october 2015
DESCRIPTION
Please enjoy the latest issue of the Chamber Trends Magazine.TRANSCRIPT
Trends
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
JOIN US FOR THEBUSINESS AFTER HOURS
OCTOBER 15 AT THE WESTIN AT MARINA VILLAGE
5:30 PM
NETWORKING AT NOON HOSTED BY ACHIEVA CREDIT UNION
OCTOBER 2312:00 PM - 1:00 PM
JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY AT THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE FOR THE SURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET OPENS OCTOBER 17 AT CLUB SQUARE 8:00 AM
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MEETING AND PRINCIPAL’S LUNCHWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1411:30 AM - 1:00 PM, PALMETTO PINE COUNTRY CLUB
The Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral OCTOBER 2015
Chamber
Publisher & EditorDonna Schuman-Germain
President/[email protected]
Contributing Editors
Stephanie RobersonTechnology Director
Claudia St. OngeBusiness Manager
Matt LambMembership Director
Annette Siner Membership Sales
Melanie LempkeAdministrative Generalist
Lyz Crouthamel Special Events Director
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
OCTOBER 2015OCTOBER 7
ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A POLITICIAN?GULF COAST VILLAGE
1333 SANTA BARBARA BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL5:30 PM
OCTOBER 14GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
PRINCIPAL’S LUNCHPALMETTO PINE COUNTRY CLUB
1940 SW 9TH COURT, CAPE CORAL, FL 3390411:30 AM - 1:00 PM
OCTOBER 15BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
THE WESTIN AT MARINA VILLAGE5951 SILVER KING BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL 33914
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
OCTOBER 23NETWORKING AT NOON ACHIEVA CREDIT UNION
1631 DEL PRADO BLVD, CAPE CORAL, FL 33990 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
TUESDAYS YEAR ROUNDSURFSIDE SUNSET MARKET
THE SHOPS AT SURFSIDE VETERANS PARKWAY AND SURFSIDE BLVD.
CAPE CORAL, FL 339142:00 PM - 7:00 PM
STARTING OCTOBER 17CAPE CORAL FARMERS’ MARKET
CLUB SQUARE8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE VISIT WWW.CAPECORALCHAMBER.COM
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Ed Ramos, Ramos Builders, Inc.
Chair-Elect Brett Bisbe, B2 Technology Solutions, Inc Treasurer Trish Lassiter, Lee County Electric Cooperative
Past Chair Annette Carrasquillo,LAI Design Associates Barb Adams, LeeSar
Beverly Black, Black Business Solutions, LLCEd Bolter, Lamar Advertising
Dana Brunett, City of Cape CoralMatthew Connar, Boost Creative
Tony Constantino, Kevin M. Burns & Assoc. P.A.Diane Everhart, Blue Chip Financial
Joseph Francioni, The Smart CompaniesCynthia Gallagher, The Breeze Newspapers
Sandra Griener, Sun Splash Family WaterparkTom Hansen, Boat House of Cape Coral
Tim Hauck, Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services Scott Kashman, Cape Coral Hospital
Laura Koehn, CapeCoral.comCheryl Komnick, Caloosa Tent & Rental
Michelle Lewis, B2 Technology SolutionsKatharyn Owen, Jones, Haber and Rollings, PL
Christopher Spiro, Spiro & AssociatesMichelle Whitlock, Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors Zachary
Zeis, Storm Smart
CHAIRMAN EMERITUSWayne Kirkwood, Kirkwood Electric, Inc.
Thomas Giles, Avalon EngineeringJoseph Mazurkiewicz, BJM Consulting, Inc.
Donna Meola, Priority Payments of South Florida Thomas Shipp Jr, Attorney
Elmer Tabor, Wonderland Realty/Cape Coral Town Center
TRUSTEESKevin Ahmadi, Gulf Coast Village
Keith Banasiak, Waste Pro of FloridaRhonda Chapman, First Citizens Bank
Nancy Dunning, Cape Coral Association of Realtors Sallie Dywer, SunTrust Merchant Services
Mike Hollow, RE/MAX Realty TeamJay Johnson, Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon
David Owen, BB & T - Oswald, Trippe & Co.Larry Weir, Premier Insurance Corporation
CHAMBER STAFFDonna S. Germain, President
Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager & Farmers’ Market Director
Stephanie Roberson, Technology DirectorMatt Lamb, Membership DirectorAnnette Siner, Membership Sales
Melanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist Lyz Crouthamel, Special Events Director
Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Contractor Lisa Soundara, Sales Contractor
BE NUMBER ONE...BE SECOND TO NONE!
