chamber trends magazine - april 2013

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Trends Chamber The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral April 2013 To Promote and Serve Business and Community Business After Hours, April 18th, hosted by Century 21 Selling Paradise Realty Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, April 10th At La Venezia Sponsored by Centurylink, LCEC and The News-Press Speed Politics, April 25th Oasis High School 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Join Us Every Saturday at Club Square for the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m. -1 p.m. Surfside Sunset Market at the Shops at Surfside, every Tuesday, 4-8 p.m.

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Page 1: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

TrendsChamber

The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral April 2013

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

Business After Hours, April 18th, hosted by Century 21 Selling Paradise Realty

Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, April 10th

At La Venezia Sponsored by Centurylink, LCEC

and The News-Press

Speed Politics, April 25thOasis High School

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Join Us Every Saturday at Club Square for the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m. -1 p.m.

Surfside Sunset Market at the Shops at Surfside, every Tuesday, 4-8 p.m.

Page 2: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 11,000 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]

Page 3: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Publisher & EditorDonna Schuman-GermainCommunications Director

[email protected]

Contributing EditorsMike Quaintance

Chamber [email protected]

Stephanie RobersonTechnology Director

[email protected]

Claudia St. OngeBusiness Manager

[email protected]

Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director

[email protected]

Melanie LempkeAdministrative Generalist

[email protected]

Bob KnickmanSpecial Events Director

[email protected]

Amanda BrunsonSpecial Events Coordinator

[email protected]

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

April 2013April 2nd

Business Card ExchangeBatteries Plus

900 SW Pine Island Road, Suite 118 , Cape Coral, FL 339917:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

April 6thCape Coral Antique

and Craft MarketClub Square - 47th Terrace

Cape Coral, FL 339048:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

April 10thGeneral Membership Meeting

La Venezia4646 SE 10th Place, Cape Coral, FL 33904

$20.00 For Members w/reservationsCall 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

April 18thBusiness After Hours

Century 21 Selling Paradise3409 Del Prado Blvd, S. Ste 103, Cape Coral, FL 33904

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

April 22ndExcellence In Education Awards

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907

5:30 p.m.

April 25thSpeed Politics

Oasis Charter High School 3519 Oasis Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33914

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Every SaturdayCape Coral Farmer’s Market

Club Square - Downtown Cape Coral8:00 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

Page 4: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

2013 Board of DirectorsJoe Mazurkiewicz, Chairman - BJM

Consulting, Inc Annette Carrasquillo, Chair-Elect - LAI

Design Associates, LLC Ed Ramos, Treasurer - Ramos Builders, Inc Donna Meola, Past-Chair - Achieva Credit

Union Tony Constantino, Financial Advisor - Kevin

M Burns & Assoc, CPA Barb Adams - Individual Member

Brett Bisbe - B2 Solutions, Inc Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions

Ed Bolter - Lamar Advertising Dana Brunett - City of Cape Coral

Joe Francioni - Castle Harbour Homes Cindy Gallagher - The News-Press

Tom Giles - Avalon Engineering Tom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremation and

Funeral Services Colleen Humphries - LCEC

Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood Electric Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & Rental

Michelle Lewis - B2 Solutions, Inc Thomas Shipp - Tom Shipp at the Martin

Law Firm Stan Spicer - Platinum Service A/C

Chris Spiro - Spiro & Associates Elmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty

2013 Trustees Sandra Aguilar - Individual

Rhonda Chapman - First Citizens BankMatt Connar - Boost Creative

Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual Financial

Toni Rae Hurley - Iberia Bank Trish Lassiter - Lee County Electric Coop

Eric Malasky - Paradise Deli & Market David Owen - BB&T-Oswald, Trippe & Co

Katharin Owen, Warchol, Merchant & Rollings

Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health System

Zachary Zeis - Cheetah Printing & Signs

Chamber StaffMike Quaintance, PresidentDonna Schuman-Germain,Communications Director

Claudia St. Onge, Business ManagerStephanie Roberson, Technology

DirectorBill Johnson, Membership Sales Director

Linda Kirby, Membership SalesBob Knickman, Special Events Director

Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events

Coordinator

Q’s World

Buying Local Keeps Small Businesses In Business

Mike “Q” Quaintance, President

There are an abundance of reasons to consider your local merchants first, whether it be buying routine

purchases such as groceries or household items, buying for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or large durable goods like homes, cars or boats.

We ask you to consider these factors; for every $100 spent in a local independent business, it creates an additional $68 of local economic activity. If you make the same $100 purchase in a local chain store it creates an additional $43 in local economic activity. When you spend online, zero dollars flow into your local economy. Our local communities are not sustainable without your local purchases, so please consider buying locally first.

