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
~~~ Tuesday, September 8, 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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Networking at Noon
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Noon - 1 p.m.
Buffalo Wings and Rings
1020 El Jobean Rd
Port Charlotte, Florida 33948
LIMITED SEATING
RESERVATION REQUIRED- $15
Call the Chamber at 941-627-2222
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Third Wednesday Coffee
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event
and Conference Center
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
SPONSOR: Panther Hollow Dental Lodge
PRESENTATION: Dave Gammon, Director, Charlotte County Economic Development
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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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Rita’s Italian Ice
4255 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Phone: 941-764-6273
Georgia Regan
http://www.ritasice.com
gregan@ritaspc.com
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Sunset Home Specialist, LLC
23270 Kim Avenue
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Phone: 941-276-4667
Billy Hishmeh
http://www.SunsetHomeSpecialist.com
shswtr@gmail.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!
The 1% local option sales tax is estimated to raise $20 million per year to fund capital projects throughout Charlotte County and the City of Punta Gorda. It offers advantages over other revenue sources for funding projects—it is a funding source paid by everyone—whereas increases to ad valorem taxes fall solely on property owners. Projects to be funded include a new recreation center at Port Charlotte Beach Park, school security features and the widening of Edgewater Drive. Visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov to learn more. Call Brian Gleason at 941-743-1944 to schedule a presentation for your organization.
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.
This is the last week Coastal Expressions will be open at our Rotonda West location, during which time, we will be packing up to relocate. We will be shutting our doors for the last time Friday, September 4th. We really appreciate all of our customers, your business and friendship and we look forward to seeing each of you in our new location in Punta Gorda. Coastal Expressions & Wine (soon to be a full-service Wine Bar...:) 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1135, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
At Complete Auto Repair, we are often asked to fix issues that other shops couldn’t fix. They require the time and talents of our best techs. While the customers are thrilled, we stress over the time it took to find the problem. Do yourself a favor: When it’s time for maintenance, get it done. So many expensive problems are born as affordable maintenance items. Call us at 941-623-2926 for a timely appointment, so we can charge you less!
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: Is Italy on your travel bucket list? Join Pat and Kevin at 1 pm Tuesday 9/8 for this week's Facebook Live event. Explore the romance of the Amalfi Coast northwards on to Rome and ending with the history-rich wine country of Tuscany. https://tinyurl.com/y23quko7
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/.
Now available for reservations! The Suites at Fishermen's Village, your stay and play destination on Charlotte Harbor! Perfect “Staycation” getaway! Call 941-639-8721 for rate/booking info or visit on line at www.fishville.com/resort. Suites are 1,000 sq. feet, sleep up to four, located on the 2nd level above Fishermen’s Village shops, boutiques and restaurants.
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.
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has a move planned to the great state of Ohio the third week in September. Our truck isn't full yet. If you have anything that needs to be moved to or near Ohio, we are happy to help with the logistics, including packing, unpacking, or crating fragile items. Please call Kenny Gardiner at 941-423-5311 to secure space. When Quality Counts call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage.
Did you know 92% of consumers read online reviews? 44% say a review must be written within one month to be relevant. 68% say positive reviews make them trust a local business more. Are your reviews helping or hurting you? If you are not sure, contact Patti Guerzo, of Guerzo Business Consulting, LLC, at patti@guerzo.com, 312-420-0884. Now is a great time to get your review sites up to date.
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.
The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. This event is a four-person mixed flight. There will be a continental breakfast and southern-style barbecue lunch. The cost is $95. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and shotgun is at 8:30 a.m. 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.
Many of us are in a state of suspended animation, waiting until the air is clear again. At Independent Financial Coaching, we have some advice for this time. If you are planning on an auto, home, boat, or other purchase in the future, take this time to pull your credit reports. Sue Craig, IFC Master Coach, can work with you to remove errors that will stand in the way of your goal. Email Sue at SCraig@YourIFC.comto set up a Zoom meeting.
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
The cost of hiring mistakes is substantial. Studies estimate the average cost of a bad hire can run to $20,000 or more. That makes thorough background checking of applicants a sound investment for most businesses! Naturally, background checks include checking criminal records, as well as confirming employment, education, licensing, credit, and other elements important to the position applied for. Today, eighty percent of employers report completing some level of background checking before making job offers. 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!
Premier Photographic Events introduces its newest photographic service - Video Slideshows. Share your business services, special events, real estate listings, or special products with a video slideshow. Perfect for websites and social media. Video marketing remains the best performing digital content type, driving more views, more engagement, and more response than any other social posting option. Premier Photographic Events can produce a video slideshow easily and affordably. For a free quote call Steve Lineberry, email premierphotographicevents@gmail.com or call 941-626-0551 Click here for a recent video slide show for The Homeless Coalition.
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/.
Radiology Regional Port Charlotte is honoring new and returning teachers with a special campaign for September and October! We are offering teachers a Heart Screening CT for $49 (reg $69). In addition, we are offering “after school hours” walk- in Screening Mammograms for teachers between the hours of 2:30pm-5pm! Neither exams require a doctor’s order, and we work with other facilities to retrieve previous mammograms for comparison! Ladies, teachers, friends and family- you have a CHOICE where your imaging is done, and Radiology Regional is here for YOU! 18300 Murdock Circle, 941-255-7945
Rita's Ice is Spreading The Happiness - Grand Opening Specials. We are proud to announce
September 10th-13th, 10% of ALL SALES will go to benefit Port Charlotte Bandits Football.
Please come support our town's youth. September 17th- 20th, 25% OFF ALL ORDERS. We look forward to seeing you!
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.
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
It's so hot... I saw a chicken lay an omelette.
It's so hot... I saw a squirrel picking up nuts with pot holders.
It's so hot... You can wash and dry your clothes at the same time.
It's so hot... I saw two trees fighting over a dog.
It's so hot... I saw a high-speed chase, and everyone was walking.
It's so hot... Cows give powdered milk.
It's so hot... My thermometer goes up to "Are you kidding me?"
It's so hot... I bought a loaf of bread and before I got home it was toast.
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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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