Members, Networking at Noon on September 14, 2022 will be at The Captain's Table, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade #A55 (Fishermen's Village), Punta Gorda. Cost $15.00pp. Please select your meal choice when registering.  Lunch is Pasta Buffet – choice of - chicken or meatballs, alfredo or red sauce, penne or cavatappi, bread sticks, side salad.

Or if you are a vegetarian there is a Larger Salad Option. Please register in the member portal.

Members, join us for the September 22, 2022 Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Third Wednesday Coffee at the 24Twenty One Event Center from 7:45 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Enjoy a coffee/beverage and breakfast goodie. Our Sponsor: 24Twenty One Event Center and our Program: Marcia Cullinan will speak about Vote Yes! for Success! Kindly register your attendance with the link at right so that we can properly plan this event.



September 22, 2022 Business Card Exchange at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 635 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Members networking from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Remember to bring your business cards and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Please RSVP in the member portal.

While exchanging business cards, enjoy the artwork of Tina Weida - see more.

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

Radio Sponsor:  iHeart Media, Inc.

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon

Patrick's Mobile Small Engine P.M.C.S. , Inc.

21354 Gladis Ave.

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Patrick Allen

(941) 979-8388

patsmobilepmcs@hotmail.com

http://www.patsmobilepmcs.com

Jessica Coffee

Call or email for information

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Jessica Coffee

(941) 740-0041

JCoffee21@yahoo.com

Titanium Tint

6478 San Casa Dr., Unit B

Englewood, FL 34224

Bonnie Arthur

(941) 828-1083

titaniumtint1@gmail.com

http://www.titaniumtint.com

CANCELLED Harpers 1980, LLC Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, September 13 at 5:30 p.m.

1158 Market Circle, Unit 5, Port Charlotte

Brookdale Port Charlotte - Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, September 20 at 5:30 pm., 18440 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte

Open House from 5-7pm - appetizers, refreshments and tours of the property.

Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

 Phoenix on Site Repair - Ribbon Cutting

Wednesday, September 21 ( Immediately following our Third Wednesday Coffee)

about 9:00 a.m. at 24Twenty One Event Center )

Boxdrop Mattress Port Charlotte, LLC - Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

     Tuesday, September 27, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. Event is from 5:30-6:30pm 

 4265 Tamiami Trail Unit N Port Charlotte (Same shopping center as Rita’s Italian ice).

They will be offering snacks, sodas, wine, and do mattress specials and giveaways.

Please register for this event in the member portal.

The UPS Store 7614 Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting

·       Thursday, October 13^th Event 5-6p.m., Ribbon Cutting 5:30pm

·       19400 Cochran Blvd. Suite 150 Port Charlotte

Music, Food & Drinks

24 Twenty One 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, October 25 from 5pm to 7pm Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.

2421 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte - Appetizers, Entertainment,

Adult Beverages, Door Prizes Please RSVP for this event directly to 24twentyone@gmail.com or by calling them at 941-249-4059

Coming soon September 15th our Autumn Scents on Soaps, Bath Bombs and Soy Candles.

Stop by the store to see our two latest artists, Art by DEDO Paper Pulp Sculptures and Creations From Paradise Handmade Artisan Jewelry.  Mention Chamber of Commerce for discount.  Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts LLC twoangelssgg@gmail.com

(941)883-2861. Located in Sanctuary Plaza, 2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 5-A, Port Charlotte.

Charlotte Players- The countdown has begun for the first two shows of our 62^nd season! Comedy for a Cause is September 9^th at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Join the cast as we celebrate the 10^th year of this fundraiser! Also on September 9^th and running thru September 18^th, The 39 Steps. Located at The Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte. For more information on either of these events go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

CDBIA Next Gen to host Construction Cornhole: Presented by LTD Contracting

Who will be the champion? Join us September 18th. Registration begins at 12PM, play begins at 1PM. This will be a double elimination tournament. There will be a 50/50 drawing, tickets will be on sale: $5 for 6, $10 for 13, and $20 for A BUNCH. So, don't forget to bring cash. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. A portion of the proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the CDBIA Next Gen Council. To register, please click here:  https://charlottedesotobia.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/qPY801Rp?mode=Attendee  

SIP, STROLL and SAVOR as you admire the artwork of Tina Weida September 22nd from 5pm-7pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services 635 E Marion Ave., Punta Gorda.  We are hosting a complimentary Wine and Cheese reception to showcase Tina’s creative journey.  She studied photography in high school and in college; majored in advertising with a minor in fine arts photography. Tina has a large variety of subject matter ranging from nature to abstract. For more information please visit www.kays-ponger.com or like us on Facebook. Click for more.

