd, IncMember Since: 2002
Kirkwood Electric, Inc.Member Since: 2001
Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus
Member Since: 1997
Law Office of Miguel C. Fernandez III, Esq.
Member Since: 2005
Lee County Sheriff’s OfficeMember Since: 2001
Lee County Tax CollectorJoin Date:2013
Lee Memorial Health System
Member Since: 1991
Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’
Member Since: 2012
Moonwalk & MoreMember Since: 1996
On Track Doors, Inc.Member Since: 2013
Palmetto Pine Country Club
Member Since: 2008
Red Salon & SpaMember Since: 2007
Schooner Bay Realty, IncMember Since: 2011
Shell Point Retirement Community
Member Since: 2011
Siesta Pebble Pool InteriorsMember Since: 2011
St. Andrew Catholic Church & School
Member Since: 2001
Suncoast Portable Sanitation, Inc
Member Since: 2003
Sunshine Jewelers & Gold Exchange
Member Since: 2012
Taylor-Pansing, Inc.Member Since: 1999
Wounded Warrior Anglers of America, Inc.
Member Since: 2012
Zak’s JewelryMember Since: 2001
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR
MEMBERSHIP!!!
DECEMBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS
We’re Having Fun In February
Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates2014 Chairman
Last month we celebrated the Chamber’s 25th Anniversary at the “Back in the Black” B event! What a
night!! The gala was a “HUGE” success – an evening of reminiscing with members and friends, new and old, to a great dinner, an unforeseen floor act by our very own
Chamber President Mike Quaintance, the new Board of Directors and Trustees induction, awards and a special appearance by “CC/CC” – culminating with music and dance!
It was spectacular! I want to thank all the sponsors, the committee and the Chamber Staff that worked so hard to create the night and all of you for joining us in celebrating 25 years!
It’s hard to believe that February is already here… and with it comes more opportunities for all of our members to Get In, Get Busy and Have Fun!
If you check out the events on the Chamber’s website you will find: The Men’s Power Networking on 2/6 at Hooters, the General Membership Luncheon on 2/12 at LaVenezia, the Business after Hours hosted by Century 21 – Selling Paradise on 2/20 and the Family Fun Bowling Day on 2/22 at Bowland.
And who can forget the Farmers’ Markets, every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside and every Saturday at Club Square – lots of local vendors selling produce, food and crafts! There is a lot happening!
Also in February, the Chamber haves teamed with The Gulf Coast Symphony to create a community event – “The Taste of the Cape.” This event will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 1:00 PM at FOUR FREEDOMS PARK. There will be free outdoor pops concert by the Symphony at 4:30 PM. Admission is free, with food and drinks available priced from $2.00 to $9.00!
All the proceeds from this event will benefit student scholarships and music education programs in the community! So bring the family and enjoy the festivities!
With all that is happening I hope to see you Having Fun in February!
CHAMBER TRENDS
with a purpose....
& Have Fun!
CHAMBER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
BACK IN THE BLACKDonna S. Germain, Communications Director
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Celebrated it’s 25th Anniversary BACK IN THE BLACK BALL PRESENTED BY SIESTA
PEBBLE on January 17th at The Cape Coral Yacht Club. The evening was filled with great memories, great friends and recognition for some very deserving members.
(Clockwise) Congratulations to our 2014 Chairman Annette Carrasquillo (LAI Design Associates) and the Board and Trustees on their induction onto the Chamber Board. Chairman Joe Mazurkiewicz awards
the Board Member and Trustee of the Year to Brett Bisbe (B2 Solutions)and Zachary Zeis (Elysium Homes) respectively and Welcome Center Volunteer of the Year to Bob Suhrie (RE/MAX Realty Team). A very heartfelt presentation was made to his son Keith Lewis (All Power Electric) as the Volunteer of the Year. The first ever Chairman Emeritus Awards AKA Silverbacks was awarded to Tom Giles (Avalon Engineering), Wayne Kirkwood (Kirkwood Electric) and Elmer Tabor (Wonderland Realty). And last, but not least, LCEC was awarded the Chamber Business of the Year Award for their outstanding commitment and support of the Chamber. Congratulations to all of our honorees.