9 REASONS TO BUY LOCALSHOW ME THE MONEY - Spending local

keeps more dollars circulating within the local economy in the form of taxes, wages, donations, etc. As Florida works to lower its unemployment rate and return to prosperity, you can help by spending your dollars locally.

JOB - It is a circle. Spend at a local business, it grows, hires more people, they spend locally, other business grows, hires ore people, etc. Studies show that local small businesses are the backbone of employment in the U.S. economy. Please help grow local jobs.

NON-PROFITS PROFIT - As local businesses flourish non-profits enjoy

more support. Many of our non-profits meet the vital needs of those in need in our communities, by supporting local business you are feeding and caring for people.

WEIRD OR WONDERFUL - Buying local helps create the unique characteristics of the community you live or vacation in. We are all part of the success of our community. Would you rather talk about that unique boutique store where you purchased a cool gift, the great farmers’ market, or the cool restaurant that you visited?

IT’S GREENER - Local businesses usually source more locally and are closer by. They decrease the footprint, and limit our impact on the environment while reducing our consumption of fossil fuels.

WHO LOVES YOU BABY? - Numerous studies show that consumers experience much better customer service and care from local business since local businesses live or die by their reputation. As a result you get a much higher standard of service from a local business.

HOME SWEET HOME - As they live and work local; local businesses invest more in their community. They help stimulate local investment!

GREEN EGGS & HAM - Local merchants are more likely to stock what customers want and are interested in buying rather than trying to push the latest trend. Buy what YOU want, not what someone else thinks you should want.

LIVE LONG & PROSPER - Entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more attracted to invest and settle in communities that have one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character rather than a more homogenous community.

Information for this article was gathered from a variety of sources including the 350 Project, The

Andersonville Study of Retail economics and Sustainable Connections. The Chamber of Commerce of

Cape Coral is a supporter of “Buy Local” programs.

Page 5: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

APRIL 22, 20135:30 PM

21st ANNUAL EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS

Scholarship Sponsors

Professor Level$1,000 Investment

Two Seats with Student Company Logo on all Media Stage Check Presentation

Adjunct Professor Level $500 Investment

One Seat with Student Company Name on all Media Stage Check Presentation

(Please note Adjunct Professor Level is a shared sponsorship with another sponsor).

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

Senior Level Sponsor—$1,000 1/2 page Advertisement in E-trends Company Logo on all External Media Company Logo on all Internal Media Company Banner at Event Two VIP Tickets for Event

Junior Level Sponsor—$500 Company Logo on all External Media Company Logo on all Internal Media Two VIP Tickets for Event

Sophomore Level Sponsor—$250 Company Name on External Media Company Name on Internal Media One Ticket for Event

Freshman Level Sponsor—$100 Company Name on Event Program Company Name on PowerPoint

Brought to you by. . .

Hosted at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, located at 1380 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL. See reverse side for more details on how to participate.

Page 6: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

21st Annual Excellence In Education Awards Participation Form

April 22, 2013 at 5:30 PM at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

Please mark your sponsor selection below

Scholarship Sponsor OpportunitiesProfessor Level—$1,000 Adjunct Professor Level—$500

Event Sponsor OpportunitiesSenior Level—$1,000 Junior Level—$500 Sophomore Level—$250 Freshman Level—$100

Contact Name: ________________________________________________________

Business Name: _______________________________________________________

Business Address: _____________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________ Fax: ___________________________

E-mail Address: _______________________________________________________

Payment Method:

Invoice Credit Card

Credit Card Number: __________________________________

Card Type: Visa Mastercard Discover AMEX

Expiration Date: _________ Code on Back of Card: _____________ **For tax deduction purposes please make your checks payable to the Cape Coral Chamber Foundation ** Memo: Education Committee—Mail to 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy. E. Cape Coral, Fl. 33904

For more information call Claudia St. Onge at (239) 549-6900 ext 101 or Melanie Lempke ext. 109 Please Fax Sponsorship Form to (239) 549-9609 or email to [email protected]

Deadline for Artwork is April 5, 2013

Page 7: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

New Members

Aha Center (Advanced Health Alliance)

