Mission Statement:
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the prosperity and general welfare of its business members and the community they serve.
|
|
|
~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
|
|
BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Tuesday, September 13, 2021 ~
|
|
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Executive Director
As the Chamber prepares to embark on our 97th year leading the businesses of Charlotte County, there is no better time to announce our new Executive Director for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited to reveal that Bob White has been named Executive Director of the Chamber.
“I am extremely pleased and honored to accept the role of Executive Director with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber has such a rich legacy and I look forward to working collaboratively with our Board of Directors, membership and community partners to enhance our presence in the community and to create effective and beneficial change for Charlotte County, said Bob White, Executive Director.”
Bob has worked for the Chamber as the Membership Coordinator for 4 years and his internal knowledge of the Chamber and relationships with the members will prove to be imperative in moving the chamber forward. Bobs rich history with the Chamber goes far beyond his employment. Being an active member of the Chamber for years, past Board Member and Leadership Charlotte Alumni, Bob’s depth of experience will prove to be valuable.
“We are so pleased that Bob has accepted the role of Executive Director for the Chamber. Bob’s connection to the community and leadership abilities will help to usher in a new era of the Chamber. With direction from the Board of Directors, I am confident that Bob will breathe new life into the culture of the Chamber while remaining true to our mission and the expectations of our members’, Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, board President Justin J. Brand said. The Board of Directors has taken this time to research chambers across the country to compare membership benefits, additional services and training opportunities for local businesses to bring some of these ideas back to Charlotte County, and within a short amount of time Bob has been tasked with implementing some of these benefits.”
We invite the business community to help welcome Bob into his new role by attending the 96th Annual Meeting on October 1, 2021 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. To RSVP please contact the Chamber at 941-627-2222.
|
|
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.
|
|
*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
|
|
~ Chamber Events and Updates ~ |
|
Wed., September 15, 7:15 a.m. Third Wednesday Coffee at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.
Business Card Exchange, Thurs., September 23, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. At Beef O'Bradys (Deep Creek location) 24901 Sandhill Blvd., Punta Gorda. Please bring a small gift to promote your business. Please RSVP here.
Networking at Noon Wed., Oct 13, 2021 will be at Village Fish Market, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda.
96th Annual Meeting Luncheon, Fri., October 1, 2021 - Noon - 1:30 p.m. Please join us as we celebrate our longevity and contributions to the community while looking forward to a successful future. Individual Tickets $75 or Tables of 6 $375. Register in the MIC member portal or call the office 941-627-2222.
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 October so we'll need your inserts on or before September 20. Provide 1,500 inserts, complete the contract and return it with your check $150 for profit/$100 nonprofit. . Here is the link to the flier with all the details.
The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on October 7. 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. Sustaining Partners receive free ads as part of their partnership, or 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 and include the web address we should link it to, or
call us 941-627-2222 for more information.
|
|
~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ |
|
Cutco Closing Gifts & 360 Business Growth
Wednesday, September 15 at 8:30 - Immediately following our 3rd Wednesday Coffee
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda
Kiwanis Punta Gorda After Hours
Friday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m.
3311 Tamiami Trail, PC (Dairy Queen Parking Lot) / The Literacy Bus will be there
|
|
New Business? New Renovation? Consider a Ribbon Cutting to promote your business.
|
|
Remember, you can post your own "Hot Deals" and "Member to Member Deals!" in the MIC (Member Portal).
|
|
Lifestyle Latitudes, LLC
16150 Prairie Creek Blvd.
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Julie Lang
(262) 880-9929
https://www.lifestylelatitudes.com/
Get Signed Notary Services
21012 Delake Ave.
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Ime Umana
(941) 564-5006
https://www.getsignednotary.com/
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
Send YOUR Member News/Events 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.)
