Trends

TheOfcialPublicationofTheChamberofCommerceofCapeCoral September2014
Chamber
ToPromoteandServeBusinessandCommunity
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Business After Hours
September 18th at
Bowland - Coral Lanes
RSVP For The General
Membership Lunch, September
10th at Palmetto Pine Country
Club. Sponsored by LCEC,
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Surfside for the Surfside Sunset Market,
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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Publisher & Editor
Donna Schuman-Germain
Communications Director
donna@capecoralchamber.com
Contributing Editors
Mike Quaintance
Chamber President
q2u2@capecoralchamber.com
Stephanie Roberson
Technology Director
stephanie@capecoralchamber.com
Claudia St. Onge
Business Manager
cso@capecoralchamber.com
Matt Lamb
Membership Sales
matt@capecoralchamber.com
Annette Siner
Membership Sales
annette@capecoralchamber.com
Melanie Lempke
Administrative Generalist
melanie@capecoralchamber.com
Amanda Brunson
Special Events Coordinator
amanda@capecoralchamber.com
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
P.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910
2051 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609
SEPTEMBER2014
SEPTEMBER 10, 2014
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
Palmetto Pine Country Club
1940 SW 9th Court, Cape Coral, FL 33991
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Bowland - Coral Lanes
250 Santa Barbara Blvd. N., Cape Coral, FL 33993
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
TUESDAYS YEAR ROUND
Surfside Sunset Market
The Shops at Surfside
Veterans Parkway and Surfside Blvd., Cape Coral, FL
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
OCTOBER 4, 2014
SUPERHERO DINE & DASH
Starts At Dixie Roadhouse
1023 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33904
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
OCTOBER 7, 2014
BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE
Dellutri Law Group
3002 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
2014BOARDOFDIRECTORS
Chairman-AnnetteCarrasquillo,
LAIDesignAssociates,LLC
ChairmanElect-EdRamos,RamosBuilders,Inc.
Treasurer-BrettBisbe,B2Solutions,Inc
PastChairman-JosephMazurkiewicz,
BJMConsulting,Inc.
BeverlyBlack-BlackBusinessSolutions,LLC
EdBolter-LamarAdvertising
DanaBrunett-CityofCapeCoral
MatthewConnar-BoostCreative
TonyConstantino-FinancialAdvisor
KevinM.Burns&Assoc.P.A.
DianeEverhart-NorthwesternMutualFinancial
JosephFrancioni-TheSmartCompanies
CynthiaGallagher-TheBreezeNewspapers
TomHansen-BoatHouseofCapeCoral
TimHauck-FullerMetzCremation
andFuneralServices
CherylKomnick-CaloosaTent&Rental
TrishLassiter-LCEC
MichelleLewis-PastChairman-B2Solutions
DonnaMeola,FirstMerchantPaymentServices,Past
Chairman
ThomasShippJr.-PastChairman-TomShipp
attheMartinLawFirm
StanleySpicer-PlatinumServiceA/C
ChrisSpiro-PastChairman-Spiro&Associates
ZacharyZeis-TheSmartCompanies
2014TRUSTEES
RhondaChapman-FirstCitizensBank
SallieDwyer-SunTrustMerchantServices
SandraGreiner-SunSplashFamilyWaterpark
MikeHollow-RE//MAXRealtyTeam
ScottKashman-CapeCoralHospital
LauraKoehn-CapeCoral.com
DavidOwen-BB&T-Oswald,Trippe&Co.
WendyPiascik-LeeMemorialHealthSystem
MichelleWhitlock-SiestaPebblePoolInteriors
2014CHAIRMANEMERITUS
TomGiles-AvalonEngineering
WayneKirkwood-KirkwoodElectric
ElmerTabor-WonderlandRealty
CHAMBERSTAFF
MikeQuaintance,President
DonnaS.Germain,CommunicationsDirector
ClaudiaSt.Onge,BusinessManager
&Farmers MarketDirector
StephanieRoberson,TechnologyDirector
MattLamb,MembershipSales
AnnetteSiner,MembershipSales
MelanieLempke,AdministrativeGeneralist
AmandaBrunson,SpecialEventsCoordinator
LindaKirby,MembershipSales
NEW THIS MONTH
Mike Q Quaintance, President, MBA, CCE
A
s many of you are aware, the Chamber is
makingsomeadjustmentsinstafaswewish
Bill Johnson our best wishes as he becomes
the Executive Director of the Cape Coral Construction
IndustryAssociation.Weallknowthatchangebrings
about some awesome opportunities such as hiring
Matt Lamb and Annette Siner as the new full time
membershipsalespeoplefortheChamber.
We also are bumping up the General Membership
Lunch prices from $20 to $22 for members with
reservations.Wearedoingthishelpabsorbtherising
food cost we are experiencing at our venues. This
increasewilltakeefectstartingattheSeptember10,
2014luncheon.Ithasbeenmorethanfveyearssince
we have had to increase the price and we appreciate
our venues working with us to maintain those prices
overthepastfewyears.
The New Chamber Website (www.
capecoralchamber.com) launched on Thursday,
August28.Ithasafreshnewlook,betternavigation,
moreinteractivecomponentsandworksonallSMART
devices(noneedformobileapplications).Webelieve
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
contactStephanieat(239)699-8442.
On September 5, 2014, we are hosting our third
Advanced Leadership Series at Keiser University with
Dr. Brian Moftt.The topic is Emotional Intelligence.
DidyouknowthatKeiserofersa25%tuitiongrantto
members and their employees?Yes, it is a great way
to get a great education and save a few bucks. For
informationcontactMikeQuaintanceat549-6900ext.