Susan Haltigan

D Gates Wealth Management an office of Met Life

Danielle Gates

Edward Jones Investments - Lauri Howe

Laurie Howe

Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers Susie Carter

Paradise Deli & Market GleeAnn Agius

Patty’s Flower Shop Patty Price

RaceTrac Elyse Connolly

Rasmussen College Ethan May

Reds Fresh Seafood House & Tavern

Craig Lewis

Smargasy, Inc. Andreas Dolleschal

State Representative Dane Eagle Dane Eagle

Sun Dream Services Inc. Silke Probst

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village Andrea Locke

Vince Cummings For Mayor of Cape Coral

Vincent Cummings

Walgreens Cynthia Woolverton

RenewalsA Better Home Watch

Airmark Air Conditioning, IncAll Dryer Vent Service by Lint Man

Avalon EngineeringBassine Insurance Agency, LLCBaywood Veterinary Hospital

BB&T Bank - Cape Coral Pkwy Branch BobSuhrie.Remax-Florida.com

Brents Music & SoundCape Coral Home Team @ Re/Max

Realty TeamCape Coral Housing Development

Cape Coral Pet CrematoryCape Coral Social Club

CC Stone w/Starlink RealtyChicago Pizza

City Smoke BarbecueClubZ! In Home Tutoring

CounterStrike Security & SoundDellutri Law Group

Dr. Mel Youngs, DC., PA.Edward Jones Investments - Terry

FrithEdward JONES Investments

Family Hardware Do-it ExpressFenzel Air, LLC

First Congregational Community Church

First Round Draft Sports Bar & GrilleFloridian Insurance Agency

Fort Myers Princess

German American Social Club of CCHollywood Bicycle Center

Hooters Cape CoralI Ragazzi Pizza

Impressions PhotographyIndependent A.C.

Individual - John ManningJackson PR

JP’s Auto CareKaye’s Antiques Art & Estate Sale

La VeneziaMain Street Children Dentistry and

OrthodonticsMatteo GraphicsMerrick Seafood

North Nicholas High SchoolOasis Charter Elementary School

Order Sons of Italy in AmericaPaul Homes of Florida, LLC

Perico’s IncPhil Deems Real Estate

Pirate Coast CyclesPlatinum Service A/C

Premiere Oncology-NaplesRed Salon & Spa

Senecatails Guide ServicesServiceMaster RestorationsSiesta Pebble Pool Interiors

Sotolongo Landscape MaintenanceSouthwest Florida Community

FoundationTrebing Tile and Carpet

Venetian Pools & Spas, IncWarchol, Merchant & Rollings, LLP

WJ Bachman Mechanical Sheetmetal Co. of Florida Inc.

Wright Construction GroupZoomers Amusement Park

February New Members & Renewals

Page 8: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Chamber Trends Tallahasse Days 2013

Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting

2013 Chamber Chairman

Last month, chamber members, Cape Coral City Council members and

government officials returned from another successful trip to Tallahassee.

This was the 14th year for this trip and it has been extremely successful in bringing our message to the State legislature. Over the years, we have been involved in

bringing more than $800 million dollars back to Southwest Florida and supporting legislation that has made a real impact on our area.

You should all be very proud of this trip as its inception was the brain child of our own Chamber President, Mike Quaintance.

For the first 4 years this trip was called “Cape Coral Days in Tallahassee” where we combined private business people along with local elected officials to present a united lobbying effort with our state legislature.

After our initial success, your board took a regional leadership role and expanded the scope of the trip to include all of Lee County.

The trip is now known as “Lee County Days in Tallahassee.” We now have business representatives and elected officials from all over the county coming together in a united front to present our needs to our state government.

Some of the areas of concern for us this year were: a $900,000 budget line item to design a river crossing connecting the Fort Myers wastewater plants to the city’s irrigation system, lobbying for funding for a SWFL inland port known as America’s Gateway Logistics Center, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funding to assist with the multi-lanning of Burnt Store Road, support for our local area FDOT office, concerns about the financial stability of the State’s Citizens Insurance program, public pension reforms and of course, our continuing efforts to explain the Cape’s unique challenges to bring real economic development to a pre-platted community.

I can assure you, your Cape Coral business leaders and elected officials worked long days and met with many legislators and state administrators. We were well received and our message was clearly understood by everyone we met with. We will see how successful we were as our issues continue to go through the legislative process this session.

This is a great learning experience for everyone who makes the trip and I would highly recommend it to any member who is interested in learning more about how the state legislature works. I know that after 30 years of lobbying in Tallahassee, I still find great value for myself and our community in setting aside three days to participate in Lee County Days in Tallahassee.

Call or visit one of our Cape Coral branches today!1715 Cape Coral Parkway West | (239) 541-5200812 Del Prado Boulevard South | (239) 985-8120

2546 Heydon Lane | (239) 433-6000

www.iberiabank.com |

Personal and BusinessSolutionsto meet your banking needs.We make banking easy and convenient for your business and personal banking needs, so that you have more time for the things in life that matter most.

Fort Myers: 9101 College Pointe Court | 2247 First Street | 6651 Orion Drive | 4670 Summerlin Road | 8341 Dani Drive | 8870 Daniels Parkway | 7580 Winkler Road | Estero: 23250 Via Villagio

Page 9: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Top Left: Guest Speaker Scott Kashman, Cape Coral Hospital, kicks off the 2013 Chamber Health Challenge.