|
|
Charlotte Players- 4 Beekman is the first play of our 61st season! Join us September 10-19 where you will meet Deanne and Robert, a May-December couple. They have just returned from their honeymoon, and Deanne is shocked to find that Robert has unwittingly bought the very same apartment that she used to live in with her ex-husband, Skip. Located at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Pirate Poker Run on Saturday, September 18th. 10:00-4:00p.m. Cash prizes, food & drink specials, raffle prizes, live music and costume contest. Pre-race Captain’s party @Sandbar Tiki, Friday, Sept. 17, after-party @the Lighthouse Grill, Saturday, Sept. 18th. We will have a BEST Pirate Costume contest with prizes for the 1st and 2nd place (male and female), and BEST Boat and Crew! FIVE FUN STOPS with Food and Drink specials at each stop! Register online https://www.englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/poker-run by September 14. Check-in/registration is 8:30am–10:00am at The Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass!
Attention Business Owners: Small Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE Port Charlotte on a drop-in basis. Stop by the Charlotte County Economic Development building on Friday from 9 to noon. This Friday, Certified Mentors Greg Imig 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 one-on-one business mentoring at no cost. Stop by the City Hall Friday September 24th and visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.
This year’s Goffers Who C.A.R.E. scramble will be held on September 25, 2021 at the beautiful Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Dr, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. Individual registration is $90.00, team registration is $360.00. Includes: green and cart fees, driving range, breakfast, lunch, 2 beverage tickets, goody bag, raffle entry, and more! For more information visit https://carefl.org/events/ or contact Jamie at (941) 639-5499. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, advertise your business at the hottest scramble of the year.
Seven Jazz Concerts (Oct - April) at the Cultural Center Theater, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952, the first on October 11 at 7pm La Lucha with Ona Kirei & James Suggs. Seven Jam Sessions (Oct - April) at the American Legion Post 110, 3152 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte. Fourth Sunday 1-4pm. Membership in the Charlotte County Jazz Society assists with a College Scholarship program for local high school students. For more information contact the Charlotte County Jazz Society Hotline: 941-766-9422 or visit www.ccjazz.org
Valerie’s House has two amazing fundraising events coming up. A Night of Swing!! Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program. This event will be on Saturday, October 16th at 6pm. Purchase tickets at www.militaryheritagemuseum.org Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique is selling bracelets for the month of September. The proceeds are going to Valerie’s House https://puntagordanails.com/
The Tidewell Foundation 2021 Tidewell Trot 5K and 1-mile Run/Walk will take place on Thursday, Oct. 21 at Nathan Benderson Park. The event begins with a vendor fair at 5:00 pm followed by the 5K race at 6:00 and the 1-mile run/walk at 6:15pm.
More than 800 local runners and walkers are expected to participate in the 2021 Tidewell Trot. Proceeds will benefit the Tidewell Foundation in its grants to Tidewell Hospice for charity care, grief support services, specialized veterans care, music therapy, telehealth and more for more than 10,000 people in our region annually — all at no cost to them. Sponsors for the 2021 Tidewell Trot will gain exposure from advertisement and promotion of the event, in addition to the more than 800 participants in attendance. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, call (941) 552-7546, email events@tidewellfoundation.org or visit tidewellfoundation.org.
It’s a M*A*S*H Party & FUNdraiser!! – The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic hosts its Annual Appeal Kick-off Party on Fri, OCT 8, 2021, 6-10 PM * Special Guest “Pvt. Igor Straminsky” (TV series Chef) Jeff Maxwell * Emcee: Stacey Deffenbaugh * MASH Costume Contest * Games * Food * Cash Bar * Holy Trinity Banquet Hall (Port Charlotte). $75 /pp. RSVP by Sept. 30, 2021. Get tickets online https://volunteercare.org/mash OR Call/Email Karen: 941-276-4075 – kamador@volunteercare.org
It's Official! The Florida International Air Show will be held October 16th & October 17th at the Punta Gorda, FL Airport (PGD) featuring the F-16 Viper Demo Team. We are looking for sponsors and volunteers. Steve Lineberry, Media & Marketing Director (833) 743-3427 Ext. 703 floridaairshow@outlook.com www.floridaairshow.com
|
|
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office would like to alert our local business community to the rise in recent catalytic converter thefts. If possible, please email Trista.zimmerman@ccso.org and let us know if your business has any Isuzu, large Ford models or box trucks that are kept on location at your business. This information will be sent to our Intelligence unit for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please give me a call at 941-613-3227. If you find your catalytic converter was stolen, please remind employees not to touch anything and call the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office at 941-639-0013 for deputies to respond.
