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, October 5, 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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HAPPY NEW
(CHAMBER) YEAR!
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2020-2021 Board of Directors |
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L-R: Ian Vincent, Charlotte County Public Schools; Bob Miller, Boyette and Miller Construction and Development; Dave Gammon, Charlotte County Economic Development Office; Collen Wright, Treasurer, Olsen, Lynch and Wright, CPAs; Melissa Reichert, City of Punta Gorda Administration; Bob White, President-Elect, EcoSun Homes; Kelsey J. Veitengruber, Farr Law Firm; Tony Smith, Immediate Past President and Vice President of Government Affairs, Ashley, Brown and Company, CPAs; Justin Brand, President, Charlotte Community Foundation; James Parish, Charlotte County Airport Authority; Toby Lynn, The Mortgage Firm; Jason Green, Axis Infrastructure; Melissa Bergey, Gator Wilderness Camp School; Hector Flores, Charlotte County Administration; Mike Martin, Vice President of Leadership Charlotte, State Farm Insurance; and Steve Lineberry, Vice President of Membership Services, Premier Photographic Events. (Not pictured: Matt Jones, Jones Family Insurance; and Angie Matthiessen, United Way of Charlotte County.)
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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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Harbor Scoops
150 Laishley Court, Suite 1111,
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Carla Allison, Frank Allison
941-505-8880
harborscoops@gmail.com
harborscoops.com
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Chamber Member News
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This represents a critical time for individuals afflicted by this diagnosis and those who care for them. The good news is, state-of-the-art treatment options that can be completed in just a few weeks are available here in Southwest Florida. At Advocate Radiation Oncology we consider it our privilege to take care of cancer patients with expertise and compassion. To learn more about the treatment options offered at our Port Charlotte, Cape Coral and Fort Myers offices, visit www.AdvocateRO.com, or call Carol King-Murphy at (941)-883-2365.
Remember the luncheon we had Friday, October 2nd? You might have noticed the stage and tables were decorated with balloons. These beautiful balloon centerpieces and stage décor created an enjoyable atmosphere. But you might have been wondering… who did all these balloons. It’s US! Balloon Excitement. We would love to help with your event or special delivery. Make your next Grand Opening, Awards Ceremony, Business Entrance, Employee Appreciation, Special Customer Appreciation, or Warehouse an enjoyable place to be. Have a different occasion? We’ve got ideas. Email info@balloonexcitement.com or call 941-787-9750.
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! There is no better time than now…get 10% off any promotional product order from now until 9/30/2020. From PPE to pens or mugs, we’ve got you covered! Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to see what we can do for you!
A referendum is on the ballot this fall to extend the 1% local option sales tax for six years. This is not a new tax, it has been approved by voters in Charlotte County for 26 years. The 1% local option sales tax would fund more than 20 projects throughout Charlotte County. Find more at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov or call Brian Gleason at 941.743.1462 to schedule a presentation for your organization. Early voting starts Oct. 19; Election Day is Nov. 3.
Charlotte County Economic Development Office- Stage Three of the Charlotte Cares for Business Recovery Grant Program is open. The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners approved the Recovery Grant Program to accelerate and assist the reopening efforts of businesses hardest hit by COVID-19. Charlotte County was assigned $32.9 million from the federal CARES Act approved by Congress. Twenty percent (20%) of those funds, $6,580,000, will be given to qualified Charlotte County businesses by electronic application through the Recovery Grant Program. The criteria has changed for this stage, so for more information please go to: www.Cleared4TakeOff.Com
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office- Bullying happens in all facets of life. Individuals who are bullied are at a higher risk for having low self-esteem, engaging in drug or alcohol use and abuse, suffering from mental health issues, and have a higher rate of suicide. It’s OK to disagree with one another, but do so respectfully. Show our kids that we don’t always have to see eye-to-eye, but that we can still coexist and even flourish as a community. Visit https://ccsoblog.org/2020/10/02/bullying-prevention-month/
Charlotte Players- Running Mates opening night is October 9th. This is the 2nd play of our 60th season. This fast paced political comedy brings new meaning to the phrase “family politics.” The show runs till October 18th. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling our Box Office at 941-255-1022. We are practicing social distancing in the theatre and masks are still required. Charlotte Players is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.
Chelsea Place Home Care is offering a new client discount. Purchase 40 hours of service and receive 10 hours additionally at no charge. We offer meal prep, medication reminders, transportation, companions, laundry and light housecleaning. Call for complimentary consultation 941-979-5288, available 24/7 with no minimum amount of hours.