Mid Left: 1993 Leadership Cape Coral charter class alumni Elmer Tabor, speaks to the group about the importance of the program.

Bottom Left: Board Members Chris Spiro and Dana Brunette welcome New Member Donna Manning to the Chamber.

Top Right: Welcome to our New Chamber Members for the month of March.

Mid Right: Marty Robinson,PT - Cape Coral Wellness Center, Dr Sal Lacagninia - Lee Memorial Health System, Patrick Quinlan - Miloff Aubuchon Realty, and Denise Locascio - Met Life.

General Membership Lunch

with a purpose....

Page 10: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Membership TrendsI Got Membership

on my Mind.Bill Johnson, Jr.

Membership Sales Director

I was taking a moment to look back at our membership numbers from last year and all

I can say is WOW. I came on board with the Chamber in February of 2012 and was fortunate enough to be part of one of the Chambers best years of growth.

The Chamber grew by 243 new members last year. That is truly awesome. This would not have

been possible without the participation from the membership in our Rock and Roll Membership Drive and two Leads Drives.

So now that it’s 2013, we need to keep the membership train on the tracks and surpass last year’s number.

One way is to follow in the mantra of our current chair Joe Mazurkiewicz. Joe took our Chamber slogan of Get in & Get Busy and added three simple words…”With A Purpose.”

Just think with every new member that joins the Chamber; new business opportunities are created every day. What is your purpose going to be with the Chamber in 2013? That something could be

different for us all. The cool thing that I have noticed over the last year is that everyone

joins the Chamber for many different reasons. Some people join because they want to grow their business. Some people join because they want to become more involved in the community. Some people join because they simply want a plaque to hang in their office that says there a member. All are equally great but the most import word in all of that is they all joined. My purpose for 2013 is the continued growth of one of Southwest Florida’s largest business organizations, the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral.

The membership sales team has some real exciting things planned for 2013. First, we are rolling out our Membership Leads Drive. I have taken the best parts of the membership and leads drive and combined them into one super drive.

This drive is kicks off TODAY!Isn’t it time you Get in & Get Busy With A Purpose with the Chamber

of Commerce of Cape Coral.

New & Renewed Members Schedule Your Ribbon

Cutting Today!Contact Donna Germain at

549-6900 ext 107or [email protected]

with a purpose....

Page 11: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Lee Memorial Health SystemP.O. Box 2218

Fort Myers, FL 33902

CenturyLink Store2710 Del Prado Blvd. South

Cape Coral, FL 33904

RE/MAX Realty Team2326 Del Prado BlvdCape Coral, FL 33990

LCEC4980 Bayline Dr

North Fort Myers, FL 33917

BJ’s Wholesale1929 Pine Island Rd N.E., Cape Coral

Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral

Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC4980 Bayline Dr, North Fort Myers

Premier Oncology RadiationSpecialists In Urology

24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral

The News-Press - Fort Myers Office2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers

413 NE Van Loon Lane, Cape Coral

DiamondMember

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

ExecutiveMember

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33916

Just off Martin Luther King Blvd., across from FleaMasters!

The Gulf Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic is no ordinary veterinary practice. 100% of the clinic’s operating surplus is used to provide funding for safe refuge and quality care for the more than 1,000 abandoned and neglected cats and dogs brought to our shelter each year.

Spay/Neuter Vaccinations Microchips Diagnostic and Therapeutic

Services General Surgery

Dental Care Laboratory Pharmacy Flea & Heartworm Prevention Behavior Counseling Dietary Counseling

Veterinary Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday: 8am to 5pm, Saturday: 9am to 4pm

Page 12: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Vogue Hair Studio1219 Cape Coral Pkwy E Suite 6

Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 945-6717

www.voguehairstudiocapecoral.com

Ribbon Cuttings

Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting

Today!Contact Donna

Germain at 549-6900 ext 107

or donna@capecoralchamber.

com

Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’ 3032 Santa Barbara Blvd., Unit 201

Cape Coral, FL 33914239) 242-1170

www.mizcatherines.com

The Art of Literature, Inc. 2209 Santa Barbara Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33991(239) 458-1586

www.theartofliterature.com

with a purpose....

Page 13: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

F U L L N A M E

B U S I N E S S N A M E

F U L L A D D R E S S

P H O N E E M A I L

Are you a Chamber Member? o Yes o NoIs a business sponsoring you? o Yes o No

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL DEFINED.Leadership Cape Coral is a thirteen week program for an adult that educates the participants about the components that make up Cape Coral. The various program days include team building, public safety, education, government, cultural opportunities, infrastructure, corrections, public services, and parks and recreation. These program days are organized and chaired by recent past graduates of the program so that they can share their knowledge concerning the various days.

