chamber trends magazine - september 2014

TrendsThe Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral September 2014

Chamber

To Promote and Serve Business and Community

Join us For TheBusiness After Hours

September 18th at Bowland - Coral Lanes

RSVP For The General Membership Lunch, September 10th at Palmetto Pine Country Club. Sponsored by LCEC, Centurylink and The News-Press

Join Us Every Tuesday at the Shops at Surfside for the Surfside Sunset Market, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Chamber Trends Monthly Advertising Basic Advertising Prices

Full Page $337.00 1/2 Page $227.00 1/4 Page $147.00

Business Card $117.00 (All ads include a hyperlink to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business.

Non-profit organizations receive 2 free 1/2 page ads per year upon request with their membership.)

Prime Advertising Pricing Full Page $367.00 1/2 Page $287.00 1/4 Page $207.00

Business Card $167.00 (All ads include a hyperlink to your company’s website or a 30-second commercial promoting your business and a banner ad in the

Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter)

Specials Feature Your Business On The Cover

Cover photo showcasing your company with a full page article, up to 3 pictures and company logo spotlighting your business. Only one per month. First come first serve basis. Your spotlight can also be linked to your company website and/or a commercial

promoting your business.

Chamber Trends Weekly Advertising

Press Release $25.00 (Runs 1x, includes 60 words, company logo, link to your company website.)

(Non-profit organizations run 2x for $25.00)

Banner Advertisement $50.00 per month (runs 4x, includes link to your website)

Company Spotlight $157.00

(Runs 4x, includes short story, link to website, link to additional company information, 2 pictures and Company logo.)

E-mail Blasts Company Spotlight E-mail Blast $199.00

The investment for the Business Spotlight is $199 and will run twice throughout the month of your choice. Dimensions - 6 inches wide x 8 inches tall, 300 dpi resolution.

Please call Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext. 107 for more information. All Chamber Publications Are Distributed to More Than 16,000 contacts

Publisher & EditorDonna Schuman-GermainCommunications Director

[email protected]

Contributing EditorsMike Quaintance

Chamber [email protected]

Stephanie RobersonTechnology Director

[email protected]

Claudia St. OngeBusiness Manager

[email protected]

Matt LambMembership Sales

[email protected]

Annette Siner Membership Sales

[email protected]

Melanie LempkeAdministrative Generalist

[email protected]

Amanda BrunsonSpecial Events Coordinator

[email protected]

Chamber of Commerce of Cape CoralP.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910

2051 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609

SEPTEMBER 2014SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHPalmetto Pine Country Club

1940 SW 9th Court, Cape Coral, FL 3399111:30 AM - 1:00 PM

SEPTEMBER 18, 2014BUSINESS AFTER HOURSBowland - Coral Lanes

250 Santa Barbara Blvd. N., Cape Coral, FL 339935:30 PM - 7:30 PM

TUESDAYS YEAR ROUNDSurfside Sunset Market

The Shops at Surfside Veterans Parkway and Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, FL

3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

OCTOBER 4, 2014SUPERHERO DINE & DASH

Starts At Dixie Roadhouse1023 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33904

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

OCTOBER 7, 2014BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Dellutri Law Group3002 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL 33904

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

To register for any of the above events online visit www.capecoralchamber.com

mailto:[email protected]





2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORSChairman - Annette Carrasquillo,

LAI Design Associates, LLCChairman Elect - Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc.

Treasurer - Brett Bisbe, B2 Solutions, IncPast Chairman - Joseph Mazurkiewicz,

BJM Consulting, Inc.Beverly Black - Black Business Solutions, LLC

Ed Bolter - Lamar AdvertisingDana Brunett - City of Cape CoralMatthew Connar - Boost Creative

Tony Constantino - Financial AdvisorKevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A.

Diane Everhart - Northwestern Mutual FinancialJoseph Francioni - The Smart Companies

Cynthia Gallagher - The Breeze NewspapersTom Hansen - Boat House of Cape Coral

Tim Hauck - Fuller Metz Cremationand Funeral Services

Cheryl Komnick - Caloosa Tent & RentalTrish Lassiter - LCEC

Michelle Lewis - Past Chairman - B2 SolutionsDonna Meola, First Merchant Payment Services, Past

Chairman Thomas Shipp Jr. - Past Chairman - Tom Shipp

at the Martin Law FirmStanley Spicer - Platinum Service A/C

Chris Spiro - Past Chairman - Spiro & AssociatesZachary Zeis - The Smart Companies

2014 TRUSTEESRhonda Chapman - First Citizens Bank

Sallie Dwyer - SunTrust Merchant ServicesSandra Greiner - SunSplash Family Waterpark

Mike Hollow - RE//MAX Realty TeamScott Kashman - Cape Coral Hospital

Laura Koehn - CapeCoral.comDavid Owen - BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co.

Wendy Piascik - Lee Memorial Health SystemMichelle Whitlock - Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors

2014 CHAIRMAN EMERITUSTom Giles - Avalon Engineering

Wayne Kirkwood - Kirkwood ElectricElmer Tabor - Wonderland Realty

CHAMBER STAFFMike Quaintance, President

Donna S. Germain, Communications DirectorClaudia St. Onge, Business Manager

& Farmers’ Market DirectorStephanie Roberson, Technology Director

Matt Lamb, Membership SalesAnnette Siner, Membership Sales

Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator

Linda Kirby, Membership Sales

NEW THIS MONTHMike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, CCE

As many of you are aware, the Chamber is making some adjustments in staff as we wish Bill Johnson our best wishes as he becomes

the Executive Director of the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association. We all know that change brings about some awesome opportunities such as hiring Matt Lamb and Annette Siner as the new full time membership sales people for the Chamber.

