~ Advertise in the new 2024 Community Guide and Business Directory ~

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.

~~ Nominations being accepted for Business of the Year and the prestigious Pacesetter Award ~~

Networking at Noon on August 9th is at Carmelo's Italian Ristorante, 321 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. The lunch buffet will include chicken piccata, penne vodka, green beans, rolls, & salad. Cost $20.pp. RSVP in the MIC

Third Wednesday Coffee, August 16 at 8:00 a.m. at 24Twenty One Event Center, 2421 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Sponsor: Hometown Grill & Catering. Program: Stephanie Rusch, Charlotte Technical College "Internships with Students in our Business Community." The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023 will be presenting donations from their fundraisers to Meals on Wheels and Drug Free Charlotte County. After the coffee a brief New Member Orientation will take place for new members and those who would like a refresher in membership benefits. Please RSVP in the MIC.

Business Card Exchange, Thursday, August 24 will be held in the Lobby at the Family Services Center. It is hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte. It will have a Tropical Luau Theme. Remember to bring plenty of business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Kindly RSVP in the MIC.

Did you know that for a small cost members may promote their business or special event on our website with a banner. Learn more about banners. Additionally, members may upgrade from a basic online profile to an enhanced profile for a small annual fee. The difference is more content - more photos, a link to video, more description and keywords and links to specific pages on your website. Learn more about Enhancing your Membership Profile.

13th Annual Business Expo

Thank You Expo2024 Sponsors:

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.

Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Silver Sponsor: True Fence, LLC

Bronze Sponsor: MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash

Main Stage Sponsor:

After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions

Bag Sponsor:

Refreshment Station Sponsor:

Kick off Party Sponsor:

Lanyard Sponsor:

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!

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening, August 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Tropical Tile & Stone

1810 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte

Food, beverages and Prize Giveaway.

Event is from 4-6p.m., Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.

Please RSVP in the MIC.

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening, Tuesday, August 22 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.

New Season Treatment Center Port Charlotte

20580 Veterans Blvd., Port Charlotte

12:00 program begins, 12:15p.m. Ribbon Cutting, 12:30 P.M. Lunch

Tours & Swag Bags.

Please RSVP in the MIC.

Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, atmosphere! 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 Players- Join us for the first play of the 63rd season! The Wild Women of Winedale opens on September 7th and runs thru the 17th. This joyful and exuberant, yet ultimately touching, comedy focuses on three women at crossroads in their lives. This feisty trio have supported and cheered one another throughout their lives. Together they prove it’s never too late to take another one of life’s paths for a grand new adventure. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. 

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic - Win a fabulous Caribbean vacation for two, 7 night stay at Upachaya Resort for two on the island of Roatan, Honduras including a snorkel or dive package $1500 voucher toward airfare and more. Only 300 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $125. Enter as often as you like. Visit www.volunteercare.org for details. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Country for a Cause Celebration, September 30, 2023.

Rob Hurth Photography is offering special pricing for In-Studio Family Portraits now, through August 9th! Imagine a gorgeous 20" x 30" framed canvas portrait of your family, proudly displayed! Show the people in your family how much you value them, with stunning wall art! Call Rob Hurth Photography TODAY, and schedule your session: 941.235.8149. Our studio is located at 2395 Tamiami Trail, Ste #15, Port Charlotte.

Visit our website: www.robhurthphoto.com

Looking to fill medical assisting positions? Having trouble finding qualified candidates? Meet students, graduates and faculty of Southern Technical College's accredited Medical Assisting Diploma training program where students also sit for the CCMA exam. Southern Technical College hosts its traditional Medical Assistant Career Expo on 8/16/2023 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Join us and meet current students, upcoming graduates and alumnae. Limited space available. RSVP | Kim Byrne or Karen Perrault – kbyrne@southerntech.edu | (941) 391-8888. 

Is there an artist in your office? The Visual Arts Center is seeking artists to donate original works on a 5”x5” canvas. Art is for everyone; we encourage businesses to hold a call for artists and create as a team. When the canvases come together as a mosaic; images will emerge. The exhibit runs from 9/14 – 10/31 with an amazing reception fundraising party on September 21^st. Save the date and support the VAC! Art due by August 30^th, sponsorship, general involvement, and other support opportunities available. Contact Shawn at engage@visualartcenter.org

Join us for Golfers Who C.A.R.E. September 23rd! Our non-profit is hosting a 4-Person Golf Scramble, bringing together golf enthusiasts of every level. Play, have fun, and support a great cause. Registration is only $125pp/ $500 per team and includes green & cart fees, driving range, breakfast, lunch, 2 drink tickets, goody bag, raffle entry, and more. Click here for more details, registration info and sponsorship opportunities!

