Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 95th Year of Serving All Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, August 10, 2020 ~~~
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- Sustaining Partners
- Chamber Updates
- Job Spot
- Resources
- Just For Fun
- Contact information
- Social Distancing and Safety Protocol Statement
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Becoming a Sustaining Partner is a major way in which businesses help strengthen and support the chamber, each other, and the economic stability of the entire community. This also results in substantial perks and promotion for the Sustaining Partners who have realized the benefits for many years.
People often say, “We couldn’t do it without you.” We honestly couldn’t. This is especially true with the changes that happened so quickly this year. In addition to routine business organization operations, we have been able to make sure our members are timely updated on important news developments and financial assistance opportunities, keep the region advised on our member business operations and hours, remain in contact with our local, state and national officials, create a complimentary Business Information membership, and very importantly, stay open for our members to offer guidance from day one.
As we move toward the new chamber year, please continue to thank our 2019-2020 Sustaining Partners-
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Please make sure your membership contact details are correct here before the deadline.
Time is RUNNING OUT and MISSING OUT would be a big mistake. The deadline for 2021 inclusion is August 14th. Annual ads are as low as $264. For more information, click HERE.
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The New Teachers' Breakfast Parade will be Monday, August 24. Members can participate and attend the parade by sponsoring a new teacher for $35. The teachers will be celebrated by their sponsoring businesses with greetings, signs, balloons and banners. If your business would like to sponsor one of the 90 new teachers for $35, and participate in the New Teachers Breakfast Parade, please contact the chamber at 941-627-2222 or jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org. To see the flyer, click HERE!
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Chamber Member News
The American Institute of Architects Florida Southwest Chapter has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to six college students attending full-time degree programs majoring in architecture at an NAAB accredited college or university. Multiple scholarships ranged from $1000 to $3000. Applicants were required to show academic excellence, design talent, and a need for financial assistance. The scholarships were presented at a virtual Awards Ceremony held on August 6, 2020.
Buffalo Graffix can help you stay safe and healthy while advertising your business at the same time! We offer custom printed face masks that get noticed and protect us all. Any quantity and many imprint options are available. Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com.
The Charlotte County Republican Club (CCRC) boasts the largest Republican membership in Charlotte County. Please join us at one of our monthly events: Dinner Meeting on the 4th Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. at the Isles Yacht Club in PG, for Reservations call (757) 737-0160 or the Social Mixer on the 2nd Monday at 5:00 p.m., contact us for location details. Our contact information is: Charlotte County Republican Club, P.O. Box 512332, PG, FL 33951-2332, Janice Cousino, President, 860-306-7026, Email: Janice.cousino@gmail.com, Website: http://www.ccflrc.org/, Face book: CharlotteCountyRepublicanClub or Twitter: ccrepublicanc.
Trust Officer Angie Misner is now in her 10th year at Charlotte State Bank & Trust. She has been a member of the bank’s Trust and Investment Management Services division for over five years. “Angie plays a key role in helping our clients achieve their desired estate and financial objectives,” said Executive Vice President Lory Weisensee, who manages Trust and Investment Management Services. Angie has completed all three years of trust school through the American Bankers Association and is pursuing accreditation as a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Punta Gorda has strived to assist the local businesses by permitting business event banners for 30 days at a time, with or without a business event permit. The City had originally established a termination date of this policy of July 31, 2020. However, due to the extended State of Emergency for the State and City, this deadline has been extended until further notice.
To all AAA members – Complete Auto Repair is an Approved Auto Repair shop. One of the benefits to members is a free inspection. Now is a great time to have your vehicle inspected. We will give you a written summary and an estimate of any work that is recommended. When you call to make an appointment, make sure to tell Misty Morgan that you’re an AAA member. Give her a call, 941-623-2926.
Cooling Dynamics offers new monthly service! We’re proud to be one of the few HVAC companies now offering monthly service to visit and change your air filters for you. No more climbing ladders to change your filters and no more forgetting to do it. Instead of spending $15+ a month on air filters … we will change your filters and service your A/C for $29! Start breathing the difference with cleaner/safer air, saving on your electric bill and prolonging the life of your A/C system. Click here for more information or call 941-416-5541.
Curry Moving & Storage, Inc. remains open for business, but is closed to public access at this time. You may reach us by phone; 941-625-4191 or by email; currymoving@gmail.com. We have mini-warehouses for rent with the best price in town. In light of the challenge we are all facing, Curry Moving & Storage is taking several hygienic precautions to keep our customers and employees safe. We are currently offering all first responders one month free mini-warehouse space or lot space. Remember, He is the light in the darkness!
