~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, April 5, 2021 ~
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2020-2021 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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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Chamber Events and Updates |
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Networking at Noon
Wednesday, April 14, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Finnegan’s Grille & Pub
1825 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
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Business Card Exchange
Thursday, April 22, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Dream Salon & Spa
117 Herald Court, Punta Gorda
Restock your business cards, purchase a fabulous gift exchange item, and remember to shop member-to-member businesses!
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The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2020 continues to move forward with their amazing class project to benefit the youth of Charlotte County. For more information on how can assist with this important initiative, please click the button below:
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Tidewell Foundation, Inc.
Wednesday, April 21, 8:30 a.m.
(Immediately after Third Wednesday Coffee)
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda
Dream Salon & Spa, LLC
Thursday, April 22, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(In conjunction with Business Card Exchange.)
117 Herald Court, Unit 115, Punta Gorda
Rita’s Italian Ice
Thursday, May 13, 5:30 p.m.
(One-Year Anniversary)
4255 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
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Divine Global Recovery
6529 Florida Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
844-993-4846
Pete O’Shea
pete@divineglobalrecovery.org
divineglobalrecovery.org
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Kristen Hansen Candidate for Councilwoman
P.O. Box 495831
Port Charlotte, FL 33949
941-268-3143
Kristen Hansen
kristenhansen13@gmail.com
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Expo Sponsors:
(More and more and more!)
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Kia of Port Charlotte
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Quigley Eye Specialists
Bronze Participating Sponsor- American Imaging of SW Florida
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Charlotte Health Solutions
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 advertising, party tickets, and more than ever before. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for the ~HOT~ details!
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Expo Exhibitors:
(More and more and more!)
AADisaster Restoration; Achieva Credit Union; American Imagining of SW Florida; Anderson Enclosure's LLC; Bathfitter of SWFL; Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda; BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte; Buffalo Graffix; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; CareerSource Southwest Florida; Centennial Bank; Certain Service; CFS Roofing; Chapman Insurance Group; 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; Charlotte Health Solutions; Charlotte Technical College; Chelsea Place Senior Care; Charlotte State Bank and Trust; Charlotte Technical College; Coastal Dermatology; Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; Cutco Closing Gifts and 360 Business Growth; Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions; Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop; Farr Law Firm; Fawcett Memorial Hospital; Florida International Airshow; Florida Weekly; Foot and Ankle Centers of Charlotte County; FSBDC at FGCU; Gator Wilderness Camp School; Icard Merrill Attorneys and Counselors; iHeart Media; Integrity Insurance Agency; Kia of Port Charlotte; Labor Solutions; LaQuinta Inn and Suites/Microtel Inn and Suites Port Charlotte; Liberate Physician Centers- Southwest Florida; Life Care Center of Punta Gorda; Maple Leaf Golf & Country Club; Michaela Kennedy; Murdock Stones Etc.; The SCORE Association; Port Charlotte Rehab and Nursing; Pregnancy Solutions; Quigley Eye Specialists; Radiology Regional Center; Rescue Air Cooling and Heating; S&N Motorsports; ServPro of Port Charlotte/Venice; Shutters9-1-1, LLC; SKY Family YMCA at Franz Ross; Sun Coast Media Group; Tampa Bay Rays; TaxSavers; The Mortgage Firm; The Mosaic Company; Tidewell Hospice; Total Air Solutions; Tony/Rhonda Gustitus Team-Keller Williams Peace River Partners; Valerie's House; Village Place Senior Living; Vintage Motor Car Club of America SWFL Region; and Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency.
Make sure YOUR local business is part of this ~HOT~ August event. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for details!
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Programs and Services for Families and Caregivers Touched by Alzheimer's and All Other Dementia--Please Pass them on. The Alzheimer's Association offers support groups, individual care consultations, a 24/7 helpline (800.272.3900), on-demand webinars, and a plethora of online resources at alz.org to help those touched by dementia; all are free of charge. No one should face Alzheimer's and other dementia alone. Please contact Kathy Heldman at kaheldman@alz.org for more information.
