august 2014
DESCRIPTION
Please enjoy the latest issue of the Chamber Trends MagazineTRANSCRIPT
TrendsThe Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral August 2014
Chamber
To Promote and Serve Business and Community
Business After Hours August 21, Fuller Metz
Cremation and Funeral Services
Join Us For The General Membership Lunch, August 13 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.
Welcome The Leadership Class of 2014 at Kick off
August 8th The Pink Shell Resort
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
Contributing EditorsMike Quaintance
Chamber [email protected]
Stephanie RobersonTechnology Director
Claudia St. OngeBusiness Manager
Bill Johnson, Jr. Membership Sales Director
Melanie LempkeAdministrative Generalist
Amanda BrunsonSpecial Events Coordinator
Chamber of Commerce of Cape CoralP.O. Box 100747, Cape Coral, FL 33910
2051 Cape Coral ParkwayCape Coral, FL 33904
Phone (239) 549-6900 Fax (239) 549-9609
AUGUST 2014AUGUST 6TH
2014 CANDIDATES HOBNOBGulf Coast Village
1333 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
AUGUST 8THLeadership 2014 Kick-off
The Pink Shell 275 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
5:30 PM
AUGUST 13THGENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
Palmetto Pine Country Club 1940 SW 9th Court, Cape Coral, FL 33991
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
AUGUST 21STBUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services 3740 Del Prado Boulevard S., Cape Coral, FL 33904
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
AUGUST 26THWOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Keiser University 9100 Forum Corporate Pkwy., Ft Myers, FL 33905
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
TUESDAYS YEAR ROUNDSurfside Sunset Market
The Shops at Surfside - Veterans and Surfside3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
To register for any of the above events online visit www.capecoralchamber.com
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 DirectorBill Johnson, Jr., Membership Sales Director
Stephanie Roberson, Technology DirectorMelanie Lempke, Administrative Generalist
Amanda Brunson, Special Events CoordinatorAnnette Siner, Membership Sales
Linda Kirby, Membership Sales
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUGUSTMike “Q” Quaintance, President, MBA, CCE
How about and opportunity to meet many of the candidates who are on the upcoming ballot and seeking office? That is what the
Candidate’s Hobnob provides on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 5:30 PM at Gulf Coast Village. The event is free and open to the public and includes complimentary food provided by Gulf Coast Village and a cash bar. Please remember to check out our Government Affairs Website at www.capecoralvoice.com!
As of the date of this article, it looks as though the Chamber’s Leadership Cape Coral class will have 28 participants. That is a great size class for this program that started in 1993. This 14-week program focuses on public safety, education, healthcare, utilities and other aspects of operating a community. Knowledge levels of the participants will at least double concerning the needs of our community. This program kicks off Friday, August 8 at The Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach.
Every Tuesday the chamber hosts the Surfside Sunset Farmers’ Market at the Shops at Surfside. It is a great place to purchase fresh produce, experience some healthy alternatives and then support chamber member Woody’s Surfside Island Restaurant in the same plaza. If you would appreciate a larger selection,
the Chamber currently has 45 member restaurants to patronize. Please visit www.capecoralchamber.com to view your choices.
The General Membership Meeting will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at Palmetto Pine Country Club at 11:30 am. We have a distinguished marketing panel to illuminate you as to the latest and greatest ideas in marketing and public relations. Call 549-6900 ext. 300 to make reservations or go to www.capecoralchamber.com.
On Thursday, August 21, 2014, we are going to have an AWESOME Business After Hours at Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services located at 3740 Del Prado Blvd. South. Tim Hauck, the long tenured key figure for the organization has lots of fun stuff planned for the benefit of our members. I have been sworn to secrecy, but if you know Tim, you know his nickname is Mr. Fun! We look forward to seeing you for this networking extravaganza on 8/21/2014 at 5:30 PM!
The Annual Member Survey also takes place in August. We need as much participation as our members can provide so the Chamber Board of Director can create the 2015 Business Plan. This plan gives direction to the committees and staff as to the current and future needs of the membership. This is your greatest opportunity for input. Please help us, help you!
The Women’s Leadership Conference will be Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at Keiser University. This is a great opportunity to listen and learn from other successful women leaders inside and outside our community. Most of these speakers have shattered the glass ceiling in corporate America. For more information, please contact Amanda at [email protected] or (239) 549-6900 ext. 111.
Therefore, if you are not taking advantage of these opportunities, you are missing some great ones that will help you grow your business.
