~ 97^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock

PLATINUM LEVEL: Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; Integrity Employee Leasing ; Olsen, Lynch & Associates, CPAs; and The Daily Sun.

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown, and Smith, CPAs; The Bevis Group; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Charlotte State Bank and Trust*; Farr Law Firm*; Friendly Floors; Nix and Associates Real Estate; and Panther Hollow Dental Lodge.

Wed., October 20, 7:15 a.m. Third Wednesday Coffee at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix, Non-Profit: Young Life, Tom Parker, Program Speaker: Jared Bickham, Capital Projects Manager, Charlotte County Government Please RSVP here. There is no cost to attend. New Member Orientation right after the coffee (same room about 8:30 a.m.) and any member who wants to learn more about their membership benefits is welcome to attend.

Business Card Exchange, Thurs., October 28, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Nix & Associates Real Estate, 2421 Shreve Street, Suite 111 , Punta Gorda. Please bring a small gift to promote your business. Their theme is a Halloween Bash, costumes are encouraged. Please RSVP here. There is no cost to attend.

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on November 4. 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 $100.00, and $50.00 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

The Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is going DIGITAL beginning with the January 2022 issue. AND you'll save money too! $100 for-profit rate or $50 non-profit rate. Complete the Newsletter Agreement and email it with your digital flyer to Newsletter@charlottecountychamber.org Your digital flyer 8.5 x 11 inches in size must be submitted by the 20th of the month. Call the office to learn more. This is a members only opportunity.

(immediately following the Third Wednesday Coffee-same room)

Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda

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!

The Business Expo is 16 weeks away, have you signed up?

Silver Associate Sponsor - Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Bronze Participating Sponsor - Dancing Moon Travel

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

Passport Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions

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.  

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.)

The Forever War-Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the War in Afghanistan Special Exhibit- On display from Oct. 4 to Oct 20. Documentary Series- Oct 12-16 PBS Frontline: Bad Voodoo’s War (2008, April 1). Flight Simulators- Tour of Afghanistan from the Skies. Saturdays At The Museum U.S. History-themed curriculum created and led by certified educators. Designed for students in grades 4-8. Oct. 9: STEM Meets History (in collaboration with the Florida International Air Show). Florida International Air Show- Stop by and visit our booth! For more information: www.militaryheritagemuseum.org

An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics cover fishing techniques, tackle, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fresh and salt waters. The class is geared towards beginning anglers, experienced fishermen may pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is Capt. Ralph Allen. The course is open to all and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks starting Wednesday October 20, 2021. Cost is $50 advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

United Way of Charlotte County invites you to say, "Thanks!" to many of the non-profit organizations that spend every day caring for Charlotte County on October 21, 2021. This Day of Caring, join us to LIVE UNITED by adopting a project (painting, yard work, cleaning) or collecting wish list items (diapers, wipes, canned food) to support our partners, our neighbors, our community. The event will kick off at the Port Charlotte Town Center parking lot near the old Sears Department Store at 9AM. We will have snacks, games and prizes until 11AM. Click here to sign up today: https://signup.com/go/PmJyKWp

Join the fun and run for a good cause ! Presented by Alltrust Insurance, the 2021 Tidewell Trot 5k/1-mile Run/Walk benefits Tidewell Foundation to help Tidewell Hospice provide charity care, grief support services, specialized veterans care, music therapy, telehealth and more. Register today at TidewellFoundation.org. Multiply the fun by creating a team with your friends, family, neighborhood or work group!

Join us for PARTY FOR A CAUSE at River City Grill November 1st at 5:30 pm. Featuring a live DJ, FREE Photo Booth, Raffle baskets, and the best cocktails in town. Tickets are $25.00, they can be purchased by contacting Susan Klein| Phone: 941-380-3186 | Email: susanklein10@gmail.com or in person at Bank of OZK or Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique. All proceeds benefit The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies.

The Homeless Coalition is excited to announce that the “Driving out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Riverwood Golf Club in Port Charlotte. This is a four-person scramble and flighted for men, women, and mixed teams. In addition to the 18 holes of golf with cart, there will be contests with prizes, raffles, and drink tickets for all players, continental breakfast and barbecue lunch. Registration must include payment before the event to ensure your reservation. Register by October 20, 2021 contact Jenifer.welch@cchomelesscoalition.org click here for more information.

Join us on Sunday, November 7^th at Twisted Fork for the inaugural Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association Professional Women in Building Triathlon presented by Punta Gorda Properties. Starting at 12pm, you are welcome to participate in a challenge including axe throwing, modified cornhole and mini golf. $300 for first place, $200 for 2^nd and $100 for 3^rd place. A portion of the net proceeds from this event will benefit the Professional Women in Building Scholarship fund. Cost is $60 pp, which includes a Twisted Fork feast and an event shirt. For more information visit www.cdbia.com or call 941-625-0804

Vendor space is available at the annual “Art and Craft Fair,” Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, to be held on Saturday, November 6, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The nominal vendor fee for this community event is $35 and each vendor will be provided with a six-foot table and two chairs. This is your opportunity to show and sell your wares to hundreds of guests. For more information, please visit PGICA Art and Craft Fair or call 941-637-1655. 

