Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 95
th
Year of Serving All Charlotte County
~
Offices in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, August 3, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New Members
- Chamber Member News
- Job Spot
- Resources
- Just For Fun
- Contact information
- Social Distancing and Safety Protocol Statement
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Charlotte CARES for Business Recovery Grant Program-
Applications for Stage 1 open at 8:00 a.m., Monday, August 3rd and will remain open until August 9th. Applications MUST include the signed and NOTARIZED Affidavit. The application form, affidavit and details about the program are posted on the Charlotte County Economic Development Office website at:
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APPLY HERE NOW
The 2021 Leadership Charlotte application is available by clicking the
link
, or by calling the chamber at 941-627-2222. The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2021 wants YOU.
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Would you like to see a quick sample of what the
new digital version
of the
2021 Community Guide and Business Directory
will look like?
Click on the magazine for a peek. The outdated content is blurred, but the ads are visible. In the actual 2021 edition, your ad will link directly to your website. 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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Complimentary white cotton face masks are available to our Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce members at the Port Charlotte office. The face masks are sealed in packs of five and are available on a first come, first served basis.
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It's time for your annual checkup!
Members,
click here
to find your listing on the chamber website and verify we have the current information for your business. What YOU see is what WE have. If changes need to be made, please log into your MIC Website and make the appropriate updates. If you need assistance, please contact Janet at our Port Charlotte office, 941-627-2222.
Please do this by August 14th to ensure your current information is included in the
2021 Community Guide and Membership Directory
.
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The
New Teachers' Breakfast Parade
is now scheduled fo
r
Monday, August 24.
Chamber members can still participate and attend the parade by sponsorin
g 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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The dedicated Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional support to the annual chamber budget which, in turn, provides them with additional membership benefits. This allows us to continue with increased promotion, advocacy, involvement and leadership at the local, state and federal levels as we support our businesses and the community we serve.
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For your business to become a 2021 Sustaining Partner and enjoy special benefits, please contact Teri Ashley at 941-639-2222 or
tashley@charlottecountychamber.org
for information.
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Welcome July New Members
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Axis Infrastructure
1111 Cambridge Square, Suite C
Alpharette, Georgia 30009
Phone: 863-255-3213
Jason Green
www.axiscompanies.com
jasongreen@axiscompanies.com
Beverly Brady
27110 Jones Loop Road, #234
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Phone: 843-838-9021
Bev.peterson.brady@gmail.com
Rebekah J. Fero, CFP
17843 Murdock Cir., Unit 7B
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: 941-625-5811
Rebekah J. Fero
ferofinanciallifecoach.com
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Tailored Living of Port Charlotte
6035 Taylor Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-999-2333
Josh Stevens, Rebekah Stevens
Rebekah.stevens@tailoredliving.com
ZenBusiness
702 San Antonio St.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 844-493-6249
Ross Buhrdorf
www.zenbusiness.com/form-llc/florida/
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Chamber Member News
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 4
th
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 2
nd
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.
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.
Car batteries last only about three years in our heat. At
Complete Auto Repair
, we install AAA batteries. Why? They have a three-year warranty. Most other batteries have a two-year replacement and then after two years they prorate the cost to replace it. Only AAA approved shops can carry these AAA batteries. Having a well-charged battery in hurricane season is part of your hurricane preparedness. Call us at 941-623-2926 to make an appointment to have your battery checked.
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
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.
If you are a business and need to move to new office space,
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage
has years of experience. We will pack up your office move it safely, and reassemble your office furniture, electronics, printers, copiers, and equipment into a working office. If you have an office move coming up, call Kenny Gardiner at 941-423-5311.
Reviews are FREE, and yet most business owners do not pursue them. It can be hard to ask; yet you don’t want an automated solution. Reviews left directly on Google, Facebook, Yelp, are weighted heavily in search results. Even more important is that positive reviews convert prospects to customers. Let Patti Guerzo and her team at
Guerzo Business Consulting
implement their proven plan of action that will give you a balanced and positive review portfolio. Call Patti 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.
If you’ve bunkered down, why not lock down your credit too? You can prevent untold heartache by FREEZING your credit so that scammers can’t do any damage. If you want to know more about this free consumer protection, call Sue Craig at
Independent Financial Coaching
, 941-916-5324.
Isles Yacht Club
- Due to Covid-19 concerns, the main clubhouse and all in-person dining and events have been cancelled until further notice. Carryout food service remains available to members daily, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Carryout orders must be placed by 5:00 p.m. The fuel dock, marina, Bridge Building, and all other outdoor activities remain available.
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.
Florida Statutes, Title XLV, Section 768.096, "The Employer Presumption Against Negligent Hiring," provides statutory legal protection to Florida employers who conduct non-fingerprint-based background checks. Following provisions of that statute is almost like having an insurance policy protecting you and your business against charges of negligent hiring. The statute suggests detailed job application; checking criminal records, prior employment, references, civil court records for intentional torts, and driving record when relevant; and, conducting an interview. 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.
The Computer People
- Offering "no contact" service for repairs brought to me. Typically, remote/phone/email support is $45 hr. During this pandemic, services are $30 hr. Repairs brought to me are also reduced from a flat fee of $85 to $65 during the “lock down.” With almost everyone working from home, and children schooling from home, protect your computers from hackers, scammers, and other vicious activity. Office hours: Monday -Friday, 9-5 p.m. Weekends are by appointment. 941-426-3888. Y'all stay safe, wash your hands, and don't touch your face! Look forward to talking to you.
VA Benefits? Toby Lynn loves helping our Veterans get the financing they need. VA Mortgages are just one of her specialties. Let her get a family member or best buddy, who is a Veteran, pre-qualified at no cost! That’s right….free pre-qualifying. 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.
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/disaste
r
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association-
https://frla.org/covid-19/
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Just for Fun
The young couple was so excited to welcome their new baby girl, but it was during a heat wave. They named her JuneJulyAugust because of the high temperatures. For short they call her Summer.
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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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