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 20, 2021 ~
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Help for Kentucky: The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals has advised us that the immediate needs are monetary donations and boots on the ground to help in the recovery efforts in Kentucky. Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation have partnered to build a relief fund for their fellow Kentuckians to ensure they are able to rebuild and we are encouraging donations to be made to this fund. With the money raised in this fund, the two groups will be working with local communities, local chambers, as well as their state and local elected officials to ensure the needs of these areas are met in the wake of tragedy. If you would like to donate visit https://www.kychamber.com/ksrtornadorelief
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The Business Expo is 7 weeks away, have you signed up?
Thank you Expo Sponsors:
Platinum Title Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group
Silver Associate Sponsor - Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Silver Associate Sponsor - Michael Saunders and Company
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Dancing Moon Travel
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Painting with a Twist
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Sunshine Ace Hardware
Print Sponsor - Buffalo Graffix
Radio Sponsor - iHeart Media Group
Newspaper Sponsor - The Daily Sun
After Hours Party Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Kick-off Party Sponsor - Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
Passport Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Lanyard Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group
Goodie 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.
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2021-2022 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) |
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~ Chamber Events and Updates ~ |
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Wed. Jan. 12, at 11:45 a.m., Networking @ Noon at Metro Diner at 11:45 a.m. Save the date, we will post the registration page as soon as we firm up the meal choices.
Join us at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on Wednesday, January 19 at 7:45 a.m. for our monthly Third Wednesday Coffee. The program begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by a brief new member orientation (9:00 - 9:30 a.m.). Kindly RSVP in the MIC.
The Gilded Grape Winery and Wine Bar, 3796 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Business Card Exchange will be Thurs., Jan. 27th 5-7p.m. It will be in the Wine Bar side with FREE Wine (Made by Paul) & Beer along with Cheese and Crackers to cleanse your palette. Please RSVP in the MIC.
The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on January 6. (Digital flyers are due by January 4.) Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. ($100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue) . 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.
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Kathy Mason, Realtor
Michael Saunders and Company
101 Taylor Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 689-0000
Synovus Bank
1255 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33953-3814
Darlene Eckert
(941) 624-4225 . (888) 796-6887
http://synovus.com
SimPilot, Inc.
18350 Murdock Circle, Suite 103
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Alexander Rodriguez
1-800-893-4517
http://simpilot.us/
Suncoast Rodent Control
4 Dorisan Ct.
Placida, FL 33946
David Ferrante
(941) 201-1119
http://suncoastrats.com
DeSoto Memorial Hospital
900 N. Robert Ave.
Arcadia, FL 34266
Sara Hipp
(863) 494-3535
http://www.dmh.org
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DMH Pediatric Rehab
4161 Tamiami Trail, Unit 302
Port Charlotte, FL 33952-5129
Sarah Hipp, Reid Lawson
(941) 888-4055
http://www.dmh.org
Peace River Community Housing Partners, Inc.
408 Tamiami Trail, Unit 121
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Denise Dull, Angela Hogan
(941) 626-0220
http://www.porchfl.org
EcoSun Homes LLC
1700 Tamiami Trail, Unit F4
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Kyle Preis, Paul Cairney, Rubi Akooka
(407) 439-1053
http://www.ecosunhomes.com
Array Of Cabinets Inc.
314 Tamiami Trail, Suite 111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Melanie Markel
(941) 979-5294
http://www.arrayofcabinets.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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Everyone is invited to attend our ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members.
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Fabulous Finds Store with the Homeless Coalition.
Ribbon Cutting, Wed., Jan. 26th at 5:30 p.m.
1931 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 33948 (their new location)
They will be serving snacks and beverages Including the Bubbly B wagon.
ActivAge at Chelsea Place
Ribbon Cutting, Thurs., Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte 33952
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~ Public Service Announcement ~
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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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#OurFutureisNow!
#OneCommunity
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Charlotte Players- New Year’s Eve Spectacular December 31st! Come ring in the New Year with some of Charlotte County's talented singers as they present a 90-minute concert-style program. Accompanied by Music Director/Pianist Ken Crisp and drummer Bob Cook, this concert has something for everyone. There are two different shows 6:30p and 9:00p. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Join us a t Fishermen's Village at 6:00 p.m. for our New Year's Eve celebration. Live music, good food, shopping family fun and midnight fireworks. Sponsored by Tow Boat U.S. Charlotte Harbor, Keesling Construction and Holidaze Boat Rental. Fishermen's Village is located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. See more events at www.fishermensvillage.com or call 941-639-8721 for information.
A Marine Communications Systems course is offered by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring on Tuesday, January 11th 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 $55 for USPS members and $115 to public. To register or for more information: contact the Instructor Holles Dick at 717 552-3845 or h25188d@hotmail.com
An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh/salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment demonstrations and handouts. The class is geared towards beginning anglers, but more experienced fishermen may pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen who might even reveal the locations of a few local hotspots! 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 12, 2022. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
It’s time to celebrate our Teachers! The Charlotte Local Foundation, Inc. along with Suncoast Credit Union, our sponsors, school staff, and community leaders will present the Golden Apple Teacher and Support Employee of the Year Awards on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 5:00 pm. The event will be held at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, FL. 33950 Virtual tickets are now on sale and sponsorships are needed. For more information please visit www.charlotteschoolfoundation.org or by calling 941-255-7500 ext. 1811 for more information.