Are you doing everything you can to market yourself? Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Need some help with your marketing plan for the year? There’s no better time than right now to figure out the best way to promote your business. We’ve got tons of specials going on right now to save you money and get things done! Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to see what we can do for you!
Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies- We’re excited to announce registration for our Run for Consent 2021 virtual 5K event is now open! Run for Consent is a month-long movement where people throughout Charlotte County pledge to Start By Believing in support of all sexual assault survivors — through running, walking, cycling, rolling, or any other type of movement — Showing their commitment to help end sexual assault across our local community. Register for this FREE event at www.carefl.org . Together we can make a difference!
Charlotte County will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the county’s creation with a Centennial Gala, 6-11 p.m., April 23 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. This gala will include a cocktail hour, dinner, cash bar, dancing and live entertainment.
Charlotte County Economic Development Office- MaSBEC will launch Enterprise Florida’s Minority and Small Business Boot Camp on April 7th, to occur every other Wednesday through Aug 25th. This webinar series is designed to equip minority and small businesses with various tools needed for growth. Each hour-long session will provide small business owners, staff and team members with resources needed to create, maintain and grow a successful business. One time registration will allow attendees to participate in all 11 sessions. below. 9am-10am; Wednesday (Every other week / twice per month); First session April 7th; Final session Aug 25th; for more info- Kay Tracy, 941-764-4944.
Visit one of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center’s preserves and enjoy free environmental education programs! There are only a few weeks left to attend free guided walks at Alligator Creek Preserve on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. This week you may also attend a walk at Tippecanoe 1 Preserve, Ann Dever Regional Park, and Amberjack Environmental Park. In April, we have fun programs planned for toddlers as well! Check our calendar at www.checflorida.org for more programs and information about how to register. Face masks are required to participate in all programs.
The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida needs volunteer mentors! Our mentors provide support for Charlotte County families that have been reunified with their child(ren) through the child welfare system. By sharing your life experience, providing support and linkage to community resources, you can help a family stay together! Please fill out an application at www.childnetswfl.org. Training is offered via email and support can be provided to families via phone, electronic means, or in-person. For more information contact our Family Mentor Coordinator familymentorprogram@cnswfl.org or call 941-613-3937. Lend-A-Hand ~ Mentor A Family Today!
Are you planning to buy someone a car as a graduation gift? You should know that economy cars are often a bargain when it comes to maintenance costs. Even though the sticker price on that late-model hotrod might be the same as a sedan, the maintenance fees over even a few years can add to the total cost of ownership. Don’t burden your grad with a car that will cost (you?) a fortune to maintain! Check maintenance costs for various models on the Complete Auto Repair website, mycompleteautorepair.com
To: Managers of healthcare facilities. We are offering ten seniors who are dysphagia patients (and their caregivers) the opportunity to participate in tasting of a delicious new line of frozen pureed foods. Planned for Summer 2021. The food is level four, IDDSI Guidelines, custard thick. Essential Dysphagia Kitchen will ship samples of our menu of breakfast, light lunch, dinner and desserts! We have a four question survey for each meal. As a thank you, we offer a 20% discount on orders from Dysphagia Kitchen. Contact: Diane Wolff, Founder, Essential Puree, diane@essentialpuree.com
The Suites at Fishermen’s Village offer a terrific, relaxing get-a-way without going far away! Stay with us in a spacious 1,000 sq. foot suite situated above all the amenities of Fishermen’s Village! Enjoy magnificent sunsets while listening to local musicians, dine on delicious cuisine, take in some retail therapy at our independently owned shops/boutiques, sunset cruise with King Fisher Fleet or rent a boat from Holidaze Boat Rental! Visit on line at www.fishville.com/resort or call 941 621-6046 for rates and availabilities!
Moves are usually planned months in advance. Unfortunately, our team runs into situations all too often when moves must be immediate for the sake of someone's safety. Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage takes these moves very seriously and understands that getting someone safe with their essentials is the priority. If you come across a moving situation for a friend or loved one that can't wait, whether it's the weather, health, or threats of physical harm, call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage at 941-423-5311.