Open House~ "FALL in Love With Parkside!" on Thursday, September 22nd from 3 to 7 pm. Hosted by: Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care, 2595 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte. Take a tour of our beautiful community, contact: Laura Speer at 941-766-7444 to RSVP!

Advocate Radiation Oncology & the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall are proud sponsors of the Chocolate Festival September 24 from noon to 2PM at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail. $15 admission includes a to-go box to fill with tasty specialty creations donated by local businesses. Funds raised support families needing emotional & financial assistance while their child is undergoing cancer treatment. Prepay online https://e.givesmart.com/events/rYd/ or at the door with cash/credit card.

It is getting close to tee time! Our annual Golfers Who C.A.R.E. Golf Scramble will be September 24th at Riverwood Golf Club in Port Charlotte. If you have not registered your team yet or if you’re interested in being a sponsor for the event, please go to the link below and sign up, OR if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at 941-639-5499 or email us at golferswhocare@gmail.com.  As always, all proceeds raised go directly to helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. https://events.golfstatus.com/.../registration-details

Come join us for a fun night of Music Bingo, Dinner, & Chance Raffle Baskets for a fundraising event to help our Valerie’s House-Charlotte County children & families. Our mission is to help children & families work through the loss of a loved one together & go on to live fulfilling lives. The fun event will be on Saturday, September 24^th @ 6pm. Tickets are $25. Chance raffle basket tickets are 3 tickets for $10 or 7 tickets for $20. Purchase tickets @ Events — Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org)

Seminar: Florida Medicare Group, Wednesday, September 28th from 1 to 2 pm.

Hosted by: Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care, 2595 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte. Learn about: Medicare 101 and Choosing the Best Plan for You. Light Refreshments. Contact: Laura Speer at 941-766-7444 to reserve your seat today!

Southwest Florida Honor Flight is hosting their Fall golf tournament on Saturday, Oct. 15th at Deep Creek Golf Club in Punta Gorda. Individual and team registration is open by emailing swflhonorflight@gmail.com. All proceeds will be used to transport our Veterans to Washington DC to be honored at their memorials on an upcoming Southwest Florida Honor Flight in 2023. Veteran and Guardian applications are always accepted and can be found at www.swflhonorflight.org.

The Center of Abuse & Rape Emergencies is co-hosting a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Training with the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence at ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda on October 17-21, 2002 from 8am-5pm. Training topics highlights include: Sexual Assault Response Team Roles, Medical & Forensic History, Head to Toe Assessment, Forensic Documentation, Trauma Identification and Evidence Collection. There is no cost to the participant. Please register at www.fcasv.org. Upon completion, the medical professional will have a clear understanding of the principles of care for those who experience sexual assault.  

Charlotte Players- Blithe Spirit Oct. 7-16. This play concerns the socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. Get ready for Halloween with the second play of the season! For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Individuals interested in starting a business but need some mentoring are invited to apply to the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute, scheduled for October 3 – November 10, 2022. The six-week comprehensive training course gives graduates a solid plan to guide their start-up. Classes are from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Monday and Thursday evenings at the Charlotte County Goodwill Community Resource Center, 24123 Peachland Blvd., Port Charlotte. To apply, visit www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise, or call (239) 995-2106 ext. 2215. The session is $80; Volunteer hours can be substituted for the fee if income requirements are met. Contact Annette Watkins at annettewatkins@goodwillswfl.org. 

Save the date for the United Way of Charlotte County H.O.P.E. Block Party on Thursday October 20, 20022 from 3-6PM. Join our celebration to support local non-profit agencies at the Port Charlotte Town Center, parking lot.  Admission to the BBQ and networking event is a gift to support local social service work. Needed items include: Target or Walmart gift cards, gas cards, blankets for seniors, diapers - any sizes or cash donations. RSVP: 941.627.3539 or click here. 