Chamber Vision
Donna S. GermainPresident
The last few months since I was named the new Chamber President have been amazing. I cannot thank the search committee and the board enough for
this opportunity. We have an amazing foundation already established to
take our chamber to the next level. Together with staff and our volunteers, our focus will be on membership growth and development. Currently we represent roughly 10 percent of the businesses in our community, we would like to see that number grow. As our community continues to recover from the economic downturn, we continue to grow as an organization.
With membership growth comes membership retention and development. Our mission as a chamber is to promote and serve business and community and we strive to accomplish that every day. Through our community events, networking events, marketing opportunities and educational programs, we will continue that mission and offer the best possible investment to our members for their continued success.
As the Chamber continues to grow as an organization, it is so important for us to stay innovative. We have always been a very progressive chamber in regards to technology
and trends. My goal is to continue that tradition. Chamber’s today are very different than they were 20 years ago. Technology, social media and marketing has forced chambers to change their business models from the typical Ribbon Cutting or meet and greet. We will continue to look for ways to enhance those experiences for our members and add value to their membership benefits.
The Chamber will continue with its current program of work while adding some fun community events and enhancing our educational programs. Leadership development remains at the forefront of our body of work.
We are the Leadership Chamber and the continued improvement of our Leadership Cape Coral programs will remain one of key initiatives. Junior Leadership, Leadership Cape Coral, Advanced Leadership and our Community Trustee program have grown some amazing leaders over the last 22 years. We will definitely be carrying on that tradition while adding new components like our Women’s Leadership Conference which is in its third year and a Young Professionals group which will be added to our body of work for 2016.
We will continue to support and enhance events like Holiday Festival of Lights which is a 20 plus year tradition for the Chamber. Our Excellence in Education Awards and scholarship program, Taste of the Cape, Freedom 5K and Farmers’ Markets will also remain in our body of work. In keeping with our mission, we want to offer opportunities for our members and the community to come together while enhancing our quality of life in Cape Coral.
CHAMBER TRENDS
NEW MEMBERS
Cape Cod Fish Co Debi DePaola
Cardiac Care Group, LLCAnthony Giordano
Cypress Pharmacy Debi DePaola
Duffy’s of Cape Coral John Smith
Goldberg, Racila, D’Alessandro & Noone, LLC Kelly Madden
H2 Health and Fitness Heather Hicks Kelly
J.J. Taylor Companies Major Asselin
J.J. Taylor Florida Major Asselin
Just Brakes Sarah Hamp
Keep Lee County Beautiful, Inc. Trish Fancher
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc.
Sheila Mullins
Old Pine Island Marina Jesse Bartholmew
Roman Roofing Norm Dopfer
State Insurance Agency - Brian Chapman Jr
Brian Chapman
Sundial Home Inspections, LLC
Benjamin Donohue
Vibrant Consulting Flora Sanchez
YogaFit Suzanne Stelmak
RENEWALS
A-1 Shelters IncJoin Date: 09/01/1991
ABC SupplyJoin Date: 08/01/1989
Andrew Barnette & Assoc. CPA,PA
Join Date: 08/01/1992
Cape Christian FellowshipJoin Date: 09/29/2006
Cape Coral High SchoolJoin Date: 09/28/1999
Casa di Fiori, LLCJoin Date: 08/16/2012
Casa Loma Motel on the Waterfront
Join Date: 03/19/2003
Cheetah Printing & SignsJoin Date: 06/27/2012
CubeSmartJoin Date: 09/25/2007
Family Hardware Do-it ExpressJoin Date: 02/01/1998
Florida Buyer BrokerJoin Date: 08/13/2003
The Foundation For Lee County Public Schools
Join Date: 09/20/2005
Frank & Sons Moving & StorageJoin Date: 06/01/2012
Gulfshore BusinessJoin Date: 06/20/2008
Home and Away LLCJoin Date: 03/30/2010
Honc Marine Contracting, Inc.Join Date: 05/06/2009
Jackson PRJoin Date: 02/14/2012
Jason’s DeliJoin Date: 09/20/2004
LAI Design Associates, LLCJoin Date: 09/13/2010
