~ 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.

 Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed)

Tune in to 1580AM Radio at 9:00 a.m. on May 14th to hear Chamber News on the Ken Lovejoy show. Jami Joannes has invited Karole Davis from 4KIDS of Southwest Florida as her guest, and we'll talk about upcoming events and general Chamber news!

Wednesday, May 15th 7:45 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Third Wednesday Coffee

Sponsor: Elite Hurricane Home Protection

Program: New Member Showcase

Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda

New members have been invited to set up a table and there will be time to meet and greet and share information on products and services. Please RSVP in the member portal.

Wednesday, May 22 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Join us for Coffee & Chat.

Topic: Working with Interns - FGCU's Career Development Department

(Recruiting & Hiring FGCU Students for Internships & Jobs) This event will be held at the Realtors of Punta Gorda Port Charlotte North Port DeSoto Inc., 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33980. Kindly RSVP so that we may properly plan.

Business Card Exchange, Thursday, May 23 is hosted by Friendly Floors, 3785 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Members Networking Event. Join us from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., bring plenty of business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. There will be appetizers, refreshments and and Ice Breaker Game TBA. Please register in the member portal for planning purposes.

The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is a collection site for the Toys for Tots Backpack Campaign to support Elementary school children of Charlotte County, teachers and schools. Through July 7th, there will be a collection box in the Chamber office for school supplies, and we appreciate any support you can provide. They are looking for items like, 24pk crayons, glue sticks, disinfectant wipes, pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks, binders, index cards, tissues, fidgets, zip lock bags, markers and backpacks. There will also be an Annual Backpack Bike Run on June 9th-click here for the flyer, or email karenklasst4t@gmail.com for information.

~ Member Marketing Opportunities ~

Did you know you may create News Releases, Post Jobs, Hot-deals and Member to Member deals FREE in the member portal? In the portal, be on the Home icon, then use the Shortcuts menu on the left of the page to create them. The software will guide you through each step. Once you submit your information the software will send a message to staff to make them active.

14th Annual Consumer Marketplace Expo

Thank You Expo2025 Sponsors!

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor:

Silver Sponsor: Bone Dry Roofing

Silver Sponsor: Florida Tree

Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Bronze Sponsor: Better Business Bureau

Bronze Sponsor: Elite Hurricane Home Protection

Bronze Sponsor Succentrix Business Advisors

Main Stage Sponsor: CarmichaelTravel.Com

Breakfast Sponsor: Soul Dental

Speed Networking Sponsor:

After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance, Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad

Kick off Party Sponsor: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

Lanyard Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

Event Map Sponsor:

Passport Sponsor:

Southeastern Roofing

515 9th St. E. Suite 212

Bradenton, FL 34208

Brad House

(941) 310-4807

brad@seroof.com

http://www.seroof.com

Scott Weinberg For County Court Judge

265 E. Marion Ave., Suite 114

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Scott Weinberg

(941) 286-1059

scottweinberg1@gmail.com

http://www.weinbergforjudge.com

Vanessa Oliver, Candidate for State House District 76

Call or email for information

Punta Gorda, FL 33983

Vanessa Oliver

(941) 204-4507

voliver@ambitrans.com

http://www.votevanessaoliver.com

Ribbon Cutting & Renovation Grand Reopening on Monday, May 13 at 8:30 a.m.

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, 21298 Olean Blvd., Port Charlotte

Help celebrate the opening of phase one of HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital’s $60M expansion and renovation project.

Kindly RSVP in the member portal.

Ribbon Cutting, Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00 a.m.

K & B Screen Pros, LLC

This Ribbon Cutting will take place during our Third Wednesday Coffee about 8:20 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. We invite you to come to the Coffee and be part of their Ribbon Cutting. RSVP here or for the Coffee.

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Thursday, May 16 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

(RC=5:45 p.m.) Lyons Title & Trust

20020 Veterans Blvd., Suite 11, Port Charlotte

Music, food & refreshments.

Kindly register in the member portal for planning purposes.

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Friday, May 31 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. (RC=1:00 p.m.) Pioneers Express

2686 Tamiami Trail, A6, Port Charlotte

Pizza Tastings from 12-3pm that day.

Please RSVP in the member portal 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.

#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.)

You are cordially invited to a Charlotte County Campaign Fundraiser to Support Bill Truex for Charlotte County Commissioner on Thursday, May 16th 2024 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at Farlow's on the Water, 2080 S. McCall Rd., Englewood, FL 34224. Maximum Contribution allowed under Florida Law is $1,000 per person or corporation. Contributions are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Paid for by Bill Truex, Republican, for Charlotte County Commissioner ,District 3. Link to Campaign Invitation.

Bruce Laishley, Syd Kitson, Bryon Russell & Shane Simmons along with the host committee cordially invite you to a fundraising event to support Vanessa Oliver for State Representative District 76 on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. For more information and to RSVP, please email events@capitalresourcesfl.com. The maximum donation by law is $1,000 per person or corporate entity per election. Contributions are not deductible for federal tax purposes. Paid by Vanessa Oliver, Republican for State Representative, District 76. Link to Campaign Invitation.