The evening however, was not all awards and accolades. In TRUE Cape Chamber fashion and at the request of our new Chair Nettie, we HAD FUN!! Much to her surprise, Chamber President Mike Quaintance had a little fun at her expense with a “Special” dance he had prepared for her. While there is video of this performance floating about, I have been threat...um...told not to release it. (Continued on Next Page)
CHAMBER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Another fantastic performance of the evening, which is available somewhere on Facebook, was that of the CC/CC Reunion. Sticking with our theme, Back In The Black, we couldn’t help but close the night with our rendition of AC/DC’s Back In Black featuring Gary Aubuchon as Lead Singer Brian Johnson, Elmer Tabor as Angus Young, Joe Mazurkiewicz as Malcolm Young, Chris Spiro as Cliff Williams and Kevin Ostrowsky as Phil Rudd under the Artistic Direction of Reggie Germain.
Guests also enjoyed the photo booth (yes, those are on Facebook too) sponsored by Complete SWFL. (Mid Left) Tony and Sarah Constantino. (Bottom Left) Bill Johnson, Jr., Reggie Germain and Chris Spiro.
While the Chamber loves to host events like this one, we cannot do it without the help of our sponsors and volunteers. On behalf of the Chamber Staff, I would like to thank everyone who attended, sponsored, supported the auction and volunteered their time to make this event a success.
A very special THANK YOU goes out to Michelle Whitlock (Siesta Pebble), who was our title sponsor of this event and was awarded Member of the Year in 2013. I cannot thank you enough for your commitment to the Chamber.
Thank you to our event sponsors: Seminole Casino Immokalee, LAI Design Associates, Angela Davis Merrill Lynch, Complete Music, The News-Press, CapeCoral.com, Achieva Credit Union and Kevin M. Burns & Associates, PA.
Spiro & Associates, Achieva Credit Union, LCEC, Marilyn & Tony Stout, Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill, The Shell Factory, Caloosa Tent & Rental, IBERIABANK, ACRA Electric, DJC Insurance & Financial Services, Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, The Aubuchon Team of Companies, The Quaintance Family, Tim Collier Insurance - State Farm, HBK, LLC, Lamar Advertising, BJM Consulting.
And thank you to the amazing committee Annette Carrasquillo, Chris Spiro, Angela Davis, Michelle Lewis, Sandra Greiner, Trish Lassiter, Cindy Gallagher, Barb Adams, Donna Meola, Cheryl Komnick and Laura Koehn for all of your help!
I Want To Clone MichelleChristopher T. Spiro, Spiro & Associates
For the past couple of years there has been a star rising in Cape Coral and her name is Michelle Whitlock,
President of Siesta Pebble. I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle and her mother Rhonda Graham several years ago when we talked about marketing their business. While we didn’t “land” that account, I landed some great new friends.
These ladies, in a male-dominated, pool-finishing business, brought class and integrity to an otherwise rough and highly competitive industry. They built the business on relationships and delivering a superior product with outstanding customer service time and time again. Unfortunately for all of us, Rhonda passed. But in Rhonda’s passing, an amazing journey was started…Michelle’s. She grabbed the helm of Siesta Pebble and guided it through the toughest downturn in our economy any of us have seen since the Great Depression.
Recently, Michelle and I got back together to discuss taking her brand to the next level. I was so damn impressed with how thoughtful she was about building on the groundwork her mother had laid while simultaneously putting into play her own vision. She created a new logo for the brand (no, we didn’t get to do it…damn it!) She set out to get to understand her clients’ needs better by talking to them. She created and ran some advertising successfully.
But the two key things she did that impressed me so much were 1) she got heavily involved in the community and had her brand associated with great causes, organizations and industries; and 2) she went back to school…not college, not technical school, but leadership training. Michelle submerged
herself in leadership training and built on her innate ability to motivate her staff to continue to perform, as well as motivate, her clients to continue to work with her and motivate new prospects to contract her and her firm.
Okay Spiro, get to the marketing point! Well the marketing point is simple. It’s not the ads, its not the brochures, its not the web…in this case it’s the community service, the leadership tenacity and the leader herself. Michelle just didn’t graduate from leadership programs; she embraced leadership and made it her own. Michelle put to work all the aspects of her training, blended it with her community involvement and great brand partnering, and is watching her market share grow as well as her personal stock.
Ya’ see, Michelle’s marketing approach, by design or not, was to let her actions and those of her company do the talking for her. Those actions have continued to build her brand and caused more and more customers to gravitate to her company and brand. Now it also helps that they deliver a superior product and customer service.
