November 2018
Myriad Resort Groundbreaking



Myriad Luxury Motorcoach Resort recently broke ground in October on its long-planned, high-end motorcoach lifestyle destination at 4100 Burnt Store Road and Durden Parkway in Cape Coral.

The centerpiece of the 188-acre resort planned around a 90-acre lake located one mile north of Burnt Store Marina will be a French West Indies-style clubhouse and deluxe coach villas for entertaining and overnight guests. Onsite hospitality services, such as grocery and dry-cleaning delivery and pet care, will be provided. Oversized lots can be rented or purchased. Residents will enjoy a myriad of activities to choose from, such as hiking in the adjacent natural reserve, and fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, electric boats and a cocktail cruiser on the lake . Other amenities will include pickleball and tennis courts, docks, a catering kitchen, fitness center and swimming pools.
 
Find out more:  Myriad Resort * ( 239) 300-8280

Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello addreses the crowd at the Myriad Luxury Motorcoach Resort groundbreaking event.
Way to Go, Voters: Parks Have Major Impact on Cape Coral



Cape Coral residents agreed to finance a $60 million, 15-year bond to add more parks and recreation amenities on Election Day when they approved the Parks GO (General Obligation) Bond. The funds will accelerate the Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department's Master Plan to keep up with the city's rapid population growth. The city's population is expected to reach 200,000 in the next year or two.
 
"We should be able to do a lot of good things to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Cape Coral," Mayor Joe Coviello said after the referendum passed.
 
Parks, recreational amenities and green space are healthy places for local residents to recreate and gather socially, but they also create value that feeds the local economy. Several leading studies show that high-quality parks raise property values. According to the nonprofit National Recreation and Park Association, here a just a few ways they bolster the economy:
 

* Parks sustainably fuel economic activity from hospitality expenditures, tourism, recreational equipment sales, and many other private-sector businesses.


 

* American Forests estimates that trees in cities save $400 billion in storm water retention facility costs.

 

*Quality parks and recreation are one of the top three reasons that businesses cite in relocation decisions in a number of studies.

 

* Parks and recreation programs provide significant indirect revenues to local and regional economies from sports tournaments and special events, such as arts, music, and holiday festivals.

 
City officials will work to develop seven new neighborhood parks, which are typically 10 to 14 acres, and three community parks, featuring more than 14 acres and several recreational and community amenities. Through 2023, the city will focus on improvements for existing parks and permitting and construction for new parks. Following the development of the new parks, the city plans to make improvements to Yellow Fever Creek.

Yellow Fever Creek
Cape Coral Animal Shelter Fundraiser

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter (CCAS) has broken ground at on its nonprofit, no-kill shelter, and is inviting you to help support this important facility for the city.
 
Save the date for the Bark at the Bar:

When: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Caloosa Club Patio & Tiki Bar at Cape Royal Golf Club, 11460 Royal Tee Circle
Details: Live music by Jimmy McQuewen, specialty cocktails and a small plates proceeds to benefit CCAS; homemade treats for four-legged guests; raffles 
 
The shelter will be located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., a 4.6-acre site next to Sun Splash Family Waterpark. Learn more: Cape Coral Animal Shelter.



New Cape Coral Businesses
Business Card top  
178  new businesses registered for Cape Coral Business Tax Receipts
in October 2018.
 
Click here to view new Cape Coral business reports. 
 
Catch the Vision
Draws Hundreds

Cape Coral EDO team members Nita Whaley, Terri Hall and Karen Ramos distribute information at Catch the Vision.

A crowd of close to 600 people came to the 8th Annual Catch the Vision event, a community effort led by Realtor Gloria Tate to showcase what's new and exciting in Cape Coral heading into 2019. The show featured a good-natured, SNL-style open by Mayor Joe Coviello: "Good evening Cape Coral. It's Tuesday night!" Former Mayor Joe Mazurkiewicz of BJM Consulting and Cape Coral Construction Industry Association Executive Director Bill Johnson, Jr. moderated the presentation with lots of humor mixed in with the community update that featured video interviews.
 
Here are some highlights:

 

* The need for additional assisted living communities is getting fulfilled in style with the announcement of three more memory care and assisted living facilities being developed.

  • Keystone Place at Four Mile Cove is planning to open in April 2019. This 140-unit facility is expected to generate 80 news jobs.
  • The Waters of Cape Coral is also in the works on Chiquita Boulevard, with a mission to "be a good neighbor" and with memory care suites for caregivers.
  • Hampton Manor will also be opening with 87 new beds.

* Westin Meeting & Events Center: Just one year into operation, General Manager Michael Tighe announced that the Westin has seen $3 million in incremental revenue to date, with high expectations for the future.

 

* A 30-unit condominium project will be built on Coronado Parkway.


