Mission Statement:
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the prosperity and general welfare of its business members and the community they serve.
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~ 97th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, July 4, 2022 ~
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Leadership Charlotte Endowment Fund $2,500 Grant to support Children and Youth in Charlotte County.
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
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2021-2022 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.
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Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) |
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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!
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Members, Networking at Noon on July 13 will be at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. Please be a few minutes early to check in - the event starts at noon and your RSVP is required. Cost is $15.00pp Please register for this event in the member portal.
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.
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.
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. We also invite all members who sponsor a teacher to bring us 200 items for Teacher Welcome Bags. Gifts for inclusion need to be delivered to the Chamber office at 2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15th. (Gifts/promo items only-NO Flyers please.) 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 41,000 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.
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~ Did you see these Chamber items too? ~ |
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Advertise in the 2023 Community Guide and Business Directory. . Your advertisement will be seen by thousands in both the printed and online guides. Members interested in advertising should return the advertising contract, Ad Copy and payment are due by August 12, 2022. The Community Guide is our showpiece for all things Charlotte County, distributed at the Punta Gorda Airport, Charlotte Harbor Event Center, County Libraries, Community Associations and to walk-ins, email and mail requests. AND on CharlotteCountyChamber.org with live links to your webpage. Please call 941-627-2222 with any questions.
Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023 applications are now available. We would encourage any chamber member who is looking to gain a greater and deeper understanding of how Charlotte County operates, to apply. In addition to getting a once-in-a-lifetime education, you will make life-long connections and friendships. Only 25 applicants are selected for each class. As you fill out the application, please provide complete and comprehensive answers to each question. The deadline for all application submissions is on Friday, August 5, 2022. If you have any questions regarding the Leadership Charlotte Program/Schedule, please reach out to Bob White bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org
Photo Contest for the Front Cover of our 2023 Community Guide and Business Directory. We’re looking for your “best shot” for the cover of our 2023 Community Guide. Nature? Golf? Fishing? Landscape? We want it all! You may enter up to three images for consideration. Photo entries must be emailed to Janet Caffee JCaffee@CharlotteCountyChamber.org on or before noon Friday, July 15th, 2022. Photo must be representative of Charlotte County, Florida. Photo recognition will be publicized within the 2023 Community Guide. Please print and return this flyer with your photo submission(s).
Business of the Year Nomination Form-2022 - Nomination forms are due back by August 22, 2022. You may nominate you own business, or nominate another business for this award. Print the form to see the criteria and answer five questions. We encourage you to blow your own horn and self-nominate. The selection committee will be made up of past recipients, and the awards will be presented at the 97th Annual Meeting Luncheon on September 30, 2022.
Nominations are being accepted for our prestigious Pacesetter award. A Pacesetter is by definition an individual who has achieved a level of excellence within his or her community or industry that provides a new benchmark for all to follow. Complete and return the nomination form no later than noon on August 22nd. The honoree will be announced Friday, September 30th at the 97th Annual Membership Luncheon.
Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is a DIGITAL Quarterly publishing January/April/July/October. Members who want to include a Digital page to ride with the newsletter should complete and return the agreement and provide their digital page by the 20th of the month before publication. *Cost $100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue *Sustaining Partners receive free digital flyers depending on their partnership level. Send your digital flyer to Newsletter@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for information.
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Showcase your business at the 12th Annual Business Expo |
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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!
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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
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Spectrum Superstar's Inc.
Call or Email for Information
(941) 276-1203 Emily Rivera
Hilmer Electric LLC
Call or Email for Information
Rotonda West, FL 33947
(941) 662-1699 Brett Hilmer, Lori Hilmer
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Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member?
Businesses may join online now on our website or please recommend a business to
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ |
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Charlotte Bridal Boutique 20 year Celebration & Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, July 6 at 5:30 p.m., 2395 Tamiami Trail, Suite 106-107 Port Charlotte
This is a Multi Chamber Ribbon Cutting from 5-7:00 p.m. Catered with adult beverages & Hors D'oeuvres
Stepping Stone Kids Therapy Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, July 7th at 5:30 p.m. 22655 Bayshore Rd., Unit 160, Punta Gorda
JB's Corner Cafe 1 year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, July 12th 2022 at 5:30 p.m. 1533 Rio De Janiero, Suite 1
Punta Gorda/Deep Creek. Pastries and Coffee will be served
Bert's Black Widow Harley Davidson - Grand Opening -Renovated Showroom.
Friday, July 15, 2022 at Noon NEW DATE - Lunch will be provided by The Twisted Fork following the Ribbon Cutting. Registration is required for the Ribbon Cutting so that we may properly plan. Register now in the Member Portal.
Bricks & Minifigs Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
Saturday July 16th 10:00 a.m. - 1700 Tamiami Trail Unit A-5, Port Charlotte
(by Bashment & Hershey’s Ice Cream ) includes a VIP Sneak Peek
for Chamber Members & their guests @ 9:30a.m Wear your Badge and
let the doorman know you are with the chamber. Meet & Greet Lego Masters
Contestants Jen Smart & Cory Roberts, Raffles including a Lego set.
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
ActivAge HomeCare Rebranding Ribbon Cutting - Dual Chamber
Thursday, August 18 at 5:30p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Dual Ribbon Cutting)
126 E. Olympia Ave. Suite 301 Punta Gorda
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members. |
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Public Service Announcement: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be going to three-digits starting on July 16th, 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.
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#OurFutureisNow! #OneCommunity |
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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.)