Motorcycle Rentals CCJoin Date: 09/05/2014
Olive GardenJoin Date: 08/22/2011
Pavese Law Firm, LLPJoin Date: 09/01/1991 Phil Deems Real EstateJoin Date: 08/01/1990
RE/MAX Realty TeamJoin Date: 08/01/1990
Right Choice Realty, LLC.Join Date: 08/28/2013
Sam’s ClubJoin Date: 09/17/2014
Stabley Marketing, LLCJoin Date: 04/11/2012
Tanger Outlet CenterJoin Date: 08/22/2003
The Rotary Club of Cape CoralJoin Date: 08/25/1999
Thompson GasJoin Date: 05/09/2012
Tradewind Estate Homes, IncJoin Date: 08/12/2014
Urgent Care Center of Southwest Florida
Join Date: 09/01/2007
Wicked Dolphin RumJoin Date: 08/23/2013
THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
AUGUST NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS
RIBBON CUTTINGS
H2 HEALTH AND FITNESS1025 Santa Barbara Blvd, Unit 8
Cape Coral, FL 33991 (239) 772-3055
Captain Bruce’sSWFL Private Getaway
(239) 789-6448www.swfloridaprivategetaway.com
Dr. Mel Youngs. D.C., P.A.Chiropractic Physicians & Associates
916 SE Cape Coral Pkwy., Cape Coral, FL 33904(239) 542-1422
www.dryoungs.com
Acentria Insurance, Inc.405 Del Prado Blvd. N., Unit #100
Cape Coral, 33909(239) 540-7283
www.acentria.com
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Whether You Just Joined or Just Renewed Your
Membership...Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting
Today! Call Matt Lamb, Membership Director
(239) 549-6900 ext 103
Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida8961 Daniels Center Drive, Suite 401
Ft. Myers, 33912(239) 433-6707
www.hpcswf.com/navigator-project
Smoothie King Cape Coral1806 Del Prado Blvd. S, Ste. 1, Cape Coral, 33990
(239) 673-8164www.smoothieking.com/location/
view?store=1086
Overtime Pizzeria & Sports Pub1708 Cape Coral Pkwy W., Unit 1
Cape Coral, 33914(239) 541-3367
www.overtimecapecoral.com
“LIFE CAN BE A ROLLER COASTER RIDE BUT HEALTH
SHOULD NOT BE”Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O.
Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System
My birthday celebration plans are usually a surprise and not revealed until the last
moment. This year my wife got me again with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over beautiful Tampa. Given my passion and interest, I like to relate things that I do in
life to health and health care and while on this hot air balloon ride, I was pondering my internal response to this somewhat scary event in order to understand what was happening inside my body and brain.
Since I am afraid of heights, getting into this 4’x4’ basket and climbing to over 2000 ft. was somewhat anxiety provoking but from my facial expression and body language my wife and the pilot did not realize that I was quite stressed. My cortisol and adrenaline levels were definitely elevated. I did not check my blood pressure and pulse but I am sure they were up also! We spent one hour in the air and I was happy to feel the bumpy landing and to be climbing out of that basket to get my feet back on solid ground. Thanks Fred for the ride but I can now cross it off my bucket list and get on to the next adventure.
What does this all have to do with health? I have written in the past about acute and chronic stress and explained the health implications of an acute and short term rise in stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) versus chronically elevated levels. In the typical “fight or flight” situation, stress hormones rise as a survival mechanism and help the individual fight off the attacking lion or run like the wind! Once the individual is out of danger, the stress hormones, blood pressure and pulse settle back into the normal range.
In the 24x7x365 world that many folks live in today, stress hormones are chronically elevated leading to persistently elevated blood pressure, pulse and glucose levels. All this leads to what I have described before as “ED” or endothelial dysfunction. As a reminder, the endothelium is the inner lining of all blood vessels. The cells that make up the endothelium have many functions that allow the arteries and veins to stay supple and healthy allowing the blood to flow freely. When chronic stress occurs, this results in damage to the endothelium which then impairs blood flow to all areas of the body.