 

* Developer Dan Creighton spoke about Lucky's Market, a national organic grocer expected to open in the third quarter of 2019, at the southeast corner of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard. A Burger King is being built and more retail opportunities are being filled.

 

* Kirby Properties is opening a new state-of-the-art Shelter storage facility featuring lush landscaping and 550 storage units.

 

* Cape Coral's first no-kill animal shelter has broken ground with a goal to complete the approximately 6,500-square-foot structure in one year. The Cape Coral Animal Shelter will be located next to Sun Splash Family Waterpark as part of a public-private partnership that allows the shelter to lease land from the city for $1 per year on a 99-year-lease.

 

* A new Marriott hotel is in the planning stages in Cape Coral.

 

* City Manager John Szerlag announced that the S.E. 47th Terrace Streetscape Project will be completely finished under budget and in time for a New Year's Eve celebration.
Our EDO Team had fun sharing city information at one of the many vendor booths and capturing networking photos. To look at the photo album, visit the Cape Coral Economic Development Office Facebook page. Be sure to like us while you're there!

Join in the Giving:
Cape Coral Fire Department Annual Toy Drive


Until December 14, the Cape Coral Fire Department will be collecting toys and gifts for children in our community who have special needs, suffer from chronic illnesses such as cancer, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties. Donations for boys and girls of all ages (newborn to 17 years) are needed. Gifts for teens are often in short supply. Please consider donating gift cards, makeup, body soaps and lotions, perfume or cologne, arts and crafts supplies, sport equipment, or entertainment items for this age group.

"The need is evident and the donations we receive have a clear, positive impact. Last year, more than 1,500 children received toys," says Fire Chief Ryan W. Lamb, "Thanks to the continued support and generosity of the Cape Coral community, we are able to help our neighbors."

If you would like to contribute, please bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift to any of the below fire stations by Friday, December 14:

Station 1 - 4610 Coronado Parkway
Station 2 - 701 Nicholas Parkway
Station 3 - 1627 Everest Parkway
Station 4 - 2007 Santa Barbara Boulevard
Station 5 - 1029 Diplomat Parkway
Station 6 - 4540 Chiquita Parkway
Station 7 - 3942 Burnt Store Road N
Station 8 - 707 SW 1st Street
Station 9 - 4107 Pelican Boulevard
Station 10 - 3623 Gator Circle West
Station 11 - 1038 Burnt Store Road
 
If you have a business or a group that would like to partner with the Cape Coral Fire Department for toy collections, please contact aschuch@capecoral.net or call (239) 242-3303.

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Message From Your EDO Interim Manager

South Cape Streetscape Project Nears Finish Line
 


Terri Hall
We are very excited about the nearly completed streetscape project on SE 47th Terrace in the South Cape.This legacy project designed to transform the South Cape includes utility and stormwater improvements, fiber cable and 18-foot sidewalks that will allow for outdoor dining. Additional improvements include decorative elements such as brick pavers, planters, decorative lights and street furniture.
 
The City Council and Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) believe these public improvements will stimulate private investment. "As we near the end of this construction project, we are already beginning to see local business owners along the corridor making improvements to their buildings. Others are making plans to expand and national developers are showing an interest. It is a proven strategy which has been very successful in other communities," said CRA Chair Stacy LoMonaco.

In addition to the redevelopment, we are excited about creating a destination that helps define our community. Places that contribute to strong quality of life add to a community's economic vitality. Research shows that creating a public space where people can engage in activities and social interaction is a significant factor in attracting new commercial and residential growth.
 
As we close out the end of this year and the completion of this project, we look forward to experiencing the transformation of this street into a booming, energetic destination for residents, business owners and visitors. We hope to see you at our New Year's Eve celebration in the South Cape to ring in 2019 and welcome the exciting progress in our community.

Sincerely,
 
Terri Hall
 
City of Cape Coral
Interim Economic Development Manager
The Finishing Touch
Specialized Cabinetry and Components went high-tech to transform a flat-lining company into a successful enterprise focused on quality craftsmanship.

Detailed information on computer monitors gives precise information for creating custom counter tops.

When Francis Mosser took over Specialized Cabinetry and Components, LLC, in Cape Coral in 2000, sales were zilch.
 
That didn't stop Mosser from investing heavily in state-of-the-art, computerized equipment for creating custom cabinets, closet and pantry shelving, and countertops for licensed contractors for residential and commercial projects. In the past 18 years, Mosser has grown his customer base to 65 companies, and is finishing out a 10-year contract with Closets by Design. Today, his company generates $2.5 million in annual revenue and he employs 14.
 
