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
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.
Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed)
~ Chamber Events and Updates ~
And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a $2,000 Key West Flight donated by Air Trek Charter Jet Service. The drawing to be held at the Annual Meeting on September 30, 2022! The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card!
Charlotte County Chamber Members and Guests 21 years & Older welcome! Join us as we celebrate the NEW Charlotte County Chamber Young Professionals' Kick Off Event  "Sunset De Mayo" on Friday, May 6th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Perch 360 on top of the Wyvern. Mexican Appetizers included, live band and cash bar. Drawing with a business card for a lucky participant. There is no cost for this kick off event however registration is required. Please RSVP/Register in the MIC (Member Portal).

Join the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce for our monthly Networking at Noon Luncheon. The May 11th event is hosted by The Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Members and their guests are welcome to attend. Cost is $15pp. Please limit your participation to no more than 2 persons per member and kindly make your food choice when you register. Register and pay in the MIC (Member Portal).

Join us on Wednesday, May 18 for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Third Wednesday Coffee and New Member Showcase. Our Coffee Sponsor: Premier Nationwide Lending. Our Program will be an open meet and greet with new members who have joined our Chamber in the last quarter. They will have tables set up and attendees will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one to learn more about their businesses and services. Coffee and light breakfast items will be served. There is no cost, but please register in the MIC (Member Portal) so that we may plan accordingly.

The Charlotte County Public Schools are expecting about 150 New Teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. We are asking our Charlotte County Chamber members to Sponsor a New Teacher for Breakfast on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Your sponsorship of $45 covers the cost of breakfast for you and a teacher. We also invite all members who sponsor a teacher to bring us 150 items for Teacher Welcome Bags. Gifts for inclusion need to be delivered to the Chamber office at 2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15th. (Gifts/promo items only-NO Flyers please.)  Kindly register for this event in the MIC.

Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023 applications are now available. We would encourage any chamber member who is looking to gain a greater and deeper understanding of how Charlotte County operates, to apply. In addition to getting a once-in-a-lifetime education, you will make life-long connections and friendships. Only 25 applicants are selected for each class. As you fill out the application, please provide complete and comprehensive answers to each question.  The deadline for all application submissions is on Friday, August 5, 2022. If you have any questions regarding the Leadership Charlotte Program/Schedule, please reach out to Bob White bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org

NEW --- the 2023 Community Guide and Business Directory will be out in October 2022. Your advertisement can be seen by thousands in both the printed and online guides. Members interested in advertising should return the advertising contract, Ad Copy and payment by August 12, 2022. Additionally, members interested in a premium position ad with guaranteed placement should attend/or have a representative attend the Premium Page drawing on Thursday, May 19th at the Chamber office (2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte) at 4:30 p.m. For instance, if two members were interested in the Center Spread, we would draw a business card from the hat to determine who would receive it. The Community Guide is our showpiece for all things Charlotte County, distributed at the Punta Gorda Airport, Charlotte Harbor Event Center, County Libraries, Community Associations and to walk-ins, email and mail requests. AND on CharlotteCountyChamber.org with live links to your webpage. Please call 941-627-2222 with any questions.

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on May 5. (Digital flyers are due by May 3.) 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.

Business of the Year Nomination Form-2022 - Nomination forms are due back by August 22, 2022. You may nominate you own business, or nominate another business for this award. Print the form to see the criteria and answer five questions. We encourage you to blow your own horn and self-nominate.  The selection committee will be made up of past recipients, and the awards will be presented at the 97th Annual Meeting Luncheon on September 30, 2022.

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.
National Small Business Week
 ~ May 1 to May 7th ~
Supporting small entrepreneurs keeps our economy strong.

The 12th Annual Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo date is February 2, 2023! 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!
Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
~ Welcome New Members ~
Town Pharmacy, Inc.
14826 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
Alex Shulman
(941) 429-7766
http://www.town-pharmacy.com

BPG Inspections, LLC
Call or Email for Information
William Koehnlein
(317) 607-7935
http://bpginspections.com
Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers, LLC
474 Tamiami Trail, Unit 1
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Peggy Judd
(941) 350-7544
http://www.shopofflease.com

Pink Pantha, LLC
1441 Tamiami Trail, Unit 205
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Jennifer Kyser
(941) 764-6465


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
Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org and she will follow up with them!
~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~
Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
New Location Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, May 10th at 5:30pm
17831 Murdock Circle, Unit B, Port Charlotte FL 33948
There will be Snacks, refreshments and tours. Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal)


Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Cottage
New Management Ribbon Cutting
Tues., May24th at 5:30 p.m.
2595 Harbor Blvd. Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Luau Themed - Entertainment by Tiki Tom
Appetizers, Beer, Wine & Water
Howard’s Hershey’s Ice Cream
New Location Ribbon Cutting
1700 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 33948 (in Murdock Plaza by Perkins)
on Thurs., May 12th at 5:30 p.m.
Offering Desserts & Refreshments and Tastings of their 52 Hand Dipped Flavors of Ice Cream Kindly RSVP in the MIC

Pink Pantha LLC
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, June 7th 5:30pm
1441 Tamiami Trail, Unit 205
(Port Charlotte Town Center Mall)
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow 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.)

