BUSINESS ONLINE
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Accredited by the US Chamber of Commerce, ⁕⁕⁕⁕ Rating
~ 95
th
Year of Serving All Charlotte County
~
Offices in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce SUSTAINING PARTNERS:
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~~~ Monday, February 24, 2020 ~~~
Upcoming Chamber Events for ALL Members:
Thurs., Feb. 27,
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.,
Business Card Exchange
,
National Cremation Society
,
2672 Tamiami Trail, #4b, Port Charlotte
Wed. March 4,
5:30 p.m.,
Ribbon Cutting-
Cora Physical Therapy,
2150 Tamiami Trail, Unit #9, Port Charlotte
Wed., Mar. 18,
7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.,
Third Wednesday Coffee
,
Buffalo Wings & Rings,
1020 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte
Sponsor:
Buffalo Wings & Rings
Nonprofit:
Valerie's House
Program:
Charlotte County Economic Development
Upcoming Chamber Meetings & Activities
Mon., Feb. 24,
5:30 p.m.,
Board of Director's Meeting
, Port Charlotte office
Mon., March 2,
5:00 p.m.,
Government Affairs Meeting
, Port Charlotte office
Tues., March 3,
8:00 a.m
., ChamberACTION Committee Meeting
, Port Charlotte office
Welcome, New Members!
Alzheimer’s Association
9240 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Ph: 312-203-6418
Kathy Heldman
alz.org
Coastal Expressions & Wine, LLC
41 Chailett Rd., #16, Rontonda West, FL 33947
Ph: 941-214-8599
Tim Sandage, Lori Sandage
coastal-expressions.com
DK Consultants of Florida, LLC
3686 Junction Street, North Port, FL 34288
Ph: 941-888-2665
Dave Krieger
Shopaffordablehomes.com
The Grill At 1951
1951 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Ph: 941-225-0994
David Eger, Penelope Neubauer
thegrillat1951.com
Leadership Charlotte
The
Leadership Charlotte Class of 2020
is hosting a 5K Run/Fun Walk at Carmalita Park on April 11th … along with a 20's Speakeasy Event on June 13th. All funds raised will go towards re-building the press box at Carmalita Park and starting a grant for foster children to play youth sports in Charlotte County. Please visit
leadershipcharlottefl.com
for event information and registration. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well.
Chamber Member Events
The Tampa Bay Rays
2020 Spring Training Season is quickly approaching! Pitchers and Catchers report on February 12th and the season starts at home on February 23rd against the New York Yankees. Have you heard about the Rays 2020 Spring Training Business Partnership Opportunities? Check out the following website for more information on partnerships, schedules and tickets:
mlb.com/rays/spring-training/spring-business-package
.
Interested or have any questions? Please Contact: Mark Houston, Manager, Spring Training,
mhouston@raysbaseball.com
, P: 727-825-3256 or Tom Colvell, Intern, Business Operations,
tcolvell@raysbaseball.com
, P: 941-235-5064
Liberace staring Martin Preston will be at The Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda
at 7:30 p.m.
on February 25, located at 701 Carmalita Street. Martin Preston re-creates the magic of Liberace in a spectacular full-length show, complete with crystal candelabra, rhinestone-studded grand piano, and the flamboyance and excitement of Las Vegas’ greatest musical showman. Tickets are $29 for regular seating and $24 for preferred. For more information call
Charlotte Players
at 941-255-1022.
At the end of this month, we’re holding our 10th Customer Appreciation Party. We’re going to put out barrels for you to bring non-perishable food that will be given to The Homeless Coalition.
Complete Auto Repair
’s customers are generous and community minded, and we all
know what a valuable support service the Homeless Coalition is for our county. We are happy to be the connection point on February 29th.
“Hootenanny” presented by
Suncoast Credit Union-
For a day of family-friendly fun, join us for the “Hootenanny” presented by Suncoast Credit Union. Enjoy food, rides, activities and prizes. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 children. All proceeds benefit Arcadia-Desoto County Habitat for Humanity. When:
Saturday, February 29, 2020, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Padgett Ranch, 5422 NE McIntyre Street, Arcadia, FL 34266
The
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
is proud to announce the 2nd Annual FantaSea Fishing Tournament, to benefit the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. A night of fun with dinner, dancing, silent auctio
ns, raffles and door prizes, hosted by TT's Tiki Bar in Punta Gorda on February 29, 2020. If you would like to become a partner or just want to join in the fun, you may email
CCSOFantaSeaFishing@gmail.com
with all inquiries or find us on your Facebook Events, under FantaSea Fishing Tournament to benefit FSYR.
