november 2014
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Please enjoy the latest issue of the Chamber Trends Magazine.TRANSCRIPT
TrendsThe Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral November 2014
Chamber
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
Join us For TheBusiness After Hours
November 20th at FOS Furniture
RSVP For The General Membership Lunch, November 12th at LaVenezia. SPEED NETWORKING IS BACK! Sponsored by The News-Press, LCEC and Centurylink
Join Us Every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside for the Surfside Sunset Market, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cape Coral Farmers’ Market, Every Saturday at Club Square, 8 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL GRADUATION, November 15th at Palmetto Pine Country Club.
Chamber Trends Monthly Advertising Basic Advertising Prices
Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00
Business Card $117.00 (All ads include a hyperlink to your 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 Pricing Full Page $367.00 1/2 Page $287.00 1/4 Page $207.00
Business Card $167.00 (All ads include a hyperlink to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business and a banner ad in the
Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter)
Specials Feature Your Business On The Cover
Cover photo showcasing your company with a full page article, up to 3 pictures and company logo spotlighting your business. Only one per month. First come first serve basis. Your spotlight can also be linked to your company website and/or a commercial
promoting your business.
Chamber Trends Weekly Advertising
Press Release $25.00 (Runs 1x, includes 60 words, company logo, link to your company website.)
(Non-profit organizations run 2x for $25.00)
Banner Advertisement $50.00 per month (runs 4x, includes link to your website)
Company Spotlight $157.00
(Runs 4x, includes short story, link to website, link to additional company information, 2 pictures and Company logo.)
E-mail Blasts Company Spotlight E-mail Blast $199.00
The investment for the Business Spotlight is $199 and will run twice throughout the month of your choice. Dimensions - 6 inches wide x 8 inches tall, 300 dpi resolution.
Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext. 107 for more information. All Chamber Publications Are Distributed to More Than 16,000 contacts
Publisher & EditorDonna Schuman-GermainCommunications Director
Contributing EditorsMike Quaintance
Chamber [email protected]
Stephanie RobersonTechnology Director
Claudia St. OngeBusiness Manager
Matt LambMembership Sales
Annette Siner Membership Sales
Melanie LempkeAdministrative Generalist
Amanda BrunsonSpecial Events Coordinator
Chamber of Commerce of Cape CoralP.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910
2051 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609
November 2014NOVEMBER 12, 2014
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHSPEED NETWORKING
LA VENEZIA4646 SE 10th Pl. Club Square, Cape Coral, FL 33904
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
NOVEMBER 15, 2014LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL CLASS OF 2014 GRADUATION
PALMETTO PINE COUNTRY CLUB 1940 SW 9th Court, Cape Coral, FL 33991
6:30 PM
NOVEMBER 20, 2014BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
FOS Furniture 790 Del Prado Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33909
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
EVERY SATURDAY THROUGH MAYCAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET
Club Square - SE 47th Terrace and SE 10th Place Cape Coral, FL 33904
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
TUESDAYS YEAR ROUNDSurfside Sunset Market - The Shops at Surfside
Veterans Parkway and Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, FL3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
DECEMBER 6, 2014CENTURYLINK HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Downtown Cape Coral - Cape Coral ParkwaySanta’s Arrival and Tree Lighting 6:30 PM
4:00 PM - 10 PM
To register for any of the above events online 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 - The Smart Companies
Cynthia Gallagher - The Breeze NewspapersTom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral
Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremationand Funeral Services
Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & RentalTrish Lassiter - LCEC
Michelle Lewis - Past Chairman - B2 SolutionsDonna Meola, First Merchant Payment Services, Past
Chairman Thomas Shipp Jr. - Past Chairman - Tom Shipp
at the Martin Law FirmStanley Spicer - Platinum Service A/C
Chris Spiro - Past Chairman - Spiro & AssociatesZachary Zeis - The Smart Companies
2014 TRUSTEESRhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank
Sallie Dwyer - SunTrust Merchant ServicesSandra Greiner - SunSplash 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 - Siesta Pebble 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 DirectorStephanie Roberson, Technology Director
Matt Lamb, Membership SalesAnnette Siner, Membership Sales
Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator
Linda Kirby, Membership Sales ContractorLisa Barrella, Membership Sales Contractor
WHICH PART OF THE WAVE ARE YOU RIDING?
Mike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, IOM
Thank you to those chamber members who have acknowledged the efforts made to grow and improve your Chamber. It is comforting when a respected banker like Steve Stewart from Preferred Community Bank acknowledges that strategic move by the Chamber. I appreciate the support and wisdom of the Chamber board for supporting this management initiative.
We are riding the front of the wave by investing in a larger sales force. Many of you have probably met Matt Lamb and Annette Siner, who are two new full time sales people, as well as Linda Kirby who is an independent contractor. We also added another independent contractor, Lisa Barrella, who is starting strong. Membership is the lifeblood of any organization. The Chamber could not accomplish what it does without its members!