There have been more than 400 graduates of the program since the charter year in 1993. Many of these graduates become a part of Cape Coral Leadership Alumni and often go on to the Advanced Leadership Cape Coral program with a focus on developing and enhancing management and leadership skills. The final tier of leadership education is Cape Coral Community Trustee program, which is by invitation and helps participants discover areas where they can assume community leadership roles.

Today, our leadership graduates are contributing to vital areas of the community such as; leadership roles in government from the City Council to the State of Florida, community organizations like American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, and Junior Achievement, and leadership with our largest employers. It is not uncommon for our leadership graduates to see the value and feel the need to pass along the gift of leadership by participating in our Cape Coral Jr. Leadership program. Without a doubt the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral has one of the most comprehensive leadership programs in Florida.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?It is simple to participate, just fill out the registration form below and fax, or mail it to the Chamber. We will send you an application. Be sure to fill out and submit your application before July 26, 2013.

TESTIMONIALS Leadership Cape Coral isn’t for those that are content with things the way they are. If you or the owner of your business is ready to elevate your performance within the largest city in SW Florida then please sign up for Leadership Cape Coral, it will help you reach that next level. You WON’T be disappointed!

LYNNIE GUZMAN l News-Press l 2011

Leadership Cape Coral opens doors and open your eyes to the community around you. It lays out the assets and the opportunities for you in a way no other investment of time and money could do. I have seen it change the lives of many people and I know it has changed my life forever and that is why I am still involved in Leadership Cape Coral today. The program continues to pay benefits to me, my family, my business and my community.

JOE MAZURKIEWICZ l BJM Consulting l 1993

Leadership Cape Coral helped save my life! During health day, a physician was telling us that heart attacks don’t always happen in the most common perceived way–chest pain and numbness in the left arm. I remembered that comment when the following week I had a heart attack (throbbing in both arms just below my elbows and no chest pain). I was rushed to the hospital.

B. PAT O’ROURKE l Lee County EDC l 2007

Leadership 2013

ADULT LEADERSHIP 2013Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, Florida 33904 (239) 549-6900 phone(239) 549-9609 faxwww.CapeCoralChamber.com

Celebrating Leadership Excellence

201993-2013

Page 14: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

‘Dunk What? In Golf City Who?” asked Matt

Lauer and the CBS Evening News??!!

Christopher T. SpiroCEO, Spiro & Associates

Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations

These recent weeks have been a branding whirlwind with folks renaming our

region to “Dunk City,” trying to help the national news media figure out where Southwest Florida is,

learning new rap songs about the 10th university in the State of Florida, and more importantly, how to spell “Gulf” when referencing Florida Gulf Coast University.

What an amazing case study for witnessing a brand blowing up, for all the right reasons, right here in our own backyard. Heck, I even found myself shouting out loud and genuinely having fun watching the Eagles play.

But, (damn it, there’s always a but) was FGCU ready for their success? My answer is a resounding hell no. To an outsider looking in, they didn’t plan for success. They didn’t plan to be in the Sweet 16 no less the Elite 8 nor the Final 4. They had no plan for “what if”!

Okay Spiro, what’s your point, don’t clip the Eagles wings here? My point is this: Are you planning on your business playing in the finals of the final four, or are you planning to be one and done? Are

you planning for your business’s brand to blow up properly and take advantage of pandemonium (OK, maybe not pandemonium, but a great deal of success) or are you going to wait and see what happens? Are you ready to respond to your brand’s success today or are you just winging it?

When I kick the covers off in the morning I jump out of bed ready to win…ready for success…ready for my agency to go all the way to the big dance. How you and your firm define the big dance is specific to your business. But, not planning for your brand to succeed dooms you to failure.

The Power of Team!The second point is what I will define as the “Power of Team!” If you

have ever considered lending your brand in support of a team, look at the success you would have had with the Eagles.

We have a client who is an avid Eagle supporter complete with signage in Alico Arena as well as serving on several committees for the University. He has seen a 25 percent increase in sales, cash money in the register, since Eaglemania has gone wild. Prior to all the craziness he will tell you that he was paid back ten-fold by people mentioning his community and school support, people coming to his location because he supports FGCU and people wanting to do business with those who support local educational/community endeavors.

Many of you know my personal connection to the University of Florida and how much we do locally here with the Alumni Association as well as in Gainesville with UF. At the time this article was written the FGCU vs. UF game had not been played. While I will be rooting for my beloved Gators, should they lose I won’t be too upset!!

