Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 96th Year of Serving All Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
_______________________________
BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, November 30, 2020 ~~~
|
|
- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Chamber Member News
- Job Spot
- Resources
- Just For Fun
- Contact information
-
Social Distancing and Safety Protocol Statement
|
|
It's that time of the year, and let's all do our part! |
|
December Networking at Noon
Wednesday, December 9th, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. (Arrive early!)
Laishley Park Marina Community Room
120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda
Catered by Isabel and Annabel's Mexican Restaurant
Reservations Required - $15 per person - Please call the chamber at 941-627-2222.
Leadership Charlotte Class of 2020 Graduation
and Alumni Reunion
Thursday, December 10th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The Twisted Fork Restaurant (Outdoors!)
2208 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte
Reservations Required - $35 per person (2020 class members and guest, major sponsors and guest, receive complimentary tickets.)
For reservations, please call the chamber at 941-627-2222.
December Third Wednesday Coffee
Wednesday, December 16, 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda
Sponsor: Sun Coast Media Group
Nonprofit: Crossroads Hope Academy
SPECIAL: Purchase and bring a gift from a chamber member business for the holiday gift exchange!
|
|
The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2020 is selling tickets to win a beautiful 10' custom paddle board just in time for the holidays. The winner will be announced at the class graduation on December 10, so please buy your tickets soon!
For more information, contact Leadership Charlotte Class of 2020 representative Thomas Klein at teklein10@gmail.com.
|
|
ONLY 10 WEEKS AWAY
Expo Sponsors (so far):
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
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
There are four sponsorship levels which include the exhibitor booth space(s), lots of promotional perks, print and digital adverting, party tickets, and more than ever before. All of the details are right HERE.
|
|
Make sure your business is included ... the exhibitor list is growing weekly:
AADisaster Restoration, Achieva Credit Union, Acu Heal Medical Acupuncture, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte, Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Centennial Bank, Certain Service, Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Charlotte County Community Services, Charlotte County Economic Development Office; Charlotte County Property Appraiser Paul Polk, Charlotte County Water Rainsoft, Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association, Chelsea Place Senior Care, Charlotte State Bank and Trust, Charlotte Technical College; Coastal Dermatology, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty, Edward Jones-Jim Sproul, Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop, Farr Law Firm, Gator Wilderness Camp School, Icard Merrill Attorneys and Counselors, Integrity Insurance Agency, Labor Solutions, LaQuinta Inn and Suites/Microtel Inn and Suites Port Charlotte, LMET@Sea, LLC; Murdock Stones Etc., The SCORE Association, Port Charlotte Rehab and Nursing, Pregnancy Solutions, Radiology Regional Center, Rescue Air Cooling and Heating, FSBDC at FGCU, S&N Motorsports, ServPro of Port Charlotte/Venice, Shutters 9-1-1, LLC; Tampa Bay Rays, TaxSavers, Tony/Rhonda Gustitus Team-Keller Williams Peace River Partners, Village Place Senior Living; and Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency.
|
|
2020-2021 Sustaining Partners |
|
*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
|
|
Chamber Member News
Lung cancer often doesn’t get the attention that other cancers do, yet it kills more people than most common cancers combined. When a lung cancer diagnosis is made there are many effective treatment options available, and frequently radiation therapy is one of them. If you or a loved one is facing a lung cancer diagnosis, Advocate Radiation Oncology is here to help you through that journey. Please call us at 941-883-2199 where we always put our patients first, combining our expertise and compassionate care.
A Marine Communications Systems course is offered by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring on Tuesday, January 12th at 1PM to 3PM for 8 weeks in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Systems available to the recreational boater. Definitions of radio circuits to choose best method. GMDSS, FCC Rules and Regs, radiotelephone operating and High Seas communication. Price is $60 for USPS members and $110 to public. To register or for more information: contact the Instructor Holles Dick at 717 552-3845 or h25188d@hotmail.com.
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Will we see you at the 2021 Business Expo in February? Now is the time to prepare. From table covers to banner stands, we’ve got you covered! We can help you create the perfect booth design and giveaway items for the "Hottest Business Day in Paradise.” From now until 11/30/2020, get $10 off your order of $200 or more. Contact us at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to build your custom trade show package today!
A friendly reminder from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or mind off driving. It is extremely risky behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger. Texting is one of the most dangerous of distracted driving behaviors. Please put the phone down. Focus on driving.
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC) is looking for volunteers to be part of the CHEC Trail & Site Maintenance Team at its Punta Gorda and Englewood locations. If you enjoy working outdoors and have skills in landscaping, carpentry, painting, or other areas, this is a chance to share your skills while helping a local non-profit organization. Additional volunteer opportunities include Trail Guides, Visitor Center Attendants, Program Assistants, Nature Cruise Guides, Office Volunteers, Butterfly Gardeners, and more. Anyone interested in volunteering can call 941-575-5435 or email chec@checflorida.org.
