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Visit Our Sponsor Websites 
Community Bank of Cape Coral Website
Visit Our Sponsor Websites 
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Angela Davis Website
Advertise in the Chamber Trends Weekly
Place your banner ad here for ONLY $50.00 A MONTH.The Chamber Trends Weekly E-Newsletter reaches more than 1200 Chamber members weekly. The ad features your artwork and a link directly to your website.As a special value to advertisers, we have also added a sign up link on our website so future members and the public can receive this e-newsletter and learn about different Chamber Functions. All together our distribution is about 1350 a month and growing.Sign up today by calling Donna Germain at 458-4894 or e-mail at donna@capecoralchamber.com
We Want You - Volunteers Needed For Chamber Welcome Center Central
Are you outgoing? Have knowledge about Cape Coral and surrounding areas? Would you like to share your knowledge and experiences with visitors to our Welcome Center? Come volunteer with us!
Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center Central
61 Hancock Bridge Pkwy W. Suite A
Cape Coral
Days and hours available are
Tuesdays
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesdays
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
For more information call Mimi or Donna at 458-4894.
Chamber Certificates.Com
Mike "Q" Quaintance, President
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral is proud to announce a new program that doesn't cost Chamber members one penny other then the offer.
This is a new feature that resides on our website at www.capecoralchamber.com called CHAMBERCERTIFICATE.COM.
Each month over 12,000 people visit the Chamber website and many could be directed of those people to your business. Check out some of the offers our members are advertising right now and then if your are interested sign up to offer your certificate today!
For questions please call Stephanie Roberson at (239) 699-8442 or Mike Quaintance at (239) 549-6900 ext 106 and we will get you on the Chamber bus today!
Sincerely,
Mike "Q" Quaintance, President
Season is here enroll in the Chamber E-mail Leads and Stuff It Program
Donna Germain, Communications Director
Season is here and more and more people are inquiring about visiting and relocating to our city. The Chamber E-mail Leads and Stuff it Program will put your company information in their hands and put you in contact with them directly.
Each week, you will be e-mailed a list of prospective new residents and visitors; they will also have received your marketing materials in a Visitor and Relocation Packet.
For more information, please call Donna Germain at 458-4894 or e-mail her at donna@capecoralchamber.com. The cost is $150.00 for 6 months or $300.00 for the year.
Mardi Gras! Fund Raiser to Continue to Serve Children in Southwest Florida
Saturday, April 5
7:00 pm until 11:00 p.m.
43l5 Metro Parkway, 4th Floor
Ft. Myers, FL 33916
Tickets: $75 per person
CCSWFL's Mission is to initiate, coordinate, promote and provide high quality child care through leadership, service and education for families and businesses in Southwest Florida. We believe that every child deserves high quality learning opportunities in a safe, nurturing environment to succeed. All proceeds from this fund raiser will be used to benefit children in Southwest Florida and help CCSWFL reach its Mission.
For more information or to RSVP, contact carmeng@ccswfl.org or bobs@ccswfl.org or call CCSWFL at (239) 278-l002. To learn more about CCSWFL, please check out our website at www.ccswfl.org.
Chamber Trends E-Newsletter March 28th - April 3rd
Health Insurance Premiums Running Amuck
Mike "Q" Quaintance, Chamber President
Recently, the Chamber of Commerce received its new health insurance quotes from its insurance carrier and yet again a substantial increase in premiums compared to our annual revenue. Most of our small business community has seen a reduction in annual revenue during the past year yet insurance and other cost continue to escalate. I read a report recently from the Kaiser Family Foundation that from 2000 to 2005 the percentage of employers offering health insurance coverage dropped from 69 percent to 60 percent. I have heard Jim Nathan, CEO from Lee Memorial Health System state the challenges that LMHS has by providing services to the growing uninsured that are often unable to pay for necessary health services.
I believe that many of these uninsured patients that LMHS has to deal with are a result of spiraling premium cost as is illustrated by this example; from 2000 to 2005 premium costs grew at 5.5 times the rate of inflation and 2.3 times the rate of business income growth. (source Florida Chamber of Commerce) These spiraling costs make it difficult for small employers continue to provide coverage.
Data collected by the Florida Department of Financial Services indicates that from 1996 to 2004, the number of small businesses offering health insurance coverage dropped by 53%. As the prices continue to spiral we can only assume that more small businesses will be faced with the need to discontinue coverage in order to provide jobs and cost effective products and services. It would seem that the health insurance industry would continue to see diminishing returns as fewer people are enrolled in the health insurance programs and program costs continue to rise.
