Annual program highlights Cape’s ‘Trends, Tips & Forecasting’

The hottest show in town when it comes to discovering what’s next for Cape Coral development is just around the corner, making its return in 2026.

The 14th Annual Catch the Vision: Trends, Tips & Forecasting event, takes place March 23 at First Cape Church. The program will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a 90-minute trade show, followed by the ever-informative presentation at 6.

Put on by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, President/CEO Donna Germain said, “Catch the Vision Cape Coral is an important opportunity for our community to come together and learn about the exciting growth and progress happening all around us. Cape Coral is a growing city, and it’s important for residents and businesses to stay informed about the projects and initiatives shaping our future. We need projects that bring more commercial development to our community to help create a more diverse tax base and support long-term economic stability.”

Germain said the Chamber is excited to take over the long-standing event. 

“The Chamber has always been proud to help promote this event, and we are truly thankful for the opportunity to carry on the tradition that Gloria Tate and her team at Raso Realty started,” she said. “Their vision created something very special for our community, and we are honored to help continue that legacy.”

Realtor Gloria Tate of Raso Realty, who will be part of the presentation team, said Catch the Vision is always an exciting time to share what’s on the horizon for the city.

“People get a lot of their information from social media, and while it can be accurate, it’s is not always 100 percent informative,” Tate said. “So our goal is to bring you the top-of-the-line information as from the developer’s point of view. I think it’s important for people to meet the developer. Most of them will be in the audience and will be available to talk afterwards and I think that always is great. You get a name with the face. It’s not just something you read that somebody posts about a development.”

Event organizers are promising an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to engage directly with those shaping the future of Cape Coral. Attendees will not only gain entrance to this epic showcase but also will receive a full-color resource guide filled with invaluable local information.

“I think the biggest highlight this year is our resource guide that we put out every year,” Tate said. “This year is even more important than ever that people get it. We have identified every project that the city has on record. I mean, every project. So people that are looking at Cape Coral as a place to possibly invest in will want that book to show them where all the development is going, and it’s not just a highlight of one or two things. It is there are I think five total maps. It’s very comprehensive as to where the development is going.”

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Cape Coral Caring Center, underlining the event’s commitment to community welfare.

“Another meaningful part of this event is that a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Cape Coral Caring Center as well as the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Foundation Business Grant Fund, which helps support local businesses in need following catastrophic events,” Germain said. “It’s a great example of our community coming together not only to learn about the future of Cape Coral, but also to support neighbors and businesses when they need it most.”

Hosted by Tate and Bill Johnson Jr., many “hot topic” developments that have been polarizing in the city will be discussed at Catch the Vision. Video packages will play with Tate interviewing developers and key players associated with each project. There will also be updates from local first responders, such as Cape Coral police and fire. 

Catch the Vision is also an event to hear about things not yet discussed in the public sector. 

“We have an exciting project that no one’s seen before,” Tate added. “We have a couple little secret announcements that we’re going to be sharing as well.”

Whether you’re a business owner, stakeholder, or even just a resident interested in city happenings, Catch the Vision is the show to, well, catch. 

“No matter where you live in Cape Coral, there’s always an empty lot. And you always want to know what’s happening in that empty lot,” Tate said. “Is it residential? Is it commercial? Is it going to change? Is there going to be a school there? I think this program and the education part of that is critical — that people understand how a city that is growing as fast as ours and ever-changing as fast as ours, how they protect their quality of life.”

So, what does the rapid development of the city mean for Tate?

“To me, it means we’re healthy. We’re a healthy city,” she said. “Investors are still looking at us. Big companies are looking at us. As long as they continue to look, that means that we’re healthy and that our future is looking extremely bright.”

Sponsorship and vendor space opportunities are still available and can be arranged by contacting Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral President/CEO Donna Germain via email at donna@capecoralchamber.com.

Tickets are $20 and are available by visiting catchthevisioncapecoral.com.

First Cape Church is at 4117 Coronado Parkway in Cape Coral.

To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com