We also are bumping up the General Membership Lunch prices from $20 to $22 for members with reservations. We are doing this help absorb the rising food cost we are experiencing at our venues. This increase will take effect starting at the September 10, 2014 luncheon. It has been more than five years since we have had to increase the price and we appreciate our venues working with us to maintain those prices over the past few years.

The New Chamber Website (www.capecoralchamber.com) launched on Thursday, August 28. It has a fresh new look, better navigation, more interactive components and works on all SMART devices (no need for mobile applications). We believe this site will not only better serve our members, but the tens of thousands annual visitors to the website.

For information on sponsorship or on the website contact Stephanie at (239) 699-8442.

On September 5, 2014, we are hosting our third Advanced Leadership Series at Keiser University with Dr. Brian Moffitt. The topic is Emotional Intelligence. Did you know that Keiser offers a 25% tuition grant to members and their employees? Yes, it is a great way to get a great education and save a few bucks. For information contact Mike Quaintance at 549-6900 ext. 106.

Special Events Coordinator Amanda Brunson is actively planning our first ever “Super Hero Dine & Dash” to be held on October 4. The Dixie Roadhouse and Suncoast Beverage are the sponsors of this event. Participants will get a commemorative t-shirt, food and drink values while air conditioned buses will transport participants from location to location. We are excited to engage in this new networking activity. For more information contact Amanda at 549-6900 ext. 111.

Save the date, our annual “Are You Smarter than a Politician” event is October 22, 2014 at 5:30 PM at Gulf Coast Village. This is more than a candidate’s forum, it is an interactive event where you get to test your knowledge against the knowledge of our candidates. It is fun, educational and a great way to determine whom you will hire to serve you in November. For information on sponsorship or on the even, contact Donna Germain, 549-6900 ext. 107.

Lastly, I want to thank the 69 people that participated in our Chamber survey giving us a 10% response rate. While we would appreciate more input so that we can determine how we can better serve you, we received some good input and ideas from those who chose to participate. Again, thank you!

Q’s WORLD

NEW

Best Western Airport Inn Jose Carvalho

Blue Water Realty Inc. of SWFL Aaron Eyerman

Coffee News Kim Hubbard

D Gates Wealth Management Danielle Gates

Family Source Consultants Staci Swiderski

Four Points by Sheraton Ft. Myers Airport

Jessica Cooper

Hello Beautiful Salon Alyssa Gee

The Interface Financial Group. a Division of Tate Financial, LLC

Stephen R. Tate

Marco Office Supply / Wallenbrock Gina Sisbarro

Mortgage 1, Inc. Tracy VanLandschoot

Omnibus Innovations Group, Inc. Julia B. Davis

Paradise Pizza Jeff Cariello

Prime Lending Dustin Conkright

Teresa LaMear with Florida Blue Teresa LaMear

Walgreens Heather Barr

Zirillis Chilly Treats, LLC. Barbara Zirilli-Lonergan

RENEWALS

Allstate-David Schuman Insurance Agency

Member Since: 07/06/2011

Allstate-Kevin Schuman Insurance Agency


Barkley Place Senior LivingMember Since: 07/09/2012

Blind GalleryMember Since: 10/05/2011

Cape Coral MortgageMember Since: 08/28/2013

Cape Dental CareMember Since: 08/05/2010

Casa di Fiori, LLCMember Since: 08/16/2012

Chicago PizzaMember Since: 06/24/2008

D.R. Horton America’s BuilderMember Since: 07/28/2006

Floridian Insurance AgencyMember Since: 08/18/2008

Home and Away LLCMember Since: 03/30/2010

Individual - Caileen AdamsonMember Since: 07/23/2013

Jet’s PizzaMember Since: 07/24/2013

Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A.Member Since: 04/01/1998

Kinetic Thoughts LLCMember Since: 01/28/2010

Labor ReadyMember Since: 06/04/2009

Lamar AdvertisingMember Since: 07/15/2008

Merrill LynchMember Since: 04/28/2006

Miracle Professional BaseballMember Since: 07/26/1999

Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’Member Since: 11/30/2012

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc


Nail Art & Co.Member Since: 05/10/2012

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network - Diane Everhart


Oasis Charter Elementary SchoolMember Since: 02/10/2006

Olin Hill & Assoc.Member Since: 03/01/1989

PartyLite - Candle Ladies Renee’ & Rhonda


PaychexMember Since: 03/01/1996

Rebecca A. Ross with Robert W. Baird


Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery


Roger Dean ChevroletMember Since: 05/21/2012

Sky Zone Ft. MyersMember Since: 07/15/2013

Tech- Tronics ProductionsMember Since: 04/01/1997

Waste Pro of FloridaMember Since: 06/11/2010

Wonderland RealtyCape Coral Town Center


Thank you all for your membership!

JULY NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS

CHANGES ARE COMING AND THEY ARE ALL GOOD!

Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates2014 Chairman

You may have heard that our very own Membership Director, Bill Johnson has accepted the position

as the new Executive Director for the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association (CCCIA). You’re first thought may be that this is not the right direction for the Chamber

to be heading, but this is a tremendous opportunity for Bill and the CCCIA is very lucky to get him. With Bill at the helm of the CCCIA it affords both organizations the opportunity to continue to build upon the relationship and commitment that makes our City a great place to live, work and play. All of us at the Chamber will miss Bill’s daily jovial demeanor and his determination and passion in promoting our Chamber and growing the membership, but we are very happy for him in this new chapter of his career. We wish Bill all the best and rest assured we will still see him around, just representing the CCCIA!

