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.
| |
|
~ 97th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
| |
|
BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, January 16, 2023 ~
| |
|
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
| |
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.
| |
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. |
|
|
Lunch & Learn, 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.
The Leadership Charlotte class of 2023, has kicked off their fundraising with a Booze Yeti. It is a Tundra 65 yeti filled with top shelf alcohol. The class is raising monies to give a helping hand to local charities that were damaged in Hurricane Ian. These nonprofits help our community exponentially. The tickets for a chance at winning the Booze Yeti is 1 for $20 or 6 for $100. Anyone 21 years or older can purchase these tickets from any Leadership Charlotte ’23 Classmate or at the Charlotte County Chamber office.
| |
~ 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 | |
|
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 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.
| |
|
|
|
The Hottest Business Day in Paradise is 3 weeks away!
| | | |
|
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
Platinum Title Sponsor: Adjuster Groups LLC
Gold Presenting Sponsor: Quigley Eye Specialists
Gold Presenting Sponsor: Lockett-N-Homes Realty Co.
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
Main Stage Sponsor: BMR Company Roofing Services
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
| |
|
Mary G. Stewart CPA, PA
2886 Tamiami Trail, Unit 10
Port Charlotte, FL 33952-5129
Mary Stewart
(941) 258-3191
Mary@PtCharlotteCPA.com
http://PTCharlotteCPA.com
Diamond Ridge Roofing Inc
1993 SW Marblehead Way
Port St. Lucie, FL 34953
Ludwig Blake
(844) 357-6631
Sales@diamondridgeroofingfl.com
https://www.diamondridgeroofingfl.com
GFWC Port Charlotte Women's Club
20271 Tappan Zee Dr.
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Irene Jones, Carolyn Thompson, Jeanne Teter, Joyce Powell
(941) 766-8855
carolynt63@comcast.net
Parlade Schaefer Schortz CPAs PA
201 West Marion Avenue
Suite 1204
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Justin Schaefer, Mindy Reed
(305) 670-0400
justin@psscpas.com
http://psscpas.com
Lumen
132 North Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Taylor Teepell, Brandon Miller, Christie Mason, Dana Bailey
(850) 599-1073
taylor.teepell@lumen.com
http://www.lumen.com
What-a-Fence
2260 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
James Cearle
(239) 571-6351
whatafence1@gmail.com
http://whatafence.com
| |
~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ | |
|
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.) | |
|
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity is excited to share that our Port Charlotte ReSale Store is having our grand reopening! Join us on Monday, January 16 at 9AM and check out our stores new look along with some awesome new merchandise. We will have some amazing sales and fun surprises taking place throughout the day. We hope to see you there! 2440 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
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.
GFWC Port Charlotte Women's Club Rummage Sale dates: January 23rd and 24th and January 30th and 31st. Sale starts Monday 1/23 from 12noon to 4pm and Tuesday 1/24 from 9am to pm: Household Goods. Then on Monday 1/30 from 12noon to 4pm and Tuesday 1/31 from 9am to 1pm: Clothing and Jewelry. Proceeds benefit local charities and scholarships. Questions, call Judy Delaney 941-661-8485 or email pudydelaney@aol.com
Charlotte Players- The Val and Jim Show January 24th. Dynamic duo and longtime friends, Valerie Sneade-Roy and Jim Rice, perform an evening of duets featuring Broadway show tunes and hits from the American Songbook. Located at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Tickets are $29 and can be purchased by calling 941-255-1022 or online at www.charlotteplayers.org.
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.
12th Annual Charlotte Harbor Chili, Beer, & Blues Fest, January 28, 2023 – 11am-6pm at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda. Live music with 3 bands, Deb & the Dynamics, Mike Imbasciani & his Bluez Rockerz, Shaw Davis & the Black Ties. Craft Beer Pavilion- over 50 craft beers (samples or bottles). Chili completion with local teams-Chili team applications available at PuntaGordaChilifest.com Food & Retail vendors, Full Bar, Bring a chair, no outside food/drink, VIP Tables & advance admission available at
www.PuntaGordaChiliFest.com Presented by Smugglers Community Foundation, J Gregory, Pepsi, Z’s Disposal.
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 25th, from 11:00 – 2:00, Complete Auto Repair will hold their 13th 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!
| |
|
If you will be moving due to hurricane damage, think of Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage. Our experience will reduce the time and frustration that goes with any move. We can set up items in your new place so it feels like home right away. If you need to move twice, we can store excess items until your final home is ready. When quality counts, call Kenny at (941) 423-5311.
Complete Auto Repair’s annual Customer Appreciation Party draws over 200 people each year. The free raffle is a fan favorite festivity. We promote the donor of each raffle item to an appreciative crowd. If you would like us to promote your business this February 25th call Mary Holstein at 941-623-2926.
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.
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. | | |
| |
|
|
Local CPA office is looking for employees experienced in tax preparation, payroll preparation and accounting. Salary commensurate with experience, starting at $17 per hour. Mary G. Stewart, CPA - CALL: (941)258-3191 Mary@PtCharlotteCPA.com
United Way of Charlotte County is mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty. Our workplace is fast-paced, friendly, and adaptive. We are seeking a dynamic resource development professional to join our team who can lead our annual campaign efforts and events. The Resource Development Director will lead and oversee the planning, direction, and execution of all fundraising efforts and activities, and will serve as a public representative of the organization. It is a hands-on, in-the-community position. People with diverse backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply. Join us in giving everyone in our community the opportunity to live their best life. Please find at this link our official job posting for a Resource Development Director position
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.
| |
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first ways is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third ways is to be kind” – Mister Rogers | |
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. | |
|
Cross to Bear-
Telling his grandson about his days as a Golden Gloves contestant, Max said, "The bell rang, and we met in the center of the ring. First he threw a left cross, then came the right cross."
Max hesitated and his grandson asked, "Then what happened?"
"Then," sighed Max, "came the Red Cross."
| |
|
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
| | | | |