This investment improves our ability to serve our existing members as we have more bodies able to fulfill your needs. We are now more able to be responsive to scheduling ribbon cuttings, sharing referral reports and following up with members’ requests for assistance. It will also allow your Chamber president a greater opportunity to participate in regional activities like the Horizon Council, Southwest
Florida Alliance of Chambers and SBDC programs.We probably have all heard that history repeats
itself. Many of us may have life experiences that support that construct. If we look at the period following the Great Depression, we see that people’s economic confidence was definitely rattled. Our great recession, or whatever history will call it, was not nearly as devastating, but very painful for most. This pain has cost many to be generally more cautious, which is normal human behavior. If one falls off a bike and gets hurt, that pain and experience is very relevant until the bike rider experiences several subsequent successes and then the joy of riding overcomes the negative experience of the pain.
The same behavior occurs in other parts of our lives, both personal and professional. Many of us know intuitively that the sooner we get back on the bike the better. The Chamber is getting back on the bike by investing in team members that can help grow the Chamber thus providing you with greater opportunities for commerce through networking with other members.
While attending the Workforce NOW 2014 Forum at Hodges University, an economist suggested that our growth in the U.S. should carry us through 2018. At that point, there would be flattening of U.S. economic growth versus a major downturn. What this suggests is that we have three good years to grow our organizations before this flattening. Many businesses, large and small, are sitting on the sidelines still affected by the physiological impacts of the Great Recession. Risk adverse companies are aggressively investing in their businesses and communities to take advantage of this strategic opportunity now to improve profits and better prepare to leverage the marketplace when the economy hits that flattening cycle.
Have you ever watched surfing competitions? Where do the surfers ride the wave? Observations have taught me that successful surfers ride the front of wave not the back. Which part of the wave are you riding?
Q’s WORLD
New
Aire AmericanoRafael Diaz
Blaze BistroAnita Cotuqno
Carmel FinancialGiancarlo Rainero
Charles A. RobertsCharles Roberts
Dean Street InsuranceRon Scalzo
Family First Cooling and Heating Chris Velez
Gables Insurance RecoveryRuben Olivarez
Harley Rental Cape CoralClyde Daenzer
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
Brian Kramer and Patricia George
Intech Printing and Direct Mail Dan Fitzgerald
Kristin’s Hair SalonKristin Schwartz
Larry’s Auto & TruckLarry St. Amand
MYCO Business SystemsJeff Shaw
Point Ybel Brewing CompanyWalt Costello
Prints Charming Photo Booth of SWFL, Inc.
Raymond Schilke
Sam’s Club John McAdoo
Smoothie King Cape Coral Jinky Parsons
Renewals
AAE GlassMember Since: 10/26/2011
Annie’s Collision CenterMember Since: 09/19/2013
Arnold Roberts Signature HomesMember Since: 10/17/2011
Blot Engineering, Inc.Member Since: 10/09/2013
BowlandMember Since: 06/01/1995
Cape Christian FellowshipMember Since: 09/29/2006
Cape Coral High SchoolMember Since: 09/28/1999
Cape Coral Power SquadronMember Since: 10/01/2009
CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFLMember Since: 03/03/2009
Century 21 Sunbelt Realty, Inc.Member Since: 09/01/1992
Champion Self StorageMember Since: 09/25/2007
Cheetah Printing & SignsMember Since: 06/27/2012
Chicago PizzaMember Since: 06/24/2008
Coconut Bay Construction, Inc.Member Since: 10/26/2011
DJC Insurance & Financial Services/New York Life Ins. Co.
