~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, January 11, 2021 ~~~
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- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New Members
- Chamber Events and Updates
- 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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2020-2021 Sustaining Partners |
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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Blu Grotto Italian Ristorante
992 Tamiami Trail, Unit F
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
941-249-9205
Lisa Deslauriers
blugrottoportcharlotte.com
Carpenter Homes, LLC
1302 East 2nd Avenue, Suite 200
Tampa, FL 33605
813-565-7010
Gail Bonnstetter
www.CarpenterHomes.com
Chenango Supply Co., Inc.
5195 Duncan Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
941-637-1165
Richard Kipper
chenangosupplycompany.com
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Debra Anlauf, LLC
17279 O’Hara Drive
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Debra Anlauf
715-308-9668
http://DebbieAnlaufRealEstate.com
EXP Realty, LLC
5039 Ocean Boulevard
Siesta Key, FL 34242
954-608-5445
Elizabeth Sheriff
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Chamber Events and Updates |
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Let’s Network at Noon- Lasagana! That’s one of the choices at Wednesday’s “Networking at Noon” luncheon at The Grill at 1951, located 1951 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. The membership luncheon begins at noon, but please arrive early. This will give you plenty of time to place your business cards and literature on each table, chat from a safe distance, and find your seat. Along with a fantastic lunch and great comradery, each attendee is given a minute or so to speak about their business. T he other three meal choices are: Jazzy Mussels- black mussels sautéed with andouille sausage, cherry tomatoes and roasted corn in a citrus white wine butter sauce and crostini; Chicken Modena Sandwich- brioche bun with pan fried chicken breast topped with bruschetta, mozzarella, artisan greens, and balsamic glaze; and Chicken Caesar- Romaine hearts, grilled chicken breast, house dressing, herbed croutons, black pepper rim, and (optional) anchovies. And speaking of eating, face masks are required except when socially distanced or eating and drinking. Reservations are required and can be made at charlottecountychamber.org or by calling 941-627-2222.
Let’s have Coffee on the Third Wednesday- The monthly Third Wednesday Coffee for our members will be on January 20. Long-time member Hessler Floor Covering will be sponsoring the meeting and updating us about their amazing business. We will also hear from our nonprofit business, Valerie's House, this month.
Let’s get Oriented- Immediately following the Third Wednesday Coffee will be the Quarterly New Member Orientation. This is a 30-minute Chamber-101 session to give the newbies an in-person overview of our programs and services. They have already received tons of information over the phone and via email, but we want to make sure they have the opportunity to meet the board president and any board members that can attend, meet each staff member, and be able to ask any questions they have for us. And, here’s a tip for the not-so-newbies: We had long-standing members attend Chamber-101 in October who went away with LOTS of newfound (or newly remembered) knowledge. They were very appreciative, asked questions, and didn’t even hide in the back of the room. Please feel free to attend as well.
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As you have probably heard by now, it will be hot in more ways than one on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. That is the new date for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce “10th Annual Hottest Business Day in Paradise Expo” at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce made the decision to change the February 10th date due to ongoing pandemic health and safety concerns, and to ensure the local business participants and expo guests enjoy the maximum benefit of a fully attended, positive event.
“The health and safety of our members, staff, and the entire Charlotte County community remains our first priority,” said Justin Brand, Board President. “That is, without a doubt, best for all long-term business objectives as we move forward into 2021. For that reason, it has been decided to postpone the ‘10th Annual Hottest Business Day in Paradise Expo’ from February 10th until August 11th. The expo will then be even bigger and better than ever.”
Already, more than 60 local businesses will be participating in the day-long expo which averages 1,500 attendees. And if you think the first nine annual expos were something, just wait until you experience this one. It will still have the same business-to-business appeal, along with the public attendance invitation. But knowing in August that many of our businesses will be not quite as … busy, and the public will be a lot more … local, the day will have a little bit of a different, shall we say, vibe. I can tell you this, you won’t want to miss it. Get your sunglasses ready and stay tuned.
For information about joining the already 60 local businesses at the Wednesday, August 11, “10th Annual Hottest Business Day in Paradise Expo,” please contact the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce at 941-627-2222.
Expo Sponsors:
(so far)
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
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
Lanyard Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Event Bag Sponsor- Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency
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Chamber Member News
Cruise Planning course offered by America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring Thursday, January 14th, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays and Mondays until February 1st at Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Cruising on sail or powerboat (owned or chartered) covering: Preparation and planning – General, Boat and Equipment, Anchors and Anchoring, Security, Chartering, Cruising outside the United States, Crew and Provisioning, Voyage Management, Communications, Navigation, Weather, and Emergencies. Price is $60 for USPS members and $110 to public. To register or for information- 941-637-0766 or education@peaceriversailandpowersquadron.org
Blu Grotto Italian Ristorante is a fresh new Italian restaurant located at 992 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte Florida. We moved here from New England a little over a year ago and bring 30 plus years of food service experience with us. Blu Grotto is a family, veteran, owned local business and we believe in only the freshest quality ingredients. Every meal is made to order, therefore if you have a special request, Chef Deviron Blougouras will do his best to honor your request. We welcome you to join us for dinner. https://www.blugrottoportcharlotte.com/
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Will we see you at the 2021 Business Expo in August? Now is the time to prepare! We can help you create the perfect look for your booth and your team and your giveaway items! From now until 1/18/2021, get 10% off Embroidered Apparel, Promotional Products & Notepads for the expo (maximum discount of $50).