Q’s WORLD
2014 Candidates Hobnob
August 6thGulf Coast Village
1333 Santa Barbara Boulevard Cape Coral, Florida 33991
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us for Hors D'oeuvres & Meet Your Local, State and federal Candidates
Straw Poll Conducted by The Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office
FREE Event - Open To The Public
Sponsored By
LAI Design Associates - WastePro - Dry ZoneLCEC
Please RSVP at (239) 549-6900 ext 300. For More information call (239) 549-6900 ext 107
A Family of Senior Living Options
New
4 Words Foundation, Inc. Marie Springsteen
Baywood Veterinary Hospital
Elizabeth Smith,DVM,MS
Dry Zone, Inc. Darlene Snyder
Florida Vet on Wheels Leena Plavumkel
Foster’s Grille Don Kelly
The Hair Color Experts Gary Benson
It’s IT LLC. Dennis L Shelton
Jones, Haber & Rollings, PL Charles C Jones
Landscape Pro’s of SWFL James Ciamillo
Professional Secure Assistance
David Hampton
Ron’s BarbershopRon Villanueva
Southern Customs LLC Joshua Huston
Southern Premier Homes Chris Cheney
Southern Premier Realty Chris Cheney
Waterside Wine Club MaryJane Baker Vu
WJ Bachman Mechanical Sheetmetal
Willard Bachman
You Choose Cleaning Inc. Jesus M Bermudez
Renewals
Allied Portables, LLCMember Since: 07/27/2012
American Business Women’s Assoc.
Member Since: 06/01/1993
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Member Since: 07/19/2006
BottomLine Solutions, LLCMember Since: 04/29/2009
Brents Music & SoundMember Since: 02/01/1998
Cape Coral Charter SchoolMember Since: 03/18/2011
Cape Coral Insurance Group, LLC
Member Since: 09/01/1994
Century 21 Selling ParadiseMember Since: 07/18/2012
Cheetah Printing & SignsMember Since: 06/27/2012
Chicago PizzaMember Since: 06/24/2008
Crown Trophy of Cape CoralMember Since: 04/16/2004
CRS Technology ConsultantsMember Since: 04/01/1996
Florida Buyer BrokerMember Since: 08/13/2003
Floridian Insurance AgencyMember Since: 08/18/2008
Gary Shierling D.D.S., P.A.Member Since: 06/07/2007
Gulfshore BusinessMember Since: 06/20/2008
High Fidelity StudiosMember Since: 11/17/2008
Home Services By RafaelMember Since: 08/22/2007
HONC Docks & Lifts, IncMember Since: 05/25/2010
Kiwanis Club of Cape CoralMember Since: 05/21/2012
Kobayashi Dojo / Main Campus
Member Since: 03/01/1997
Koogler Homes, Inc.Member Since: 06/04/2001
Men’s Rights Law FirmMember Since: 10/06/2008
Miz Catherine’s - A Dessert Cafe’
Member Since: 11/30/2012
Quality Pest Control of S.W. FLA, Inc.
Member Since: 03/16/2009
Ramos Builders, Inc.Member Since: 05/30/2000
Realty World - FloridaMember Since: 12/29/2006
Shell Factory & Nature ParkMember Since: 06/01/2009
Siesta Pebble Pool InteriorsMember Since: 11/21/2011
Southwest Florida Copier Service
Member Since: 06/13/2012
Stabley Marketing, LLCMember Since: 04/11/2012
SunTrust BankMember Since: 02/17/2010
Tim Collier-State FarmMember Since: 12/01/1990
Top Florida Properties, LLCMember Since: 07/26/2000
Villa Homes of SW FLMember Since: 12/01/2001
JUNE NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS
GET OUT AND VOTE!Annette Carrasquillo, LAI Design Associates
2014 Chairman
Mark your calendars! On August 26th, all registered voters will have the right to vote in the
Primary Election. This election includes Judges, Lee County
School Board, Lee County Hospital Board, Lee County Commission, State Senate and Representatives, Florida Governor and
Federal Congressional seats.Our County, State and Nation need leaders that are experienced and
proven; leaders that will jump in and help all the citizens. We need people who are dedicated, have knowledge and can move our County, State and Country forward.
I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with those seeking election in the August Primary and then in the November General Election. It is one of the most important votes you will cast!
