Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 96th Year of Serving All Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, November 16, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New 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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... TOMORROW ... TOMORROW ... TOMORROW...
Networking at Noon
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Noon - 1 p.m. (But arrive early!)
Twisted Fork
2208 El Jobean Road
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Call the Chamber at 941-627-2222
... WEDNESDAY ... WEDNESDAY ... WEDNESDAY ...
Third Wednesday Coffee
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
Sponsor: Air Trek
Nonprofit Update: Drug Free Punta Gorda
Presentation: Paradise Behavioral Health, Mizyl Damayo, MD, Medical Director
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Expo Sponsors (to-date):
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Business After Party Sponsor- Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Print Sponsor- Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor- Sun Coast Media Group
Radio Sponsor- iHeart Media
Lanyard Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Event Bag Sponsor- Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency
There are four sponsorship levels which include the exhibitor booth space(s), lots of promotional perks, print and digital adverting, party tickets, and more than ever before. All of the details are right HERE.
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The general public is ready and almost 50 exhibitors are confirmed:
AADisaster Restoration, Achieva Credit Union, Acu Heal Medical Acupuncture, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte, Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Centennial Bank, Certain Service, Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Charlotte County Community Services, Charlotte County Economic Development Office; Charlotte County Property Appraiser Paul Polk, Charlotte County Water Rainsoft, Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association, Chelsea Place Senior Care, Charlotte State Bank and Trust, Coastal Dermatology, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty, Edward Jones-Jim Sproul, Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop, Farr Law Firm, Gator Wilderness Camp School, Icard Merrill Attorneys and Counselors, Integrity Insurance Agency, Labor Solutions, LaQuinta Inn and Suites/Microtel Inn and Suites Port Charlotte, Murdock Stones Etc., The SCORE Association, Port Charlotte Rehab and Nursing, Pregnancy Solutions, Radiology Regional Center, Rescue Air Cooling and Heating, FSBDC at FGCU, S&N Motorsports, ServPro of Port Charlotte/Venice, Tampa Bay Rays, TaxSavers, Tony/Rhonda Gustitus Team-Keller Williams Peace River Partners, Village Place Senior Living; and Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency.
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Please find PPP Loan Forgiveness information HERE and the needed Form 3508S HERE. THERE IS TIME!.
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2020-2021 Sustaining Partners |
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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc.
601 S. Indian Ave.
Englewood, FL 34223
Phone: 941-698-1376
Steve Gardiner
src_g@comcast.net
englewoodbeachwaterfest.com
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The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad
312 Sullivan Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-205-8603
Shawn Gilstad
hairstylistshawn@gmail.com
thepurplehousesalon.com
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Chamber Member News
Lung cancer often doesn’t get the attention that other cancers do, yet it kills more people than most common cancers combined. When a lung cancer diagnosis is made there are many effective treatment options available, and frequently radiation therapy is one of them. If you or a loved one is facing a lung cancer diagnosis, Advocate Radiation Oncology is here to help you through that journey. Please call us at 941-883-2199 where we always put our patients first, combining our expertise and compassionate care.
A Marine Communications Systems course is offered by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring on Tuesday, January 12th at 1PM to 3PM for 8 weeks in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Systems available to the recreational boater. Definitions of radio circuits to choose best method. GMDSS, FCC Rules and Regs, radiotelephone operating and High Seas communication. Price is $60 for USPS members and $110 to public. To register or for more information: contact the Instructor Holles Dick at 717 552-3845 or h25188d@hotmail.com.
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Will we see you at the 2021 Business Expo in February? Now is the time to prepare. From table covers to banner stands, we’ve got you covered! We can help you create the perfect booth design and giveaway items for the "Hottest Business Day in Paradise.” From now until 11/30/2020, get $10 off your order of $200 or more. Contact us at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to build your custom trade show package today!
A friendly reminder from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or mind off driving. It is extremely risky behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger. Texting is one of the most dangerous of distracted driving behaviors. Please put the phone down. Focus on driving.
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC) invites you to attend the following free programs. CHEC will host a seagrass wading trip at Cedar Point Environmental Park on Wednesday, 11/18 at 10:00 AM. If you prefer to stay on land, join a guided walk at Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park on Thursday 11/19 or at Tippecanoe 2 Mitigation Preserve on Friday, 11/20. Guided walks begin at 9:00 AM. For more information or to register, please call 941-575-5435. Find more CHEC programs at www.checflorida.org. We hope you will join us!
Charlotte Players, Dec 2-6. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is just what we all need after this year! In this hilarious holiday classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant are faced with casting the most awful kids ever. The five performances of the two-hour show include 7:30 p.m. four evening shows on Wednesday, Dec. 2, through Saturday, Dec. 5, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for students age 14-18 and may be ordered at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-255-1022 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
From Complete Auto Repair, here is some money-saving advice. Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn the proper chemicals and oils to be put in your car. When you need service, verify that the shop will be using those products. Incorrect oil can burn up engines. We always use fluids recommended by the manufacturer, and can replace those burnt-up engines too. For peace of mind, call Ron Morgan at 941-623-2926.