Southwest Florida Leadership Institute Launches "Building Equitable Workplaces: 2024 Summer Workshop Series" to Drive Economic Development through Grant Funding (fgcu.edu) The Building Equitable Workplaces: 2024 Summer Workshop Series June 14-July 24th is designed to equip organizations and leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to advance workplace equity, foster inclusive cultures, and build robust talent pipelines. By addressing critical areas such as gender equity, intergenerational differences and ageism, AI Adoption across skill levels, and many other topics we aim to cultivate a skilled workforce and drive economic prosperity in the region.

This program is sponsored by the Equitable Jobs Pipeline grant and is FREE to the community. Meagan Baskin, PhD, mbaskin@fgcu.edu FGCU, SWFL Leadership Institute.

New Art in the Galleries! Explore the vibrant new art exhibits in the Visual Arts Center Galleries until May 24. Immerse yourself in the enchanting creations of Team Palette, our staff & instructors work on display & Kate's Kollection. Kate is a painter & longtime VAC member. The Florida Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) will display Quilts As Art exhibit. Visit to experience a world of creativity and inspiration. Awards & Meet the Artist Reception is June 6^th at 5:30-all invited. www.VisualArtCenter.org for more information.

Charlotte Players- Morning After Grace- May 16-26. Hilarious and heart-warming, this unconventional new comedy tackles love, loss, and coming to terms with growing old. After a funeral meeting the day before, Agnus and Abagail find themselves sharing a bed the next morning. For tickets and more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Charlotte County Sheriff's Explorer Post 29 and Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County Inc. invite your to become a sponsor for our 2024 Public Safety Appreciation Night . The event will be held on Saturday, June 15th at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. For questions or more information about sponsorships, please contact Skip Conroy, Sponsorship Chair at 941-575-5252. Tickets to the event can be purchased on Eventbrite from our Facebook page: @PSANcharlottecounty. View the flyer here.

Fishermen’s Village will present the 4^th annual Day of Celtic Music, Saturday, May 18, 2024, 12 noon-9 pm.  Admission and parking are free. Presented in partnership with the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida and the New World Celts (Sarasota Chapter), visitors to Fishermen’s Village will experience a celebration of Celtic heritage, culture and traditions!  The impressive performance schedule for Fishermen’s Village 2024 Day of Celtic Music includes:  McIntyre Band 12 noon-3 pm Dry Beach* Mac Tier Band 12 noon-4 pm Center Court* Kellyn Celtic Dancers 3 & 5 pm Center Court* Celtic Conumdrum 5-9 pm Dry Beach* West of Galway 6-9 pm Center Court* Bouncing Buddies Face Painting and Balloon Creations* Celtic Vendors - www.fishermensvillage.com

Kerry Hunter, Wealth Strategist, will present vital information on estate-planning topics from a trust officer’s point of view in conjunction with local, guest attorneys at seminars during May in Englewood. Hunter is a member of the Trust and Wealth Management Services Division at Crews Bank & Trust. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Avenue, Englewood, 10 a.m., presented with guest Attorney Lori Wellbaum of Wellbaum Law. Registration is available at any Crews Bank & Trust branch, online at www.crews.bank, via email at trust@crews.bank or by calling Trust Operations Associate Linda Ferrara at 941-624-1943.

2024 Home & Hurricane Expo will take place at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda on Saturday, May 18th from 10AM until 3PM. Free admission & parking, open to the public. Tons of Vendors & Expert speakers! Learn how to prepare, survive & recover from hurricanes. Attention all businesses, join dozens of other local businesses at the Home and Hurricane Expo. Reserve your space now, contact Sun News Media 941-205-6406 Today.

You are invited to FGCU’s Charlotte County Town Hall & Welcome Reception for FGCU’s 5^th President, Dr. Aysegul Timur on June 5, 2024. As part of FGCU’s Strategic Plan’s goal to “Elevate Partnerships for Regional Impact,” we are excited to co-host this event with Charlotte County Commissioner Bill Truex, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte County Economic Development Office. This is an opportunity to meet FGCU’s 5^th President to learn more about FGCU and its impact. There will be time for conversation and Q & A, drinks & light refreshments will be served. Thank you to the Charlotte Harbor Event Center for hosting us! Please RSVP by clicking FGCU Town Hall – Welcome Reception. Print the invitation.

Join us for the "Live Your Strength" Fundraising Gala a Casino Night of Enchantment, Elegance, and Empowerment on Saturday, July 20th at 3555 Bobcat Village Center Rd., North Port. View and scan the QR code on the flyer or call 941-203-6023 for information. Empowering women through life's transitions, Live Your Strength focuses on financial independence, emotional support & spiritual growth by fostering resilience and confidence www.liveys.org

I have been a small business owner in Charlotte County for over 30 years, I was a member of the first graduating class of Port Charlotte High School in 1984. As a business owner and commissioner my experience has given me a unique perspective that is unmatched in my campaign for reelection. Being a public servant has been one of the most humbling experiences of my lifetime and I have never forgotten who I work for. Please feel free to visit my website joetiseo.org if you wish to support my campaign. Joe Tiseo Paid for and approved by Joseph Tiseo, Republican for Charlotte County Commission District 5.