If you have not had the chance to attend a forum or debate, the Government Affairs Committee will be hosting the annual Candidate Hobnob on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Gulf Coast Village at 5:30 PM. This is a meet and greet event where you will have an opportunity to speak to those candidates that are running.
Remember, early voting for the Primary Election starts on August 16 and runs through August 23, 2014. In addition, you can still request an absentee ballot by calling 239-533-6919.
Remember, voting is a privilege and our opportunity to make our voice heard. I encourage everyone to please Get Out to Vote – August 26th, 2014. Together the voice of our strong Chamber membership can make a difference!
CHAMBER TRENDS
& Have Fun!
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
We had another packed house for the July General Membership Meeting at Bonefish Grill. The Chamber welcomed
Guest Speaker Mei Mei Chan, Publisher of The News-Press. (top right)
The Chamber also welcomed quite a few new members at the lunch. Each member had the opportunity to address the membership and provide a short speech about their business (top left)
The Lucky 13 Leadership Class of 2013 (mid left) gave a very special presentation to Guardian Angels For Special Populations and Voices For Kids. The group raised more than $21,000 dollars at their Casino In The Cape Event in April. The proceeds were split between the two organizations.
(Bottom Left) Thank you to Lynnie Guzman and the team from The News-Press for being our annual lunch sponsors along with CenturyLink and LCEC.
(Bottom Right) Our 2014 Chairman Annette Carrasquillo prepares to lead the July General Membership Lunch.
SPONSOR THE CLASS OF 2014 At KICK-OFF___ Scott Blonde, The Breeze Newspapers - Sponsored By Bubba’s Roadhouse
___ Greg Blurton, Investors’ Security Trust - Sponsored By Siesta Pebble
___ Christin Collins, Lee Memorial Health System - Sponsored By Lee Memorial Health System
___ Eileen DeLuca, Florida SouthWestern State College
___ Rana Erbrick, Cape Coral City Council, Dist 5
___ Julie Ferguson, Cape Coral Caring Center - Sponsored By Mortgage 1, Inc.
___ Paul Flores, Waste Pro of Florida - Sponsored By WastePro
___ Jonathan Gabel, Priority Payments South Florida - Sponsored By Black Business Solutions
___ 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 - Sponsored By ACRA Electric
___ Chris Nicely, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community
___ Dan Puleio, Cape Cleaners - Sponsored By First Merchant Payment Systems
___ Sarah Sheffield, Massage Envy Spa - Cape Coral - Sponsored By Don Schnell Mutual
of Omaha Bank
___ Tracy Siekmann, City of Cape Coral Parks & Rec
___ Annette Siner, Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral - Sponsored By Patrick Quinlan, Broker Associate
Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group
___ Ross Smith, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC
___ Debbie Stella, Lee County Electric Cooperative - LCEC
___ Margie Stevens, A Touch Of Class Pet Grooming
___ Emily Teachout, American Cancer Society - Sponsored By Jet’s Pizza
___ Steven Teuber, Neaher & Teuber, P.L.
___ Dottie Tronnes, Gulf Coast Village Retirement Community
___ Chuck Warren, Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery - Sponsored By UBS Financial - Karen S. Barnes
___ Russ Winstead, FGCU-Small Business Development Center
Leadership Cape Coral Kick-Off
B U S I N E S S N A M E
B I L L I N G A D D R E S S
C A R D N U M B E R
C A R D T Y P E E X P I R A T I O N D A T E T H R E E D I G I T C O D E
P H O N E E - M A I L
August 8, 2014 The Pink Shell Ft. Myers Beach, 6:30 pm
$100 SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES• Sponsor Name In
Program• Sponsor Logo In Rotating
Power Point at Event• Sponsor Name in All
E-mail Invitations to Kick-off Sponsor Name on Event Webpage
• Sponsor Recognition on all social media sites (12,000 contacts)
• Does not include dinner
Please Fax or e-mail to Donna Germain
[email protected] (239) 549-6900 ext 107
(239) 549-9609 fax
SUGAR BY ANOTHER NAME
Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O.Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee
Memorial Health System
As many of the readers may know from my past articles, I have written about the importance
of reading the labels on all food and drink products. This is an essential part of understanding nutrition but often times it is somewhat confusing. A perfect example is sugar. Did you know that there are dozens
of different names for compounds that are all classified as sugar? This is extremely important when understanding the components of a food or drink product. If you do not understand the names on the label, how will you know if it is a healthy food product to eat or drink?
