The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Evaluate Impact of Hurricane Ian on the State’s Businesses

Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO is committed to supporting preparation, response, and recovery efforts of Florida businesses, communities, and citizens impacted by Hurricane Ian. The business damage assessment survey assists DEO and its federal, state, and local partners in those efforts,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle.  “I encourage businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz.”

On September 24, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-219 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties in the State of Florida. All affected businesses should complete the survey. 

Results from the Business Damage Assessment Survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. Businesses can complete the survey online or visit  FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Ian” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call 850-815-4925 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or email ESF-18@em.myflorida.com.

Complete Business Damage Assessment

In response to Hurricane Ian, the Charlotte Community Foundation activated the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund. The CCF Board of Directors pledge $500,000 in matching funds in an effort to provide financial assistance and resources to Charlotte County residents. Additionally, CCF activated the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be utilized to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations that incurred structural and/or infrastructural damage preventing them from operating. The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation has generously provided matching funds for Charlotte County.  Visit, www.charlottecf.org.

~~ 2023 Community Guide Link ~~

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.

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.

And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a 5 night Bahama or Caribbean cruse for 2 on Carnival Cruise Lines sponsored by Pat Hand,  Dancing Moon Travel.  The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card!  Drawing will be at our 98th Annual Meeting 2023.

Members, join us for Networking at Noon on November 9, 2022 at The Village Brewhouse. Cost is $15pp. Please make your food selection when registering, choose from: Cod Beach Tacos, Beef Tips or Caesar Salad. Please only 1 or 2 people per membership as seating is limited. Register in the member portal.

Join us on Wednesday, November 16th at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference for our Third Wednesday Coffee. Our Coffee Sponsor is Phoenix Services. Our Program Speaker is Carrie Walsh, Charlotte County Human Services Development Director.

Kindly RSVP in the member portal so that we can properly plan this event.

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

Builder's Perspective Public Adjusting

3599 Willouron Plantation Lane

Milton, FL 32571

Michael Vitale

(888) 830-2772

bppa@bppa.com

https://bppa.com/

Hunter Davis Group

207 Cross Street, Suite #204

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Michael Neufeld

(941) 219-3900

mneufeld@hunterdavisgroup.com

http://hunterdavisgroup.com/

FloridaRentals.com

5401 S. Kirkman Road, Suite 310

Orlando, FL 32819

Jennifer Robertson

(407) 378-3325

jrobertson@floridarentals.com

https://www.floridarentals.com/

Punta Gorda Marina 40^th Anniversary - Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, November 10th at 5:30 p.m.

26096 Marion Ave., Punta Gorda

Food Trucks, Drinks, Desserts & Giveaways

(Dual Ribbon Cutting with PG Chamber)

Please RSVP for this event in the member Portal.

BoxDrop Mattress Port Charlotte LLC - Ribbon Cutting

 Tuesday, November 15, 2022 @ 5:30p.m. (Event is from 5:30-6:30p.m.)

·       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 RSVP for this event in the Member Portal.

First Impressions Foundation 5 Year Celebration - Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m.

318 Tamiami Trail #228, Punta Gorda (across from Ice House/Green 2 Story 2nd level)

Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal.

Succentrix Business Advisors Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting

 Tuesday December 6^th event 5-6pm Ribbon Cutting 5:30pm

  25080 Olympia Ave Suite 200 Punta Gorda

  Wine, beer, soft drinks, light appetizers and branded cookies

Please RSVP for this event in the member Portal.

FairyTail Endings Rescue Ribbon Cutting

   Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 5:30pm

  23212 Freedom Ave. Port Charlotte, FL 33980

DATE CHANGED  24 Twenty One 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, January 24 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

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.)

Animal Welfare League PetOberfest Rescheduled! Please join us on our new date, Nov. 12, 2022. We still have a great lineup for vendors and we will be announcing the winners of our Summer Raffle on that day as well! Grand prize is a cruise or $2,500!!! After the last few weeks we're guessing everyone could use a little time away. The raffle tickets will be on sale until Noon on the 12th. You can purchase them by clicking here.

Fishermen’s Village is excited to ring in the Holiday Season with their annual “Lighting of the Village” on Saturday, November 12th starting at 6:00 p.m.  This unforgettable, family-fun celebration will display a record number of lights glistening around every turn and delightful décor throughout the Village. Enjoy strolling past storefronts, listening to beautiful traditional holiday music, and gazing up at our Village trees trimmed with ornaments. Start your evening at Sunset Beach Club as the Shane Duncan Band takes the stage at 5:00 p.m. then, at 6:00p.m. our official ceremony begins at Sunset Beach Club followed by the Village Lighting at 6:20 p.m.  www.fishermensvillage.com - (800) 639- 0020

