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.
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~ 97th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, December 5, 2022 ~
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Please join us on Thursday, December 15 at Noon for a Live Webinar hosted by the Economic Development Office. Topic: Post Hurricane Ian Business Recovery
Representatives from SBA, CareerSource of SWFL, Charlotte County Emergency Management, United Way of Charlotte County, and more will be on-hand to discuss recovery resources for small businesses.
To participate in this valuable free webinar...Join Here.
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Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app, or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 250 055 671 866
Passcode: KGDECh
Download Teams | Join on the web
Learn More | Meeting options
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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Evaluate Impact of Hurricane Ian on the State’s Businesses
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO is committed to supporting preparation, response, and recovery efforts of Florida businesses, communities, and citizens impacted by Hurricane Ian. The business damage assessment survey assists DEO and its federal, state, and local partners in those efforts,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “I encourage businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz.”
On September 24, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-219 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties in the State of Florida. All affected businesses should complete the survey.
Results from the Business Damage Assessment Survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. Businesses can complete the survey online or visit FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Ian” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call 850-815-4925 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or email ESF-18@em.myflorida.com.
Complete Business Damage Assessment
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In response to Hurricane Ian, the Charlotte Community Foundation activated the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund. The CCF Board of Directors pledge $500,000 in matching funds in an effort to provide financial assistance and resources to Charlotte County residents. Additionally, CCF activated the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be utilized to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations that incurred structural and/or infrastructural damage preventing them from operating. The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation has generously provided matching funds for Charlotte County. Visit, www.charlottecf.org. | United at Work was created following Hurricane Ian to help business owners ensure their employees were able to take care of hurricane-related needs so that they can show up each day focused and ready to work. The United at Work fund offers financial assistance for individuals who are employed by a business that is based in Charlotte County or has sites in Charlotte County. The fund has a dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation that doubles all donations up to $500,000. With your help, we can establish a $1 million pool of resources for our community. GIVE HELP: If you want to contribute to this fund – click here for more information and to make your donation to United at Work. Your donation will be doubled by the Soderberg Foundation. GET HELP: If you are an employee of a Charlotte County business, – click here to complete a simple form, detailing the needs you have. Our team will help direct you to local resources and let you know what financial assistance you may qualify for. | |
~~ 2023 Community Guide Link ~~ | |
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2022-2023 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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Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) | |
And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a 5 night Bahama or Caribbean cruse for 2 on Carnival Cruise Lines sponsored by Pat Hand, Dancing Moon Travel. The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card! Drawing will be at our 98th Annual Meeting 2023. |
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Business Card Exchange, Thursday, December 8 will be at the Peace River Botanical Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. Please register for this event so that we may plan accordingly.
Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and set up on Taylor St. in downtown Punta Gorda on Saturday, December 10 for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce's 44th Annual Christmas Parade. They step off at noon from the Charlotte Performing Arts Center onto Carmalita Street, travel north up Taylor Street to disband at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. This is a free, fun, family event.
Networking at Noon on Wednesday, December 14 will be at Italia at River City Grill. Members, enjoy lunch and networking. Cost $15pp please register in the member portal.
Lunch & Learn, Tuesday, December 20, at the Charlotte County Chamber office, 2702 Tamiami Tail, Port Charlotte. Topic: Understanding Your Insurance Policy. Presenter: Mike Martin, State Farm Insurance Mike Martin Agency. Cost $10pp includes sandwich, chips, cookie and a beverage. Please Register in the Member Portal.
Third Wednesday Coffee on December 21, at 8:00 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Our Sponsor: The Daily Sun Our Program: Christmas Parade Awards. We think the "big man himself, aka Santa" will help us hand out Trophies and congratulate the winners. Come at 7:30 a.m. before the program begins to enjoy a breakfast treat and do a little Networking! You will be sure to catch the holiday spirit! Please RSVP in the member portal so that we can properly plan.
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~ Did you see these Chamber items too? ~ | |
Advertise in the Quarterly Newsletter Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is a DIGITAL Quarterly publishing January/April/July/October. Members who want to include a Digital page to ride with the newsletter should complete and return the agreement and provide their digital page by the 20th of the month before publication. *Cost $100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue *Sustaining Partners receive free digital flyers depending on their partnership level. Send your digital flyer to Newsletter@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for information, or click here to learn more. | | | |
Showcase your business at the 12th Annual Business Expo | |
The Hottest Business Day in Paradise is 9 weeks away! | |
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12th Annual Business Expo (The Hottest Business Day in Paradise) –
Thursday, February 2, 2023 – Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center – 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Imagine, marketing your business in an 8’ x 10’ booth (piped/draped) and having 1,000 plus visitors and residents see the products and services you provide. You will have the opportunity to see more folks in a matter of 5 hours than you may see in a month. This will be an excellent environment for maximum business exposure for sales, lead generation and develop great connections. Plus, there will be 107 other exhibitors to develop business-to-business client/customer relationships. To reserve your booth or secure your sponsorship today, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941.627.2222.
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We want to thank our Expo2023 Sponsors:
Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.
