~ 97^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

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

501(C3) Nonprofit organizations that serve youth and are members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce May apply for a grant beginning on July 1, 2022 through August 1, 2022 by submitting a completed application through the Charlotte Community Foundation. For more information and how to apply, please visit www.charlottecf.org

PLATINUM LEVEL: Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; Integrity Employee Leasing; Olsen, Lynch & Associates, CPAs; The Daily Sun and Tommy's Express Car Wash

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown, and Smith, CPAs; The Bevis Group; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Charlotte State Bank and Trust; Farr Law Firm; Friendly Floors; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; and Panther Hollow Dental Lodge.

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions, LLC; Friendly Floors; Nolan Family Insurance; Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, McKinley and Young Law Firm.

And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a $2,000 Key West Flight donated by Air Trek Charter Jet Service. The drawing to be held at the Annual Meeting on September 30, 2022! The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card!

Members, join us for our Candidate's Forum at the July 20th Third Wednesday Coffee This is your opportunity to meet the candidates running for election. Come at 7:45 a.m. and grab a coffee and breakfast goodie and enjoy some networking before the program starts at 8:00 a.m.. We will welcome new Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce members, then break out so that you can learn more from the individual candidates. Please register in the Member Portal.

The staff of U.S. Senator Rick Scott will host Mobile Office Hours to help with issues related to federal agencies on Tuesday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce (Conference Room), 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. For a list of resources available, please visit www.rickscott.senate.gov - Click here to print the flyer.

Our July 28 Business Card Exchange is Sponsored by the Daily Sun. Members networking from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at their office at 23170 Harborview Road, Port Charlotte. Remember to bring plenty of business cards and if you like a small gift/door prize to promote your business. Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Charlotte County Chamber Young Professionals are planning a Karaoke Night on Friday, August 5th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at The Burg'r Bar in Punta Gorda. MUSIC, GIVEAWAYS, FREE APPETIZERS, CASH BAR, GRAND PRIZE. There is no cost to attend, but your pre-registration is required so that we may properly plan for a great event! Register in the Member Portal from this link.

Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame Luncheon on Thursday, September 8th will be at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Please plan to arrive by 11:30, lunch will be served at noon and the event should conclude at 1:00 p.m. Kindly choose your meal when you register. Cost $30pp.​ Meal choices: *Grilled Chicken Waldorf Salad – mixed greens topped with celery, grapes apple & walnuts or *Beef Stroganoff – Beef medallions and gravy sauce tossed with egg noodles garnished with parsley & garlic bread. Kindly register in the Member Portal.

We have just been informed by Charlotte County Public Schools that they are now expecting to welcome approximately 200 new teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. Teachers' responsibilities have changed so much over the years, they need our community support more than ever. We are asking for each new teacher to be sponsored by our caring membership (it takes a village). For those who have sponsored a new teacher this year, thank you so much!  Sponsor a New Teacher for Breakfast on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Your sponsorship of $45 covers the cost of breakfast for you and a teacher.   Kindly register for this event in the MIC.

Once again, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce will be a collection site for the Sunrise Kiwanis “Shoes for Kids” project. This endeavor collects new tennis shoes for our youth in the Charlotte County Public Schools, pre-K through High School. The need for the 2022-2023 school year is 4,100 new pair of tennis shoes. The window for collection of new tennis shoe is Sunday, June 19 through Sunday, July 24. Please consider helping for this worthy cause by stopping by our office at 2702 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte. For more information visit shoesforkidsproject.org.

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon

nressel@ymcaswfl.org https://www.ymcaswfl.org/locations/punta-gorda-ymca

francine.wargo@sunseekerresorts.com http://sunseekerresorts.com

jazarebaby@gmail.com http://www.theroyalpawgrooming.com

deckersquad13@gmail.com http://deckerplumbinganddrains.com

Businesses may join online now on our website or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org and she will follow up with them!

