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 12, 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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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.
Business Card Exchange, Thursday, January 26 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. hosted by the Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. Please register for this event in the member portal.
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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 | |
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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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The Hottest Business Day in Paradise is 8 weeks away!
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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
Bronze Sponsor: Succentrix Business Advisors
After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
Kick off Party Sponsor: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
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Right Way Public Adjusting
7825 42nd Ave. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Derek Kobel
(561) 951-7968
derek@rightwaypa.com
http://www.rightwaypa.com
Masons Heart CPR LLC
18245 Paulson Dr., VP-50
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Nicholas Jaynes
(941) 276-9639
masonheartcpr@yahoo.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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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
Punta Gorda Marina 40th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, January 27th Event will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
with the Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m. (Joint Ribbon Cutting with
the Punta Gorda Chamber)
25096 Marion Ave., Punta Gorda
Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal
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!
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.
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!
Fishermen’s Village Festival of Lights continues daily through December 31st! Ring in the New Year at the Village as we present family friendly activities beginning at 6 pm plus music/dancing at the Beach and in Center Court! Fireworks Display at 12 midnight. . . Best viewing area: Beach. Full details at www.fishermensvillage.com.
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
Ring in the New Year Fishermen’s Village style! This family friendly event runs from 6pm-12pm on December 31st and will keep you entertained throughout the night. Hundreds join the celebration and keep the dance floor at Center Court groovin' until the clock strikes midnight! Enjoy family fun activities and live music featuring the Shane Duncan Band on the Beach, DJ Michael White at Center Court, a photo booth, tarot card reading, face painting, T’s Fairy Fragments and more. Plus, don’t miss the fireworks at midnight. This is a refreshing way to meet the new year with family, friends, and like-minded neighbors. Most importantly, this event is FREE of charge, to learn more, please visit www.fishermensvillage.com or call (800) 639- 0020.
Charlotte Players- New Years Eve Celebration. Join us on December 31st at 7:30pm with some of Charlotte County's talented singers as they present a 90-minute concert. Accompanied by Music Director/Pianist Ken Crisp and a drummer, this concert has something for everyone---something old, something new, something country, something pop, something Broadway and more! Tickets are $29. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
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If you live near a snowbird, let them know that Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage is available to unload their moving van, unpack the boxes, and set up their household. Our trained staff will arrange heavy furniture and assemble items that were taken apart for moving. Your neighbor will quickly feel at home, and be ready to enjoy the holidays. When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons at 941-423-5311.
Did you know that 50% of new vehicles are still priced above sticker price? 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 keep your current car humming throughout 2023.
Did you know that no-cost consulting is available for local business owners? The Small Business Development Center helps businesses plan, market, secure capital, manage employees, and more. For more information, contact Patti Guerzo, Charlotte’s SBDC consultant to talk about your goals. She can be reached at pguerzo@fgcu.edu and meets with business owners at Synovus Bank, 1255 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
Today, among the more than 80 percent of employers regularly conducting background checks, 75 percent of them outsource all or part of their background checking function. The reasons? Gain specialized expertise and experience. Gain access to many more screening resources. Gain a consultative and referral source. Gain statutory FCRA third-party liability protection. Save time and reduce staff and supervisory workloads. Improve results and reduce overall screening costs. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening services ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Soul Dental: Dentistry with Heart and Soul. Local and Private Dental Practice. We provide comprehensive dental care for all ages and all stages in one location. Preventative Hygiene care, Restorative, Implants, Crown and Bridge, Sedation Dentistry, Wisdom Teeth
Extractions… Uninsured? Ask us about our Wellness Plan…AND we have a wonderful
welcome special for you. New Patient Offer $49 Exam & X-Rays Add a Healthy* Mouth Cleaning for just $67 More! Valid for 30 Days! Insured? As a courtesy, we’re happy to submit to your insurance on your behalf. www.SoulDentalPC.com (941) 629-7779
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 and the Punta Gorda Symphony office. You can also reach out to Christine Carey (239-841-0382 christine@valerieshouse.org). For more information about our program, please check out our Valerie’s House’s website www.valerieshouse.org
Bridge to Better Living of Port Charlotte’s goal is to connect Seniors and their families with all levels of Senior Living Communities where social, physical, medical, and financial needs are met. Senior Living Communities include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Assisted Living and Long-Term Care. We currently serve from Punta Gorda to Sarasota. Our support and guidance begin at the first contact, continuing throughout the transition and beyond. We pride ourselves on Placement with Passion©. Call for a FREE consultation: 941-259-0966.
Murdock Stones Etc. wants to help you beat this crazy inflation! We offer special pricing if you shovel your own rock/sand/dirt/shell. We offer the prices on 5 gallon buckets and the old green or blue recycling bins. 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). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651
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
Give the gift of Airshow tickets for Christmas. The Florida International Air Show will be November 4th & 5th 2023. Ticket packages on sale now until 12/31/22! Family and couple specials visit www.floridaairshow.com or click here for Tickets.
Add “Healthier & Happier Employees” to your shopping list this holiday season! 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.
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.
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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. | |
Amidst the ongoing recovery efforts in Charlotte County, Florida State Representative Michael Grant took time from his busy schedule to deliver a very generous donation of $12,000 to the St. Vincent de Paul Charlotte District Council. Representative Grant states, “The volunteer work of St. Vincent is critical to the health and welfare of our community. I am honored to assist them in their endeavors to help those in need as they deal with the aftermath of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.” To learn about volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, stay up-to-date with the latest news, visit www.svdppg.org contact (941) 575-0767 or follow St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference on Facebook. | |
“When someone says you can’t do it, do it twice and take pictures” - Unknown | |
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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An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?"
The eagle answered, "Sure , why not."
So the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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