Chamber - Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce

Trends
Chamber
The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
NOVEMBER 2015
JOIN US FOR THE
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
NOVEMBER 19TH AT
FOS FURNITURE
5:30 PM
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM,
CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB
JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY AT THE SHOPS
AT SURFSIDE FOR THE SURFSIDE SUNSET
MARKET, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
LEADERSHIP GRADUATION
NOVEMBER 14TH
CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB
6:30 PM
CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET
EVERY SATURDAY AT CLUB SQUARE
8:00 AM
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
NOVEMBER 2015
Publisher & Editor
Donna Schuman-Germain
President/CEO
[email protected]
Contributing Editors
Stephanie Roberson
Technology Director
[email protected]
Claudia St. Onge
Business Manager
[email protected]
Matt Lamb
Membership Director
[email protected]
Annette Siner
Membership Sales
[email protected]
Melanie Lempke
Administrative Generalist
[email protected]
Lyz Crouthamel
Special Events Director
[email protected]
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910
2051 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609
NOVEMBER 10
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB
5819 DRIFTWOOD PARKWAY, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
NOVEMBER 14
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL GRADUATION
CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB
5819 DRIFTWOOD PARKWAY, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
NOVEMBER 19
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CHAMBER TRENDS
You 2016
Board of
Directors
Donna S. Germain
President
O
n behalf
of
the
Chamber of
Commerce of Cape
Coral, I would like to
congratulate the following members who will be
serving on the 2016 Board of Directors. Thank you
all for your continued commitment and vision and
all you do to keep the chamber moving forward.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Chairman, Brett Bisbe,
B2 Technology Solutions, Inc, Past Chairman,
Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc., Chair Elect,
Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative,
Treasurer, Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising, Barb
Adams, Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions,
LLC, Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral, Matthew
Connar, Boost Creative, Tony Constantino, Kevin
M. Burns & Assoc. P.A., Angela Davis Merrill
Lynch, Diane Everhart, Blue Chip Financial,
Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies, Cynthia
Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers, Sandra
Griener, Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Tom
Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral, Tim Hauck,
Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services, Jay
Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon, Laura
Koehn, CapeCoral.com, Mike Quaintance, Keiser
University, Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates,
Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors,
Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart
TRUSTEES: Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village,
Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida, Nancy
Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors,
Rana Erbrick, Cape Coral City Council, Bill Jacob,
CenturyLink, Mike Noone, Goldberg, Racila,
D’Alessandro & Noone, LLC, David Owen, BB &
T - Oswald, Trippe & Co., Larry Weir, Premier
Insurance Corporation
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS: Annette Carrasquillo,
LAI Design Associates, Thomas Giles, Avalon
Engineering, Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric,
Inc., Michelle Lewis, B2 Technology Solutions,
Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc.,
Donna Meola, Priority Payments of South Florida,
Don Schnell, Regions Bank, Thomas Shipp Jr,
Attorney, Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape
Coral Town Center.
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc.
Chair-Elect Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc
Treasurer Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative
Past Chair Annette Carrasquillo,LAI Design Associates
Barb Adams, LeeSar
Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLC
Ed Bolter, Lamar Advertising
Dana Brunett, City of Cape Coral
Matthew Connar, Boost Creative
Tony Constantino, Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A.
Diane Everhart, Blue Chip Financial
Joseph Francioni, The Smart Companies
Cynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers
Sandra Griener, Sun Splash Family Waterpark
Tom Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral
Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services
Scott Kashman, Cape Coral Hospital
Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com
Cheryl Komnick, Caloosa Tent & Rental
Michelle Lewis, B2 Technology Solutions
Katharyn Owen, Jones, Haber and Rollings, PL
Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates
Michelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors
Zachary Zeis, Storm Smart
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Wayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc.
Thomas Giles, Avalon Engineering
Joseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc.
Donna Meola, Priority Payments of South Florida
Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney
Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center
TRUSTEES
Kevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village
Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of Florida
Rhonda Chapman, First Citizens Bank
Nancy Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors
Sallie Dywer, SunTrust Merchant Services
Mike Hollow, RE//MAX Realty Team
Jay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon
David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co.