At Guerzo Business Consulting, we expand your power. How? By expending more hours on your business than you have on your own. If you’re a bar or restaurant, our time can make you money. We will apply for grants for you from the new Restaurant Revitalization Fund. This fund is awarding tax-free grants to bars and restaurants equal to the amount of its pandemic-related revenue loss. Our goal is $1Million in grants to Charlotte County establishments. Call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884, patti@guerzo.com, to learn more.
Thinking about a health career? Join Gulfcoast South AHEC’s Career Chats! On the first Wednesday of every month, from 6:30-7:30 pm, any middle or high school students interested in health careers are encouraged to join our Zoom meeting. We highlight a different health career every month with guest speakers, videos, thought-provoking activities, and discussion groups. Career Chats enable students to learn from experienced health professionals, increases their knowledge about health careers, and motivates the students to develop effective educational and career plans. Call 941-361-6602 or visit gsahec.org to register today!
The 1st Annual “Hope for Homeless” Spring Golf Scramble event to benefit the Homeless Coalition will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Deep Creek Golf Club located at 1260 San Cristobal Avenue in Deep Creek. Check-in is at 7:30 am and shotgun is at 8:30am. The cost is $85 and includes: 25 chance auction tickets, 2 drink tickets, a continental breakfast, a delicious 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.
Last week, Sue Craig of Independent Financial Coaching had the opportunity to meet (via Zoom) with caregivers who are caring for children whose parents are deceased. Sue answered questions and provided useful information for these brave people of all ages. If you know someone in this tough situation, consider giving out Sue’s number – 941-918-5324. IFC’s fees are low, and the value of having a knowledgeable and empathetic resource during this difficult time, is high.
Please welcome Henry Garcia, April 15th from 5pm-7pm for a complimentary Wine & Cheese Reception! Henry combines his love for painting on canvas with his trade as an interior and exterior painter for residential and commercial properties where he is considered one of the best in the industry due to his fine lines and eye for detail. Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services are proud to be part of Art in Public Places thru The Arts & Humanities Council. Join Henry April 15th, 5pm-7pm, 635 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda.
Lightspeed Voice recently presented the 1st Quarter Lightspeed GIVES Community Awards.
CLICK HERE to view which organizations and causes received funding.
A defensible background check, completed, documented, and reported in writing by an outside professional usually costs less than a day's pay for the job being applied for. Therefore, the expense of that background check, often the most important item in the hiring process, is typically the least expensive item in that process. It's just good business to hire applicants whose backgrounds have been professionally and expertly verified. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening services, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500 or 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: nrginfo@atlantic.net
Attention: Charlotte County Chamber Expo Exhibitors - Slide Show/Video Production Available for Your Booth Exhibit. Premier Photographic Events, "2019 Charlotte County Chamber Small Business of the Year," is offering a Slide Show/Video of Your Business or Service. A great way to introduce your business, service, staff and unique features of your business or service – at the Expo. We have produced over 150 slide show videos for businesses and non-profits in Charlotte County. Contact us today for a Free Consultation. premierphotographicevents@gmail.com or 941.626.0551. Steve Lineberry - Photographer
A Healing Field of Honor at Laishley Park- hosted by Punta Gorda Rotary Club and Foundation, May 28-31, 2021! United States flags will fly in solemn formation, creating an awe-inspiring panorama for everyone to enjoy. This stirring display of 1000+ flags will be a community tribute to honor our heroes. Each flag will represent an individual and therein tells a story. Honor our fallen heroes as well as veterans, first responders and frontline line workers, doctors, nurses, teachers and our community! Donate and dedicate a flag (or more) or become a sponsor at https://www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl21. Info- Alyson Burch, call or texting 941-875-3829.
