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.
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~ 97th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, February 7, 2022 ~
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"Lunch & Learn" SOLD OUT for Tuesday, February 22, 12Noon - 1pm
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
or call 941-627-2222
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WE ARE SOLD OUT - watch for details on the next Lunch and Learn on April 26th. |
"There is a 100% certainty that business owners will leave their companies at some point, yet most haven't planned for it, and there are no dress rehearsals. Ideally, owners want to exit on their terms: leaving their business in the hands of successors they choose, on a date they pick, and for the money they need and want. The three universal goals every owner must set are deciding when, to whom, and for how much to transition their businesses." |
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"Business Succession Planning"
with Brian Simon
Financial Representative, ChFC, CLU, CExP
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Watch for information and sign up opportunities for the 12th Annual Expo on February 2, 2023 - coming soon. Remember to save the date and set aside a little of your marketing budget ($395 for a booth space) for the Hottest Business Day in Paradise, Expo2023! |
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2021-2022 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.
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Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) |
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~ Chamber Events and Updates ~ |
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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 $15pp. Remember to make your meal choice when you register.
Third Wednesday Coffee, Wed., Feb. 16, 8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m. is sponsored by Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. Please RSVP your attendance in the MIC (member portal). The Program is a New Member Showcase and we'll be also be welcoming new members who have recently joined. Join us at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda and enjoy beverages and light breakfast goodies while learning about your fellow members.
Business Card Exchange, Thurs., Feb. 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, 3718 Tamiami Trail, Unit C, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal).
The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on March 3. (Digital flyers are due by March 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.
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Vote Yes! For Success
PO Box 510213
Punta Gorda, FL 33951
Marcia Cullinan, Chair
(941) 662-5878
http://www.voteyes4success.com
Karen Brock Realtor Keller Williams PRP Florida Living Team
1675 W. Marion Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Karen Brock
(845) 313-9726
http://www.reelfloridaliving.com
Royalty Construction
2180 Via Venice
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Robert Markel
(941) 628-8038
http://www.royaltyconstructioninc.com
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Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member?
Businesses may join online now on our website or please recommend a business to
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ |
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members.
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Community Lending
Ribbon Cutting, Wed., Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
(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
ActivAge at Chelsea Place
Ribbon Cutting, Thurs., Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte 33952
Rebranding Celebration! They will be offering frozen drinks, live
music, massages, and catered food.
Attendees are requested to register in advance so that proper arrangements can be made
Sport Clips Haircuts
Ribbon Cutting, Tues., Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
1804 Tamiami Trail, Unit E4, Port Charlotte 33948
This is also their Grand Opening. Snacks and Refreshments provided.
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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.)
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#OurFutureisNow!
#OneCommunity
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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.
Charlotte Players- Cahal Dunne in concert. February 27th, 2pm located at The Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte. "Ireland's Piano Man - The Man of Many Jackets", possesses that certain magical quality known in show business as "it". "It" transcends talent. "It" comes from deep within a great entertainer and washes over an audience, captivating them. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, February 26th, from 11 – 2, Complete Auto Repair will hold their 12thAnnual 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.
The 14th annual Taste of Punta Gorda. Sunday, March 6th – 11 to 5 at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda. Tastes of delicious food from Charlotte County’s best restaurants all in one place! Beer & Wine, Arts, Crafts, a Kid’s Zone, and music with the BoogieMen. Tickets $5 – VIP $30 – kids 12 and under free. All proceeds support the Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation. Our Presenting IRON CHEF sponsor is Publix Super Markets. Other major sponsors are Ingman Marine, Suncoast Credit Union, Bankers Life, and Amerilife. Link to purchase tickets ahead is at Taste of Punta Gorda.org.
