Save the date - September 28th - Annual Awards Luncheon.

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 ~~

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.

Wednesday, September 13th Networking at Noon will be held at Icehouse Pub. They will provide a Buffet - build your own salad with veggies & grilled chicken, cottage pie(ground beef, veggies & mashed potatoes) and fish & fries. Space for this event is limited to only 50 people, so register early. Cost is $20pp. Here is the link for the event in the MIC.

Because this is a buffet, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and go through the buffet so we can start promptly at Noon.

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.

Thursday, August 31, 2023 5-7PM RC 5:30

Joint Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Lymphology & Aqua Sol Infusions

1620 Tamiami Trail, Suite 216, Port Charlotte

Each business is doing a separate ribbon cutting they are together in the same building

Light appetizers, refreshments, beer & wine-Raffles for baskets, IV treatments, detox massages & discounted package deals. 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- Meet the 11th Annual Comedy for a Cause Cast. Jacob Alsbrook works at Quality Treasures. He is from Los Angeles and has a 25-year history in both film and television behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Jacob was most recently in Charlotte Players Murder on the Orient Express. Show your support for Jacob at https://bit.ly/CFAC-Jacob. Jeff is the Senior Sales Manager with Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau. He recently moved to Port Charlotte. Support Jeff at https://bit.ly/CFAC-Jeff. For tickets on September 29th go to www.charlotteplayers.org.

Daxxify & Donuts at Restoration Bar! Fri Aug 25 10-noon. Learn about Botox newest competitor Daxxify! Peptide powered boasting to 6 months of wrinkle relief. 

Q&A, live demo and introductory offer! Complimentary mini consults + donuts!

Acceptance of Invitation is required by calling 941-347-7707 or email info@restorationbar.com. Additional info here https://facebook.com/events/s/daxxify-donuts/1104678300490245/

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. 

Boogie Oogie Oogie Silent Disco - Boogie the night away for a great cause! The Homeless Coalition is hosting their First Annual Silent Disco on Saturday, September 30th at 7:00 at The Isles Yacht Club. Tickets are $80. There are some fun sponsorship opportunities. Prizes for best costumes. It's going to be a blast! Visit www.cchomelesscoalition.org to purchase tickets and to learn more.

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser to benefit the Military Heritage Museum on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.. Held at "House of Breakfast" 502 King St., Suite A, Punta Gorda. Your $20 tickets includes: Spaghetti dinner with meatballs, salad, garlic bread and beverage. Purchase tickets at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda or online at https://tinyurl.com/478ywv5t

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.

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

Soul Dental is YOUR Local-Veteran-Family-Owned, Private Practice that cares for all dental needs from Routine Preventative Hygiene to Full Mouth Restoration & Rehabilitation. We offer options: Treatment Options and Affordability Options - because we listen and care for all our patients' needs.  Anxiety keeping you away? Check out our website first, and learn all about us. We're like family, caring for our extended family in Charlotte County. www.SoulDentalPC.com (941) 629-7779

Say yes to the address at Landings at Westport Townhomes! You will look absolutely stunning in your new home! Currently offering two months free! Give us a call to schedule a tour at 941-763-6457 or check us out at www.landingsatwestport.com. Located across from Twisted Fork. We also pay up to $1400 for realtor referral fees!

At Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage, here is something we CAN’T do:  Unload 4,000 square feet of belongings into a downsized 1,800 square foot home.  You might be surprised at how often homeowners overestimate the capacity of their new, smaller homes.  The result is often items of value that are simply discarded or donated at the new location.  When we meet with you, we ask you about your new home and advise when we see too much in the plan. This gives you the opportunity to give extra items to people you care about or sell them to offset your moving costs.  Call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311 to discuss your downsizing move. 

We know that an air conditioner is one of the most important features of your car.  Having it work efficiently will make your life better, and minimize the cost to your vehicle.  At Complete Auto Repair, we make sure your A/C is functioning properly.  We add a fluorescent green dye to the Freon that includes a stop-leak for small leaks so we can easily detect them with a black light.  Stay cool and save fuel, call Mary for an appointment, at (941) 623-2926.   

Buffalo Graffix offers all your advertising needs by way of graphic and web design, printing, signs and wraps, fleet graphics, imprinted apparel and uniforms, promotional products, and direct mailers. Check out BuffaloGraffix.com for our current discount offers. Let us assist you with exposure through our quality products and help bring your business name to print! Mention this ad and get $20 off your next order with us!

The Charlotte County Jazz Society is looking for Community Partners! We will be presenting seven concerts and various other musical events next season and your support will help promote more live jazz and assist more music students throughout Charlotte County. By partnering with one of the area’s most active arts organizations, you can obtain positive publicity, increased community involvement, and pride in helping to bring a major source of musical artistry to the area. There are many benefit levels of commitment! For more information contact Jordan@buffalograffix.com.

Dellutri Law Group weekly Trivia - What is the State Capital of Florida? How many time zones does Florida have? What is Florida's nickname? What body of water borders Florida to the west? Visit www.dellutrilawgroup.com to learn more about their services.

Cruise Planners Charmichael Travel - Majesty Meets Memories in Alaska - A Disney cruise to Alaska is more than just a cruise. It's where adventure meets relaxation. Where the frontier meets the horizon. And where magic meets the sea. Contact Robin & Danny Carmichael robin.carmichael@cruiseplanners.com or visit 222.carmichaeltravel.com to learn more.

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.

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.”

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.

~ 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!

“It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it” - Lou Holtz

~ New Kids on the Block ~

The Drug Free Punta Gorda Board is excited to introduce our new Executive Director, Jennifer Bucurel. Jennifer comes to our Coalition with a background in teen drug prevention work in Alabama and Mississippi. More recently, she has worked with the Department of Children and Families, in Charlotte County. Jennifer became our new Executive Director upon Monica Babcock's retirement in mid-May, 2023. Throughout this summer, Jennifer has been diligently learning the "ins and outs of our community and our youth. We're very thankful to have Jennifer leading our team, and invite you to join us, at this next Coalition Meeting. Be sure and meet Jennifer! 941-662-6687

~ Kudos ~

Michael LaBarge has been promoted to Retail Banking Officer of Charlotte State Bank & Trust’s North Port office. LaBarge, who has over 35 years of executive operations management in healthcare and manufacturing, joined Charlotte State Bank & Trust as a Personal Banker in May 2022. Born in Quebec City, Canada, he grew up in St. Louis, Mo. and currently resides in Punta Gorda with his wife of 38 years. He has three children and seven granddaughters. LaBarge can be reached at 941-205-2725 or mlabarge@csbtfl.com

Members' Showcase Winners Announced: 1st - "Blue Turtle" by Tim Gates. 2nd - "Raku Vessel" by Judi Roth. 3rd - "Chicken on the Roof" by Paulette Morrissey

Merit: "Chrysocolla & Quartz" by Belinda Duclos; "Pop" by Lana Cease; "Self Portrait at 16" by Tes Scholtz; "My Summer Garden" by Beverly Yankwitt; "Galapagos Gary" by Kathy Wengel; "Wild Wonderful Wetlands" by Kelli Nash. Congratulations to all the participants! Your work has inspired us all! Plan Your Visit - CLICK HERE VisualArtCenter.org

~ 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 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

My Uber driver really cares about my mental health.

Just this morning I got a message from him saying: “I’m here for you.”

__________

When I was a child, my parents used to always say "Pardon my French" after a swear word.

I'll never forget the first day of French, when my teacher asked us if any of us knew any French.