Christopher “The BrandMan” Spiro can be found online at Facebook.com/christopher.spiro and Twitter @chrisspiro. Or hit him up at [email protected] and (239) 481-5511, extension 234.

Marketing Trends

Page 15: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Network AdministrationMaintenance Agreements

Off-site Data StorageDell, Acer, Apple(239) 573-1000

www.entechcomputers.com

Get In & Get Busy Advertise In

The Chamber Trends Magazine

Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or

[email protected]

Network AdministrationMaintenance Agreements

Off-site Data StorageDell, Acer, Apple(239) 573-1000

www.entechcomputers.com

The News-Press Media Group connects Cape Coral residents and visitors with news and information in Cape Life every Thursday, and in the Cape section on Sunday. Get the latest updates online and on your mobile device at news-press.com

We deliver Cape Coral news 24/7

Subscribe:1.800.468.0233

Cape Coral Editor: Casey Logan | [email protected] | 344.4721Advertise: Lynnie Guzman | [email protected] | 910.4575

Get In & Get Busy Advertise In

The Chamber Trends Magazine

Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or

[email protected]

Page 16: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Presented By…

Join us Friday May 3rd at Palmetto Pine Country Club for a day of Networking, Golfing & Fun!

8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

Registration includes…

18 holes of golf, carts, breakfast, drinks on the course, chance for prizes at specialty holes, lunch and an exclusive after party at Hooters on Del Prado

Gather your friends, your co-workers and your partners in crime for a

great day on the course!

Call Amanda at 549-6900 ext 111 for more information.

Page 17: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

NutritionSalvatore Lacagnina, D.O.

Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

March may have been National Nutrition month, but every day is nutrition day! We need to emphasize this because eating healthy balanced meals and snacks is one of the

foundations for healthy living and a longer life. All the research studies show this to be factual. So let’s discuss what healthy nutrition really looks like. We all know that we need certain amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats in the foods we eat. Healthy proteins include egg whites, beans, nuts, lentils and tofu. Many people like to get protein from meats, but if you have any problems with cholesterol, you should limit the amount of beef, chicken and pork to reduce the risk of heart attacks, stokes, other forms of cardiovascular disease and many cancers. Yes, it has been shown that meat eating increases the risk of all chronic illness and many of the common cancers. Much of this research is described in the book “The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell.

Healthy carbohydrates include whole grain breads and pasta, vegetables and fruits, brown rice as well as beans. These food products contain healthy (complex) sugars that are slowly released into the body leading to fewer spikes of glucose and insulin which over time can contribute to weight gain. They also contain healthy fiber which is good for the GI tract. This helps to decrease the absorption of fats resulting in less cholesterol in the system. Whole grain breakfast cereal with almond or soy milk with a few egg whites and some fruit is a healthy breakfast that will start your day off right!

Although many people avoid fats, especially when they are trying to lose weight, foods with fats in them are essential to good health. The brain and the nervous system plus all of the cells of the body need fats to stay healthy. Foods that contain healthy fats include olive oil, avocados, nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews and natural peanut butter. Fats that should be limited include beef, lamb, pork, chicken with the skin, butter, lard, many cheese products, commercially baked pastries and cookies and foods that are fried. These food products are known to cause cardiovascular diseases and many types of cancers. These are many of the foods that are considered the foundation of the typical American diet; but this is the reason cardiovascular disease kills more people in this country than all types of cancer! So, it’s your decision. Do you want to eat food products that increase your risk for heart attacks, strokes and

cancers? Or, do you want to eat healthy foods that make you look and feel great, allow you to be as functional as you want and help you to live a longer and more productive life?

Now that we have reviewed healthy proteins, carbohydrates and fats, let’s review the benefits of supplements. Unfortunately, the food products we eat today are not always as nutritious as we would like. Also, in many cases, our absorption of these nutrients is not as complete as we would like. That is why often times it is helpful to take vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. How do you know what to take or how much to take? Most people take a multivitamin which is a shotgun approach, meaning that they are aiming at everything without necessarily knowing which vitamins they should be taking for the maximum benefit. There is a test called Spectracell which measures the levels of all the vitamins, minerals and anti- oxidants we need to stay healthy. Once you have these results, your physician or health care provider can determine which supplements you need and monitor progress over time. The Spectracell test is covered by many insurances including Medicare. Anti-oxidants are substances that decrease the risk of heart attacks, strokes, other blood vessel diseases as well as cancers. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta carotene are examples anti-oxidants. In order to get the anti-oxidants you need in addition to taking supplements, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Remember the recommendation is to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

A healthy plate of food looks like this: half the plate is filled with fruits and vegetables. One quarter of the plate contains a healthy starch/carbohydrate as mentioned above. The remaining quarter contains a protein (remember this does not have to be a meat product). Take time to watch the documentary “Food, Inc.” and you will more fully understand why I recommend eating non-meat proteins!

