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Newsletter Articles
Week of May 31, 2011
More Dangerous Than You Think
Destiny Brunson, CRS Technology Consultants
Which is more dangerous, drunk driving or driving and texting? Surprisingly texting while driving is more dangerous than driving drunk. In a list of the top 10 ways that drivers cause accidents, driving distracted is the number one reason(If you want to see the Top 10 list go to the article http://www.edgarsnyder.com/news/auto-accident/ways-drivers-cause-accidents.html)!
• 80% of accidents are caused by distracted driving, while drunken driving accidents account for about 33%.
Texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk. Shocking isn’t it? A study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute showed that for every six seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text message spends 4.6 of those seconds with their eyes off of the road. That’s a whopping 76.6% of that time that you’re driving distracted! Even more surprising is that the younger population (roughly 20 and younger) does not hold the highest percentage of cell phone use in fatal accidents. That “winning” stat goes to the 30 to 39 year old age group. To learn more statistics about cell phone usage and driving check out Cell Phone Stats(http://www.edgarsnyder.com/car-accident/cell-phone/statistics.html).
Cell phone usage while driving in general is dangerous, it just isn’t limited to texting.
• Talking on a cell phone causes nearly 25% of car accidents.
• In 2002 the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis calculated that 2,600 people die each year as a result of cell phone usage while driving. They estimate that another 330,000 are injured!
• The most shocking thing is that most Americans know how dangerous it is to use a cell phone while driving, but 81% of drivers admit to still using cell phones while driving.
States have started stepping in making laws against cell phone usage while driving.
• Guam, D.C., and 30 states have a law that ban text messaging while driving
• 9 states prohibit new drivers from texting
• 3 states restrict school drivers from texting and driving
• 8 states prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while they are driving.
• D.C. and 30 other states ban new drives from cell phone use while driving
• D.C. and 19 other states ban school bus drivers from using cell phones while they have passengers.
To see what the rules are in your state check out this article Cell Phone Laws by State(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html).
<<If your state has no rules against cell phone usage there are still things you can do. Use your Bluetooth device for phone calls and Speak Now translation features that many smartphones have today for texting. Another thing you can do is putting your phone on silent, you won’t hear the ringing and might not be as tempted to text or talk on the phone.
Check out our blog www.crstechnology.org
Week of May 17, 2011
Letter From The Chamber President
Greg Frith, Fireservice Disaster Kleenup
85 NEW MEMBERS – THANKS TO YOU!! Our recent membership drive was a success by any standard and is due in large part to the dedication and hard work of Chair Carol Conway, and all seven teams of volunteers that staffed the phones and successfully invited their business friends to become members of the Chamber. Marietta and the Chamber staff were especially helpful in pointing us in the right direction for new member candidates. You are each valuable to the success of the Chamber. A BIG THANKS and CONGRATULATIONS to Mark Morris for bringing in ten new members – and for taking home the flat screen TV. It is now up to each of us to recognize these new members at any function we may attend, and to thank them for joining with us in furthering the mission of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.
On May 19th, in conjunction with the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, to promote the value of tourism, the Chrysalis Awards will be presented at the luncheon following the trade show. Your participation and attendance is encouraged. Contact the Chamber website to make your reservations.
We look forward to seeing each of you at the next Chamber event.
Week of March 22, 2011
Chamber Offers Two Opportunities for One
Marietta Mudgett, Executive Director for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
On Monday, March 28, you have the opportunity to attend a FREE sales executive workshop. On April 20 and/or 21 you have the opportunity to be the winner of some very cool prizes as you make new business connections.
The workshop training and the cool prizes are connected.
The Chamber is conducting its first member recruitment campaign in many years. Not only will we prepare you to recruit new Chamber members, we'll also reward our most successful recruiters with those cool prizes.
The Executive Sales Training will take place at the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn (near the intersection of Summerlin and College) from 9:00AM until 3:00PM on Monday, March 28 (and we will provide lunch). Rob and Kate Oliver from The Oliver Group will present the training program and will also be on hand during the actual campaign April 20th and 21st. They are known throughout the country for their innovative and progressive sales tips and strategies. You will find this training will apply to your business and give you tools you can put to use immediately.
The membership campaign will take place for only 2 hours on either April 20th or 21st. (Of course, you can begin bringing in new members any time after the training - the more you bring in, the better the cool prize!) You will have a team, a team captain and the terrific Chamber staff to assist you.