Charlotte Players- Nov 17-18^th Dean Martin & Friends - Tribute show by Tom Stevens. After selling out the one night only show, another show has been added the 18^th. The charismatic Tom Stevens is heralded by his growing legion of fans as the best singer-impressionist performing today. His characterizations are so uncanny that he's often accused of lip-synching. He takes this criticism as a compliment to his many years of hard work. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity is hosting our 24^th Annual Turkey Trot! The 5k/Fun Walk will take place on Thursday, November 24^th, at FSW Punta Gorda Campus. Cost is just $40 ($45 day of) and includes a finisher medal. All funds raised benefit our Homeownership Program to help local families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership. Join us for this annual Thanksgiving tradition! For additional information and to sign up visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/CCHabitatTurkeyTrot

Charlotte County Economic Development Office has launched a post-Hurricane Ian outreach effort to contact business owners to determine their needs. “Just like homeowners, commercial property owners and businesspeople are facing a range of challenges due to Hurricane Ian,” said EDO Director Dave Gammon. “We want to talk to them, gauge their needs, and try to connect them with resources to help them recover.”

Business owners can contact the EDO at 941-764-4941 to learn about immediate assistance programs offered in Charlotte County.

Our new Business Recovery Center is now open and located in Port Charlotte. It will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, at Promenades Mall - 3280 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.  Our disaster specialists are working alongside SBA representatives at Business Recovery Centers to provide on-site support with loans and other post-disaster challenges. ·    The Florida SBDC Network stands ready to help your small business recover. For information about disaster assistance available and how the Florida SBDC Network can help you, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org/disaster.     PTAC - Florida Hurricane and Disaster Recovery Resources     Emergency Bridge Loan Information

   Disaster Loan Fact Sheet

According to quite a few surveys we've seen over recent years, the #1 reason workers give for looking for a new job is because they're bored and are looking for a new challenge. Other top reasons given are that the employer's values are inconsistent with their own; their job is being reduced or eliminated; they're looking for higher pay; and, they're dissatisfied with their company's politics.    For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.  941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    

Korman Relief & Wellness Center | 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33954 is excited to announce that we are fully back up and running, with phone service into and out of the office, as well as the ability to process credit cards once again! So, call now 941-629-6700 to set up your next appointment with Dr. Korman or Kristy! We look forward to seeing you soon!

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.

Did you know that acquaintance rape is the most common form of sexual assault? The lease common is stranger rape. If you know someone who has experienced this kind of trauma, have them contact a trained, confidential advocate at The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies of Charlotte County (C.A.R.E). Privileged communication like one with an SV Advocate at C.A.R.E. should be the survivor’s first point of contact. These advocates can help the survivor know their rights so they can decide for themselves what is best. www.carefl.org

Kelting Inspections is here to help you with your mold inspection needs. We offer two types of inspections: One that will look over your property for any mold issues we can see and one that takes air samples to be sent to a lab and report on what mold is found in the home. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 941-655-8888. 

Florida Off Lease Auto Brokers is open and we have a great selection of vehicles. 2017-2021 Off Lease with No Flood damage or accidents...all come with a Buyback guarantee!. 10 Makes to choose from and great prices and model selection. We don't sell you a car, we buy one for you! www.shopofflease.com or email us shopofflease@gmail.com Justin 941 350-7544; Peggy Peggy 941 284-9617 

Thanks to Ian, we now have a new danger in used car buying: water damage. A flooded car is usually totaled due to the internal and engine damage. Before you purchase any used vehicle, please bring it to Complete Auto Repair for an inspection. Our exhaustive checklist will uncover water damage, as well as manufacturer recalls and bulletins and previous maintenance performed. We will ensure you don’t buy a car that will give you headaches. Call Mary for an appointment, at 941-623-2926.

Downsizing can be a difficult process, especially when one moves to a senior community with very limited space. The team at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has many years’ experience working with senior communities. They can advise how much will fit into the new residence, separate items into ‘move’ and ‘donate’, and make sure it all arrives damage-free. If you want your senior to have a peaceful and low-stress move, call Kenny Gardiner, at 941-423-5311.

By golly, be jolly! It’s the season of giving! Are you thinking about Christmas Shopping yet? We have the gift they want! We have In-Store Afterpay and Afterpay on our website

 interest-free installment payments and we have E-Gift Cards. Mother Nature told Santa to place our gifts in his Christmas bag this year. No lump of coals only Bath Bombs. Vist Vernon and Rebecca at Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts 2686 Tamiami Trail #5A, Port Charlotte, FL.

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.

"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.' Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life." -Mary Kay Ash

We encourage members to shop with other members to keep our community and local economy strong. If you do business with one or more of our renewing members please congratulate them for their Chamber Anniversary. These are members who renewed between September 16, 2022 and October 15, 2022... Take a look!

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 Jami Joannes jjoannes@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/

NEW My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. Type an address in the search field and scroll through the page to 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

Two beefy men came to my house to install some new floor covering in the kitchen.

Once they had moved the stove and refrigerator out of the way, it was not long before the job was done.

As they were getting ready to leave, I asked them to put the heavy appliances back in place.

The two men demanded $45 for this service, stating it was not in their contract.

I really had no choice but to pay them.

As soon as they left, however, the doorbell rang. It was the two men. They asked me to move my car, which was blocking their van.



I told them my fee was $45.