Murdock Stones Etc. has two well-stocked Landscape Supply yards to help you with your outdoor projects as the weather is (kind of) cooling off...check us out at: 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). or 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). Or online at www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.
Home Buying couldn’t be easier. With new programs available, Toby Lynn can find the right fit for a friend or co-worker. Conventional, FHA/VA, Primary Residences, Secondary Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans, Toby can help. Pre-Qualify at no cost, zero, FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
In Florida, we enjoy endless summers. Having your car’s air conditioner work efficiently makes your life better, and minimizes any damage to your vehicle. At Complete Auto Repair, we make sure your a/c is functional. We add a fluorescent green dye to the Freon that includes a stop-leak for small leaks so we can easily detect them with a black light. Don’t roll the dice on your comfort. Call Mary for an appointment, (941) 623-2926.
Moving out of state or across town offers the same challenges. Packing and unpacking and on both ends are the same, whether you move across town or to Georgia. Long-distance moves offer extra challenges for you and your entire family. The change and planning take tremendous energy. Save that energy to put into your new life and reduce stress. All moves are stressful, but the moving logistics do not have to be. When Quality Counts call Kenny at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage at (941) 423- 5311.
With the end of the year in sight, business owners should be thinking about 2022. With today’s challenges, 2022 may be the year of the price increase. Guerzo Business Consulting has experience assessing business spending to find overlapping services that can be pared without any damage at all. If you eliminate the waste, then you’ll be able to absorb the price increases of the vendors you do value. To discuss your situation, call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884.
When checking backgrounds, do you regularly check SSN, DOB, Prior Addresses and, importantly, Federal criminal records, along with the state criminal records you're checking? SSN, DOB, and Prior Address checks help verify identity and target records. But prosecutions for Federal crimes aren't included in state-based records - - - and crimes like identity theft, drug-trafficking, money-laundering, credit card and healthcare fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and others are recorded only at the Federal level. Be sure to check FEDERAL criminal records! For FCRA-compliant background screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531- 6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Did you know over $45K in Identify theft recently occurred with an additional $65K that was prevented. Protecting your credit is a growing concern for many Consumers today. There is more Identity fraud now than there ever was. Consider "freezing" your credit reports. Once frozen, no one will be able to use your social security number for any reason. You choose when your reports should become available again or unlock them before a purchase requiring credit. For more information on Identify Theft call Sue Craig at Independent Financial Consulting at 941-916-5324.
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.
Exercise has many benefits, but one of the most important is that it helps you sleep better! The National Sleep Foundation tells us that every person has a different amount of sleep they need to function optimally. One great way to improve sleep is by getting exercise! Exercise reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, decreases the time you lie awake in bed, increases daytime alertness, and reduces sleep apnea, insomnia, & restless leg syndrome. Contact Rhino Strength & Performance to get started. Call/Text 910-849-9762 today!