In other markets such as Ohio, business groups such as COSE exist to create larger pooled groups which tend to distribute risk more efficiently, thus reducing premiums. Larger companies enjoy these economies of scale but small businesses are deprived of these economies by the State of Florida. Prior to my tenure as the Chamber President, Florida did allow association programs to create larger health insurance pools to distribute the risk more efficiently, however state legislation made these options go away. While I don't believe that these association programs are the end all to the health insurance crisis that exists, they can provide some relieve to small business.
So what can we do? Support the Florida Chamber of Commerce by calling them at (850) 521-1242 to add your support, call your local state government officials, State Senator Burt Saunders in Tallahassee (850) 487-5124 - email: saunders.burt.web@flsenate.gov, or State Representative Gary Aubuchon (850) 488-7433 - email: garyaubuchon@myfloridahouse.gov to voice your concerns. The old adage that the squeaky wheel gets the oil is so vary true even at this level of government. Those are my thoughts; I'd love to hear yours.
Mike Quaintance, President
Claudia St. Onge, Business Manager
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral's Education Committee is gearing up for The News-Press 16th Annual Excellence In Education Awards to be held on April 28th at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.
This is a wonderful event where we honor students from Elementary to High School and our Educators. Be A Part Of The 2008 "Eddy's"! Your Support Helps To Recognize "The Student Of The Year" And "The Educator Of The Year" From Each Of Our Local Schools. Your Generous Sponsorship Will Help Us Continue To Complete Our Mission "Promoting Education To Develop Our Future Leaders"
Public Affairs Coimmittee Report - March 17th Council Meeting Annette Carrasquillo, Committee ChairThe following report outlines actions taken by Cape Coral City Council this past week during the Regular City Council Meeting.
Consent Agenda Items:
1. Awarded the Construction of Chantry Canal Boat for a Total Cost of $1,509,200.00 to Brandanna, Inc.
2. Awarded the Design/Build Services for Water Reclamation Building Renovation (Total Value: N/A at this Time) to The Haskell Company.
3. Accepted two (2) Permanent Utility Easements on a portion of Block 4848, Cape Coral Subdivision as required as part of the Cape Tuscany project.
4. Approved a Contract for Purchase of a portion of 1025 Santa Barbara Boulevard for the Santa Barbara Boulevard Widening Project for the dollar value of $8,280.00.
5. Approved a modified Mediated Settlement Agreement for the eminent domain case of City of Cape Coral v. VK Cape Coral, LLC, et al., to resolve the acquisition of Project Parcels 1 and 2 for the Public Safety Facility for total costs of $8,400,000.00 (this was an amendment to the original agreement).
6. Approved the North Central Loop Interlocal Agreement with Tax Collector.
7. Donated Two Salvaged Golf Carts to Ida Baker High School.
8. Approved the Strategic Planning Priorities for Fiscal Year 2008-09.
9. Approved an agreement with LCEC for the Design of Electrical Transmission Facilities to be relocated along Santa Barbara Boulevard for a Dollar Value of $73,000.00.
10. Approved the write-off of uncollectible Utility Account Funds owed to the City for Calendar Year 2006, Dollar Value: $342,790.10.
Personnel Actions:
- Hire twelve (12) Firefighters and promote two (2) Engineers and three (3) Firefighters for the Fire Department. These positions are lower than the amount originally budgeted, but required due to staffing of new stations.
During Citizens Input, many people spoke about the issue regarding trees in the right-of-way and under power lines. Council moved to withhold action for 60 days (taken last week) on these trees and will review the requirements in the Landscape Use Regulations for acceptable trees and placement. Councilmember Grill is taking the lead on this review.
Appointments to Boards and Committees:
1. Appointed Ralf Brookes to Land Use; Environmental Permitting; Enforcement Disputes Special Master.
2. Appointed Kari Rathburn to Charter School Governing Board.
3. Appointed John Barth, Phil Boeller, Robert Dudley, Arnold Kempe, Angelo Montemarano, John Sullivan, Gordon Ultsch and Jack Schrager to the Utilities Expansion Program Committee.
Administrative Items:
1. Approved an Interlocal Agreement for School Concurrency with the School Board of Lee County.
2. Approved Staff Recommendation for the Suspension of Sirenia Vista Park Development at this time due to Budget constraints.
Resolutions and Ordinances:
1) Res. 10-08 APPROVED
WHAT THE RESOLUTION ACCOMPLISHES: Vacation of Plat for Street Right-of-Way Located between 4555 SE 6th Court and 710 SE 46th Street.