Enjoy delicious tapas and wine tasting at our United Way of Charlotte County signature Beaujolais event Friday, November 12 at 5:30pm. New location at beautiful, serene Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. Imagine background sounds, sipping wine, green lawn, great food and friends mingling during a warm winter evening in November. Chef Jason Osborne along with his team at Charlotte Technical College is offering an outstanding appetizer menu. Savor a variety of wines featuring the easy-drinking french beaujolais. Ticket packages begin at $75. Visit https://www.unitedwayccfl.org/beaujolais or call our office 941-627-3539.

Tennis Tournament Fundraiser – ‘Tis the Season Vivante Tennis Tournament - Benefiting Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, will be held Friday to Sunday, November 19th- 21st, 2021, at the Vivante Tennis Center, Punta Gorda FL. Player registration is now open! Registrations limited, sign up now! The tournament kicks off on Friday night with a Sponsor/Player Party. Sponsorships with benefits now available at www.VivanteTennisTournament.com. Contact Barb Robinson, at 941-628-3664.

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.

Don't forget we have a FREE Introduction to Strength Training seminar every Tuesday in October designed to help you learn to create a training plan and execute exercises safely. Strength training can help you achieve any physical fitness goal you have and does not necessarily mean you'll be "bulky," though you will get "toned" (though we can help you with that if that's your goal!). This class is located at RHINO'S GYM and is perfect for ALL experience levels. Contact us to learn more! www.RhinoStrengthFL.com or call/text 910-635-3903.

Shop with a Cop provides children with positive interaction and one-on-one time with law enforcement during the holidays. Shopping is done each year by deputies from the Sheriff's Office along with officers from the Punta Gorda Police Department, Florida Wildlife Commission and Florida Highway Patrol. Children grades 2-5 are selected by their school counselors. This program is funded with support frm our local Walmart stores, as well as donations from community members and partners. For more information, or if you wish to donate, please contact Chris Hall at 941-575-5227 or by email at Chall@ccsofl.net

The Charlotte County Concert Band needs good instrumental musicians who read music and would like to join an excellent concert band. Instruments needed at this time are: Bb Soprano Clarinets, Bb Bass Clarinets, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, French Horn, Baritone Horns a percussionist, and a keyboard player. Age is not a factor. Good players at the high school level and experienced players are always welcome. The band rehearses from 6:45pm to 9pm each Tuesday evening at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center: CPAC. 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda FL 33950. The band performs once a month from November to April. Contact the CCCB at cccb.board@gmail.com or leave message at 941-218-0020. The band is an all volunteer, non-profit organization and has been a part of the community for almost fifty years.

2021 Englewood Beach Waterfest November 18th-21st and this year we are on track with multiple events all weekend culminating with the 2021 OPA World Championship Powerboat Races! We kickoff the weekend with PowerUP, the kickoff party at The Lighthouse Grill on Thursday, Nov 18th 5-9pm. Friday night is our Block Party, this year held at the Englewood Shopping Center, right in front of Obee's. Our Race Weekend includes the World Championship Races on Saturday, and Sunday, our Family Conservation Center (FCC), and multiple food and drink vendors. Tickets are available online, and at select locations - visit our website to buy tickets, or for more information www.EnglewoodBeachWaterfest.com 

When background checking, employers must comply with federal and state employment laws, including the Fair Credit Report Act (FCRA). But, take note: Not all criminal records checks offered in the marketplace are FCRA-compliant. Online providers often reveal their non-compliance in their "terms and conditions" or they post disclaimers stating their data is "for reference purposes only" or is "not to be used for employment purposes". Be careful! Employers using those resources for hiring are open to lawsuits on multiple fronts!    Contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.  941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    

You know it’s fall when the colors change.  Just look at the license plates!  Snowbirds can forget how hot it is here, compared with their northern homes.  If you know someone who needs assistance unloading their truck, unpacking boxes, and placing furniture, call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage, Kenny Gardiner, at 941-423-5311. 

If you like to avoid surprises, let Complete Auto Repair help.  Our system keeps track of all the maintenance your vehicle will need in the next year.   Regular maintenance will prevent most repair situations which are more costly to address.  Just call us at (941) 623-2926 give us your vehicle information, and we can give you an estimate of your next year’s costs.  If you haven’t been to our shop, we can get the same information from our comprehensive inspections.  Let us save you time, money, and aggravation in 2022! 