All of this to say that one of the best ways you can market your business, service and yourself is to put that leadership training and community involvement to work for you. Don’t just make it a resume line-item or something you have to do. Yes it’s fun. Yes it’s interesting, but it’s also an amazing investment in your brand (corporate and/or personal).
When you see Michelle say “thank you.” Thank you for getting involved. Thank you for lending your time, talent and treasure. Thank you for being a great example, and thank you for growing your brand and business here in Southwest Florida!
Christopher “The BrandMan” Spiro is a self-proclaimed leadership junkie. When he’s not espousing the virtues of true leaders being defined by their actions, you may find him either at Team Spiro’s World Headquarters in Fort Myers or at his satellite office at Nevermind. Hit him up: 239.481.5511, [email protected], and www.facebook.com/christopher.spiro.
MARKETING TRENDS
Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!Contact Donna Germain
at 549-6900 ext 107or [email protected]
Company:________________________________Representative:____________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________________
CHECK
The opportunities you are interested in learning more about and fax this form to
(239) 549-9609
Marketing Opportunities Business After Hours Host Sponsor Membership Luncheons Presenting Sponsor
Table Sponsor Business Card Exchange Host Sponsor Chamber Lobby Advertising
Volunteer
Member Monday Chamber Website Advertising Chamber Trends Magazine Advertising Weekly Chamber Trends E-Newsletter Advertising Business Spotlight E-mail Advertising Entertainment Guide Advertising Leads Program Annual Subscription Stuff It Program Annual Subscription
ANNUAL: Leadership Cape Coral Sponsor
ANNUAL: Surfside Sunset Market Sponsor QUARTERLY: Women’s Power Networking Sponsor
Participant JAN: Chairman’s Gala Sponsor
Attendee JAN: Advanced Leadership Sponsor
Participant APR: Education Awards Sponsorship
Attend MAY: Golf Tournament Title Sponsor
Event Sponsor
Play
AUG: Leadership Cape Coral Applicant
Kick off Sponsor AUG: Candidates Hobnob Sponsor OCT: Candidates Forum Sponsor OCT: Cape Coral Farmers’ Market Sponsorship
Vendor NOV: Leadership Graduation Sponsorship NOV: Jr. Leadership Sponsorship DEC: Holiday Festival of Lights Title Sponsor
Event Sponsor
Vendor For the most up to date informa-
tion please visit www.capecoralchamber.com
Event Opportunities
2013 RecapBerge Aslanian (CDPE)
Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor
Once again we are entering the New Year and trying to figure out how this season will go.
Economic uncertainty has been casting eerie shadows across our crystal ball.
But first, let’s look at the numbers for the three month period ending 1/29/14:
In case anyone noticed, the numbers of units SOLD for the most current period are way off in terms of past trends. This is because too many real estate agents are lax in changing the status of their listings to SOLD; it often takes them a week or more into the new month to correctly report what they’ve done in the prior month.
Now that we have cleared that up, we can proceed to the actual trends. There are a couple of common sense reasons why inventories are up. Single home and condo inventories are increasing as more owners decide to capitalize on the increasing prices. We also see an increase in inventory this time of year as sellers try to take advantage of our peak season population.
Prices are going up. In the local papers we see articles weekly about the increasing number of new residential construction permits. Although the housing economy here is not booming as it was in 2005, it does seem healthier than it has been in a long time.
There is a backlash to all of this. For quite some time now our market has been one of big bargains. For a few years not too long ago it was a buyer’s market. Now that so many of the “junk” houses have been sold and rehabbed,
the market has shifted and become a seller’s market.Yes, prices are up and inventories, though climbing recently, are lower than
they were 4 or 5 years ago. Investors seem to have diminished because there are a smaller number of homes to buy for a song and sell for large profit. Even the general buying public (end users) are looking for those deals and nostalgically reminiscing about how cheap things used to be. A few have even gotten angry at sellers for being too aggressive in pricing their properties for sale. As the steady upward trend shows increasing prices, that is exactly what all buyers do when they go to sell a property. They try to sell it for as much as they can!
So here is where the eerie shadows come in. From a real estate sales perspective, high season here usually builds slowly as visitors become more enamored of our fine community. Our activity increases and then peaks right around Easter. We had an incredible amount of activity in December as we eased into high season. Then, January failed to live up to its promise when activity seemed to sputter. So here we are, a month into our supposedly best time for buying and selling real estate, and it almost feels like there is some water in our gas tank ‘cause the engine isn’t running as smoothly as it should.
