Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 96th Year of Serving All Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, December 14, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New Members
- Chamber Member News
- Job Spot
- Resources
- Just For Fun
- Contact information
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Social Distancing and Safety Protocol Statement
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It's that time of the year, and let's all do our part! |
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December "Third Wednesday Coffee"
Wednesday, December 16, 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda
Sponsor: Sun Coast Media Group
Nonprofit: Crossroads Hope Academy
*Purchase and bring an unwrapped gift from a chamber member business for the We Shopped Local gift exchange!
*Participate in the Inaugural Radio Controlled Car Christmas Parade!
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ONLY 8 WEEKS AWAY
Expo Sponsors:
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mortgage Firm
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mosaic Company
Business After Party Sponsor- Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Print Sponsor- Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor- Sun Coast Media Group
Radio Sponsor- iHeart Media
Lanyard Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Event Bag Sponsor- Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency
There are four sponsorship levels which include the exhibitor booth space(s), lots of promotional perks, print and digital adverting, party tickets, and more than ever before. All of the details are right HERE.
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Make sure your business is included ... the exhibitor list is growing weekly:
AADisaster Restoration; Achieva Credit Union; Acu Heal Medical Acupuncture; Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda; BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Centennial Bank; Certain Service; Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller; Charlotte County Community Services; Charlotte County Economic Development Office; Charlotte County Property Appraiser Paul Polk; Charlotte County Water Rainsoft; Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association; Chelsea Place Senior Care; Charlotte State Bank and Trust; Charlotte Technical College; Coastal Dermatology; Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; Edward Jones-Jim Sproul; Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop; Farr Law Firm; Fawcett Memorial Hospital; FSBDC at FGCU; Gator Wilderness Camp School; Icard Merrill Attorneys and Counselors; Integrity Insurance Agency; Labor Solutions; LaQuinta Inn and Suites/Microtel Inn and Suites Port Charlotte; LMET@Sea, LLC; Murdock Stones Etc.; The SCORE Association; Port Charlotte Rehab and Nursing; Pregnancy Solutions; Radiology Regional Center; Rescue Air Cooling and Heating; S&N Motorsports; ServPro of Port Charlotte/Venice; Shutters 9-1-1, LLC; Tampa Bay Rays; TaxSavers; Tidewell Hospice; Tony/Rhonda Gustitus Team-Keller Williams Peace River Partners; Village Place Senior Living; Vintage Motor Car Club of America SWFL Region; and Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency.
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2020-2021 Sustaining Partners |
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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Mitchell McBride
1180 Shoreview Drive
Englewood, FL 34223
814-282-1941
Mitchell McBride
mlm386@georgetown.edu
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Chamber Member News
Wishing all our Charlotte County Friends A Happy, Healthy Holiday- From Advocate Radiation Oncology to you and your loved ones, we wish a warm and wonderful Chanukah, a merry Christmas, and a peaceful holiday season. We are grateful to be a part of the Charlotte County community, and for the opportunity to help patients with a cancer diagnosis on their treatment journey. May we all have a prosperous and healthy 2021!
A Marine Communications Systems course is offered by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring on Tuesday, January 12th at 1PM to 3PM for 8 weeks in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Systems available to the recreational boater. Definitions of radio circuits to choose best method. GMDSS, FCC Rules and Regs, radiotelephone operating and High Seas communication. Price is $60 for USPS members and $110 to public. To register or for more information: contact the Instructor Holles Dick at 717 552-3845 or h25188d@hotmail.com.
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Will we see you at the 2021 Business Expo in February? Now is the time to prepare! We can help you create the perfect look for your booth and your team and your giveaway items! Let us build you a custom tradeshow package to fit your budget. From now until 12/21/2020, get 15% off Banner Stands, Embroidered Apparel & Promotional Products for the expo (maximum discount of $75).
Charlotte State Bank & Trust’s complimentary estate-planning seminars/webinars continue this week from 10-11:30 a.m. and include “Planning for Beneficiaries with Challenges” on Tuesday, Dec. 15; “Global Markets and Your Portfolio” on Wednesday, Dec. 16; and “Estate Planning and Your Pets” on Thursday, Dec. 17. Attendees may participate in person at the bank’s Murdock office (limited seating) or online. You can register at any branch office, online at charlottestatebank.com, via email at rsvp@csbtfl.com, or by calling Brielle at 941-624-1943.