When Mosser, a former investor who managed several companies, bought Specialized Cabinetry, sales had flat-lined. His first task was replacing the outdated drills and table saws. "We knew we had to replace the equipment with equipment that could do more in a shorter period of time, so we invested in technology," he says. "Instead of cutting one piece of wood at a time, we could now cut five pieces of wood at a time and expedite production immensely."
 
Today, one machine can accomplish in 45 minutes what used to take three machines up to four days to complete. In addition to expanding mass production, the high-efficiency equipment has cut the company's monthly electric bills in half.
 
With the computerized and laser-guided machinery, information for each design is programmed in the front office and detailed instructions are transmitted to the machines and machine operators in the manufacturing area. The machines are operated with hydraulics and air compressors, and high-tech safety blocks automatically shut down the drilling and cutting equipment to prevent injuries. "Our safety for our employees is No. 1 here. If I can't operate a safe business, I'd rather not operate a business at all," says Mosser.
 
Specialized Cabinetry is in the process of merging with a Punta Gorda company that specializes in doors to expand the custom product line, but the headquarters will remain in Cape Coral. Mosser says he is still having fun in the industry because he likes to make work easier for contractors when the end-users are pleased with their new finishes.

"Every day we have an opportunity to make another person happy that that is more important to us than the revenue," he says. "What psyches us out every day is knowing that we're not doing the same thing that we did yesterday. Every day is a new product. Every day is a new adventure for the guys in the back."
 
North Cape Industrial Park, 2505 NE 9th Ave. * (239) 574-6655 * Specialized Cabinetry
Sister City Project between Cape Coral and Baise, China, Builds Momentum

Chinese delegation invited for a formal visit

Chinese Delegation Welcome Committee: (left to right) Nita Whaley, Cape Coral EDO; JoAnne Killion, organizer; Lorri Philbin, Lee Health; Abby Richter, Delvia Lukito, Dr. Shou Tao, Michael Richter, all of Ecological Laboratories; MerriBeth Farnham, HD PR Group; Theresa Blauch-Mitchell, CCIM Sperry Commercial; Pearl Taylor, City of Cape Coral; Stephanie Wardein, Lee Health; Karen Ramos, Cape Coral EDO; and Kathleen Paul-Evans and Jacquelin Collins, Cape Coral Charter
School

After first broaching the subject of a cultural exchange more than two years ago, the wheels are in motion for an introductory visit to Cape Coral from six high-level delegates from the Baise Municipality Guangxi Zhuang in China. At first glance, Baise and Cape Coral may not appear to have a great deal in common. Baise is over 20 times the size of Cape Coral with 12 counties and 135 townships. However, the two cities share similar climates as well as popularity as tourist destinations.
 
In a formal invitation letter to Baise Mayor Zhou Yijue, Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello states,  "As we look to the future of this partnership, we envision a growing awareness and appreciation of each other's culture as well as opportunities that may be of mutual benefit to our communities."

The city's Economic Development Office will oversee the planning process. "We are looking forward to finding avenues to explore cultural as well as business opportunities," says Cape Coral EDO Interim Manager Terri Hall. "At this point, we are looking at late February as the anticipated time for their visit."
 
A formal Welcome Committee has formed to include representatives from key sectors in the community such as ed ucation, healthcare and private- sector business es . During their visit, the delegates will get an o pportunity to visit the city's charter s chool system, Cape Coral Hospital and a firm that already does a great deal of business in China, Ecological Laboratories.
 
JoAnne Killion is the brainchild behind this visit. She moved to Cape Coral seven years ago with her student exchange business. "I picked Cape Coral because it is such a safe city," says Killion. "Now I will be excited to share this with the people that I know from China. My hope is that they fall in love with Cape Coral as much as I have."
BizWalk at Nor-Tech
Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats is hiring as it builds its new headquarters.

The BizWalk crew from the Cape Coral EDO visited Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats this month to meet with the company's leadership team and discuss ways to facilitate the finalization of the boat manufacturing company's new headquarters in Cape Coral.
 
Nor-Tech is in the process of hiring 100 new employees for its Cape Coral facility. Although the facility is not yet opened, hiring is ongoing now, with training taking place at its North Fort Myers site. Learn more: Nor-Tech
Stay Safe: Fire Department Offering Specialized Smoke Alarms for Hearing Impaired

SafeAwake bed alarm
The Cape Coral Fire Department has been awarded a $188,572 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration for an outreach campaign to increase home fire safety for Cape Coral's deaf and hard of hearing community. The fire department will contribute an additional $9,428, making the total amount available for the project $198,000.
 
Most fire fatalities occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. while people are asleep. This grant emphasizes the proper installation and use of the SafeAwake alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and for those who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants that they remove when sleeping. These alarms utilize bed shakers and strobe lights to warn those who can't hear audible alarms of fire danger.
 