The national economy does have an influence on our market; the national news about our limp national economic recovery appears to have an impact here. The Canadian dollar has lost some buying power and that too has an impact here. Although we can’t find one large single reason, there are a number of smaller reasons that have had an influence on why our market is not zooming along.
And yet, there are still some really good deals out there in houses and lots. Most sellers are not as stressed as they were a few years ago. Buyers are able to find some nice properties out there if they exercise patience in their search and have faith in their realtor.
If you are buying, prices keep going up so the longer you wait the more it will cost. If you are selling, times are good and prices now are in your favor. Either way, please try to work with a real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of this marketplace. Happy House Hunting or Selling!
Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor and an active member of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce. For questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.
From Our Chairman2012
Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric2012 Chamber Chairman
I can’t believe its December and I am writing my last article as Chairman of the
Board. 2012 has just flown by and there have been so many accomplishments I would like to share. (Please forgive me if I have forgotten any!!)
How fortunate we are to live in Paradise! Our economy is growing and the outlook for 2013 is for continued growth.
2012 was a great year!! Much was accomplished for you, including making Cape Coral a better place to do business. Here are a few of the highlights:
The Cape Coral Economic Development Office delivered on their promise to increase business, investment and employment in the area. The team closed 137 economic development projects, which represents 85 new businesses in the Cape and 52 expansions.
The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership with Lamar Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign that says “Cape Coral is Open for Business.”
Cape Coral welcomed the opening of 1,156 businesses in 2012 including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses and 46 unspecified businesses. Commerce means shorter distances to travel for your goods and services. Commerce also means a diversified tax base and jobs!
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral continues to grow as well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of 583 members, today we stand at 744. This resulted in a 78 percent membership growth with a retention rate of 81 percent. This could not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members, a dynamic sales team and an awesome membership development committee.
Chamber Leadership programs continue to develop community leaders. In November, 20 men and women graduated Leadership Cape Coral. Twenty-four members of the 2012 Chamber board have graduated from the Leadership Program including the Chairman and
Chair-Elect. We currently have 27 high school juniors in our Junior Leadership Program.
The Chamber successfully presented (2) Disney Institute programs in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, Farmers Market, Business Expo , Family Bowling Day, a Casino Trip to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on December 1st.
Our on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!! (Who says membership doesn’t pay?)
A new Chamber mobile app was introduced in 2012.It was also a very busy election year for our Public Affairs
Committee! This is a group of passionate people who make sure that the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by members and citizens of Cape Coral.
Our education committee hosted the Excellence in Education Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors!
It was also the first year of our “rotating” luncheons that are being very well received by our membership.
Serving as your Chairman of the Board has been an excellent experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of meeting so many of you at meetings and events.
Thank you for honoring me with your trust and commitment! It has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing staff as well as the membership.
I look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you good health and prosperity!
We deliver, every day.
Call Lynnie to advertise 910.4575
REAL ESTATE TRENDS
1-29-14Real Estate Trends
2013 Recap
Once again we are entering the New Year and trying to figure out how this season will go. Economic uncertainty has been casting eerie shadows across our crystal ball.
But first, let’s look at the numbers for the three month period ending 1/29/14:
Nov ’13 Dec ’13 Jan ‘14 Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $
For Sale 1697 $235,000 1740 $235,000 1993 $240,000 Sold 279 $160,500 291 $160,000 147 $160,000
Nov ’13 Dec ’13 Jan ‘14 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $
For Sale 309 $138,000 290 $138,000 343 $140,000 Sold 37 $110,000 41 $108,000 25 $124,500
In case anyone noticed, the numbers of units SOLD for the most current period are way off in terms of past trends. This is because too many real estate agents are lax in changing the status of their listings to SOLD; it often takes them a week or more into the new month to correctly report what they’ve done in the prior month.
Now that we have cleared that up, we can proceed to the actual trends. There are a couple of common sense reasons why inventories are up. Single home and condo inventories are increasing as more owners decide to capitalize on the increasing prices. We also see an increase in inventory this time of year as sellers try to take advantage of our peak season population.