Suncoast Title and Closings New Location Ribbon Cutting NEW DATE

Tuesday, July 26th at 5:30 p.m. 103 West Marion Ave. #101, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Tuesday, August 2nd at 5:30-6:30pm. 650 Mary St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Thursday, August 11th 5:30 p.m. - 2686 Tamiami Trail, #5A, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Wednesday, August 17^th at 5:45p.m. (event is from 5-6:30pm)

Thursday, August 18 at 5:30p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Dual Ribbon Cutting)

126 E. Olympia Ave. Suite 301 Punta Gorda

They will be serving food & beverages. Kindly RSVP for this Event in the Member Portal

2421 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

Public Service Announcement: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be going to three-digits starting on July 16^th, 2022. Callers can access the line by calling 988. When you dial 988, counselors will be at the other end that will also have access to information about local resources. The phone line will operate 24/7, free-of-charge, and calls are confidential. 

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.)

Eric Bretan, candidate for Airport Authority District 2, would like to invite the public to an election campaign reception at Laishley Crab House in Punta Gorda on Thursday July 21st at 5:30PM. Eric's platform includes adding additional airlines to PGI, operating a low cost revenue model, rejecting privatization & substantial debt, and growing the commercial/industrial park around the airport. Please RSVP to bretanforairport@gmail.com or print the invitation for more information Eric Bretan July 21 Invitation [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.]

Let's Meet for Lunch! On Wednesday, July 27th at 11 a.m. FREE Seminar about Tinnitus, Hearing Loss and Fall Risks! Presented by Hearing Centers of SWFL,

Theresa Stevens, HAS-BC-HIS. Theresa is Nationally Board Certified, a member of the International Hearing Society, Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals and licensed Hearing Aid Specialist since 2005. She will share her knowledge &expertise and answer all your questions regarding hearing health/tinnitus (ringing ears). Join Us at: Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care, 2595 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Call to reserve your spot 941-255-0038 (Hearing Centers of SWFL)

Valerie’s House Save the Date for our Celebrating Charlotte Fundraising Event! Join us on Saturday, July 30^th (1-5pm) at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. All proceeds will be benefitting Valerie’s House-Charlotte County. Contact Christine Carey for vendor & sponsorship opportunities (239-841-0382 or christine@valerieshouse.org). A big thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Burnt Store Title of SWFL.

Save the Date - Charlotte County Sheriff's Office 2nd Quarter Awards Luncheon with proceeds benefitting the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Friday, August 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Visani Italian Steakhouse. For more details or sponsorship information, email Jennifer Wireman jwireman@ccsofl.net

"Put A Cork in It!" Wine Tasting Event along with the Gilded Grape Winery & Wine Bar of Port Charlotte. Over 10 different wines to sample. $25.00 per person~ includes hors-d'oeuvres. $5.00 of each ticket sale will be donated to the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Tickets are limited- Please come out and support this great fundraising event Hosted by Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care 2595 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 on Thursday, August 11th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Contact Laura Speer @ 941-766-7444

The Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association invites you to join us in our 9th annual Bowling & Billiards Presented by Harbor Home Builders event to be held at 6pm on Saturday, August 20th at Bowland in Port Charlotte, Florida. Registration for each bowler includes bowling, shoes, food and non-alcoholic beverages and FUN!! Pool Tournament will start at 8pm. Cash prize for 1st and 2nd place. Registration price is $45 per person for bowling, with teams up to 6 people, and $30 for pool tournament. Sponsorship is still available. For more information or to register, please visit www.cdbia.com or call 941-625-0804.

Enjoy the scents of Paradise-Are you ready to Sail away to a tropical getaway and be Castaway to the Caribbean, enjoying the coconut and rum, and while you are at it take a dive to the deep sea and hovering over the ocean reef. Try our new Tropical Getaway Organic Soaps 4.3oz scents *Castaway Deep-Sea *Island Spice Smooth Sailing *Tropical Teakwood *Monkey Fart and more! Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts in Sanctuary Plaza at 2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 5A, Port Charlotte, FL. We would love to see you. (941)883-2861

Christmas in July Special- Cutco Business Gifts is running our biggest promotion of the year on Cutco until July 27th! Up to 30% off Cutco from knife sets, to gifts, flatware, and more! Reach out to us at ray@360businessgrowth.com with your ideas and we will send you our specials.

