~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, MAY 24, 2021 ~
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2020-2021 Sustaining Partners
Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional financial support annually to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce which, in turn, provides them with additional valuable membership benefits. These contributions to the chamber allow for the continued increase of promotion, advocacy, involvement, and leadership at the local, state and federal levels. This is done to always be proactive in support of our businesses and the community we serve.
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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Chamber Events and Updates |
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1580 News Radio, Tuesday, May 11, 9 a.m. - Tune in for a Chamber update. |
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Business Card Exchange, Thurs., May 27, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Members networking at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and Event Center, 24411 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte. If you like please bring a small gift to promote your business. Members Networking
Save the date - Lunch and Learn on Wed., June 2, 12:00 p.m., at Charlotte County Chamber office at 2702 Tamiami Trail. Our speaker is Jeremy Carr, LocaliQ/USA Today. The topic: Digital Marketing & Analytics. Bring your lunch (water/soft drinks will be provided).
So what did you think of the first issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER sent on May 6, 2021? The next issue will be sent out on June 3. Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. We prefer a PNG file (at least 600-650 pixels wide, resolution 72PPI if possible and file size no larger than 4MG) for the "digital flyer" ad in the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER, due no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the First Thursday of the month. Cost per issue is $145.00, and $95.00 for a non-profit. This is an exclusive opportunity for members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. (The chamber reserves the right to deny, publish and edit any submissions.) Email your ad to advertiser@charlottecountychamber.org or call us 941-627-2222 for more information.
Tues., June 8, 9:00 a.m. Listen in on 1580AM Talk Radio for Chamber News with Bob White on the Ken Lovejoy show.
Wed., June 9, Noon - Networking at Noon will be at The Village Brewhouse, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade (Fishermen's Village). Reservations required, cost $15pp. Members Networking
Wed. June 16, 7:15 a.m. Third Wednesday Coffee at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Non-Profit Speaker: Gulfcoast Partnership. Program: Patrick Fuller, Emegency Management Director. Members Networking
We have decided to go quarterly with the printed newsletter the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Perspective. The next issue will be delivered in July so we'll need your inserts on June 21. Provide 1,500 inserts, complete the contract and return it with your check $50 for profit/$100 nonprofit. . Here is the link to the flier with all the details.
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We are now taking applications for the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2022. Selection of Leadership Charlotte participants is anonymous and based solely upon the answers to the application questions, so please be thoughtful and sincere and use more paper if needed. Program participants must be members of, or employed by members of, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, and membership dues must be current. Cost of the program is $595 and is payable at the time of acceptance. Half scholarships may be available. If needed, please advise when applying. If you have any question please contact the Chamber office 941-627-2222. The application deadline is 4 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2021. Link to fillable Application. Link to Schedule.
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The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 2022 Community Guide and Business Directory is Your Place to Be!. This is the "one-book-look" for visitors and residents throughout our community. The guide, which includes live links to advertisers is posted on our website, as well as published in a large 8 1/2 x 11 glossy color print version. Reserve your ad today to increase your visibility and promote your business. Download the fillable 2022 Community Guide Contract
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Become a Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Sustaining Partner Today! Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional financial support to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce which, in turn, provides them with additional valuable membership benefits. The program runs from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. Additional business exposure includes website listings, verbal recognition at all of our events, space on the traveling banner at all our events, newsletter inserts, ad space in our new Fir$t Thur$day Adverti$er and much more. We need your commitment by August 13th in order to include you on the Sustaining Partner page in the new 2022 Community Guide. Please complete the fillable 2021-2022 Sustaining Partner form to make your choice of three levels of sponsorship or call chamber staff at 941-627-2222 or email bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org for additional details. These benefits are exclusively available to members in good standing.
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All members are invited to join us for these Ribbon Cuttings. Ribbon Cuttings are a great informal way to meet your fellow members, introduce yourself and enjoy casual networking. |
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Zest Nutrition
Thurs., June 3, 5:30 p.m.
1825 Tamiami Trail, Unit 5E, Port Charlotte
Rita's Italian Ice
Thurs., June 10, 5:30 p.m.