Member Since: 05/06/2003
FGCU-Small Business Development Center
Member Since: 10/27/1999
Fireservice Disaster Kleenup, Inc.Member Since: 06/01/1998
Florida Skin CenterMember Since: 10/11/2012
Florida SouthWestern State CollegeMember Since: 10/01/1990
Florida WeeklyMember Since: 10/30/2012
Greenwell Bat-A-Ball, Inc.Member Since: 07/01/1992
Guthrie Builders, LLCMember Since: 10/04/2013
Hodges UniversityMember Since: 10/09/2012
IBERIABANKMember Since: 09/28/2005
Jason’s DeliMember Since: 09/20/2004
Kobayashi Dojo / Main CampusMember Since: 03/01/1997
Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCECMember Since: 12/01/1993
Matteo GraphicsMember Since: 05/25/2011
Men’s Rights Law FirmMember Since: 10/06/2008
Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’Member Since: 11/30/2012
North Fort Myers Academy For The ArtsMember Since: 10/21/2008
Parker House PropertiesMember Since: 09/14/2011
Pottery ExpressMember Since: 10/29/2011
REALTOR® Assoc. of Greater Fort Myers & the Beaches
Member Since: 10/28/1999
Renaissance SchoolMember Since: 10/27/2011
Seminole Casino ImmokaleeMember Since: 09/02/2010
Shops At SurfsideMember Since: 09/07/2010
Sinclair Custom Homes, IncMember Since: 06/28/2013
Stabley Marketing, LLCMember Since: 04/11/2012
Sunshine Jewelers & Gold ExchangeMember Since: 06/27/2012
The Bell Tower ShopsMember Since: 07/10/2000
Vital Records ControlMember Since: 10/29/2008
Water Medic of Cape Coral, IncMember Since: 09/19/2013
Woody’s Surfside Island Rum & GrilleMember Since: 10/10/2012
THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
SEPTEMBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS
SPONSOR THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2014 ___ Scott Blonde, The Breeze Newspapers ___ Greg Blurton, Investors’ Security Trust - Sponsored By Siesta Pebble___ Christin Collins, Lee Memorial Health System - Sponsored By Lee Memorial Health System___ Eileen DeLuca, Florida SouthWestern State College___ Rana Erbrick, Cape Coral City Council, Dist 5 - Sponsored By Lamar___ Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center ___ Paul Flores, Waste Pro of Florida ___ Jonathan Gabel, Priority Payments South Florida - Sponsored By Siesta Pebble___ John Hobson, CenturyLink___ Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com___ Casey Logan, The News-Press-Cape Coral Bureau___ Stacy Lomonaco, Regions Bank Cape Coral Pkwy East ___ Nancy MacPhee, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau___ Carmine Marceno, Lee County Sheriff’s Office - Sponsored By Sharee Thieleman, (Ret. American Airlines) with Miloff Aubuchon Realty___ Laurie Morris-Wilson, IBERIABANK___ Chris Nicely, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community
___ Dan Puleio, Cape Cleaners - Sponsored By First Merchant Payment Systems___ Sarah Sheffield, Massage Envy Spa - Cape Coral
___ Tracy Siekmann, City of Cape Coral Parks & Rec - Sponsored By Black Business Solutions___ Annette Siner, Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral - Sponsored By Coral RidgeFuneral Home & Cemetery ___ Ross Smith, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC ___ Debbie Stella, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC ___ Margie Stevens, A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming ___ Emily Teachout, American Cancer Society ___ Steven Teuber, Neaher & Teuber, P.L.___ Dottie Tronnes, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community___ Chuck Warren, Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery - Sponsored By UBS Financial - Karen S. Barnes ___ Russ Winstead, FGCU-Small Business Development Center
Leadership Cape Coral Graduation
B U S I N E S S N A M E
B I L L I N G A D D R E S S
C A R D N U M B E R
C A R D T Y P E E X P I R A T I O N D A T E T H R E E D I G I T C O D E
P H O N E E - M A I L
November 15, 2014 Palmetto Pine Country Club, 6:30 pm
$100 SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES• Sponsor Name In Program• Sponsor Logo In Rotating
Power Point at Event• Sponsor Name in All E-mail
Invitations to Graduation• Sponsor Name on Event
Webpage• Sponsor Recognition on all
social media sites (12,000contacts)
• Does not include dinner
Please Fax or e-mail to Donna Germain
[email protected] (239) 549-6900 ext 107
(239) 549-9609 fax
WE ARE THE LEADERSHIP CHAMBER!
Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates2014 Chairman
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”….. Jack Welch
Leadership… Since 1993, your Chamber of Commerce has taken a very proactive approach to
promoting leadership. The Jr. Leadership Program, Leadership Cape Coral and the Advanced Leadership programs were developed in order to grow the future leaders of our community.
Recently, I attended the orientation meeting for the 2014 Jr. Leadership Program. These kids are great – they have ambition, enthusiasm and a yearning to learn! This program allows juniors from our local high schools the opportunity to learn about the history of our community and meet a group of diverse business and community leaders. Through nine weekly sessions, 28 students will learn about advertising and marketing, the medical, media, education and public safety professions, in addition to learning the history of Cape Coral. These students are the future of our community and we hope that by providing them with these sessions and contacts, it will help prepare them for their futures.
If you were at the October General Membership luncheon, you had the
opportunity to hear Junior Leadership graduate, Adebola Malike Adigun, give a truly inspiring and emotional speech about his life and how Junior Leadership helped him. Now, after graduating college, he has come back to our community to work and be a leader/role model for others. This is what it is all about!
Back in August the Leadership Class of 2014 kicked off their 13 week session at the Pink Shell. Since then they have visited local media outlets and marketing businesses, spent time at Lee Memorial Health System, the City of Cape Coral, the US Coast Guard, Sheriff’s Department, Lee Co. Mosquito Control, Cape Coral Police and Fire Departments, as well as visits with local schools, manufacturing facilities and many others. Over the 13 weeks, the class develops a true bond working together to give back to our community!
