~ 97^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

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

501(C3) Nonprofit organizations that serve youth and are members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce May apply for a grant beginning on July 1, 2022 through August 1, 2022 by submitting a completed application through the Charlotte Community Foundation. For more information and how to apply, please visit www.charlottecf.org

PLATINUM LEVEL: Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; Integrity Employee Leasing; Olsen, Lynch & Associates, CPAs; The Daily Sun and Tommy's Express Car Wash

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; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; 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.

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!

Members, Networking at Noon on July 13 will be at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. Please be a few minutes early to check in - the event starts at noon and your RSVP is required. Cost is $15.00pp Please register for this event in the member portal.

Members, join us for our Candidate's Forum at the July 20th Third Wednesday Coffee This is your opportunity to meet the candidates running for election. Come at 7:45 a.m. and grab a coffee and breakfast goodie and enjoy some networking before the program starts at 8:00 a.m.. We will welcome new Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce members, then break out so that you can learn more from the individual candidates. Please register in the Member Portal.

Our July 28 Business Card Exchange is Sponsored by the Daily Sun. Members networking from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at their office at 23170 Harborview Road, Port Charlotte. Remember to bring plenty of business cards and if you like a small gift/door prize to promote your business. Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

We have just been informed by Charlotte County Public Schools that they are now expecting to welcome approximately 200 new teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. Teachers' responsibilities have changed so much over the years, they need our community support more than ever. We are asking for each new teacher to be sponsored by our caring membership (it takes a village). For those who have sponsored a new teacher this year, thank you so much!  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 200 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.

Once again, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce will be a collection site for the Sunrise Kiwanis “Shoes for Kids” project. This endeavor collects new tennis shoes for our youth in the Charlotte County Public Schools, pre-K through High School. The need for the 2022-2023 school year is 4,100 new pair of tennis shoes. The window for collection of new tennis shoe is Sunday, June 19 through Sunday, July 24. Please consider helping for this worthy cause by stopping by our office at 2702 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte. For more information visit shoesforkidsproject.org.

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon

rcartee@ryanhomes.com    https://www.ryanhomes.com/new-homes/communities/10222120152136/florida/port-charlotte/ryan-homes-wes

dubzbbq@gmail.com    http://dubzbbq.com

alinechen88@gmail.com    http://www.finsushifl.com

firstimpressionsfoundationinc@gmail.com   http://firstimpressionsfoundationinc.com 

marketingpg@bestcareseniorliving.com https://www.bestcareseniorliving.com/

veteranexteriorcleaning@gmail.com http://veteranexteriorcleaning.com

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!

Tuesday, July 12^th 2022 at 5:30 p.m. 1533 Rio De Janiero, Suite 1

Punta Gorda/Deep Creek. Pastries and Coffee will be served

Saturday July 16^th 10:00 a.m. - 1700 Tamiami Trail Unit A-5, Port Charlotte

Kindly RSVP for this event in the Member Portal.

Suncoast Title and Closings New Location Ribbon Cutting NEW DATE

Tuesday, July 26th at 5:30 p.m. 103 West Marion Ave. #101, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Thursday, August 11th 5:30 p.m. - 2686 Tamiami Trail, #5A, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Thursday, August 18 at 5:30p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Dual Ribbon Cutting)

126 E. Olympia Ave. Suite 301 Punta Gorda

They will be serving food & beverages. Kindly RSVP for this Event in the Member Portal

Public Service Announcement: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be going to three-digits starting on July 16^th, 2022. Callers can access the line by calling 988. When you dial 988, counselors will be at the other end that will also have access to information about local resources. The phone line will operate 24/7, free-of-charge, and calls are confidential. 

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.)

Learn "how to" ensure and protect your financial legacy. Charlotte State Bank & Trust's free summer seminars begin Monday, July 11, at the North Port branch, 4300 Aidan Lane (across 41 from Cocoplum Village Shops). Learn “how to” create a last will and testament or trust and identify and lower investment expenses from 10-noon. For a full list of upcoming seminars or to register, visit www.charlottestatebank.com, stop by any office, or call Linda at 941-624-1943.