Do you have a great idea for a service app or tech product but don’t know where to start to create, refine, find investors, and market it? If so, you are the perfect candidate for South West Florida's first tech startup weekend. This November 4-6th at Babcock Ranch, budding entrepreneurs will compete to see whose tech startup idea merits investment to get their product to the market. Babcock Ranch resident and entrepreneur/ business coach Priya Ahluwalia is organizing the event which has several goals, including solving local problems, creating new jobs and opportunities, and establishing Babcock Ranch as a destination for innovation. Of course, it also gives people an opportunity to present their ideas to mentors and potential investors and see their ideas spring to life. We are looking for potential sponsors for this event.https://babcockranchforbusiness.com/techxpedition

“On Saturday, November 5^th, the Tidewell Foundation is holding the 2022 Tidewell Trot 5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk at the Nathan Benderson Park. All proceeds benefit Tidewell Foundation in its grants to Tidewell Hospice for charity care, grief support services, specialized veterans care, music therapy, telehealth and more. The 5k run will begin at 8:00am, the 1-mile run/walk at 8:15am, and the brunch and vendor fair will begin at 9:00am. For more information, contact us at (941) 552-7651 or via email at rsvp@tidewellfoundation.org”

Join us at our new location at the Port Charlotte Town Center mall! Reserve your spot now for the Fall Suncoast Living Health & Wellness Expo at Port Charlotte town center on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 10a - 4p. Get your business in front of many SW Florida full-time residents, visitors and returning snowbirds! We will have 2 different live radio broadcasts covering the event, as well as more traffic at the mall starting holiday shopping season! Different booth levels available. Call or email for more information and an application - 941.204.2222 or info@onholdprod.com Brought to you by Lincoln Marketing Group and Port Charlotte Town Center Mall!

September is Suicide Prevention Month at The Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies of Charlotte County (C.A.R.E). Suicide is the 3^rd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds, and the second leading cause of death among 25-35 year olds in the state of Florida. Sexual assault hotlines, like the one at C.A.R.E. are avenues where discussions about suicide often occur. Helpline Advocates practice active listening skills and know how to understand auditory cues. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. C.A.R.E.’s Helpline: 941-637-0404. The Crisis Text Line is 741741.  

Kelting Inspections is excited to announce that we are offering pressure washing services. We have professional equipment, a commitment to customer service, and fair prices. Our services include the options for a house wash, roof soft wash, and concrete or paver flat work. We are offering a $20 discount to all military and first responders. Email us for a quote at office@keltinginspections.com. 

Florida Statutes, Title XLV, Section 768.096, "The Employer Presumption Against Negligent Hiring", provides statutory legal protection to Florida employers who conduct non-fingerprint-based background checks. Following provisions of that statute is almost like having an insurance policy protecting you and your business against charges of negligent hiring. The statute suggests a detailed job application; checking criminal records, prior employment references, civil court records for intentional torts, and driving record when relevant; and, conducting an interview.    For FCRA-compliant screening services ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.  941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    



Have you planned your holiday gifts for your staff? Restoration Bar has ideas! We have gifts that you get a return on! How? By Giving a quick refresh and restore to your staff will give you employees that feel great and when they feel great, they are more productive. Do not wait until November to come up with a stale idea! Call today and we can answer your questions. Refresh your staff! Www.restorationbar.com 941-347-7707

Take advantage 50% off on Bath Bombs that is $2.25. Sales end September 15^th.

Coming soon September 15th our Autumn Scents on Soaps, Bath Bombs and Soy Candles.

Stop by the store to see our two latest artists, Art by DEDO Paper Pulp Sculptures and Creations From Paradise Handmade Artisan Jewelry. Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts LLC - Inspired by Mother Nature twoangelssgg@gmail.com (941)883-2861 main 

The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic is offering the public FREE COVID-19 vaccines or boosters. In addition, get a FREE $50 Walmart Gift Card! Call to schedule an appointment: 941-276-4075 or 941-766-9570 Ext 130. This is made possible by Project HOPE and the FL Association of Free & Charitable Clinics. Keep you and your loved ones HEALTHY! More info at https://volunteercare.org/

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.

Hurricanes are late this year.  It can be easy to focus your preparation on your home, but remember your car too.  Check your fluids and top them off, properly inflate all tires (spare tire too), and locate your owner’s manual.  If you’re on the road and need information, that little book will help you in a jam, even without cell service.  If you want Complete Auto Repair to check your car, call Mary at 941-623-2926 for an appointment.   