2) Res. 13-08 APPROVED
WHAT THE RESOLUTION ACCOMPLISHES: Establishes a Policy for Reduction of Code Enforcement Liens Imposed on Property as a Result of Violations of the City's Code of Ordinances.
3.) Res. 14-08 APPROVED
WHAT THE RESOLUTION ACCOMPLISHES: Establishes Code Enforcement Lien Waiver/Amnesty Program for Property Owners who meet Certain Criteria.
- Business After Hours Sponsorship - $750/event - 1/2009
- General Membership Luncheon Sponsorships (limit 2) - $500/meeting - 1/2009
- General Membership Luncheon Admittance - $20pp with reservation, $23pp without reservation - 10/2008
- Five additional opportunities to market at the General Membership Luncheon by adding trade tables for businesses to display their product or service and to distribute literature to the members - opportunity available immediately
- Only materials from presenters, first time new members, chamber and business cards will be permitted to be distributed at General Membership Luncheons to provide value for sponsorships and Trade Tables and to eliminate the number of materials placed at table settings - to be implemented immediately.
These price changes better reflect what is happening to cost to provide these services to our members. The additional opportunities make available marketing opportunities to members to showcase their business at an affordable price.
Relay For Life Volunteers Needed!
It is that time of year again and we need your support.
Relay For Life is such a special community event and we cannot do it without the help of VOLUNTEERS.
We need VOLUNTEERS for everything from Set-Up to Luminaria to Clean-up the next day.
Relay For Life
April 4th - 5th
Mariner High School
701 Chiquita Blvd.
For More Information Contact Donna Germain, Volunteer Chair (239) 458-4894 or e-mail donna@capecoralchamber.com
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral has a new innovative program for members utilizing the lobby advertising called "Coupon Centers", and it has members seeing green! Tens of thousands of visitors stop in to the visitors centers each year to obtain visitor and relocation information.
The Chamber has provided image building lobby opportunities for years, now we have redemption opportunities available for members who seek measurable results.
Our first opportunity is at the Welcome Center at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. We will offer nine opportunities at the coupon center targeting visitors and nine opportunities on the coupon center targeting new residents.
These unique opportunities will provide those member sponsors with an advertisement and well as tear-away coupons for $399 for the year. The $399 covers the cost of the advertisement as well as the production of the coupons.
REMEMBER WE ONLY HAVE 18 TOTAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AT THE CAPE CORAL BRIDGE LOCATION, SO HURRY!
To participate, you will need to contact Kim Constantine at 549-6900 ext. 110, email: kim@capecoralchamber.com or Carla Moseley at 549-6900 ext. 103, email: Carla@capecoralchamber.com
This concept was created by Bob Welsh of Arthur Printing. Bob we appreciate your assistance in providing better opportunities for our members.
Chamber Night with the Florida Firecats Kim Constantine, Sales DirectorJoin us for a fun-filled networking event at Germain Arena on Saturday April 12th from 6:30pm to 9:45pm. Be a part of the Cape Chamber exclusive gathering on top of the Bud Terrace to view the Florida Firecats. You can't beat Arena Football, food, and fun for all. (Family members welcome too)
This year the Florida Firecats are honoring the Cape Coral Chamber Junior Leadership Class. All Junior Leadership students are free. Come to the Florida Firecats football season opener where they will play Tennessee Valley.
Please purchase your ticket by contacting Mike Gluski (239) 390-CATS http://www.floridafirecats.com Cell # 239-745-2287. Tickets can be mailed to you or in will-call.
Tickets are $20.00. This includes a seat, food and beverage. Game starts at 7:30pm
We recommend you come early to network. Parking is $5.00 per car (ride together)
We are looking forward to a great event for everyone!
After you purchase your tickets please RSVP with Kim Constantine at kim@capecoralchamber.com no later than April 7th
D.R. Horton
3430 Malagrotta Circle
Cape Coral, FL 33909
(239) 225-2605
7:30am-8:15am
RIBBON CUTTINGS4/3 Montica Ridley w/Latino 97.7/RAZA 1200
AM; (239) 479-5538
61 Hancock Bridge Pkwy.W.
Cape Coral, FL 33991
4:30pm
4/4 Saturn of Cape Coral
Bob Goodman
404 NE Pine Island Road
Cape Coral, FL 33909
(239) 242-7000
4:00pm
4/6 Southwest Florida PODS Angels
(Parents of Down syndrome)Mary Beth Pringle (239) 872-4778
Leapin Lizard Bar & Grill(RC in lot next to
Leapin Lizard)1719 Cape Coral Pkwy E CC 33904
12:30pm
Chamber Member Web Link (Hyperlink) Policy Goes Into Affect April 30, 2008
Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral has provided to each member since the Chamber's first website, a complimentary web links (hyperlink) with each of the membership listings. These web links allow visitors to the Chamber website and its members to hop from the Chamber website and the member information to the member's websites. Many of the surrounding community Chamber's of Commerce charge an annual fee for this same service.