#OurFutureisNow! #OneCommunity
~ Member Events ~
New Fitness Studio Open in Port Charlotte – F45 Training PCW Team Training * Life Changing. Experience the most innovative HIIT, Group, Circuit workout. Join us at our outdoor Track event while we complete our buildout during May, every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. located in our parking lot at 2150 Tamiami Trail. Tier 1 Foundation Memberships available at over 20% Discount. Follow Us!! FB/IG @F45TrainingPCW Sign Up!! @MINDBODY App or call Michael 561-788-5260.

From April 18th – May 8th, the Tidewell Foundation is having its second annual Shower Patients With Linens and Love Drive, with terrific support by our sponsor Dignity Memorial. Help us create a closet of donated linens available to Tidewell Hospice’s field teams for patients who need sheets and towels for in-home and assisted living facility hospice care. Donations needed include NEW XL twin bed linens and towel sets. Learn how to donate at TidewellFoundation-LinenDrive.org. or contact Nicole Taylor at (941) 416-5017.

Valerie’s House is participating in Remake Learning Days. We will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with crafts, food, and fun. This is a free event for the entire family on Thursday, May 5th (5-8pm) at the Family Services Center. Save the Date for our Celebrating Charlotte Fundraising Event! Join us on Saturday, July 30th (1-5pm) for at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. All proceeds will be benefitting Valerie’s House-Charlotte County. Contact Christine Carey for vendor & sponsorship opportunities (239-841-0382 or christine@valerieshouse.org). 

Want to remain in your home as you age? Senior Choice at Home now offers a plan that will help you achieve it. Dine & Discover our one-of-a-kind program on Friday, May 6 or Tuesday May 17 at 11am at Linkside Cafe at Burnt Store Marina Country Club, 24315 Vincent Ave., Punta Gorda. Seating is limited. RSVP to 239-362-9153 or SeniorChoiceatHome.com/events

Tuesday and Friday Only 4 for $20.00 on all organic soaps, 4 for $10.00 on Bath Bombs 
Remember Mother's Day around the corner on May 8th.so, let’s plan the perfect moment! 1 Pack ($33.21) includes: 1 Soy Candle, 1 Organic Soap, 1 Bath Bomb, 1 Natural Bath Sponge and 1 Silk Sponge. The 2 Pack ($56.80) includes: 2 Soy Candles, 2 Organic Soaps, 2 Bath Bombs, 1 Natural Bath Sponge, 1 Silk Sponge. Visit Two Angels Soaps Gallery and Gifts in The Sanctuary Plaza, 2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 5A, Port Charlotte (941) 883-2861 www.twoangelssoapsgalleryandgifts.com 

Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes. For the month of May, all chamber members can get $10 off any one roll of weedmat. 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

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

The Punta Gorda Rotary 2nd Annual Healing Field of Honor is May 27-30, 2022 at Laishley park, 1200 Laishley Court, Punt Gorda. Open from 9am to 6pm each day Thousands of Flags will be on display over Memorial Weekend at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. Honor your Hero-a Veteran Deceased of Living-Doctor-Nurse-First Responder-Family member-Friend. Become part of this event by either dedication of a flag or becoming a sponsor. For full information visit www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl22

Fishermen’s Village presents the 2nd annual “A Day of Celtic Music”, Saturday, May 14, 2022 12 noon-9 pm. Presented in partnership with the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida and the New World Celts (Sarasota Chapter), visitors to Fishermen’s Village will experience authentic Celtic musicians from all over the country, joining together to bring this fun, interactive event to fruition.  This year’s event has 6 performing groups and evening hours. Our headliner Seven Nations Band featuring Kirk McLeod, with three between 6-9 pm.  Admission and parking are free www.fishermensvillage.com

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.

