~ 98^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

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

2023-2024 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: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center; ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda; Suncoast One Title & Closings, Inc.

PLATINUM LEVEL: Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPAs, P.A.; Buffalo Graffix; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Crews Bank & Trust; GJC Window & Door; Integrity Employee Leasing, Inc.; McCrory Law Firm; The Daily Sun; Waste Management of Charlotte County

DIAMOND LEVEL: Adjuster Groups, LLC; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions, LLC; Farr Law Firm; Florida Gulf Coast University; Matthew Patterson, Patterson Group Keller Williams PRP; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad; Tommy's Express Car Wash; WhitCo Insurance - Alexia Martin Agency

EMERALD LEVEL: Achieva Credit Union; Big Shot Marketing & Design, LLC; Centennial Bank; Charlotte Players, Inc.; Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside; Friendly Floors; Granny Nannies Home Health Agency; Panther Hollow Dental Lodge; Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center, Inc.; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance - Mike Martin Agency; Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross & Young, P.A.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Networking at Noon Village Brewhouse (in Fishermen's Village), 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Meal Choices: (2) Cod beach taco’s power slaw, Pico, & remoulade sauce with French fries or Cobb Salad – chicken, egg, tomato, blue cheese, bacon & avocado with ranch or blue cheese dressing or Sweet chicken wrap – chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese & honey mustard with French fries. Please choose your meal when you RSVP in the Member Portal.

Wednesday, November 15 2023 Third Wednesday Coffee at 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Our Sponsor is Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. Our Program will be Mark Vianello, Superintendent of Schools ... Directly Following our Coffee will be a Ribbon Cutting for TrueFence to celebrate their one year anniversary, and all members are invited to remain after the event for a New Member Orientation. Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Did you know you may set up automatic payments! Never forget another membership payment! Save on stamps, checks and time. To do so, login to the Member Portal. In the shortcut menu, choose Company Information, at the bottom of the list choose Billing, choose Payment Profiles and enter your credit card. Then from that same Billing area choose Autopay & Billing to select your payment profile. That's it!

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: Swiftwater at West Port/Kittle Property Gp

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

Silver Sponsor: Florida Tree & Ground Maintenance, Inc.

Bronze Sponsor: MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash

Bronze Sponsor: Better Business Bureau of West Florida, Inc.

Bronze Sponsor: J & J One Stop Gun Shop, Inc.

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

The Carpenter Kings, LLC

Call or email for information

Port Charlotte, FL 33952-5129

Arthur King

(941) 468-2346

thecarpenterkings@gmail.com

http://www.thecarpenterkings.com

Dynace Global

16282 Alcira Circle

Punta Gorda, FL 33955

Jinky Burns

(630) 453-1719

jybaskesburns@yahoo.com

http://www.dynaceglobal.com

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!

Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating their one year anniversary (RC=5:30)

Dandelion Behavioral Health

1777 Tamiami Trail, #500, Port Charlotte

Snacks and Refreshments. Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Wednesday, November 15 at @9:00 a.m (Following the Third Wednesday Coffee)

True Fence

at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda.

They are celebrating their one year anniversary!

Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (RC=4:00 p.m.)

Dubz BBQ

4391 Aidan Lane, North Port

Tastings of food and refreshments. Dual event with the North Port Chamber.

Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Tuesday December 5, 2023 - 5:30 pm. until 6:30 pm. (RC=5:30)

Celebrating their Grand Re-Opening

Gladrich Florist

4678 Tamiami Trail, Unit 103, Port Charlotte

Raffle for attendees, refreshments & snacks.

Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, atmosphere! Networking opportunity.

#ConnectingBusinessesTogether

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.)