Then along comes Matt… Matt Lamb that is! Matt Lamb has joined the sales team at the Chamber to fill Bill’s shoes. We are very excited to have Matt on the Chamber Team. Matt’s sales background, his leadership skills and exuberance will benefit the Chamber and all of its members. Did I say he is a graduate of Leadership Cape Coral… Class of 2012! In addition, Matt and Bill

are friends and have worked closely on multiple Chamber functions, so the transition has been going very well.

And if the excitement of these changes weren’t enough, there is another new, but familiar, addition to the team! Annette Siner has joined the sales team as a new full time membership salesperson! Annette has spent the last 9 months as a contract sales specialist for the Chamber. Her enthusiasm and passion for the Chamber will help welcome members and keep them engaged! Annette is also a member of the Leadership Class 2014!

Both Matt and Annette bring new excitement to the team and fresh ideas to help the Chamber to continue to grow. If you have the opportunity please stop by and welcome them to the team!

Is there a new Doctor in the house? Well, sometime in the future there will be. Our very own Chamber President, Mike Quaintance is starting down the road to obtaining his doctorate degree. What a huge undertaking and eventual accomplishment! Mike will be making some minor adjustments to his working hours and office responsibilities in order to pursue this degree. For our members and on the surface, nothing will change…. Mike has a team that has a proven track record of working together to accomplish the goals and business plan of the Chamber for our members as set forth by the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee and Board of Directors want to wish Mike all the best in this endeavor and offer our full support to him and his team!

As always, with all that is happening at the Chamber, I hope to see you having fun in September!

CHAMBER TRENDS

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

The attendance at our General Membership Meetings has been nothing short of outstanding this summer. More than 100

members joined us at Palmetto Pine Country Club for our panel discussion on Marketing and Brand Management. Our industry experts included Matt Connar, Boost Creative, MerriBeth Farnham, HDPR Group, Chris Spiro, Spiro & Associates Marketing and PR, Brent Struense, FOX4 and moderator Mike Jackson, Jackson PR. (mid left)

The Chamber also welcome it’s newest members (top left) and some future members like CJ Davis (top right) who accompanied his Mom and longtime member Angela Davis with Merrill Lynch to the lunch.

Chamber board member Diane Everhart (bottom left) with Northwestern Mutual welcomed newcomer Tracy Baon with The News-Press to the lunch. Tracy is one of our newest additions to the Membership Development Committee.

Great members having a great time, Chris Berardi with Torchlight Productions, Ashley Sanders with Palmetto Pine Country Club and Steve Riggs with the Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund. (below)

HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGYSalvatore Lacagnina, D.O.

Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System

“I have cancer. I hope I get better.” Unfortunately, during my 20+ year medical profession I have heard

these words uttered by many people either verbally or through their actions. “I have cancer. What am I going to do?” I have heard these words also and I am sad to say in many cases people do not really understand their role in the treatment and in the prevention of recurrence. So why is this? Is it because no one in the medical field really made them understand their illness and

the things they can do to make the situation better? Is it because the person was told the things they needed to do to make the situation better but they ignored the recommendations? Is it a combination of the two? Is there nothing that anyone can do to make the situation better? Many questions to think about…

The answer I can give you is: hope is not a strategy! If you have been diagnosed with cancer, treatment options are concrete in many cases. They follow nationally accepted guidelines for care. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transplantation, etc. All these are treatment options you hear about from your physician and other health care providers.

It is important that you find an oncologist who is trained to offer you the “best” therapeutic strategy in an effort to optimize your chance for cure and minimize complications or side effects.

These are all traditional treatment options. But, what about the alternative, complementary and additive treatments you can take advantage of from other health care providers? What about the treatment options you yourself are able to provide?

I do have many patients, friends and family members who have been diagnosed with cancer who ask the questions: “What can I do to ensure that this cancer is treated most effectively? And what can I do to decrease the risk of recurrence?” They tell me, “I want to do everything I can to ensure success! I want to be cured; and I am willing to do all I can to help.”

Let’s discuss what a comprehensive treatment strategy might look like if you have been diagnosed with a cancer. First, pray. Even if you are not religious per se, praying is beneficial psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Praying can be like meditation. It might release chemicals in the body that actually help you to fight the cancer. It enables you time to call upon all the positive energy in your body to help it heal. This suggestion might sound “out there” but is there any proof that prayer and meditation are harmful? If this might help, then why not do it? It might be a good starting point.

Next, find out all you can about the cancer you have. Educate yourself and ask as many questions as you can think of. Try to understand what might the cancer have been caused by; the risk factors that increase the incidence of such a cancer; the factors that increase the risk of recurrence. Spend enough time with your physician and other health care providers so you understand the traditional treatment options; and ask about alternative and supplemental treatment options and what role you play in the treatment plan.

Understand the benefits and risks of all treatment options and be prepared. Chemotherapies are wonderfully effective treatments for many cancers and represent significant advances in medicine over the last 50 years, but they come with side effects. It is important to understand what you can do to mitigate the side effects and how you can help suppress the side effects and possibly make the cancer treatment more effective.

