A careful blend of networking, value pricing, customization and teamwork are behind the growth of Employee Care, a Cape Coral-based payroll and employee leasing company.

"I picked Cape Coral because of the lower cost of doing business, the local talent that is readily available, and the location," said owner Maikel Delgado.  "Our company goal is to focus on local businesses even as we grow our international client base."

When we spoke, Delgado had just signed a contract with a Chinese company with offices on the East Coast.  "They sent a delegate from China to ensure that everything went smoothly," he added.

Employee Care opened its doors in 2011 with just one employee, offering services ranging from preparing payroll to tax submittals and customized, consolidated human resource assistance.

Today, Delgado has four employees with 22 years of payroll experience.  Their primary focus is working with Spanish clientele in the construction, hospitality and medical industries.

Marketer Flora Sanchez joined the team this year. "The client comes first," said Sanchez. "Many clients, especially in the Hispanic community, are more comfortable meeting face-to-face.  We want them to know that we plan to be here for the next 20-plus years."

Delgado finds his business through referrals from 50-plus accountants and from hands-on networking.  His team is active with the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber, Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Cape Coral Construction Industry Association and as part of the Human Resources Association.

He emphasizes that Employee Care is his business, not a franchise.  "I'm extremely optimistic about the future," said Delgado.
 

Cape Coral's older residents now have a new care center available where they can go to receive services designed to help them stay healthy, active and socially connected - and to remain in their own homes.

Hope HealthCare Services opened its Hope PACE Care Center in early May in Cape Coral at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., Building A.

Designed to meet the needs of seniors while also helping their families and caregivers, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) provides comprehensive, coordinated health care services, dental services, therapies, transportation and meals for those who would otherwise qualify for placement in a nursing home.

Through PACE, opportunities for socialization and care are available both at the PACE Care Centers and in the individual's home. In additional to meeting healthcare needs, PACE offers help with personal care and light housekeeping.

Hope opened the new Cape Coral PACE Care Center to meet the increasing needs of the community's older population and their families. Forty-two participants already are registered at the new location. For more information about the Cape's new Hope PACE call 855-454-3102 or visit www.hopepace.org.