Lastly, to stay healthy, you need to stay active and exercise daily. 15-30 minutes is what is recommended. Do 15 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of either light weight lifting or resistance exercises. Weight lifting is very important to keep your metabolic rate high. This allows you to better maintain a healthy weight. In summary, healthy eating and daily exercise - these are two of the pillars in the foundation for healthy living. If you have any questions or comments; or if you need help with your daily health, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Stay well!

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

Healthy Trends

Page 18: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

SPEED POLITICSREADY...SET….GO!April 25, 2013Oasis High School3519 Oasis Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 339145:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Come Mix & Mingle With Your City Council Members, Lee County Commissioners and representatives from LCEC and WastePro

Networking Begins At 5:30 PM “Speed Politics” Begins At 6:30 PMYou Will Have The Opportunity To Talk One-On-One With All The Participants For 10 Minutes In Break-Out RoomsRsvp (239) 549-6900 Ext 300

CDM SmithLCEC, Kirkwood Electric

Page 19: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Sunday April 7th

Page 20: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

People you can trust.Power you can rely on.Possibilities that are endless!

That’s the benefit of being a cooperative member! www.lcec.net

The Nutcracker

December 13th, 2012 at 7:00pm

A Spectacular Performance of the time honored ballet.

The performance features 200 dancers, singers and musicians.

$10, $15, $20, and $25 Tickets

For tickets call 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com

at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

North Fort MyersAcademy for the ARTS

Presents

Created By: Cassidee Kelly & Nicole Paquin

RELAY FOR LIFE OF CAPE CORALAPRIL 27 - 28, 20133:00 PM - 9:00 AM

MARINER HIGH SCHOOL701 N CHIQUITA BLVD., CAPE CORAL

REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY AT WWW.RELAYFORLIFE.ORG/CAPECORALFL

Page 21: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Recessionary Backlash?Berge Aslanian (CDPE)

Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor

For well over a year now we have been seeing and writing about the strong evidence of our upturning real estate market in Cape Coral. In the past few weeks there have been articles

in the local news and in the local newspapers about our new “seller’s market”. Is an upturning, seller’s market consistent with an upward trend?

The numbers as of March 27th...

Just like last month, inventory of single family homes and condos seems to be holding fairly steady. Prices for condos and single family homes are consistent. The numbers of condos sold and houses sold have increased.

Having been involved in this real estate market for several years, it is safe to say that this represents an upward trend. Prices are holding strong and numbers of properties sold are up. Sounds easy to understand and it makes sense.

So then, why do so many buyers coming into this market think that they should offer 15-25% less than the listed price of a property? Is it that “never pay list price” mentality that seems to follow houses and vehicles? Is it a remnant of the distressed real estate market that was a “buyer’s market”? All I know is there are a number of disappointed buyers out there who missed out on some really good deals because they thought they were so much smarter than those of us who do this every day in this specific market.

Most sellers have been cooperative by realistically pricing their property and then negotiating a small bit downward if necessary. Many correctly priced properties have ended up selling for slightly more than listed price when knowledgeable buyers swarm and bid

them up.Here’s today’s riddle. What do we get when we bring an unrealistic

buyer to a cooperative seller? The answer: Nobody gets anything!A close friend from up North decided he wanted to invest in this

rising market. He found a house on the internet in Cape Coral. It was an older home with sailboat access to the gulf, close to 1,900 sq. ft. under air with no pool for $249,900. Against my better judgment I submitted his offer of $190,000. After a few conversations with the selling agent we determined seller’s lowest price to be $210,000; an excellent price for this property. Buyer would not go higher than $200,000. Buyer wouldn’t budge. Seller was a bit miffed to think of selling for 20% less than list. No sale! Nobody gets anything!

Recently, after showing several houses to out-of-state buyers from another northeastern state, we found one that was exactly what they wanted for $320,000. Instead of offering 3-5% less than list, they thought they were being smart by offering 12% less than list ($282,000).

Against all advice they insisted their way was the best way. Even when it was explained that they just might be creating an adversarial relationship by insulting the seller with such a low offer, they would not budge.To make this too long of a story much shorter, the sellers made a counter-offer slightly below the listed price and said they were done negotiating. Buyers were extremely disappointed but wanted to ride their offer up by $5,000. What didn’t they understand about “final offer”?We ended up getting the deal done at the original counter offer made by the sellers. Buyers had to eat a little crow and pony up to the price. They really love the house and they are getting a great deal but they had some distorted fantasy about how real estate transactions work.