Their journey ends with a fun day of Arts and Entertainment at Cultural Park Theater and then graduation at a gala event on November 14, 2014. The business people in this class have committed to our community and through this class and many before it, many of our leaders are found.
The third leg in the Leadership series is Advanced Leadership. This program is an eight part series developed to hone one’s leadership skills as well as reviewing the core concepts of leadership through a lecture type program in class. It’s about defining your leadership style and putting it to the test. The next Advanced Leadership program will kick-off in March of 2015. If you are interested in this program, please contact Donna Germain at [email protected] or 549-6900 ext. 107.
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral continues to be committed to these Leadership Programs and to growing leaders in our community!
As always, I hope to see you Having Fun in November!
CHAMBER TRENDS
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHAt the October General Membership Lunch, the Chamber’s Education
Committee honored our local educators at the 9th Annual Principal’s Lunch sponsored by The News-Press, CenturyLink and LCEC. Guest
Speaker Adebola “Malike” Adigun (Top Left), educator and Junior Leadership graduate, spoke to the group about how our educational system and programs like Junior Leadership helped him as a young man.
(Mid Right) One of our favorites, Principal Steve Hook from Oasis Elementary stops for a photo after winning a Florida Everblades prize.
(Bottom Left) Thank you to Achieva Credit Union for bringing the money machine to the event. One luck principal got 1 minute in the booth. The money collected went to benefit the school.
(Bottom Right) Chrysten Foley, Nova Southeastern University served as emcee for the lunch welcoming our principals, sponsors and dignitaries.
The Chamber and its Education Committee would like to thank all of the lunch sponsors, principal sponsors, principals and attendees for their contributions. Join us for Speed Networking at La Venezia in November!
WE’RE ALL DANCING AS FAST AS WE CAN….JUST
TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE MUSIC.
Christopher T. Spiro, Spiro & Associates
Every year for as long as I have been in business it sneaks up on us! Season! It’s here. And when I mean it sneaks up on
us, we have no idea how to gauge how busy or how slow we will be in the months leading
up to season as well as season itself. Of course in the new economy as a business owner, we are also trying to stay as lean as we can as well since having to hire and fire is one of the toughest things a business owner or manager has to do.
So it happens, almost like clockwork - we get slammed. We have more work than there are hours in the day. We have clients with extremely short deadlines. We have clients who decide that this will be a good season so they better ramp up their advertising, marketing and public relations in preparation. As a result, office moral goes down, tempers rise and the likelihood of a bad customer service experience becomes more and more real every day.
So you’re saying to yourself “okay Spiro, congratulations you’re busy…what’s the damn point?” The point is this, while we are all dancing as fast as we can trying to keep up with the music we need to not lose site of the fact that many of us are in a service business…as in “serve-us” SERVE the client. And that while the peak of the mountain of work looks unreachable, it’s not. Your staff needs to be reminded that while they may be tired, feel unappreciated and overworked, that this is the time that business owners and managers get to lay a little groundwork for slower times. And the key point to remember is that being nasty, short, and curt with a customer or client does your brand no good.
I often tell people in my world that there are only three things that set agencies apart….creative, strategy and service. Everything else can be outsourced. Everything else can be purchased a-la-carte. Without killer creative surrounded by a unique strategy, you have nothing. And without top-shelf customer service you won’t last as a business at all.
My friend Gary Aubuchon turned me onto a book by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles called “Raving Fans.” This short read is all about going far beyond traditional customer service, it’s about creating raving fans for your business, something Gary
believes in with his heart and soul. In the inside front of the book jacket there is this simple quote: “Your customers are only satisfied because their expectations are so low and because no one else is doing better. Just having satisfied customers isn’t good enough anymore. If you really want a booming business, you have to create Raving Fans.” If you ever experience past customers of Gary’s you will find that they are Raving Fans of all of his companies. You will find that they are the best foot soldiers his sales department can have because they grow his sales force one satisfied Raving Fan at a time.
Here at Spiro & Associates we are a bit more irreverent and follow the thoughts and mentoring of Mr. Walt Disney. There is a book by Bill Capodagli & Lynn Jackson called “The Disney Way.” This book talks extensively about going that extra mile so that the customer gets to “enjoy the show.” This is the philosophy that we employ here at my firm. We are in a fun and exciting business…customer service needs to be the same.
And finally, a word of caution. If things are crazy and that staff member doesn’t offer the best customer service experience don’t be surprised if it doesn’t show up on social media. People are brave when they can hide behind a keyboard and monitor. People are brave when they don’t have to face you. People are nastier, meaner and downright rude sometimes…and if you correct things, very rarely do they go back to those same social media venues and update the scenario.
So keep dancing…the music eventually slows down enough for you to keep up….and then we jump back on the merry-go-round for another season of fun!! Good luck!
