~ 97^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce

2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

or call 941-627-2222

WE ARE SOLD OUT - watch for details on the next Lunch and Learn on April 26th.

"Business Succession Planning"

with Brian Simon

Financial Representative, ChFC, CLU, CExP

and do a little networking? The Expo will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.

Platinum Title Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group

Gold Presenting Sponsor - Burnt Store Title and Escrow

Silver Associate Sponsor - Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Silver Associate Sponsor - Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Silver Associate Sponsor - Michael Saunders and Company

Bronze Participating Sponsor - American Imaging of Southwest Florida

Bronze Participating Sponsor - Bert's Black Widow Harley-Davidson

Bronze Participating Sponsor - Dancing Moon Travel

Bronze Participating Sponsor - Mosaic

Bronze Participating Sponsor - Painting with a Twist

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

Main Stage Sponsor - Cruise Planners Carmichael Travel

Kick-off Party Sponsor - Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center

Breakfast Sponsor - Integrity Employee Leasing

Event Map Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions

Refreshment Station Sponsor - The Purple House

Passport Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions

Lanyard Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group

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. Member booth price $395.00 

PLATINUM LEVEL: Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; Integrity Employee Leasing ; Olsen, Lynch & Associates, CPAs; The Daily Sun and Tommy's Express Cara Wash

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown, and Smith, CPAs; The Bevis Group; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Charlotte State Bank and Trust*; Farr Law Firm*; Friendly Floors; Nix and Associates Real Estate; and Panther Hollow Dental Lodge.

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions, LLC; Friendly Floors; Nolan Family Insurance; Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, McKinley and Young Law Firm.

11th Annual Business Expo2022, Thurs., Feb. 3 is open to the general public from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. We invite all members to attend and see what your business peers have to offer. Prizes, goodie bags and lots of great information!

Networking at Noon, Wed., Feb. 9 at 11:45 a.m. at Leroy's Southern Kitchen & Bar. Please register for lunch in the MIC (member portal) cost is $15pp. Remember to make your meal choice when you register.

Third Wednesday Coffee, Wed., Feb. 16, 8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m. is sponsored by Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. Please RSVP your attendance in the MIC (member portal). The Program is a New Member Showcase and we'll be also be welcoming new members who have recently joined. Join us at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda and enjoy beverages and light breakfast goodies while learning about your fellow members.

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on February 3. (Digital flyers are due by February 1.) Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. ($100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue). 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.

Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is going DIGITAL Quarterly beginning in 2022 and 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.

Douglas Eppley - RE/MAX Palm Realty

403 W. Olympia Ave.

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Denise McClennen

Businesses may join online now on our website or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org and she will follow up with them!

Attendees are requested to register in advance so that proper arrangements can be made

Please register for this event in the MIC (Member Portal)

(next to Twisted Fork) 2090 Torrence St., Port Charlotte

The celebration will be held at the Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte

from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and we'll walk next door at 5:30 p.m. for the Ribbon Cutting.

They will have live music, free drinks and appetizers and a 50/50 raffle to benefit Yah Yah Girls and the Back Pack Kidz where Community Lending will match the funds raised.

Attendees are requested to register in advance so that proper arrangements can be made

Please register for this event directly to Community Lending with this link https://bit.ly/3ncGEJu

Rebranding Celebration! They will be offering frozen drinks, live

Attendees are requested to register in advance so that proper arrangements can be made

Please register for this event in the MIC (Member Portal)

Ribbon Cutting, Tues., Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

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.)

Mulch Sale!!! Murdock Stones Etc. is selling its Bagged Red Mulch for just $2.50 per bag (normally $3.00) to all Chamber members and their employees through the month of January. Delivery is available at an extra charge. 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.

There will be household items, furniture, linens, clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, books and toys. Masks are optional, No pets please. Join our Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St. Vincent dePaul in our continuing efforts to raise money to assist those in need in our community.   SVdP Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 9:00am-12:00noon. Office (941-575-0767 Furniture: (941) 575-8544, 25200 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies presents Standing Together Responding to the Call January 31, 2022 located at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. This is a community collaboration to educate the public in the fight to end Human Trafficking. Cost: Free Refreshments will be provided in the morning. For more information visit www.carefl.org/events/ Let’s stand together to END Human Trafficking.

Introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street. Topics include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh and salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment will be demonstrated. Instructor is local fishing guide Capt. Ralph. The course is on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning February 23, 2022. Cost $50. Advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

C.A.R.E. would like you to wear orange on Tuesday February 8th in support of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. 1 in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship in their lifetime. At C.A.R.E. we provide prevention education to help change that statistic. Show your support for our youth and wear ORANGE on Tuesday February 8th and tag us at @carecharlottecounty. 

Charlotte Players-February 4-29. Gillian Holroyd is one of the few modern people who can actually cast spells and perform feats of supernaturalism. She casts a spell over an unattached publisher, Shepherd Henderson, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Tickets are $22.

Charlotte Players-The Edwards Twins Feb. 7th & 8th. Welcome back by popular demand, The Edwards Twins, direct from Las Vegas! Remember all the wonderful variety shows we all grew up on in the '70s & '80s? Now is your chance to see them live and re-created by Las Vegas' number one impersonators. Preferred and regular seating available. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Located at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St. in Punta Gorda.