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National car wash brand Tommy’s Express is pleased to announce their newest locally owned and operated franchise location is NOW OPEN in Port Charlotte, FL. The car wash is located at 19101 Murdock Circle. Be sure to join the TOMMY CLUB for unlimited wash memberships! Download the app and get your first month of UNLIMITED Club free!* Stop by 7 days a week from 7:00am-9:00pm! Visit Tommys-Express.com or on Facebook.com/TommysExpressPortCharlotte for more information. *First month free for new club members and first car only.
The Charlotte County Jazz Society is proud of its 32-history of bringing quality live jazz to Charlotte County. With a dedication to preserving and promoting this music genre, we offer members 7 concerts and jam sessions each season, October through April. Membership also includes a subscription to IN TUNE, a quarterly digital newsletter with reviews, links to area jazz events and scholarship opportunities for local high school seniors. Information is available at www.ccjazz.org or via the jazz hotline 941-766-9422, or by contacting Lynda Platt, President, at JazzyLynda44@gmail.com.
C.A.R.E. is looking for volunteers! Give back to our local community by helping survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and other violent crimes. Seeking hotline advocates, outreach event volunteers, retail associates, and many more. For more information visit https://carefl.org/giving/volunteer/
The best practice suggests that employers should take the following steps when making inquiries into a job applicant's background: (1.) Treat all applicants equally regardless of protected characteristics. (2.) Obtain a signed release form from the applicant before initiating a background check. (3.) The release form should be in a stand-alone format that consists solely of the legally-required disclosures and authorization. (4.) The release form should not be included within the employment application form. For economical and FCRA-compliant background screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, and refinance their home. Conventional, FHA/VA, Primary Residence, Second Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans. Toby Lynn works to get the financing your best buddy needs. Pre-Qualification is FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.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.
We at Parrot Outreach Society are delighted to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce. The Parrot Outreach Society is a non-profit organization whose sole concern is parrot welfare in captivity and conservation of wild parrots. We are an outreach and placement program which places into safe custody, parrots who are abandoned, abused, or in need of a home for any reason. At any given time, we have approximately 140 birds in our care. We are located at 1205 Elizabeth Street, Suite I in Punta Gorda. We invite you to stop in to see our facility or visit us on Facebook.
Did you know it's 5x-25x more expensive to generate a new client than to work with the clients you already have to get introductions or repeat business, according to the Harvard Business Review? It's worth it to create a client appreciation system that keeps you top of mind long after the project is finished. Cutco Closing Gifts & 360 Business Growth can help you create that customized system and implement it. Ask us how! cara@360businessgrowth.com
THE SUN and WARM WEATHER ARE BACK…YAY!!! And let’s not forget days are getting longer so more time for more fun. Come ride THE TIP~C~GULL to the Riviera Bar & Grill, see the beautiful Punta Gorda Isles, enjoy a spectacular meal then relax for the ride back. Great boat ride, Great meal, Great fun - for one and all. Gather up some friends, bring a cooler with drinks and snacks if you’d like, and cast off for an exciting time. Enjoy some nature…AHOY!
Call 941-219-9217 or visit our website at: www.charlotteharborwatershuttle.com
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"All progress takes place outside the comfort zone." - Michael John Bobak
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We encourage members to shop with other members to keep our community and local economy strong. If you do business with one or more of our renewing members please congratulate them for their Chamber Anniversary. These are members who renewed between December 16, 2021 and January 15, 2022... Take a look! |
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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
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Showcase your business through sponsorship! |
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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.
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LOCAL-
Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.
STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/
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A couple just started their Lamaze class and they were given an activity requiring the husband to wear a bag of sand - to give him an idea of what it feels like to be pregnant. The husband stood up and shrugged saying, "This doesn't feel so bad."
The instructor then dropped a pen and asked the husband to pick it up.
"You want me to pick up the pen as if I were pregnant, the way my wife would do it?" the husband asked.
"Exactly," replied the instructor.
To the delight of the other husbands, he turned to his wife and said, "Honey, pick up that pen for me."
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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.)
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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