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25th Anniversary Back In The Black Ball
Celebrate 25 Years of Business & Community Annual awards Board inductionsCommunity Friends, Members Past
And Present Welcome!
January 17thCape Coral Yacht Club - 6:30 pm
Call 549-6900 ext 300 To RSVP
Trends The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral January 2014
Chamber
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
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]
25th Anniversary Back In The Black Ball
Presented by
Celebrate 25 Years of Business & Community Annual awards Board inductionsCommunity Friends, Members Past
And Present Welcome!
January 17thCape Coral Yacht Club - 6:30 pm
Also Sponsored By
Achieva Credit UnionLCEC - Spiro & Associates
The Aubuchon Team of Companies
RSVP TO (239) 549-6900 ext 300 www.capecoralchamber.com
$50 Per person - Semi Formal Attire - Silent Auction
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
January 2014JANUARY 7TH
Business Card ExchangeAbundant Life Chiropractic
1611 Santa Barbara Blvd. Suite 170 , Cape Coral, FL 339917:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
JANUARY 16THBusiness After Hours
Dixie Roadhouse 1023 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33904
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
JANUARY 17THBack In The Black
25th Anniversary Celebration & Board InstallationThe Cape Coral Yacht Club
Cape Coral, FL 339046:30 p.m.
JANUARY 18THCape Coral Antique & Craft Marketat the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market
SE 47th Terrace - Downtown Cape Coral8:00 a.m. - 1:00 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
Committed To Your SuccessMike “Q” Quaintance, President
As an aspiring academic, I find myself engaged in a change in my reading habits. I read articles that help me better understand
what knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA’s) students need to be successful in business today. I often hear employers suggest that students do not have the soft skills to be successful in the workplace. Skills like communication, personal finance, personal ethics and critical thinking.
Post-secondary students know that the job market has become exceedingly competitive. According to Forbes Magazine, MBA enrollment continues to soar as employees are looking for that competitive edge. Students also seek MBA degrees for a wider range of career choices, personal credentials, knowledge, interacting with others who have similar interests as well as global exposure to other students and their perspectives.
When I was enrolled in the MBA program at Keiser University, I had the pleasure of working with students from Europe, South America and Asia. These
student had different values and ideas; different ways to solve or view challenges and opportunities. Even as an Adjunct Professor at Edison State College, I’ve encountered a very diverse student population since the construction of the dormitories.
As business managers and leaders, we are often caught up in what we believe and what we think we know, but those biases go along to limiting our success. As business managers and leaders, our competitors are learning new things, learning new ways to solve problems, learning new technology, learning how to build powerful teams, especially if they are life-long learners. What are you doing to gain or maintain your competitive edge?
While many of our members may not be excited about the prospect of going back to school to garner information that will improve their knowledge and strategic advantage, the Chamber with the assistance of Keiser University has created a program, which is rather similar to a mini-MBA.
It is a seven-week Advanced Leadership program that will improve management and leadership skills, help you make stronger impacts in your business and community and expose you to diverse thinking.
To date, we have 17 of the 20 students that will maximize the class size - meaning there are only three spots available. These students will me meeting for one-half day on Fridays starting January, 17, 2014. If you go to Events on the Chamber website www.CapeCoralChamber.com and choose January 17, 2014, you can learn more about this opportunity. You can contact Mike Quaintance at the Chamber at 549-6900 ext. 106, or via e-mail at [email protected]. We are committed to your success, are you?
Q’s WORLD
Get In & Get Busy & Have Fun!
Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates2014 Chairman
It is truly my honor and privilege to serve the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral as the Chairperson for 2014!
The past several years have brought tremendous changes to our community as well as the business and personal lives of our members. We have had to work harder
and be more prudent to survive through these changes… but we are still here! We are “Back in the Black” and so I believe it is time to have a little more FUN! So let’s “Get In, Get Busy… and Have Fun!
2014 will mark the 25 year anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral! Twenty-five years of promoting and serving business and community by partnering with our City and its citizens to advance the general interest of our members and the community at large.
To mark this milestone, we are hosting the “Back in the Black Ball,” to be held on January 17, 2014 at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. This event will be a celebration of the past 25 years as well as the installation of the 2014 Board of Directors. We hope that you will all be able to join us as we celebrate our members, the hundreds of volunteers that support our Chamber and the past leaders…. All of whom have made the Chamber a success!