Endothelial dysfunction is responsible for hypertension, heart disease, some forms of dementia and even ED, meaning erectile dysfunction. One type of ED can result in the other type of ED. When normal blood flow is diminished in any way, the organs which depend on this blood flow are affected. The red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients to all cells of the body and carry away toxins. When blood flow is impaired, all these functions do not occur normally. The end result of abnormal function of the cells and organs in the body is accelerated aging. Yes, chronic stress can accelerate the aging process. It damages the cells and the mitochondria which, as we have learned from previous articles, are the
powerhouses of the cells. Energy is produced by the mitochondria and when the mitochondrial function is impaired, the cells cannot make the normal amount of energy. When this occurs, the end result is a fatigued, chronically tired person.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with chronic stress. This probably occurs, at least partially due to what is called adrenal fatigue. This is a condition where the adrenal glands no longer function properly because of chronic stress. In the early stages, stress is handled ok since the adrenal glands are able to put out the necessary amounts of stress hormones. But as this continues, the output starts to fail and the person becomes symptomatic.
How should we deal with chronic stress? We know that it is our response to any stressful situation that determines the effect on the body and brain. If we let many of life’s stressful events “get to us” then the internal reaction is harmful to every part of the body from the brain on down. If we learn how “not to sweat the small stuff,” then our internal reaction is not harmful and we essentially can “brush it off.” Useful things to do in order to deal effectively with stress include meditation, yoga, general exercise, prayer, deep breathing exercises, to name a few. When we learn how to calm ourselves down as we are experiencing stress, this helps the body and the brain.
Recent research studies have looked at the effects of stress on the brain and show that chronic stress increases the risk of dementia. We know that Alzheimer’s dementia is on the rise and at least some of this is due to the effects of chronic stress and the effects of chronically elevated cortisol. If we want to decrease the risk of dementia as well as all the other chronic illnesses (cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes) and even cancer, we need to learn how to lessen the stress in our life. We need to avoid the roller coasters of emotions that sometimes affect us on a daily basis. We need to learn how to remain calm in the face of adversity and learn how to not sweat the small stuff.
Getting back to my birthday surprise, we fortunately got out of the hot air basket unscathed (my wife Gina loved it!) and set off on the next part of our adventure. We then drove to Universal Studios in Orlando to ride roller coasters. Really! I’m not making this stuff up! More adrenaline rush as we rode “Rockit” which is a new coaster that starts out going 90 degrees straight up! And since I’m writing this article after the event, it is apparent that I survived. From a health perspective I guess I am doing ok. I survived the stress tests that I had over my birthday weekend and lived to write another article! Since the overall experience was very pleasurable, I know the weekend was good for my health. I have written in the past and talked at my presentations on the importance of social time and happiness. Good health comes to those who are happy and those who enjoy social time with family and friends. We need to love and be loved. We need to forgive and be forgiven. Good health involves many other things aside from just eating healthy food, exercising and taking vitamins. I do write about the importance of these things but when we are blessed with good people in our lives who love us and whom we love, we receive the best health physically and mentally.
In closing, take a hot air balloon ride and ride the roller coasters in the amusement parks with family and friends but learn how to deal with the other roller coasters in life as described above so you will have another day to enjoy family, friends and life in this great place that we live called southwest Florida.
Stay well my friends and send comments and questions to [email protected]
HEALTHY TRENDS
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Whether You Just Joined or Just Renewed Your Membership...Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting Today!
Call Matt Lamb, Membership Director (239) 549-6900 ext 103
DID YOU VOTEJoseph Francioni, Chairman
The Smart Companies
Did you vote? Did your co-workers vote? After seeing the small voter turnout
for the primary I fear many did not. I believe only 14 thousand people voted out of over 160 thousand residents. Hopefully, we will see an increase in the general election.
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral “Are You Smarter Than A Politician?” Candidates
Forum is coming up on October 7, 2015. This will be held at Gulf Coast Village and will start at 5:30pm. This event will give you the opportunity to hear each of the recent primary front runners & what platforms they are running on before the General Election. Also will test their knowledge of Cape Coral compared to the audiences.
The Primaries winners are, in district two with 43.05% of the votes John Carioscia & with 25.37% of the votes Kirk Lagrasta, in district three with 45.92% of the votes Marilyn Stout & Chris Cammarota with 29.20% of the votes and in District Seven with Jessica Cosden with 46.20% of the votes & Timothy Barrier with 30.07% of the votes. Congratulations to all of you and a thank you to all the candidates that were in the Primary.