Initially, we requested that members who had a web link on the Chamber sight include the Chamber logo on their site with a hyperlink back to the Chamber. That worked moderately well but the Chamber did not have the resources to make sure our members were complying.
Now that search engines are using the number of hyperlinks as a tool for search engine placement, we find it necessary to ask each member who has their website information in their individual business listing on the Chamber website to place a hyperlink somewhere in their website directing traffic back to the Chamber at www.capecoralchamber.com. The Chamber Board of Directors took this action by a unanimous Board vote on June 26, 2007 at their regular monthly meeting. If for some reason you are not able to comply with this request you may lose the privilege of having the Chamber link going to your website.
As the Chamber has invested in new software and created a full time position for Internet Management we have the resources to determine who will be in compliance. Time is running out. The compliance date to have a reciprocal hyperlink is April 30th. If you are not in compliance by this date, you will loose this privilege and be given the option to either comply, or purchase a link for an annual fee of $100.
What this accomplishes is more web activity for the Chamber website due to better placement on the website as well as increase activity and placement for you with the search engines. We know that the better job we do managing and developing the website the greater the rewards for all members. We appreciate your support and attention to this matter.
If you'd like to learn more about the Chamber website, obtain your passwords for the member's only section on the Chamber website, or inquire about anything regarding the website, please contact Stephanie Roberson, Technology Director at (239) 699-8442 (or) stephanie@capecoralchamber.com.
10 x 10 Space is available for $100.00 per week
Only one spot is available each week. First come first serve, (cannot be consecutive weeks, excluding sponsors) The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral reserves the right of selection of business /products.
Non-Profit Groups
Space is available for non-profits wishing to distribute information (no selling) based on availability of space and upon approval of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral at no charge. No more than of 3 allowed per week.
Fund-raising Non-Profits
10x10 Space is available for $35.00. The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral reserves right of selection.
No more than 2 allowed per week.
If you would like your business to be represented at the Cape Coral Farmers Market, please call 549-6900 x 101 and ask for Claudia St. Onge to reserve your space. cso@capecoralchamber.com
Every Saturday 8:am - 1:00 pmClub Square SE 10th Place, just north of 47th Terrace
Coverall Cleaning Concepts specialized services ensures your healthcare facility has what you need:
* Site-specific Exposure Control plan designed to meet the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Act.
* Hazardous Communication and Right to Know programs to guarantee that all cleaning and chemicals used are properly labeled and hazardous substances are known.
* Hospital-grade viruscide/germicide disinfectant cleaners to ensure a high level of efficiency.
* Experienced cleaning professionals who are certified to meet all regulations under OSHA standards, the National Safety Council's Bloodborne Pathogen program and the American Red Cross' prevention of disease and transmission courses.
Give Your Patients The Best by providing them with a clean, healthy and safe environment. Call us today for a FREE customized proposal!
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South Florida800-758-2391 www.coverall.com (239) 768-6000
Inserts Are Back In The Chamber Trends Magazine!
Donna Germain, Communications Director
Starting with the March 2008 Issue, Chamber Members will once again be able to advertise their business through inserts in the Chamber Trends Magazine.
Up to 5 businesses can participate per issue. All insert requests, must be made through Donna Germain at 458-4894 or donna@capecoralchamber.com
The investment is $199.00 per month. The Chamber Trends Magazine reached more than 2000 Chamber members each month. WE ONLY HAVE TWO SPOTS LEFT FOR THE MARCH CHAMBER TRENDS.
The insert deadline for the March issue is February 15th so you must act fast. Please deliver all inserts to the Chamber's Welcome Center Central at 61 Hancock Bridge Parkway Suite A.
foot of the Cape Coral Bridge will soon have a new look with the construction of a new Welcome Center to better promote business and community.Your
Welcome Center will be surrounded by all the elements that make Cape Coral unique, including breathtaking views of the Caloosahatchee River and pathways along beautiful landscaping.