We all know the reasons for needing to understand the amounts of sugar in any food and drink: excess sugar in the diet is linked to diabetes, pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease, some forms of dementia as well as other diseases. Also, since cancers primarily use sugar as its energy source, this is another reason to be concerned about the amount of sugar in your diet.
Before we get into the exact names for the different types of sugar, let’s discuss some of the reasons why excess sugar in the diet can be detrimental to health. We know that the brain preferentially uses sugar(glucose) for energy; and that glucose is stored in the skeletal muscles which use it for energy. Therefore, if we think of glucose as an energy source, then the next question that comes up is: what happens to the excess glucose if it is not used for energy? The answer is: it is converted into fat and in addition, it also affects all the proteins in the body through a process called glycosolation. The sugar molecules actually attach to many proteins in the body affecting the normal function of these proteins. This process is also known to contribute to and advance the aging of an individual.
When we look at the amount of energy produced by sugar, picture one teaspoon of ordinary white table sugar (sucrose) which is actually a combination of glucose and fructose. Each teaspoon contains 16 calories which is 4 grams of sugar. Notice that food labels tell you how many grams of sugar is in one serving of the food or drink. When reading the labels, convert grams to teaspoons so you can fully visualize and understand how much sugar the product contains.
Next, picture one 12 ounce can of regular soda which contains about 10 teaspoons or 160 calories of sugar. If you drink one can of regular soda daily for one year, you have added 58,400 calories to your diet; and if you do not “burn off” these calories with exercise, then you have added more than 16 pounds to your waistline. Depending on the literature that you read, the recommended limit for sugar is about 6 to 9 teaspoons per day. Unfortunately the average American takes in about 26 teaspoons per day. When you do the math, this comes out to about 84 pounds of sugar in one year. When you start to read all the food and drink labels and knowing the different names for sugar, you will see that sugar is in most food products and this is one of the reasons why Americans end up consuming so much sugar. When we look at the statistics of what Americans actually consume, it is staggering to know that we consume 15 billion gallons of soft drinks per year, 2.7 billion Krispy Kreme donuts, and 500 million Twinkies! No wonder diabetes, obesity, and heart disease are now epidemic in our population.
Let’s now look at the various names for sugar. Based on a federal law that was passed after World War II, a “sugar” must have at least 96% of all other plant matter stripped from it in order to be called sugar. When you realize that 90% of the bulk of cane sugar is fiber, protein and other nutrients, we realize that all of this is lost in the sugar refining process.
Barley Malt is one name for sugar and this is a mild natural sweetener made from barley sprouts and is less sweet and has less effect on the blood glucose and insulin levels. How different sugars affect the blood glucose level is called the “glycemic index”. In essence this is the sugar’s ability to quickly increase blood glucose levels and the higher the number the more detrimental the sugar. As a reference, glucose has a glycemic index of 100. Dry dates or a white potato have around the same glycemic index level which mean they have the same effect on the speed and height of the blood glucose rise. At the other end of the glycemic index spectrum are soybeans and peanuts with a glycemic index around 10 to 20. This means they increase the blood glucose level more slowly and not to such a high level. Brown and white rice, a sweet potato, banana, power bars and honey fall into the mid-range glycemic index category around 50. So if you are using the glycemic index to make selections on sugary foods, just remember that the lower the number, the healthier the product.
Blackstrap molasses is another type of sugar and this is what is left over at the bottom of the barrel in the sugar refining process. Black strap molasses contain more calcium than milk and is a rich source of potassium, but it still has a high glycemic index and can wreak havoc on the blood glucose levels.
Brown sugar is made by blending white sugar with molasses and therefore has little advantage over white sugar.
Corn syrup is another sugar that you might see on a food label and is commercially produced from cornstarch. This is a very refined food with a very high glycemic index. It is simple to remember that the more refined/processed the food or drink product, the less healthy it is. The refining process removed many of the nutrients necessary for good health. So go natural!
Date sugar is made from dried and ground dates which is very tasty but has a high glycemic index.
Fructose is another name for sugar and this is found in many fruits and has a glycemic index of 20. Therefore, it is very useful for diabetics because it is fully absorbed from the intestinal tract and has less effect on the blood glucose levels.
Fruit juice concentrate is another name for sugar and because of the high concentration of fructose has a more favorable glycemic index.
Honey is another type of sugar which is formed when bees partially digest the nectar from flowers. Honey is usually about 31% glucose, 38% fructose, 9% other sugars but also contains other helpful compounds that appear to be antiseptic and antibiotic (help fight infections).