Ladies! Have you postponed or put off your screening exams (hint: Mammogram!) because of the pandemic? It’s time to get back on track! Radiology Regional in Port Charlotte has the latest technology including 3D Digital Mammograms. We have a beautiful facility, highly skilled technologists, and Fellowship Trained Women’s Imaging Radiologists! We will also help you retrieve your previous exams for comparison, no matter where they were done! Call 941-255-7594 to schedule. 18300 Murdock Circle, Bldg 15, behind the Murdock Surgery Center (GPS: use Radiology Regional Port Charlotte)
Volunteers Needed- Our program is currently accepting volunteers to mentor students with our Scholarship Program. Mentors are academic guides ensuring the students does well in school, meets college requirements and keeps the student focused on being accepted to a Florida college. Mentoring requires meeting weekly for at least 30 minutes in-person, via Zoom, and App Chat or Video. Being part of the journey as a strong influence is rewarding and enjoyable creating a long-term relationship. Contact me for details at 941-255-7500 ext 169 or Gloria.smith@yourcharlotteschools.net. https://www.takestockinchildren.org
Gloria Smith, Student Services Coordinator
When choosing the perfect mortgage plan, prioritizing needs and wants can lead in different directions. With 30 years in the business, Toby Lynn is a pro at helping your family, co-workers, or best buddy see advantages and disadvantages in options available. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! Call Today! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
The Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center is a program of Tidewell Hospice with a mission for serving grieving children and families in Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto counties. Led by mental health professionals, children who are grieving a significant person after a death, attend support groups alongside their peers twice per month. Blue Butterfly groups are held at First Alliance Church, 20444 Midway Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Please call to register, 941-893-6610.
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“There is only one boss. The customer. And they can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending their money somewhere else.” – Sam Walton, Founder of Walmart
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Member-to-Member Testimonials |
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Thanks to a member suggestion, we are enthusiastically sharing testimonials from our members about their positive business experiences with other members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Submit a paragraph of 90 words or less describing your experience. Include your name and business name, and email your Member-to-Member Testimonial to Janet at jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org before noon on Friday to be included the following week. We are proud of our members and this is an excellent way to let them shine even more!
"I stopped by Hershey’s Ice Cream this weekend. Kim Wilson & Howard Freudenvoll invited Valerie’s House to put our brochure, flyer, and business cards up to help spread awareness about Valerie’s House to our Charlotte County families. Kim is also on our Charlotte County Valerie’s House Advisory committee. Their ice-cream was delicious. I had such a great experience at their new ice-cream shop." - Christine Carey, Valerie’s House Outreach and Program Coordinator
"A big thank you to Alexia Martin from WhitCo Insurance Agency for donating treats to our Valerie’s House-Punta Gorda families recently. She is also a Val’s Pals Mentor and on our Charlotte County Valerie’s House Advisory Committee. She has a been a big help to our Valerie’s House-Punta Gorda families this year." - Christine Carey- Valerie’s House Program and Outreach Coordinator
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The Isles Yacht Club is looking for a well organized Media Coordinator/Office Manager to create communication and outreach to our members via our website, newsletters, emails, and social media. Our ideal candidate will have previous office management experience and be well-versed in both print and digital design. Excellent skills with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint a must. Must truly enjoy interacting with people. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written. Sound like you? Apply here. https://www.indeed.com/q-Isles-Yacht-Club-l-Punta-Gorda,-FL-jobs.html
Murdock Stones Etc. is looking to fill 2 positions...one for part-time driver. Some dump truck and/or loader/forklift experience preferred. The other job is for a yard worker/front end loader. Some front end loader experience preferred. Apply in person at 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte after 9am. We are open 8-5 Monday through Friday and Saturdays 8-12. It's a good place to work...we have employees that have been here 19, 10, 6, 5 and 5 years...no phone calls please.
Sunny Days Ice Cream is looking for a mature driver to operate our ice cream truck. This position involves driving, customer sales and service. It is a part time position. Must have clean driver record for past 10 years. There is lifting and climbing in this position. Must be able to work in the Florida heat. Looking for someone with open availability, for our always changing schedule. Those interested please apply on line at www.sunnydaysicecream.com/join-our-team/ No phone calls please.
Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to tashley@charlottecountychamber.org.
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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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A sign at the nature park said, “Do not allow your dog to chase, injure, or worry wildlife.”
How in the world is a dog going to “worry” wildlife? Run up to a bird and say, “Hey, I think you’ve got something on your beak. Could it be a tumor?”
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Send YOUR Member News to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 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.)
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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