Ask if nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, vitamin supplements, etc., might help the treatment, decrease the side effects, and decrease the risk of recurrence. Your treatment plan should be exactly that: a comprehensive treatment plan that has many components in addition to chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Realize that cancer is a condition where the body starts to break down because the cancer is growing and affecting the function of the vital organs.

In addition to the traditional therapies, what other treatment modalities slow the cancer growth? From what is known about the growth of cancer, it appears that cancers use (glucose)

sugar to grow. This seems to be their preferred energy source. Moreover, if this is true, then one would think that if you limit the sugar in your system, you might decrease the growth of the cancer. The plan should be to starve the cancer, feed the patient and boost the immune system.

Cancer and the treatment for the cancer have a significant negative effect on the immune system. This is the body’s defense mechanism. It is what keeps us free from infection and most of the time free from cancer. Sometimes, despite our immune system, we still get cancer; and when we do, we need to do all things possible to improve the function of the immune system so that it can fight against the cancer and win the battle. Yes, cancer is a battle to regain health. Again, the patient plays a significant role in winning this war.

In addition to decreasing the intake of glucose (all sugars) in order to starve the cancer, we should be using exercise to help keep the glucose (and insulin) levels in a healthy range; work on keeping the stress levels down since this is beneficial for so many reasons; and check the levels of vitamins and minerals. The latter is important because the body needs specific levels of vitamins and minerals to function properly. In relation to glucose levels the body also needs a proper level of chromium, the level of which can be easily measured with a simple blood test. Proper levels of chromium help keep glucose levels in a healthy range.

Recovery from cancer is a condition where the body is attempting to rebuild itself. In order to do this it needs “building blocks” – proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and calories. However, realize that these building blocks need to come from healthy sources. The foods and drinks you take in during cancer treatment are such an important part of the treatment plan. There are many research reports that support the benefit of healthy nutrition for the recovery from cancer.

Think of it this way: food is taken in to provide energy. Certain foods, when digested provide more energy than others do. Therefore, it is important to take in foods that provide the greatest source of energy that can then be used to fight the cancer. When the food source provides less than optimal amounts of energy, the body becomes malnourished; and when this happens, the person starts to lose weight and lose the battle. Malnutrition is one of the major complications associated with cancer and its treatment.

If we simply look at food as an energy source, then is it correct to assume that any form of calories would prevent malnutrition and help fight the cancer battle? From the research I have read, the answer appears to be no. As an example, if the food you take in is highly processed as compared to eating whole, natural foods, your body is not getting enough essential healthy nutrients; and it is getting many unhealthy chemicals and toxins that now make the body weaker. A rule of thumb is to avoid foods that come in a box or a bag; foods that have labels that sound more like chemical experiments than food products; foods that have been injected with hormones and antibiotics and contaminated with pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Eat naturally grown foods with colors that represent all the macro and micronutrients you need to get healthy and stay healthy. This is the best recommendation even if you are not dealing with a cancer or other chronic medical problem.

Supplementing your nutrition plan with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants should also be intentional and academic. You need to know what you might be deficient in and then need to supplement accordingly with healthy, non-processed vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. As I have mentioned in previous articles, the SpectraCell blood test measures these levels and creates a helpful report that can become part of your comprehensive treatment plan. Remember that overzealous supplementation may have potential side effects. Be sure to inform your oncologist as to specific supplements.

Exercise should also be part of your cancer treatment plan. Exercise helps regulate blood glucose and insulin levels. It releases hormones and chemicals in the brain that help you feel euphoric and stabilizes the mood. It decreases fatigue. This helps treat the depression that comes along with many cancer situations.

As mentioned above, stress reduction is also important as this helps lower Cortisol levels (a detrimental stress hormone). Yoga, meditation and massage therapies all help to lower stress levels. Seeing joy in life and counting the blessings that you do have also serves to lower stress.

We are all given only a finite time on this planet so we must not waste it. If we live each day as if it were our last, we will enjoy life more, accomplish more, use the words “I love you” more, and provide more help to others who may be suffering even more than we are.

So in health as in life don’t just hope for the best. Take control over your life and make it what you want it to be. Stay well my friends and as always please send comments and questions to [email protected]

HEALTHY TRENDS

CAN YA FEEL IT? IT’S ALMOST HERE! SEASON!!!!!

Christopher T. Spiro, Spiro & Associates

Football season! College football season! Tourist/Snowbird Season are all almost here! Gulp! Are ya’ ready? I mean, are

you truly ready? For the past year I have been weaving little tips and advice into this column preparing you for this season. Have you shopped your competition? Have you taken a look at your physical plant/office? Have you

evaluated your brand…your logo…your website…your social media plan…your public relations plan…your overall media plan? Or, are you just gonna’ wing it?

Okay, okay…breathe…count to ten…aaaaaannnnnd exhale. You still have a bit of time. Not much, but just enough to be ready.

Here at Spiro & Associates we like to think of ourselves as “The Brand Architects.” We believe in it so much that we trademarked the phrase for the advertising, marketing and public relations industry. In addition, we also created something we call AmperBranding and have been presenting it at a lot of public forums that we have been invited to speak at over the past four or five months. So you’re thinking okay Spiro, what the hell is AmperBranding. Here is your answer…

AmperBranding is a trademarked process by which we evaluate a client’s positioning, advertising and marketing personality based on today’s buying environment…based on today’s economic conditions…based on all the external factors that are in the marketplace that work for and against you. It’s like getting poked with a burning stick, only it hurts a hell of a lot less and will earn you more.

