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 31, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New August Members
- Chamber Member News
- Job Spot
- Resources
- Just For Fun
- Contact information
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Social Distancing and Safety Protocol Statement
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“95th Annual Membership Luncheon”
Please join us as we celebrate our longevity and contributions to the community while looking forward to a successful future.
Friday, October 2, 2020, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, Florida
$75 - per person $275 - table for four
Bar (credit cards only)
Business Attire
LIMITED SEATING
(*All required health and safety protocols will be followed.)
Reservation deadline: September 25, 2020
For additional information, please contact the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce at
2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, 941-627-2222
CharlotteCountyChamber.org
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The Pacesetter Award is the major individual honor presented annually by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 recipient:
A Pacesetter is by definition an individual who has achieved a level of excellence within his or her community or industry that provides a new benchmark for all to follow. As you consider your nomination, please continue to remember our past recipients for their contributions to our community:
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2019 – Michael Grant
2018 – Sue Sifrit
2017 – Harvey Goldberg
2016 – Maryann Mize
2015 – Tom Rice
2014 – W. Kevin Russell
2013 – Ralph Allen
2012 – Mike Riley
2011 – Linda & Phil Wilson
2010 – Don Ashley
2009 – Bill Wishard
2008 – Melinda & Lane Diedrick
2007 – Ana Romillo
2006 – Mark Asperilla, MD
2005 – David Gayler
2004 – Ron Thomas
2003 – Randy Dunn
2002 – Dick Yarger
2001 – Jerry Ross
2001 – Father Nickolas McLaughlin
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2000 – Kathy Hollinger Strayton
1999 – David Klein, MD
1998 – Roseann Samson
1997 – Paula Hess
1996 – JoAnn & Bob Helphenstine
1995 – Derick Dunn-Rankin
1994 – Jack O. Hackett, II
1994 – Don Ross
1993 – Michael Cronin
1992 – Ray Jorgenson
1992 – Dave Powell
1991 – Peter F. Taylor
1990 – Bill Bacon
1989 – Melvyn Katzen, MD
1988 – J. Lynn Stephens
1988 – Bucky McQueen
1987 – Ryland Lovett
1987 – Dave Bitner
1986 – Robert Elliot
1986 – Don Witter
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Kindly submit your 2020 Pacesetter nomination before noon on September 15, 2020.
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As we move toward the new chamber year please continue to thank our 2019-2020 Sustaining Partners-
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The new chamber year begins on October 1 and all members are invited to become a 2020-2021 Sustaining Partner. Support your chamber and enjoy the perks!
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Welcome New August Members |
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Alliance Financial Group-Brian Simon
14021 Metropolis Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33912
Phone: 239-246-8928
Brian Simon
afgl.com
brian.simon@afgfl.com
Big C Restoration
18245 Paulson Drive, #122
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Phone: 941-627-0000
Charles Rosenbarger
bigcrestoration.com
info@bigcrestoration.com
Brandon’s Pressure Washing
PO Box 510933
Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0933
Phone: 941-626-2058
Brandon Coughlin
brandonspressurewashing.com
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Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota
6400 Edgelake Drive
Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone: 941-921-8600
Angela Carnell
encompasshealth.com
angela.carnell@encompasshealth.com
Isabel and Annabel’s Mexican Restaurant
201 W. Marion Avenue, Suite 113,
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-639-4086
Juan Ramirez
isabelandannabel.com
Paradise Behavioral Health
25097 E. Olympia Ave. #205
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-347-8341
Mizyl Damayo, MD
paradisebehavioral.com
office@paradisebehavioral.com
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Chamber Member News
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design! Need some signage or vehicle graphics? There is no better time than now…get 10% off any sign or vehicle graphics order from now until 9/10/2020. Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to see what we can do for you!
Charlotte Players- “Comedy for a Cause” is looking for sponsors! The “Comedy for a Cause” All Stars will continue its fundraising tradition with the 8th Annual Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser on September 25th from the Langdon Playhouse, live via Livestream, on Facebook. Sponsorships start at $100.00 and offer a wide variety of opportunities to share your business with thousands of viewers. And there is more! CFAC will be hosting an online silent auction and needs silent auction items. For sponsorship and auction information: lori.wagner-ryan@charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022 Deadline is September 21st.
