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

The Florida SBDC at FGCU reminds you the the SBA Extends Deadline to Jan. 12 for Florida Businesses and Residents to Apply for Physical Disaster Loans for Hurricane Ian. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it will extend its deadline to Jan. 12 to give Florida businesses and residents more time to apply for federal disaster loans for physical damages that occurred from Sept. 23 through Nov. 4 due to Hurricane Ian. Apply Here

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 ~~

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.

PLATINUM LEVEL: Adjuster Groups, LLC; Lesley Barton Coldwell Banker Sunstar; Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; GJC Window & Door; Integrity Employee Leasing; The Daily Sun; Suncoast One Title & Closings, Inc. and Waste Management of Charlotte County

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPAs; Charlotte State Bank & Trust; Decker Plumbing & Drains, LLC; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions; Farr Law Firm; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker; The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad; Tommy's Express Car Wash and WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Friendly Floors;  Granny Nannies Home Health Agency; Nolan Family Insurance;  Panther Hollow Dental Lodge;  Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross and Young, PA.

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.

Members join us at Twisted Fork on Wednesday, January 11th for our monthly Networking at Noon. Please only one or two registrations per member as space is limited.  Cost is $20pp. The event will take place in the conference room by the stage (not in the restaurant).  Food Choices to follow. Please sign up in the Member Portal.

NEW DATE Lunch & Learn, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, January 17th, 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, January 18 from 7:45 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Our program is a New Member Showcase. New members have been invited to set up a table and share information about their products and services. Kindly RSVP for this event so that we may plan accordingly.

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.

12^th 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 to develop great connections. Plus, there will be 90 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.

We want to thank our Expo2023 Sponsors:

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

Gold Presenting Sponsor: Quigley Eye Specialists

Silver Sponsor: Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.

Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Silver Sponsor: BMR Company Roofing Services

Bronze Sponsor: Mosaic

Bronze Sponsor: Succentrix Business Advisors

Bronze Sponsor: ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda

Bronze Sponsor: J & J One Stop Gun Shop LLC

Bronze Sponsor: Reaper Rodent Removal

Bronze Sponsor: Tommy's Express Car Wash

Bronze Sponsor: Hodges University

After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad

Kick off Party Sponsor: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

Lanyard Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

B & D Nature Photography

Call or email for information

North Port, FL 34289

(315) 491-3199

Darren O'Shea, Bonnie Archambault

bonniearch@icloud.com

Hanson Diabetes Center

21216 Olean Blvd., Suite 6

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Lenita Hanson

(941) 624-4800

lhansonmd@diabetesfl.com

http://www.diabetesfl.com

Martella Law Firm, PLLC

18245 Paulson Drive

Port Charlotte, FL 33954

Mark Martella

(941) 867-6865

mark@martellalaw.com

http://www.martellalaw.com

Prestige Horizons LLC

1536 Rio De Janeiro, Unit 601

Punta Gorda, FL 33983

Kristine Lewis

(888) 520-7110

prestigedocsignings@gmail.com

Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member?

Businesses may join online now or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org - Thank you!

Chicken Salad Chick Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, January 10 at 9:30 a.m.

1799 Tamiami Trail, Suite 103 & 104, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

There will be special giveaways all opening week from Tuesday, January 10th

through Saturday, January 14 for the first 100 guests.

Click here for the full press release.

Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal

FairyTail Endings Rescue - Ribbon Cutting

   Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 5:30pm

  23212 Freedom Ave. Port Charlotte, FL 33980

Refreshments and Tours of their facility.

Please register for this event in the Member Portal

CANCELLED - Hometown Title - New Location Ribbon Cutting

Was originally scheduled for Thursday, January 19th. This event has been postponed. New Date TBA

GJC Window & Door Open House & Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, January 21 from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

(Cutting the ribbon at 5:30 p.m.)

812 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953

Refreshments & Snacks

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

POSTPONED _ Restoration Bar - Ribbon Cutting/Open House

originally scheduled for February 7th has been postponed. New date TBA.

Culvers Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting (New location)

Thursday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m.

26440 Jones Loop Road, Punta Gorda

Please RSVP in the member portal.

Chris & Erica Rayborn, Realtors - Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty.

Ribbon Cutting, Wednesday, February 15 at 9:00 a.m. immediately following the

Third Wednesday Coffee at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

Please RSVP in the member portal.

