chamber trends magazine - january 2013
DESCRIPTION
Please enjoy the latest issue of the Chamber Trends Magazine published by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape CoralTRANSCRIPT
TrendsChamber
The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral January 2013
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
Business After Hours, January 17th , hosted by Keiser University
Join Us For The General Membership Lunch & Board of
Directors Installation, January 9th at Palmetto Pine Country Club
Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press
Join Us Every Saturday at Club Square for the Cape Coral Farmer’s Market
Get In & Get Busy in the Chamber Trends Magazine More than 6,000 monthly subscribers
Basic Advertising PricesFull Page $337.001/2 Page $227.001/4 Page $147.00
Business Card $117.00(All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a
30-second commercial promoting your business. Non-profit organizations receive
2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership.)
Prime Advertising PricingFull Page $387.00
(includes banner ad on chamber website only 4 available per issue, full page only)1/2 Page $287.001/4 Page $207.00
Business Card $167.00(All ads can be linked to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your
business and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter)
SpecialsSpotlight On Business Article - One per issue $347.00
Includes a hyperlink to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business, a banner ad on the Chamber website and a banner ad in the Chamber Trends Weekly
E-Newsletter.
Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 for more [email protected]
Publisher & EditorDonna Schuman-GermainCommunications Director
Contributing EditorsMike Quaintance
Chamber [email protected]
Stephanie RobersonTechnology Director
Bob KnickmanSpecial Events Director
Claudia St. OngeBusiness Manager
Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director
Amanda BrunsonSpecial Events Assistant
Chamber of Commerce of Cape CoralP.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910
2051 Cape Coral ParkwayCape Coral, FL 33904
Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609
January 2013January 5 & 19
Cape Coral Antique and Craft MarketClub Square - 47th Terrace
Cape Coral, FL 339048:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
January 9General Membership Meeting
& Board of Directors Installation Palmetto Pine Country Club
1940 SW 9th Court Cape Coral, FL 33991
$20.00 For Members w/reservationsCall 549-6900 ext 300 to RSVP
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
January 17Business After Hours
Keiser University 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33905 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
January 25Secrets To Your Chamber Success
New Member OrientationHampton Inn & Suites
619 SE 47th Terr Cape Coral, FL 339049:00 a.m. - 10:30 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
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 - Kirkwood Electric
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 Gary Locke - Sunstream Hotels and Resorts
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 - BJ’s Wholesale Club Rhonda Chapman - SunTrust Bank
Matt 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 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 Director
Linda Kirby, Membership SalesBob Knickman, Special Events Director
Amanda Brunson, Special EventsAssistant
Melanie Lempke, Special Events Assistant
Q’s World
The Real Value of Chamber Membership
Mike “Q” Quaintance, President
I have an appetite for chamber industry writings and therefore I consume a lot of information concerning the industry.
The American Chamber of Commerce Executives commissioned the Schapiro Group to conduct a research study called “The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce.” Attached is the hyperlink for additional detail on the Research Study.
The study was web-based with 2,000 adult participants and the results are pretty interesting when it comes to creating a competitive edge in creating differentiation with non-member businesses. Below are some of the results that help us understand membership value from a consumer perspective.• Most consumer (59%) think that
being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall.• Ifacompanyshowsthatitishighly
involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12%more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.• When consumers know that a
restaurant franchise is a member of the chamberofcommerce,theyare40%morelikely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.• When consumers know that a
small business is a member of the chamber ofcommerce,theyare44%morelikelyto
think favorablyof it and63%more likelyto purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
So, the question for our members is, how are you maximizing your connection with the Chamber? Do you have your business cards or tri-fold brochure in our lobbies? Do you have your sixty-word business description on the Chamber website? Are you using the Chamber logo on your promotional materials and advertising? These are all great opportunities that cost you zero dollars and only a small amount of time.