Larry Weir, Premier Insurance Corporation
CHAMBER STAFF
BE NUMBER ONE...
BE SECOND TO NONE!
Donna S. Germain, President
Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager
& Farmers’ Market Director
Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director
Matt Lamb, Membership Director
Annette Siner, Membership Sales
Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist
Lyz Crouthamel, Special Events Director
Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Contractor
Lisa Soundara, Sales Contractor
SEPTEMBER NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS
NEW MEMBERS
AAE Glass
Member Since: 10/26/2011
Florida SouthWestern State College
Member Since: 10/01/1990
MYCO Business Systems
Member Since: 09/26/2014
Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource
Center
Jan Kerlin
Arnold Roberts Signature Homes
Member Since: 10/17/2011
Gables Insurance Recovery
Member Since: 09/26/2014
Parker House Properties
Member Since: 09/14/2011
Penguin Pools
Member Since: 06/30/2006
Gulf Coast Woman Magazine
Member Since: 10/27/2014
Pottery Express
Member Since: 10/29/2011
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun
Coast, Inc
Member Since: 08/28/2012
Hampton Inn & Suites
Member Since: 10/03/2014
Premier Insurance Corp., Inc.
Member Since: 10/20/2000
Hodges University
Member Since: 10/09/2012
Progressive Employer Management
Member Since: 10/10/2014
Holiday and More
Member Since: 10/10/2014
REALTOR® Assoc. of Greater Fort Myers
& the Beaches
Member Since: 10/28/1999
C1 Bank
Dan Fulton
CRE Cape Harbour Marina, LLC
Dennis Bessey
Embrace Home Loans
Jeff Ocasio
FIRPTA Solutions Inc
Brenda Allen
Florida Stingrays Football
Jay Lawrence
Individual - Maggie LaCoste
Maggie LaCoste
KPL Capital Ovadia
Ovi Levy
No. 3 Craft Brew
Greg Calverase
Overtime Pizzeria & Sports Pub
Kristina Amato
Perk & Brew
Theresa Knazek
Sovereign Health Group
Juliana Metzner
Blot Engineering, Inc.
Member Since: 10/09/2013
Cambio Dermatology
Member Since: 09/19/2007
Cape Coral Power Squadron
Member Since: 10/01/2009
Home Services By Rafael
Member Since: 08/22/2007
Cataract & Refractive Institute
Member Since: 09/01/1991
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort
and Spa
Member Since: 09/30/2014
Seminole Casino Immokalee
Member Since: 09/02/2010
CC Stone w/Coastal Realty SWFL
Member Since: 03/03/2009
IBERIABANK
Member Since: 11/01/2004
Smoothie King Cape Coral
Member Since: 09/02/2014
Century 21 Sunbelt Realty, Inc.
Member Since: 09/01/1992
Intech Printing and Direct Mail
Member Since: 09/02/2014
Choices in Living, LLC
Member Since: 10/20/2014
James M. Wesolowski, CPA, P.A.
Member Since: 10/27/2014
Sunshine Jewelers
Member Since: 06/27/2012
Thank Home Corp.
Member Since: 10/25/2013
City of Cape Coral
Member Since: 06/01/1993
Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus
Member Since: 03/01/1997
Coconut Bay Construction, Inc.
Member Since: 10/26/2011
Literacy Council Gulfcoast
Member Since: 09/26/2006
Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast
Surgeons
Jeffrey Hammond
Comfort Keepers
Member Since: 10/30/2013
Massage Envy Spa - Cape Coral
Member Since: 08/08/2012
RENEWALS
Community Lending a Division of
Hamilton Group Funding Inc.
Member Since: 10/21/2014
Men’s Rights Law Firm
Member Since: 10/06/2008
A Worldwide Person & Information
Locators & Investigations Inc.