106.
Special Events Coordinator Amanda Brunson is
actively planning our frst ever Super Hero Dine &
Dash to be held on October 4.The Dixie Roadhouse
andSuncoastBeveragearethesponsorsofthisevent.
Participants will get a commemorative t-shirt, food
and drink values while air conditioned buses will
transport participants from location to location. We
areexcitedtoengageinthisnewnetworkingactivity.
For more information contact Amanda at 549-6900
ext.111.
Save the date, our annualAreYou Smarter than a
PoliticianeventisOctober22,2014at5:30PMatGulf
Coast Village. This is more than a candidates forum,
it is an interactive event where you get to test your
knowledgeagainsttheknowledgeofourcandidates.
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
DonnaGermain,549-6900ext.107.
Lastly, I want to thank the 69 people that
participated in our Chamber survey giving us a 10%
responserate.Whilewewouldappreciatemoreinput
so that we can determine how we can better serve
you, we received some good input and ideas from
thosewhochosetoparticipate.Again,thankyou!
QsWORLD
NEW
BestWesternAirportInn
JoseCarvalho
BlueWaterRealtyInc.ofSWFL
AaronEyerman
CofeeNews
KimHubbard
DGatesWealthManagement
DanielleGates
FamilySourceConsultants
StaciSwiderski
FourPointsbySheraton
Ft.MyersAirport
JessicaCooper
HelloBeautifulSalon
AlyssaGee
TheInterfaceFinancialGroup.a
DivisionofTateFinancial,LLC
StephenR.Tate
MarcoOfceSupply/
Wallenbrock
GinaSisbarro
Mortgage1,Inc.
TracyVanLandschoot
OmnibusInnovationsGroup,Inc.
JuliaB.Davis
ParadisePizza
JefCariello
PrimeLending
DustinConkright
TeresaLaMearwithFloridaBlue
TeresaLaMear
Walgreens
HeatherBarr
ZirillisChillyTreats,LLC.
BarbaraZirilli-Lonergan
RENEWALS
Allstate-DavidSchuman
InsuranceAgency
MemberSince:07/06/2011
Allstate-KevinSchuman
InsuranceAgency
MemberSince:07/06/2011
BarkleyPlaceSeniorLiving
MemberSince:07/09/2012
BlindGallery
MemberSince:10/05/2011
CapeCoralMortgage
MemberSince:08/28/2013
CapeDentalCare
MemberSince:08/05/2010
CasadiFiori,LLC
MemberSince:08/16/2012
ChicagoPizza
MemberSince:06/24/2008
D.R.HortonAmericasBuilder
MemberSince:07/28/2006
FloridianInsuranceAgency
MemberSince:08/18/2008
HomeandAwayLLC
MemberSince:03/30/2010
Individual-CaileenAdamson
MemberSince:07/23/2013
JetsPizza
MemberSince:07/24/2013
KevinM.Burns&Assoc.P.A.
MemberSince:04/01/1998
KineticThoughtsLLC
MemberSince:01/28/2010
LaborReady
MemberSince:06/04/2009
LamarAdvertising
MemberSince:07/15/2008
MerrillLynch
MemberSince:04/28/2006
MiracleProfessionalBaseball
MemberSince:07/26/1999
MizCatherines-ADessertCafe
MemberSince:11/30/2012
MullinsMemorialFuneralHome
&CremationService,Inc
MemberSince:10/31/2011
NailArt&Co.
MemberSince:05/10/2012
NorthwesternMutualFinancial
Network-DianeEverhart
MemberSince:04/13/1999
OasisCharterElementarySchool
MemberSince:02/10/2006
OlinHill&Assoc.
MemberSince:03/01/1989
PartyLite-CandleLadiesRenee
&Rhonda
MemberSince:04/13/2012
Paychex
MemberSince:03/01/1996
RebeccaA.RosswithRobertW.
Baird
MemberSince:01/11/2012
RiverchaseDermatology&
CosmeticSurgery
MemberSince:07/16/2012
RogerDeanChevrolet
MemberSince:05/21/2012
SkyZoneFt.Myers
MemberSince:07/15/2013
Tech-TronicsProductions
MemberSince:04/01/1997
WasteProofFlorida
MemberSince:06/11/2010
WonderlandRealty
CapeCoralTownCenter
MemberSince:07/01/1991
Thankyouallforyour
membership!
JULYNEWMEMBERS&RENEWALS
CHANGES ARE COMING AND
THEY ARE ALL GOOD!
Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates
2014 Chairman
Y
ou 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).Yourefrstthoughtmaybethatthis
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 afords both
organizationstheopportunitytocontinuetobuildupontherelationshipand
commitmentthatmakesourCityagreatplacetolive,workandplay.Allofus
at the Chamber will miss Bills daily jovial demeanor and his determination
andpassioninpromotingourChamberandgrowingthemembership,butwe
are very happy for him in this new chapter of his career.We wish Bill all the
bestandrestassuredwewillstillseehimaround,justrepresentingtheCCCIA!
Then along comes Matt Matt Lamb that is! Matt Lamb has joined the
sales team at the Chamber to fll Bills shoes. We are very excited to have
MattontheChamberTeam.Mattssalesbackground,hisleadershipskillsand
exuberancewillbenefttheChamberandallofitsmembers.DidIsayheisa
graduateofLeadershipCapeCoralClassof2012!Inaddition,MattandBill
are friends and have worked closely on multiple Chamber functions, so the
transitionhasbeengoingverywell.
And if the excitement of these changes werent enough, there is another
new, but familiar, addition to the team! Annette Siner has joined the sales
teamasanewfulltimemembershipsalesperson!Annettehasspentthelast
9monthsasacontractsalesspecialistfortheChamber.Herenthusiasmand
passionfortheChamberwillhelpwelcomemembersandkeepthemengaged!
AnnetteisalsoamemberoftheLeadershipClass2014!
BothMattandAnnettebringnewexcitementtotheteamandfreshideasto
helptheChambertocontinuetogrow.Ifyouhavetheopportunitypleasestop
byandwelcomethemtotheteam!
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 ofce responsibilities in order to pursue this degree.
Forourmembersandonthesurface,nothingwillchange.Mikehasateam
thathasaproventrackrecordofworkingtogethertoaccomplishthegoalsand