Mark your calendars!  On Saturday, February 26^th, from 11 – 2, Complete Auto Repair will hold their 12^thAnnual Customer Appreciation Party.  This outside event celebrates our customers, and features music by the GMen Band, and “cruise in” by Tailgaters of Central Florida and the Peace River Car Club.  We will be giving away raffle items all day, and if a Chamber business wants to donate a raffle item, we will promote your business at the event.  Call Mary Holstein at (941) 623 – 2926 for more information.

Admire the artwork of Karen Bell March 2nd from 5pm-7pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 635 E Marion Ave Punta Gorda.  Enjoy a complimentary Wine and Cheese reception to showcase Karen. As a child she had a LOVE for paper, scissors & music. As Karen's career brought her to teaching music she reconnected her LOVE of paper with an Art teacher at the school. For years she has been enjoying many cultures in which Scherenschnite is a tradition. For information www.kays-ponger.com or like us on Facebook. 

When hiring, checking employment history confirms experience, but may also show frequent moves, career changes, and other factors indicating an applicant is not a good long-term candidate. Look for patterns: a consistent drive for success or a history of ongoing difficulties ... offering insight into an applicant's suitability for the job. And remember that resumes are often inflated, so if you need specific skills and experience, verification of education and employment is a must!    For economical and FCRA-compliant background screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.    941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net

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.

Gardiner & Sons Moving and Storage has worked with our elderly residents and part-time residents for three generations.  We know how to treat our elders.  We so appreciate reviews like this one from a woman who trusted her elderly parents to us:  "Very polite and through. My parents are in their 90s and these gentlemen treated like they were family. Awesome service."  - Robin S.  If moving is in your future or a family member’s, call Kenny at 941-423-5311. 

As new and used car prices continue to climb, keeping your current vehicle is a powerful inflation-fighting move.  That doesn’t mean you should drive a clunker.  At Complete Auto Repair, our maintenance, technician expertise, and warranties combine to keep your car running smoothly, whatever its age.  Call Mary at 941-623-2926 and make an appointment to keep your current car humming throughout 2022. 

Looking to save money while giving back to the community? C.A.R.E. ReUse offers a wide variety of new/gently used items at a fraction of retail cost. All proceeds provide essential needs to survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Charlotte County. Open Tuesday –Saturday 9:00am-3:30pm in both Port Charlotte and Englewood locations. Donations accepted until 3:00pm. For more information visit https://carefl.org/reuse-stores/

Charlotte Harbor Water Shuttle is a new fun attraction for Charlotte County. The shuttle was custom built in Maine, with seating capacity for 24 passengers. Take a cruise through the beautiful Punta Gorda Isles, enjoy a great meal at the Riviera Bar & Grill, then head back to Laishley Marina Public Boat Dock, which is where you will load and unload. The cruise is an hour and fifteen minutes each way. So plan to relax and have fun. See you soon. Reservations (941) 219-9217 or visit https://charlotteharborwatershuttle.com

When choosing the perfect mortgage plan, prioritizing needs and wants can lead in different directions. With 30 years in the business, Toby Lynn is a pro at helping your family, co-workers, or best buddy see advantages and disadvantages in options available. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com

Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? Start 2022 off right and get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family by contacting Mark Martella, Esq. with the Dellutri Law Group, PA at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@dellutrilawgroup.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected in 2022.

Life can throw you unplanned events i.e., job loss, health issues, loss of a loved one, or natural disasters. No matter what happens, you CAN recover. Credit is not static and can eventually adjust to your recovery. Coaching can help speed recovery. We identify errors and opportunities in your credit report and spending plans so you may start to accumulate assets including homes, cars, and retirement. Call Sue Craig, Independent Financial Coaching at (941) 916-5324 for consultation.

Click here to view jobs currently posted on the Charlotte County Chamber website!

F45 Training is a boutique fitness center franchise that is growing internationally. With a grand opening soon we need energetic, certified and friendly people to join our team in Port Charlotte. Hiring in 2022: Studio Manager (CPT, AED, CPR); Membership Manager (CPT, AED, CPR); Certified head Trainer (CPT, AED, CPR); Certified Trainers (CPT, AED, CPR); Administration & Front Desk. To learn about these great opportunities contact Michael Bluemling Jr. 516-788-5260 PortCharlotteWest@F45Training.com our website https://f45training.com/portcharlottwest - We will be at the Job Fair at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, Tuesday, February 1, 2022 from 3:00 to 5:00pm.

The Purple House Salon is seeking a Front Desk Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, full time Tuesday – Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Duties include but not limited to: Create a welcoming atmosphere in the lobby and reception area, Manage salon phone calls/voice mails/emails, Manage the POS system including checking out clients, making appointments, maintaining employee schedules, running reports, etc., Assist with marketing (flyers, printouts, ads, chamber/networking events), Assist Stylist Manager with inventory reports, intake, ordering, Prepare payroll (bi-weekly) and tax reports (monthly, quarterly) for accountant, Run errands and handle banking including deposits and maintaining adequate change in cash drawer, Compose documents as needed, Maintain files (hard copy and digital), Assist with laundry & salon cleaning and Reports to Stylist Manager. Candidates interested should send resume to: thepurplehousesalon1@gmail.com

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.

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/

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

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

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

Florida Department 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

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.)

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