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, October 25, 2021 ~
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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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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.
Networking at Noon luncheon on November 10, 2021 will be at Carmelo's Italian Ristorante in Punta Gorda. Reservations are required*, Cost is $15pp. The buffet will include: Chicken Parmesan, Penne Vodka, House Salad and Ciabatta Rolls. Please click here to register in the MIC. *Seating is limited, please no more than two persons per business.
Third Wednesday Coffee, Wed. Nov. 17 at 7:15 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St. Punta Gorda. Sponsor: AAA The Auto Club Group. Non-profit: Gator Wilderness Camp School. Please click here to register in the MIC.
A Ribbon cutting will immediately follow (at about 8:30 a.m.) for The Punta Gorgeous Store.
The next issue of the FIR$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
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ |
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New Business? New Renovation?
Consider a Ribbon Cutting to promote your business and services.
All members are invited to attend our ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members.
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The Punta Gorgeous Store
Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, November 17 at 8:30 a.m.
(immediately following the Third Wednesday Coffee-same room)
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique
121 E. Marion Ave., Unit 111, Punta Gorda
Ribbon Cutting on November 18 at 5:30 p.m.
In celebration of their 4 year anniversary.
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Pink Tequila Mexican Restaurant
1163 N. Toledo Blade Blvd.
North Port , FL 34288
Hugo Silva
(941) 564-6644
http://www.pink-tequila.com
Tommy's Express Car Wash
19010 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Blake Tidwell
TBD Opening 12/21
https://tommys-express.com/
Curry and Kabab
3492 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952-5129
(941) 979-8080
Sunil Kumar
https://curryandkababs.com/
Lime Tequila Mexican Restaurant
1978 Kings Hwy
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Octavio Alcala
(941) 979-9485
http://www.lime-tequila.com/
Doma
110 Sullivan St., Suite 112
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Michael Kennedy
(941) 201-2039
http://www.doma.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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The Business Expo is 15 weeks away, have you signed up?
Thank you Expo Sponsors:
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.
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RHINO'S GYM invites you to support our strength training team, Team Chubby Unicorns, and get a chance to work out for FREE during our Open Gym and Deadlift Party Fundraiser! This event is on Thursday, October 28, from 6-8pm and is FREE! In addition, you can participate in a raffle, get FREE food, and support a Disabled-Veteran Owned Small Business. What better way to spend a previously dull Thursday evening? Contact us for more info by calling/texting 910-635-3903!=
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, heavy hors d'oeuvres and the best cocktails in town. Tickets are $25.00, they can be purchased by contacting Cindy Grigiski| Phone: 239-699-1569| Email: cindy@puntagordanails.com or in person at Bank of OZK or Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique. All proceeds benefit The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies.
CHARLOTTE TECHNICAL COLLEGE JOB FAIR AT THE PORT CHARLOTTE TOWN CENTER MALL Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Looking for your next best job, a career change or training opportunities? Come to the FREE Charlotte Technical College Job Fair at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall. Over 50 employers will be there from many industries, including health care, customer service, clerical and administrative, state and local government, culinary arts, manufacturing, law enforcement, information technology and much, much more. To learn more about college programs and services visit: www.charlottetechcollege.net.
Charlotte Players- Let us get you in the holiday spirit with A Nice Family Christmas! Playing at the Langdon Playhouse November 5-14. It is Christmas Eve and a young newspaper reporter who is on the brink of being fired has been assigned a last-chance story about a typical family Christmas – HIS family’s Christmas. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.
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 7th 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 2nd and $100 for 3rd 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.
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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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
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.
Downsizing can be a difficult process, especially when one moves to a senior community with very limited space. The team at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has many years’ experience working with senior communities. They can advise how much will fit into the new residence, separate items into ‘move’ and ‘donate’, and make sure it all arrives damage-free. If you want your senior to have a peaceful and low-stress move, call Kenny Gardiner, at 941-423-5311.
Are you planning to give someone a vehicle for Christmas? You may be discovering that both new and used cars are in short supply. Once you find a promising deal, take that vehicle to Complete Auto Repair for a Used Car Inspection. This extensive evaluation will identify current and future repairs you can expect. Owner Ron Morgan can even share model-year differences to help you get the most reliable and affordable car for your loved one. Call Ron at 941-623-2926 to discuss your plans.
Do you have a new neighbor? If someone is new and looking for a job, send them to Patti Guerzo at Guerzo Business Consulting. As a local recruiter, Patti can help direct them to an opportunity they wouldn’t discover on their own. There is no cost to the job seeker. So give your neighbor Patti’s mobile phone number, 312-420-0884 or email patti@guerzo.com. She can help them find the job that will keep them in your neighborhood.
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
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!
Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes. For the month of October all chamber members can get $5 off any one roll of weedmat. 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). . www.murdockstonesetc.com or call us 941-698-9769.
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.
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!
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) does NOT limit an employer to checking criminal records to the most recent seven years as is often asserted. An employer may check for applicant or employee criminal convictions as far back as the relevant available records go. However, there are twelve states which, at their own volition, only provide criminal records going back seven years: CA, CO, KS, MA, MD, MT, NH, NM, NV, NY, TX, and WA. Contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks for further info. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
It’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Cyberattacks against small businesses are on the rise–now more than ever since the pandemic shifted many transactions to online– and businesses can no longer afford to sit back and hope it won’t happen to them. The Florida SBDC at FGCU can help you understand potential risks and develop strategies to protect your business, customers, employees, and profits. Schedule Your No-Cost Consulting Here
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.
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“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t—you’re right.” — Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Co. |
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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 September 16, 2021 and October 15, 2021... Take a look! |
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~ Job Spot ~
Members may post jobs using the MIC (Member Portal) at no cost.
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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.
Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs
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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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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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