Carol Conway, from CRS Technologies and Chairman of the Membership Drive Committee says “Sign up for this excellent training! You will be learning new sales skills, applying those skills by signing up new Chamber members AND you will win cool prizes! Best of all, you will be helping businesses get involved with “The” Chamber … the organization that works each day to make our community more successful and prosperous.
Go online at fortmyers.org or call Glee Ann Agius, Director of Operations at 332-2930, extension 211 to sign up today.
Week of March 15, 2011
General Membership Luncheon at Red Sox Spring Training Facility
Marietta Mudgett, Executive Director for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
Red Sox Spring Training Facility - Panel of Experts Give You the Inside Scoop
Chamber General Membership Luncheon Meeting, March 24, 2011
City of Palms Park, Hot Dogs and Sodas – what could be better on a Thursday in March? We have a panel of professionals who will let you in on some of the plans for the new Boston Red Sox Spring Training Facility and the impact it will have on our community. Make plans to join us as we hear from the folks who are making it happen.
Jeff Mielke with Lee County Sports Authority, Bob Koenig with Kraft Construction, Bill Mudgett, Architect with Parker, Mudgett, Smith Architects and a representative from the Boston Red Sox will present this special program. You’ll have a chance to hear them speak about their experiences and answer questions you might have.
We’ll be hosted at the beautiful City of Palms Park with a baseball-themed lunch. So, join us for this rare opportunity as we celebrate Spring Training in Lee County, enjoy the park that brought the Red Sox here and get the scoop about the new facility they will be playing in for many years to come.
Also, be prepared to purchase your RAFFLE TICKETS for new prizes and your chance at the 50-50 cash! President Frith wants everyone to participate, so look for him if you don’t have your ticket and he’ll make sure you get one!
To save your place at this fun and exciting event, please go online at fortmyers.org. Or, call the Chamber at 332-2930. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity!
Exceptional Experience
Carol Conway, CRS Technology Consultants
Many companies spend much of their marketing energy on Internet channels. It is not a surprise considering nearly two billion people are online. No one would argue the fact that an effective electronic presence is necessary to promote business growth. But it is easy to get lost in all the choices and the noise.
Online marketing must be compelling and high performing, effectively blending information, interaction and socialization. Creating an exceptional experience is the key to dazzling, acquiring and retaining customers. When considering your strategy it is important to understand what does and doesn't work at the most basic level. The most commonly cited buzz killers fall into three categories:
1. Poor usability or unfulfilled expectations leaving customers wanting and waiting. It is like creating an itch but not being able to scratch. For example a site may just push information when a visitor is expecting an open dialog.
2. Lack of personalization. We live in a "me" centered society. If the online experience lacks options for customization why bother?
3. Inconsistent experience when customers use multiple devices or multiple channels. Online marketing must consider mixed media (websites, electronic newsletters and social media). If your message doesn't port to mobile devices it spells trouble. Equally important is making sure your mix of electronic media share and spread a consistent message. Your "tweet" better compliment your e-coupon with supporting detail on your website.
As you develop, update or revamp your e-based marketing strategy consider the five factors IBM uses when working with clients:
1. Context is key. The best experiences feel custom fitted to users' preferences, devices, locations, social networks and behaviors.
2. Social is everywhere and everywhere is social. Meaningful interactions with customers must be socially infused, supporting true dialogue with and among customers.
3. Visuals and flexibility matter. You don't need to sacrifice scalability, flexibility and manageability to create to create a beautiful, persuasive and responsive experience.
4. Integration must be easy. Interactive context-aware experiences must leveraged and extend existing data sources such as customer relationship management systems, social media sites and back-end applications, as well as the future products and cloud based services you acquire.
5. Measurement is the key to advantages. Success requires the use of analytics and other tools and measures to determine if you are meeting business objectives and engaging customers.
Effective online marketing is a dynamic process that balances visual, audible and current information in a friendly format that is personal and relevant to the user. Creating "exceptional experience" isn't easy. But to be competitive in today's business environment, it is, a
necessity.
Week of March 8, 2011
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber HBK Sorce Financial LLC & Hill, Barth & King LLC ABC’s Auction is just around the corner!
Marietta Mudgett, Executive Director for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
If you haven’t registered, you are going to miss out on some terrific fun, prizes and fabulous auction items!
This event brings back the 50’s with our “Grease” theme, so Pink Ladies (gals), put on your blue jeans, high-tops and tease up your big hair. You TBirds (guys) slick back your “do”; throw on your tee shirt and your “tough guy attitude”. Join the dolls and guys and be prepared to rock ‘n roll the night away at Rydell High (known locally as Harborside Event Center). Last chance to register is Wednesday, March 4. Be cool and register online at fortmyers.org. Or, dial up 332-2930 and we’ll get you on the list.
