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.

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.

Third Wednesday Coffee, September 20, 2023 held at 8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m. will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Our Sponsor: Punta Gorda Rotary Club. Come a little early to get settled and do some greet and meet before the program begins at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP in the Member Portal...And please remember only the Sponsor and Program Speaker may distribute literature on the tables at the event.

Thursday, September 28, 2023 Annual Awards Luncheon - Cost is $65pp or Tables of 8 at $455.00 sign up in the Member Portal.

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 chamber website profile to an enhanced website profile for a small annual fee. The difference is more visibility, more content - more photos, a link to video, more description and keywords as well as 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:

Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.

Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Silver Sponsor: True Fence, LLC

Silver Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

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: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

Lanyard Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Charlotte County

Chamber member?

Businesses may join online now or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org - Thank you!

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

Deep End IV Hydration, LLC

at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center right after the 3rd Wednesday Coffee.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. (RC at 5:30)

Right at Home Englewood

4315 S. Access Rd. Englewood.

This is a dual ribbon cutting with the Englewood Chamber.

Kindly RSVP for planning purposes.



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.)

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which educates men about prostate cancer and encourages them to schedule screenings. U.S. doctors will diagnose an estimated 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer this year and attribute 34,700 deaths to it. Those statistics are fueling this month’s Shout It Out benefit concert headlined by local gospel band Truality, founded by prostate cancer survivor Dennis Clove. Shout It Out is Saturday, Sept. 16 at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center in Bradenton. Advocate Radiation Oncology is a proud sponsor. Proceeds benefit Team Tony Cancer Foundation and Sarasota Prostate Initiative. 

Grab a friend and join us at Port Charlotte Florist Wednesday, September 20^th from 5-7 pm for our monthly design class! This month we are featuring a sunflower topiary arrangement- perfect for the start of Fall! This class is $65 per person- which includes all design materials, a light snack and a glass of wine. Reserve your spot online at https://www.portcharlotteflorist.net/design-class/sunflower-topiary/ or give us a call at (941) 627- 2236! We hope to see you there!

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. 

Fishermen’s Village will host the very popular 10th annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest, Saturday, September 23, 2023. Restaurants and specialty vendors will be showcasing key lime, tropical and other delights! Vendor hours: 12 noon-6 pm; Live music throughout the day continues until 9 pm at the Sunset Beach Club featuring Tropical Avenue Band!  Visit www.fishermensvillage.com for full details!

From September 7 to October 5, 2023, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Donna Pape, oil painter, and Nancy Giffin, Nantucket, and Shaker style basketry artist. Many of Donna’s beautiful and vibrant paintings and Nancy’s wonderful basketry, carved gourds, and jewelry are prominently on display at www.seagrapegallery.com. Come visit the Gallery and its many talented award-winning artists who are on hand to welcome and assist visitors. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda and can be reached on 941-575-1718. 

Advocate Radiation Oncology and the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall are proud sponsors of the 2023 Chocolate Festival on Saturday, September 30 from 12noon to 2:00 p.m. All funds raised will benefit local families needing emotional and financial assistance while their child is undergoing treatment. Click here for the Event Flyer, or if you would like to participate click here for the details. Admission to the event is $15pp. Join us at the Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte for yummy chocolate and to support this worthy cause.

On this NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE (Saturday, September 30, 2023) the three GFWC Woman’s Clubs of Charlotte County (Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Rotonda West) will host a FOOD DRIVE (non-perishable goods and monetary donations) at the GFWC Woman’s Club of Port Charlotte clubhouse at 20271 Tappan Zee Drive between the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Back pack Kidz, the Homeless Coalition, and local food banks will receive all proceeds. We invite you to participate by stopping by with your donations and enjoying some ice cream (Howard’s Hershey) and entertainment (musician,Jeff Beckley).

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.

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

Christine Hause, Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist, and Kerry Hunter, Wealth Strategist, have scheduled free estate-planning seminars in several Crews Bank & Trust locations this fall. "These seminars will help you create a strong plan for the future," explained Lory Weisensee, President of Trust and Wealth Management. "Christine and Kerry are extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and will share ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your assets.” Registration is available at any Crews Bank & Trust branch office, online at www.crews.bank, via email at rsvp@crews.bank or by calling Trust Operations Associate Linda Ferrara at 941-624-1943. All seminars run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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.

Charlotte Players- Meet the 11th Annual Comedy for a Cause Cast Isaiah Shaw. Isaiah is the owner of PG Goodman Inspections. He is also a licensed and certified home inspector. Show your support for Isaiah at https://bit.ly/CFAC-Isaiah. Carol Whitty moved to Florida in September of 2019 after retiring as a Corporate IT Business Analysis. She is currently an Associate for Parlade Schaefer Schortz CPA/Advisors. Support Carol at https://bit.ly/CFAC-Carol. www.charlotteplayers.org.