Gold Sponsor: Quigley Eye Specialists
Silver Associate Sponsor: Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
Silver Associate Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Bronze Sponsor: Mosaic
After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
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Charlotte County Clerk of Courts Englewood Annex
6868 San Casa Drive, Office #114
Englewood, FL 34224
Roger Eaton, Michelle DiBerardino
(941) 637-2274
michelle.diberardino@charlotteclerk.com
http://charlotteclerk.com
Mathews and Sons, Inc.
1165 Holiday Dr
Engelwood, FL 34223
Anthony Mathews
(850) 556-2272
mathewsandsons@yahoo.com
Snapper Junk Removal & Bins
Call or email for information
Port Charlotte, FL
Vladimir Torba
(941) 288-3848
snapperjunkbins@gmail.com
http://snapperjunk.com
Debecco Properties, Inc,
3463 W Woolbright Rd.
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
Charlene Bedasee
561-704-5103
ckb@debecco.com
https://debecco.com/
Hotwire Communications
308 Gondola Park Dr.
Venice, FL 34292
William Kenyon
william.kenyon@hotwirecommunication.com
http://www.hotwirecommunications.com
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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
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ | |
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Succentrix Business Advisors Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, December 6th event 5-6pm Ribbon Cutting 5:30pm
25080 Olympia Ave Suite 200 Punta Gorda
Wine, beer, soft drinks, light appetizers and branded cookies
Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal.
Charlotte County Clerk of Courts Englewood Annex / Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. (with the Englewood Chamber)
6868 San Casa Drive, #114, Englewood, FL 34224
Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal
Mathnasium - Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Thursday, December 15. The event is from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
1808 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
They will have a Food Truck, Ice Cream Truck along with
Face Painting for the kids!
Actual cutting of the ribbon will be at 5:30.
Please RSVP to portcharlotte@mathnasium.com by December 9.
FairyTail Endings Rescue - Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 5:30pm
23212 Freedom Ave. Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Please register for this event in the Member Portal
Hometown Title - New Location Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, January 19th. The event is from 5:00 p.m.to 6:30 p.m.
with the actual ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m.
2091 Tamiami Trail, Unit B, Port Charlotte (behind the car wash by Forest Nelson Blvd.)
There will be drinks, food and giveaways! Please rsvp in the member portal.
24 Twenty One 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, January 24 from 5pm to 7pm Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.
2421 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte - Appetizers, Entertainment,
Adult Beverages, Door Prizes Please RSVP for this event directly to 24twentyone@gmail.com or by calling them at 941-249-4059
Restoration Bar - Ribbon Cutting/Open House.
Tuesday, February 7th (rescheduled from October 6)
The Open House is from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Actual cutting of the ribbon will be at 5:30.
There will be light food and refreshments served. Sample some of
the products and have a chance to win Botox, Filler, IPL Photofacial & Vitamin Shots.
Please RSVP at info@restorationbar.com
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members. | |
#MembershipAddsValue! #OneCommunity | |
Members 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.) | |
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At Kelting Inspections we want to thank our healthcare workers for all you do! For this reason we are offering discounts for you until December 18th. Call us at 941-655-8888 to schedule and just mention this ad!
Charlotte State Bank & Trust is collecting gifts for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation and the Salvation Army this holiday season. Locations accepting Guardian ad Litem donations until Dec. 7 include Murdock, 1100 Tamiami Trail; North Port, 4300 Aidan Lane; and Parkside, 3002 Tamiami Trail. Salvation Army donations accepted at Peachland, 24163 Peachland Blvd., and Punta Gorda, 2331 Tamiami Trail until Dec. 9. Branches are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
Meet the Artists December 7th 5 PM- 8 PM. Get a chance to talk to our artists, there will be door prizes, raffle tickets and refreshments and our gift shop ready for Christmas.
40% off on sales November 21st through 26th and December 16th through the 24th.
Visit Vernon & Rebecca at Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts at 2686 Tamiami Trail #5A, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 or visit our website www.twoangelssoapsgalleryandgifts.com.
This December the Animal Welfare League is teaming up with the BEST FRIENDS network to offer a National Adoption Weekend Event. National Adoption Weekend
December 9-11 Adoption Fees reduced: Adult Cats: $25 -Senior Cats: $25 -Adult Large Breed Dogs: $50 -Senior Large Breed Dogs: $50 (Small dogs, Kittens and Puppies are not included in this special event pricing. All animals must be adopted on site. Animals located at our local pet stores are not included.) For more information call the office at 941.265.6720 ext 107. The AWL is located off Harborview at 3519 Drance St | Port Charlotte, FL 33980.
From United Way of Charlotte County: Let’s bring HOPE to Charlotte County for the holidays. We are hosting an old-fashioned block party – open to the public! It’s a time to gather, share stories and celebrate each other during this season. We’re expecting 200+ guests, entertainment and food for this all community event. Please invite your neighbors, colleagues and team to the KIA of Port Charlotte parking lot on December 13 from 3-6pm. Much like the true essence of a block party everyone brings something, would you like to contribute? If you would like to sponsor, volunteer, RSVP or provide an in-kind gift, please click here. This will certainly take a village to make sure it is a success, and we appreciate your help!