Here’s what we’re talking about:
If you’re into skiing, we have a vacation in Utah’s prime ski country.
If you love puppies (and who doesn’t?), we have a Chocolate Lab.
We have jewelry custom designed and crafted by Mark Loren Design.
And, we have many more items chosen specifically for our Chamber members – donated by our Chamber members.
How about a trip to Chicago this spring? We’ve got it.
These are just a few examples of items you will be offered at this event. Co-Chairmen Lee Golden and Mark Blust say “This is the most incredibly exciting auction the Chamber has ever produced. Whether you’re a Gator fan bidding on a trip to the Tennessee game (including private flight tickets) or you’re looking for fun getaways, our committee has just what you want. Our Silent Auction also has a plethora of baskets, “stay-cations”, certificates and local attraction tickets.”
So, be groovy, man, register now - or the TBirds are gonna call you out for a rumble!
Week of February 14, 2011
Super Bowl for Geeks
Carol Conway, CRS Technology Consultants
Most of you think the biggest event recently was the Super Bowl in Big D. But if you are a techno lover of all things geek you would know that the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was the place to be! I was unable to be at the geek fest kickoff this year but I read a great article published in IT Business Edge ( www.itbusinessedge.com ) about the top ten tech gadgets announced at this year’s show. They are:
• The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 makes batter hassles a thing of the past, even indoors. The keyboard connects wirelessly and will stay charged for 3 months even in the dark. Cost $79.99
• The Hitachi G-Drive Slim is the perfect external storage companion for the MacBook line of products giving users 320GB of storage and USB connectivity in an amazingly slim form. It is plug and play and does not require a power cord since is charges via the USB port. Cost $99.99
• The Crux360 Case is a clamshell-keyboard case that allows you to use the iPad in a multitude of positions. It offers 4 modes for viewing including Laptop Mode allowing use of the keyboard, Movie Mode great for videos, gaming or surfing the net, Tablet Mode for reading books and magazines and Carry Mode which protects your device. Cost $149
• The Livescribe Echo Smartpen allows you to record audio while you are taking notes and play them back later. You can save and share the interactive notes to your PC, iPad or iPhone via a micro USB connector which recharges your pen. The memory storage holds 440 or 800 hours of recorded audio and includes an OLED display that makes it easy to navigate smartpen apps. Cost starting at $169.95
• The ILuv iMM747 Audio Cube is a fully dedicated iPad stereo docking station. The Audio Cube provides speakers channels, each with iLuv’s enhanced jAura Soundcell Technology. It is also easy to dock an iPad, Iphone or Ipod since is includes an adjustable sliding docking wall. Cost $149.99
• The LaCie Hub4 USB 3.0 is a compact device giving you enormous flexibility to connect your peripherals wherever you go. With four USB ports it is easy to get the fastest USB 3.0 Speeds – up to 5GB. It is even USB 2.0 compatible so it works with almost all computers, laptops and netbooks. Cost $59.99
• The iFusion is an integrated communications docking station for the iPhone. Combining the capabilities of many top-selling iPhone accessories into a single device, the iFusion utilizes built in Bluetooth technology, a full duplex speaker phone and a patented ergonomic design to deliver superior voice quality. This devices looks like a traditional phone handset and can be used in a home or a business environment. While the iPhone is recharging users are able to enjoy their favorite iTunes over the internal speakerphone. Cost $169.
• The NEC P420X is an entry grade professional installation projector with eco-friendly and advanced technologies. It is ideal for boardrooms, higher education classrooms and corporate training rooms. It is remarkably bright, has built in wall color correction, automatic keystone correction, wired and wireless networking, closed captioning and a long lamp life. Cost $1,999.00
• The myDitto Key enables Small office and Home office (SoHo) professionals to access their myDitto Servers remotely, through an easy to use lightweight USB key. From owners who frequently travel to telecommuting employees, users simply insert their myDitto Key into a laptop or PC and can safely access an critical file from their office network server. Cost starting at $145
• The WOWee ONE SLIM is a compact, portable speaker unit which provides a full range of frequency response. It is intended for use as both a fixed and portable solution for all mp3, mp4 , iPod, iPad, mobile phones and computer applications. The unit is powered by an internal rechargeable battery and can deliver up to 10 hours of playtime per charge. Cost Coming Soon
This top ten list gives a whole new meaning to the familiar football chant “First And Ten Do It Again”. Who says hobbies need to be athletic right? Techno lovers, enjoy your own brand of fun!
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