1. Are you dissatisfied with your logo?Everyone gets tired of their logo at some point, just like we get tired of the same

old clothes. In most cases you’re probably best advised to leave it alone (the logo, not the wardrobe). But if your logo doesn’t seem to fit who you are, and you don’t quite know why, it’s time to ask yourselves what your brand’s all about. And you’d best figure it out before you redesign the logo. Simply stated, you may just need a logo evolution. Now more than ever is the time to reinvent your brand.

2. Have you lost market position…and did you really ever have one?If you were number one 10 years ago and are number three now, there may be a

number of things to fix. Tinkering around the edges won’t get you back to the top spot. Start with your brand. You may have become complacent and gotten caught up in the fracas of the boom (or bust)…you may have ignored all those details because you were so busy working in your business that you didn’t have time to work on your business.

3. Are your marketing investments delivering diminishing returns?You’ve done what you think is media advertising, direct mail and search engine

optimization. You’ve invested in customer relationship management and new collateral…some of it even created by your favorite nephew who has a bootlegged copy of Photoshop. But no matter how much you spend, you get just about the same results. Sure, the world of media and social media is changing. But could the big problem be your message? New executions and new media won’t fix it. Time to pay attention to your brand.

4. Are you dissatisfied with your name?Your name is kind of like your logo: If it doesn’t fit, you need to know why. A

partner in the firm has left, or better yet you’ve added a partner, then it is definitely time to update the name. Funny thing, in the course of brand development you may decide it makes sense to retain your name, but you’ll find yourselves becoming a company it fits better.

5. Has there been change in your business strategy?Your brand strategy is the “face” of your business strategy. So it almost goes

without saying that a significant change in business strategy should provoke a long hard look at your brand. Ask yourself, what am I doing to set myself apart from my competition? What is my USP (unique selling proposition) and does my brand reflect that?

6. Have you acquired new companies or shed divisions?When your company acquires new ones or divides, it may mean a shift in business

strategy or it may not. Regardless, it may mean you’ve left your brand behind. In the current economy, many businesses are increasing services while decreasing staff. It may be time to re-evaluate who you are.

7. Is your business a dying breed?If your category is dying, you can’t necessarily blame poor performance on your

brand. But if your sales growth doesn’t match your category’s growth – and it hasn’t for a while – it could be time to overhaul your brand. We are working with many companies right now who are redefining their brand and in some instances redefining their category!

8. Has your market changed around you?Get your head out of the ground…look around your market…what do you see?

A lot of new players, new developments and new customers in your market? Or, your competition is gone and no one has filled the void? Your brand may be well positioned to take advantage. Or it may not. Time to figure it out.

9. Has your management restructured?Brands belong to the people, but brand development begins at the top of the food

chain. When there’s a lot of change at the top, there’s bound to be some confusion below. A strong brand development process is a great way to get everyone on the same page. In an era where the superintendents are now the laborers and the vice presidents are now the superintendents, it would be smart to have you brand help define what your positioning is.

10. Has your company turned 10 years old?Okay, this one belongs to my friend Richard Leblanc, of Seroptix, who’s been doing

leadership training a long time. Richard swears a high percentage of established companies that come to him for his leadership expertise are about 10-years old. Why? His hypothesis is that at about the 10-year mark many companies find they’ve lost their focus, the market has changed around them and maybe there’s been some senior management change. Whatever. Maybe it’s like the 17-year locust or seven-year itch. But I’m guessing that if your company is about 10, some of the other nine clues are making themselves evident and you need a bit of AmperBranding.

Use these strategic tips before season and be better prepared for success.

Christopher “The BrandMan” Spiro can be found via social media, or around any gathering that involves Gator football, fine cigars and family. Hit him up: 239.481.5511, [email protected], and www.

facebook.com/christopher.spiro

MARKETING TRENDS

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2014

14 KARATSDonna Germain, Communications Director

Leadership Cape Coral 2014 is off to an AMAZING start. The self proclaimed “14 Karats” are a dynamic group of established

and up and coming community leaders. We could not ask for a better group to carry on the traditions and values of the Leadership Cape Coral Program.

The program kicked off at The Pink Shell with a team building retreat headed up by our steering committee of program chairs Matt Lamb and Michelle Whitlock - 20-12 Pack, Jay Johnson and Karen Barnes - Lucky 13 and staff liaison Donna Germain, 2005. Chamber President Mike Quaintance - 1996 and Joe Mazurkiewicz - 1993 assisted with the team building exercises and the group also heard from the “Godfather” of Leadership and Alumni Chair Don Schnell - 1998.

The program thus far has included Made In Cape Coral Day, chaired by Brandon Deaver - 2012 and Bill Johnson, Jr., 2013. The group enjoyed learning the history of Cape Coral told by none other than historians Paul Sanborn and Elmer Tabor (Top Right) the toured Wicked Dolphin Rum, Marine Concepts and experienced the Joe Mazurkiewicz Bus Tour Extravaganza learning the inside story on the development of our city throughout the years.

Media Day, chaired by Reggie Germain, 2012, Donna Germain, 2005 and co-chaired by Yvonne Werline and Teresa Kitts, 2013. The class visited WINK Studios for an appearance on their morning show and enjoyed a presentation by Chris Spiro, 1996, at Spiro & Associates Marketing & PR on “Creating Your Personal Brand.”

The Karats then traveled to The News-Press for a tour and editorial activity with Tom Hayden, 2003, Matt Petro, 2012, Lynnie Guzman, 2011 and Teresa Kitts, 2013. They finished off the day at The Cape Coral Breeze for a presentation by Cindy Gallagher, 2001 and Editor Val Harring.