business plan of the Chamber for our members as set forth by the Board of
Directors.TheExecutiveCommitteeandBoardofDirectorswanttowishMike
allthebestinthisendeavorandoferourfullsupporttohimandhisteam!
As always, with all that is happening at the Chamber, I hope to see you
havingfuninSeptember!
CHAMBERTRENDS
GENERALMEMBERSHIPLUNCH
T
he 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,JacksonPR.(midleft)
The Chamber also welcome its newest members
(top left) and some future members like CJ Davis
(topright)whoaccompaniedhisMomandlongtime
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
MembershipDevelopmentCommittee.
Greatmembershavingagreattime,ChrisBerardi
with Torchlight Productions, Ashley Sanders with
PalmettoPineCountryClubandSteveRiggswiththe
CapeCoralMayorsScholarshipFund.(below)
HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY
SalvatoreLacagnina,D.O.
VicePresidentofHealth&Wellness,Lee
MemorialHealthSystem
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.
WhatamIgoingtodo?Ihaveheardthesewords
alsoandIamsadtosayinmanycasespeopledo
notreallyunderstandtheirroleinthetreatment
and in the prevention of recurrence. So why is
this? Is it because no one in the medical feld
really made them understand their illness and
thethingstheycandotomakethesituationbetter?Isitbecausethepersonwastoldthethings
theyneededtodotomakethesituationbetterbuttheyignoredtherecommendations?Isita
combinationofthetwo?Istherenothingthatanyonecandotomakethesituationbetter?Many
questionstothinkabout
TheanswerIcangiveyouis:hopeisnotastrategy!Ifyouhavebeendiagnosedwithcancer,
treatment options are concrete in many cases. They follow nationally accepted guidelines
for care. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transplantation, etc. All these are
treatmentoptionsyouhearaboutfromyourphysicianandotherhealthcareproviders.
Itisimportantthatyoufndanoncologistwhoistrainedtooferyouthebest therapeutic
strategyinaneforttooptimizeyourchanceforcureandminimizecomplicationsorsideefects.
Thesearealltraditionaltreatmentoptions.But,whataboutthealternative,complementary
and additive treatments you can take advantage of from other health care providers? What
aboutthetreatmentoptionsyouyourselfareabletoprovide?
Idohavemanypatients,friendsandfamilymemberswhohavebeendiagnosedwithcancer
whoaskthequestions:WhatcanIdotoensurethatthiscanceristreatedmostefectively?And
whatcanIdotodecreasetheriskofrecurrence?Theytellme,IwanttodoeverythingIcanto
ensuresuccess!Iwanttobecured;andIamwillingtodoallIcantohelp.
Lets 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 benefcial
psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Praying can be like meditation. It might release
chemicalsinthebodythatactuallyhelpyoutofghtthecancer.Itenablesyoutimetocallupon
allthepositiveenergyinyourbodytohelpitheal.Thissuggestionmightsoundouttherebutis
thereanyproofthatprayerandmeditationareharmful?Ifthismighthelp,thenwhynotdoit?
Itmightbeagoodstartingpoint.
Next, fnd out all you can about the cancer you have. Educate yourself and ask as many
questionsasyoucanthinkof.Trytounderstandwhatmightthecancerhavebeencausedby;
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
treatmentoptionsandwhatroleyouplayinthetreatmentplan.
Understandthebeneftsandrisksofalltreatmentoptionsandbeprepared.Chemotherapies
are wonderfully efective treatments for many cancers and represent signifcant advances in
medicineoverthelast50years,buttheycomewithsideefects.Itisimportanttounderstand
whatyoucandotomitigatethesideefectsandhowyoucanhelpsuppressthesideefectsand
possiblymakethecancertreatmentmoreefective.
Ask if nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, vitamin supplements, etc., might
helpthetreatment,decreasethesideefects,anddecreasetheriskofrecurrence.Yourtreatment
plan should be exactly that: a comprehensive treatment plan that has many components in
additiontochemotherapy,radiationorsurgery.Realizethatcancerisaconditionwherethebody
startstobreakdownbecausethecancerisgrowingandafectingthefunctionofthevitalorgans.
In addition to the traditional therapies, what other treatment modalities slow the cancer
growth?Fromwhatisknownaboutthegrowthofcancer,itappearsthatcancersuse(glucose)
sugartogrow.Thisseemstobetheirpreferredenergysource.Moreover,ifthisistrue,thenone
would think that if you limit the sugar in your system, you might decrease the growth of the
cancer.Theplanshouldbetostarvethecancer,feedthepatientandboosttheimmunesystem.
Cancer and the treatment for the cancer have a signifcant negative efect on the immune
system.Thisisthebodysdefensemechanism.Itiswhatkeepsusfreefrominfectionandmost
ofthetimefreefromcancer.Sometimes,despiteourimmunesystem,westillgetcancer;and
whenwedo,weneedtodoallthingspossibletoimprovethefunctionoftheimmunesystem
sothatitcanfghtagainstthecancerandwinthebattle.Yes,cancerisabattletoregainhealth.
Again,thepatientplaysasignifcantroleinwinningthiswar.
Inadditiontodecreasingtheintakeofglucose(allsugars)inordertostarvethecancer,we
shouldbeusingexercisetohelpkeeptheglucose(andinsulin)levelsinahealthyrange;workon
keepingthestresslevelsdownsincethisisbenefcialforsomanyreasons;andcheckthelevelsof