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Fishermen’s Village will host their annual Independence Holiday Celebration July 3rd and 4th! Live music, specialty vendors, family friendly activities, shopping and dining will be featured beginning at 12 noon both days! Fireworks Display (best viewing from Sunset Tiki Bar, Dry Beach) will be held Monday, July 4th, 9 pm!!! Free admission/Free parking. www.fishermensvillage.com.
Start off the July 4 th celebration enjoying free Hot Dogs 11am-2pm. at C.A.R.E. ReUse on Saturday, July 2 nd Throughout July take 10% discount at both ReUse Stores. All of the proceeds provide essential needs to survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Charlotte County. Open at both locations (PC & Englewood) Tuesday –Thursday 9:00am-3:30pm. Phone: 941.639.5499 www.carefl.org
Country for a Cause, July 8, 2022, 6-9PM: Champ Jaxon will perform at this Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic fundraising event. In a casual country-western setting, guests will enjoy a catered meal, GREAT music, auctions and fun, in order to raise funds for the Clinic's important mission, providing no-cost volunteer Medical, Pharmacy and Wellness Services to the under-served in Charlotte County. Tickets & sponsorships, more info available online: https://volunteercare.org/country-for-a-cause/ - or call Karen Amador 941-276-4075.
The Kiwanis Punta Gorda After Hours Foundation presents Merry Grinchmas in July a Reverse Raffle fundraiser to support free books for kids visiting Lizzy the Literacy Bus. Drawing will be Saturday, JULY 9, 2022 at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Top prize is $10,000! Tickets are a minimum donation of $100 each and include dinner for two and entertainment with the Boogiemen. Sponsorships contact Douglas Tucker at 941-875-4111. Need not be present to win, but must be reachable by phone at time of drawing at approximately 9:30 pm EST. Contact Marian Taylor 941-380-1087 Tickets at www.KiwanisPGAfterHours.com
Learn "how to" ensure and protect your financial legacy. Charlotte State Bank & Trust's free summer seminars begin Monday, July 11, at the North Port branch, 4300 Aidan Lane (across 41 from Cocoplum Village Shops). Learn “how to” create a last will and testament or trust and identify and lower investment expenses from 10-noon. For a full list of upcoming seminars or to register, visit www.charlottestatebank.com, stop by any office, or call Linda at 941-624-1943.
Come join us as we host “Pet A Palooza” pet adoption event along with The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County on Saturday, July 16th, 2022 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are located at 2595 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte, 941-766-7444. Please come out and support AWL by adopting pets that are in need of a good home! Open to the Public!
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).
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
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Gov. DeSantis recently signed Senate Bill 898, strengthening residential tenant safety measures, requiring landlords or licensees of transient and non-transient apartments to require background checks for prospective employees, maintaining a log for dwelling units' keys, and increasing notification for maintenance or repairs from 12 to 24 hours. Applicants found guilty of certain offenses involving violence and disregard for safety are disqualified from employment. Screening and key logs will be subject to DPBR inspection. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Here are more ways to boost your fuel economy, compliments of Complete Auto Repair: Don’t buy higher-octane gas, hoping the increased MPG will offset the higher fuel cost. It won’t! Stick to the grade specified in your owner’s manual. Also, don’t drive out of your way to save a penny or two per gallon. Another misconception is that driving until the tank is on Empty will help you save. Doing this can actually damage the fuel pump. Don’t create auto repair costs for yourself. Call Mary at 941-623-2926 if you need an appointment.
Summer temperatures can be underestimated if you are packing and moving yourself. This is especially true for our seniors. As temperatures soar, exhaustion and dehydration can happen quickly. Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage offers packing and loading services locally, even if you have another truck to drive. Our team has worked through excessive heat, rain even through hurricanes. Call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311 to discuss your packing needs.
Did you know business owners have access to consultants and specialists who can help them increase sales, access capital, and hire employees? Florida’s Small Business Development Center offers no-cost consulting for businesses anywhere in the state. In Charlotte County, the SBDC office is located in the Chamber of Commerce building. Patti Guerzo is the area’s small business consultant and you can set up an appointment with her at pguerzo@fgcu.edu.
Class instructors needed- The nonprofit Punta Gorda Isles Civic Assocation (PGICA) will be adding new community classes to the education program in the fall of 2022. If you have expertise in the arts (music, visual, literary, culinary, etc.), fitness (dance, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, etc.), foreign language, history/culture, finance, technology, or another area of expertise, this is your opportunity. Please contact Jennifer deChiara at jennifer.dechiara@gmail.com if you are interested in teaching a PGICA class. All classes are open to the public.
PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda Monday Night Guided Practice will start meeting again on July 11 at 6 pm. $10 for non-members. No reservation or prior experience necessary. Paddles provided. Court shoes or sneakers required. It’s a great way to learn a fun game and meet new friends! Questions, contact nancy.prafke@pickleplex.org 941-916-1990
Let your employee’s freedom from tobacco soar this 4th of July! 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.
Support our kids! Support our teachers! Support our bus drivers & all support staff! Vote Yes! For Success in November! www.voteyes4success.org
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The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Winston Churchill |
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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 May 16, 2022 and June 15, 2022... Take a look! |
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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.
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Showcase your business through sponsorship! |
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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.
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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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Off the seventh tee, Joe sliced his shot deep into a wooded ravine. He took his eight iron and clambered down the embankment in search of his lost ball. After many long minutes of hacking at the underbrush, he spotted something glistening in the leaves. As he drew nearer, he discovered that it was an eight iron in hands of a skeleton!
Joe immediately called out to his friend, "Jack, I've got trouble down here!"
"What's the matter?" Jack asked from the edge of the ravine.
"Bring me my wedge," Joe shouted. "You can't get out of here with an eight iron!"
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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.)
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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