If you desire to be more involved with the Chamber, just give us a call to be a lobby volunteer, or a committee member of the Education Committee, Public Affairs Committee, Membership Development Committee, Special Events Committee or Board of Directors Committee. This is the next level of membership that connects you with the Chamber and helps to create that differentiation strategy, separating you from your competitors. The cost associated with this level of involvement is “TIME.”
Finally, program and event sponsorship is a great way to market your connection with the Chamber. Event sponsorships range from community events and advertising, to networking and educational events. They include events such as CenturyLink Holiday Festival of Lights, the RE/MAX Red White & Boom, Speed Politics, The News-Press Excellence in Education Awards, Business after Hours, and a whole collection of opportunities.
The Chamber staff can take you to the water, but only you can drink it. For more information on these opportunities and a connection to the Chamber staff person in-charge, please give me a call at 549-6900 ext. 106, or e-mail me at [email protected]. We exist because of you, and for you, so thank you! We live to serve!
New Members
A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming Artisan Bread Too
Cape Coral Hurricanes- Premier Men’s Soccer Team
Chandler, Mathis & Zivley Exclusive Consulting, Inc. For The Kids Foundation
Ft. Myers Army Recruiting CenterJimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Kelly Air Systems, LLC. Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’
South Cape Business Center Wounded Warrior Anglers of
America, Inc. Zebo’s
Renewals
All Power Electric, LLCAmerican Cancer Society
Bistro In VivoCape Coral Bingo
Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship FundCape Shore RealtyCard Systems Inc.
CC Stone w/Sandals RealtyChicago Pizza
City Smoke BarbecueClubZ! In Home Tutoring
Dixie RoadhouseDowntowner Car Wash Southeast
Fenzel Air, LLCFOS Furniture
Gulf Coast Coin & Jewelry, LLC
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
Individual (Russell)J.M. Todd, IncJP’s Auto Care
Ken’s Auto Repair of Cape Coral, IncMatteo Graphics
Napa Auto Care CenterNorth American Title Company
Palmetto Pine Country ClubPark 720 Vehicle StorageParker House Properties
Perico’s IncPirate Coast Cycles
Pool Doctor Service & SuppliesPrimary Electric
Siesta Pebble Pool InteriorsSt. Andrew Catholic Church & School
Trafalgar Middle School
November New Members & Renewals
G U N S N H O S E S H O C K E Y 2 0 1 3
F E B R U A R Y 2 , 2 0 1 3 4 p . m .
G E R M A I N A R E N A T i c k e t s f o r $ 1 6 . 0 0
One ticket gets you two hockey games all in the name of charity. Come out and support your local police and firefighters as they take to the ice head to head for
charity. Then stick around for your Florida Everblades as they battle the Greenville Road Warriors. All proceeds benefit For The Kids Foundation, a local organization
that helps kids who are battling cancer.
T o P u r c h a s e T i c k e t s C a l l 5 4 1 - 0 4 6 1
Former Everblades players will be
playing on both teams
Healthy NutritionSalvatore Lacagnina, D.O.Vice President of Health &
Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System
As we have discussed in many previous articles, the foundation for
healthy living resides in daily healthy eating and regular physical activity. So what happens during the holidays? Are we allowed to splurge? Can we go “off the diet” and still be healthy? The answer is during the holiday it is
OK to splurge and go off the diet. However, this does not mean you should eat three helpings of the main course and then eat half of the baked apple pie with a gallon of ice cream on top! LOL!
Seriously, eating healthy during the holidays should be not much different than eating healthy during the non-holiday times. When you think about it, you can stay healthy by eating healthy foods most of the time and then taking a meal or two where you enjoy yourself a little more. The key is doing this in moderation. You can have a small piece of pie with one scoop of ice cream! Eat enough to make you satisfied and to feel like you are not missing out.
This is important since eating is pleasurable to the palate but also to the mind and spirit. Food does comfort. But we should be able to feel comforted by eating 1500 calories per day and not 3000. We need to be eating the right kinds of food because food is fuel for the body. You must provide your body with healthy fuel so the engine continues to run strong and long.