GOVERNMENT TRENDS
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
• ToptenUnitedWayemployeecontributorandcommunitypartner
• Employeesvolunteermorethan5,000hoursannually
• Maintaining8,000milesofpowerlinesyear-round
• On-call24hoursaday,7daysaweek,365daysayear
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Quality Service
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• 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.
THE FALL PREVIEWBerge Aslanian (CDPE)
Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor
A number of changes are beginning to influence our market. Can you guess what they might be?
Summer is officially over and the first day of Fall is now behind us. As we prepare for the coming high season, we should be learning a few things from what has been happening.
Our trends and preview will shed some light. But first, let’s take a look at the Cape Coral numbers for the
three month period ending 9/29/15:Inventory of single family homes and condos For Sale have been holding
steady. Median prices of homes For Sale are steady too. September home sales showed an increase of 16% for number of homes sold; median price of these homes slipped just a bit. What this means is that there is minimal resistance to the higher prices and buyers are trying to buy as many as possible on the low side to take advantage of the steadily increasing prices.
Condos For Sale followed the trend set by single family homes For Sale with steady inventory while median prices are up by about 10%. Numbers of condos Sold dipped once again and median prices have decreased slightly. This also indicates buyers are snapping up the lower priced units in anticipation of steady increases throughout the oncoming season.
Sellers are beginning to learn that price increases must follow the market; going up in price too much will drive buyers to other properties.
Let’s face the facts. Prices in Cape Coral have been going up consistently since we bottomed out several years ago. And, prices will continue to go up over the coming year. As home prices continue to climb, builders are now able to build new homes and sell them for a profit. Pretty soon the same will be true of condos. In memory of the late, great Yogi Berra, a twist on one of his Yogi-isms is, “if you see a trend, take it!”.
How can we test this out beyond the simple numbers above? Well, cost of labor is up and there is now a shortage of available skilled tradesmen, most left when the construction market here crashed. Cost of materials is up because of inflation and shortages. Insurance, permits and fees are up
too. As these items go up, the price to buy a home or condo also increases. And, another fact is that the lower priced units are being bought up by savvy investors and end-users.
Recently a couple mentioned that they were renting for another year before buying here in the Cape. They could easily afford to buy now but they weren’t sure if buying now was a wise move. When asked if they had noticed prices of homes for sale kept going up over the period of time that they had been renting, they answered “Yes.” They seemed to think that even though they knew prices were higher where they had come from, they just didn’t think that our prices would ever approach what they left. Further questioning uncovered the fact that our prices had now exceeded what they left but they still didn’t think that mattered. Simple analysis clearly showed that price increases here averaged 18-20% each year and this year would be no different. In practical terms, that means the house you could by today for $150,000 will probably cost $180,000 next year if you can find one. New homes “on your lot” start at $189,900 with you paying for permits and fees. Once again, “if you see a trend, take it”.
Last month this column discussed the new settlement statements mandated by our illustrious protectors of the people in Washington, DC. This new program is supposed to start October 3rd, not the 30th as originally reported. Cash transactions are not affected by the new rules. Any transactions with financing will take a lot longer than before, especially in the beginning since all rules have not yet been defined and no one has any experience wading through the system.
So, there you have it. The fall preview of price trends and the settlement statement changes are the topics of the day. The way we see it, now is the time to take a ride on the wave of increasing prices by paying cash and then selling for a profit either in the near term or long term. Knowing all this and using experienced, licensed real estate agents to see your way through is always the best way to Happy Property Hunting or Selling!
Berge Aslanian (CDPE) is a Realtor in Cape Coral with Island Harbor Realty and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral. For questions about residential real estate, please call his cell, (239) 989-3463 or email [email protected] or visit www.RECapeCoral.com.
REAL ESTATE TRENDS
BE NUMBER ONE...BE SECOND TO NONE!