COLLAGEN RESTORE at Restoration Bar ! It is one of our trusted supplements offered at the office. • It is listed in the PDR ( Physician Desk Reference) • You only need to take 10 days each month ! Features & Benefits-Promotes vibrant and youthful-looking skin.* Delivers 5 grams of highly bioavailable marine collagen.* Promotes the body’s natural ability to produce collagen.* Supports healthy skin, hair, and nails.* Supports healthy immune response and joints.* You can find it on display at Restoration Bar or use the link to order online. https://RestorationBar.iii.earth

Consumer Alert:  When you use an online form to find a mover, it usually gets sent to a broker who doesn’t even own a truck. They will accept and quote your job, and later farm it out to actual movers at a profit. These make up most emergency calls we receive when the move date arrives but a moving van does not. We make our own schedule at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage, so you can be assured that your move will happen as planned.  Call Kenny at (941) 423-5311. 

Did you know vehicles equipped with an engine control module may require a computer relearn procedure after service? Those modules memorize and store vehicle operation patterns for optimum drivability and performance.  At Complete Auto Repair, we frequently perform computer relearns, which are often the result of the customer's DIY repairs. The result is often a warning light that doesn’t make sense.  Before you invest in a costly fact-finding project, let Ron Morgan’s team check your car’s computer. Call Mary at (941) 623-2926 for an appointment. 



SEE P!NK IN CONCERT ON US! Pink Pantha clothing store is located in the Port Charlotte Town Center. Enter our raffle and win TWO tickets to see P!NK on November 15, 2023. Come in our store, spend $100, enter the raffle for a chance to win. The drawing will be held on November 6th. Enter as many times as you want! In store purchases only. Call or see store for further details. 941-764-6465. 

Building a healthier workplace one employee at a time! 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. Let’s get back to happy and healthy together. 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.

Weekly trivia from the Dellutri Law Group: 1. Florida's Fort Jefferson, now part of Dry Tortugas National Park, was once a Civil War-era prison. Its most famous prisoner, Dr. Samuel Mudd, was sent to Fort Jefferson after setting the broken leg of what nefarious actor in 1865? 2. What 2005 family film stars AnnaSophia Robb as a young girl who adopts a dog she finds at a Florida supermarket, naming him after the supermarket chain? 3. A sandwich known as the camel rider or desert rider, a specialty of Arab-owned delicatessens in Jacksonville, Florida, consists of deli meat and dressing on what kind of bread? 4. In addition to San Diego, California and Orlando, Florida, there is a SeaWorld located in what Texas city? It is a city easier to remember for some. Answers: John Wilkes Booth*Because of Winn-Dixie*Pita*San Antonio.

~ Kudos ~

Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller is proud to announce the 1 year anniversary of opening our Englewood location! Englewood residents have made the new location a huge success. The Englewood location can assist you with essential services such as traffic fine payments, fines and fees processing, marriage licenses, Official Records recordings, passport information, and passport photos. Come visit us at the Mac V. Horton West County Annex, located at 6868 San Casa Blvd, Office 114, Englewood, Florida 34224, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you. Office hours are every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

~ Job Spot ~

Charlotte County Public Schools is seeking qualifications from firms or individuals to provide comprehensive legal representation pertaining to all legal matters. For more information, go to www.PublicPurchase.com and register, at no charge, with Charlotte County Public Schools (FL). If you are registered, go to https://www.publicpurchase.com/gems/bid/bidView?bidId=177620 for all of the details. This Request for Qualifications (RFQual) closes at 2:00 pm on October 6, 2023.

Looking for a rewarding part-time position? Join AWL Kennel Tech team! As a dedicated member of our animal welfare family, you'll provide essential care for shelter residents, ensuring their comfort and well-being. Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, and assisting with adoptions. If you're passionate about animals, detail-oriented, and a team player, apply now at awlshelter.org/jobs. Make a positive impact while working flexible hours. Your compassion could make all the difference!

Here is a great way to Use Your Membership. The option to post Deals, Jobs and News Releases is a FREE benefit! Do it yourself through the Member Portal.

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." —Vince Lombardi

~ 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

A Mexican restaurant I pulled up to looked great. Only one problem - it wasn't open.

So I jotted down the name for another day. Just then, a man came out of the restaurant and took a peek at what I'd written.

"That's not the name of the restaurant," he said, pointing to the sign over the door. "That's Spanish for 'Closed on Mondays."