Lactose is milk sugar and it is known that about 50 to 90% of adults are lactose intolerant and therefore do not digest this sugar well.
Maltitol is a relatively new sugar found in health food stores and is made from corn. It has a better glycemic index than sucrose or table sugar. It also has 25% fewer calories per gram.
Maple syrup is a concentrated sweetener from the center of a sugar maple tree. Unless the product is labeled as pure maple sugar, it is probably mixed with corn syrup to decrease the cost. The glycemic index of maple sugar is just a little better than white table sugar.
Rice syrup is made by culturing rice with digestive enzymes to break down the starch into glucose. Rice syrup is a tasty food with a high glycemic index.
Sorbitol is a sugar substitute derived from corn and is absorbed slowly requiring little insulin and therefore is helpful in diabetics.
HEALTHY TRENDS
Xylitol is a sugar substitute extracted from Birch wood chips and is used in chewing gum.
Tagatose is the name of a new sugar substitute. Sorghum molasses is another type of sugar which is produced from the
concentrated juice of the sorghum plant which is a cereal grain.Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener derived from the Stevia plant.Splenda (sucralose) is an artificial sweetener invented in 1976 and is made from
sugar and does not significantly raise blood sugar.Turbinado sugar is raw sugar that has been washed of its molasses content but is
basically overpriced white sugar.Nutrasweet/Equal is a sugar substitute that contains Aspartame which is a
chemical that is 180 times sweeter than table sugar; and is contained in 1200 products in America. This appears to be a dangerous chemical which, in many studies, has been associated with brain cancer, depression, chronic headaches and other health problems. In the body, Aspartame breaks down to methyl alcohol (wood alcohol) and is very toxic and should be avoided at all cost.
Saccharin is another sugar substitute which is derived from petroleum and toluene which is a solvent used to decrease the knocking of automobile engines. Knowing this (and the information about Aspartame) should we really be ingesting it? Some studies reveal an association between saccharin and bladder cancer.
A product called Sweet One was approved by the FDA in 1988 as a sugar substitute but some studies have implicated this chemical as another cause for cancer. Much of this information leads us back to the sugar-cancer link. Research is being done
at many world class institutes to understand how we can manipulate the diet in order to starve the cancer and feed the patient and his/her immune system. At the prestigious Harvard University, they have developed a TPN (total parenteral nutrition) formula which contains much less glucose(sugar) and more protein and fat. TPN is a nutrition formula given into the veins in order to get large amounts of healthy nutrients into very sick patients.
What is the take home message? It appears that sugar is more of a drug than a food. In small amounts it provides the brain with its primary energy source; and glucose stores up in the muscles and liver to provide us with a quick source of energy to move about and to use for exercise. But since we probably ingest three times the amount of sugar that we need in our daily diet, all this excess sugar increases the risk of many chronic medical problems and many common cancers.
If you want to learn more about these topics an interesting “YouTube” video to watch is called “The Secrets of Sugar”; and a great book to read is called “Salt, Sugar & Fat” by Michael Moss. Reading, questioning and learning are the best ways to ensure you have accurate information that enables you to continue getting stronger and healthier each and every day. Stay well my friends and as always please send questions and comments to [email protected]
Dr. SalVP of Health & WellnessLee Memorial Health System
HEALTHY TRENDS (CONTINUED)
August 26, 2014 - Keiser University9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33905
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.$99.00 per person - Includes Breakfast and Lunch
Speakers Include...Eva Krzewinski,MBA.,CHRM - President/ Partner Pearls for Women, LLC
Lorna J. Kibbey, MBA, CPM - Kibbey Leadership Solutions
Topics...Managing Personality Types- DISC, Finding your own Leadership Style
Breakout Sessions...Influence and Negotiation, Effective CommunicationOrganization and Time Management, Teambuilding
Succession PlanningRSVP at www.capecoralchamber.com - (239) 549-6900 ext 111 For More Information
Capturing Life in The Cape
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEWomen’s
CHAMBER of COMMERCE of CAPE CORAL
As the summer months are upon us it becomes harder and harder for families and individuals to find sources for food. School programs slow down for the younger generation and in many
cases our food pantries see critical lows in inventory. Please help us Feed The Cape and Save Our Summer. Donate your canned goods, non-perishable food items or cash donations at the
following locations!
