~ 97^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

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

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.

Our Third Wednesday Coffee on March 16, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at IHOP-International House of Pancakes, located at 1789 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. They will provide a breakfast buffet. Our program speaker will be CDBIA President Jim Weisberg. Sorry folks, we had limited seating for this event and the registration is FULL.  NO WALK-INs can be accepted.

Business Card Exchange, Thurs., March 24 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Dunkins Diamonds, 1441 Tamiami Trail Unit #575C (Port Charlotte Town Center Mall), Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Drawing for a piece of jewelry from Dunkins Diamonds at the event with your business card-must be present to win. If you like, bring a small gift/door prize to promote your business. Kindly register for this event in the MIC(Member Portal).

Networking at Noon, Wed. April 13, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Buffalo Wings & Rings, 1020 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte. Cost is $15pp.

Lunch & Learn on April 26, 2022 "Plan to Win, Prepare to Win, Expect to Win" presented by Frank Menard, Coach, Speaker and Trainer at The Menard Team. The focus of this facilitation is to help business owners and entrepreneurs to: Identify their Priority, Identify the 20% Activities that will accomplish their 80% Results. The lunch is sponsored by The Menard Team and will be held at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, 2702 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED as seating is limited. RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal).

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on April 7. (Digital flyers are due by April 5.) 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.

The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2022 is raising funds for Mental Health Matters with a "Glow Gala" scheduled for June 4th. Funds raised will benefit four nonprofits. The Guardian Ad Litem Foundation's Alternative Therapy program for children in foster care. Purchasing items for The Family Services Center of Charlotte County to create a sensory room for all 14 nonprofits at the center to use. Purchasing items for Charlotte Behavioral Health Care to create a sensory room in the crisis stabilization unit. and to Purchase items for the Animal Welfare League to enhance their real-life room project, allowing dogs a break from stressful kennel life and space for staff and volunteers to enjoy the mental health benefits that come with comforting the dogs. Additionally the class plans to make a donation to the Leadership Charlotte Endowment fund and Junior Leadership Charlotte. Email them at leadershipcharlotte22@gmail.com for more information. Print the Glow Gala Sponsorship Flyer.

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

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!

M’Xuma Tacos – Mexican Grill

Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting, Saturday, March 19^th

Sunday March 20^th at 1pm Festivities are from 1-4pm

Food, & Refreshments provided and Tours of their 2 sailboats and 1 catamaran. They are a ASA school of Sailing & memberships to rent sailboats. "Be a part of the SailTime SWFL grand opening! Step aboard our 2022 Beneteau 38.1 “RumAway” and “Breaking Wind” our Colgate 26. Don’t miss the premiere of the Beneteau 34.1 while she stops at Burnt Store on her tour of the Gulf. During our grand opening, you will have the opportunity to meet current members, our instructor(s), register for sailing courses, and sign up for one of our memberships on RumAway. Don’t forget to ask about what is coming later this year to our fleet, HINT- it’s not a monohull." Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal)

Ribbon Cutting on Wed., March 23 at 10:00 a.m.

* 20% off March 23 Any Service – Next Visit 10% off any service

* No Appointments on March 23rd – Walk Ins Only

* One Free adult beverage or Soft Drinks March 23rd

* March 24 – 31 10% off any service

* #EssenceNailsandSpaHALLC 

Ribbon Cutting, Thurs., March 31 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.)

Charlotte Players- Curtain Up! March 11-27, 2022. Curtain Up is the hilarious story of five women who inherit equal shares in a dilapidated theatre and plan to bring it back to life again. A fast paced and very funny comedy with five great roles for women. Located at The Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Fishermen’s Village invites everyone to their annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! Thursday, March 17^th, beginning at 12 noon, enjoy authentic Irish music and dance, bag pipers, shopping, dining and a gorgeous sunset! Full details at www.fishermensvillage.com.  

Join us for Memories & Motors on Saturday March 19^th, 2022 from 9am-2pm at the Promenades Mall behind Winn Dixie, Port Charlotte, (3280 Tamiami Trail). There will be a Car Show, Food Trucks & Entertainment as well as Health Education. Sponsored By: Hampton Manor Premier Assisted Living of Punta Gorda & H2U at Fawcett Hospital

Parkinson's Expo on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at NeruoChallenge.org is a free in-person and virtual event. There will be a number of presenters and breakout sessions. Register today at www.NeuroChallenge.org or call 941-926-6413 x 300 for more information about the programs and services they offer.

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau is accepting nominations for the Annual Tourism Awards, presented in partnership with the Charlotte chapter of the FRLA. These awards recognize stand out employees from local Restaurants, Hotel/Motel/Resorts, Vacation Rentals, and Attractions. The online nomination form can be accessed here. The nominations are due by April 11, 2022. The awards presentation will take place at the Annual Tourism Celebration lunch on May 5th.