Will the snowbirds return this year?  The coast seems clear for a return to SWFL for many northerners.  At Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage, our phones are starting to ring for “Snowbird Season.”  If you are planning a local move this fall or winter, call us now to schedule time.  Once we commit to your move, you can relax and start packing.   When Quality Counts, Call Gardiner & Sons, (941) 423-5311. 

Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers in Port Charlotte has over 1500 Off Lease Florida vehicles available to choose from. Cars-SUV's & Trucks; Order yours from our selection of 2018-2021 with Factory Warranty and low miles. Twelve lines to choose from in our private internet auction studio by appointment. Call or email today for info or to set up a convenient appointment. www.shopofflease.com Peggy 941 284-9617 or Justin 941 350-7544 email: shopofflease.com 

Members may create Member-to-Member deals, Hot-Deals, post Jobs and News Releases using the MIC (Member Portal). There is no additional cost to do so!  We recommend that you check these links each week to see what members are offering.

 “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” - John C. Maxwell

John F. Guarino MD PA immediate Job Opening. Busy General Surgery Practice has an opening for a full-time receptionist. We are seeking an outgoing, experienced, able to multitask, and be a team player. Responsibilities:  Insurance verification, collection of copay/deductible.  Check in / Check out.  Schedule appointments.  Answer phones.  Send, receive, request medical records.  Basic office tasks.  Medical receptionist: 1 year (Required).  Insurance verification: 1 year (Required).  Medical billing: 1 year (Required).  Contact: Brooke Bulifant, Administration. (941) 391-5102. office@guarinomd.com

VIRGINIA B. ANDES VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY CLINIC SEEKS: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Job Classification: Full time, Limited Benefits, Clinical Services

Direct tasks of APRN’s include coordination of all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment, and consultation, and serving as leaders within the clinical setting. JOB QUALIFICATIONS: • Commitment to the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, Inc. philosophy of care and understanding of the non-profit mission and experience. • Current State of Florida License as a Nurse Practitioner. • New APRN graduates are encouraged to apply. • 1-year experience in a clinical setting preferred. • Ability to practice independently while functioning as a leader within the healthcare team. • Excellent oral and written communication skills required. CONTACT BY EMAIL ONLY, ATTACH RESUME: Suzanne Roberts, M. ED Chief Executive Officer, sroberts@volunteercare.org

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association Facility and Maintenance Coordinator – Full-Time Responsibilities include: cleanliness, repair and safety of facility, equipment and grounds; preparing auditorium and classrooms for daily activities; staffing special events. Requires extremely flexible scheduling, initiative, exceptional organization, good judgement, and outstanding customer service skills.   Representative physical demands: handling, grasping, lifting and moving objects, including moving objects of 50lbs or more; reaching; standing or walking for long periods of time; working in heat/cold, wet/humid conditions; communicating/receiving/exchanging information verbally.   Weekdays- $17 per hour; Weekends/Holidays- $19 per hour. Paid vacation.   Send inquiries and resumes- Teri Ashley at teriashley@pgica.org for review. 

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic seeks a Director of Donor Development & Fundraising. Under the direction of the CEO, the full-time Director will be a member of the VBA Leadership Team. Essential duties to include but not limited to: Execute the long-term vision and strategy of VBA’s development, fundraising, donor engagement initiatives. Creatively strategize campaigns, fundraising initiatives, marketing platforms to secure additional individual, corporate, faith-based and civic funding partners. Special Event Planning, Implementation. Data integrity and reporting for the VBA Donor Database Management System. For a full description of the qualifications for this position, please open this PDF: https://volunteercare.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/VBA-Clinic-Director-Donor-Development-Fundraising-2022.pdf

Ken and Jim were fortunate in that they each had a season ticket to watch The Kansas City Royals. However, they had a friend Ed who would give his right arm for a season ticket. They could not help noticing that there was always an empty seat next to theirs.

One day, during a rain delay, Ken and Jim went to the ticket office and asked if they could buy the season ticket for their friend. The man at the window said, "Sorry men, that seat has already been sold."

Nevertheless, game after game, it was still empty.

Then on Labor day, much to Ken and Jim's amazement, for the first time that season, the seat was full. Jim could not resist asking the newcomer, "Where have you been all season?"

"Don't ask," he said. "The wife bought this season ticket back in March, and gave it to me yesterday for a surprise Birthday present."