4255 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte (rescheduled)
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* GREAT MARKETING OPPORTUNITY *
We sell Charlotte County street maps on a daily basis. We actually sell between 30-40 maps per month. That’s approximately 480 maps per year. We have created a long term marketing opportunity which will certainly yield a strong Return on Investment. You will be able to place your ad on the Back Page of the map. It is a 4” x 9” ad space. In addition, your logo will be placed on the Front Page along with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce logo. The cost of this marketing opportunity is $3,500. Your marketing presence will be for at least 6-7 years, as we will be ordering 3,000 Charlotte County street maps. We know there will be members interested in this marketing opportunity. It will be on a first come, first served basis. If you want to take advantage of this, please contact Bob White at 941.627.2222 or at bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org immediately to reserve your space today!
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ABS Fairings, LLC
941 Tamiami Trail, Suite B, Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Daniel Carmichael
941-324-7464
carmichaelrob@yahoo.com
absfairings.com
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique
121 E. Marion Ave., Unit 111, Punta Gorda, FL 33950-3697
Cynthia Grigiski
(941) 889-8388
cindygrigiski@gmail.com
puntagordanails.com
Dot Lumber, LLC
5251 Linwood Road, Placida, FL 33946
Rachel Henthorn
rachel@dotstoragellc.com
dotlumber.com
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Do you know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member? Businesses may join online now on our website or please recommend a business to Bob White bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org and he will follow up with them!
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Expo Sponsors:
(More and more and more!)
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Kia of Port Charlotte
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Quigley Eye Specialists
Gold Presenting Sponsor - Southwest Florida Insurance Associates
Silver Associate Sponsor- Michael Saunders and Company
Bronze Participating Sponsor- American Imaging of SW Florida
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Charlotte Health Solutions
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mortgage Firm
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mosaic Company
Business After Party Sponsor- Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Print Sponsor- Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor- Sun Coast Media Group
Radio Sponsor- iHeart Media
Main Stage Sponsor- Dellutri Law Group
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 advertising, party tickets, and more than ever before. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for the ~HOT~ details!
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Over 80 booths are sold for the 10th Annual Hottest Business Day in Paradise EXPO!
Already signed up? Keep these Marketing opportunities in mind - Provide your promotional item in 500 Goodie Bags. Donate a gift for the Grand Prize Drawing. Be part of the Speed Direct Networking to connect one-on-one with other exhibitors.
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities still available (Expo Exhibitors Only) * Event Map * Paradise Continental Breakfast * Event Passport * Refreshment Station * Speed Direct Networking *
Make sure YOUR local business is part of this ~HOT~ August event. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for details! Please feel free to contact the chamber office with any questions - 941-627-2222.
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Public Service Announcement - Did you know that beginning April 24, 2021, callers should begin dialing 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. If you forget and dial just 7 digits, your call will still be completed until October 2021. Beginning October 24, 2021, callers must dial 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. This effects our 941 area code. If you have questions consult your telephone provider.
The newly built CoolToday Park, spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, are offering walking tours for groups. Tours are conducted the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. This tour provides fans the opportunity to see the ballpark in an exclusive way with an up close and behind the scenes look at the year round spring training facility. Tour also includes a free lunch at Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar. Group tour prices start @ $35 and must be reserved in advance by contacting us at springtraining@braves.com
The 2021 Tip A Cop is here and we have scheduled it for Thursday May 27th , 11:30 am to 9:00pm at Buffalo Wings & Rings, located at 1020 El Jobean Rd. in Port Charlotte. Last year's event was such a big success, we could not have done it without our own uniformed celebrity waiters and waitresses from our Law Enforcement and Corrections divisions. 100% of tips raised will go to support The Law Enforcement Torch Run that benefit Special Olympics Florida. So come on out and have some fun while being waited on by your Law Enforcement officers and lets raise money for a great cause!! 100% of the Tips raised go to support Special Olympics Florida.
A Healing Field of Honor at Laishley Park- hosted by Punta Gorda Rotary Club and Foundation, May 28-31, 2021! United States flags will fly in solemn formation, creating an awe-inspiring panorama for everyone to enjoy. This stirring display of 1000+ flags will be a community tribute to honor our heroes. Each flag will represent an individual and therein tells a story. Honor our fallen heroes as well as veterans, first responders and frontline line workers, doctors, nurses, teachers and our community! Donate and dedicate a flag (or more) or become a sponsor at https://www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl21. Info- Alyson Burch, call or texting 941-875-3829.