vitaminsandminerals.Thelatterisimportantbecausethebodyneedsspecifclevelsofvitamins
andmineralstofunctionproperly.Inrelationtoglucoselevelsthebodyalsoneedsaproperlevel
ofchromium,thelevelofwhichcanbeeasilymeasuredwithasimplebloodtest.Properlevels
ofchromiumhelpkeepglucoselevelsinahealthyrange.
Recoveryfromcancerisaconditionwherethebodyisattemptingtorebuilditself.Inorderto
dothisitneedsbuildingblocksproteins,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 beneft of healthy nutrition
fortherecoveryfromcancer.
Thinkofitthisway:foodistakenintoprovideenergy.Certainfoods,whendigestedprovide
moreenergythanothersdo.Therefore,itisimportanttotakeinfoodsthatprovidethegreatest
sourceofenergythatcanthenbeusedtofghtthecancer.Whenthefoodsourceprovidesless
thanoptimalamountsofenergy,thebodybecomesmalnourished;andwhenthishappens,the
personstartstoloseweightandlosethebattle.Malnutritionisoneofthemajorcomplications
associatedwithcanceranditstreatment.
If we simply look at food as an energy source, then is it correct to assume that any form of
calorieswouldpreventmalnutritionandhelpfghtthecancerbattle?FromtheresearchIhave
read,theanswerappearstobeno.Asanexample,ifthefoodyoutakeinishighlyprocessedas
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.Aruleofthumbistoavoidfoodsthatcomeinaboxorabag;foodsthathavelabelsthat
soundmorelikechemicalexperimentsthanfoodproducts;foodsthathavebeeninjectedwith
hormones and antibiotics and contaminated with pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Eat
naturallygrownfoodswithcolorsthatrepresentallthemacroandmicronutrientsyouneedto
gethealthyandstayhealthy.Thisisthebestrecommendationevenifyouarenotdealingwitha
cancerorotherchronicmedicalproblem.
Supplementingyournutritionplanwithvitamins,mineralsandantioxidantsshouldalsobe
intentionalandacademic.Youneedtoknowwhatyoumightbedefcientinandthenneedto
supplementaccordinglywithhealthy,non-processedvitamins,mineralsandantioxidants.AsI
havementionedinpreviousarticles,theSpectraCellbloodtestmeasurestheselevelsandcreates
ahelpfulreportthatcanbecomepartofyourcomprehensivetreatmentplan.Rememberthat
overzealoussupplementationmayhavepotentialsideefects.Besuretoinformyouroncologist
astospecifcsupplements.
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
euphoricandstabilizesthemood.Itdecreasesfatigue.Thishelpstreatthedepressionthatcomes
alongwithmanycancersituations.
Asmentionedabove,stressreductionisalsoimportantasthishelpslowerCortisollevels(a
detrimental stress hormone).Yoga, meditation and massage therapies all help to lower stress
levels.Seeingjoyinlifeandcountingtheblessingsthatyoudohavealsoservestolowerstress.
Weareallgivenonlyafnitetimeonthisplanetsowemustnotwasteit.Ifweliveeachday
asifitwereourlast,wewillenjoylifemore,accomplishmore,usethewordsIloveyou more,
andprovidemorehelptootherswhomaybesuferingevenmorethanweare.
Soinhealthasinlifedontjusthopeforthebest.Takecontroloveryourlifeandmakeitwhat
youwantittobe.Staywellmyfriendsandasalwayspleasesendcommentsandquestionsto
Dr.Sal@Leememorial.org
HEALTHYTRENDS
CAN YA FEEL IT? ITS
ALMOST HERE! SEASON!!!!!
Christopher T. Spiro, Spiro & Associates
F
ootballseason!Collegefootballseason!
Tourist/Snowbird Season are all almost
here! Gulp! Are ya ready? I mean, are
youtrulyready?ForthepastyearIhavebeen
weavinglittletipsandadviceintothiscolumn
preparing you for this season. Have you
shopped your competition? Have you taken
a look at your physical plant/ofce? Have you
evaluatedyourbrandyourlogoyourwebsiteyoursocialmediaplanyour
publicrelationsplanyouroverallmediaplan?Or,areyoujustgonna wingit?
Okay, okaybreathecount to tenaaaaaannnnnd exhale. You still have a
bitoftime.Notmuch,butjustenoughtobeready.
HereatSpiro&AssociatesweliketothinkofourselvesasTheBrandArchitects.
We believe in it so much that we trademarked the phrase for the advertising,
marketingandpublicrelationsindustry.Inaddition,wealsocreatedsomethingwe
callAmperBrandingandhavebeenpresentingitatalotofpublicforumsthatwe
havebeeninvitedtospeakatoverthepastfourorfvemonths.Soyourethinking
okaySpiro,whatthehellisAmperBranding.Hereisyouranswer
AmperBranding is a trademarked process by which we evaluate a clients
positioning, advertising and marketing personality based on todays buying
environmentbasedontodayseconomicconditionsbasedonalltheexternal
factorsthatareinthemarketplacethatworkforandagainstyou.Itslikegetting
pokedwithaburningstick,onlyithurtsahellofalotlessandwillearnyoumore.
1.Areyoudissatisfedwithyourlogo?
Everyonegetstiredoftheirlogoatsomepoint,justlikewegettiredofthesame
oldclothes.Inmostcasesyoureprobablybestadvisedtoleaveitalone(thelogo,
notthewardrobe).Butifyourlogodoesntseemtoftwhoyouare,andyoudont
quiteknowwhy,itstimetoaskyourselveswhatyourbrandsallabout.Andyoud
bestfgureitoutbeforeyouredesignthelogo.Simplystated,youmayjustneeda
logoevolution.Nowmorethaneveristhetimetoreinventyourbrand.
2.Haveyoulostmarketpositionanddidyoureallyeverhaveone?
Ifyouwerenumberone10yearsagoandarenumberthreenow,theremaybea
numberofthingstofx.Tinkeringaroundtheedgeswontgetyoubacktothetop
spot.Startwithyourbrand.Youmayhavebecomecomplacentandgottencaught
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 didnt have time to
workonyourbusiness.