Our Pajama Drive is happening RIGHT NOW at Soul Dental throughout the entire month of November! We are so thankful to support 4 KIDS of Southwest Florida right here in the Port Charlotte community. Would you come alongside us in this season of giving? We're helping children in foster care with comfort through a gift of BRAND NEW pajamas. We're collecting pajama donations in sizes from infants 6mos through children's size 16. Please drop off or ship your donation to our office by November 27th,2023: Soul Dental, 941 Tamiami Trail Suite F, Port Charlotte FL 33953. www.SoulDentalPC.com 

Rock 'n' roll history comes alive as Johnny Rogers takes the stage at the Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum on Friday, November 3. Johnny, Elvis’s second cousin, channels the legends, playing Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, and more in two electrifying shows at 3 PM and 7 PM. Don't miss this musical journey through time! You can obtain tickets by going to www.gulftheater.org or by calling 941-205-8545 as well as in person at the Military Heritage Museum! 

Charlotte Players- Join us for the third play of our 63rd season, The Foreigner playing Nov 2-12. What does a shy Englishman in search of rest do when he visits a fishing lodge in Georgia? Charlie Baker, a proof reader by day and a boring husband by night, adopts the persona of a foreigner who doesn't understand English. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Annual SWFL Animal Fair is open to public - Saturday, 11/11/2023 from 10 am – 2 pm at Charlotte County Fairgrounds. Sponsored by Southern Technical College Veterinary Assisting program and Advanced Canine Development. Over 40 vendors will showcase products and services available in our area. Join the fun, friendly pets permitted. K9 demonstrations, petting zoo, pet adoptions, food trucks, bounce house, raffles. Free gift to our veterans and Color Guard will present in honor of Veteran’s Day. Free admission, $2 parking. Questions? Call (941) 391-8888. 

Lease to Lifecare - Lunch and Learn Event on Tuesday, November 14th - 11am 

Unsure If Investing In a life care community Is the right solution for you? Join us to understand more about our flexible Lease to Lifecare program being offered for a limited time. This program allows you to become a resident of our community now, see the benefits of what a lifecare community offers, and invest later. South Port Square, Call 941.235.4500 to RSVP to this fun, delicious and educational event! 

Join Fishermen’s Village for the most anticipated night of the year! The annual “Lighting of the Village” Saturday, November 18^th kicks off at 5 pm featuring the Shane Duncan Band on the dry beach! Santa arrives at 5:45 pm, ribbon cutting begins at 6:00 pm and the entire Village will be illuminated at 6:20 pm! Your Admission: bring toiletries, canned goods to restock the St. Vincent de Paul pantry. Visit www.fishermensvillage.com for full details!

Join Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity for our 25^th Annual Turkey Trot! The 5k Run/Fun Walk will take place on Thursday, November 23^rd, at FSW Punta Gorda Campus. Cost is $40 until Nov. 22 / $45 day of the event and all participants receive a finisher medal. All funds raised benefit our Homeownership Program to help local families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership. Join us for this Thanksgiving tradition! For additional information and to sign up visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/CCHabitatTurkeyTrot

It's Official! Randy Ball and the MIG 17-F Returns to the Florida International Air Show November 4th & 5th PGD Airport. Also watch for the REDLINE Airshows, a close, 2-man formation aerobatic performance team. Florida International Air Show, Punta Gorda, FL Airport (PGD), November 4th & 5th, 2023. Tickets On Sale Now! http://www.floridaairshow.com Air Show Hotline: 1.833.743-3247

It's the Charlotte County Commission's and the Charlotte County Veterans Council's turn to host The Veterans Day Parade on November 11th. The parade will step off from the Port Charlotte Beach Complex at 9:00 a.m., travel East up Harbor Blvd, turn left onto Edgewater Blvd. to end at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park. Lots of sidewalks and parking at the park. It will be great experience both for those in the parade as well as those watching - come out and show your support to our Veterans. Press Release.

Da Bears are coming - We have confirmed that Mike Singletary will be our Gala speaker on November 11th. It is truly an honor to have him share his story. Table Sponsorships will start being received next week, for the Gala, starting at $500 and event sponsors starting at $1000. if you are interested, contact Tom Parker, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Charlotte County to become a sponsor. tparker@fca.org Are you ready for an extraordinary evening that combines faith, football, and the power of community? The banquet will be held at the Sky Academy at 871 South River Road in Englewood from 6:30-8:15 p.m.. Nov. 11. Register Today!