As we move through the New Year, the 2014 Business Plan will bring continued Business Leadership and Advocacy through its Government Affairs
Committee (formerly the Public Affairs Committee); increased partnership in education and the upcoming leaders of our community through our Education Committee; focus in our Member Services through our Leadership Programs, Networking Events and Seminars through the Membership Development Committee; as well as continuation of Community Services through our Special Events. Look for new and fun programs to help your businesses grow and network!
With all that we have planned for 2014, it is important to note that we could not do what we do without the support of our members and the leadership of the Board of Directors as well as the wonderful Staff at the Chamber! I want to thank all of you for your hard work and your guidance these past 25 years and I look forward to a “Fun” and Prosperous New Year!
CHAMBER TRENDS
with a purpose....
& Have Fun!
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
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
SPEED NETWORKING!
Members enjoyed Speed Networking at the December General Membership Lunch. Always a favorite, those in attendance were given four rotations at 10 minutes each to meet and networking with their fellow chamber members. Thank you to our annual lunch sponsors LCEC, The News-Press and CenturyLink. We would also like to thank our Table Sponsor for December, Nerium International. Don’t forget to RSVP for the Chamber’s 25th Anniversary on January 17th. This event will replace the January General Membership Lunch.
NEW MEMBERSAlways On Call
Gerald R. Brosseau III
Boutique Six Fifteen Amanda Firestone
Chili’s Grill & Bar Cindy Hogg
City of Cape Coral, MayorMarni Sawicki
CoolAir Air Conditioning & Heating
Scott Janke
Crossworks-Therapy by the Beach
Ester McDonough
JCI Graphics and PromosJill Irzyk
L.A. FitnessBryan Giordano
Mutual of Omaha BankDon Schnell
Patricia D. Sylvester, PA, Realtor
Patricia D Sylvester
Select Technology ServicesSandro Grima
Senior Life MagazineWilliam H. Padoll
Slate’s Allan Cotter
Southwest Florida Yachts, Inc.Barbara Hansen
Weintraub Inspections & Forensic, Inc.
Jerry Weintraub
Worldwide Yacht Sales, Inc.Bill Warner
RENEWALSAllied Portables, LLCMember Since: 2012
Allstate-David Schuman Insurance Agency
Member Since: 2011
Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc
Member Since: 2002
Cambio DermatologyMember Since: 2007
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, Inc.
Member Since: 2005
Cape Coral Housing Development Corp.
Member Since: 2000
Cape Coral Pet Crematory
Member Since: 2012
Cape Shore RealtyMember Since: 1993
CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL
Member Since: 2009
City Smoke BarbecueMember Since: 2011
Downtowner Car Wash Southeast
Member Since: 2006
Fenzel Air, LLCMember Since: 2011
FGCU-Small Business Development CenterMember Since: 1999
Florida Buyer BrokerMember Since: 2003
FOS FurnitureMember Since: 1994
Gulf Coast Coin & JewelryMember Since: 2008
Hello Beautiful SalonMember Since: 2012
High Fidelity StudiosMember Since: 2008
Hollywood Bicycle CenterMember Since: 2012
Impressions PhotographyMember Since: 2012
Jackson PRMember Since: 2012
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Member Since: 2012
Liberty Tax ServiceMember Since: 2004
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service,
LLCMember Since: 2011
North American Title Company
Member Since: 2011
Sotolongo Landscape Maintenance, Inc
Member Since: 2012
The Bell Tower ShopsMember Since: 2000
Thompson GasMember Since: 2012
Woody’s Surfside Island Rum & Grille
Member Since: 2012
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR
MEMBERSHIP!!!
with a purpose....
NOVEMBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS
Just because it’s on the Internet doesn’t mean it’s
free or any goodChristopher T. Spiro, Spiro & Associates
As the economy continues to recover I am continually encouraged as to the number of new clients
and returning clients who are seeking our services — from new ad campaigns, websites, brochures and general marketing
strategies. It’s exciting to once again be shaping some of Southwest Florida’s most prominent brands.
One of the issues that we run into when building these marketing tools is appropriately good photography and “stock” photography — those supplies of photos licensed for specific uses that some clients choose to purchase instead of hiring a professional photographer to shoot. That’s usually because custom photography and other art can in some instances be a significant financial investment. It also requires an investment of time in planning, executing and following-through (though as a purist, this is definitely the direction we recommend).