Member Since: 10/11/2000
Renaissance School
Member Since: 10/27/2011
Florida Skin Center
Member Since: 10/11/2012
Merits Health Products, Inc
Member Since: 09/16/2011
Trafalgar Middle School
Member Since: 09/28/2007
Water Medic of Cape Coral, Inc
Member Since: 09/19/2013
Woody’s Surfside Island Rum & Grille
Member Since: 10/10/2012
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Connect Hearing
1722 Del Prado Blvd. S. Suite 2
Cape Coral, 33990
www.connecthearing.com
(239) 458-7900
Records Results! Real Estate
3046 Del Prado Blvd S Ste 1A
Cape Coral, FL 33904 |
(239) 205-6589 | fax: (239) 205-6594
http://www.recordsresultsrealestate.com/
Vascular & Vein Center At Gulfcoast Surgeons
1003 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 204
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 939-1767
www.gulfcoastsurgeons.com
Minaya Learning Global Solutions, LLC
4645 SE 11th Place Suite 104
Cape Coral, FL 33904
www.minayalearning.com
HEALTHY TRENDS
“A MEDICAL TREATMENT
WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS”
Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O.
Vice President of Health & Wellness,
Lee Memorial Health System
T
his week I had the pleasure of
attending a medical conference
with 600 other physicians,
nutritionists, other health care providers
but also a number of non-medical folks
interested in learning how to become and
stay healthy. Over a four-day period we
listened to and participated in almost two
dozen presentations which all had one central theme - the delivery of a medical
treatment with no side effects and only positive benefits.
On Wednesday evening we listened to the keynote speaker, Dr. Kim Williams,
the past president of the America College of Cardiology, who espoused the benefits
of this blockbuster treatment. On Thursday we heard from the well-known Dr.
Dean Ornish who reiterated many of the benefits discussed by Dr. Williams but
expanded further on this wonder treatment. Dr. Scott Stoll spoke about the
central mechanism for most of the chronic illnesses known as inflammation
of the arteries and explained how this treatment option represented a cure for
most of the medical problems we deal with today. Dr. William Li talked about
angiogenesis which is the development of new blood vessels and explained how
this medical treatment improved circulation and overall health. Dr. Corey Howard
spoke about the microbiome and explained how the bacteria in our GI system is
beneficially affected by this medical therapy and how not adopting this medical
treatment results in leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and other GI
maladies. Dr. Brooke Goldner spoke about how this medical therapy improves
most auto immune diseases while Dr. Brie Turner-McGrievy spoke about its
benefits for women with poly cystic ovarian disease. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn told
us how this treatment option also prevents and reverses cardiovascular disease.
He explained in detail how his patients over the last 30 years have been able to
reverse the blockages in their arteries and avoid having heart bypass surgery -amazing!
Dr. Craig McDougall told the audience how to implement this wonderful
treatment and prevention option in a general medical practice. Next Micaela
Karlsen and Kathy Pollard explained the need for individuals interested in
the benefits of this treatment option to commit to changing their behavior if
they were to reap its benefits. Lastly, Dr. Michael Greger pulled it all together
by talking about hundreds of research studies supporting the benefits of this
amazing treatment and prevention option which can benefit everyone on the
planet including those with disease and those without. He reviewed with us
many research reports that continued to drum into our heads the benefits and the
reasons why we all should make this prevention and treatment strategy a part of
our professional and personal lives.
By now I hope you are sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what this
wonder drug is! Well, it is not a drug at all – it is food! Yes, we spent three days
hearing about the benefits of food. But not just any food; these are plant based
foods. Yes, vegetables. It is amazing to understand how a plant based nutrition
program can prevent disease, treat disease and allow people to live a better
quality and a longer life. All of these statements are supported by hundreds,
if not thousands, of research studies we heard about during this conference. If
you are interested in more details, you can visit online PlantricianProject.org and
NutritionFacts.org. At each of these sites, you can follow links to a significant
amount of information that can change your life.
At this point you might be asking, “Why do I need to change my life?” The
answer is, because if we don’t, then what we have to look forward to as we age
is a greater risk of all chronic illnesses and many of the most common cancers.
Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting
a different result. As a nation if we continue to eat the standard American diet
(SAD), the only thing we can count on is the same rates of cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, obesity, chronic pain syndromes, autoimmune diseases and cancers.
When we compare longevity for those eating the standard American diet
versus those in the world who eat more of a plant based nutrition program, we
see that the populations who eat more vegetables and less meat and dairy live
the longest. That is a fact. For the populations who eat more meat and dairy, the
risk of more illness is significant and this is one reason I am so passionate about
spreading this information to all that are interested.
As I sat and listened to all these wonderful speakers, I kept asking myself, “Why
do more people not know about this method of maintaining good health?” Why
do we see so many TV commercials about medications for heartburn, back pain,
high cholesterol and cancer treatment to name a few? We do not see commercials
for healthy eating which we know helps us avoid the diseases these medications
are made for. When we treat the cause and not the symptom, we cure and prevent
disease. The traditional mentality seems to be: I have a symptom (heartburn) so
give me a pill to get rid of the symptom. Wouldn’t it be better to ask, “What is the
cause of the symptom and can we do something to get rid of the cause so we do
not need to take a medication to treat the symptom?” I believe this is the best
takeaway from this conference. We know that the food we eat creates health or
disease. The choices we make at each meal and snack moves us closer to better
health or faster into aging and disease.
For 18 years I practiced general internal medicine and it saddened me when
patients did not get well. Experience highlighted the individuals who took care
of themselves by eating healthy food, exercising regularly and making health
a priority in their lives. Since 2010 when I took the role as the VP of Health
and Wellness for the Lee Memorial Health System, I have been working more
diligently with people to prevent disease. My emphasis is finding the cause of the
problem and getting rid of that rather than simply treating the symptoms. For
my patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes,
obesity and a history of a stroke, I recommend a plant based nutrition program.
For the individuals who are committed to becoming and staying healthy, they
transition into this new and healthy lifestyle realizing the benefits over a short
period of time.
Please feel free to send comments and questions to [email protected]
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LCEC – your cooperative
empowers you!
WhenyouareanLCECcustomer,youbelongtooneofthelargestnot-for-profit
electriccooperativesinthenation.Governedbycustomers,wearecommittedto
deliveringreliableandcostcompetitiveelectricity.
Financial
Strength
Reliability
• Norateincrease
forsixyears.Rate
decreasein2014*
• Maintaining8,000
milesofpowerlines
year-round
• Proudlyserving
customerssince
1940
• Returned$220million • On-call24hoursa
inequityoverthe
day,7daysaweek,
365daysayear
years
• Oneofonly
sixCenters of
Excellenceinthe
utilityindustry
Quality
Service
Community
• ToptenUnitedWay
employeecontributor
andcommunity
partner
• Employeesvolunteer
morethan5,000
hoursannually
* 7% Public Service Tax – Imposed by Cape
Coral City Council
* 3% Cape Coral Franchise fee
* 4.5% Unincorporated Lee County
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www.lcec.net
REAL ESTATE TRENDS
GETTING CLOSER TO HIGH
SEASON
Berge Aslanian (CDPE)
Realtor, Island Harbor Realty
A
s we proceed into the holiday
season we are getting closer
to our high season. Some
interesting things have been happening
in the wonderful world of Cape Coral
real estate. The numbers from October
11-2-15
are offering
Real Estate
Trends a few hints but the real
Getting Closerinformation
to High Season
will come from firsthand
To tomake
sureseason.
you have
As we proceed into the holiday season weexperience.
are getting closer
our high
Somea
interesting things have been happening in the wonderful world of Cape Coral real estate.
truly
Thanksgiving,
readoffering
on. a few hints but the real information will come
TheHappy
numbers
from October are
from
experience.
To make
youfirst,
havelet’s
a truly
Happy
Thanksgiving,
readCoral
on.