What does healthy nutrition look like? Picture nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily; eating some complex starches including whole grain breads and pasta; drinking lots of fresh water; limiting meats to 4 ounces a few times per week and eating organic, grass fed meats; taking supplemental vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants; and avoiding fast food restaurants as well as sodas which typically are loaded with unhealthy sugars.
If we want to stay healthy during the holidays in addition to eating healthy, we also need to stay physically active. Add this into your daily
schedule. You should be doing 15 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of light weight lifting daily. If you are not currently exercising, please consult with your physician first to be sure you do not need a stress test before starting a formal exercise program.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the above, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
“Your Business Connection”Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
2051 Cape Coral Parkway E. Cape Coral, FL 33904(239) 549-6900 Fax (239)549-9609 Toll Free (800) 226-9609
Scan to download our mobile siteor download our mobile site at web.capecoralchamber.com/mobile
iPhone and Android compatible
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
The Chamber switched up the regular format of the December General Membership Lunch at La Venezia with a little speed networking.
Each participant rotated tables every 10 minutes and had one minute to tell the group about their business and themselves.
Thank you to The News-Press (Community Conversation Editor Tom Hayden pictured top left), LCEC and Centurylink for their support and sponsorship of our month Chamber lunches.
Thank you also to our Table Sponsors Battery Giant, Boost Creative (pictured bottom left), Fishermen’s Village,
Rain Forest Tours, Red Salon & Spa and Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors.
General Membership Lunch
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
Closing Out The YearBerge Aslanian
RE/MAX Island Harbor
There’s good news and bad news. You can label the information yourselves
because for some it is good and for some, maybe not. So here we go. For those of you who read this column regularly, you might have noticed that there wasn’t one last month. No, the dog didn’t eat my homework and my computer didn’t crash. Your faithful author had to go into the shop for a replacement part and
major surgery pre-empted me from writing under the influence of serious medication. A month later, everything has gone extremely well and now so am I. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s see what’s trending in Cape Coral real estate.
The numbers as of December 24th:
Regular readers might remember we have been muddling around in terms of volume while prices have been going up steadily. For single family homes, even though inventory seems to be increasing, prices of homes sold are up noticeably. Sold condo prices are also up and firm.
Low inventory, increasing prices and steady but low unit sales clearly demonstrate we are about to break through the “resistance”
points of price vs. demand that dominated our market for so long.Match this with high season just around the corner and smart
investors will clearly see the opportunity to make strong profits by selling if they don’t get too greedy.
Knowing that prices have been going up for a variety of reasons also gives a clear evidence to buyers that those “el cheapo” prices are well behind us.
Just the other day a realtor friend called me to ask if the MLS computers were broken. The natural response was, “Why do you ask?” He told me that he was researching single family properties under $85,000 within a very small radius of the river in North Fort Myers and nothing came up.
After laughing just a little, it was easy to explain that nothing was broken but the reason nothing came up is because there is nothing available. In fact, a quick search revealed that the least expensive property was a foreclosure with 1100 square feet, 2 BR/2 BA and a 1 car garage built in 1963 priced at $139,900. The next lowest priced home was similar but priced at $165,000; almost double what he was trying to find.
As recently as a year ago, you might have been able to find something low priced requiring minimal improvement to make it move-in ready. But, they’re all gone now. Just look at the price statistics. Prices are up, inventory is way down; when demand remains constant and supply decreases, prices always go up.
The good news is that we are still below national averages. Even though we are priced higher than we have been in long time, with a consistent upward trend buying is still a good investment.
Our high season is just about here so prices will continue upward as our visitors become enamored with our lifestyle and lower than national prices.
If you can, now is a good time to buy. If you are selling, please price yourself within the market. The best buying and selling occurs when you use a solid, experienced realtor. So, until next year, Merry Christmas to All, Happy New Year too and Happy House Hunting!
Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor and an active member of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce. For questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.