Prices are going up. In the local papers we see articles weekly about the increasing number of new residential construction permits. Although the housing economy here is not booming as it was in 2005, it does seem healthier than it has been in a long time.
There is a backlash to all of this. For quite some time now our market has been one of big bargains. For a few years not too long ago it was a buyer’s market. Now that so many of the “junk” houses have been sold and rehabbed, the market has shifted and become a seller’s market.
Yes, prices are up and inventories, though climbing recently, are lower than they were 4 or 5 years ago. Investors seem to have diminished because there are a smaller number of homes to buy for a song and sell for large profit. Even the general buying public (end users) are looking for those deals and nostalgically reminiscing about how cheap things used to be. A few have even gotten angry at sellers for being too aggressive in pricing their properties for sale. As the steady upward trend shows increasing prices, that is exactly what all buyers do when they go to sell a property. They try to sell it for as much as they can!
So here is where the eerie shadows come in. From a real estate sales perspective, high season here usually builds slowly as visitors become more enamored of our fine
BusinessLegal, PCLynn R. Emerson Esq
1222 SE 47th Street Suite 215Cape Coral, FL 33904
(239) 677-4508 www.businesslegal.net/home
Power FX, Inc.Michael Stischok
1110 NE Pine Island Road Unit 15Cape Coral, FL 33909
(239) 322-9390 www.powerfxstore.com
RIBBON CUTTINGS
CoolAir Air Conditioning and Heating Mark Pruskauer
2837 Fowler StreetFt. Myers, FL 33901
(239) 275-7077www.coolair-inc.com
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Weigh In On Weight Bearing Exercises
Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O.Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee
Memorial Health System
It appears often that weight-bearing exercises are more important to young people, especially men; and it
also appears that as we age this is one of the exercises we do less often. This brings to mind several questions including is weight-bearing exercise necessary? Are there particular individuals who benefit
more from weight-bearing exercises? Are there individuals who should not be doing weight-bearing exercises? Are there particular diseases that benefit more from weight-bearing exercises? Lastly, how do you go about starting a weight-bearing exercise routine?
Let’s take the first question: is weight-bearing exercise necessary? The answer is absolutely. This is because weight-bearing exercises are extremely beneficial for not only the muscles but also the skeleton. When we think about the benefit to the muscles, the entire mechanism of metabolism comes to mind. Have you ever thought about why healthy skeletal muscles are so important? The answer is not necessarily because they give you a better beach body but because healthy skeletal muscles increase your metabolism which allows you to burn calories more efficiently. Calories are burned within the skeletal muscles, so the more healthy skeletal muscles you have, the better you burn calories and this is obviously helpful to maintain more of an ideal body weight. Also, when the muscles are strong and healthy, they keep the spine and skeleton in better alignment and thereby decreasing the incidence of musculoskeletal aches, pains and arthritis.
Weight-bearing exercises are also very important for the bones of the skeleton. The act of weight-bearing actually makes the bones stronger and this is extremely necessary especially for post menopausal women. But let’s not forget that men as they age are also at risk for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a severe and sometimes debilitating disease that affects all of the bones especially the weight-bearing bones of the spine and hips. As mentioned, weight-bearing exercises help to decrease the risk and incidence of osteoporosis but let’s not forget about the affects nutrition has on the health of the skeleton. In this regard we think about the effects of healthy fruits and vegetables versus the standard American diet. It is well-known that eating lots of healthy fruits and vegetables keeps the blood more on the alkaline side versus animal products (meats and dairy) which keep the blood more on the acidic side. When the blood is more acidic, this is actually harmful to the bones as calcium is pulled out of the bones to lower the level of acid in the blood. The bones do need calcium but this can be obtained by taking a calcium supplement.
Let’s next consider if there are individuals or conditions where weight-bearing exercises are potentially harmful. If an individual has a herniated disc, weight-bearing exercises could make this situation worse as more weight is loaded on the spine. Also, if a person is dealing with a low back strain or sprain, these individuals should not be weight bearing in order to rest the muscles of the low back.
How would one go about starting a weight-bearing exercise program? As I recommend for all of my patients interested in starting any type of exercise program,
first check with your physician or healthcare provider to be sure that you are healthy enough to start a vigorous exercise program. If you have not been exercising formally, you might need an exercise stress test to be sure that your heart is healthy before starting any exercise program. As we know, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States and many people have occult or hidden disease. An exercise stress test will allow your healthcare provider to see if this is the case for you. Once you know that the heart is healthy, you can start an exercise program including weight-bearing.