3.Areyourmarketinginvestmentsdeliveringdiminishingreturns?
Youvedonewhatyouthinkismediaadvertising,directmailandsearchengine
optimization. Youve invested in customer relationship management and new
collateralsomeofitevencreatedbyyourfavoritenephewwhohasabootlegged
copyofPhotoshop.Butnomatterhowmuchyouspend,yougetjustaboutthesame
results. Sure, the world of media and social media is changing. But could the big
problembeyourmessage?Newexecutionsandnewmediawontfxit.Timetopay
attentiontoyourbrand.
4.Areyoudissatisfedwithyourname?
Your name is kind of like your logo: If it doesnt ft, you need to know why. A
partnerinthefrmhasleft,orbetteryetyouveaddedapartner,thenitisdefnitely
timetoupdatethename.Funnything,inthecourseofbranddevelopmentyoumay
decide it makes sense to retain your name, but youll fnd yourselves becoming a
companyitftsbetter.
5.Hastherebeenchangeinyourbusinessstrategy?
Your brand strategy is the face of your business strategy. So it almost goes
withoutsayingthatasignifcantchangeinbusinessstrategyshouldprovokealong
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
refectthat?
6.Haveyouacquirednewcompaniesorsheddivisions?
Whenyourcompanyacquiresnewonesordivides,itmaymeanashiftinbusiness
strategyoritmaynot.Regardless,itmaymeanyouveleftyourbrandbehind.Inthe
currenteconomy,manybusinessesareincreasingserviceswhiledecreasingstaf.It
maybetimetore-evaluatewhoyouare.
7.Isyourbusinessadyingbreed?
Ifyourcategoryisdying,youcantnecessarilyblamepoorperformanceonyour
brand. But if your sales growth doesnt match your categorys growth and it
hasntforawhileitcouldbetimetooverhaulyourbrand.Weareworkingwith
manycompaniesrightnowwhoareredefningtheirbrandandinsomeinstances
redefningtheircategory!
8.Hasyourmarketchangedaroundyou?
Getyourheadoutofthegroundlookaroundyourmarketwhatdoyousee?
A lot of new players, new developments and new customers in your market? Or,
your competition is gone and no one has flled the void?Your brand may be well
positionedtotakeadvantage.Oritmaynot.Timetofgureitout.
9.Hasyourmanagementrestructured?
Brandsbelongtothepeople,butbranddevelopmentbeginsatthetopofthefood
chain.Whentheresalotofchangeatthetop,theresboundtobesomeconfusion
below.Astrongbranddevelopmentprocessisagreatwaytogeteveryoneonthe
samepage.Inanerawherethesuperintendentsarenowthelaborersandthevice
presidentsarenowthesuperintendents,itwouldbesmarttohaveyoubrandhelp
defnewhatyourpositioningis.
10.Hasyourcompanyturned10yearsold?
Okay,thisonebelongstomyfriendRichardLeblanc,ofSeroptix,whosbeendoing
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?Hishypothesisisthatataboutthe10-yearmarkmanycompaniesfndtheyve
losttheirfocus,themarkethaschangedaroundthemandmaybetheresbeensome
seniormanagementchange.Whatever.Maybeitslikethe17-yearlocustorseven-
yearitch.ButImguessingthatifyourcompanyisabout10,someoftheothernine
cluesaremakingthemselvesevidentandyouneedabitofAmperBranding.
Usethesestrategictipsbeforeseasonandbebetterpreparedforsuccess.
Christopher The BrandMan Spiro can be found via social media, or around
any gathering that involves Gator football, fne cigars and family. Hit him up:
239.481.5511,CSpiro@SpiroAndAssociates.com,andwww.
facebook.com/christopher.spiro
MARKETINGTRENDS
LEADERSHIPCAPECORAL2014
14 KARATS
DonnaGermain,CommunicationsDirector
L
eadership Cape Coral 2014 is of to an
AMAZING start. The self proclaimed 14
Karats are a dynamic group of established
and up and coming community leaders. We could
notaskforabettergrouptocarryonthetraditions
andvaluesoftheLeadershipCapeCoralProgram.
The program kicked of atThe 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 staf liaison Donna
Germain,2005.ChamberPresidentMikeQuaintance
- 1996 and Joe Mazurkiewicz - 1993 assisted with
the team building exercises and the group also
heard from the Godfather of Leadership and
AlumniChairDonSchnell-1998.
TheprogramthusfarhasincludedMadeInCape
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
historiansPaulSanbornandElmerTabor(TopRight)
the toured Wicked Dolphin Rum, Marine Concepts
and experienced the Joe Mazurkiewicz Bus Tour
Extravaganza learning the inside story on the
developmentofourcitythroughouttheyears.
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
CreatingYourPersonalBrand.
TheKaratsthentraveledtoTheNews-Pressfora
tour and editorial activity withTom Hayden, 2003,
Matt Petro, 2012, Lynnie Guzman, 2011 andTeresa
Kitts, 2013. They fnished of the day at The Cape
Coral Breeze for a presentation by Cindy Gallagher,
2001andEditorValHarring.
Community Steward Day, by far the most
heartfeltandmovingdaysoftheprogramwasheld
onAugust28andchairedbyBethSanger,2005and
WoodyWoodward, 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 Corals Special
Pops.Thestoryofayounggirltouchedtheirhearts
prompting the class to donate $2700 on the spot
to ensure she would be able to utilize the amazing
servicesoferedatthefacility.Thenextstopwasthe
CCMI United Way House where the group learned
about all of the wonderful services ofered there.
TheyenjoyedlunchattheEverydayCafewhichofers
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 ofered there. The last stop
wastheVeteransMuseumofSWFLwheretheclass
touredthefacilityandlearnedabouttheincredible