A Healing Field of Honor is hosted by the Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation, November 10-12, at Laishley Park! Picture 1,000 American flags flying in ceremonial formation. An individual or an organization sponsors each flag in this Memorial Day weekend display at Laishley Park in honor of a fallen hero, veteran, active-duty military member, first responder, doctor, nurse, teacher, or any other hero. It’s an awe-inspiring panorama. Purchase and dedicate a flag (or more) or become a sponsor at https://www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl23. For more information, contact Alyson Burch by calling or texting 941-875-3829 or emailing Jaburch12@verizon.net.

Free Estate-Planning Seminars in November – Christine Hause, Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist, and Kerry Hunter, Wealth Strategist, have scheduled estate-planning seminars in several Crews Bank & Trust locations this fall. Registration at any Crews Bank & Trust branch office, online at www.crews.bank, via email at trust@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. The topics for the seminars are: Wills and Trusts: Creation and Funding* Selecting a Successor Trustee to Minimize Stress on Family* Out-of-State Wills & Trusts and the Benefits of Florida Residency*

Jimmy Wayne is coming to Punta Gorda! A BENEFIT for Crossroads Hope Academy will be held November 17 at 7 p.m. at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. Jimmy, a former foster kid turned Award Winning Nashville Recording Artist, author, and much more will sing and tell stories to highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care. Check him out at  www.jimmywayne.com .   Crossroads has more info at https://www.crossroadspg.org/events . Tickets are $40, Purchase at Burnt Store Church or by contacting Kathy at kbrownmayes@gmail.com. Do not miss this!           

Tickets are on sale now for the Holly Days Home Tour on December 1 & 2 in historic downtown Punta Gorda. The tour is from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on both days and organized by the Punta Gorda Garden Club a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization. Tickets $20.00 donation are available at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds fund community projects and scholarships.

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.

Tickets go on sale October 31 for the Bingo Blowout being held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Event Center on Saturday, January 13, 2024 to benefit Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. $50 includes 10 Game Bingo Card & dauber, lunch from FM Don's. There will be a Chance Auction, 50/50, lottery tree and cash bar. Visit www.volunteercare.org or call Barbara Wastart 941-368-8863.

Taking a team approach to breast cancer treatment. Women diagnosed with breast cancer now have teams working collaboratively on their behalf to create an individualized treatment plan. A woman’s treatment team typically consists of a breast surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. Together, they formulate a plan of action that may include a combination of treatment options, including radiation oncology, chemotherapy

and surgery. Although it’s a jarring diagnosis – “you have breast cancer” – today, the five-year survival rate for women with non-metastatic breast cancer is above 90%. 

Advocate Radiation Oncology: AdvocateRO.com 

Calling All Sponsors! Be a part of the 13th annual “Kids Tag Art” program provided by the Charlotte County Tax Collectors office. Fifth grade students learn about design elements while creating metal front end “license plates”. Program funds support classroom art supplies for Charlotte County Elementary Schools. Sponsorship consideration is greatly appreciated. For sponsorship information please visit taxcollector.charlottecountyfl.gov or email taxcollector@charlottecountyfl.gov Sponsorship is year round and appreciated anytime. 

This week's Trivia Challenge from Dellutri Law Group:

From Miami I go about 30 miles west. What national park do I find?

Which city in Central Florida hosts the annual Florida Strawberry Festival?

Key Largo is part of the island chain in the Florida Keys. What do the words Key Largo mean? Fill in the Blank: Pensacola is known as the City of ____Flags.