12-24-12 Real Estate Trends
Closing Out the Year There’s good news and bad news. You can label the information yourselves because for some it is good and for some, maybe not. So here we go. For those of you who read this column regularly, you might have noticed that there wasn’t one last month. No, the dog didn’t eat my homework and my computer didn’t crash. Your faithful author had to go into the shop for a replacement part and major surgery pre-empted me from writing under the influence of serious medication. A month later, everything has gone extremely well and now so am I. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s see what’s trending in Cape Coral real estate. The numbers as of December 24th: October ’12 November ’12 December ‘12 Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $ For Sale 815 $259,000 1141 $258,500 1447 $245,000 Sold 344 $138,500 353 $134,500 202 $144,000
October ’12 November ’12 December ‘12 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ For Sale 186 $132,000 252 $134,000 307 $133,000 Sold 52 $105,000 48 $90,000 21 $100,500
Regular readers might remember we have been muddling around in terms of volume while prices have been going up steadily. For single family homes, even though inventory seems to be increasing, prices of homes sold are up noticeably. Sold condo prices are also up and firm. Low inventory, increasing prices and steady but low unit sales clearly demonstrate we are about to break through the “resistance” points of price vs. demand that dominated our market for so long. Match this with high season just around the corner and smart investors will clearly see the opportunity to make strong profits by selling if they don’t get too greedy. Knowing that prices have been going up for a variety of reasons also gives a clear evidence to buyers that those “el cheapo” prices are well behind us. Just the other day a realtor friend called me to ask if the MLS computers were broken. The natural response was, “Why do you ask?” He told me that he was researching single family properties under $85,000 within a very small radius of the river in North Fort Myers and nothing came up.
Real Estate Trends
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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
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Cape Coral Editor: Casey Logan | [email protected] | 344.4721Advertise: Lynnie Guzman | [email protected] | 910.4575
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Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or
Farmer’s Market is located at Club Square every Saturday
(SE 10th Place just North of 47th Terrace)8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Don’t Miss The Antique and Craft Fair the first and third Saturday of every month at Club Square.
www.capecoralfarmersmarket.comAnother great community event presented by
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Live Music Sponsor
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral celebrated the holidays a little early this year at the December Business After Hours hosted by Capital Bank.
Thank you so much to Libby Knight and the entire staff for their hospitality and support over the years.
(Top Left) Bryce Grimsley, Cape Coral Insurance Center, Denise Perchall, Progressive Employer Management, Kim and Chris Horseman, Horseman’s Landscaping and Eric Malasky, Paradise Deli.
(Mid Left) Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Funeral Home, Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com, Denise Perchall, Progressive Employer Management and John and Rosie Elya.
(Bottom Left) Jeff Abbott, Kinetic Thoughts and Reggie Germain, High Fidelity Studios.
(Below) 2013 Chamber Chairman Joe Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Stacey Wilder and Joe Francioni, Castle Harbour Homes
Business After Hours
Cape Coral Bike-Ped - Together We Can Develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian-Friendly Cape Coral
Carolyn E. Conant
Cape Coral Bike-Ped is a new volunteer organization whose mission is to develop a system of interconnecting bike and pedestrian routes throughout Cape Coral for everyone to
enjoy. Whether you are an avid runner or cyclist or someone who seldom exercises, connecting bicycle and pedestrian routes in Cape Coral is good for our economy, improves quality of life for citizens and increases tourism.
Tourism is big business in Florida and Cape Coral is not getting its fair share of bicyclists, runners, and walker’s tourist dollars. As Craig Dearden, an avid cyclist and CFO & COO of Realmark Development notes, “Being outside is what Florida is all about, improving the walking and bike lanes will promote our community as a place to exercise and safely enjoy our paradise.” The monetary effect of cycling tourism can have a huge impact on our City. Cyclists alone contribute an estimated $133 billion to the US economy. Over $46.9 billion is spent on meals, transportation, lodging, gifts and entertainment during bike trips and tours. When you add in the contribution from runners and walkers the economic impact is even more substantial. Patricia Young, a member of the Lee County MPO Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinating Committee notes, “Connecting bike lanes, paths and sidewalks improves the quality of life for everyone. It encourages health and well-being and spurs economic development.”