Remember what Walt had to say about customer service…
Christopher “The BrandMan” Spiro can be found digitally dancing as fast as he can (it’s not pretty) via any social media outlet…usually depicted with a big cigar, some brown liquor and with his wife Rachel. To keep tempo with his brand tid-bits hit him up: 239.481.5511, [email protected], and www.facebook.com/christopher.spiro.
MARKETING TRENDS
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 [email protected]
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2014
14 KARATSDonna Germain, Communications Director
The Leadership Cape Coral Class of 2014 had an amazing last month and it’s hard to believe that we are preparing to graduate another class from this amazing program.
The month started with Education Day Chaired by 2012’s Sandy Silva, Ida S. Baker and MerriBeth Farnham, HDPR Group and 2013’s Lorraine Barraco, Jet’s Pizza. The group started the day at Ida S. Baker HS for a tour of the school and then traveled to the Oasis Charter School Campus for tours of the Elementary, Middle and High School. The group then traveled to Cape Coral School of Technology for a delicious lunch sponsored by Achieva Credit Union and Sylvan Learning Center.
The following week, and definitely a program favorite, was Coast Guard Day. With more than 400 miles of canals in Cape Coral, our waterways are one of our greatest treasures. This day shows the class how that treasure is protected. Chaired by 2010’s Capt. Pete Louzao, 2012’s Bill Jacob, CenturyLink and 2013’s Yvonne Werline, Kevin M. Burns & Associates and Chris Cordrey, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors, the class spent the day at the US Coast Guard Station on Fort Myers Beach and experienced life on base and also went underway as the crew demonstrated maneuvers on the water. Another amazing lunch was served to the class and sponsored by CenturyLink.
City Government and Public Safety Day came next with the dynamic duo of Heather and Joe Mazurkiewicz organizing the day with co-chairs from 2012 Kevin Hobstetter, LCEC, Brian Hamman,
Lee County Commission and 2013’s Jacque Miloff, Miloff Aubuchon Realty. The class started the day with a mock city council meeting where they played the roles of council, the public and city staff. The class then toured the police department and watched a SWAT and K-9 demonstration. The Fire Department came next where the class learned a bit of what it takes to be a first responder. The day ended at the city’s Emergency Operations Center. Lunch was graciously sponsored by Miloff Aubuchon Realty.
Last, but definitely not least, was Arts and Entertainment Day. Chaired by 2013’s Bill Johnson, Jr., CCCIA and 2012’s Brandon Deaver, B2 Solutions and co-chaired by 2013’s Andrew Lampkins, Achieva Credit Union, the day is always a fun way to end the program. The day started at Cultural Park Theatre with improve games involving the entire class. Following the improve portion, the class was treated to a BBQ with some fellow alumni courtesy of 2014 program co-chair Karen Schuman-Barnes, UBS Financial Services. Keith Banasiak from Waste Pro assisted with the lunch providing the Grill, tables, chairs, coolers, etc. needed for the lunch. The class then traveled to the Cape Coral Historical Museum for a tour and scavenger hunt. The finished the day at the Cape Coral Art League where they judged some pieces in the gallery and participated in an art project.
On behalf of the Chamber, I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s program. I cannot thank you enough for all of your time, talent and treasure. A very special thank you goes to our Leadership team Chairs Michelle Whitlock and Matt Lamb and Co-Chairs Karen S. Barnes and Jay Johnson. Thank you all for an amazing year. Please join us for graduation on November 15th at Palmetto Pine Country Club.
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2014
PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O.Vice President of Health & Wellness,
Lee Memorial Health System
As mentioned in last month’s article, I have started another educational journey; this time in the specific area of
anti-aging medicine. I invited the readers to join me on my journey over the next 18 months as I learn more about improving the aging process and helping folks lead an active and rewarding life with good health as the foundation.
This article is the first in a continuous series that will highlight the information I learn from this program. I am excited to share this information with the readers and with my patients. I am also excited to be working with patients on what is now known as “Lifestyle medicine” and will explain the connection between this and “Personalized medicine”.
The first topic in this series has to do with women’s health; and specifically, the symphony of hormones that affect a woman’s health. As a primary care physician, I see many women in the exam room concerned about symptoms related to menopause. As you probably know, the normal age to go through menopause is from 35-55. During this time there are many changes in the female hormones that contribute to the multitude of symptoms that could last for years if not treated effectively. As such, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended for many symptomatic women with the goal of relieving symptoms, decreasing the risk of heart disease, memory loss, dementia, and osteoporosis.
The goal of treatment (HRT) is to replace deficient hormones with compounds as close to the woman’s natural hormones as possible.
When we discuss HRT, one of the major female hormones is estrogen; and when the level is not appropriate, the woman can experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, hair loss, depression, for example. As detailed, the number of symptoms are staggering and can be life altering. It is known that estrogen has about 400 functions in the body, so when the level is not where it should be, the individual can experience many symptoms that sometimes make life seen unbearable.