collectionofmemorabiliathere.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who have
madeandaremakingthisprogramasuccessevery
year.We cannot do this without you. Please watch
for next months newsletter to see whats next for
theclassof2014!ThankyoutoBubbasRoadhouse,
The Cape Coral Community Foundation andYvonne
Werlineforsponsoringourlunchesforthesedays!
LEADERSHIPCAPECORAL2014
Introducing the Class of 2014!
ScottBlonde,TheBreezeNewspapers,GregBlurton,Investors'Security
Trust,ChristinCollins,LeeMemorialHealthSystem,EileenDeLuca,Florida
SouthWesternStateCollege,RanaErbrick,CapeCoralCityCouncil,Dist5,Julie
Ferguson,CapeCoralCaringCenter,PaulFlores,WasteProofFlorida,Jonathan
Gabel,PriorityPaymentsSouthFlorida,JohnHobson,CenturyLink,Laura
Koehn,CapeCoral.com,CaseyLogan,TheNews-Press-CapeCoralBureau,
StacyLomonaco,RegionsBankCapeCoralPkwyEast,NancyMacPhee,Lee
CountyVisitor&ConventionBureau,CarmineMarceno,LeeCountySherif's
Ofce,LaurieMorris-Wilson,IBERIABANK,ChrisNicely,GulfCoastVillage
RetirementCommunity,DanPuleio,CapeCleaners,SarahShefeld,Massage
EnvySpa,TracySiekmann,CityofCapeCoralParks&Rec,AnnetteSiner,
ChamberofCommerceofCapeCoral,RossSmith,LCEC,DebbieStella,LCEC,
MargieStevens,ATouchOfClassPetGrooming,EmilyTeachout,American
CancerSociety,StevenTeuber,Neaher&Teuber,P.L.,DottieTronnes,GulfCoast
VillageRetirementCommunity,ChuckWarren,CoralRidgeFuneralHomeand
Cemetery,RussWinstead,FGCU-SmallBusinessDevelopmentCenter.
Top ten United Way
employee contributor
and community
partner
Employees volunteer
more than 5,000
hours annually
Maintaining 8,000
miles of power lines
year-round
On-call 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week,
365 days a year
Proudly serving
customers since
1940
One of only
six Centers of
Excellence in the
utility industry
Quality
Service
Reliability
No rate increase
for six years. Rate
decrease in 2014*
Returned $220 million
in equity over the
years
* 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!
When you are an LCEC customer, you belong to one of the largest not-for-proft
electric cooperatives in the nation. Governed by customers, we are committed to
delivering reliable and cost competitive electricity.
RIBBONCUTTINGS
WatersideWineClub
MaryJaneBakerVu
5785CapeHarbourDrSuite203
CapeCoral,FL33914
(239)540-1557
www.watersidewineclub.com
ChippendaleAudiology
MauraChippendale
1224DelPradoBlvd,SteC
CapeCoral,FL33904
(239)772-0940
www.chippendaleaudiology.com
BellaVistaatKismetLakes
HomeownersAssociation,Inc.
PaulHecht
2410KismetLakesLane,CapeCoral,FL33909
(239)288-3458
www.bellavistaatkismetlakes.com
MCHNetworking
MichaelCoughlin
5668FishhawkCrossingBlvd.#61
Lithia,FL33547
(813)784-1710
www.mchnetworking.com
THE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE OF CAPE
CORAL LAUNCHES ITS
NEW WEBSITE
StephanieRoberson,TechnologyDirector
A
s part of our commitment to
excellence and membership
services, we are happy to
announce the launch of the New
ChamberWebsite.
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
referralsmoreefcientlyandefectively.
ThelaunchofthenewsitewasThursday,August28thandallmemberswill
havenewopportunitiesthatareincludedintheirchambermembership.
Thenewwebsiteincludesthefollowingenhancementsandimprovements.
Enhancements...
SocialMedialinkstodirectorylistings
PhotoSlideshowtodirectorylistings
ChamberBlog
VideoEmbeddingtodirectorylistings
E-CommerceShoppingcart
JointheChamberOnline
Maptobusinesslocation
Improvements...
CouponandDiscountPortal
Employmentandresumeposting
MembersOnlyPortal
PayYourBills
OnlineTrainingCourses
PleasecheckouttheNewChamberWebsiteandletusknowwhatyouthink!
For information, comments or suggestions please contact Technology
Director, Stephanie Roberson at stephanie@capecoralchamber.com or (239)
699-8442.
TECHNOLOGYTRENDS
SCHEDULEYOURRIBBONCUTTINGTODAY!
Itsnotjustfornewmembers!
Ifyouhaverecentlyrenewedyourmembership
orjustjoined,besuretotakeadvantageofthis
memberbeneft!
ContactDonnaGermainat
549-6900ext107or
donna@capecoralchamber.com
WHATS GOING ON
BergeAslanian(CDPE)
Realtor,RE/MAXIslandHarbor
I
tseemsthesummerheatiswilting
realestatesalesinCapeCoral.But
noteveryonehaslefttown.Infact
therearesignsofrenewedvigorcoming
soontoaneighborhoodnearyou!
But, frst looking at some numbers
willsetthestageforthelatesttrends
For the three month period ending
8/26/14:
Inventory of single family homes For Sale continues to decrease while
medianpricesholdfrm.NumbersofthesehomesSoldarenoticeablydown
butthemedianpriceofsoldhomesisupverysignifcantly.
Condosarefollowingthesamepattern.NumbersofListingsaredownand
medianlistedpricesareaboutthesameaspriormonths;numbersofCondos
Soldaredowndramaticallybutpricesofsoldunitsareup,up,up.
Priceshavebeengoingupsteadilynowforthepastthreeyears.Whatisvery
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
yearwecanseeahugediference:
It appears that most investors have bought up those less expensive
properties.Peoplebuyinghomesfortheirownusehavealsotakenadvantage
of lower priced properties and bought up a bunch. When the lower priced
propertiesgetsold,newerlistingsofthesametypeareusuallypricedhigher
andhigher.Demanddrivespricesupandinfationdrivespricesup,especially