Often times, when a client decides to use stock photography, the Agency turns to online stock houses like iStock or VEER. These are businesses that have thousands of photos in a range of categories that were shot by individuals who receive payment for their work. In these instances, there is a licensing agreement, use agreement, and buyers pay based on the amount of potential exposure the art work will have, depending on whether it is used in a brochure, on the web, in ads, etc.
A frequent problem with stock images is that hundreds of other businesses may already be using them — including the competition! In some instances,
the competition may be using the same photo in a negative way, which can dilute the positive connotation that a client has in mind. Therein lies the problem with brand identity.
Only a custom photo shoot can accurately capture and portray a business. Stock photography, on the other hand, is shot by a person who has an idea of a single image in mind — not a comprehensive strategy of what a specific business needs to properly build and maintain its image.
Another situation the Agency runs into is clients who find images on the Internet with the hopes of using it for their projects. Photos and other artwork belong to someone who should be compensated for their property. The “thumbnail” images you find are not free and are not good for reproduction. They are typically 72 dpi and about ½” square. If a business is not paying the owner of the artwork, there’s a good chance for copyright infringement and fine that could be $25k or more. Then there are the photos that come our way via someone’s smartphone that is not properly set up to take high-resolution images. Although some of these shots are worthy of publication, generally few make the cut. Again, without the proper smart phone, proper settings, etc., what we end up receiving is 72 dpi ¾” square images that are unusable and we also gain an upset client.
Bottom Line? To build, maintain or evolve your brand, my advice is to go with the images that truly represent what your company stands for and what it “looks” like to your target audiences. That means a custom photo shoot where an ad agency’s expert art director oversees the entire project from planning to execution and beyond. A good agency will find the most efficient and effective strategy to make it worth your time and investment and ultimately protect and build your brand.
Christopher “The BrandMan” Spiro doled out this free advice about the highest and best use of photography while at his new adjustable standing desk complete with high-top table chair. 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]
Filling the bellies of others fills your heart
Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O.Vice President of Health & Wellness,
Lee Memorial Health System
A friend of mine recently told me a story that reinforced my belief that most of the people
in this world are generous, loving people that make the world a better place. She described to me how this one morning she awoke early as usual, prepared breakfast and lunch for the kids, skipped
her own breakfast, drove the kids to school and then got herself to work. Once at work her stomach reminded her she did not eat breakfast so she walked to the cafeteria for a bite.
While there she noticed a small, older, somewhat ill appearing lady wearing a bandana who seemed to be purposefully engaging others in conversation. My friend initially paid no mind to her, but when the lady said hello and spoke a few words to her, she started to pay some attention. In a hurry, my friend quickly got her own breakfast and went to the cashier to pay only to realize that she did not have any money in her pockets. She told the cashier that she would be back with the money. While walking back to her office, she again noticed this lady talking with other people in such a way as if she was trying to obtain something from them.
On the walk back to her office she realized that the woman probably also was hungry and might not have had any money for breakfast and this might have been the reason she was engaging others in conversation. When my friend got back to her office to gather some money to pay for her own breakfast, she took some extra money and quickly walked back to the cafeteria hoping that she would again run into this lady.
Fortunately as she was entering the cafeteria the lady was walking out and once again said hello to her with a cheerful “good morning again!” At this point my friend took the extra money from her pocket gave it to the lady and asked her politely if she would use it to get herself some breakfast. The woman was overwhelmed and responded “thank you and God bless you.” It was at that time that my friend realized that God certainly has blessed her and in turn, by her actions, she had blessed another human being. This was a wonderful feeling.
As I write this article, the religious holidays are approaching and we are reminded that this is supposed to be a time of giving, helping and loving others. In the past I
have written about the health benefits of giving and this is another perfect example. When we give in this fashion, we also receive. It is known that there are significant mental, physical and emotional health benefits to helping others. Whether we are “giving back” or “paying it forward” as they say, we not only help another human being but we also help ourselves in this manner. Many times I have heard people say that they get the best benefits when they give without any intention of getting something back.
Research from the National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities it activates areas in the brain that are associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. This so-called “helpers high” is probably due to the release of endorphins in the brain, chemicals that make you feel happy.