Cape Coral Bike-Ped volunteers are Stepping Up to work in partnership with the City of Cape Coral to make a difference in the way the city improves and builds its bike lanes, paths and sidewalks.
Visit our newly created website at www.CapeCoralBikePed.org to learn more, donate and volunteer. We need your help through tax-deductible contributions and your willingness to volunteer to make this vision a reality.
Together, we can develop a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly Cape Coral.
Cape Coral Bike Ped is a volunteer organization working in partnership with the City of Cape Coral to make a difference in the way the city improves and builds its bike lanes, paths and sidewalks.
Our Mission is to develop a system of interconnecting bike and pedestrian routes throughout Cape Coral for everyone to enjoy.
Our Strategy is to:•Identifyphasedimprovementsandroutestobegincreatingacity
wide network • Mark the routes with standardized signage and pavement
markings •Improvecriticalareaswherepotentialproblemsmayexist• Publicize the routes through a website and elsewhere for the
world to see. Donate: Your tax-deductible donations enable us to build new
pathways and maintain existing ones. Click on Donate to see all of the ways you can support this effort. Click on Join Us to volunteer.
Cape Coral, Florida is ideally suited as a community with over 400 miles of beautiful canals and adjacent streets, much of it in quiet, serene settings for cycling, walking, running or pet walking. It is the one of the largest cities in Florida in terms of land mass. By creating well-coordinated, connected bicycle and pedestrian pathways, we and generations to follow will enjoy safe, attractive routes to cycle or walk to schools, shopping areas, libraries and parks.
Cape Coral Bike-Ped
11th Annual Southwest Florida Burrowing Owl Festival
Beverly Saltonstall, Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
Every February thousands of people descend on Rotary Park in southwest Cape Coral. They come to celebrate the official start of nesting season of Cape Coral’s official City bird – the
Burrowing Owl. As small as a can of soda pop, these little owls with huge yellow eyes have captured the hearts of the residents of Cape Coral, as well as visitors from all over the world.
This 11th Annual Festival, organized by Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) & Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department, will take place on Saturday February 23, 2013. There will be over sixty animal loving organizations and vendors providing something for everyone.
Narrated van tours to see the Burrowing Owls in their actual habitat and lectures covering wildlife topics are held during the day. A favorite activity at the festival is a tour of the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House. Festival goers have the opportunity to see the fascinating life cycle of various local butterflies, gain knowledge on how to start a butterfly garden, and be able to purchase plants to
start a butterfly garden of their own. Eco-friendly organizations such as CROW, Audubon, the Fossil
Club and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation will be on hand to answer questions and provide free information on a variety of nature related topics.
Vendors will have a great variety of nature related goods. Beautiful photography, paintings, jewelry, pottery and clothing are just a few of the items that will be available to purchase. A children’s corner will have arts and crafts and plenty of other activities for the little ones.
To achieve their goal of educating citizens on the importance of protecting the Burrowing Owl, CCFW is helping homeowners learn to attract Burrowing Owls to their property and to properly maintain burrows in their neighborhoods. Loss of the species in Cape Coral would have a devastating effect on the population in the rest of Florida, so preservation of habitat is critical.
Festival attendees will leave with a greater understanding of just how fragile the relationship is between man and his environment and wildlife.
The $5.00 entrance fee for adults and free admission for children under 16 makes this one day event a bargain for the budget conscious family. For more information go to www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call CCFW at 239-980-2593.
Burrowing Owl Festival
South Cape Business Center3208 Chiquita Blvd. South
Cape Coral, FL 33914(239) 549-3208
Congratulations to Janice Walker of SERVPRO of Cape Coral for winning $2012 worth of advertising from The News-Press at the December General Membership Lunch.
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549-6900 ext 107or
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