Our firsthand
trends will
shed some
light.sureBut
take
a look
at the Cape
Our trends
some
light. But
first, ending
let’s take10/31/15:
a look at the Cape Coral numbers for
numbers
forwilltheshed
three
month
period
the three month period ending 10/31/15:
For Sale
Sold
Aug ‘15
Sept ’15
Median $ Homes
Homes
1235
$329,750
1258
308
$198,000
357
Oct ‘15
Median $ Homes
$329,750
1348
$194,000
313
Median $
$325,000
$193,500
For Sale
Sold
Aug ’15
Sept ’15
Condos Median $ Condos
193
$179,500
199
36
$125,000
33
Oct ‘15
Median $ Condos
$199,500
220
$122,000
45
Median $
$180,500
$125,500
All of a sudden, inventory of homes for sale has taken a jump upward while median
prices dropped a bit. Prices of single family homes Sold have also dropped slightly
along with numbers of homes Sold.
All of a sudden, inventory of homes for sale has taken a jump upward while
median prices dropped a bit. Prices of single family homes Sold have also
Condos For Sale also went up in numbers of units while median prices decreased. Sold
dropped
slightly
along
of homes
units jumped
by over
35%with
with numbers
median prices
showingSold.
a small improvement.
Condos
For Sale
also onwent
up in atnumbers
oftypically
units while
median
prices
With
so many
properties
the market
one of our
slow periods,
sales
will
naturally go down. Even though prices of all Sold units are relatively steady, we are
decreased.
Sold
units jumped
over 35%
with median
prices
showing
seeing a drop
in homes
sold with by
an increase
in condos
sold. The
market
is buyinga
moreimprovement.
of the lower priced properties.
small
Sellers
been
pricing their
veryataggressively
maximize
profits
while
With sohave
many
properties
onproperties
the market
one of our totypically
slow
periods,
taking advantage of our strengthening real estate market. But, if prices are too high,
lesswill
homes
will be sold
as we see
the single
familyofcategory.
The jump
in condos
sales
naturally
go down.
Evenin though
prices
all Sold units
are relatively
sold is a knee-jerk reaction to the higher prices of single family homes; if you can’t afford
steady,
we are
a drop
in homes
withreal
an increase
in condos
the home,
you seeing
aim lower
and buy
a condosold
because
estate prices
here aresold.
still
noticeably lower than most of the national markets.
The market is buying more of the lower priced properties.
In the past ten days, I have had two experiences with over-zealous sellers. The first
Sellers have been pricing their properties very aggressively to maximize
experience had me representing the potential buyer of a property that had been over
improved
(and
not in aadvantage
very practical
The seller wantedreal
wayestate
too much
considering
profits
while
taking
ofway).
our strengthening
market.
But,
the price per square foot and the location. Seller would not budge in price and the
buyer, trying
to use
VA less
financing,
simply
the as
appraisal
paid
if prices
are too
high,
homes
willoffered
be sold
we seeamount.
in theBuyer
singlehadfamily
for a VA Appraisal prior to making the offer; they smartly paid before so they would not
category.
Thefees
jump
condos
sold isfora the
knee-jerk
reaction
to the
prices
incur all the
andin
costs
of applying
loan without
knowing
theyhigher
would get
the
property.
of single family homes; if you can’t afford the home, you aim lower and buy a
condo because real estate prices here are still noticeably lower than most of
the national markets.
In the past ten days, I have had two experiences with over-zealous sellers.
The first experience had me representing the potential buyer of a property
that had been over improved (and not in a very practical way). The seller
wanted way too much considering the price per square foot and the location.
Seller would not budge in price and the buyer, trying to use VA financing,
simply offered the appraisal amount. Buyer had paid for a VA Appraisal prior
to making the offer; they smartly paid before so they would not incur all the
fees and costs of applying for the loan without knowing they would get the
property.
Then, at the end of last week a new client who wanted me to list their house
told me they “needed” to sell it for 25% more than its actual market value.
Why? Because they wanted to pay off school loans, credit cards and still have
enough for a strong down payment on a bigger house. Good idea but not
very realistic. Just because you need the money does not mean you will get
it, especially when the amount is so much higher than what the market will
pay for a house.