There was also a study done at the University of California, Berkeley which found that elderly people who volunteered were 44% less likely to die over the next five-year period as compared to those who were not volunteers. This was after controlling for age, exercise habits, general health and the negative health habits of smoking.
Other research shows that giving promotes cooperation and social connection which stimulates a feeling of gratitude. The “Research project on gratitude and thankfulness” found that teaching college students to “count their blessings” and cultivate gratitude cause them to exercise more, be more optimistic and feel better about their lives overall.
Barbara Fredrickson who is a pioneer in happiness research suggests that cultivating gratitude in ones every day life is one of the keys to increasing personal happiness.
A study done at the University of California in San Diego found that when a person behaves in a generous way this inspires other people to behave generously as well. These benefits extend from individual to individual and outward to the community. What can be better than this!?
It is also interesting to remember that life sometimes comes full circle. At some time in our lives we are fortunate enough to be the giver. At another time, we may be the necessary recipient of someone else’s good deeds. Most of us have probably experienced at some point in their life being on the top, and at other times, on the bottom. There are times when we are able to give a hand up and at other times we need another’s hand extended out to help us.
As we start the New Year, I believe the messages above are important to remember. If we enter 2014 with an unselfish, giving attitude, we will certainly look forward to a blessed new year for ourselves and others. Please take the opportunity to look for those in need and be quick to help in any way you can. By doing so, we can make this community and the world at large a better place. I thank you all for your generosity and for being the wonderful people that I know you are. Happy holidays to you all!
HEALTHY TRENDS
Advertise HereContact Donna Germain at
(239) 549-6900 ext 107
Annie’s Collision Center1106 Cape Coral Pkwy. E.
Cape Coral, FL 33904(239) 257-2852
www.autobodyrepairfortmyers.com
American Brokers Realty 2323 Del Prado Blvd S. Suite 9
Cape Coral, FL 33990(239) 772-2500
www.americanbrokers.com
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Vista Key Real Estate1222 SE 47th Street #307
Cape Coral, FL 33904(239) 257-1569
www.vistakeyrealty.com
Boutique Six Fifteen 1210-A LaFayette Street
Cape Coral, FL 33904(239) 540-0615
www.boutiquesixfifteen.com
2013 RecapBerge Aslanian (CDPE)
Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor
That short gap this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas created a bit more stress this time
for a number of people. It also seems to have had a pressure-cooker effect on property buyers too. Well, maybe it was more of a “Full Moon” effect because folks have sure gotten in a crazy, big hurry to buy.
But first, let’s look at the numbers for the three month period ending 12/27.
Prices have held steady now for several months and it appears that there will be no back-sliding on prices. December single family home sales units were down while condos were a bit more stable.
Please notice that single family inventory has increased while the number sold decreased and the median price sold stayed the same. It seems that as more homes come on the market they are being priced higher. Cheaper homes are selling but there are less of them.
Historically the period of time between October and November are slow times for residential real estate. Normally we don’t see a lot of activity from Buyers and Sellers during this “pre-holiday” time and then there is even less activity until after the first of the new year. And please don’t forget also that the sold numbers represent contracts that were written a month or more before the actual transactions get recorded as sold. That means realtors don’t really have a crystal ball but they can anticipate good and bad months because they see the numbers of contracts being signed before the property closes.
All that being said, we hear national news reports telling us sales are now trailing off. Well, it is winter in those northern states and between holidays and snow there
won’t be much home-building or home selling as folks hunker down to get through it. But, here in the Sunshine State, those balmy breezes through the whispering palms are starting to work their magic. Although it does not yet show in sales closed, we are experiencing increased activity from folks ready to buy, and they are!
For some unknown reason, contrary to past experience, in the last few weeks we have been seeing an inordinate number of folks ready to buy. And they are! Perhaps the pent up demand for Florida property has erupted like lava from a volcano. Maybe those cranky old baby-boomers (I can say that because I’m one) are letting the moths out of their retirement funds. Maybe someone has been writing about the great deals in our fair state and how it is a wonderful place to spend time, especially in the winter. More than likely there plenty of reasons we are seeing increased activity.