whenpriceswerewellbelowmarketreplacementcosts.
Sonow,ashomepricesgetevenclosertoreplacementcost,lessaresold.
Eventhoughweareexperiencingavery,veryslowsummerseasonthereare
signsoflifeoutthereinourrealestatemarket.
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
monthlyratesareveryhighleadingresidentstounderstanditismoreoften
cheapertoownthantorent.Interestratesonmortgagesarestillvery,very
lowmakingiteasiertoafordahomeorcondoifyouhavedecentcredit.And
lastly,weareseeingrenewedinterestinforwardthinkingpeoplebuyinglots
inanticipationoffuturebuilding.
Thesignsarethere.Weareabletoreadsomeofthiswritingonthewalland
ittellsusweareinthatsummertimelullbeforeanewwaveofactivitystarts
building(punintended)asourmarketcontinuestocatchuptothenational
averagesandprices.
Having the information allows you to understand the trend. This trend is
pointingforwardandupward.Tomakegooddealsaseitherabuyerorseller,
pleasefndareputableRealtortoguideyouthroughtheprocesssafely.Happy
PropertyHuntingorSelling!
BergeAslanian(CDPE)isaRealtorinCapeCoralwithRE/MAXIslandHarbor
and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral. For
questionsaboutresidentialrealestate,pleasecallhiscell,(239)989-3463or
emailrealtorberge@att.netorvisitwww.RECapeCoral.com.
From Our Chairman
2012
Donna Meola, Kirkwood Electric
2012 Chamber Chairman
I
cant believe its December
and I am writing my last
article as Chairman of the
Board. 2012 has just fown 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 Ofce 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 unspecifed businesses. Commerce means shorter distances
to travel for your goods and services. Commerce also means a
diversifed 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 doesnt pay?)
A new Chamber mobile app was introduced in 2012.
It was also a very busy election year for our Public Afairs
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 frst 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
staf 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
REALESTATETRENDS
8-26-14
Real Estate Trends
Whats 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!
But, first looking at some numbers will set the stage for the latest trends
For the three month period ending 8/26/14:
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
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:
Aug 14 Aug13 +/- Prior Yr. % Change
Homes Sold 281 409 -128 -31.3%
Condos Sold 29 50 -21 -42%
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
8-26-14
Real Estate Trends
Whats 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!
But, first looking at some numbers will set the stage for the latest trends
For the three month period ending 8/26/14:
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
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:
Aug 14 Aug13 +/- Prior Yr. % Change
Homes Sold 281 409 -128 -31.3%
Condos Sold 29 50 -21 -42%
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
GetInTouchwithNewResidents,Prospectsand
VisitorswithourRelocationLeadsProgram!
ContactDonnaGermainat549-6900ext107or
donna@capecoralchamber.com
T
he 2014 Candidates Hobnob at
Gulf Coast Village turned out to
be one of our most successful yet.
Recordnumberscameoutfortheeventand
participatedintheCandidatesStrawPoll.
The annual event, hosted by the
Chambers Government Afairs Committee
gives the community the opportunity to
networkwiththecandidatesrunninginthe
primary election. The open house format
allows people to attend throughout the
nightattheirleisure.
We cannot do this event without our
amazing partners at Gulf Coast Village
(bottom left.) Executive Director Kevin
Ahmadi pictured with Joe Mazurkiewicz,
BillJohnson,Jr.andchamberpresidentMike
Quaintance.
Thank you as well to our wonderful
sponsors Lamar (mid right), Becker &
Poliakof (bottom left) DryZone (bottom
right), The News-Press, LAI Design
Associates, WastePro, High Fidelity Studios
andLCEC
CANDIDATESHOBNOB
Lee Memorial Health System
P.O. Box 2218
Fort Myers, FL 33902
CenturyLink Store
2710 Del Prado Blvd. South
Cape Coral, FL 33904
LCEC
4980 Bayline Dr
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
All Power Electric
2534 NE 9th Ave, Cape Coral, FL
Wades Heating and Cooling
CCI
Competent Solutions
1209 SE 9th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL
Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community
1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral
Premier Oncology Radiation
Specialists In Urology
24 Del Prado Blvd N, Cape Coral
The News-Press - Fort Myers Ofce
2442 Dr. MLK Blvd. Ft. Myers
Suntrust Bank
530 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904
4532 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904
1533 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33914
2139 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Diamond
Member
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Executive
Member
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
$
LCEC works hard to manage costs,
maintain the electric system, improve
processes and create effciencies 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 offcials 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 identifed.