The Children’s Network of SWFL is in need of caring volunteers in Charlotte County. If you have a desire to help struggling families, please visit our website, click on the Family Mentor Program tab for details and application www.childnetswfl.org. All they need is Love ~ Foster, Adopt, Mentor!
Did you know new vehicles depreciate up to 50% the minute they are driven off the sales lot? They continue to depreciate, while our emotional attachment can increase over time. At Complete Auto Repair, we look at the car’s market value before doing expensive repairs, and make sure the owner knows when the repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s value. We are happy to provide a second opinion on any repair estimate, just call us 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!
Dancing Moon Travel- Join Pat and Kevin at 1 pm Tuesday when they welcome Chad Long from Sandals Resorts to this week's Let's Talk Travel. Chad will provide a great overview of the famous Sandals all-inclusive resort experience ... as well as updating us on the status of things at their various resorts during the Covid outbreak. https://www.facebook.com/DancingMoonTravel/videos/1051083388677138/
We’ve built a better BOGO at Eye Centers of Florida! Enjoy 30% off all additional pairs of eyewear with purchase of first pair. Perfect for a spare pair, sunglasses, readers, and blue light blocking computer glasses. To learn more and to view all optical and Aesthetic Center specials, visit https://www.ecof.com/resources/coupons/. Most insurance and vision plans accepted. Walk-ins and outside prescriptions welcome! Call 888.EYE.APPT (888-393-2778) for an appointment. The Port Charlotte office is located on Hwy 41 in front of Lowe’s. For all SWFL locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
Connect with an experienced financial professional who understands how to ask the right questions. Do you have adequate financial resources to provide for a confident retirement? Do you understand your portfolio? Do you have adequate insurance to protect your family’s financial plan? Are you paying hidden fees? Call Rebekah Fero at 941-625-5811 to schedule a complimentary second opinion. (Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through IFG Advisory, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, IFG Advisory and LPL Financial are separate entities.)
Now available for reservations! The Suites at Fishermen's Village, your stay and play destination on Charlotte Harbor! Perfect “Staycation” getaway! Call 941-639-8721 for rate/booking info or visit on line at www.fishville.com/resort. Suites are 1,000 sq. feet, sleep up to four, located on the 2nd level above Fishermen’s Village shops, boutiques and restaurants.
At Friendly Floors, we want you to love your floors for a long time. That’s why our team listens carefully to your needs, and recommends the best options. Call us to learn more about the new “Waterproof Hardwood” floor. Yes, there is such a thing as waterproof hardwood now, and waterproof laminate too. We’ve watched videos of tractors driving over metal hardware, and these floors are unharmed, so they should be strong enough for your family! Come see all our waterproof hardwood options at our showroom at 3785 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
Your heirlooms, antique pianos, and priceless items are safe with Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage. If you need to have a large item moved and have a flexible delivery date, we may be able to arrange a one-way trip for items when we have room on a truck or contact you for the right opportunity to move your item where you want it. Call Kenny Gardiner to schedule moving your large items (941) 423 5311.
If your business needs extra staff, hiring may be a challenge. This is an ideal time to look at your workflow, and see if a trained eye can make some work go away. Reorganized tasks and clear expectations will generate sales and profits, as waste is eliminated and workers are motivated. Guerzo Business Consulting has over 17 years experience removing the waste and frustration from small business (and 17 more doing the same in Fortune 500 firms.) Call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884 to set up a confidential meeting.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gulfcoast South AHEC is now providing free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs virtually! 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 866-534-7909 to register. You will be emailed a link to join by ZOOM conference via video or audio.
Harbor Inspection Services is offering a 30 day special of 10% off Residential home inspections including wind mitigation and 4 point inspections for seniors 65+, teachers, medically licensed personnel, law enforcement, veterans/military. Proper ID required. Please contact Lib Astafan via phone or email for more information and pricing. Offer ends 10/11/2020. Lib Astafan, Owner/Inspector, Harbor Inspection Services LLC, Certified Professional Inspector; FL Home Inspector Lic. HI12433; InterNACHI # 19060317; Bus. Mobile 941-740-4546; Lib.Astafan-CPI@harborhomeinspections.com; www.harborhomeinspections.com
The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event to benefit The Homeless Coalition will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. and shotgun is at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $95 and includes: 25 chance auction tickets, 2 drink tickets, a continental breakfast, a southern-style barbeque lunch and mulligans for your team. Please contact Darcy Woods at 941- 627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot.
Have your creditors stopped working with you during COVID-19? Are you worried about a possible foreclosure? Are you confused about your options and the CARES Act? Is debt consolidation, debt negotiation or bankruptcy best for you? To get answers to all your questions, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a confidential, complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation to come up with a plan to eliminate your debt and enjoy a stress free, debt free life.