When looking through the MLS, we are seeing a higher number of
properties, including lots and condos, that are priced way higher than what
the market will pay. When looking at listed properties, one only has to look
at Days on Market (DOM); when the number is 150 or higher, the most likely
explanation is that it is priced too high.
In a rising market like we have been experiencing, sellers eyes have been
known to roll back in their heads causing them to get too ambitious in what
they think the property is worth. To maintain consciousness, it is extremely
important to talk with an experienced realtor who can provide comparative
pricing and insight to determine a price that makes sense.
Those that don’t follow this instruction are doomed to have their property
remain in the “Active” category rather than the “Sold” category. When looking
at the most recent “Sold” numbers, it becomes apparent that buyers are
buying up the lower priced properties simply because they represent a better
value and they are more affordable.
Also, under the new settlement statement rules we know that financed
properties may take significantly longer to close because the statements are
generated by the lender. To enhance buying power, cash deals now have
more sway because settlement statements for these deals are generated by
the local title company handling the transaction. That means a buyer can
negotiate a bit more favorable deal by offering cash and a quick closing.
In order to make a good deal when selling, price the property realistically
based on comps and not on what a friend, neighbor or relative tells you. When
buying, try to pay cash if you want to make a better deal in today’s changing
market. How can you do all of this, get a licensed real estate agent to help
you. Happy Property Hunting or Selling!
Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with Island Harbor Realty
and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral. For
questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or
email [email protected] or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.
BE NUMBER ONE...
BE SECOND TO NONE!
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
A
t the October General Membership
Lunch, more than 100 members
came out to honor our local
principal’s at the Chamber’s Annual
Principal’s Lunch. The members were
entertained by some very talented students
from the Skyline Elementary School Chorus.
(Mid Left) Guest Speaker, Dr. Doni
Landefeld spoke to the group about the
importance of education and growing
leaders.
(Mid Right) Achieva Credit Union picked a
lucky principal to enter their money booth at
the luncheon.
(Bottom Left) The staff from the Cape
Coral Caring Center presented the final
total and plaques to the organizations who
helped with this year’s SOS Feed The Cape
Food Drive - pictured, Julie Ferguson, Wendy
Wooton, Donna Germain and Bill Johnson,
Jr.
(Bottom Right) Annual Lunch Sponsor,
Joe Padgett with LCEC addressed the group
at the luncheon.
Diamond
Member
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Lee Memorial Health System
P.O. Box 2218
Fort Myers, FL 33902
CenturyLink Store
2710 Del Prado Blvd. South
Cape Coral, FL 33904
LCEC
4980 Bayline Dr
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Executive
Member
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Dean Street Insurance
615 Cape Coral Pkwy W 104, Cape Coral
Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community
1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral
The News-Press - Fort Myers Office
2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers
Fifth Third Bank
2402 Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991
2724 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33904
114 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33991
1801 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33909
1600 Cape Coral Pkwy. E, Cape Coral, FL 33904
B2 Technology Solutions
1406 SE 46th Lane
Cape Coral, FL 33904
$
LCEC works hard to manage costs,
maintain the electric system, improve
processes and create efficiencies so that
electric rates can remain competitive
for customers. We do not plan to raise
rates in 2013 and will continue to do
everything possible to keep rates stable.
LCEC hasn’t raised electric
rates in nearly 5 years!
The increase on your upcoming electric bill is due to a tax imposed
by the City of Cape Coral. LCEC customers in Cape Coral will notice a change
in their electric bill beginning October 1, 2013. Cape Coral City officials recently levied a
public service tax of 7 percent that will be added to monthly electric bills. The new tax will
be displayed on your LCEC bill as a separate line item so it can be easily identified.