The
Punta Gorda Rotary Club
hosts its 13th Annual
Taste of Punta Gorda and Beyond
at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 1st. The Presenting Sponsor is Publix Super Markets, with major sponsors Ingman Marine and Suncoast Credit Union. The
Taste
features 35 restaurants from Punta Gorda and nearby communities serving "tastes" of signature dishes. 80+ arts, crafts, and nonprofit vendors, a "don't miss" Silent Auction, a Fun Kids' Zone, and music all day with the Charlotte HS Jazz Band, Tiki Tom & AJ, and the BoogieMen. Advance tickets available at
https://TasteofPuntaGorda.org
.
The U.S. Navy Band, Washington DC, will present a free concert on March 8, 2020 at the
Charlot
te Harbor Event and Conference Center
at 2 p.m., doors opem at 1 p.m. Tickets available for pick-up at the Event Center Box Office, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The concert is presented in partnership with the Charlotte Harbor Chapter of Military Officers Association of America and the CHECC. It’s a great way to pay tribute to our military
Fishermen’s Village
annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Tuesday, March 17, 12 noon-9 pm. Live music featuring Paul Cottrell, Jim Garee, Mark Fitzpatrick, Eddie Dillon, Vladimir Gorodkin, Irish Step Dance by Kellyn Celtic Arts, and Lee County Pipes and Drums Parade/Performance. Free admission/free parking. Visit
www.fishville.com/events
for full details!
Educational Foundation Systems
- six-week, 18-hour S.A.T. program preparing students for the April ACT exam and May SAT exam at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce office in Port Charlotte. SAT/ACT w
orkshop- Monday, March 23 at 6 p.m. Program starts Wednesday, March 25, 6-9 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesday nights. This program has been conducted for
24 years and will be our 49th Charlotte County program. Last fall, programs averaged 100 point rise on SAT and a three point rise on ACT. For more information-
efssat@embarqmail.com
or contact Edward F. Scott- 941-9161398.
K&K Hobby
will participate in the Florida Planes, Trains & Cars Hobby Show & Swap Meet, Saturday April 4th, Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit 165 tables of hobby related items and a try-before-you-buy crawler course inside. Enjoy hot food, prize entries (need not be present to win), and a working HO train layout. Adults- $7, children under 10- free. Vendor info- $10 a table, contact K&K Hobby Shop at 941-883-6931 or visit
https://www.facebook.com/kinharttrains/
Job Fair-
Charlotte Technical College
- Wednesday, April 8, 2020 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Hiring? Reserve your free space now! Email: Claudette Baines:
Claudette.baines@yourcharlotteschools.net
, phone 941-255-7500 ext. 280. Meet graduating adult students and members of the public looking for new opportunities. Offer your expertise to High School seniors as they practice job search skills. For CTC Information visit www.charlottetechcollege.net. Students achieve certification in over 20 industries, including Automotive, Building Construction, Baking & Pastry/Commercial Foods, Cosmetology, Computer Systems & Information, Digital Design, HVAC, Firefighting/EMT; Healthcare programs include Nursing, Patient Care Tech, Paramedic.
“Spring Fling……A Trip Around the World with Habitat” presented by
Charlotte County Habitat
and the
Farr Law Firm
. Join us for an evening of casino gaming, dinner, dancing, photo booth, raffles an
d a lot of fun as we explore habitat regions around the world.*
Saturday, April 18
th
, 6 pm at Twin Isles Country Club, 301 Madrid Blvd. Punta Gorda
$125 per person. Visit
charlottecountyhfh.org
for tickets or call 941-639-3162. All proceeds benefit Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. *Credit Card Ba
r
available
Charlotte Prep
will be having their annual event Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Tickets are $35. Charlotte prep is looking for tax deductible sponsorships and/or auction item donations or bottles of spirit. The event will have live and silent auctions, casino gambling, food and dancing. Jenn Hutchinson, 813-607-0782.
Goodwill SWFL
Golf Classic - where cart path could lead to Pebble Beach Golfers, hole sponsors and souvenir bag items are wanted for the 10th Annual Goodwill SWFL Golf Classic. Join us April 30 at Verandah Golf Club, just east of I-75 at Palm Beach Blvd exit. The format is a four person scramble. The $125 fee includes 18 holes of play, cart, lunch and contests. Hole-in-One Prize is a golf vacation to Pebble Beach to play and stay, valued at $7,500. Visit
www.goodwillswfl.org/golfclassic2020
for more information or to register.