At Independent Financial Coaching, we are regularly asked questions about student loan strategies. So we added some useful links on our Resources Tab on our website. If you’re curious about taking out a loan, or investigating loan forgiveness, click here https://www.yourifc.com/resources
Maaco, in Port Charlotte, is a full-service collision center and auto painting business. Our most economical complete paint job can cost as little as $499, excluding body work or any special preparation needed prior to paint. We offer free estimates and can perform repairs covered by any insurance company. The owners, Jim and Susan McCulla, will personally meet with you and prepare your estimate. We're located at 4356 Tamiami Trail and our phone number is 941-391-6196. Come on in for your "Maaco-over" and love the car you drive again.
Did you know that if you are laying pavers in Florida, that in most cases you only need two inches of paver sand to go underneath? Murdock Stones Etc. is selling it for $43 a yard ($5 off) to chamber members for the month of October. 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox) or www.murdockstonesetc.com, 941-629-6651.
There's no single source for checking criminal records. The FBI maintains a database called the National Crime Information Center ... but access is denied to employers. So, what options are there? Crimes are prosecuted in county, state, and federal courts ... and records can be retrieved from each. But, there are more than 10,000 county, state, and federal courthouses in the U.S. ... so ... which do you check to see if your applicant has a criminal record? 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
"Using a Marine GPS" is being taught hands-on by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron Saturday, 31 October staring at 1PM and finished by 5PM in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. We give you a little background on how it works; then we hand you a handheld GARMIN GPS unit which we walk thru the operation, menus, and create/enter waypoints to create a route. Price is $35, additional family member sharing materials $20. To register or for more information: 941-637-0766 or Education@PeaceRiverSailandPowerSauadron.org.
Attention: Non-profit boards and administrators. Premier Photographic Events, 2019-2020 Charlotte County Chamber Small Business of the Year, has added a new service - Premier Online Auction Management. Because of the new "normal,” raising much needed funds is becoming a challenge. We are now offering online auction initial set-up and administration; professional auction item photography; auction item placement and description; daily auction follow-up; funds collection processing and final item distribution. Does your non-profit need a financial boost? Consider Premier Online Auction Management. Here is an example: https://lnkd.in/ePVVf2X Interested? Steve Lineberry, 941-626-0551
Promote your business by supporting A Holiday Happening Car and Truck show fundraiser for Charlotte Technical College, Crossroads Hope Academy and the Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County on December 12, 2020 at Muscle Car City. We are looking for sponsors or donations of door prizes, baskets, or new toys. Charlotte State Bank is a major sponsor. Your donation gets your business name on the sponsor list, read by the DJ at the show, and your business card on the Harbor Corvettes web page for one year. A donation of $75 or more gets your name on a trophy. Contact Tammy Hayes RE/MAX Palm Realty, 941-276-6185.
There is no better time to buy a home. Toby Lynn helps get the right mortgage program for your sister, parents, or best buddy! Toby makes the process easy from pre-qualifying to closing. Specializing in happy, smooth, and on-time closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
Tidewell is pleased to announce that Blue Butterfly has expanded to Charlotte County!
The Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center is a Tidewell Hospice program that helps grieving children and teens, ages 5-18, through peer-support groups and activities. Families may enroll regardless of when the death occurred and regardless is there was a previous relationship with Tidewell or not. The program is 100% donor funded so there is no charge to participants. Please contact Tidwell at 941-893-6610 or on our website at https://tidewellhospice.org/blue/butterfly/ for more information.
United Way of Charlotte County’s Annual Day of Caring is October 22, 2020. The Stock Our Shelves Campaign supports 15 local Partner Agencies. Our nonprofit agencies work hard serving our community. It’s our turn to give back! Select from the list of requested items and collect as many as you can! Do it as an individual, group, or business. Drop off items on 10/22 from 9-11AM in the Port Charlotte Town Center parking lot near the old Sears Auto Center and deliver through a contact-less drive thru. Volunteer at www.unitedwayccfl.org/dayofcaring or 941-627-3539.
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The Twisted Fork needs an EXPERIENCED (meaning you've done this job before) front-of-house service manager ... or two. Click on the link below to apply today. Come join our team at SW Florida's hottest new restaurant! 2208 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33948.
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
A customer walked into the post office to mail a package.
“Two-day shipping will cost $12.95 to get it there by Friday,” the postal clerk said.
The customer, clearly looking to save a few bucks, said, “The package doesn’t have to get there till Saturday. Is there any way to make that happen?”
The clerk nodded. “Sure. You can bring it back tomorrow.”
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Do you have news or information about YOUR 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 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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