“The display or dissemination of this advertising document is a membership service and is not an endorsement from or by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.”

Is the Warning Light on your vehicle after a DIY fix? Don't panic! Modern cars rely on complex computer systems; even minor repairs can trigger a warning light. At Complete Auto Repair, our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose the cause, often including a simple computer relearn procedure. This is especially common after DIY repairs. Skip the guesswork and potential expense. Let Ron Morgan's team quickly assess your car's computer and get you back on the road. Call us at (941) 623-2926 to schedule an appointment.

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.

BubbleUp Exterior Cleaning: Hello, do you have a dirty property? Mildew, Mold, Rust, Algae a problem? We can help! BubbleUp Exterior Cleaning is a Veteran Owned Pressure washing/ House washing company with over 8 years of experience offering services in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port and Venice areas.  BubbleUp Exterior Cleaning is offering: 50% off driveway cleaning with the purchase of a regular exterior cleaning service.   We wash the house, roof, driveway, walkways, pool cages, lanai's, fences, walls, rust removal, gutter cleanouts and much more. BubbleUp is licensed and insured. We clean residential and commercial properties. Please visit: BubbleUpcleans.pro to see astonishing “Before” and “After” pictures. Call or text: Mac at 941-587-0654 for a free estimate!

Is AI a helpful tool in your business? If not, businesses are missing out on a cost-effective tool. The Small Business Development Center has experts in business applications of AI that can streamline operations, improve customer service, and open new markets. For a confidential discussion of what AI can do for your business, click here: https://floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting/. The SBDC offers business consulting at no cost to business owners.

Does your business offer a Charlotte County Public Schools discount for employees? If so, please let us know about it so we can ensure our teachers and staff have the information. Thank you for supporting us! Please feel free to reach out to Heather Bove at 941-255-0808 ext. 2156 or email communications@yourcharlotteschools.net

Cryotherapy of Charlotte County’s MAY special: CryoSkin Revolution Facial by our licensed esthetician only $150 this month (includes consultation fee). Mix and Match - Whole Body Cryotherapy, or Infrared Sauna, or Halo Salt Booth - 10 session package $300. Call (941) 979-7057 to schedule your appointment.

The Buffalo Graffix Sales and Customer Service Team is excited to welcome you to our new Print Sales Studio! We look forward to helping you with your next Print or Design project whether it's Promotional Products, Direct Mailers, Imprinted Apparel, Web Design, Signs, Wraps, or Fleet Graphics. We are your one stop shop for it all! Visit our website BuffaloGraffix.com for more information or come see us Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00PM at 17960 Toledo Blade Blvd Unit H in Port Charlotte.

Interested in constructing something on your empty lot? Let Sharp Development lend you a hand! We specialize in simplifying the home building journey. Whether you already own a plot or are searching for the perfect one, we've got you covered. From land preparation to permits and construction, we take care of it all. All you need to do is select your designs—we've even streamlined that process for you. Give us a call at 941-764-8243 to schedule a tour!

ABCDE skin cancer checks save lives - Skin cancer affects one in five individuals, but an early diagnosis often leads to successful treatment. Know your risk factors and complete monthly ABCDE self-exams by checking:       Asymmetry: Are moles or skin spots an odd shape?      Border: Is the edge uneven?   Color: Is it inconsistent or unusual?     Diameter and Darkness: Is it large or really dark? Evolving: Has it recently changed? Answering yes does not necessarily mean you have cancer... It means you should see a physician as soon as possible. Advocate Radiation Oncology: AdvocateRO.com 

“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” - 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 first grade teacher collected old, well known proverbs. She gave each child in her class the first half of a proverb, and asked them to write the rest.

As You Shall Make Your Bed So Shall You ... Mess It Up.

Better Be Safe Than ... Punch A 5th Grader.

Strike While The ... Bug Is Close.

It's Always Darkest Before ... Daylight Savings Time.

Never Under Estimate the Power of ... Termites.

You Can Lead a Horse to Water But ... How?

Don't Bite the Hand that ... Looks Dirty.

No News is ... Impossible.

A Miss Is As Good As a ... Mr.

You Can't Teach an Old Dog New ... Math.

If You Lie Down With the Dogs, You'll ... Stink in the Morning.

Love All, Trust ... Me

The Pen is Mightier Than the ... Pigs.

An Idle Mind is ... The Best Way to Relax.

Where There's Smoke, There's ... Pollution.

Happy the Bride Who ... Gets All the Presents!

A Penny Saved is ... Not Much.

Two's Company, Three's ... The Musketeers.

None are so Blind as... Helen Keller.