The Kiwanis Punta Gorda After Hours Foundation presents Merry Grinchmas in July a Reverse Raffle fundraiser to support free books for kids visiting Lizzy the Literacy Bus. Drawing will be Saturday, JULY 9, 2022 at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Top prize is $10,000! Tickets are a minimum donation of $100 each and include dinner for two and entertainment with the Boogiemen. Sponsorships contact Douglas Tucker at 941-875-4111. Need not be present to win, but must be reachable by phone at time of drawing at approximately 9:30 pm EST. Contact Marian Taylor 941-380-1087 Tickets at www.KiwanisPGAfterHours.com
~ Member News ~
It's critical for businesses to provide a safe environment for their employees and customers and to protect the company's interests. Whether you're hiring employees, working with independent contractors, using temporary help, or engaging volunteers, background checks can help make sure you have the right people on board ... and the right people can impact your organization's success and the safety of your communities. Ultimately, effective background checking will help you find and retain the best possible candidates.    For FCRA-compliant background screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.   941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net

Charlotte Harbor Water Shuttle- It’s time to give yourself a time out. Everyone needs a break to relax and enjoy a nice boat ride and have an exceptional meal. So don’t wait, reserve your seat/seats on the TIP~C~GULL (941-219-9217)! When you do that, Captain Phil will make your dining reservations for you. Lunch or Dinner. No more waiting in line. For more information visit our website: www.charlotteharborwatershuttle.com

People believe that closing out an older credit card with a higher interest rate will help their credit score. They might close one of their first credit cards acquired when their credit wasn’t well established. They might assume that shredding credit cards will help boost a credit score. It seems logical that closing cards with a higher interest rate and keeping the lower rates will improve the score however closing an older credit card won’t help your score. It might hurt you. Call Sue Craig, Independent Financial Coaching at (941) 916-5324 to learn how to improve your credit rating.

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

Spring into well-being by having happier and healthier employees! 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.

Ron Morgan of Complete Auto Repair gave 3 easy maintenance steps to teens at the Library Class last week, and it’s good for drivers at any age.  1.  Read your driver’s manual, especially the maintenance tips.  2. Inspect your car frequently – fluids, wipers, tires, headlights.  3.  Keep up with routine maintenance.  These easy steps make your life as a vehicle owner easier.  If you have an organization who would like to host this class, call Ron Morgan at (941) 623 – 2926 to discuss. 
 
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage can build custom wooden crates for your most valuable and fragile items – antiques, artwork, TV’s, pool table slate or any treasure you feel needs the protection of a wooden crate.  At your destination, we will unpack the crates and remove them, or you can keep them for your next move. Years of experience make all the difference when making customized crates.  When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons, at 941-423-5311.  

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? C.A.R.E is always looking to recruit new, caring faces! If you are looking to help make a significant impact in the community, feel free to visit our website www.carefl.org or call our admin office at (941) 639-5499 and ask for our volunteer coordinator, Keara! Feel free to check us out on Facebook/Instagram at “carecharlottecounty” and show your support through sharing our posts. We look forward to meeting you and helping victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes in Charlotte County, together.  
~ Tip of the Week ~
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” Confucius
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 March 16, 2022 and April 15, 2022... Take a look!
Family-owned and operated moving company hiring experienced movers. Apply in person at Curry Moving & Storage, Inc., 23152 Harborview Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, 941-625-4191.

ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda is having an off site Hiring Event on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Follow this link to register.
Kudos
SandStar Wins 2022 Guildmaster Award for Customer Service. For the fifth year in a row, we are honored to be one of the winners of the GuildQuality Guildmaster Awards for Service Excellence. This award recognizes companies within GuildQuality’s community of quality who consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences. Click the link to view the full press release and learn more about GuildQuality. Read the Full Press Release here.

The Charlotte County Jazz Society http://www.ccjazz.org was pleased to award scholarships in the amount of $11,500 to five graduating seniors from three local high schools. Congratulations: Hunter Fisher, Charlotte High School – accepted at Florida State University; Nichlas Nease, Port Charlotte High School – accepted at Duke University; Julia Sloane, Port Charlotte High School – accepted at Florida Gulf Coast University; Xavier Gauthier,  Port Charlotte High School – accepted at Florida State University; Matthew Grannan, Lemon Bay High School – accepted at Florida State University. Ennis Bisbano, Scholarship Committee Chairman presented the awards.
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 Janet Caffee jcaffee@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 Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
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
Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org
Governor's Office- www.flgov.com
~ Just for Fun ~
Friend: I'm selling a keyboard for $5.
Me: Why so cheap?
Friend: A spider crawled into it.
Me: Wow. Did you get rid of it?
Friend: No, but it's under CONTROL.
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 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
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce charlottecountychamber.org