9-29-15 Real Estate Trends
The Fall Preview
A number of changes are beginning to influence our market. Can you guess what they might be? Summer is officially over and the first day of Fall is now behind us. As we prepare for the coming high season, we should be learning a few things from what has been happening. Our trends and preview will shed some light. But first, let’s take a look at the Cape Coral numbers for the three month period ending 9/29/15: July ‘15 Aug ’15 Sept ‘15 Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $ For Sale 1279 $318,500 1235 $329,750 1258 $329,750 Sold 389 $197,250 308 $198,000 357 $194,000
July ’15 Aug ’15 Sept ‘15 Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $ For Sale 197 $170,250 193 $179,500 199 $199,500 Sold 48 $122,000 36 $125,000 33 $122,000
Inventory of single family homes and condos For Sale have been holding steady. Median prices of homes For Sale are steady too. September home sales showed an increase of 16% for number of homes sold; median price of these homes slipped just a bit. What this means is that there is minimal resistance to the higher prices and buyers are trying to buy as many as possible on the low side to take advantage of the steadily increasing prices. Condos For Sale followed the trend set by single family homes For Sale with steady inventory while median prices are up by about 10%. Numbers of condos Sold dipped once again and median prices have decreased slightly. This also indicates buyers are snapping up the lower priced units in anticipation of steady increases throughout the oncoming season. Sellers are beginning to learn that price increases must follow the market; going up in price too much will drive buyers to other properties. Let’s face the facts. Prices in Cape Coral have been going up consistently since we bottomed out several years ago. And, prices will continue to go up over the coming year. As home prices continue to climb, builders are now able to build new homes and sell them for a profit. Pretty soon the same will be true of condos. In memory of the late, great Yogi Berra, a twist on one of his Yogi-isms is, “if you see a trend, take it!”. How can we test this out beyond the simple numbers above? Well, cost of labor is up and there is now a shortage of available skilled tradesmen, most left when the construction market here crashed. Cost of materials is up because of inflation and shortages. Insurance, permits and fees are up too. As these items go up, the price to buy a home or condo also increases. And, another fact is that the lower priced units are being bought up by savvy investors and end-users.
At the September General Membership Lunch, nearly 100 Chamber Members heard from
Guest Speaker Dennie Hamilton, CEO of LCEC. (Top Left)
The Chamber also welcomed our table top sponsors The Adirondack Chocolatier, who brought some delicious treats to snack on before lunch and Fifth Third Bank (mid left and right)
(Bottom Left) Special Events Director Lyz Crouthamel and Women’s Leadership Conference Chair Rhonda Chapman thanked the sponsors of the conference including LCEC represented by Karen Ryan.
(Bottom Right) The Chamber also welcomed it’s newest group of members.
Join us for the October General Membership Meeting and Principal’s Lunch at Palmetto Pine Country Club on October 14th. Principal Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Melanie Lempke at 549-6900 ext 102 for more information.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
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
B2 Technology Solutions1406 SE 46th Lane
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Dean Street Insurance615 Cape Coral Pkwy W 104, Cape Coral
Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral
The News-Press - Fort Myers Office2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers
Fifth Third Bank2402 Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991
2724 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33904114 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33991
1801 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 339091600 Cape Coral Pkwy. E, 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
Tuscany
Tuscany
OneHotelHoliday!
Departing October 20, 2015
With the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce
For more information, please contact Amanda Brunson at (239) 549-6900
$2,899 per person,
$2,799 per person if
deposited by Nov. 30!*
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT LYZ CROUTHAMEL AT (239) 549-6900 EXT 111
EMPLOYEE MOTIVATIONProfessor MIchael “Q” Quaintance, MBA
Keiser University
Motivation is important in that it is the awakening and sustaining of goal-directed behavior, both internal to
each of us, and external to those we manage. Interesting enough, the Latin root word movere, means “to move.” Motivation in a manager’s world means creating a psychological state that allows managers to accomplish through others.
One way managers build motivation is by incorporating motivation factors into a job. This is known as job enrichment. These motivational factors include responsibility, achievement, recognition, advancement, and the work itself. Job satisfaction is attained when employees realize achievement, receive recognition, have more involvement in decision-making, have an increased salary, and have access to professional growth opportunities.
Job dissatisfaction creeps in because of restrictive company policy and administration, poor interpersonal relations between team members, inadequate or unsafe working conditions, low salaries, autocratic supervision, and lack of growth and advancement opportunities. The Expectancy Model of Motivation suggests that there are three components to the successful employee motivation and engagement equation: Effort + Performance = Reward. Therefore, job
dissatisfaction can lead to motivational problems for three reasons: employees do not believe in the organization’s relationship between effort and performance, a lack of belief in the relationship between performance and rewards, and the lack of satisfaction for the rewards an organization offers to its employees.