At this point it is helpful to work with an exercise physiologist or a trainer that can set up a total body weight lifting program for you. It is important to exercise all of the muscles of the body from head to toe and these professionals are very helpful in this regard. You will be taught the correct way of lifting free weights or using resistance machines so as to avoid injury. The exercise specialist will also help you to determine what level of weights you should be lifting. Once a weight-bearing exercise routine has been developed, you can thereafter do this program on your own but occasionally should check in again with your exercise specialist who will help you to advance your routine as you become stronger. One mistake that I see many people making is not increasing the amount of weight they lift as time goes on. In order to develop healthier skeletal muscles you need to progressively challenge them as time goes on. The exercise specialist can help you determine the right time to do this and how much weight should be added to your routine.
In addition to the weight bearing part of your exercise routine, you also need to be doing exercises to keep the cardiovascular system healthy. These types of exercises would include walking on the treadmill, light jogging, bicycle riding, swimming, etc. Adding cardio exercises to your weight-bearing routine will help to round out your overall exercise program and together these are extremely beneficial for the body and brain. Yes, exercise is tremendously helpful to keep the brain healthy as it helps to maintain normal circulation to all of the vital organs including the brain. It is actually well-known that regular exercise decreases the risk and incidence of dementia.
If you have not yet started a formal exercise routine including weightlifting, I would recommend the following: first, as mentioned above check with your physician or healthcare provider to be sure that you do not need to do an exercise stress test before starting your exercise program. Next, consider having a “body age assessment” done. This is a fitness evaluation that will tell you how strong you are, how flexible you are and, in combination with some laboratory tests will give you a “body age” number. This is your fitness age compared to your chronologic age and is a wonderful motivator when you are determined to become healthier. Also as time progresses, make sure that you reevaluate your routine and advance your routine as you become stronger and more fit.
The overall goal of your weightlifting and cardio exercises should be to get you more fit and functional. It is not just about losing weight. This is about increasing your overall fitness level and to be more healthy so that you are able to do all of the things in life that you enjoy.
One great magazine that I read regularly is entitled “OnFitness”. I have found this magazine tremendously helpful over the years because it is filled with practical, scientific-based information that is easily readable. It clearly explains how to do specific exercises and why they are important and it gives you references if you would like to read more.
In combination with weight-bearing, cardio exercises and healthy nutrition with the major emphasis on eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, this lifestyle will allow you to age gracefully and fitfully and in many cases will improve the quality and length of your life.
HEALTHY TRENDS
Ends June 15, 2014
Starts March 15, 2014
Cape Coral Health & Fitness Challenge 12-Week Program
Organized by Lee Memorial Health System & the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
WHAT IS OFFERED TO 2014 PARTICIPANTS Pre and Post Body Age Fitness Assessment Labs from Lee Memorial Health System Customized Exercise Prescription Assigned Fitness Coach Throughout the Challenge Medical Director Oversight and Review Lecture Series on Nutrition, Fitness, and Goal Setting Weekly Fitness Events Scheduled in the Community Summary of Post Challenge Results Reviewed Individually Group Statistics & Results at a Post Challenge Celebration
Cost To Participate In The Challenge...
$150 per participant
$250 if participant desires a three-month dual location membership at one of Lee Memorial Health System’s Wellness Centers
Lee Memorial Health SystemP.O. Box 2218
Fort Myers, FL 33902
CenturyLink Store2710 Del Prado Blvd. South
Cape Coral, FL 33904
RE/MAX Realty Team2326 Del Prado BlvdCape Coral, FL 33990
LCEC4980 Bayline Dr
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
All Power Electric2534 NE 9th Ave, Cape Coral, FL
Wades Heating and CoolingCCI
Competent Solutions1209 SE 9th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL
Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral
Premier Oncology RadiationSpecialists In Urology
24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral
The News-Press - Fort Myers Office2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers
413 NE Van Loon Lane, Cape Coral
DiamondMember
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
ExecutiveMember
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
$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.
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.
LCEC hasn’t raised electric rates in nearly 5 years!
www.lcec.net • 239-656-2300
Call or visit one of our Cape Coral branches today!1715 Cape Coral Parkway West | (239) 541-5200812 Del Prado Boulevard South | (239) 985-8120
2546 Heydon Lane | (239) 433-6000
www.iberiabank.com |
Personal and BusinessSolutionsto meet your banking needs.We make banking easy and convenient for your business and personal banking needs, so that you have more time for the things in life that matter most.