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 Citys 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 hasnt raised electric
rates in nearly 5 years!
www.lcec.net 239-656-2300
Network Administration
Maintenance Agreements
Of-site Data Storage
Dell, Acer, Apple
(239) 573-1000
www.entechcomputers.com
The Wellness Center of Cape Coral is designed
with you in mind:

Degreed and certifed staf,

with medical oversight by
a physician

The most Les Mills group

exercise programs in the
area

Medical screening and

ftness assessment

Customized ftness plan for

each member

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

Body age assessment,

including strength,
fexibility, cardio
respiratory capacity and
body composition
Wellness Center
of Cape Coral
609 SE 13th Court
Cape Coral, FL 33990
239-573-4800
A healthy and
productive workforce is
essential to the success
of any business.
Free Personal
Training Session
for all chamber members
with a new one-year
membership.
T
he August Business After Hours,
hosted by Fuller Metz Cremation
and Funeral Services was centered
around nothing but Fun. Tim Hauck and
histeamdidanoutstandingjobashostsand
made the members feel welcome and kept
thementertainedthroughouttheevent.
(mid left) Funeral Friends Tim Hauck,
Fuller Metz and Chuck Warren, Coral Ridge
Funeral Home & Cemetery stop for a quick
pictureattheafterhours.
(mid right) Police Chief Connelly, Todd
Koskinas, Cape Jewelry & Pawn and Elmer
Tabor,WonderlandRealty.
(bottom left) Jef and Laura Koehn,
CapeCoral.com, Janice Keim, CCCIA and
Michelle Dean, City of Cape Coral Parks and
Recreation.
(bottom right) The Chambers new
membershipsalespersonMATTLAMB!!!with
RafaelRamos,HomeServicesbyRafaeland
ChamberchairmanAnnetteCarrasquillo,LAI
Design.
BUSINESSAFTERHOURS
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!!!
F
I
R
S
T

H
O
U
R

F
R
E
E

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 E
Cape Coral, FL 33904
(239) 549-6900
(800) 226-9609
www.capecoralchamber.com
& Have Fun!