Community Steward Day, by far the most heartfelt and moving days of the program was held on August 28 and chaired by Beth Sanger, 2005 and Woody Woodward, 2012. The class started the day at Cape Coral Special Populations where they met with Director Sara Sansone (bottom left) and the truly amazing people who are Cape Coral’s Special Pops. The story of a young girl touched their hearts prompting the class to donate $2700 on the spot to ensure she would be able to utilize the amazing services offered at the facility. The next stop was the CCMI United Way House where the group learned about all of the wonderful services offered there. They enjoyed lunch at the Everyday Cafe which offers hot meals to those in need everyday at no charge. They spent the afternoon stocking the food pantry at the facility. The next stop was the Cape Coral Caring Center where they learned from classmate Julie Ferguson, Director and her volunteers about the wonderful services offered there. The last stop was the Veterans Museum of SWFL where the class toured the facility and learned about the incredible collection of memorabilia there.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who have made and are making this program a success every year. We cannot do this without you. Please watch for next month’s newsletter to see what’s next for the class of 2014! Thank you to Bubba’s Roadhouse, The Cape Coral Community Foundation and Yvonne Werline for sponsoring our lunches for these days!

LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2014

Introducing the Class of 2014!Scott Blonde, The Breeze Newspapers, Greg Blurton, Investors' Security Trust, Christin Collins, Lee Memorial Health System, Eileen DeLuca, Florida SouthWestern State College, Rana Erbrick, Cape Coral City Council, Dist 5, Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center, Paul Flores, Waste Pro of Florida, Jonathan Gabel, Priority Payments South Florida, John Hobson, CenturyLink, Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com, Casey Logan, The News-Press-Cape Coral Bureau, Stacy Lomonaco, Regions Bank Cape Coral Pkwy East, Nancy MacPhee, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Carmine Marceno, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Laurie Morris-Wilson, IBERIABANK, Chris Nicely, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community, Dan Puleio, Cape Cleaners, Sarah Sheffield, Massage Envy Spa, Tracy Siekmann, City of Cape Coral Parks & Rec, Annette Siner, Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, Ross Smith, LCEC, Debbie Stella, LCEC, Margie Stevens, A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming, Emily Teachout, American Cancer Society, Steven Teuber, Neaher & Teuber, P.L., Dottie Tronnes, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community, Chuck Warren, Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery, Russ Winstead, FGCU-Small Business Development Center.

• ToptenUnitedWayemployeecontributorandcommunitypartner

• Employeesvolunteermorethan5,000hoursannually

• Maintaining8,000milesofpowerlinesyear-round

• On-call24hoursaday,7daysaweek,365daysayear

• Proudlyservingcustomerssince1940

• OneofonlysixCenters of Excellenceintheutilityindustry

Quality Service

Reliability

• Norateincreaseforsixyears.Ratedecreasein2014*

• Returned$220millioninequityovertheyears

* 7% Public Service Tax – Imposed by Cape Coral City Council* 3% Cape Coral Franchise fee* 4.5% Unincorporated Lee County Franchise Fee – Approved by Lee County Commissioners

Financial Strength

Community

www.lcec.net

LCEC – your cooperative empowers you!WhenyouareanLCECcustomer,youbelongtooneofthelargestnot-for-profitelectriccooperativesinthenation.Governedbycustomers,wearecommittedtodeliveringreliableandcostcompetitiveelectricity.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Waterside Wine Club MaryJane Baker Vu

5785 Cape Harbour Dr Suite 203Cape Coral, FL 33914

(239) 540-1557 www.watersidewineclub.com

Chippendale Audiology Maura Chippendale

1224 Del Prado Blvd, Ste C Cape Coral, FL 33904

(239) 772-0940 www.chippendaleaudiology.com

Bella Vista at Kismet Lakes Homeowner’s Association, Inc.

Paul Hecht2410 Kismet Lakes Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33909

(239) 288-3458 www.bellavistaatkismetlakes.com

MCH Networking Michael Coughlin

5668 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd. #61 Lithia, FL 33547 (813) 784-1710

www.mchnetworking.com

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF CAPE

CORAL LAUNCHES ITS NEW WEBSITE

Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director

As part of our commitment to excellence and membership services, we are happy to

announce the launch of the New Chamber Website.

We are also happy to announce that with the new website are new

opportunities. There are several enhancements and improvements to www.capecoralchamber.com with your member listing that will increase your referrals more efficiently and effectively.

The launch of the new site was Thursday, August 28th and all members will have new opportunities that are included in their chamber membership.

The new website includes the following enhancements and improvements.Enhancements...Social Media links to directory listingsPhoto Slideshow to directory listingsChamber BlogVideo Embedding to directory listingsE-Commerce Shopping cartJoin the Chamber OnlineMap to business locationImprovements...Coupon and Discount PortalEmployment and resume postingMembers Only PortalPay Your BillsOnline Training CoursesPlease check out the New Chamber Website and let us know what you think! For information, comments or suggestions please contact Technology

Director, Stephanie Roberson at [email protected] or (239) 699-8442.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

SCHEDULE YOUR RIBBON CUTTING TODAY!It’s not just for new members!

If you have recently renewed your membership or just joined, be sure to take advantage of this

member benefit!

Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or

[email protected]


WHAT’S GOING ONBerge Aslanian (CDPE)

Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor

It seems the summer heat is wilting real estate sales in Cape Coral. But not everyone has left town. In fact

there are signs of renewed vigor coming soon to a neighborhood near you!