From personal experience I can report that about 10% of my buyers are from Canada, UK or Germany. About 85% of my buyers pay cash. As this has become a seller’s market, my sellers do not agree to seller concessions like seller financing or lease to own or helping pay buyer’s closing costs. To spin a phrase from Norm on the old sitcom Cheers, “It’s a dog eat dog world out there and you don’t want your pants to be made out of Milkbones…”
What does this mean? It means that properties are starting to move briskly, mostly with cash buyers. At the end of next month we should see a noticeable increase in homes/condos sold; we have written a bunch of contracts in my office that will close in January and so have a lot of other agents in our market area.
As reported every month now for over a year, prices have been going up. The bottom is well behind us. We are still below national averages pricewise. Inflation has been picking up its ugly pace (If you don’t believe me just go grocery shopping for all the proof you need.).
Prices up with room to go up even more? Inflation going forward? Desirable market location? Oh yeah, notice the increase in builder advertising in our local press? What a great time to buy or sell! Those of us recognizing the components of a market heating up have been taking advantage of the opportunities. What about you?
Please talk to a local realtor about how you can participate in this up-trending market. You may be interested in up-sizing or down-sizing or investing. A good realtor can help you determine a winning real estate strategy that fits your situation. Now that you know, Happy House Hunting! Or, Happy House Selling! And a very Happy New Year!
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
12-27-13 Real Estate Trends
2013 Recap
That short gap this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas created a bit more stress this time for a number of people. It also seems to have had a pressure-cooker effect on property buyers too. Well, maybe it was more of a “Full Moon” effect because folks have sure gotten in a crazy, big hurry to buy. But first, let’s look at the numbers for the three month period ending 12/27. Oct ’13 Nov ’13 Dec ‘13 Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $ For Sale 1748 $224,500 1697 $235,000 1740 $235,000 Sold 265 $165,000 275 $160,500 187 $160,000
Oct ’13 Nov ’13 Dec ‘13 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ For Sale 288 $135,000 309 $138,000 290 $139,000 Sold 39 $99,000 35 $110,000 31 $108,000
Prices have held steady now for several months and it appears that there will be no back-sliding on prices. December single family home sales units were down while condos were a bit more stable. Please notice that single family inventory has increased while the number sold decreased and the median price sold stayed the same. It seems that as more homes come on the market they are being priced higher. Cheaper homes are selling but there are less of them. Historically the period of time between October and November are slow times for residential real estate. Normally we don’t see a lot of activity from Buyers and Sellers during this “pre-holiday” time and then there is even less activity until after the first of the new year. And please don’t forget also that the sold numbers represent contracts that were written a month or more before the actual transactions get recorded as sold. That means realtors don’t really have a crystal ball but they can anticipate good and bad months because they see the numbers of contracts being signed before the property closes. All that being said, we hear national news reports telling us sales are now trailing off. Well, it is winter in those northern states and between holidays and snow there won’t be much home-building or home selling as folks hunker down to get through it. But, here in the Sunshine State, those balmy breezes through the whispering palms are starting to work their magic. Although it does not yet show in sales closed, we are experiencing increased activity from folks ready to buy, and they are! For some unknown reason, contrary to past experience, in the last few weeks we have been seeing an inordinate number of folks ready to buy. And they are! Perhaps the pent up demand for Florida property has erupted like lava from a volcano. Maybe those cranky old baby-boomers (I can say that because I’m one) are letting the moths out of
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$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!
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Chamber Members were feeling the holiday spirit a little early this year at the December 5th Koogler Kringle Mingle Business After Hours. The event, hosted by Koogler Homes took place at their model home located at 1534 SW 56th Terrace.
In the true spirit of the season, Koogler Homes provided a very special tree at the event where guests could make a donation to support Camp Boggy Creek. Each donation was named on an ornament and hung from the tree.
Thank you to Don and Ginny Koogler, pictured right with Leah Miles, regional development officer for Camp Boggy Creek, for their hospitality.
About Camp Boggy Creek: Camp Boggy Creek is a place of dreams, of joy, of possibilities. A camp where children with serious illnesses and their families can forget the word “no” for a little while and embrace the promise of “yes”.
Camp Boggy Creek was founded in 1996 by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, with one simple premise in mind, that every child, no matter their illness, could experience the transformational spirit and friendships that go hand in hand with camp.
With unobtrusive expert medical care, it was their dream that Camp would provide seriously ill children with a fun-filled experience defined by compassion, laughter and acceptance.
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