In the brain, estrogen stimulates the production of an enzyme that prevents Alzheimer’s dementia. Estrogen also increases the metabolic rate and improves insulin sensitivity and therefore helps control weight gain. It helps maintain healthy muscles and also helps with quality sleep. It decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving blood flow and decreasing the stickiness of platelets (and as such, decreases the formation of blood clots). Estrogen has beneficial effects on the cholesterol profile and on blood pressure. It also improves the thickness and softness of the skin (this helps decrease wrinkles). It improves sexual interest and also decreases the risk of depression by its effects on brain chemicals.
When estrogen is replaced, the physician has the choice of using either synthetic hormones or,
what are called bio-identical hormones. Synthetic estrogen is not the same chemical structure as the estrogen naturally made in the body. Bio-identical hormones are the natural hormones that women make in their own body.
When we look further at estrogen hormones, we see that there are actually three types: E1, E2, and E3; and there are two different receptors that these estrogens can attach to in order to do their jobs. All three estrogens are converted to other chemicals in the body and what they become has a direct effect on your health. You want to influence the conversation of estrogen to the healthier hormones; and there are several ways to do this including moderate exercise, eating cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, eating soy products and other healthy proteins, and by taking supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins.
On the negative side, being overweight or obese influences the conversion of estrogen into the less healthy versions. Alcohol in excess increases the conversion of estrogen in a way that is thought to increase the risk of breast cancer. In the environment there are chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen (called xenoestrogens) and it appears that there are at least 50 of these chemicals which result in toxic effects in the body. One example is the plastic water bottles that are sold in the supermarket. These bottles contain BPA which is a xenoestrogen that is toxic to the body. This is the reason you should buy “BPA free” water bottles.
Overall, estrogen deficiency has been suggested to be a state of accelerated aging as described in the Clinics of Geriatric Medicine from 2003 in the article “The use of estrogen in older women”. Another interesting article is in the American Journal of Medicine in 2009. This study evaluated 27 other published studies dealing with estrogen replacement and found a 28% reduction in the death rate in menopausal women under the age of 60 who used HRT. These women also reported a better quality of life.
So you might now be asking “how do you know if a women is deficient in estrogen (as well as other hormones)?” The answer is: you don’t until you measure the estrogen (and other hormone) levels. You also need to measure what are called the estrogen metabolites. These are the downstream chemicals produced as the body metabolizes (breaks down) estrogen. Therefore, you are measuring the level of estrogen and its metabolites all in one test which is best done by urine, saliva and blood tests. Samples of the urine, saliva and blood are taken over a 24-48 hour period; and in some cases over a 28 day period. This is necessary since hormone levels fluctuate during the day so you need to test the levels over a certain time period and not just at one point in time. These tests give the physician a better understanding of the individual’s physiology and how her body is functioning. This is where “personalized medicine” comes into play. With this information your physician knows what is happening in your body and can then develop a treatment plan that is specific for you. This approach is an advance when compared to the one-size-fits-all mentality since we are all individuals and not the same as every other woman or man.
When your health care provider helps you develop a personalized plan for your health, you can be sure that by following this plan you will live a better quality life, be healthier and able to age in a more fitful way enabling you to do all you want in life to accomplish your goals, whatever they may be. What a great way to live!
In summary, consider talking with your physician or health care provider about developing a personalized health plan; and work with him/her to incorporate HRT (if necessary) with healthy nutrition and exercise which undoubtedly are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.
Stay well my friends and as always send questions and comments to [email protected]
HEALTHY TRENDS
Get In Touch with New Residents, Prospects and Visitors with our Relocation Leads Program!
Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or [email protected]
• ToptenUnitedWayemployeecontributorandcommunitypartner
• Employeesvolunteermorethan5,000hoursannually
• Maintaining8,000milesofpowerlinesyear-round
• On-call24hoursaday,7daysaweek,365daysayear
• Proudlyservingcustomerssince1940
• OneofonlysixCenters of Excellenceintheutilityindustry
Quality Service
Reliability
• Norateincreaseforsixyears.Ratedecreasein2014*
• Returned$220millioninequityovertheyears
* 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
Financial Strength
Community
www.lcec.net
LCEC – your cooperative empowers you!WhenyouareanLCECcustomer,youbelongtooneofthelargestnot-for-profitelectriccooperativesinthenation.Governedbycustomers,wearecommittedtodeliveringreliableandcostcompetitiveelectricity.
Tuscany
Tuscany
OneHotelHoliday!
Departing October 20, 2015
With the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce
For more information, please contact Amanda Brunson at (239) 549-6900
$2,899 per person,
$2,799 per person if
deposited by Nov. 30!*
THE GAC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS EACH OF
YOU VOTE! Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting
2014 GAC Chairman
Tuesday, November 4, 2014 is the General Election in Florida and your Government Affairs
Committee recommends you make sure your voice is heard by casting your vote!