Come join us as we host “Pet A Palooza” pet adoption event along with The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County on Saturday, July 16^th, 2022 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are located at 2595 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte, 941-766-7444. Please come out and support AWL by adopting pets that are in need of a good home! Open to the Public!

Valerie’s House Save the Date for our Celebrating Charlotte Fundraising Event! Join us on Saturday, July 30^th (1-5pm) 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). A big thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Burnt Store Title of SWFL.

Save the Date - Charlotte County Sheriff's Office 2nd Quarter Awards Luncheon with proceeds benefitting the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Friday, August 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Visani Italian Steakhouse. For more details or sponsorship information, email Jennifer Wireman jwireman@ccsofl.net

The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad is offering July promotions: Buy any retail at full price and get the second one half off July 1- July 31. Summer special- Get a Pure Keratin Treatment and take home shampoo and conditioner complimentary from The Purple House Salon. Call now to make your appointment or for more information 941.205.8603 

Announcing Our "How To" Summer Seminar Series Hello, it's Christine Hause, inviting you to join me and Angie Parsons at our complimentary estate-planning and investment management seminars held at the bank’s North Port, Murdock and Punta Gorda offices, or via webinar. Register at any branch, online at www.charlottestatebank.com, or call Linda at 941-624-1943. Investments are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the bank, are not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal.

Residential Wind Mitigation Inspection - Kelting Home Inspections - Insurance carriers require home buyers and homeowners to have a Wind Mitigation Inspection performed. Florida laws entitle you to receive a premium reduction if you qualify for specific discounts. With a completed inspection you could reduce your premium by 20%- 22%, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services. Without a Wind Mitigation, you could be overpaying for insurance. Florida laws entitle you to receive a premium reduction if you qualify for specific discounts. 10% discount to our Chamber Business Partners. Call 941-655-8888 to schedule your inspection.

Competent. Honest. Humble. These words paint pictures in our minds. You may think of someone like Mother Teresa or Dr. MLK Jr. Maybe your second grade teacher? Famous or not, they have one thing in common: they are all Servant Leaders. Here at the Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies (C.A.R.E.) our staff works tirelessly to advocate and help victims of sexual and domestic violence. However, we could not do what we do without the help of dedicated volunteers. To become a Servant Leader at C.A.R.E., contact Shannon at Shannon.Fitzpatrick-OShea@carefl.org.

Tuesdays and Fridays Deals *4 for $20.00 on Organic Soaps or *4 for $10.00 on Bath Bombs. Come and visit Rebecca and Vernon at Two Angels Soaps Gallery and Gifts at The Sanctuary Plaza, 2686 Tamiami Trail #5A, Port Charlotte, FL between the gelato and pizza shop. Our products are inspired by Mother Nature.

Class instructors needed- The nonprofit Punta Gorda Isles Civic Assocation (PGICA) will be adding new community classes to the education program in the fall of 2022. If you have expertise in the arts (music, visual, literary, culinary, etc.), fitness (dance, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, etc.), foreign language, history/culture, finance, technology, or another area of expertise, this is your opportunity. Please contact Jennifer deChiara at jennifer.dechiara@gmail.com if you are interested in teaching a PGICA class. All classes are open to the public. 

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 home.  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. 

Another money-saving tip from Complete Auto Repair:  Did you know UPS optimizes its fuel costs by ensuring that about 90% of drivers’ turns are to the right?  Left-hand turns are the enemy of your fuel tank.  An idling vehicle consumes ¼ to ½ gallon of fuel per hour. You can save just like UPS!  Try to do more than one errand and map out a route with few left turns.  And remember, regular maintenance optimizes miles per gallon, which saves you money.  Call Mary at 941-623-2926 if you need an appointment. 

Did you know business owners can access government contracting services offered by the Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center?  Our local PTAC representative is Mark Odell.  He will help navigate the setup and access requirements and create a gateway to government contracting success.  Federal, state, municipalities all have contracts that need to be filled.  If you want to explore this opportunity for your business, contact Mark at modell@fgcu.edu. 

PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda Monday Night Guided Practice will start meeting again on July 11 at 6 pm. $10 for non-members. No reservation or prior experience necessary. Paddles provided. Court shoes or sneakers required. It’s a great way to learn a fun game and meet new friends! Questions, contact nancy.prafke@pickleplex.org 941-916-1990

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.