Charlotte Players, Dec 2-6. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is just what we all need after this year! In this hilarious holiday classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant are faced with casting the most awful kids ever. The five performances of the two-hour show include 7:30 p.m. four evening shows on Wednesday, Dec. 2, through Saturday, Dec. 5, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for students age 14-18 and may be ordered at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-255-1022 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Charlotte State Bank & Trust’s complimentary estate-planning seminars are hybrid events, meaning attendees may participate in person at the bank’s Murdock office (limited seating) or online. The seminars are held from 10-11:30 a.m. and include “Financial Decision-Making” on Tuesday, Dec. 1; “Selecting Stock and Exchange Traded Funds” on Wednesday, Dec. 2; and “Titles and Beneficiaries: Important to Your Plans” on Thursday, Dec. 3. You can register at any branch office, online at charlottestatebank.com/trust-services/seminars, via email at rsvp@csbtfl.com, or by calling Brielle at 941-624-1943.
Do you know someone who loves their car as much as they love you? This year, give a gift they will really appreciate! Complete Auto Repair offers a "no-kill" rodent prevention tool that will keep rats from nesting under the hood and eating your wires. Our version operates independent of the car’s battery, an important feature. We can install it in less than an hour, so it can be “under the tree” on Christmas, as it cannot be seen outside the vehicle. For an installation appointment, call Ron and Misty Morgan at 941-623-2926.
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!
Aloha! For a limited time, enjoy a very special Maui Jim BOGO at Eye Centers of Florida! Purchase one complete pair of prescription Maui Jim eyewear (sunglasses or eyeglasses), get a second pair of prescription Maui Jim eyeglasses for 50% off. The frames are gorgeous, and the sunglasses are incredible! To view all optical and Aesthetic Center 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. The Port Charlotte office is located on Hwy 41. For all SWFL locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
Fishermen’s Village annual Festival of Lights features more than one million holiday lights and decorations throughout the Village! Daily viewing through December 31st! Free parking/free admission. Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort & Marina, home to 40+ independently owned shops/boutiques/waterfront restaurants! www.fishville.com 941-639-8721. Located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda!
The Florida Guardian ad Litem program and the Salvation Army are collecting new toys, clothing and other “wish list” items to help brighten the season for area children in need. All six branches of Charlotte State Bank & Trust are serving as drop-off locations for these two prominent local charitable organizations, so drop by any bank office and pick up a “wish list’ or two. Bank lobbies are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (except for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day).
Friendly Floors is having a fundraiser for Charlotte Behavioral Health Care – AND Marjorie Benson, owner of Friendly Floors, is matching funds up to $10,000! With fundraisers cancelled, monies are needed for community programs. Please support this (NON) event. No need to leave the comfort of home. You’re NOT INVITED to attend anything. Think of what you would normally spend at an event: NO dress ($125); NO tux ($100); NO babysitter ($60); NO tickets ($$$); NO sponsorship ($$$$); NO tickets ($20); NO chicken dinner ($75); and NO silent auction ($150). Please consider donating. www.cbhcfl.org/relax
Do you know someone moving back for the winter? Be a nice friend, give them our number, and let us do their unloading and unpacking. We do not mind stairs or multi-floor buildings. It will save your back too, and give you time to make them a welcome casserole. Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has been packing and unpacking our Florida newcomers, snow birds, and businesses for four generations. Call Kenny Gardiner at 941-423-5311 for an estimate.
Business owners, are you one of the Two Percent? Just 2% have goals and plans to achieve them. Now is a perfect time to strategically reflect on 2020, and plan how you want 2021 to unfold. Patti Guerzo, of Guerzo Business Consulting can walk you through this process, and help you see new opportunities, dead-ends in disguise, and make a plan to realize your goals. Call her at 312-420-0884 to schedule an appointment.
Gulfcoast South AHEC provides free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs! 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.
December 31, 2020 marks the end of many Bank and Credit Card foreclosure and collection moratoriums. Don’t wait until the last minute to think about what you are going to do to deal with your creditors once collections and foreclosure actions start up again. Call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill to help you deal with your creditors and protect your assets and homestead. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com. Learn more at https://icardmerrill.com/money-matters/ .
It’s holiday time, and unfortunately, scams and fraud go along with it. If you’re not planning to take out a new loan this holiday season, consider “freezing” the credit reports of you and your family members. Once you take this quick and free step, no one will be able to use your social security number to obtain credit or for any other reason. If you want to have peace of mind and protect yourself this holiday season, call Sue Craig at Independent Financial Coaching, 941-916-5324, to learn how.