Where are the job applicants?  With quit rates AND job openings at record levels, it seems like workers have vanished.  Don’t leave any stone unturned.  Call Patti Guerzo at Guerzo Business Consulting for an appointment to learn how to improve your outreach.  Whether it’s the wording of the ad, available benefits, or placement errors, Patti’s 15+ years’ experience recruiting can help improve your odds.  To discuss your situation, call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884.  

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.

Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, or refinance their home. Let’s get the ball rolling for a family member, co-worker, or your best buddy! Toby Lynn can help get them financing for Primary Residences, Secondary Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com

Fall is coming and Cutco Closing Gifts is here to help you wrap up 2021 with a bow. Show your clients and employees how much their business meant to you this year with a gift they will use every day and see every day. Remember, it’s 5x more expensive to generate new clients than it is to get repeat business and introductions from your current ones. Our gifts are comparable to what you’re already spending on gift cards or baskets. Let us help you plan it!

Cash Flow Optimization for Busy Entrepreneurs: Because Cash flow is the life of your business....So if you've ever found yourself at the end of a good revenue month wondering where all the money went and you're still struggling to pay the bills, if you are agonizing over which credit cards to pay down first, or you're grossly overpaying on your taxes but don't know where to start, you are not alone. At Independent Financial Coaching, we specialize in cash flow management. Call us to discuss, Sue Craig 941-916-5324.

We are looking for sponsors for the Harbor Corvettes show at Port Charlotte Town Center Mall on December 11, 2021. This is a charity show with donations going to several of our chamber members - Charlotte Technical College, Crossroads Hope Academy, & The Boys & Girls Club. The sponsor form can be found at https://rem.ax/HarborCorvettesSponsor. The registration form can be found at https://rem.ax/HarborCorvettesRegistration. Write Tammy Hayes as the club member name on sponsor form or email me at tammyhayesre@gmail.com. Thank you for your support.

LADIES! In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness, Radiology Regional is offering uninsured patients the special self-pay rate of $99 for their 3D screening mammogram! This special rate will be valid for appointments scheduled from now until Nov 30, 2021. We have same day appointments available, Fellowship Trained Breast Imaging Radiologists, and excellent staff! Radiology Regional will retrieve prior images from outside Radiology facilities. No prescription needed as long as patients have an established health care provider. Call 941-255-7945 to schedule. 18300 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte.

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! 

Click here to view jobs currently posted on the Charlotte County Chamber website!

PGICA Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) Reporting to the Executive Director, the Administrative Assistant helps handle the daily activity, financial and administrative operations of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. A high-profile role, it requires outstanding customer service, communication and organizational skills; proficiency in math, QuickBooks and Microsoft Office; a high degree of judgement, initiative and confidentiality and a commitment to the mission and values of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. $15 per hour. Please contact Teri Ashley at teriashley@pgica.org or 941-637-1655.

Campbell’s Enrolled Agents & Co., Inc. is seeking an Experienced Tax Preparer Seasonal full-time and yearly full-time. Preparing individual and/or corporate tax returns. Maintain office cleanliness and organization of resources with team members and other duties as assigned. Requirements, high school diploma or equivalent. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Knowledge and experience with tax programs computer system. Please email your Resume to Info@campbellsea.com

PGICA Membership Coordinator (Full-Time) responsible for growing the PGICA membership through marketing campaigns and community outreach, developing and implementing membership recruitment and retention strategies, and liaison between the association and its members.  Position requires outstanding customer service, sales, communication and organizational skills. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; communication and customer service skills; Microsoft Office proficiency; membership organization experience; sales/business development experience; data entry skills; and nonprofit organization knowledge:  $30,000 annually, paid vacation and holidays, working with an amazing team. Please contact Teri Ashley at teriashley@pgica.org or 941-637-1655. 

PGICA Facility Technician (Part-Time) A part-time cleaning and maintenance position is available at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA). Responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness, repair and safety of the facility, equipment and grounds; preparing the auditorium and classrooms for daily activities; and preparing for and staffing private events. The role requires schedule flexibility, initiative, attention to detail, good judgement, and outstanding customer service skills. Estimated 6 to 10 hours a week; Weekdays- $15 per hour; Weekends and Holidays- $19 per hour. Please contact Teri Ashley at teriashley@pgica.org or 941-637-1655. 

https://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/2021/06/swfls-hot-jobs/

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/  

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.

Charlotte County Economic Development Office- www.cleared4takeoff.com

Community Organizations Active in a Disaster- https://coadfl.org/

Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs- https://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/immediate-southwest-florida-job-openings/

Charlotte County Department of Health- www.Charlotte.FloridaHealth.gov

City of Punta Gorda- http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/

Charlotte County Administration- https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/dept/admin/Pages/default.aspx

Charlotte County Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320.

Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/

Florida Retail Federation- http://www.frf.org/index.php/news/covid-19

Florida Department of Health- http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org

Governor's Office- www.flgov.com

Center for Disease Control- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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.)

http://www.facebook.com/charlottecountychamber