Burnt Store Title - Tri Chamber Ribbon Cutting

  Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Punta Gorda, FL

  Cocktails & Appetizers 5-7PM

Please RSVP in the member portal.

Soc. of St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference - Dual Ribbon Cutting

     Monday, February 20, 2023 event 4-7pm Dual Ribbon Cutting 4:30pm

 25200 Airport Rd. Punta Gorda

 Appetizers & refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP in the member portal.

Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, networking opportunity.

#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.)

The Grill at 1951 has some great entertainment lined up for January. Tommy Edward, Rod Stewart performer on January 12th. The Amy Sbarra Trio on January 19. Jazz Jam celebrating the music of Duke Ellington on January 22. Kitt Moran Quartet January 26th. Claudio B & Company January 30. Call 941-255-0994 or visit www.thegrillat1951.com to see our menu selections or for more information.

We’d love to invite you and the rest of the Chamber to our Friends and Family event prior to our Chicken Salad Chick Grand Opening. The Friends and Family event is a soft opening event where our team can get some practice before the big day. The event is Friday and Saturday 1/6 and 1/7, we have lunch and dinner time slots available both days. The event is free to attend, RSVPs are required, and we do accept donations that go directly to Golisano Children’s Hospital. We hope to see you there and look forward to seeing you at our Grand Opening on January 10^th! Here is the link to RSVP, feel free to share it as you see fit: https://portcharlottefriends.eventbrite.com/

James Abraham will be presenting ENDLESS CHARLOTTE, a series of lectures on regional history. The former journalist is a book editor and publisher who edited “Century: A People’s History of Charlotte County.” January 9, 2023-The Roaring 20’s. January 16, 203-The Starving Time(Great Depression). January 23, 2023-War and Prosperity. January 30, 2023-Boom Town. Military Heritage Museum Library, 900 West Marion, Punta Gorda. To register visit MilitaryHeritageMuseum/engage:TheLearningCenter

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 more. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen, the course is open to all members of 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 11, 2023. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

Charlotte Players- Belles Take The Big Easy Jan 12-22. Five women travel from Alabama to New Orleans to strike Mardi Gras off their bucket list. At the famed Bacchus Mardi Gras Ball, a fortune teller delivers some disturbing news which sets the ladies on a journey with Marie the Merry Maid, who Celeste believes is VooDoo Queen Marie Laveau reincarnated. For more information and tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.

Happy New Year! C.A.R.E. is always here 24/7 at 941-639-5499 to provide support and services for domestic violence and sexual violence survivors. Human Trafficking a.k.a. modern day slavery is widespread, even here in Florida. The Shedding the Light on Darkness, Human Trafficking Symposium free event will be held January 12, 9-12 at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center and is open to the public. Please register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shedding-light-on-the-darkness-tickets-406358979647 . We hope that 2023 is filled with prosperity, good health and joy for all our community members.

Restoring Oaks Gala event. Join us for a night of encouragement and empowerment on Friday, January 27th from 7:00-9:00pm ET at the Punta Gorda Women's Club. Hear from Dr Letitia Browne-James about how families can fight human trafficking together! Dinner will be provided as well as a silent auction and other options to give as we fight human trafficking in Charlotte County and beyond! To register: https://givebutter.com/rogala23

For speaker bio and registration click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/9qBzGjz Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for kids ages 11-17. 

On February 11, 2023 in anticipation of a spring full of kittens and expecting momma cats, we invite you to spend the day with us in celebration. There will be food, drinks, games, raffles and of course KITTENS! Visit our Kitten Shower page on our website or our Facebook Event page for more information. We also still have sponsorships available. Please contact Animal Welfare Leagues Marketing Manager @Elizabeth Marcino for more information.

On Saturday, February 25^th, from 11:00 – 2:00, Complete Auto Repair will hold their 13^th Customer Appreciation Party.  This outside event is open to the public, and features music by the GMen Band, and “cruise in” by Tailgaters of Central Florida and the Peace River Car Club.  Our popular raffles for adults and kids will continue this year! 

On Saturday, February 25^th, from 11:00 – 2:00, Complete Auto Repair will hold their 13^th Customer Appreciation Party.  This outside event is open to the public, and features music by the GMen Band, and “cruise in” by Tailgaters of Central Florida and the Peace River Car Club.  Our popular raffles for adults and kids will continue this year! 