It is incumbent for managers to consistently evaluate the organization’s efforts to create a motivational environment. Managers need to identify employees’ needs, while also remembering that each employee is unique. Each employee responds to different motivational factors. Know your employees! Managers can increase employee motivation by training, coaching, and offering employees expanded task assignments. Rewards that reinforce positive behaviors include paid time off, flexible work schedules, or a relaxed dress code.
Managers should be aware that morally mature employees are cognizant and sensitive to inequities at work. However, morally mature employees are less likely to be selfish or self-centered, and are concerned about equity issues for all employees.
By participating in leadership programs, completing post-secondary degrees, or engaging in advanced degrees, a manager can better hone their knowledge, skills and abilities to create a more efficient and effective workplace.
For more information on leadership programs, call the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral at (239) 549-6900.
For more information of post-secondary opportunities, call Keiser University at (239) 277-1336. Keiser actively recruits members for MBA cohorts all year long.
UNIVERSITY TRENDS
Get In Touch with New Residents, Prospects and Visitors
with our Relocation Leads Program!Contact Melanie Lempke at
549-6900 ext 102 [email protected]
A 2016 Real Estate Look Forward
Presented By:
Sponsored By:In Conjunction With:
A 2016 Real Estate Look ForwardA 2016 Real Estate Look Forward
SAVE THE DATE!SAVE THE DATE!Tuesday, November 17th, 2015
Tradeshow at 5:00 · Program at 6:30Cape Christian Fellowship
558-8599“ For All Your Plumbing Needs”
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL
SERVICING ALL OF SOUTH WEST FLORIDA
24 Hour Emergency Service
(239)
DAVIS JR.PLUMBING
INC.
DAVIS JR.PLUMBING
INC.
Tickets can be purchased online at CatchTheVisionCapeCoral.comFor more information call Gloria Tate/Linda Biondi of Raso Realty, Inc. at 239-542-2254
Bowland Centers - Coral Lanes hosted another great Business After Hours in September.
Thank you to Mike Cannington and the entire staff at Bowland for always supporting the chamber and provinding a great networking venue for our members.
Top Left - Dan Fitzgerald with Intech Printing and Direct Mail enjoys the networking at the September Business After Hours.
Bottom Left - Membership Director Matt Lamb and David Hampton with Professional Secure Assistance, LLC.
Bottom Right - Members enjoy the networking at the September Business After Hours.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
BE NUMBER ONE...BE SECOND TO NONE!
Jr. Leadership Sponsorship Opportunity
____ I would like to be a STUDENT SPONSOR $199.00 (30 Available) Student sponsor will have their company name & logo on two power point presentations— March 2016 Luncheon and Jr. Leadership Graduation, a paid seat with their student at the March 2016 General membership luncheon and will sit with student at Jr. Leadership Graduation.
____ I would like to be a SNACK SPONSOR—$250.00 (2 Available) Snack sponsor will have their company name and logo on all Jr. Leadership material*, Company name and Logo in Jr. Leadership handbook and one seat at the 2016 Jr. Leadership Graduation. This sponsorship will cover the cost of snacks and drinks for all nine Jr. Leadership program sessions. Approx. 35 guest .
____ I would Like to be a BUS SPONSOR—$500.00 (4 Available) Bus sponsor will have their company name logo on all Jr. Leadership materials*, Company name & Logo on power point presentations at March 2016 Luncheon and at Jr. Leadership Graduation, Name & Logo in Jr. Leadership Handbook, Recognition at Jr. Leadership Orientation, March 2016 general membership luncheon and at Jr. Leadership Graduation. You will also have two seats at the 2016 Jr. Leadership Graduation. *This does not include Jr. Leadership shirt.
Join our fellow sponsors
BJM Consulting - BB&T Oswald, Trippe & Co. - The Aubuchon Team of Companies
Network AdministrationMaintenance Agreements
Off-site Data StorageDell, Acer, Apple(239) 573-1000
www.entechcomputers.com
We Know Marketing.
We’ll help you turn new customers into brand advocates.
No one knows Southwest Florida better than The News-Press Media Group. From brands to customers, we connect more audiences, in more places, in more ways with the right mix of marketing. But it’s more than having the right tools; it’s knowing how to use them. We’ll help you stay ahead of what’s trending for the best ways to build your business.