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!
Don Gasgarth’s Charlotte County Ford needs your vehicle and will pay cash today! Save up to $13,000 off on 2020 F-150 and Expedition. 2020 Escape starting at $19,997 or take up to $8,000 off 2020 Escape, Edge, or Explorer. Stop in to our showroom or visit us at CharlotteCountyFord.com for more specials. Joseph Keilholz, Sales Manager, 813-575-2140. Call or Text me anytime! Don Gasgarth's Charlotte County Ford, 3156 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Aloha! For a limited time, enjoy a very special Maui Jim BOGO at Eye Centers of Florida! Purchase one complete pair of prescription Maui Jim eyewear (sunglasses or eyeglasses), get a second pair of prescription Maui Jim eyeglasses for 50% off. The frames are gorgeous, and the sunglasses are incredible! To view all optical and Aesthetic Center 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. The Port Charlotte office is located on Hwy 41. For all SWFL locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
Fishermen’s Village annual Festival of Lights features more than one million holiday lights and decorations throughout the Village! Daily viewing through December 31st! Free parking/free admission. Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort & Marina, home to 40+ independently owned shops/boutiques/waterfront restaurants! www.fishville.com 941-639-8721. Located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda!
The Florida Guardian ad Litem program and the Salvation Army are collecting new toys, clothing and other “wish list” items to help brighten the season for area children in need. All six branches of Charlotte State Bank & Trust are serving as drop-off locations for these two prominent local charitable organizations, so drop by any bank office and pick up a “wish list’ or two. Bank lobbies are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (except for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day).
Friendly Floors is having a fundraiser for Charlotte Behavioral Health Care – AND Marjorie Benson, owner of Friendly Floors, is matching funds up to $10,000! With fundraisers cancelled, monies are needed for community programs. Please support this (NON) event. No need to leave the comfort of home. You’re NOT INVITED to attend anything. Think of what you would normally spend at an event: NO dress ($125); NO tux ($100); NO babysitter ($60); NO tickets ($$$); NO sponsorship ($$$$); NO tickets ($20); NO chicken dinner ($75); and NO silent auction ($150). Please consider donating. www.cbhcfl.org/relax
We're headed up the East Coast soon, so if you know any disenfranchised voters who want to leave a blue state, call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage and we will move them to Florida. We can also make room for your larger items and take them to a location on our way. Please call Kenny at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage for moving logistics at 941-423-5311.
Before you head into the holidays, consider completing your 2021 business plan. While you may be tempted to wait until some uncertainty is over, the chances are good that we will be facing continued and novel risks to our businesses for many months to come. It is more important than ever to have a plan. Today’s situation calls for a Plan A, and contingency plans B and C. If you would like experienced assistance walking through this business process, email Guerzo Business Consulting for a Zoom or live appointment – Patti@Guerzo.com.
Gulfcoast South AHEC provides free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs! 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.
Harbor Inspection Services is offering a 30 day special of 10% off Residential home inspections including wind mitigation and 4 point inspections for seniors 65+, teachers, medically licensed personnel, law enforcement, veterans/military. Proper ID required. Please contact Lib Astafan via phone or email for more information and pricing. Offer ends 10/11/2020. Lib Astafan, Owner/Inspector, Harbor Inspection Services LLC, Certified Professional Inspector; FL Home Inspector Lic. HI12433; InterNACHI # 19060317; Bus. Mobile 941-740-4546; Lib.Astafan-CPI@harborhomeinspections.com; www.harborhomeinspections.com
The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event to benefit The Homeless Coalition will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. The player registration is now full. We are still looking for sponsors. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot. Your support assists The Homeless Coalition in continuing to drive out hunger in our community.
December 31, 2020 marks the end of many Bank and Credit Card foreclosure and collection moratoriums. Don’t wait until the last minute to think about what you are going to do to deal with your creditors once collections and foreclosure actions start up again. Call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill to help you deal with your creditors and protect your assets and homestead. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com. Learn more at https://icardmerrill.com/money-matters/ .
During a downturn, people – especially self-employed – may drop health-care coverage to cut costs. But without health-care coverage, one unexpected illness or injury could be financially devastating. During the official Enrollment Period, it makes sense to see what health care options are available. At Independent Financial Coaching, we have assisted clients with the research and options to help self-employed people maintain coverage. Call Sue Craig at 941-916-5324 to schedule a Zoom call.
Keep Charlotte Beautiful is celebrating America Recycles Day by hosting their Annual Recycling Event on December 5th in the Walmart Murdock Parking Lot from 8-noon. Bring out old electronics for recycling. CCSW will be sponsoring the shredding! Only paper please. The Cultural Center will be in attendance to take clothing or small items and CCSO will be there to take any of your prescriptions or OTC drugs that have expired or are no longer needed! Please come out and properly dispose of these items with us. Questions? Please call 941.764.4390.
