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 2, 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

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 communityGIVE 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 BankFriendly FloorsGranny Nannies Home Health AgencyNolan Family InsurancePanther 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.

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.

~ Chamber Events ~

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.

~ Did you see these Chamber items too? ~

Golf Fundraiser - Save The Date:


Saturday, May 27, 2023 at St. Andrews South Golf Club. It will be a scramble to benefit the Junior Leadership Charlotte program


More information will follow soon.

Fir$t Thur$day Aderti$er  The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on January 5.   (Digital flyers are due by January 3rd.) Email your ad to  advertiser@charlottecountychamber.org 

and include the web address we should link it to, or call us 941-627-2222 for more information.   Learn More

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 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.



The Hottest Business Day in Paradise is 5 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

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

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

~ Welcome New Members ~

Christine Graham - Gulfcoast Dream Team of Keller Williams PRP

1675 West Marion Avenue, Suite 112

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Christine Graham

(941) 769-2823

christine@gulfcoastdreamteam.com

http://gulfcoastdream.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!

~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital - Ribbon Cutting

Wednesday, January 4 at 5:30 p.m.

To celebrate reopening the 3rd & 4th floors (post Hurricane Ian)

212 Olean Blvd., Port Charlotte

Tours, Entertainment & Refreshments

Kindly RSVP in the Member Portal


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


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.


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


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


Culvers Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting

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

26440 Jones Loop Road, Punta Gorda


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

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.)

~ Member Events ~

The Grill at 1951 has some great entertainment lined up for January. Top Shelf Trio featuring the Trumpet Sounds of Kevin Celebi on January 5. 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 10th! 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 editior and publisher who edited “Century: A People’s Hisstory 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.

 

~ Member News ~

Happy New Year from Complete Auto Repair! Before you put away your party calendars, mark Saturday, February 25th from 11:00-2:00, and plan to attend our 13th Customer Appreciation Party. As always, this free event will have music, food, antique cars and raffles. Looking forward to seeing you again! 

It’s great to see license plates from all over the US and Canada again! If your neighbor is a seasonal resident, remember that Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage provides unpacking services. We can unload the truck, assemble large items, and place them in the right place. When quality counts, call Kenny Gardiner, Gardiner & Sons: (941) 423-5311. 


Years ago, federal regulations limited criminal record checks on applicants and employees to seven years back ... unless the job paid $75,000 or more. But, based on amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates background screening for employment, there is no longer any federal limit on how far back employers can go when checking criminal records (although 12 states - not including Florida - do have some limitations).    For economical and FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening services ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.    941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    


The Alzheimer's Association is pleased to announce their virtual LGBTQ Caregiver Support Group will be starting in January 2023! They will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia who identify as LGBTQ to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. 

For more information or to register, call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mZ9HlsIg2VB5VV3bZ8-MvULQgP4AIP9A/view?usp=sharing


Kelting Inspections wants to wish you a Happy New Year! Mention this ad when you order and we will give you 10% off your next inspection! You can reach us at 941-655-8888 or schedule online at keltinghomeinspections.com.

     Click here to view

Hot Deals

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.

Click here for

Job Postings

  Click here to view

News Releases

~ 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

~ Tip of the Week ~

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. – Michael Jordan

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.

~ Resources ~

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

~ Just for Fun ~

A guy and his wife were cleaning out the attic one day when he came across a ticket from the local shoe repair shop. The date stamped on the ticket showed that it was over 11 years old. They both laughed and tried to remember which of them might have forgotten to pick up a pair of shoes over a decade ago.

"Do you think the shoes will still be at the shop?" the man asked.

"Not very likely," his wife said.

"It's worth a try," he said, pocketing the ticket. He went downstairs, hopped in the car and drove to the shoe shop. With a straight face, he handed the ticket to the man behind the counter. With a face just as straight, the man said, "Just a minute. I'll have to look for these."

He disappeared into a dark corner at the back of the shop. Two minutes later, the man called out, "Here they are!"

"No kidding," the customer called back. "That's terrific! Who would have thought they'd still be here after all this time?"

The man came back to the counter, empty handed. "They'll be ready on Thursday," he said calmly.


Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

2702 Tamiami Trail

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

941-627-2222


Bob White, Executive Director bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org
Jami Joannes, Dir. of Business Development jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org
Ruth Uzonyi, Dir. of Finance ruzonyi@charlottecountychamber.org
Janet Caffee, Information & Customer Service jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org
Submit your news/event/job for Business Online to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce charlottecountychamber.org
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