Valerie’s House is participating in “Pizza for a Cause” on Tuesday, April 12^th (11am-10pm) at Bocca Lupo. Proceeds from all 3 locations (dine-in or take-out) will go to Valerie’s House. Port Charlotte: 1900 Tamiami Trail, 33948 North Port: 4301 Aidan Lane, 34297 West Villages (Venice): 12105 Mercado Drive, 34293 If you have questions about this event Contact Christine Carey (239-841-0382 or christine@valerieshouse.org). www.valerieshouse.org

Please help your Charlotte County Public Schools spread the word that Kindergarten registration begins this month. You may register online by following this link, Kindergarten Registration or you may visit your school April 19-25. By making certain that every student who is 5 on or before September 1^st is registered, you help us to hire the appropriate number of Kindergarten teachers.  

Cancer treatment is a journey no one should make alone. Advocate Radiation Oncology care team guides patients every step of the way. This year, Popping the Cork on Cancer is raising money for Children’s Cancer Center. This benefit on May 12 from 6-8PM is organized by Ken Johnson and Carol King-Murphy, from Advocate Radiation Oncology, cancer survivors themselves, with the support of Noelle LaPonte and Lexington Manor. Please help us help them, they didn’t choose to have cancer, we can choose to be their Champions and provide our support for this worthwhile cause. For Tickets & Info call Ken 941-380-5650

Save the Date for our Celebrating Charlotte Fundraising Event! Join us on Saturday, July 30^th (1-5pm) for bites, tastes, samples & shopping at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. All proceeds will be benefitting Valerie’s House-Charlotte County. Purchase $25 wristband tickets ($35 VIP) at: Events — Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org) Contact Christine Carey for Sponsorship Opportunities (239-841-0382 or christine@valerieshouse.org). 

Waggles, Port Charlotte’s neighborhood puppy store is finally open!  We are excited to share our passion for pets with the community.  If you or someone you know is looking for a puppy or you just want to come in and play, we welcome you to stop by and meet us and our beautiful fur babies.  We are open Tuesday-Sunday 11-7PM and Monday 11-5PM.  We welcome the opportunity to show you how we provide quality, happy, healthy puppies. Join us for our ribbon cutting on March 31st, 2022 at 2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 3A, in Port Charlotte!

Medical Acupuncture can help to relieve stress, PTSD, Back pain and more. Please call Acu-Heal Medical Acupuncture for an appointment 941-629-2355

Charlotte Technical College is offering an exciting marketing and sponsorship opportunity. We are making a commercial! For a monthly sponsorship of $3500, your company’s logo or tag line can be featured on over 100,000 connected TV/streaming impressions! Great opportunity to show that your business supports Career and Technical Education and our local community. Interested? Contact Stephanie Rusch at 941-255-7500 ext 1739. Or stephanie.rusch@yourcharlotteschools.net https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MqjI3Fl8ZMGOTWXhO8m2ZCNJT2QwDaHa/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103320691181099626095&rtpof=true&sd=true

Your vehicle is an important hedge against rising fuel prices.  Complete Auto Repair reminds you of some proven methods to save gas:  combine errands, treat the gas pedal gently, and make sure the filters inside your engine are clean.  This last step can improve your gas mileage and give you a smoother ride.  To let your car pinch pennies for you, call Mary Holstein at (941) 623 – 2926 to schedule an appointment. 

Every year we help our snowbirds move-in and then move back after Easter.  Packing is an essential service for so many who might need extra assistance and shouldn't be lifting heavy objects.  We make your return to the north as joyful as possible.   Let us take care of the packing, unpacking, and other essential moving services with our experienced and family-orientated crew.  Call Kenny, owner of Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage, at (941) 423- 5311 to book discuss your move. 

Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's has a full list of in-person and virtual programs offered at no charge to the Parkinson's community. Support Day's and Times vary, please print the flier, visit www.neurochallenge.org or call 941-926-6413 x 300 for more information about the programs and services they offer. Support groups are held monthly at convenient locations in Charlotte County.

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

The anti-discrimination provision of the U.S. Immigration Reform and Control Act prohibits discrimination against job applicants because they are not U.S. citizens. So, you might want to eliminate any question on "citizenship" from your job application. Instead, simply ask if an applicant is "legally-qualified to work in the United States". The most appropriate and legally-safest means to determine an applicant's citizenship status is via the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service's Form I-9.    For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy background screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.   941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    

Caring for a loved one? Finally, take the "daycation" you both deserve! Enter to Win free care for an entire year right here at ActivAge at Chelsea Place Enjoy peace of mind while your loved one is having the time of their life! Our Daycation Giveaway is open now to May 31st, 2022. If you are caring for a loved one, don't miss this opportunity to win an entire year of care, FREE at our Port Charlotte location. Visit https://www.activagecare.com/free to enter! Winner will be chosen/announced in June 2022.

Charlotte Harbor Water Shuttle cruises to the Riviera Bar & Grill twice a day 11:30 a.m. for lunch and 4:00 p.m. for dinner. Why wait in line for a table? Call Captain Phil (941) 219-9217 to book your reservations on the Water Shuttle and ask him to book your reservation for seating at the restaurant. He'll call ahead to let them know how many he will be bringing so just let him know how many will be in your party and he’ll take care of the rest. Or visit http://charlotteharborwatershuttle.com

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.

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

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