Christmas Light Canal Cruise reservations at King Fisher Fleet now open! Be part of the 40-year Punta Gorda tradition. Enjoy the same unique holiday experience but with new safety guidelines in place. These popular, family-friendly cruises tour residential canals to view Christmas lights, displays, and decorations on homes, boats, seawalls and docks. December 1st - 31st. Three options: 2-hour Sunset Cruise/Christmas Light Canal Cruise Combo, Classic 1-hour Christmas Light Canal Cruise, and Private Small Group Cruises. Info, prices, and reservations: https://kingfisherfleet.com/christmas-light-canal-cruise/.
(#2 of 4) Reasons to “CONNECT” with Lightspeed Voice. GREATER CONNECTION: Our system & service is available to you anywhere there is an internet connection. You can connect multiple locations, departments and employees on the same platform including … Learn more.
Railroad Ties are becoming very scarce...now is the time to buy...Murdock Stones Etc. is selling them for $28 while supplies last. The price will go up 25% when these are gone...
While checking applicants' criminal histories is essential, criminal records (especially non-FCRA-compliant private databases) are not without flaws. Human error, court delays, processing lags, and staffing shortages impact records quality. Factual errors, missing information, and other mistakes are possible. A quality assurance process should be in place allowing the "do-it-yourself" employer to identify and correct these errors ... or ... the employer should hire a professional and experienced outside vendor to handle the process. For FCRA-compliant screening services, 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
Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County was founded in 1995 by the late Captain Don Cerbone with the Punta Gorda Police Department. In the last 25 years, over 1,000 students in Charlotte County have been recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, acts of heroism, community service, and for doing the right thing. We would like to ask you to consider becoming a financial sponsor for Charlotte County’s Do the Right Thing Program. Please contact Lieutenant Justin Davoult at jdavoult@cityofpuntagordafl.com or 941-575-5525 if you would like to become a sponsor.
Radiology Regional offers Low Dose CT Lung Screening exams. This exam is typically covered for qualifying patients with Medicare and most private insurances. Patients may have one screening per year as long as they meet the following criteria: 1) Between the ages of 55-77, 2) Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer, 3) Current smokers or smokers who have quit within the past 15 years, 4) Smoked the equivalent of one pack per day for 30 years. An order from a healthcare provider is required. Self- pay available if you do not meet the criteria. To schedule, call 941-255-7945.
Financial Planner Rebekah Fero recently completed an extensive two-day virtual workshop conducted by Ed Slott on IRA strategies, especially those from the CARES Act and the SECURE Act. Mr. Slott is a nationally recognized IRA expert and professional speaker. USA Today wrote, “It would be tough to find anyone who knows more about IRAs than CPA Slott.”
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through IFG Advisory, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Ed Slott, Integrated Financial Group and IFG Advisory, LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial.
The Firm 360° Photography can help showcase your business. See the 3D Virtual Walking Tour we did for The Visual Arts Center. Their details are also listed in the tour. We can do this for your business, too. Contact us today for details. 941-347-8198
There is no better time to buy a home. Toby Lynn helps get the right mortgage program for your sister, parents, or best buddy! Toby makes the process easy from Pre-Qualifying to Closing. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
SIP, SAVOR, SUPPORT! Raise a glass and do local good in Charlotte County with United Way of Charlotte County. Beaujolais, November 19th! Here's how the virtual fundraiser works: Select your Tapas and Wine Tasting package by going to our website at
www.unitedwayccfl.org. Invite a few friends or family over and enjoy a FUN evening on YouTube or our FaceBook page. You will learn about the wines from Kenneth L. Johnson Jr., local wine enthusiast, enjoy foods paired especially for the wine by Chef Jason Osborne with Charlotte Technical College. Order your tasting package by 11/9 text wine2020 to 51555 or call 941-627-3539.
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AAA The Auto Club Group has over a hundred years behind our brand. We have a top-notch Field Insurance Sales Agent opportunity to join an industry leader in our Port Charlotte, FL location.
Do you love helping people through difficult situations? SERVPRO of Venice and Port Charlotte is looking for a reliable and hardworking production technician. Experience in cleaning and restoration is preferred; will train the right candidate. Part-time and full time candidates will be considered. Must be available to work after hours and weekends for emergency services. Ability to successfully complete a background check is required. Please email your resume to: servpro9552@msn.com SERVPRO® of Venice and Port Charlotte is an EOE M/F/D/V employer.
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
Simon is in the school play and invites his parents to attend. Halfway through the play a floorboard breaks underneath Simon and he falls through.
"Don't worry," Simon's dad whispers to his mom. "It's just a stage he's going through!"
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Do you have news or information about YOUR chamber 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 only 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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