The City of Punta Gorda City is to re-writing the sign code to more fully comply with recent US Supreme Court and US District Court and to ensure the sign code remains content-neutral. The City Council directed staff to obtain input from the community and stakeholders regarding the proposed regulations. The following is a link to the sign code survey which will be live thru September 30. After the survey closes, staff will tally the results and take to City Council for further discussion and direction. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FGGS3M
Our Coastal Expressions Boutique has several beautiful pieces of Coastal Art Décor that are made by hand out of American made aluminum and powder coated by a Florida artist from Fort Lauderdale. The artist has become ill which is precluding them from creating anymore of this amazing art. These items are on consignment to Coastal Expressions until Mid-September. This work is truly stunning. Only 1-2 pieces made of its kind. If you’re interested in seeing or purchasing to support the artist, please call for additional information and pricing. 941-214-8599
Complete Auto Repair is open for your vehicle repairs. Don't drive your car with its warning lights on! We are maintaining flexibility in our schedule to leave time for emergencies. It won't hurt your car to extend its oil change by a few weeks, but driving with an issue can result in costly repairs. If something is wrong with your vehicle, call Ron Morgan at 941-623-2926 and he will make sure you have a timely appointment.
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!
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.
Did you know that Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage builds custom wooden crates for your most valuable and fragile items – antiques, artwork, TV’s, pool table slate or any treasure you feel needs the protection of a wooden crate. At your destination, we will unpack the crates and remove them, or you can keep them for your next move. Years of experience make all the difference when making customized crates. When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons Moving, at 941-423-5311.
Thanks to everyone who came to Guerzo Business Consulting’s 8/27 SCORE presentation. Contact Patti Guerzo for a copy of the presentation – How To Increase Your Business Luck and Generate Happy Money Income. Patti@guerzo.com, 312-420-0884. (Spoiler Alert: Gratitude = Wealth)
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.
Financial stress in the workplace is crippling employee productivity and directly affects the bottom line, whether employers realize it or not. Employers lose more than $7,000 per year in productivity - per employee - due to financial stress. Independent Financial Coaching offers classes that empower employees with proven strategies, which will give them financial control. Call Sue Craig at 941-916-5324 to learn how easy it is to deliver this cost-effective employee benefit.
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.
Are you or your kids bored at home? Murdock Stones Etc. sells a number of different rocks that can be used for rock painting. They range in price from 25 cents to 60 cents a pound ... Check them out at: 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
Is there such a thing as "The Best Background Check?" Yes! The best background check is the one that's most defensible in a court of law! And, typically, the best test of defensibility is the answer to the question: "Did the employer check everything that should have been checked and could have been checked?" And, naturally, defensibility also requires the background check to be fully-documented. To avoid problems ... check thoroughly ... document fully ... and be FCRA-compliant. Contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 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!
The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association’s monthly magazine, “The Communicator” reaches thousands of Punta Gorda Isles residents. “The Communicator” is an affordable way for chamber members to reach the PGICA residents who want to use your products and services. Ad rates start at $63.00 a month. (3 month minimum) Check out the latest “The Communicator” and you will see why it is the “go to resource” for thousands of PGICA members. To learn more: contact Steve Lineberry, 941-626-0551 or email stevelineberry.pgiadsales@gmail.com The Communicator
The Punta Gorda Rotary Club is meeting virtually at Noon on Thursdays during the pandemic. Rotary is a wonderful service organization that values "Service Above Self" in its ongoing efforts to serve our community and our world. We are people of action, and welcome anyone who would like to work as part of a group doing service. If you are interested in attending one of our virtual lunch meetings (and later, face-to-face lunches), please contact our President Darcy Hanley by calling or texting 303-927-9437 or writing darcyrhanely@gmail.com. Website: https://www.puntagordarotary.org. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puntagordarotary/.
When choosing the perfect mortgage plan, prioritizing needs and wants can lead in different directions. With 30 years in the business, Toby Lynn is a pro at helping your family, co-workers, or best buddy see advantages and disadvantages in options available. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
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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 duck was walking along the road with a buddy and decided to cross to the other side. His buddy, a chicken, said, "Pal, don't do it. You'll never hear the end of it."
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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.)
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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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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