Ladies and Gentlemen the greatest event of all time is set for Saturday January 29, 2022 |6:00pm. Come one, Come all to the 34th annual C.A.R.E. Ball located “Under the Big Top” at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in downtown Punta Gorda. This year’s we will feature a traditional three course sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. We encourage guests to be creative with their formal wear. To purchase your tickets/ sponsorship opportunities visit www.care2022.givesmart.com. We’ll see you under the Big Top!
Looking for entertainment this coming Florida winter season? Look no further than the Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum! Every band is carefully booked...Each group is of the highest quality! You will surely want to come back for more! Click here for event and ticket information.
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FRESH CUT NC CHRISTMAS TREES FOR SALE!!! Are you feeling the Christmas Spirit but aren't feeling like getting out of the house? Greenscape Innovations can deliver Christmas to your door step, we have: ~Beautiful Fresh Magnolia Christmas wreaths and Garland ~Christmas Tree Bow toppers ~Poinsettias ~Firewood ~Soy Candles ~Christmas trees: 3’ $60, 4’-5’ $75, 5’-6’ $90, 6’-7’ $110, 7’-8’ $135, 8’-9’ $180. To find out more find us on Facebook, Instagram or www.greenscapeinnovations.com We are located: 4435 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte 941-628-0012 to place your order over the phone.
The Charlotte Community Foundation has opened their annual scholarship cycle early, on December 1, 2021. Our hope is that this will allow for students to apply during their winter break. In the 2021 cycle, CCF was able to award over $137,000 to 42 Charlotte County residents through the generosity of our donors. This year we will be awarding even more scholarships with new opportunities available. Through our new partnership with The Babcock Ranch Foundation we have added general study opportunities for 2 and 4 year degrees in addition to our multiple health professions and nursing scholarships. Please encourage students to apply on our website www.charlottecf.org/scholarships. Students will be able to research the available scholarships, review each different criteria, have access to the FAFSA applications and more. Follow us on social media as up to date information will be posted regularly.
Last minute Christmas Gifts! Murdock Stones Etc. just got in their annual Lawn Ornament (Statues) shipment...Statues include animals, religious, bird baths, patriotic, and military/service personnel among others. Check them out at: 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox), 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (behind Murdock Wal-Mart). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.
Pre-pandemic, 36% of new cars sold at or above sticker price. In November, it was nearly 87%! The average price paid is around $44,000, 30% higher than before the pandemic. Your current vehicle is more of an asset than ever before. Don’t shorten its life by neglecting routine maintenance. At Complete Auto Repair, even a simple oil change comes with an inspection that nips expensive repairs in the bud. Call Mary at 941-623-2926 and make an appointment to fight inflation in 2022. Merry Christmas!
Life can throw you unplanned events i.e., job loss, health issues, loss of a loved one, or natural disasters. No matter what happens, you CAN recover. Credit is not a static thing and can eventually adjust to your recovery. Coaching can help speed recovery. We identify errors and opportunities in your credit report and spending plans so that you can save assets or qualify assets like homes, cars, or enjoy your retirement. Call Independent Financial Coaching, Sue Craig at (941) 916-5324 for consultation.
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
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has out-of-state trucks rolling across the country. We can schedule local moves with our local trucks. If you are moving from an apartment, house, office, or warehouse, we can pack it, move everything out then move it into your new digs. We place your furnishings and other oversized items where you want them without any fuss. We love helping local individuals and companies move and then get them settled. Call Kenny Gardiner for an estimate at (941) 423-5311.
As we begin our 28th year of service to Florida employers and landlords, we'd like to offer a very grateful and sincere "Thank You!" to all of our clients for all of their business over the years! And, we especially wish everyone Happy, Healthy, and Safe Holidays and A Prosperous and Rewarding New Year! For economical and FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening services, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
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.
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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 November 16, 2021 and December 15, 2021... Take a look! |
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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 little Christmas Cheer...
What did the stamp say to the Christmas card? Stick with me and we’ll go places!
Why did no one bid for Rudolph and Blitzen on eBay? Because they were two deer!
What do you call a scary looking reindeer? A cari-boo.
What do reindeers say before they tell you a joke? This one’s gonna sleigh you!
What do you call Santa’s little helpers? Subordinate clauses.
What’s the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet? The Christmas alphabet has No-el.es
Why is it getting harder to buy Advent calendars? Their days are numbered!
How do you know when Santa’s around? You can always sense his presents.
How did Scrooge win the football game? The ghost of Christmas passed!
What do you call an elf that can sing and dance? Elfis.
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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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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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