|
|
“Change is not a threat, it’s an opportunity. Survival is not the goal, trans-formative success is.” – Seth Godin |
|
We encourage members to shop with other members to keep our community and local economy strong. If you do business with one or more of our renewing members please congratulate them for their Chamber Anniversary. These are members who renewed between July 16, 2021 and August 15, 2021... Take a look! |
|
MEMBER NAME and ANNIVERSARY
Florida SouthWestern State College 37
Charlotte Players, Inc. 35
Harbor View Mobile Home Park 29
Interstate Courier Service, Inc. 27
Crossroads Hope Academy 24
Dean's South of the Border 24
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club 19
CareerSource Southwest Florida 18
Port Charlotte Adventist School 16
McGriff Insurance Services 15
Patrice Weston State Farm Insurance Agency, Inc. 15
Sleep Inn & Suites 14
Comfort Inn and Suites 13
WFTX Fox 4 - TV 13
RC Computer Services, Inc. 12
Thornberry Custom Builders, Inc. 12
Charlotte County Republican Club 11
Hancock Law, PA 11
Ingman Marine 11
Miller's Murphy Bed and Home Office 11
Pilgrim United Church of Christ 11
Reuter Accounting & Tax, Inc. 11
Truex Preferred Construction 11
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Inc. 10
Granny Nannies Home Health Agency 10
Pottery Express and Bamboo Farm 10
Punta Gorda Animal Hospital 10
Quality Homes of Port Charlotte, Inc. 10
Storm Smart 10
Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory 9
Murdock Stones Etc. 9
Gehring Realty, Inc. 8
Fero Construction & Remodeling, Inc. 7
Bert's Black Widow Harley-Davidson 6
CAM Realty of SW Florida, Inc. 6
Zaxby's 5
American Imaging of Southwest FL 4
Hessler Floor Covering 4
Lamar Airport Advertising 4
State Farm Insurance Co., Kathy Nash 4
TaxSavers 3
Wharton-Smith Inc. 3
Charlotte Harbor Construction, Inc. 2
J Gregory Group, LLC dba J Gregory Group Ins. Services 2
Port Charlotte United Methodist Church 2
Taglio Cucina & Pizzeria Romana 2
|
|
~ New Kids on the Block ~ |
|
Linda Ferrara has joined the Trust and Investment Management Services division of Charlotte State Bank & Trust as a Trust Operations Specialist charged with facilitating trust department operations, working with trust team members, and assisting clients with inquiries, requests, and support. She has worked in the banking industry since 1979 and also has experience in retail sales, employee engagement and customer service. Executive Vice President Lory Weisensee, who manages the Trust and Investment Management Services division, called Linda “a real find for our team.”
|
|
~ Member-to-Member Testimonials ~ |
|
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!
|
|
Tell us about your good experience with a fellow member and we'll share it here and post is on our website. |
|
~ Job Spot ~
Members may post jobs using the MIC (Member Portal) at no cost.
|
|
Dellutri Law Group, P.A. – Port Charlotte Office-Guest Services position available.
Must be a Self-Motivated Action Taker, Take Pride In Your Work, & have a relatable personality easily getting along well with co-workers & clients. Full time with health, dental, vision, and 401K benefits. Great hours, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 - 5:00 with an hour lunch. No weekends. Must have excellent customer service skills, ability to multi task, open to learning new things, and above all a positive attitude with a great personality. PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS: Submit a cover letter & resume via email to Resumes@DellutriLawGroup.com . Then call this number 239-210-7252 to leave a sample voicemail so we can hear how wonderful you sound, please explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
Your Port Charlotte, FL, Sam's Club at 17700 Murdock Cir is hiring immediately to meet the increased needs of our members. If you or someone you know is looking for work, please click the link below to check out all open positions. Our associates and members are our top priority. We have these safety measures across the country: • Masks and gloves for associates • Daily health screenings before each shift • Sneeze guards at checkout • Wipes and sprayers for carts • Enhanced sanitation guidelines Click here to apply now. Together, we're working every day to provide the products and support our communities need. We hope you'll join the Sam's Club family.
Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs
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/
|
|
Showcase your business through sponsorship! |
|
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.
|
|
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/
|
|
As a way to compensate for their absence, a group of golfing buddies decided to all pitch in twenty bucks and the one with the best golf score would take their wife dancing and dinner. The wives liked this idea since it was more than they had before.
Fred's wife was especially wanting him to win and the moment he returned after golfing she excitedly asked, "Are we having a special dinner tonight Fred?"
"Yes we are my dear, how does Peking Duck sound?"
She said, "That sounds great."
Fred replied, "Good, while driving over the pond on the 7th hole, I accidentally hit one. All we need now is the recipe."
|
|
Send YOUR Member News/Events 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.)
|
|
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