Charlotte State Bank & Trust Vice President Christine Hause and Portfolio Manager Gregory Thomas are continuing their complimentary trust and investment management seminars this week, with “Family Administering Your Estate Plan” on Tuesday, Jan. 12, ”Annuities, REITs, and UITs – Problematic?” on Wednesday, Jan. 13, and “Estate-Planning Basics” on Thursday, Jan. 14. The free educational sessions are being held as live seminars and online webinars. Registration is available at any branch office, online at www.charlottestatebank.com, via email at rsvp@csbtfl.com, or by calling Brielle at 941-624-1943.
CHEC invites you to attend free guided nature hikes at various preserves in Charlotte County. Coming up, you can catch a hike at Alligator Creek Preserve on Tuesdays or Thursdays, or other special hikes at Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park (1/12) and Amberjack Environmental Park (1/15). The hikes begin at 9:00 AM. Registration is required, and all participants must wear a face mask. For more information or to register, call us at 941-575-5435 or check out our website at www.checflorida.org.
Just like you would do with your own body, it pays to get a second opinion when presented with an auto repair diagnosis. At Complete Auto Repair, we regularly beat estimates that were expensive because they over-fix the vehicle. Last week we saw a $6,000 estimate to replace a motor. Our inspection discovered four wires that had been chewed by rats. That repair was $236. Call us at 941-623-2926 if you would like a second opinion for a repair estimate.
Curb Your Appetite is a new food truck in the area specializing in gourmet sandwiches, new menu every week! Follow us on Facebook for weekly menu and schedule: www.facebook.com/curbyourappetitefl
Are you planning to move yourself, maybe with the help of a few friends, to save money? We recently researched the cost of renting a truck while out of state, and found the rental, insurance, and taxes, were $5,000. Before you rent, compare the total costs to hiring a professional. Trucks are in limited supply, and rental prices follow the market. Call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage for a quote on packing or unpacking, local and out of state moves - 941-423 - 5311.
Here’s a free tip for any business. When you make any change in your store, vehicles, window display, cards, or signs, take pictures and post them on your web site and on social media. Small changes can have a significant business impact. Likewise, business advice needn’t be expensive. Call Patti at Guerzo Business Consulting (312-420-0884) to see if you are sitting on low-cost ways to increase your revenue. Initial consultations are free.
Is quitting tobacco your New Year’s resolution? Quit Today with Gulfcoast South AHEC for FREE Smoking cessation classes. As part of the Tobacco Free Florida’s in-person and virtual Group Quit sessions, we are here to help! Qualifying participants will be eligible to receive FREE Nicotine Replacement patches, gum and/or lozenges. Call 866-534-7909 or send us a message to register today.
Now that most of us have received our stimulus payments, Independent Financial Coaching would like to remind you of the Rule of 72. If you put $300 into a 6%/year fund, the money will double in 72/6, or 12 years. In 2045, that $300 will be worth $1,200. We help consumers create savings plans that assist in the future, while allowing them to enjoy today. If you know someone who could be happier with the security of a safety net, give him/her Sue Craig’s number – 941-916-5324.
(#3 of 4) Reasons to “CONNECT” with Lightspeed Voice. Lightspeed Voice is a next-generation telephone service provider, offering cutting-edge communications, converged into a high quality, easy to … MORE
Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes. For the month of January, all chamber members can get $5 off any one roll of weedmat. 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.
Studies estimate that employee theft costs American businesses $40-$50 billion annually. And, because of greater access to employers' resources, an employee is 15 times more likely to steal from an employer than a non-employee. Additionally, the annual dollar-value of employee theft is double that of retail theft. Also, one-third of all business failures occur due to employee theft. Thorough background checks may help reduce the threat. For economical and FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy 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
An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics to be covered include fishing techniques, tackle, rigging, knots, lures, baits, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations. The course is open to the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday January 13, 2021. The cost for the class is $45 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
Volunteers Needed- Our program is currently accepting volunteers to mentor students with our Scholarship Program. We have 11 new students who will need a mentor to be their academic guide until graduation. Mentoring a child will require that you meet at least once weekly, in person, via Zoom meeting or the TSIC App. You will be ensuring that your mentee continues to do well in school, meet college requirements and continue to focus on acceptance to a Florida college. https://www.takestockinchildren.org; Contact: Gloria Smith/Student Services Coordinator; Gloria.smith@yourcharlotteschools.net; 941-255-7500 Xt. 169
The Firm 360° Photography - Seeing is believing. Click on the link and see the in-progress build of a SIPS Home in 3D that we did for DK Consultants of Florida. Their details are also listed in the tour. We can do this for your business too. Contact us today for details at 941-347-8198, or visit our website The Firm 360
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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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
Son: "Gee pop, there's a man at the circus who jumps on a horse's back, slips underneath, catches hold of its tail and finishes up on the horse's neck!"
Dad: "That's easy... I did all that the first time I ever rode a horse."
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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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