Reverb is Florida State University’s Tenor-Bass A Cappella group that has a long history of traveling around the state of Florida performing. They will be singing Christmas music from their album “In the Quiet White” at Faith Lutheran Church at 4005 Palm Drive in Punta Gorda on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 6:00pm. Concert is free of charge. There will be a free will donation. No reservations are necessary. Feel free to visit our website at faithlutheranpg.com
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Employers searching job applicants' or employees' social media accounts for background information has drawn scrutiny. Half of the states have adopted various prohibitions of the practice. Generally, it's unlawful for employers to consider applicants' gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion when making hiring decisions ... and social media accounts may reveal all of that information! Of course, social media information is often unreliable because of bias, exaggeration, or falsehoods. Be aware. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Please join us from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7th for the Ribbon Cutting Opening of our new Clerk’s office location in Englewood! Enjoy complimentary food and beverages. Thank you to Publix, ABC Liquor, and Suncoast Beverages for donating all food and beverage – our office and Charlotte County’s taxpayers appreciate your generosity! NEW CLERK'S OFFICE ENGLEWOOD LOCATION, Mac V. Horton West County Annex, 6868 San Casa Blvd, Englewood, Florida 34224, Clerk of Court, Office 114.
BoxDrop Mattress Port Charlotte is hosting a Holiday Mattress Giveaway for the affected families in our area. We are collecting donations until Monday December 19th at 3PM. Everything collected will be distributed to the winners on Thursday December 22nd at 3PM. Call Jen at BoxDrop Mattress 941-699-6225 for more details, there are forms you can use for either donations you'd like to make or nominations for families in need. HELP US, HELP THEM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! *Keep in mind we are only accepting very gently used (no stains) mattresses and box springs, nice furniture, new sheets or pillows, etc or monetary donations for items of your choice.* To Donate To Nominate
This holiday season, give your employees the gift of a healthier and happier lifestyle! Gulfcoast South AHEC offers 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.
Valerie’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving children and families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier County. The holidays are the most difficult time of year. If you would like to donate presents for our Valerie’s House-Charlotte County children, we will have a drop off box at the Family Services Center (21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte 33952). For more information about our program, check out our Valerie’s House’s website www.valerieshouse.org
Debecco Properties construction company operates out of Palm Beach Florida for several years managing various projects all over Florida. We Pride ourselves on Delivering exceptional quality and Value to our Customers with speed and efficiency in our operations. We Specialize in Bathroom and Kitchen remodeling, home renovation, Additions, and New construction. We repair and replace roofs of various degrees of damage. We will work with you to deliver your dream home from concept to the finished product. Our team of skilled and experienced professionals are waiting to help you. Contact us at ckb@debecco.com or 561-704-5103.
We at All Seeing Home Inspection would like to take a moment and reflect on 2022. This year has brought several challenges to our area and has forced our community to be introspective. The people have given of their time and their finances to shore up our community. Keeping this in mind we would like to offer a free Wind mitigation with all Comprehensive Home Inspection and 4 point combination. This is a $100.00 discount off our services we will offer through 01/01/2023. This is our little way of giving back to our community for the holidays.
Pink Pantha LLC, a women's clothing store, opened in March. We specialize in juniors and misses clothing. We have shirts, jeans, pants, shirts, sweaters, shorts, tanks, and pajamas. We have plus sizes available. We carry brand name clothing such as Vervet, BIBI, Blue Turtle, Zenana, Anna-Kaci and Unishe. We even have a section of pre-loved clothing! Our prices are affordable, you may find us in the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall. We have dressing rooms so you can find the right fit for you. Our staff is ready to help, come on in! Online ordering is also available, http://www.pinkpathaclothingstore.myshopify.com
If you must relocate your business due to hurricane damage, think of Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage. Our experience will reduce the time and frustration that goes with an office move. We focus on getting you and your staff back to business right away, setting up the office furniture where it belongs and making sure down time is minimal. When quality counts, call Kenny at (941) 423-5311.
If you are planning to buy a used vehicle, you must check for water damage. A flooded car is usually totaled due to the internal and engine damage. Before you purchase any used vehicle, please bring it to Complete Auto Repair for an inspection. Our exhaustive checklist will uncover water damage, as well as manufacturer recalls, service bulletins, and previous maintenance performed. We will ensure you don’t buy a car that will give you headaches. Call Mary for an appointment, at 941-623-2926.
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Members may create Member-to-Member deals, Hot-Deals, post Jobs and News Releases using the MIC (Member Portal). There is no additional cost to do so! We recommend that you check these links each week to see what members are offering. | |
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals” - Zig Ziglar | |
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 October 16, 2022 and November 15, 2022... Take a look! | |
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 Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300. | |
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We visited our newly married daughter, who was preparing her first Thanksgiving dinner. I noticed the turkey thawing in the kitchen sink with a dish drainer inverted over the bird. I asked why a drainer covered the turkey.
Our daughter turned to my wife and said, “Mom, you always did it that way.”
“Yes,” my wife replied, “but you don’t have a cat!”
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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