But, first looking at some numbers will set the stage for the latest trends…

For the three month period ending 8/26/14:

Inventory of single family homes For Sale continues to decrease while median prices hold firm. Numbers of these homes Sold are noticeably down but the median price of sold homes is up very significantly.

Condos are following the same pattern. Numbers of Listings are down and median listed prices are about the same as prior months; numbers of Condos Sold are down dramatically but prices of sold units are up, up, up.

Prices have been going up steadily now for the past three years. What is very important to notice is that the numbers of units sold have been decreasing this year each month. And, when we compare this to the same month last year we can see a huge difference:

It appears that most investors have bought up those less expensive properties. People buying homes for their own use have also taken advantage of lower priced properties and bought up a bunch. When the lower priced properties get sold, newer listings of the same type are usually priced higher and higher. Demand drives prices up and inflation drives prices up, especially when prices were well below market replacement costs.

So now, as home prices get even closer to replacement cost, less are sold. Even though we are experiencing a very, very slow summer season there are signs of life out there in our real estate market.

There are a number of builders getting ready to build again here in Cape Coral in anticipation of high season. Rental units are in short supply and monthly rates are very high leading residents to understand it is more often cheaper to own than to rent. Interest rates on mortgages are still very, very low making it easier to afford a home or condo if you have decent credit. And lastly, we are seeing renewed interest in forward thinking people buying lots in anticipation of future building.

The signs are there. We are able to read some of this writing on the wall and it tells us we are in that summertime lull before a new wave of activity starts building (pun intended) as our market continues to catch up to the national averages and prices.

Having the information allows you to understand the trend. This trend is pointing forward and upward. To make good deals as either a buyer or seller, please find a reputable Realtor to guide you through the process safely. Happy Property Hunting or Selling!

Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with RE/MAX Island Harbor and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral. For questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or email [email protected] or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.

From Our Chairman2012

Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric2012 Chamber Chairman

I can’t believe its December and I am writing my last article as Chairman of the

Board. 2012 has just flown by and there have been so many accomplishments I would like to share. (Please forgive me if I have forgotten any!!)

How fortunate we are to live in Paradise! Our economy is growing and the outlook for 2013 is for continued growth.

2012 was a great year!! Much was accomplished for you, including making Cape Coral a better place to do business. Here are a few of the highlights:

The Cape Coral Economic Development Office delivered on their promise to increase business, investment and employment in the area. The team closed 137 economic development projects, which represents 85 new businesses in the Cape and 52 expansions.

The EDO created a public/private strategic partnership with Lamar Advertising and HDPR Group and a new marketing campaign that says “Cape Coral is Open for Business.”

Cape Coral welcomed the opening of 1,156 businesses in 2012 including 301 place based businesses, 809 home-based businesses and 46 unspecified businesses. Commerce means shorter distances to travel for your goods and services. Commerce also means a diversified tax base and jobs!

The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral continues to grow as well; in December 2011 our membership was at an all time low of 583 members, today we stand at 744. This resulted in a 78 percent membership growth with a retention rate of 81 percent. This could not have been accomplished without the referrals from our members, a dynamic sales team and an awesome membership development committee.

Chamber Leadership programs continue to develop community leaders. In November, 20 men and women graduated Leadership Cape Coral. Twenty-four members of the 2012 Chamber board have graduated from the Leadership Program including the Chairman and

Chair-Elect. We currently have 27 high school juniors in our Junior Leadership Program.

The Chamber successfully presented (2) Disney Institute programs in 2012. The Chamber Special Events team (yes, I say teams because it takes a village!!) brought an astounding 250,000+ citizens and members together for Red White and Boom , Golf Tournament, Farmers Market, Business Expo , Family Bowling Day, a Casino Trip to The Price is Right, as well as our Holiday Festival of Lights on December 1st.

Our on-line business directory resulted in 1,300,829 web referrals in 2012 that equates to 3,544 on average over the year per member!! (Who says membership doesn’t pay?)

A new Chamber mobile app was introduced in 2012.It was also a very busy election year for our Public Affairs

Committee! This is a group of passionate people who make sure that the “voice” of business is heard, not only at the local level but also state and federal. The candidates’ forums were very well attended by members and citizens of Cape Coral.

Our education committee hosted the Excellence in Education Awards in April and awarded $4,500 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors!

It was also the first year of our “rotating” luncheons that are being very well received by our membership.

Serving as your Chairman of the Board has been an excellent experience and I feel blessed for having had the opportunity of meeting so many of you at meetings and events.

Thank you for honoring me with your trust and commitment! It has been my privilege to work with my fellow directors and amazing staff as well as the membership.

I look forward to seeing all of you at future events and I wish you good health and prosperity!

We deliver, every day.

Call Lynnie to advertise 910.4575

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

8-26-14Real Estate Trends

What’s Going On?

It seems the summer heat is wilting real estate sales in Cape Coral. But not everyone has left town. In fact there are signs of renewed vigor coming soon to a neighborhood near you!



June ’14 July ’14 Aug ‘14 Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $

For Sale 1664 $249,500 1557 $249,500 1474 $249,500 Sold 373 $166,250 320 $159,750 281 $175,000

June ’14 July ’14 Aug ‘14 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $

For Sale 290 $149,750 273 $149,000 257 $150,500 Sold 53 $115,000 45 $118,000 29 $135,000




Aug ’14 Aug’13 +/- Prior Yr. % Change Homes Sold 281 409 -128 -31.3% Condos Sold 29 50 -21 -42%



There are a number of builders getting ready to build again here in Cape Coral in anticipation of high season. Rental units are in short supply and monthly rates are very high leading residents to understand it is more often cheaper to own than to rent. Interest rates on mortgages are still very, very low making it easier to afford a home or

8-26-14Real Estate Trends

What’s Going On?