LCEC is required by law to collect the tax from business and residential customers who
purchase electricity in Cape Coral. LCEC will deliver funds to the City similar to how Cape
Coral franchise fees are delivered, which are also collected through electric bills.This new
tax will be used to fund the City’s general operations. To calculate the amount the monthly
public service tax will add to your electric bill, visit www.capecoral.net and utilize the PST
Calculator. Please refer any questions regarding the Cape Coral public service tax to the
Cape Coral Citizens’ Action Center, 239-574-0425.
www.lcec.net • 239-656-2300
UNIVERSITY TRENDS
WHAT DOES YOUR
FUTURE HOLD
Professor MIchael “Q” Quaintance, MBA
Keiser University
M
ost of us do not own a crystal ball,
and therefore we are unable to
foretell the future. Sometimes we
might think that it would be an advantage to
know what life has in store for us. However, not
knowing our future allows each of us a clean
slate every morning. As business professionals,
we have a responsibility to look out into the future to predict changes in the
environment, both opportunities and challenges. I would suggest that it is better
to be a predictor than a responder. This is much like being a sled dog; the view is
much rosier at the front of the pack.
One regional coalition that has formed to address our region future needs is
called “Future Makers”, which has the support of many organizations in the five
county area. As a product of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, the
coalition’s purpose is to increase our constituencies post-secondary and certification
rates from 27 percent to 40 percent.
Why are more degrees and certifications important? From an economic
development perspective, it is ‘HUGE’, as it is an indicator of a community’s overall
brainpower, which can be inducement for businesses relocation and investment
in our region. Having an educated workforce is critical to businesses, which rely
on local talent to provide them a competitive edge. Through a higher educated
regional workforce, we can increase the amount of economic activity in our region,
and this rising tide will raise the level of success for all businesses.
Opportunities for you, the business owner, as they relate to a highly educated
workforce include job satisfaction, retention, competitive advantage, a motivated
workforce, better succession planning, enhanced decision-making, and greater
overall productivity. A higher educated workforce can lead to lower taxes, as the
burden of the cost of government is shared amongst a greater number of players.
To move the degree/certification needle from 27 percent to 40 percent in our
region, it is going to take a paradigm shift for all of us. For education organizations,
it means a more expedient or predictive processes to meet the changing needs
of business in our region. For businesses, the shift means greater support and
creativity for existing employees and their educational endeavors. Considerations
could include time-off for educational opportunities, internship opportunities for
students, childcare, and a shared financial investment. These shifts in activities will
be required to promote a healthier Southwest Florida.
If you would like to learn more about the Future Makers Coalition go to http://
floridacommunity.com/futuremakers-coalition, click on the “FutureMakers
Coalition” icon at the bottom of the page. I would like to thank Campus President,
Nancy Tedros of Keiser University of Fort Myers for encouraging myself and others on
the KU staff to participate in building the future of our region.
Get In Touch with New Residents,
Prospects and Visitors
with our Relocation Leads Program!
Contact Melanie Lempke at
549-6900 ext 102
or [email protected]
A 2016 Real Estate Look Forward
Presented By:
Tuesday, Nov. 17th, 2015 · 5-8:30 pm
Cape Christian Fellowship · 2110 Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral
Trade Show begins at 5:00 pm · Featured Presenters start 6:30 pm
$10 Admission includes food and drink
Part of the proceeds to benefit the
Tickets
can beVisit
purchased
online at CatchTheVisionCapeCoral.com
For
Tickets
www.CapeCoral.com/CatchTheVision
For more information call Gloria Tate/Linda Biondi of Raso Realty, Inc. at 239-542-2254
In Conjunction With:
Sponsored By:
DAVIS JR.
PLUMBING
INC.
“ For All Your Plumbing Needs”
(239) 558-8599
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
SERVICING ALL OF SOUTH WEST FLORIDA
24 Hour Emergency Service
Jr. Leadership
Sponsorship Opportunity
____I would like to be a STUDENT SPONSOR $199.00 (30 Available)
Student sponsor will have their company name & logo on two power point presentations— March
2016 Luncheon and Jr. Leadership Graduation, a paid seat with their student at the March 2016
General membership luncheon and will sit with student at Jr. Leadership Graduation.