Dancing Moon Travel: Join Pat and Kevin at 1 pm Tuesday as Dancing Moon Travel welcomes Jennifer Collins of Tauck. Explore six continents on fully guided land and river journeys, seamlessly orchestrated with authentic experiences on and off the beaten path, exclusive access, insider perspectives, premium hotel stays, and local cuisines. https://bit.ly/Aug4PatHand
Economic Development Office of Charlotte County- The Recovery Grant Program has allocated $6,580,000 to help area businesses that haven’t received any other forms of COVID assistance. This program provides grant dollars, as opposed to a loan, to assist in business’s recovery efforts. The application form and details about the program are posted HERE.
It’s time for back-to-school eye exams at Eye Centers of Florida! For a limited time, students save on eyeglass lenses treated with an anti-reflective coating with purchase of frames. To learn more and to view all optical specials, visit https://www.ecof.com/resources/coupons/. Most insurance and vision plans accepted. Walk-ins and outside prescriptions welcome! Call 888.EYE.APPT (888-393-2778) for an appointment. For locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
At Friendly Floors, we want you to love your floors for a long time. That’s why our team listens carefully to your needs, and recommends the best options. Call us to learn more about the new “Waterproof Hardwood” floor. Yes, there is such a thing as waterproof hardwood now, and waterproof laminate too. We’ve watched videos of tractors driving over metal hardware, and these floors are unharmed, so they should be strong enough for your family! Come see all our waterproof hardwood options at our showroom at 3785 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
It is easy to underestimate the heat this time of year. Any increased amount of activity like packing, unpacking, or moving heavy furniture, can be exhausting, dehydrating, and even dangerous for older folks, or people with medical conditions. If you want help packing, unpacking, or moving your belongings, call Kenny at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage at 941-423-5311. We are used to the Florida heat! Moving you and your family is our family's business.
They say it’s better to be lucky than good. These days it feels like we’re all unlucky. If you want to feel luckier and learn about “Profitable Marketing in Uncertain Times with Limited Resources,” contact Guerzo Business Consulting. As a small business advisor, we specialize in stretching company resources to achieve the owner’s goals … even if the goal is simply staying in business. Contact Patti Guerzo, Guerzo Business Consulting, LLC, at 312-420-0884
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gulfcoast South AHEC is now providing free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs virtually! Programs are led by Tobacco Cessation Specialists who are trained to provide evidence-based tobacco cessation education and resources. As part of Tobacco Free Florida, all Group Quit services, including nicotine replacement therapy, are FREE. Pre-registration is required. Call 866-534-7909 to register. You will be emailed a link to join by ZOOM conference via video or audio.
COVID-19 has served as a reminder that we never know what life may bring us and why we need to be prepared when the unexpected happens. If you have been thinking about an estate plan and would like to sit down for a complimentary consultation, please contact Mark Martella, Esq. with ICARD MERRILL. He will explain the BIG SIX documents everyone needs, five of which you may need to use while you are alive. Please call 941-206-3700 to schedule a confidential, complimentary consultation.
Americans are saving more than ever before, maybe because they are reluctant to spend. At Independent Financial Coaching, we love to see savers. The best savers spend a bit on things that are meaningful to them, allowing them to toe the line on other expenses. Budgets aren’t all about deprivation! Sue Craig is a budgeting guru, and will help you create a budget that is easy to stick to. Call Sue at 941-916-5324 to set up a call to discuss your financial goals.
Maaco, in Port Charlotte, is a full-service collision center and auto painting business. Our most economical complete paint job can cost as little as $499, excluding body work or any special preparation needed prior to paint. We offer free estimates and can perform repairs covered by any insurance company. The owners, Jim and Susan McCulla, will personally meet with you and prepare your estimate. We're located at 4356 Tamiami Trail and our phone number is 941-391-6196. Come on in for your "Maaco-over" and love the car you drive again.
Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells a large variety of mulch at everyday low prices? This week, we'll tell you that our Jolly Gardener brand red, black and brown mulches are all $2.75 a bag. ($3 to $3.66 at most other establishments) 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.