Do you require background checks on all your job applicants? If so, do you check SSNs, DOBs, prior addresses, and, most importantly, "federal" criminal records ... along with the state-based criminal records you check? Convictions for federal crimes are NOT included in state criminal records ... and embezzlement, forgery, money-laundering, credit card fraud, drug-trafficking, healthcare fraud, crimes against children, and many others are prosecuted at the federal level. BE SURE to check federal ciminal records!    For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.   941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    

Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers has good news-Vehicle prices are finally coming down!! We have over 1,000 vehicles available for purchase weekly-all prices down 10%!! 2018-2022 with Factory Warranty, Clean Auto Check report and low mileage. Over 500 Trucks, Crew Cabs, and 4x4's also. Call for info; we are happy to email prices, specs and details; or make an appointment to visit us in the only indoor virtual showroom. NO DEALER FEES! give Justin a call at 941 350-7544 or Peggy 941 284-9617. 

Medicaid planning is done in two ways: in a crisis situation or, proactive planning. In either case, if you get that call that a family member needs to go into a nursing home and you have no idea how you are going to pay the $10,000+ fees a month, the Dellutri Law Group can help. Contact Mark Martella, Esq., at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@dellutrilawgroup.com to request your Free Special Report on “Will Medicaid Pay for Your Nursing Home?” or if you have any other Estate Planning questions.

Support our kids! Support our teachers! Support our bus drivers & all support staff!  Vote Yes! For Success in November! www.voteyes4success.org

~ Click here for Member to Member Deals ~

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

New exciting opportunity to work for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. We are looking for a seasoned Digital/Social Media Marketing Specialist. This is a full-time position. The right candidate will have successful sales experience, thorough understanding to navigate social media platforms, excellent organization skills and attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and able to develop innovated and creative marketing strategies for all chamber initiatives. If this is the right opportunity for you, please email your cover letter and resume to Bob White at bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org

CPA Financial Advisor Inc is in need of the right person to anchor the front desk and maintain an efficient and well organized office. Duties are varied but traditional for an office of this type. Duties include: Answering the phones and relaying messages to the appropriate member of the company - Managing client appointments - Maintaining appropriate level of office supplies - Process completed tax returns for client pickup - Scan client tax and other documents - Monitor/track client tax and other projects - Maintain records of items mailed - Collection of payment for fees when clients receive finished product or service - Maintain and update accounts receivable. Knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook is important. Knowledge of QuickBooks is a plus. Paid time off and paid holiday are competitive with other employers. Eugene P Heitman II CPA CFP®, CPA Financial Advisor, Inc., 2120 Kings Hwy Suite 220, Port Charlotte FL 33980 941-743-6495 voice 941-625-9578 fax.

Peace River Wildlife Center is seeking a Development Director who will be responsible for driving the success of our vital revenue programs. This includes planning and organizing fundraising activities to implement our Capital Campaign and Fundraising Plan, managing the development budget and identifying and applying for financial grants to achieve our overall goals. We require that you have at least five years of experience in nonprofit development and live in our area. If you are interested and qualify, please email your resume to Executive Director, Callie Stahl at prwc.ed@yahoo.com.

Lightspeed is hiring. Lightspeed Voice is now recruiting a Regional Account Manager (RAM) to drive sales activity. The RAM is responsible for prospecting, cold calling, and cultivating new customers, partners, and account relationships. In this important and exciting position, the RAM is expected to support the sales efforts of Lightspeed Voice’s products and workflow solutions. For a copy of the full job description, detailed list of benefits and income expectations, please send an email to Ed Hill at ehill@lightspeedvoice.com

FULL TIME MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR - Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) The Membership Coordinator is responsible for growing PGICA membership through marketing campaigns and community outreach by developing and implementing membership recruitment and retention strategies, and working as a liaison between the association and its members. High-profile role requiring outstanding customer service, sales, communication and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office; positive and outgoing personality; high degree of judgement, initiative and confidentiality; and commitment to the mission and values of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. $35,000 plus vacation and holidays. Send resumes to teriashley@pgica.org for consideration. 

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 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

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

Submit your news/event/job for Business Online to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org