CALL 239.335.0520EMAIL [email protected]
VISIT marketingstrategies.news-press.com
Could your business use a little more loyalty?
Loyal
Advertise in the Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter.
A Banner Ad is just $50 per month!!
Contact Donna Germain at 549-6900 ext 107 or
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral kicked off the 2015 Leadership Cape Coral program by welcoming this year’s class at kick off on
August 14. The “Dream Team of 2015” didn’t take long to get into the spirit of Leadership picking their class name and declaring themselves “The Best Class Ever!”
In their second month, the class attended Healthcare Day where they visited Cape Coral Hospital, Gulfcoast Village and Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery. Industry Appreciation Day followed with attendance at the Horizon Council’s Industry Appreciation Lunch, Infrastructure Day Took them to LCEC, WastePro, the Lee County Materia Recovery Facility and the Lee County Energy from Waste Facility. Real Estate and Construction Day showcased this very important industry for our area and the class participated in a Builders Care project for a family in need.
Through the coming weeks, the class will learn about Law Enforcement and Public Safety, how the Coast Guard works to protect our waterways and Arts and Entertainment in our community.
Thank you to all of our day chairs thus far; Nancy McPhee, Scott Kashman, Kevin Ahmadi, Chuck Warren, Ross Smith, Debra Stella, Kevin Hobstetter, Tony Solgard and Julie Ferguson.
And a special thank you to our program chairs Jay Johnson and Karen Schuman Barnes and our Co Chairs Stacy Lomonaco and John Hobson.
LEADERSHIP CAPE CORAL 2015
You can reach thousands of your neighbors as a KidsFest Sponsor, while supporting community serviceorganizations in our schools like Key Club and funding scholarships to deserving high school seniors.
BUSINESS NAME:
CONTACT NAME:
STREET ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
PHONE:
E-MAIL: PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO HARNEY POINT KIWANIS CLUB
RETURN THIS FORM TO: HARNEY POINT KIWANIS CLUB, P.O. BOX 100295, CAPE CORAL, FL 33910 / FAX: 239-542-9203 / E-MAIL: [email protected]
TITLE SPONSOR $5,000
COMMUNITY SPONSOR $1,200
HARVEST SPONSOR $500
BOOTH SPACE $60
POWERED BOOTH SPACE $80
AMOUNT ENCLOSED:
HARVEST SPONSORQUARTER PAGE COLOR AD IN PROGRAM BOOK
2 EVENT T-SHIRTSUP TO 2 BOOTH SPACES DISPLAY AREA AT KIDSFEST
RECOGNITION ON EVENT SIGNS AND BANNERSONSTAGE ANNOUNCEMENT OF SPONSORSHIPNAME PRINTED ON BACK OF VOLUNTEER SHIRT
$500 INVESTMENT
TO RESERVE YOUR SPONSORSHIP OR VENDOR SPACE TODAY, PLEASE CONTACT ERIC FEICHTHALER (239) 542-4733 OR EMAIL [email protected]
COMMUNITY SPONSORHALF PAGE COLOR AD IN PROGRAM BOOK
6 EVENT T-SHIRTS3 BOOTH SPACE DISPLAY AREA AT KIDSFEST
RECOGNITION IN ALL PRESS RELEASES, BANNERS AND SIGNSRECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON STAGE
NAME & LOGO PRINTED ON BACK OF VOLUNTEER SHIRT
$1,200 INVESTMENT
TITLE SPONSORFULL PAGE COLOR AD IN PROGRAM BOOK
10 EVENT T-SHIRTSFEATURED TIMES FOR ON-STAGE PRESENTATION
6 BOOTH SPACE BUSINESS DISPLAY AREA AT KIDSFESTPROMINENT RECOGNITION ON TV ADVERTISING, SIGNS & ON-SITE
RECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON STAGELOGO AND NAME PROMINENTLY PRINTED ON T-SHIRTS
$5,000 INVESTMENT
GUNTERBERG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner • Sheriff Mike ScottGrummel Stencil Century 21 Birchwood Realty
Weinstein Wilkes Financial GroupCape Coral Community Foundation • Publix
Computer Heaven of SWFL • 4 The Kids Foundation
2051 Cape Coral Parkway E Cape Coral, FL 33904
(239) 549-6900www.capecoralchamber.com