Do you use a professional third-party provider to supply employment background checks? If not ... if you do them yourself ... you may not have ready, convenient, economical access to the best, originally-sourced, FCRA-compliant, statewide criminal records in all states; nor to driving histories or workers comp records; nor to credit reports; nor to Federal criminal records. Plus ... you'd be missing out on the "third-party provider" liability protection guaranteed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks for info. Call: 941-488-8500; Toll-Free: 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: nrginfo@atlantic.net
Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique is excited to announce its new location at 208 Tamiami Trail #111 in Downtown Punta Gorda. You will find a beautiful and fun assortment of gift items for everyone on your list! Featuring home decor, women's fashion, children's clothing and gifts. During this time curbside pickup is available as well as FREE delivery within Charlotte County, and gifts are always wrapped! For more information please contact us at 941-205-2333 or email us at pomegranateandfig@yahoo.com. Please visit us Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. We look forward to seeing you!
Tammy Hayes, RE/MAX Palm Realty is conducting a Crayons for Kids fundraiser for Charlotte County and North Port kids. It runs from July 31 to August 31. Drop off new boxes of crayons at RE/MAX Palm Realty, 1808 Tamiami Trail D2, Port Charlotte, FL between 9 am to 5 pm, M-F. For more information call Tammy at 941-276-6185.
Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, or refinance their home. Let’s get the ball rolling for a family member, co-worker, or your best buddy! Toby Lynn can help get them financing for primary residences, secondary homes, investment properties, or construction loans. Specializing in happy, smooth, and on-time closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
Dr. Neil B. Zusman would like to introduce Dr. Daniel Solano who will be joining Zusman Eye Care Center in August 2020! Dr. Solano is a South Florida native who received his Bachelor's degree in Biology and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. He completed his internship and Ophthalmology Residency at Doctors Hospital in Columbus Ohio. Dr. Solano has a special interest in minimally invasive cataract surgery, glaucoma and eyelid reconstruction. He is also fluent in Spanish. During his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and four children.
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Membership Coordinator- Full Time
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic, experienced Membership Coordinator to join the staff of the professional membership organization. This position will primarily be responsible for all activities related to the recruitment of new chamber members in order to meet assigned monthly goals.
The ideal candidate should have chamber of commerce operational knowledge, the ability to articulate the chamber’s mission and scope of services, and a drive to serve the business community. Secondarily, this position will be responsible for sales of other chamber products, event coordination, and additional operational tasks.
Strong sales experience and communication skills are required. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) is needed, with ChamberMaster experience preferred.
Charlotte County Public Schools is currently hiring qualified applicants for various instructional and support positions. Review our open positions at https://charlotteschools.ted.peopleadmin.com/hire/index.aspx. High need positions are bus drivers, food service assistants, and substitute teachers. CCPS offers competitive wages and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. For our bus driver positions, we offer all of the necessary CDL training and wages start at $14.82/hour. Substitutes teachers start at $15/hour. Charlotte County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.
Home Health Aide - Home-care: Home Instead Senior Care is the premier home-care agency in SWFL. As a Home Health Aide, you will provide one-on-one care to our wonderful clients in their home. Interviewing daily – All shifts available (preference for overnight and weekend availability). Full medical benefits, direct primary care health plans, vision, dental, 401K, paid training. Starting at $11.00/ hr ($12 for licensed CNA). Call Regina at 941-621-2028 or text the word CARE to 239-596-2050 to apply!
Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs
Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to tashley@charlottecountychamber.org.
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Resources
LOCAL-
Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.
STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/
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Just for Fun
A weasel strolled down the street and walked into a grocery store.
"Wow, in all my years working here, I have never had a weasel come in," said the clerk. "What can I help you find?"
"Pop," goes the weasel.
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Do you have news or information about YOUR business? Send it to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and we'll share it with the entire membership. Email your submission to Teri Ashley at tashley@charlottecountychamber.org. Please send 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday. Business Online is emailed weekly on Mondays, or Tuesday following a holiday. This is a free membership benefit! ( We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.)
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Teri Ashley, Executive Director
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
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2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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311 W Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-639-2222
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Social Distancing and Health Safety Protocol Statement: The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce requests that you kindly not attend events with a fever, any COVID-19 Symptoms, if anyone in your household has shown symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are included in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined high-risk category for COVID-19. Additionally, while we know that most are accustomed to handshakes, fist-bumps, and hugs, we ask that you refrain during this time and follow all recommended health safety protocols. Social distancing is required by anyone attending chamber events and it is recommended that face masks be worn to lessen the possible transmission of COVID-19 to others. By attending Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce events, all attendees acknowledge and assume the risk that COVID-19 is contagious and exposure may occur.
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