Chamber Member News
Are you looking for somewhere to volunteer? C.A.R.E. (The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies) helps victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and violent crimes. We have outreach and awareness, answering the phones, hospital response team and two Re-Use stores. Looking for compassionate, listening and caring individuals. For more information, please contact Julie Dennis at 941-639-5499 or
julie.dennis@carefl.org
, or go to
carefl.org/volunteer
for more information.
Become a volunteer mentor with the
Children’s Network of Southwest Florida
. Volunteers are needed who are caring, supportive, non-judgmental, and have 1 hour a week to meet with a local family to provide “familie
s helping families” style mentoring. Complete our online application at
childnetswfl.org
and take our Family Mentor Training online. Children’s Network office: 19621 Cochran Blvd Unit 4 Port Charlotte, FL 33954. This a very rewarding volunteer opportunity ~ share your experience by mentoring a family ~ Lend-A-Hand Mentor a Family Today ~ Mentor Coordinator 941-613-3937 or
pmalik@cnswfl.org
for more information.
Complete Auto Repair
is happy to announce we have joined the Adopt-a-Road program, Keep Charlotte Beautiful. We now take care of one mile in front of our shop on Veterans Blvd. in Port Charlotte. Having cleaned up once already, we can attest to the need for this program! If you like auto repair shops that have a clean front yard, call Ron at 941-623-2926.
Hard surface products rarely stain, unless the liquid or solid are left for an extended period of time, or the wrong product is used to clean it.
Friendly Floors
recommends a professional PH-neutral stain remover. It is always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions if you are able to obtain them. Friendly Floors offers manufacture-recommended spot remover for carpet, and a second one for hard surface. Stop by our Port Charlotte showroom at 3785 Tamiami Trail to get our favorite cleaner.
At
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage
, we like to help customers save money when we can. In the next few weeks, we will be headed to Texas, and also the Midwest. If you know anyone who needs something moved to or from these locations, call Kenny Gardiner at 941-423-5311 to discuss specifics.
Guardian Ad Litem
advocates for abused, abandoned and neglected children in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Charlotte has 462 children in the welfare system, of that number 320 are appointed to the Guardian program. We are a volunteer driven organization. After the volunteer is trained, “party status” is received meaning pertinent records can be accessed to assist in advocating in court for the child’s needs. If you have a heart for children, ability to learn and 12 hours per month to give, contact Rick Sloan, Recruiter at 941-467-4663 or
Rick.Sloan@gal.fl.gov
In our tight job market, employers are better off improving skills of current employees than finding new ones. If you want your sales department to close more business,
Guerzo Business Consulting
can help. Patti Guerzo can show each member of your sales team how to understand buying needs of different personalities, and how to adapt your sales process to meet their needs. This process is guaranteed to work, and comes with a money back promise. If you want to know more, set up a meeting with Patti Guerzo, at
patti@guerzo.com
.
Gulfcoast South AHEC
provides free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. 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 within the Florida Department of Health, all AHEC Group Quit services, including nicotine replacement therapy, are FREE. Call 941-552-1283 or visit our website tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.com for more information or to register for a class today!
We all recently experienced what happens when someone passes suddenly and unexpectedly. Each day is a gift, and we can never predict what the future holds. Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of
Icard Merrill
at 941-206-3700 or
mmartella@icardmerrill.com
to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.
Did you know that auto loan applicants with the highest credit scores pay interest rates of 3.7% on average, while the lowest-scoring borrowers can expect a more-than-14% rate? A good credit score is one of the best investments you can make. If you want to qualify for the lowest interest rates whenever you borrow, call Sue Craig at
Independent Financial Coaching
, 941-916-5324.
Kelting Inspections
offers residential inspections that provide a thorough overlook of the entire property you are wanting to purchase. With this inspection you receive a detailed report, complete with pictures. The goal of a residential inspection is to give you a clear understanding of what you are purchasing in your new home. Reach out to us today to learn more! Email:
office@keltinghomeinspections.com
; Facebook: Kelting Home Inspections; Website: keltinghomeinspections.com; Instagram: keltinghomeinspections; Phone: 941-655-8888.
Murdock Stones Etc.
is in it's 25th year in business. To celebrate we are giving all Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce members $5 off per cubic yard on ANY of our bulk materials through the month of March. 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.