Fort Myers: 9101 College Pointe Court | 2247 First Street | 6651 Orion Drive | 4670 Summerlin Road | 8341 Dani Drive | 8870 Daniels Parkway | 7580 Winkler Road | Estero: 23250 Via Villagio
LOOK WHAT YOU MISSED AT THE CAPE CORALFARMERS’ MARKET
Family Fun Bowling Day
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral invites you to become a sponsor for our annual Family Fun Bowling Day 2014 presented by Main Street Children Dentistry and Orthodontics. This event is a
fundraiser for the Chamber and will help assist funding for future events within the chamber.
This family friendly networking event will be held on February 22nd from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bowland in Cape Coral off Santa Barbra Blvd. It is a networking event the whole family can enjoy.
Come network with fellow chamber members and enjoy a day of bowling with your family all at the same time. The event will also include a friendly tournament that will have some great prizes.
VIP LANE SPONSOR $149.00 ONLY 7 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Signage on LaneText Name on Scroll at Bowling Alley
(1) Lane Sponsorships at the event which include: (4) Bowlers per lane includes 2 games per person and shoe rental, One large Pizza and pitcher of soda for each lane.
Lane will be located in VIP section of the Bowling Alley with special seating and lane positions
LANE SPONSOR $99.00 ONLY 25 SPOTS AVAILABLESignage on Lane
Text Name on Scroll at Bowling Alley(1) Lane Sponsorships at the event which include: (4) Bowlers per lane includes 2 games per person
and shoe rental, One large Pizza and pitcher of soda for each lane.Your sponsorship will help assure the success of Family Fun Bowling Day!!!!!
If you are interested in any of these sponsorships register online at
www.capecoralchamber.com
Or contact Amanda Brunson at [email protected] or (239) 549-6900 ext. 111
Thank you to our sponsors!
Main Street Children Dentistry and Orthodontics Wonderland Realty
Black Business Solutions, LLC B2 Solutions
Wade's Heating & CoolingMullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, LLC
Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund, Inc. invites you to
Cultural Park Theatre 528 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
March 27, 2014 for
Reception 5:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:45 p.m. ‐ 6:30 p.m. Showtime 7:00 p.m.
$30.00 donation benefits 2014 Scholarship Fund For tickets contact: Steve Riggs @ 239‐770‐2200
The PAC is now the GAC “The Voice of Business”
Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting2014 GAC Chairman
At the beginning of 2013, I spoke as the Chamber Chairman about the great work past
administrations had done to put our Chamber in a strong financial position and how we grew the Chamber into the largest business group in the Cape.
I then went on to say, “It’s time to take this puppy out for a ride and flex
our collective muscle.”This year as Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, (formerly the
Public Affairs Committee) we have expanded our role in the continued effort to enhance our area of influences with local government.
In the past, the GAC members conducted quarterly meetings with the Mayor and Council Members to discuss issues facing the business community, listen to what they are working on and offer our assistance, as needed, to their efforts.
We will continue that practice this year while expanding our efforts to the five Lee County Commissioners. We communicated with the Commissioners regarding our intentions and received a welcoming response from many of them saying they are looking forward to meeting with our members.
Along with this expanded business plan, we will continue all of our annual events for the upcoming election year such as: Speed Politics, Candidate Hobnob and Are You Smarter Than a Politician. We have also added a Health Care Forum at the February General Membership meeting regarding the Affordable Health Care Act and its effect on small business.
It is sure to be a busy election year, so please stay tuned so you can be an informed voter this election cycle.
If you have an issue for the Chamber’s consideration or would like to become a member of the Government Affairs Committee, please contact Mike Quaintance at 549-6900 ext. 106 or myself at [email protected].
GOVERNMENT TRENDS
SPEED POLITICSGovernment A�airs Committee
READY...SET….GO!March 11, 2014Oasis High School3519 Oasis Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 339145:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Come Mix & Mingle With The Cape Coral City Council, Lee County Commissioners, Lee County Tax Collector , Lee County Clerk of Courts & More.