Attention Small Business Owners: Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE on a drop-in basis. Stop by the North Port City Hall, Friday June 4th from 9 to noon. Certified Mentors Michael Hantman and Nils Weibulll will be available for a casual chat about your business and the challenges you are facing. SCORE is powered by the SBA and offers confidential business mentoring at no cost. Visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.
The Aviation Airframe Mechanic Program offered by Charlotte Technical College is an excellent opportunity for those seeking a rewarding career in a high demand occupation. Charlotte Technical College (CTC) is accepting applications for this program and will be hosting an information session on June 8th 6pm to 7pm at the CTC Auditorium. CareerSource Southwest Florida in Port Charlotte will also hold information sessions to promote this program. To attend, must register in advance by calling 941-235-5900. See date Thursday, June 10, 10am to 11am & 3pm to 4pm.
Charlotte Players- Kids Onstage is July 12-16, 19-23. Registration is open! The location this year will be at Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse. 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Students entering 1st & 2nd grade and students entering 3rd thru 6th grade camp will be 9am-12pm. Students entering 7th-12th grade will have camp 1pm-4pm. The cost is $195 before July 5th and $220 after July 5th. Price includes T-Shirt for student. Camp ends with performances on July 23rd and 24th at 7:30pm and 25th at 2pm. For more information go to Kids OnStage Facebook Page or call Charlotte Players at 941-255-1022.
You are invited to the Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association's Dart Tournament on July 10th, 2021 at The Icehouse Pub in Punta Gorda. Registration will begin at 1:30 pm and darts will be in the air at 2:30 pm. Prize for 1st place: $400 AND they get to choose which of the following CDBIA nonprofit member will receive $500: Boy and Girls Club of Charlotte County; Charlotte County Young Life; Crossroads Hope Academy; Gulf Coast Partnership; The Homeless Coalition. For any additional information or to register contact Alaina at Alaina@CDBIA.com
Cruise Planners located at 941 Tamiami Trail, Ste A, Port Charlotte, Florida is excited to host Royal Caribbean's Strategic Account Manager for the Southeast Region, Hong Ngo, at our upcoming Chamber ribbon cutting on July 14, 2021 at 5:30pm. Contact Robin Carmichael, ACC at 941-259-1711 for all your travel needs
Sponsor the Walk to End Alzheimer's to support families touched by Alzheimer's and increase awareness of your business. The Charlotte Walk to End Alzheimer's offers sponsorship opportunities for local organizations to participate in this inspiring community event on October 2nd in Laishley Park. Your participation helps accelerate research for a cure and provides programs and support services for our community. Walk day sponsorship packages begin at $500. Please contact Kathy Heldman, your walk staff partner, at kaheldman@alz.org for more information.
We have a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! The C.A.R.E. Ball is BACK! The hottest event of the year has been officially scheduled for Saturday January 29, 2021. This year’s theme will be “Under the Big Top” and feature the traditional sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. We encourage all of our attendees to get creative with their black tie attire. Stay tuned for ticket sales! Interested in sponsorship please email admin@carefl.org.
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Summer camp season is just around the corner! Consider enrolling your child or grandchild into summer camp with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Campers will enjoy fun games, activities, crafts, & more at our beautiful CHEC nature preserves. For more information about the summer camps, call one of our offices for more information. For camps in Englewood, email gerald@checflorida.org or call 941-475-0769. For camps in Punta Gorda, email shelby@checflorida.org or call 941-575-5435.
Have you ever heard the term “purr like a kitten?” At Complete Auto Repair, we can make your car sound like all types of cat, from a purr to a growl. When you need a new muffler or other exhaust work, come to our shop for an “acoustic consultation.” We can install the exhaust system that can create a distinctive sound for your vehicle – an auditory calling card! If your car is an extension of your personality, let us make it sing your favorite tune. Call for an appointment at 941-623-2926.
Crossroads Hope Academy has achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA), demonstrating the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. It ensures that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in resource management, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.