In recent years, the U.S. Department of Labor has significantly narrowed the definition of "independent contractor" and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service has estimated that the majority of workers listed by employers as independent contractors are actually employees. Review the latest DOL guidelines ... and then be as careful and thorough in checking the backgrounds of your legitimate independent contractors as you would be in screening your direct employees. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at
NRG Background Checks
. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522;
nrginfo@atlantic.net
Please click
this link
for the Wi
nter 2020
Punta Gorda History Beacon
- the newsletter of the
Punta Gorda History Center.
This issue includes our full plate of upcoming programs at the history center, provides an update on the Southern Southern, plus some history tidbits. Please share your comments on what you might want to see in future issues. The newsletter will be mailed by regular mail to those who have joined our membership. If you aren’t a member yet, and interested in joining, please find an application
here.
RE/MAX Palm Realty
agent, Tammy Hayes, is making a difference in Charlotte County by participating in the RE/MAX Miracle Home Program. Through this program, Tammy makes a donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® after each listing transaction that closes. All of the donations benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital in Ft Myers which is Charlotte County’s designated hospital. Donations will support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Contact Tammy Hayes at 941-276-6185 if you want to list your home as a Miracle Home.
Suncoast Humane Society:
Dog- I’m Daysey, a 3-year-old, 56 pound, female American pit bull/terrier mix, a sweetie and an active young girl looking for a great home. Shy at first, but once I warm up you'll see my true energetic side! I'm excitable and would be best as an only pet.
https://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Terrier-American-Pit-Bull-43802705
Cat- I’m Beatrice, a 1-year-old, female, domestic shorthair mix. I have so much to offer and hope to find my new home soon! I’m a sweet, loving cat and comfortable around children, cats, and dogs. A family of my own is my dream.
https://www.petango.com/Adopt/Cat-Domestic-Shorthair-43672644
Redundant Backups. Why? Ransomware loves backups, especially ones attached to the device being backed up. Email filtering. Why? Ransomware loves targeting emails. Antivirus and an endpoint detection and response solution. Why? Antivirus solution alone is not enough. EDR solutions collecting and storing large data volumes from endpoints and provide real-time host based file level monitoring can help. How can I be 100% protected from ransomware and cyber-attacks? Well, don’t connect to the internet! But if you must, call 941-426-3888 to implement the safest environment you possibly can. Nanci Ruhl,
The Computer People
Home Buying couldn’t be easier. With new programs available, Toby Lynn can find the right fit for a friend or co-worker. Conventional, FHA/VA, primary residences, secondary homes, investment properties, or construction loans, Toby can help. Pre-qualify at no cost, zero, FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager,
The Mortgage Firm,
941-356-6579 –
ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
Tiki Tom Entertainment -
visit
www.tikitomrocks.com
for our performance schedule and booking information. Join us Monday at the Tampa Bay Rays Family Day at Charlotte Sports Park. Happy tunes, happy times from Rat Pack to Reggae. Do you have a special event needing live music, karaoke, a PA sound system or an EMCEE? Contact us through
www.tikitomrocks.com
or directly at 239.314.6808. Special rates for 501c non-profits.
Payroll, Benefits, HR Support and Workers Comp, all in one easy package. Do What You Do, We’ll Do The Rest!
Worksite
makes life easier for business owners by handling all employee-related headaches, using a simple and transpar
ent system. PEO Brokers! Come work with the best and most broker-friendly PEO in Florida, with quick turnarounds, high commissions, and phenomenal customer service so you can spend all your time prospecting and less time unraveling PEO issues. Learn more at
WorksiteEmployee.com
or call us at 941-677-0110.
Your Complete Business IT. Online.
Zypha Corporation
is a national IT utility company that is on the cusp of a major expansion. At present we are operating in four states and have the ability to work in all 50 States, as well as anywhere within the world that has dependable internet access. We serve small and medium sized businesses and organizations including Federal/State agencies. These are exciting times so keep watching and see little Zypha grow. 941-204-1958,
zyphausa.com
Job Spot
Your
"Help Wanted"
information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to tashley@charlottecountychamber.org.
Just for Fun
While waiting in line to pay at the doctors office last week, an elderly lady asked me if I would check her balance. So I pushed her over.
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Do you have exciting information about YOUR business? Send it to the Chamber and we'll share it with our other members! Email news about your business to Teri Ashley at tashley@charlottecountychamber.org. Please keep it to 90 words or fewer. We reserve the right to publish as well as edit any posting. Business Online goes out weekly on Mondays … please email your news by noon of the preceding Friday. It's a free membership benefit!
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Teri Ashley, Executive Director
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
311 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-2222
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(941) 627-2222
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