For More Info: 239.549.6900 | www.capecoralchamber.com2051 Cape Coral Parkway E. | Cape Coral, Florida 33904
SPONSORED IN PART BY:
HELP US, HELP OTHERS!
Arthur Printing - 1518 SE 46th Ln Bubba’s Roadhouse - 2121 SW Pine Island Rd,Cape Coral Caring Center - 4645 SE 15th Ave.
Century 21 Sunbelt - 725 Cape Coral Parkway W.CCCIA - 611 S.E. 11th Street, Suite A
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral - 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy E.FOS Furniture - 790 Del Prado Blvd. N.
IBERIABANK - 1715 Cape Coral Pkwy WIBERIABANK - 812 Del Prado Blvd S
IBERIABANK - 2546 Heydon Ln
Ken’s Auto Repair - 4533 Del Prado BlvdPremier Insurance - 1326 Cape Coral Pkwy E
Raso Realty - 4812 Cape Coral St. Rumrunners - 5848 Cape Harbour Drive,
Siesta Pebble Pool Interiors - 1126 SE 12th CourtSpiro & Associates - 12651 McGregor Blvd., Suite 4-402, FM
Surfside Sunset Farmer’s Market – Veterans Parkway &Surfside Blvd. (The Shops at Surfside, Tuesdays 3pm - 8pm)
SunSplash - 400 Santa Barbara Blvd
• 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 & MORE
Sleep Number by Select ComfortJames Recca
12641 S Cleveland Ave Unit 102Ft. Myers, FL 33907
(239) 362-0158www.sleepnumber.com
SCHEDULE YOUR RIBBON CUTTING TODAY!
Contact Donna Germain at
549-6900 ext 107 or donna@
capecoralchamber.com
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]
(Top and Mid Right) We had a great turnout for this month’s Business Card Exchange hosted by The American Cancer Society and Dry Zone. Thank you to everyone who came out to support these two members and make some new business connections.
To Whom it may concern,
The below information is a golf tournament on August 23rd, 2014, that is being hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Ft. Myers to benefit For the Kids Foundation.
For The Kids Foundation is a 501c3 organization that benefits the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of SW Florida. For The Kids Foundation provides entertainment, activities, special treats and supports the Child Life Specialists at the hospital. Serving the children of SW Florida for seven years we continue to bring smiles to the faces of these kids who are fighting for their lives.
For The Kids Foundation is comprised of a group of volunteers that strive to ensure the mission is fulfilled, money is spent wisely and most importantly that the children get what they need.
Our Board of Directors are dedicated to providing the best services we can to the pediatric patients at The Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. The board members are made up of volunteers who will accept no compensation for the many hours, hard work and dedication that they give. With a diverse background including business owners, accounting, leadership, and professional backgrounds; the foundation is strong and very capable of long term success.
The only compensation the board members receive is seeing the smiles on the children's faces. We strive to be an open nonprofit organization sharing our information and ensuring that we are financially responsible and ensure that the funds we raise are used appropriately and ethically in our own community.
Please help our foundation raise funds to benefit our local children in their time of need. Your donation is tax-exempt.
SUMMERTIME AT THE CAPE
Berge Aslanian (CDPE) Realtor, RE/MAX Island Harbor
Last month we saw evidence of summertime doldrums in terms of Cape Coral real estate activity.
Are we getting better? Let’s look at the numbers to see…
For the three month period ending 7/29/14:
Single family home inventory for sale continues to decrease as listed prices are holding firm. Less homes for sale with steady prices indicates buyers are still buying but inventory is not replenishing at the same rate as sales. Homes sold at current prices support the fact that homes are still in demand at prices higher than last year.
Condos for sale have decreased and listing prices steady. Numbers of condos sold this past month decreased but the median price increased. Inexpensive units are selling out and price points for condos sold are moving up.
We have some great information but the real question is “what does this all mean?” Well, here is an overview that should generate some discussion.
Most of our politicians seem to manipulate numbers to serve their specific purposes. For instance, Washington says we don’t have inflation. I guess these people haven’t been to the supermarket or gas station recently. Everything is higher than it was before and prices continue to go up. Isn’t it interesting that Congress votes themselves cost of living expense increases that are almost double the cost of living increases granted to social security recipients? Fuzzy
math? What else could it be. Our fearless leaders have been spending a lot of money on a lot of things,
some questionable and some necessary. But, when you spend more than you have, it is called deficit spending and we are experts in that. Our debt is quadruple what it was before the current leadership took control.