CHEC invites you to learn about the wonders of Florida’s natural environment on free guided hikes! You can catch a hike with us at Alligator Creek Preserve on Tuesdays or Thursdays. You can also join a special hike at Bayshore Live Oak Park on Friday, December 18th. Registration is required, and all participants are required to wear a face mask. For more information or to register, call 941-575-5435. Hikes begin at 9:00 AM. To find more of CHEC’s upcoming events, check out our website at www.checflorida.org.
When we see a well-maintained car at Complete Auto Repair, it really stands out. Proper maintenance is priceless when it comes to extending the life of your vehicle and minimizing costly repairs. So, please get that oil change on schedule, and go to a shop where they check all the fluids, brake and tire life, and give you a written estimate for future maintenance. We would be happy to service your vehicle; give us a call at 941-623-2926.
Curry Moving & Storage, Inc. remains open for business, but is closed to public access at this time. You may reach us by phone; 941-625-4191 or by email; currymoving@gmail.com. We have mini-warehouses for rent with the best price in town. In light of the challenge we are all facing, Curry Moving & Storage is taking several hygienic precautions to keep our customers and employees safe. We are currently offering all first responders one month free mini-warehouse space or lot space. Remember, He is the light in the darkness!
Fishermen’s Village annual Festival of Lights features more than one million holiday lights and decorations throughout the Village! Daily viewing through December 31st! Free parking/free admission. Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort & Marina, home to 40+ independently owned shops/boutiques/waterfront restaurants! www.fishville.com 941-639-8721. Located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda!
The Florida Guardian ad Litem program and the Salvation Army are collecting new toys, clothing and other “wish list” items to help brighten the season for area children in need. All six branches of Charlotte State Bank & Trust are serving as drop-off locations for these two prominent local charitable organizations, so drop by any bank office and pick up a “wish list’ or two. Bank lobbies are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (except for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day).
Friendly Floors is having a fundraiser for Charlotte Behavioral Health Care – AND Marjorie Benson, owner of Friendly Floors, is matching funds up to $10,000! With fundraisers cancelled, monies are needed for community programs. Please support this (NON) event. No need to leave the comfort of home. You’re NOT INVITED to attend anything. Think of what you would normally spend at an event: NO dress ($125); NO tux ($100); NO babysitter ($60); NO tickets ($$$); NO sponsorship ($$$$); NO tickets ($20); NO chicken dinner ($75); and NO silent auction ($150). Please consider donating. www.cbhcfl.org/relax
If you live near a snowbird, let them know that Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage is available to unload their moving van, unpack the boxes, and set up their household. Our trained staff will arrange heavy furniture and assemble items that were taken apart for moving. Your neighbor will quickly feel at home, and be ready to enjoy the holidays. When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons at 941-423-5311.
At Guerzo Business Consulting, we provide owners with resources to outsource activities that are done behind-the-scenes. Often, the cost is less than that of an employee, as the business pays only for the services they need, and avoids these expenses: Payroll tax, office space, training, and time off. By using a service, company employees can be more focused on your customers. If you are interested in learning about our value-priced resources to take administrative work out of your business, call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884.
Gulfcoast South AHEC provides free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs! Programs are led by Tobacco Cessation Specialists who are trained to provide evidence-based tobacco cessation education and resources. As part of Tobacco Free Florida, all Group Quit services, including nicotine replacement therapy, are FREE. Pre-registration is required. Call 866-534-7909to register. You will be emailed a link to join by ZOOM conference via video or audio.
December 31, 2020 marks the end of many Bank and Credit Card foreclosure and collection moratoriums. Don’t wait until the last minute to think about what you are going to do to deal with your creditors once collections and foreclosure actions start up again. Call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill to help you deal with your creditors and protect your assets and homestead. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com. Learn more at https://icardmerrill.com/money-matters/ .