A recent Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage customer purchased a villa that came fully furnished but they already had a houseful of furniture. Arrangements were made to donate to CARE and we transferred everything.  We treated their donation with such care they wrote a review.  We respect the value of your belongings in their next home too.  If you have a need to make a large donation, call Kenny Gardiner at 941-423-5311. 

Give your employees a fresh start this year. 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. Let’s get back to happy and healthy together. 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.

C.A.R.E. victim service center provides free and confidential help 24/7 at 941-627-6000 for domestic violence and sexual violence survivors. As we begin this new year let us remember that we can stop domestic and sexual violence as a community. The survivors in our community need our support. C.A.R.E. provides services and education for SV and DV survivors, information on How to help a friend or family member, dating violence, stalking, rape, hospital support services and elderly violence. Community members or civic groups can schedule a speaker by calling 941-639-5499.

At ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte we’re committed to helping people in our community live healthier lives. That’s why we are excited to share our plans for the 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge with you - and to ask for your participation and support. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and across the world. Every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack. And, nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a leading risk for heart disease, but only one in four people with high blood pressure has the condition under control. So, for American Heart Month, we hope you will join us for the 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge. Everyone who signs up will receive a daily email with bite-sized articles about heart health, quick tips for better living, and a daily challenge to help all of us develop heart healthy habits.

https://www.shorepointhealthcharlotte.com/heart-challenge

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.

~ Job Spot ~

Meals on Wheels is Hiring!!! Start the New Year off right. Come join a fun team and feel great helping others in our community. We are hiring Office Manger, 40 hours per week-no weekends-no nights- no holidays, Starting at $18 an hour. This position takes care of the daily operations of the business/office for Meals on Wheels. Responsibilities include: Payroll Submission, Invoicing Clients, Accounts Receivables /Payable, Documentation in CRM System, Making and Recording Deposits, Filing and Keeping Good Records, Communicating w/ Volunteers/Staff/Clients. Please send resume to: Teresadesguin@yahoo.com

PART-TIME HELP NEEDED- Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association- EVENT TECHNICIAN- This is a physical role requiring very flexible scheduling including weekends and evenings, a strong work ethic, initiative, exceptional organization, good judgement, and outstanding customer service skills. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Event Technician is responsible for: setting up and preparing the auditorium and classrooms for daily activities; setting up and breaking down the auditorium and classrooms for large special events; and staffing special events. $15-$17 per hour. Send resume to teriashley@pgica.org for consideration.

FULL-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE- Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association- FACILITY and MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR- Physical role requiring very flexible scheduling, strong work ethic, initiative, good judgement, and outstanding customer service skills. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Facility and Maintenance Coordinator is responsible for: setting up auditorium and classrooms for daily activities; setting up and breaking down auditorium and classrooms for large special events; staffing special events; and maintaining the cleanliness, repair and safety of the facility, equipment, and grounds. $17-$19 per hour. Includes paid vacations and holidays. Send resume to teriashley@pgica.org. 

Become connected to the community.

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.

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/

NEW My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. Type an address in the search field and scroll through the page to see property information and county and/or city services and public facilities in the property’s neighborhood.

United Way of Charlotte County Disaster Relief page at www.unitedwayccfl.org/ian. 

STATE AND FEDERAL-

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

Federal Emergency Management Association - www.FEMA.gov or 1-800-621-3362

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

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

Florida Dept. 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

Small Business Development Center - www.fsbdcswfl.org

Walk on Water-

Dallas heard that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all walked on water on their 21st birthdays.

So, on his 21st birthday, Dallas and his big brother Damon, headed out to the lake. "If they did it, I can too!" he insisted.

When Dallas and Damon arrived at the lake, they rented a canoe and began paddling. When they got to the middle of the lake, Dallas stepped off of the side of the boat... and nearly drowned. Furious and somewhat embarrassed, he and Damon headed for home. When Dallas arrived back at the family home, he asked his grandmother for an explanation. "Grandma, why can't I walk on water like my father, and his father, and his father before him?"

His sweet old grandmother took Dallas by the hand, looked into his eyes, and explained, "That's because your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were born in January. You, my dear, were born in June."