It seems the summer heat is wilting real estate sales in Cape Coral. But not everyone has left town. In fact there are signs of renewed vigor coming soon to a neighborhood near you!



June ’14 July ’14 Aug ‘14 Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $

For Sale 1664 $249,500 1557 $249,500 1474 $249,500 Sold 373 $166,250 320 $159,750 281 $175,000

June ’14 July ’14 Aug ‘14 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $

For Sale 290 $149,750 273 $149,000 257 $150,500 Sold 53 $115,000 45 $118,000 29 $135,000




Aug ’14 Aug’13 +/- Prior Yr. % Change Homes Sold 281 409 -128 -31.3% Condos Sold 29 50 -21 -42%



There are a number of builders getting ready to build again here in Cape Coral in anticipation of high season. Rental units are in short supply and monthly rates are very high leading residents to understand it is more often cheaper to own than to rent. Interest rates on mortgages are still very, very low making it easier to afford a home or

Get In Touch with New Residents, Prospects and Visitors with our Relocation Leads Program!

Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or [email protected]


The 2014 Candidates Hobnob at Gulf Coast Village turned out to be one of our most successful yet.

Record numbers came out for the event and participated in the Candidates Straw Poll.

The annual event, hosted by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee gives the community the opportunity to network with the candidates running in the primary election. The open house format allows people to attend throughout the night at their leisure.

We cannot do this event without our amazing partners at Gulf Coast Village (bottom left.) Executive Director Kevin Ahmadi pictured with Joe Mazurkiewicz, Bill Johnson, Jr. and chamber president Mike Quaintance.

Thank you as well to our wonderful sponsors Lamar (mid right), Becker & Poliakoff (bottom left) DryZone (bottom right), The News-Press, LAI Design Associates, WastePro, High Fidelity Studios and LCEC

CANDIDATES HOBNOB

Lee Memorial Health SystemP.O. Box 2218

Fort Myers, FL 33902

CenturyLink Store2710 Del Prado Blvd. South

Cape Coral, FL 33904

LCEC4980 Bayline Dr

North Fort Myers, FL 33917

All Power Electric2534 NE 9th Ave, Cape Coral, FL

Wades Heating and CoolingCCI

Competent Solutions1209 SE 9th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL

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

Premier Oncology RadiationSpecialists In Urology

24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral

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

Suntrust Bank530 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 339044532 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 339041533 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 339142139 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904

DiamondMember

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

ExecutiveMember

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral

$LCEC works hard to manage costs, maintain the electric system, improve processes and create efficiencies so that electric rates can remain competitive for customers. We do not plan to raise rates in 2013 and will continue to do everything possible to keep rates stable.

The increase on your upcoming electric bill is due to a tax imposed by the City of Cape Coral. LCEC customers in Cape Coral will notice a change in their electric bill beginning October 1, 2013. Cape Coral City officials recently levied a public service tax of 7 percent that will be added to monthly electric bills. The new tax will be displayed on your LCEC bill as a separate line item so it can be easily identified. LCEC is required by law to collect the tax from business and residential customers who purchase electricity in Cape Coral. LCEC will deliver funds to the City similar to how Cape Coral franchise fees are delivered, which are also collected through electric bills.This new tax will be used to fund the City’s general operations. To calculate the amount the monthly public service tax will add to your electric bill, visit www.capecoral.net and utilize the PST Calculator. Please refer any questions regarding the Cape Coral public service tax to the Cape Coral Citizens’ Action Center, 239-574-0425.

LCEC hasn’t raised electric rates in nearly 5 years!

www.lcec.net • 239-656-2300

Network AdministrationMaintenance Agreements

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

www.entechcomputers.com

The Wellness Center of Cape Coral is designed with you in mind:• Degreed and certified staff,

with medical oversight by a physician

• The most Les Mills group exercise programs in the area

• Medical screening and fitness assessment

• Customized fitness plan for each member

• Fitlinxx, an integrated exercise tracking software that provides feedback on exercise plans

• Body age assessment, including strength, flexibility, cardio respiratory capacity and body composition

Wellness Center of Cape Coral609 SE 13th Court

Cape Coral, FL 33990239-573-4800

A healthy and productive workforce is essential to the success of any business.

Free PersonalTraining Session for all chamber members with a new one-year membership.

www.entechcomputers.com

The August Business After Hours, hosted by Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services was centered

around nothing but “Fun.” Tim Hauck and his team did an outstanding job as hosts and made the members feel welcome and kept them entertained throughout the event.

(mid left) “Fun”eral Friends Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz and Chuck Warren, Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery stop for a quick picture at the after hours.

(mid right) Police Chief Connelly, Todd Koskinas, Cape Jewelry & Pawn and Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty.

(bottom left) Jeff and Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.com, Janice Keim, CCCIA and Michelle Dean, City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation.

(bottom right) The Chamber’s new membership salesperson MATT LAMB!!! with Rafael Ramos, Home Services by Rafael and Chamber chairman Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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

with a purpose....

2051 Cape Coral Parkway ECape Coral, FL 33904

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

www.capecoralchamber.com

& Have Fun!

www.capecoralchamber.com

chamber trends magazine - september 2014

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