In Florida, we vote for US Congressman, Governor, Cabinet
Members, State Representative, County Commission, School Board, Hospital
Board, Mosquito Board, three (3) Constitutional Amendments, term-limits for County Commissioners and a change to the make-up of the School Board.
The candidates on your ballot affect your lives, your taxes and the future of our area. These issues will affect the documents that govern us. This is serious stuff!
As with all elections, it is important that we as citizens get informed and exercise our right to vote. If you have already voted by mail or early voting, I commend and thank you for acting like an American! If you plan to vote on Election Day, I will see you at the polls.
If you chose not to vote then you are making a conscious decision to throw away a right people around the world admire. Most important members of our armed forces have died to protect our right to vote. Please Remember to Vote!
GOVERNMENT TRENDS
SCHEDULE YOUR RIBBON CUTTING TODAY!
It’s not just for new members! If you have recently renewed your membership or just joined, be sure to take advantage
of this member benefit!Contact Matt Lamb at 549-6900 ext 103 or [email protected]
ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A POLITICIAN?THANK YOU!
Donna Schuman GermainCommunications Director
On October 22, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee hosted it’s Annual Candidates Forum that asks the question, “Are You Smarter than a Politician?”
Local, State and Federal Candidates participated in this unique candidates forum at Gulf Coast Village and tested their knowledge against the audience.
The Chamber would like to thank all of the candidates who attended and the participants from the public for making this another exciting and fun event for the chamber.
A Special Thank you goes our to all of our sponsors Gulf Coast Village, The News-Press, High Fidelity Studios, Lamar Advertising, LAI Design Associates, BJM Consulting, A Touch of Class Pet Grooming and LCEC. Thank you again to Oasis Charter Schools for the use of your quizzing software!
AUCTION DONATION FORMThank you for the donation of
____________________________________________________________________________Valued at $_____________________ for the
2014 Leadership Cape Coral Graduation
Business Name: ___________________________________________Contact Name:____________________________________________Business Address:_________________________________________City/State: _______________________________________________Phone Number: __________________________________________E-mail: __________________________________________________Donors will be recognized in the marketing and promotion of the event.
For more information, please contact Donna Germain at (239) 549-6900 ext 107 or [email protected]. Donation deadline, November 10, 2014. Please deliver to the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E, Cape Coral, FL 33904.
Graduation 2014November 15, 2014
Palmetto Pine Country Club - 6:30 pm
RIBBON CUTTINGS
COFFEE NEWS4706 Chiquita Blvd. Suite 200
Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 878-9563
www.coffeenewsparadise.com
CULVERS 1607 Cape Coral Pkwy E.
Cape Coral, FL 33904(239) 478-0894
www.culvers.com/restaurants/cape-coral-fl
EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS - LAURIE HOWE3208 Chiquita Blvd. S Ste 207
Cape Coral , FL 33914 (239) 540-2331
www.edwardjones.com
GULF COAST SYMPHONY6314 Corporate Court, Suite 100
Ft. Myers, FL 33919(239) 277-1700
www.gulfcoastsymphony.org
RIBBON CUTTINGS
HARLEY RENTAL CAPE CORAL Cape Coral, FL (239) 314-6350
www.facebook.com/HarleyRentalCC
ZOUNDS HEARING1751 Pine Island Road, NE
Cape Coral, FL 33909 (239) 222-7680
www.zoundshearing.com
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Presents the annual performance of
December 12, 20147:00 pm
at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
$10, $20, and $30 Tickets
Reserved Seating Only
For tickets call 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com
The Nutcracker
Publicity created by Pamela Manning
TREAT OR TRICKBerge Aslanian (CDPE)
Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor
The goblins and ghosts are starting to show themselves as we get closer to that time of year
when all of our visitors (aka, snowbirds) coming flocking down. Some early birds are already here taking advantage of what our fair city has to offer.
A look at some of our most recent monthly figures will illustrate…
For the three month period ending 10/27/14:
Inventory of single family homes For Sale reversed its downward trend and increased this month for a change while median prices also increased. It appears that the net result is numbers of homes sold decreased and median prices of homes sold also decreased.
Condos For Sale slightly decreased as well as the median prices For Sale. Numbers of condos Sold went up slightly but the median prices of Sold condos decreased noticeably.
Sellers are trying to cash in on rising prices but buyers are still wanting lower priced homes and condos. The lower priced units in both categories are what is selling most. And, realtors are still struggling trying to find those lower priced “nice” properties. We have been seeing very low numbers for properties sold. In fact, the numbers of units sold are about half of what they normally are based on historical monthly data.
But, as stated last month, new home construction is picking up. As the
price of existing, lower-priced homes increases, it is starting to make more economic sense for builders to build, especially when they add financing incentives and extras to each property.