____I would like to be a SNACK SPONSOR—$250.00 (2 Available)
Snack sponsor will have their company name and logo on all Jr. Leadership material*,
Company name and Logo in Jr. Leadership handbook and one seat at the 2016 Jr. Leadership
Graduation. This sponsorship will cover the cost of snacks and drinks for all nine Jr. Leadership
program sessions. Approx. 35 guest .
____I would Like to be a BUS SPONSOR—$500.00 (4 Available)
Bus sponsor will have their company name logo on all Jr. Leadership materials*, Company
name & Logo on power point presentations at March 2016 Luncheon and at Jr. Leadership
Graduation, Name & Logo in Jr. Leadership Handbook, Recognition at Jr. Leadership Orientation,
March 2016 general membership luncheon and at Jr. Leadership Graduation. You will also have two
seats at the 2016 Jr. Leadership Graduation.
*This does not include Jr. Leadership shirt.
Join our fellow sponsors
BJM Consulting - BB&T Oswald, Trippe & Co. - The Aubuchon Team of Companies
Could your business use a little more loyalty?
l
a
y
o
L
We’ll help you turn new customers
into brand advocates.
No one knows Southwest Florida better than
The News-Press Media Group. From brands to
customers, we connect more audiences, in more
places, in more ways with the right mix of marketing.
But it’s more than having the right tools; it’s knowing
how to use them. We’ll help you stay ahead of what’s
trending for the best ways to build your business.
CALL
EMAIL
VISIT
239.335.0520
[email protected]
marketingstrategies.news-press.com
We Know Marketing.
Network Administration
Maintenance Agreements
Off-site Data Storage
Dell, Acer, Apple
(239) 573-1000
www.entechcomputers.com
Advertise in the Chamber Trends
Weekly E-Newsletter.
A Banner Ad is just $50
per month!!
Contact Donna Germain at
549-6900 ext 107 or
[email protected]
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2015
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral kicked off the 2015 Leadership Cape Coral
program by welcoming this year’s class at kick off on August 14. The “Dream Team of
2015” didn’t take long to get into the spirit of Leadership picking their class name and
declaring themselves “The Best Class Ever!”
In their third month, the class attended Mosquito Control and Sheriff’s Day where
they learned about the importance of having the Lee County Mosquito Control District
in our community. The also visited the Lee Country Sheriff’s Department forensics
building, the Lee County Gun Range and Lee County Jail. The next week was Education
Day where they learned about the Lee County and Cape Coral Charter School systems.
They also enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the Culinary Academy at the Cape
Coral Technical College. The following week was Coast Guard Day where the class
spent the day at the US Coast Guard Station at Fort Myers Beach. They learned how
the Coast Guard protects our waterways, which is crucial to a community with over
400 miles of canals. The next week was City Government and Public Safety Day where
they witnessed a mock SWAT hostage situation, toured and did some hands on
activities with the Cape Coral Fire Department and also participated in a mock Cape
Coral City Council meeting. The final week for the Dream Team of 2015 was Arts and
Entertainment Day. They visited Cultural Park Theatre where they performed some
improvisational skits and also worked on an art project at the Cape Coral Art League.
The class was treated to a special lunch with some of our Leadership Alumni sponsored
by Karen Schuman Barnes with UBS Financial Services and Keith Banasiak of Waste
Pro.
Thank you to all of our day chairs who rounded out the last month of the program;
Fernando Gomes, Chuck Warren, Annette Siner, Captain Pete Louzao, Dan Puleio,
Yvonne Werline, Laura Koehn, Heather Mazurkiewicz, Rana Erbrick, Joe Mazurkiewicz,
Eileen DeLucca, Steve Teuber, Bill Johnson, Jr. Andrew Lampkins, Sarah Sheffield
And a special thank you to our program chairs Jay Johnson and Karen Schuman
Barnes and our Co Chairs Stacy Lomonaco and John Hobson.
2051 Cape Coral Parkway E
Cape Coral, FL 33904
(239) 549-6900
(800) 226-9609
www.capecoralchamber.com