Keep Charlotte Beautiful is celebrating America Recycles Day by hosting their Annual Recycling Event on December 5th in the Walmart Murdock Parking Lot from 8-noon. Bring out old electronics for recycling. CCSW will be sponsoring the shredding! Only paper please. The Cultural Center will be in attendance to take clothing or small items and CCSO will be there to take any of your prescriptions or OTC drugs that have expired or are no longer needed! Please come out and properly dispose of these items with us. Questions? Please call 941.764.4390.
Christmas Light Canal Cruise reservations at King Fisher Fleet now open! Be part of the 40-year Punta Gorda tradition. Enjoy the same unique holiday experience but with new safety guidelines in place. These popular, family-friendly cruises tour residential canals to view Christmas lights, displays, and decorations on homes, boats, seawalls and docks. December 1st - 31st. Three options: 2-hour Sunset Cruise/Christmas Light Canal Cruise Combo, Classic 1-hour Christmas Light Canal Cruise, and Private Small Group Cruises. Info, prices, and reservations: https://kingfisherfleet.com/christmas-light-canal-cruise/.
Murdock Baptist Church presents "Journey to Bethlehem"- 18375 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte- December 10-13 from 6:00-9:00pm (Free Event). Come celebrate the Christmas season in a special drive-thru event to see and hear the stories of biblical characters as they each made their own personal "Journey to Bethlehem." Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, get a great family picture taken, see the lights and hear the caroling before you make your way through our 30 minute narrated Christmas experience. Join the "Journey to Bethlehem!"
It's that time of year to re-mulch your landscaping areas. Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells a large variety of mulch at everyday low prices? This week, we'll tell you that Red and Gold Mulch is $32 a cubic yard for chamber members (normally $35/yard). 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.
Nineteen states (not including Florida), DC, Puerto Rico, and several large cities have enacted laws that prohibit, in various ways and to various degrees, employers from asking job applicants about their previous salaries. Authorities say the purpose of the laws is to focus employers on developing more explicit policies reliant on people's skills and experience rather than on their prior wage or salary ... and to narrow the gender wage gap. For FCRA-compliant screening services, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500; Toll-Free: 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8508; Email: nrginfo@atlantic.net
Port Charlotte High School NJROTC is looking for support from the community to help cover costs of field trips, competitions, and community service events. These kids work extremely hard as school leaders and young community leaders. Last school year was tough on the Cadets due to Covid and they need to make up lost fundraising ground. We hope to raise enough money for each member to participate in an out-of-state visit to a major military installation. Thank you for your support! Geoffrey R. Dufur, Port Charlotte High School, geoffrey.dufur@yourcharlotteschools.net, 941-255-7485, x3202
Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County was founded in 1995 by the late Captain Don Cerbone with the Punta Gorda Police Department. In the last 25 years, over 1,000 students in Charlotte County have been recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, acts of heroism, community service, and for doing the right thing. We would like to ask you to consider becoming a financial sponsor for Charlotte County’s Do the Right Thing Program. Please contact Lieutenant Justin Davoult at jdavoult@cityofpuntagordafl.com or 941-575-5525 if you would like to become a sponsor.
Radiology Regional offers Low Dose CT Lung Screening exams. This exam is typically covered for qualifying patients with Medicare and most private insurances. Patients may have one screening per year as long as they meet the following criteria: 1) Between the ages of 55-77, 2) Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer, 3) Current smokers or smokers who have quit within the past 15 years, 4) Smoked the equivalent of one pack per day for 30 years. An order from a healthcare provider is required. Self- pay available if you do not meet the criteria. To schedule, call 941-255-7945.
The Firm 360° Photography says: Check out this business showcase. This 3D Virtual Tour of The Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center helps their customers near and far when planning their special event! Important details about the center have been integrated into the tour to help the client understand the space of the venue! We can do this for your business too! Contact us today for details. 941-347-8198
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
|
|
Established builder in Charlotte County is looking for an experienced administrative assistant to join our team. The administrative assistant must be customer service focused. Duties include tracking contracts, preparing bid submissions, administrative functions, interaction with building department and subcontractors, and other assigned tasks. Candidate should be proficient in Microsoft Office, be a self starter and work well with deadlines. The administrative assistant must be proactive, accurate, confidential, and reliable. Sales and construction experience is a plus! Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Hourly pay commensurate with experience. Additional bonus opportunities as well.
AAA The Auto Club Group has over a hundred years behind our brand. We have a top-notch Field Insurance Sales Agent opportunity to join an industry leader in our Port Charlotte, FL location.
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.
|
|
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/
|
|
Just for Fun
A police officer noticed a lady strolling down the sidewalk with a skunk on a leash.
The officer stopped, several yards away, and asked, "Excuse me, why do you have a skunk?"
The lady quickly explained, "Oh, this is my social distancing support animal!"
|
|
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
|
|
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
|
|
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. :
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