This November, remember who benefits from this referendum! Not only do the students benefit from it but also every member of the Charlotte County community! To learn more, check out our website: www.voteyes4success.org/

The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad is offering July promotions: Buy any retail at full price and get the second one half off July 1- July 31. Summer special- Get a Pure Keratin Treatment and take home shampoo and conditioner complimentary from The Purple House Salon. We also do eyelash extensions. Call now to make your appointment or for more information 941.205.8603 

Volunteer response can mean the difference between years of trauma to the path to recovery. The Volunteer Program at The Center of Abuse and Rape Emergencies (C.A.R.E.) respects victims and assures that anyone who is available to assist is thoroughly trained and certified. A background check is completed on each prospective volunteer to ensure the safety of the survivors being served. Areas available include Hospital Advocacy, Victim Advocacy, Court Advocacy, Community Outreach, 24-hour Crisis Helpline and Office Support. Join the C.A.R.E. team by contacting Shannon at 941-639-5499 or Shannon.Fitzpatrick-OShea@carefl.org.

Roger D. Eaton, Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, wants all Charlotte County citizens to know of his office’s FREE Property Fraud Alert program. Anyone can sign up for this FREE service in less than 5 minutes. The FREE Property Fraud Alert service protects an individual’s property from fraud by monitoring documents filed on the property in their name or business name in Charlotte County public records, such as liens, deeds, and mortgages. Users receive an immediate emailed alert, and can them verify whether the activity was initiated by them or was fraudulent. You can sign up for the Clerk’s FREE Property Fraud Alert service in less than 5 minutes by visiting the Clerk’s website at https://recording.charlotteclerk.com/fraud/fraudalert

Speed – too much acceleration and deceleration burn extra fuel.  Fuel economy suffers by more than 10% every time your vehicle’s cruising speed is increased by 10 miles per hour.  Even worse, the most energy-efficient speed is 55.  Complete Auto Repair urges you to leave 5 minutes earlier for your appointments and go easy on your accelerator.  Regular maintenance optimizes fuel efficiency, so call Mary at (941) 623-2926 to schedule an appointment. 

Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage makes time for local moves. If you are moving to or from a multi-floor apartment or condo, house, office, or warehouse, we can pack it, move everything out then move it into your new location.   We not only pack/unpack everything, we place your oversized items where you want them without any fuss.  We love helping our neighbors get happily through the move and then help them get settled.  Call Kenny Gardiner for an estimate at (941) 423-5311.  

The Small Business Development Center staff has specialists who help locate, assess, and secure capital for business growth and development.  Whether it is an SBA-backed instrument or a commercial loan, the SBDC’s network and experience can guide you to small business-friendly sources who are ready to help you grow.  For more information, contact Patti Guerzo, Charlotte’s SBDC consultant to talk about your goals.  She can be reached at pguerzo@fgcu.edu. 

Announcing Our "How To" Summer Seminar Series Hello, it's Christine Hause, inviting you to join me and Angie Parsons at our complimentary estate-planning and investment management seminars held at the bank’s North Port, Murdock and Punta Gorda offices, or via webinar. Register at any branch, online at www.charlottestatebank.com, or call Linda at 941-624-1943. Investments are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the bank, are not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal.

Residential Wind Mitigation Inspection - Kelting Home Inspections - Insurance carriers require home buyers and homeowners to have a Wind Mitigation Inspection performed. Florida laws entitle you to receive a premium reduction if you qualify for specific discounts. With a completed inspection you could reduce your premium by 20%- 22%, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services. Without a Wind Mitigation, you could be overpaying for insurance. Florida laws entitle you to receive a premium reduction if you qualify for specific discounts. 10% discount to our Chamber Business Partners. Call 941-655-8888 to schedule your inspection.

Along with providing the best and most economical professional employment and tenancy background screening services available, NRG Background Checks is also a state-authorized provider of personal and business credit reports as required for state, county, and municipal contractor licensing ... as well as for all other Florida occupational and professional licensing which requires credit reports. State-authorized Level II digital fingerprinting service is also available by appointment.    For the best in FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.   941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    

It takes 28 days to create a new habit…make today day 1. 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.

Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers has good news-Vehicle prices are finally coming down!! We have over 1,000 vehicles available for purchase weekly-all prices down 10%!! 2018-2022 with Factory Warranty, Clean Auto Check report and low mileage. Over 500 Trucks, Crew Cabs, and 4x4's also. Call for info; we are happy to email prices, specs and details; or make an appointment to visit us in the only indoor virtual showroom. NO DEALER FEES! give Justin a call at 941 350-7544 or Peggy 941 284-9617. 

Medicaid planning is done in two ways: in a crisis situation or, proactive planning. In either case, if you get that call that a family member needs to go into a nursing home and you have no idea how you are going to pay the $10,000+ fees a month, the Dellutri Law Group can help. Contact Mark Martella, Esq., at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@dellutrilawgroup.com to request your Free Special Report on “Will Medicaid Pay for Your Nursing Home?” or if you have any other Estate Planning questions.

Remember members, you may create both Member-to-Member deals and Hot-Deals using the MIC (Member Portal). There is no additional cost to do so, and we recommend that you check these links each week to see what special deals are going on.

New exciting opportunity to work for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. We are looking for a seasoned Digital/Social Media Marketing Specialist. This is a full-time position. The right candidate will have successful sales experience, thorough understanding to navigate social media platforms, excellent organization skills and attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and able to develop innovated and creative marketing strategies for all chamber initiatives. If this is the right opportunity for you, please email your cover letter and resume to Bob White at bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org

CPA Financial Advisor Inc is in need of the right person to anchor the front desk and maintain an efficient and well organized office. Duties are varied but traditional for an office of this type. Duties include: Answering the phones and relaying messages to the appropriate member of the company - Managing client appointments - Maintaining appropriate level of office supplies - Process completed tax returns for client pickup - Scan client tax and other documents - Monitor/track client tax and other projects - Maintain records of items mailed - Collection of payment for fees when clients receive finished product or service - Maintain and update accounts receivable. Knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook is important. Knowledge of QuickBooks is a plus. Paid time off and paid holiday are competitive with other employers. Eugene P Heitman II CPA CFP®, CPA Financial Advisor, Inc., 2120 Kings Hwy Suite 220, Port Charlotte FL 33980 941-743-6495 voice 941-625-9578 fax.

Peace River Wildlife Center is seeking a Development Director who will be responsible for driving the success of our vital revenue programs. This includes planning and organizing fundraising activities to implement our Capital Campaign and Fundraising Plan, managing the development budget and identifying and applying for financial grants to achieve our overall goals. We require that you have at least five years of experience in nonprofit development and live in our area. If you are interested and qualify, please email your resume to Executive Director, Callie Stahl at prwc.ed@yahoo.com.

Lightspeed is hiring. Lightspeed Voice is now recruiting a Regional Account Manager (RAM) to drive sales activity. The RAM is responsible for prospecting, cold calling, and cultivating new customers, partners, and account relationships. In this important and exciting position, the RAM is expected to support the sales efforts of Lightspeed Voice’s products and workflow solutions. For a copy of the full job description, detailed list of benefits and income expectations, please send an email to Ed Hill at ehill@lightspeedvoice.com

FULL TIME MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR - Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) The Membership Coordinator is responsible for growing PGICA membership through marketing campaigns and community outreach by developing and implementing membership recruitment and retention strategies, and working as a liaison between the association and its members. High-profile role requiring outstanding customer service, sales, communication and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office; positive and outgoing personality; high degree of judgement, initiative and confidentiality; and commitment to the mission and values of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. $35,000 plus vacation and holidays. Send resumes to teriashley@pgica.org for consideration. 

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 Janet Caffee jcaffee@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/

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

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

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.)

Bob White, Executive Director bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org

Jami Joannes, Dir. of Business Development jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org

Ruth Uzonyi, Dir. of Finance ruzonyi@charlottecountychamber.org

Janet Caffee, Information & Customer Service jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org

Submit your news/event/job for Business Online to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org