Most realtors try not to spend too much time with clients trying to impress everyone with their real estate “knowledge”. But when you realize there are well over 2000 realtors selling homes in Cape Coral and only 311 homes got sold last month you may understand why we sometimes entertain these “longshot buyers.”

Please remember, a good realtor will help you find a nice home within your means if you give them a chance. That same realtor will help you sell your home reasonably if you put some trust in them. Your challenge is to find a realtor with whom you feel comfortable and then you will get exactly what you want!

Real Estate Trends3-27-13

Real Estate Trends What Does Upward Mean?

For well over a year now we have been seeing and writing about the strong evidence of our upturning real estate market in Cape Coral. In the past few weeks there have been articles in the local news and in the local newspapers about our new “seller’s market”. Is an upturning, seller’s market consistent with an upward trend? Let’s see how the numbers look for our most recent period. The numbers as of March 27th: January ’13 February ’13 March ‘13 Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $ For Sale 1525 $249,000 1545 $243,500 1501 $239,750 Sold 181 $139,000 231 $155,000 311 $155,000

January ’13 February ’13 March ‘13 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ For Sale 307 $134,500 317 $134,500 307 $135,000 Sold 25 $101,500 36 $106,000 47 $106,000

Just like last month, inventory of single family homes and condos seems to be holding fairly steady. Prices for condos and single family homes are consistent. The numbers of condos sold and houses sold have increased. Having been involved in this real estate market for several years, it is safe to say that this represents an upward trend. Prices are holding strong and numbers of properties sold are up. Sounds easy to understand and it makes sense. So then, why do so many buyers coming into this market think that they should offer 15-25% less than the listed price of a property? Is it that “never pay list price” mentality that seems to follow houses and vehicles? Is it a remnant of the distressed real estate market that was a “buyer’s market”? All I know is there are a number of disappointed buyers out there who missed out on some really good deals because they thought they were so much smarter than those of us who do this every day in this specific market. Most sellers have been cooperative by realistically pricing their property and then negotiating a small bit downward if necessary. Many correctly priced properties have ended up selling for slightly more than listed price when knowledgeable buyers swarm and bid them up.

Page 23: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Top Left: 2012 Holiday Festival of Lights Chairman Brett Bisbe thanks Brian Hamman representing Title Sponsor CenturyLink for their support of the event.

Mid Left: Cape Christian Fellowship, represented by Chad Wolfe sponsored the Free Kids Area.

Bottom Left: Vapin’ in the Cape stepped up as the Snow Slide sponsor.

Top Right: Once again, LCEC sponsored Santa’s Arrival and the Tree Lighting.

Bottom Right: Long time event supporter, Kiwanis Club sponsored the Tiny Tots Train.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers and everyone who participated in the Centurylink Holiday Festival of Lights this year. We could not do these events without your support.

More GMM Highlights

Page 24: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

Join us for a memorable summer of fun as we travel Around the World on a Cultural

Enroll now for summer camp and the 2013-2014 school year

Each two-week session is designed to provide a relaxed & interesting enrichment utilizing our Montessori curriculum

in a safe, nurturing environment with caring adults. Ages 12 months to kindergarten or 6 years.

37 Barkley Circle Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-275-2022

Session 1: June 3-14 - South America Session 2: June 17-28 - North America

Summer Fun Program is closed July 1– 5 for the Independence Day Holiday!

Session 3: July 8-19 - Australia Session 4: July 22–August 2 - Africa

Summer of Fun Hours: 8:00am—3:00pm 3 day or 5 day program

Register here

www.montessorichild.org/programs

This summer your child can… Develop self-confidence Explore individual talents & creativity Increase cultural awareness Discover a sense of wonder & appreciation for nature Learn how to resolve conflicts easily & make new friends

Our Mission: Renaissance School inspires individuals to express their unique potential with purpose, passion & vision. Accredited by SACS / AdvancEd. Renaissance School is a Florida not for profit corporation 501(c)3. Renaissance School

does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic origin. Licensed with the State of Florida #C08LE7378

Congratulations 20-12 Pack!! CONGRATULATIONS goes out to the Leadership Cape Coral Class of 2012.

Their Casino In The Cape event on March 2nd raised more than $20,400 for Cape Coral Special Populations.

The group presented the check to Sara Sansone, Special Pops Supervisor and Steve Pohlman, Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Director at the March 18th Cape Coral City Council Meeting.

Thank you to the 20-12 pack for all of your hard work on this event!

Management and

Management andA D VA N C E D

LEADERSHIP

Page 25: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

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

Page 26: Chamber Trends Magazine - April 2013

with a purpose....

2051 Cape Coral Parkway ECape Coral, FL 33904

(239) 549-6900(800) 226-9609

www.capecoralchamber.com