Networking Begins At 5:30 PM “Speed Politics” Begins At 6:30 PMYou Will Have The Opportunity To Talk One-On-One With All The Participants For 10 Minutes In Each Break-Out RoomRsvp (239) 549-6900 Ext 300
LCEC
Speed Politics SponsorshipsGold Sponsor $500 Company Logo included in all media spotsCompany Logo on event PowerPointCompany Display Table at the eventCompany Logo in event programCompany Logo on printed materials, flyers, etc. for the eventCompany Logo on Chamber Website Event Calendar (with link to company website)Company name mentioned as a sponsor on all press releasesCompany Logo in Chamber E-newsletter with event photo’s and storyIntroduction and three minute company presentation at the event
Silver Sponsor $250 Company name in all media spotsCompany name on event PowerPointCompany name in event programCompany Display Table at the eventCompany name in Chamber E-newsletter with event photo’s and story
Friends of Speed Politics $100 Company name on event PowerPointCompany name in event program
Yes, I want to be a ___ Gold Sponsor ___ Silver Sponsor ___ Friend Sponsor.
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________Business: _____________________________________________________________________________Credit Card: ___________________________________________________________________________Card Type: ______________________ Expiration Date: ________________ Code: __________Phone: _______________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________E-Mail: _______________________________________________________________________________
Please return to: The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral2051 Cape Coral Pkwy, E. Cape Coral, FL. 33904fax to: 549-9609 or [email protected] More information or questions please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107
Network AdministrationMaintenance Agreements
Off-site Data StorageDell, Acer, Apple(239) 573-1000
www.entechcomputers.com
Get In Touch with New Residents, Prospects and
Visitors with our Relocation Leads Program!
Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or
Network AdministrationMaintenance Agreements
Off-site Data StorageDell, Acer, Apple(239) 573-1000
www.entechcomputers.com
The News-Press Media Group connects Cape Coral residents and visitors with news and information in Cape Life every Thursday, and in the Cape section on Sunday. Get the latest updates online and on your mobile device at news-press.com
We deliver Cape Coral news 24/7
Subscribe:1.800.468.0233
Cape Coral Editor: Casey Logan | [email protected] | 344.4721Advertise: Lynnie Guzman | [email protected] | 910.4575
Get In & Get Busy Advertise In
The Chamber Trends Magazine
Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or
Dixie Roadhouse hosted a great Business After Hours in January complete with
line dancing, corn hole and some great prizes. The Chamber would like to thank the entire staff at Dixie Roadhouse for their hospitality and for hosting a great event.
(Left) Chamber members take some quick line dancing lessons.
(Mid Right) Johnny Matthews, Andrew Lampkins, Jay Johnson, Karen Barnes and Billy Johnson, Jr. have an impromptu Leadership cape Coral Lucky 13 Reunion.
(Bottom Right) Members enjoying some great networking at Dixie Roadhouse. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this event.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
The Wellness Center of Cape Coral is designed with you in mind:• Degreed and certified staff,
with medical oversight by a physician
• The most Les Mills group exercise programs in the area
• Medical screening and fitness assessment
• Customized fitness plan for each member
• Fitlinxx, an integrated exercise tracking software that provides feedback on exercise plans
• Body age assessment, including strength, flexibility, cardio respiratory capacity and body composition
Wellness Center of Cape Coral609 SE 13th Court
Cape Coral, FL 33990239-573-4800
A healthy and productive workforce is essential to the success of any business.
Free PersonalTraining Session for all chamber members with a new one-year membership.
The First Hour Free Program is
designed to provide Chamber
Members with professional business
resources to help them start or grow a
business, and the First Hour Is Free!!!
FIRST
HOUR
FREE
Need Professional Business Advice?
Need to Explore the Merits of a
Business Idea?
Need to Identify New Opportunities?
Looking to Trial a New Business
Relationship?
GET YOUR INFORMATION HERE!
BUSINESS MENTORS
Here To Help!
RESOURCES INCLUDE; HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
INVESTMENT INSURANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN ENGINEERING
BUSINESS COACHING ATTORNEY FINANCE ADVERTISING PRINTING ACCOUNTING
GOVERNMENT CONSULTANT FIND these professionals by going to www.capecoralchamber.com under
“Membership” then Programs. (239) 549-6900
with a purpose....
2051 Cape Coral Parkway ECape Coral, FL 33904
(239) 549-6900(800) 226-9609
www.capecoralchamber.com
& Have Fun!