One of the ways of delaying the impact of deficit spending is to print more money. And so they do. The downside to this is that the buying power of each dollar is diminished. It simply takes more money to buy the same loaf of bread or gallon of gas. That impact trickles down into everything we buy, including building materials and labor.
As inflation creeps into our lives (whether or not our leaders admit it), prices of just about everything go up. That house you can buy today for $150,000 will cost $180,000 or more next year. Yep, that is a conservative 20% increase. If you are going to buy anyway, why pay $30,000 more tomorrow for what you can get today?
Our local media have reported already that home sales are up in Lee and Collier Counties. We aren’t yet seeing this improvement in Cape Coral. However, with inflation around the corner, smart people will buy ahead of the increases, especially now that they can see growth is happening in other county communities.
If you can generate 20% returns on your investments, please stay with them. If, like most people, 20% returns would be a gift, then please think about real estate to see if it is right for your situation.
Where else can you buy a place to live in, deduct the mortgage interest and property tax from your federal return and enjoy a 20% or more increase on your purchase price? We have seen many cases where it is significantly cheaper to own than it is to rent.
Astute buyers and sellers always try to stay a step ahead of the trend. All indicators are trending upward now and low fruit is ripe for the picking. But please, please find a reputable Realtor and work with him or her to maximize your satisfaction while improving your outcome. 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 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
7-30-14Real Estate Trends
Summertime at the Cape
Last month we saw evidence of summertime doldrums in terms of Cape Coral real estate activity. Are we getting better? Let’s look at the numbers to see…
For the three month period ending 7/29/14:
May ’14 June ’14 July ‘14Homes Median $ Homes Median $ Homes Median $
For Sale 1777 $248,750 1664 $249,500 1557 $249,500Sold 378 $165,000 373 $166,250 320 $159,750
May ’14 June ’14 July ‘14Condos Median $ Condos Median $ Condos Median $
For Sale 302 $144,250 290 $149,750 273 $149,000Sold 61 $130,000 53 $115,000 45 $118,000
Single family home inventory for sale continues to decrease as listed prices are holding firm. Less homes for sale with steady prices indicates buyers are still buying but inventory is not replenishing at the same rate as sales. Homes sold at current prices support the fact that homes are still in demand at prices higher than last year.
Condos for sale have decreased and listing prices steady. Numbers of condos sold this past month decreased but the median price increased. Inexpensive units are selling out and price points for condos sold are moving up.
We have some great information but the real question is “what does this all mean?” Well, here is an overview that should generate some discussion.
Most of our politicians seem to manipulate numbers to serve their specific purposes. For instance, Washington says we don’t have inflation. I guess these people haven’t been to the supermarket or gas station recently. Everything is higher than it was before and prices continue to go up. Isn’t it interesting that Congress votes themselves cost of living expense increases that are almost double the cost of living increases granted to social security recipients? Fuzzy math? What else could it be.
Our fearless leaders have been spending a lot of money on a lot of things, some questionable and some necessary. But, when you spend more than you have, it is called deficit spending and we are experts in that. Our debt is quadruple what it was before the current leadership took control.
One of the ways of delaying the impact of deficit spending is to print more money. And so they do. The downside to this is that the buying power of each dollar is diminished. It simply takes more money to buy the same loaf of bread or gallon of gas. That impact trickles down into everything we buy, including building materials and labor.
As inflation creeps into our lives (whether or not our leaders admit it), prices of just about everything go up. That house you can buy today for $150,000 will cost $180,000 or more next year. Yep, that is a conservative 20% increase. If you are going to buy anyway, why pay $30,000 more tomorrow for what you can get today?
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.
The July Business After Hours, hosted by Lee Memorial Health System at the Cape Coral Wellness Center, not
only served as a great networking venue for our members, but also wrapped up the Chamber’s annual fitness challenge.
In the three years since its inception, the annual fitness challenge has served as a life changing platform for many of our members and the community.
(Top Left) Tom Hayden, Community Conversations Editor of The News-Press gave his testimonial on how the challenge helped him to live a healthier life.
(Pictured Below) Some of the Challenge winners as well as challenge facilitator Salvatore Lacagnina, D.O., Vice President of Health & Wellness, Lee Memorial Health System.
(Bottom Right) Patrick Quinlan, Miloff Aubuchon Realty and Amanda Brunson, Special Events Coordinator for the Chamber.
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!