It becomes so much easier for a buyer to get a brand new home with warranty and financing all in one easy step through that new home’s front door. The convenience of one stop shopping is extremely attractive because it is so much less complicated. It makes it worth the extra $20,000-40,000 between existing homes and new homes for many buyers today.
But (there is always a but) in a rising market we are seeing a potential problem that can have costly consequences for buyers who finance and their sellers. Mortgage lenders always require an appraisal to verify the value of the property and to justify it as collateral for the loan. Appraisers use data of similar homes sold in prior months. If a house is selling for $5,000 or more today than the same house sold for 2 months ago, the appraisal may be lower because of the lower priced comparative homes. An underwriter for the mortgage lender located out of state doesn’t really know or care that this is a market with rising prices so they make a lending decision based on the lower valued home price sold two months earlier. This changes the dynamics of the transaction because now the buyers think they are over paying for the house and the mortgage loan will be based on that lower value.
In the past two weeks, we have seen this occur with two homes, one new and one used. With the new home, the appraisal was only three thousand under the purchase price and the builder absorbed the difference to preserve the transaction. On the used home, the deal fell apart because the difference in price on only one comp was so great that the buyer got cold feet even though there were other comps that easily supported the contract price.
So, in this Halloween season, the trick is to be aware of comps that may be lower than your purchase/selling price. Planning on strategies to overcome any lower comps will give you a terrific treat, a completed transaction!
Now that you know, the only thing left is to wish you Happy Property Hunting or Selling!
Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor 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 [email protected] 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
10-27-14 Real Estate Trends
Treat or Trick
The goblins and ghosts are starting to show themselves as we get closer to that time of year when all of our visitors (aka, snowbirds) coming flocking down. Some early birds are already here taking advantage of what our fair city has to offer. A look at some of our most recent monthly figures will illustrate… For the three month period ending 10/27/14: Aug ’14 Sept ’14 Oct ‘14 Homes Median $ Home
s Median $ Homes Median $
For Sale 1474 $249,500 1408 $250,000 1524 $260,000 Sold 281 $175,000 290 $175,000 281 $170,000
Aug ’14 Sept ’14 Oct ‘14 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ For Sale 257 $150,500 252 $151,000 245 $148,000 Sold 29 $135,000 36 $136,000 38 $120,000
Inventory of single family homes For Sale reversed its downward trend and increased this month for a change while median prices also increased. It appears that the net result is numbers of homes sold decreased and median prices of homes sold also decreased. Condos For Sale slightly decreased as well as the median prices For Sale. Numbers of condos Sold went up slightly but the median prices of Sold condos decreased noticeably. Sellers are trying to cash in on rising prices but buyers are still wanting lower priced homes and condos. The lower priced units in both categories are what is selling most. And, realtors are still struggling trying to find those lower priced “nice” properties. We have been seeing very low numbers for properties sold. In fact, the numbers of units sold are about half of what they normally are based on historical monthly data. But, as stated last month, new home construction is picking up. As the price of existing, lower-priced homes increases, it is starting to make more economic sense for builders to build, especially when they add financing incentives and extras to each property. It becomes so much easier for a buyer to get a brand new home with warranty and financing all in one easy step through that new home’s front door. The convenience of one stop shopping is extremely attractive because it is so much less complicated. It makes it worth the extra $20,000-40,000 between existing homes and new homes for many buyers today. But (there is always a but) in a rising market we are seeing a potential problem that can have costly consequences for buyers who finance and their sellers. Mortgage lenders always require an appraisal to verify the value of the property and to justify it as
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
Lee Memorial Health SystemP.O. Box 2218
Fort Myers, FL 33902
CenturyLink Store2710 Del Prado Blvd. South
Cape Coral, FL 33904
LCEC4980 Bayline Dr
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Dean Street Insurance615 Cape Coral Pkwy W 104, Cape Coral
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
Suntrust Bank530 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 339044532 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 339041533 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 339142139 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904
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
The Boat House of Cape Coral was the place to be for the October Business After Hours. Owner
Tom Hansen welcomed more than 100 attendees to his location for some great food and great networking. (Top Right)
(Mid Left) Chamber President Mike Quaintance and B. Pat O’Rourke from Lee County EDO.
(Mid Right) Tom Hansen, onwer of the Boat House of Cape Coral speaks to the group and announces the winners of the 50/50 raffle.
(Bottom Left) melanie lempke and Linda Kirby from the Chamber are hard at work selling 50/50 tickets to fund scholarships for our local high school graduates.
(Bottom Right) Steve Stewart, Bonnie Sanford and Kim Geiger from Preferred Community bank
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Network AdministrationMaintenance Agreements
Off-site Data StorageDell, Acer, Apple(239) 573-1000
www.entechcomputers.com
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.
with a purpose....
2051 Cape Coral Parkway ECape Coral, FL 33904
(239) 549-6900(800) 226-9609
www.capecoralchamber.com
& Have Fun!