Elizabeth Etnoyer eetnoyer@DellutriLawGroup.com 239-210-7253 (Call/Text)

answers 1. Everglades National Park 2. Plant City 3. long island 4. Five

Help "A" Teacher Today by Donating to Charlotte Harbor Center School. Click on the link below to go to the Charlotte Harbor Teacher's wish list. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1QEKVH29Z2MRF?ref_=wl_share

We appreciate your consideration - Hugh Quigley, Life Skill Teacher hugh.quigley@yourcharlotteschools.net

Gardiner & Sons Moving 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 Moving, at 941-423-5311.  

At Complete Auto Repair, we are often asked to fix issues that other shops couldn’t fix.  They require the time and talents of our best techs.  While the customers are thrilled, we stress over the time it took to find the problem.  Do yourself a favor:  When it’s time for maintenance, get it done.  So many expensive problems are born as affordable maintenance items.  Call us at 941-623-2926 for a timely appointment, so we can charge you less! 

The Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is changing its name to the Florida APEX Accelerator, but its mission to help businesses research and bid on federal, state, and local government contracts remains the same. The Florida APEX Accelerator helps Florida-based businesses compete for and win federal, state, and local government contracts. Through the program, the Florida APEX Accelerator matches businesses with contract opportunities, helps them prepare bids and navigate requirements, and assists them after winning contracts. Learn more about this and other programs Florida SBDC at FGCU sbdc@fgcu.edu 239-745-3700

Looking for your employees to be more energized and motivated? Let us help! 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.

Whoops, Murdock Stones's supplier made a big mistake...they sent us White Salt & Pepper Rip Rap....in our opinion it looks A LOT BETTER than Florida Rip Rap....this material should go for $325 per cubic yard...we're selling it for $50 per yard. Material is located at our South Gulf Cove location:  7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd)  941-629-6651 www.murdockstonesetc.com

Check out our Fall Massage Special! You asked! We answered! We've had some requests for massage packages, so we put one together just for you! Now through the month of November, buy a package of 5 massages and get a 6th one for free!

Package will never expire, so take advantage of this great offer and let the pampering begin! You deserve it! Korman Relief & Wellness Center, 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd., Port Charlotte. 941-629-6700, www.drlaurakorman.com

The Gift of Your Presence is Requested Volunteers Needed for Tax Season- For over ten years, the UWCC has hosted the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a true mobilizing tool to assist ALICE households. This nationwide program offers free tax preparation services whereby IRS-trained volunteers help households earning less than $66,000 per year prepare their income tax returns and access credits they qualify for free of charge. This is your opportunity! Would you consider becoming a VITA volunteer? Contact info@unitedwayccfl.org, Click here to read the full column from the Daily Sun.

Have you thought about what will happen to your business if something happens to you? Who will be legally authorized to run things when you are down? Who will inherit your business if you or a partner passes? Do you want to be partners with your business partner’s spouse? If you haven’t thought about these questions, 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.”

~ Job Spot ~

The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association is seeking a part-time (approximately 20-30 hours per week) administrative assistant to help handle daily office operations. This position requires office setting experience, outstanding customer service communication, organizational detail, and strong Microsoft Office skills. Duties may include: Answering phones; assisting visitors; handling payment transactions; answering general inquiries; conducting facility tours; advertising sales, assisting with The Commentator monthly magazine; creating fliers and advertisements as needed; adding/editing classes and events to calendar app; and assisting with events. Part-time- $16 per hours.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to teriashley@pgica.org.

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.

“The only difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” ― Jimmy Johnson

~ 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

Brushing Buddy?

I am looking for someone to brush their teeth with me.

I found out that 9 out of 10 dentists say brushing alone won't reduce cavities.

__________

Getting Directions-

In my job with a delivery company, I was getting directions to a customer's home.

The woman very specifically said, "From the main road in the center of town go two lights. Look for the post office. Turn left onto the next street. Go 1.3 miles. Drive past a red hydrant and then take the next right. Go 50 yards. My driveway is the second on the right, and the number is on the mailbox."

As I entered the information into the computer, I asked, "What color is your house?"

The woman paused a second, then said, "Hold on. I'll go check."