The Cape Coral Fire Department is able to install these life-saving alarms in qualifying Cape Coral homes free of charge. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 5,500 people with hearing loss reside in Cape Coral. "Thanks to this grant, we can help protect a portion of our citizens who need special assistance during a fire," says Fire Marshal C. Dave Raborn.
 
Participation in this program is voluntary and is offered to persons who meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of a "qualified individual with a disability" for hearing impairment. There are a limited number of these specialized smoke alarms available, and they will be provided on a first-come, first served basis to qualified individuals living in Cape Coral who submit an application and appropriate paperwork. Applications can be found on the Cape Coral Fire Department website at Cape Coral Fire Department or by calling (239) 242-3264.

Restaurant Round-Up

Backyard Beer Garden Opens

The Backyard Beer Garden has taken over the former Two Amigos space on Cape Coral Parkway East. Co-owners Chris Ilardi and Gabe Ferraro co-owners spent months revitalizing the space with a new bar topped with hammered copper and trimmed in reclaimed wood, colorful lounge areas, 60-seat patio with a bocce court and board games and a dining room. The menu features appetizers and entrees, including seafood, pork, beef, chicken and vegetarian options, made with fresh ingredients, and craft cocktails. Both of the partners have been in the restaurant industry for decades in New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York. The restaurant opened in September, and is hiring for several different positions.
 
Backyard Beer Garden hours are 11 a.m. until closing, Monday through Sunday.

1339 Cape Coral Parkway E. * (239) 540-5454 *  Backyard Beer Garden


Hop Aboard the Pedal Pub!

Southwest Florida Pedal Pub Gather & Go! , which takes groups on restaurant and pub crawls, has hit the streets in South Cape. Each bike holds a maximum of 15 guests and minimum of 8, and is ideal for special events and gatherings. Individual seats can also be booked for groups of fewer than 8 people. The average tour last two hours, and it includes up to three stops at favorite restaurants and watering holes. A certified Pedal Pub pilot leads the way and takes photos. Riders also help provide pedal power, and an electric-assist party bike is available for an additional fee. Pedal Pub tours start and end at Big Blue Brewing, with potential stops at No. 3 Craft Brews, Big Storm Brewing, Monkey Bar, Nevermind, Nice Guys, Cork Soakers and other South Cape establishments.

Learn more at Pedal Pub or (239) 877-1988

Give Yourself and Staff a Lift in 2019

By MerriBeth Farnham, HD PR Group

Imagine if you could give your staff the gift of happiness.
 
We've all been told that happiness is a choice - it's an inside job. But what if we, as community leaders and employers, were to give our tribes a simple toolkit that can lead them to live fuller lives both inside and out of the workplace? We can.
 
It's not a pipedream. I recently had the privilege of participating in a 10-week "Project Lift" program hosted by Lee Health and led by an enthusiastic Australian lifestyle doctor who walks the walk. While the 10 steps Dr. Darren Morton outlines include some commonsense ideas, such as "get enough sleep" and "make time to move," what I found particularly helpful was the simple way he explained the science behind the ideas.
 
Ever catch yourself bouncing with adrenalin and last-minute panic before presenting a new product idea or project update? That's the limbic system in action, listening and reacting to negative self-talk. Dr. Morton calls this region of the brain responsible for emotion, memory and motivation the "Limbo." The Limbo is not our higher, thinking brain-it's more like an irrational 2-year old. What our "Limbo" hears directly impacts how we feel.
 
Did you know that it takes five positive statements to counter just one negative one? That's what researchers found in a study of effective business teams. The best-performing teams had the highest ratio of positive-to-negative interactions.
 
In business and in life, we can count on the unexpected to happen and it's good to know that we can choose how to respond when it does. We can take simple daily actions to live more whole-heartedly. The Lift Project offers daily and weekly challenges that help cement the message without taking a lot of time. In this month of thanksgiving, I'd like to share one other takeaway I have found especially helpful and it involves three questions that can help focus thinking on a positive track.
 
1)  What am I truly grateful for? Pause. Think. Journal about three.
2)   What went well and why? Journal about three things. Participants who did this for a week as part of a study experienced increased levels of happiness for six months beyond the study (and they slept better, too).
3)   What am I looking forward to? If you can't think of anything, find something that interests you and mark it on your calendar today.
 
I believe that this kind of program can make a tremendous difference in the business world. My friend Cheryl Neal, facilitator extraordinaire, will be hosting in-person and online Project Lift sessions for Lee Health starting in January. If enough of my business friends would like to give it a go, I might be convinced to volunteer my time to pay it forward and facilitate a session that we can customize for in-person meet-ups and online check-ins. For more information, email Cheryl Neal at Cheryl.Neal@LeeHealth.org or me at mfarnham@hdprgroup.com.
 
Happy Thanksgiving!