CALL FOR VENDORS!! Fishermen’s Village is hosting a huge Independence weekend celebration July 3 rd and 4 th! Interested in getting your business exposure to thousands of customers by being a vendor at this event? Email Kathy Burnam, marketing/events manager at mkting@fishville.com for details!
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has room to book local moves for the month of June and beyond although June is filling up. Book your local moves now with one of the most reliable and recommended movers in Charlotte County. Our family-owned, multi-generational moving team is committed and well trained. We handle your move either local or cross-country with professionalism. Our family treats you like family and gets your stuff safely to your destination. Call Kenny for estimates at (941) 423-5311.
Recent candidates who applied for jobs posted by Guerzo Business Consulting include- made-up names, fake backgrounds, applicants barely trying. Also, new area residents and top performers at closed businesses. With extra unemployment benefits phasing out, the market will soon be flooded with job seekers of all stripes. If you want to find the cream of the crop, let Patti Guerzo help you. With 15 years of recruiting success using a personality-based method, she finds the best and leaves the rest. Email Patti at Patti@guerzo.com to set up a free appointment to discuss your needs.
Do you want happier and healthier employees? Learn how Gulfcoast South AHEC can offer FREE tobacco cessation counseling and FREE Nicotine Replacement in the form of patches, gum and/or lozenges at no cost for qualifying participants. As part of Tobacco Free Florida’s in-person/virtual Group Quit sessions, we are here to help. Call 866-534-7909 or visit gsahec.org to register today.
Registration for the RRF opens Friday, April, 30th at 9 am EDT and the application period will start Monday, May 3rd at 12pm EDT - The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Florida SBDC at FGCU Learn More
Parents are about to get a break – additional support for each child is coming from the US Government. Careful handling of this unexpected cash flow can make a significant and long-term impact on a child’s financial security. Sue Craig, of Independent Financial Coaching, can help parents develop a plan that will produce benefits long into the future. Call Sue at (941) 918-5324 to talk about options.
Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, and refinance their home. Conventional, FHA/VA, Primary Residence, Second Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans. Toby Lynn works to get the financing your best buddy needs. Pre-Qualification is FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
All employment background checks should begin with the subject signing a release/consent form. If the employer decides to reject an applicant based on the background check, the applicant must receive a written "pre-adverse action" notice and be allowed to dispute the adverse information. Then, at the time of final rejection, the applicant must receive a written "final adverse action" notice containing the language required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: nrginfo@atlantic.net
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“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vidal Sassoon
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Member-to-Member Testimonials |
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Thanks to a member suggestion, we are enthusiastically sharing testimonials from our members about their positive business experiences with other members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Submit a paragraph of 90 words or less describing your experience. Include your name and business name, and email your Member-to-Member Testimonial to Janet at jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org before noon on Friday to be included the following week. We are proud of our members and this is an excellent way to let them shine even more!
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The Executive Director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the full range of chamber activities. This includes but is not limited to coordination of the program of work, organizational structure and procedures, motivation of volunteers, income and expenditures, community relationships, outreach, promotion of the chamber and its activities, service to members, employment, training and supervision of staff, interpretation of board policy and vision planning. The CEO/Executive Director may be called upon to represent the board of directors in contact with the membership, with outside individuals, public agencies and officials, various organizations and groups, and with the general public. This all requires sound judgment, professionalism, and tact to foster good community relationships. Applications should be sent to the searchcommittee@charlottecountychamber.org please click here for the full details.
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Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org. AND REMEMBER you can login and post your job in the MIC (Member Portal) and it will be visible to all on our website https://business.charlottecountychamber.org/jobs/
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Showcase your business through sponsorship! |
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Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase your business? A great opportunity would be sponsoring one of our Third Wednesday Coffees. Sponsors receive recognition in Business Online, on Facebook and in the Chamber calendar. Sponsors may place marketing materials on the tables at the event and will have 4-5 minutes to introduce yourself/staff/business. Available slots are limited. Please contact Janet Caffee jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300.
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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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A camel with two humps is a Bactrian camel.
A camel with one hump is a dromedary camel.
What do you call a camel with no humps?
Humphrey, of course!
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Send YOUR Member News to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org and we'll share it each week. Email submissions of 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday for inclusion the following Monday. This is a free members-only benefit! (We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.)
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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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