Country for a Cause An evening of dinner and dancing featuring The BoogieMen on Saturday September 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. . Tickets $125 each. For information and sponsorship opportunities call Barbara 941-368-8863 or email bwastart@volunteercare.org https://volunteercare.org/country-for-a-cause-2023

Murdock Stones Etc. is once again selling Bahia sod pieces...only at our 590 Prineville St. location in Port Charlotte. Normally $2.50 per piece...Chamber Special...$2.00 per piece Call 941-629-6651 for availability.

Join us in celebrating the Animal Welfare League's momentous 60th anniversary with "Paws for a Cause" on December 3, 2023! This grand event promises a day of fun and compassion for animals in need. We invite vendors and sponsors to be a part of this special occasion, making a positive impact on the lives of our furry friends. For more details, visit AWLshelter.org/Paws-for-a-cause or reach out to events@awlshelter.org. Let's come together to support a brighter future for animals.

One in four cancer patients experience clinical depression. Symptoms like sadness, helplessness, mood swings, insomnia, anger, fear, stress and other emotions are common after a cancer diagnosis. Although cancer care focuses on eradicating cancer cells and tumors, it’s important to understand aspects that impact an individual’s mental and emotional well-being before, during and after treatment. Advocate Radiation Oncology frequently partners with mental health professionals in our community as part of our multi-disciplinary approach to treating the whole patient. That’s our commitment – we will stand side by side with patients through every step of their cancer journey - AdvocateRO.com. 

The Charlotte County Jazz Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz music in Charlotte County. We host live jazz events monthly from October through April in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. Becoming a member is an easy and economical way to enjoy events like our Artists Series Concerts and Jazz Jams. The current price to become a member is $65 but will increase in October so now is the time to join! Check out our Website for more information!

Promotional products are a fun way to get your brand out in the wild! Buffalo Graffix offers imprinted products of all kinds. Some of the most popular items are custom tote bags, water bottles, umbrellas, koozies, pens and portable chargers! If you would like more information on any of the items we have available you can visit our website. For pricing information, you can call us (941) 625-2833 or email us at orders@buffalograffix.com. Mention this ad and we’ll give you 5% off your promotional product order!

Have you been putting off preparing a Last Will and Testament until next year? Well, the year is more than half over and your next year is here! It is so important to have the right documents in place BEFORE a medical emergency happens. Give Mark Martella, Esq., of the Martella Law Firm, PLLC a call at 941-867-6865 (or e-mail him at mark@martellalaw.com) to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss your options to be prepared for when “life happens.”

Preserving your teeth protects your Smile and your health. Most tooth decay is 100% preventable! And treatment is fast and affordable when caught early. We provide Routine Care to Full Mouth Rehabilitation; we care for all our patients' needs.  Check out our Website: SoulDentalPC.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDentalPC Affordability Options Available

Sleep through Sedation Options Available. Give us a call today to secure your next visit. (941)629-7779

Chapman Insurance Group is the #1 choice for Auto, Home, Flood and Business Insurance needs in Southwest Florida. Established in 2009 by Brian Chapman in Charlotte County, we have grown to become a trusted name in the community. With five offices from Port Charlotte to Naples, we are committed to providing exceptional service and coverage to our valued clients. Our billboards may have made Brian Chapman a recognizable face in the community but what we most pride ourselves in is, when you call us, a friendly and knowledgeable team member will be there to assist you. At CIG, serving YOU is our policy!

Better choices = a healthier and happier lifestyle, give your employees that option! 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. 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.

With heat advisories widespread across the country, Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage wants to stress the physical toll of self-moving. Unnecessary steps and exertion increase fatigue, often before the job is done. Prioritize your health and hire professional movers instead! For assistance with your summer move, reach out to Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311. 

High temperatures are in the news.  When was the last time you checked your vehicle’s air conditioning system?  Your car cabin’s air filter is very small.  When the filter gets dirty your car will struggle to cool the interior.  It is important to look at the entire system to make sure you’re not sweating unnecessarily this summer.  Call us at Complete Auto Repair to schedule your a/c checkup.  941-623-2926. 

~ Job Spot ~

The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is seeking a highly motivated, creative, outgoing, organized, and professional individual to serve as our Director of Business Development. This position covers a wide-range of responsibilities while working in a collaborative and pleasant environment. Medical and vacation benefits provided. For all serious inquiries, please email cover letter and resume to bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org

Members, the option to post Deals, Jobs and News Releases is a FREE benefit!

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – Tony Robbins

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/

My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. 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

After a recent college basketball game, the coach spotted a cell phone lying on the floor. He picked it up and handed it to one of the referees, saying, "Here's your phone."

"What makes you think its mine?" the ref asked.

"Easy," the coach replied. "It says you missed 13 calls!"

___________

I was making Play-doh animals with my four-year-old niece, Chris, and her three-year-old brother, Neil. While Chris was clearly molding a crude but recognizable dog, figuring what Neil was making was a bit more challenging.

"It's a cat," he told me, "but a truck ran over it."

Sometime later, Chris had made another simple animal shape, but Neil had a rather flat slab of dough on the table in front of him.

"What happened to this one?" I asked.

Neil shrugged and said simply, "Same truck."