How will you shop for gifts this year? Consider giving gift cards, which can be purchased online, and emailed to your recipient. This idea keeps you away from holiday crowds, and your gift will be guaranteed to fit. Add a personal touch by sending a card. Remember those things that come in the mail? Sometimes, things that are old become new again. From Independent Financial Coaching, we wish everyone a happy, frugal, and personal holiday season!
Christmas Light Canal Cruise reservations at King Fisher Fleet now open! Be part of the 40-year Punta Gorda tradition. Enjoy the same unique holiday experience but with new safety guidelines in place. These popular, family-friendly cruises tour residential canals to view Christmas lights, displays, and decorations on homes, boats, seawalls and docks. December 1st - 31st. Three options: 2-hour Sunset Cruise/Christmas Light Canal Cruise Combo, Classic 1-hour Christmas Light Canal Cruise, and Private Small Group Cruises. Info, prices, and reservations: https://kingfisherfleet.com/christmas-light-canal-cruise/.
It's that time of year to re-mulch your landscaping areas. Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells a large variety of mulch at everyday low prices? This week, we'll tell you that we sell Red Rubber Mulch in 40 pound bags at $15 apiece (cheaper than you can buy it in bulk from the big box stores). This mulch has a 10 year color guarantee. 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.
The U.S. Department of Labor says the cost of bad hiring decisions often exceeds 30%-40% of first-year earnings in non-managerial positions applied for ... considerably more for supervisory or managerial positions. Poor applicant screening may result in hiring someone not qualified by education or experience for the job ... or someone with criminal, driving, credit, education, or prior employment history not appropriate for the position applied for. For economical and FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening services, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500; Toll-Free: 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: nrginfo@atlantic.net
Radiology Regional offers Low Dose CT Lung Screening exams. This exam is typically covered for qualifying patients with Medicare and most private insurances. Patients may have one screening per year as long as they meet the following criteria: 1) Between the ages of 55-77, 2) Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer, 3) Current smokers or smokers who have quit within the past 15 years, 4) Smoked the equivalent of one pack per day for 30 years. An order from a healthcare provider is required. Self- pay available if you do not meet the criteria. To schedule, call 941-255-7945.
Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, or refinance their home. Let’s get the ball rolling for a family member, co-worker, or your best buddy! Toby Lynn can help get them financing for Primary Residences, Secondary Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
Zaxby’s of Port Charlotte is giving away four free children’s bikes on December 22nd. Parents may stop by Zaxby’s on Cochran Blvd and complete one entry card per child. No purchase is necessary. You do not have to be present to win. www.Zaxbys.com.
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Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs
Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to tashley@charlottecountychamber.org.
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Resources
LOCAL-
Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.
STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/
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Just for Fun
During the early days of space travel, NASA quickly discovered that ballpoint pens would not work in the zero gravity confines of its space capsules. After considerable research and development, the Astronaut Pen was developed at a cost of $1 million. The pen worked in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass and also enjoyed some modest success as a novelty item back here on earth.
When the astronauts returned and were touring schools across the country, they explained the Astronaut Pen Project. That's when Timmy asked, "Wouldn't it have been cheaper to just use a pencil?"
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Do you have news or information about YOUR chamber business? Send it to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and we'll share it with the entire membership. Email your submission to Teri Ashley at tashley@charlottecountychamber.org. Please send 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday. Business Online is emailed weekly on Mondays, or Tuesday following a holiday. This is a free membership only benefit! ( We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.)
Teri Ashley, Executive Director
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
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2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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Social Distancing and Health Safety Protocol Statement: The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce requests that you kindly not attend events with a fever, any COVID-19 Symptoms, if anyone in your household has shown symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are included in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined high-risk category for COVID-19. Additionally, while we know that most are accustomed to handshakes, fist-bumps, and hugs, we ask that you refrain during this time and follow all recommended health safety protocols. Social distancing is required by anyone attending chamber events and it is recommended that face masks be worn to lessen the possible transmission of COVID-19 to others. By attending Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce events, all attendees acknowledge and assume the risk that COVID-19 is contagious and exposure may occur. :
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