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, October 17, 2022 ~
We hope you, your family and your employees are safe and well as we deal with the aftermath of the hurricane.
We will continue to update you with changes as they are confirmed. Please be patient, we will continue to provide information as we all work to recover from the effects of Hurricane IAN.
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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Evaluate Impact of Hurricane Ian on the State’s Businesses
Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO is committed to supporting preparation, response, and recovery efforts of Florida businesses, communities, and citizens impacted by Hurricane Ian. The business damage assessment survey assists DEO and its federal, state, and local partners in those efforts,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “I encourage businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz.”
On September 24, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-219 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties in the State of Florida. All affected businesses should complete the survey.
Results from the Business Damage Assessment Survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. Businesses can complete the survey online or visit FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Ian” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call 850-815-4925 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or email ESF-18@em.myflorida.com.
Complete Business Damage Assessment
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2022-2023 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) | |
And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a 5 night Bahama or Caribbean cruse for 2 on Carnival Cruise Lines sponsored by Pat Hand, Dancing Moon Travel. The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card! Drawing will be at our 98th Annual Meeting 2023. |
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Cancelled - Join us on Wednesday, October 19 at 8:00 a.m. for our Third Wednesday Coffee from 8"00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. followed by our New Member Orientation. This will take place at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Come for coffee and a breakfast goodie and do a little networking before the program. Please RSVP in the member portal.
TENTATIVE - STILL CONFIRMING Members, join us for our Business Card Exchange on Thursday, October 27 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at The Farr Law Firm, 99 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda. Halloween costumes encouraged. Remember to bring your business cards and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Please RSVP in the member portal.
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~ Did you see these Chamber items too? ~ | |
Fir$t Thur$day Aderti$er will be late.
The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on October 20 due to a delay in email service caused by Hurricane IAN..
(Digital flyers are due by October 18.)
Email your ad to advertiser@charlottecountychamber.org
and include the web address we should link it to, or call us 941-627-2222 for more information.
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Advertise in the Quarterly Newsletter - the October Issue will be late due to a delay in email service caused by Hurricane IAN.
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
Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
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C2 Financial Corporation
10509 Vista Sorrento Pkwy, #400
San Diego, CA 92121
Jamal Hishmeh
(941) 204-7542
jamal@jamallends.com
http://jamallends.com
Kelsey House
Call or email for information
North Port, FL 34286
Kelsey Hoover
(239) 989-7375
Kelseynurse@gmail.com
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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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Visual Arts Center - Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 - 5:30pm
Food, Beverages, Wine, & a Drawing for the kick off of “Season of Art” This will be a Dual Ribbon Cutting with the Punta Gorda Chamber.
Please RSVP in the member portal.
Punta Gorda Marina 40th Anniversary - Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, November 10th at 5:30 p.m.
26096 Marion Ave., Punta Gorda
Food Trucks, Drinks, Desserts & Giveaways
(Dual Ribbon Cutting with PG Chamber)
Please RSVP for this event in the member Portal.
BoxDrop Mattress Port Charlotte LLC - Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 @ 5:30p.m. (Event is from 5:30-6:30p.m.)
· 4265 Tamiami Trail Unit N, Port Charlotte (Same shopping center as Rita’s Italian ice)
· They will be offering snacks, sodas, wine, and do mattress specials and giveaways
Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal.
First Impressions Foundation 5 Year Celebration - Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m.
318 Tamiami Trail #228, Punta Gorda (across from Ice House/Green 2 Story 2nd level)
Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal.
Succentrix Business Advisors Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday December 6th event 5-6pm Ribbon Cutting 5:30pm
25080 Olympia Ave Suite 200 Punta Gorda
Wine, beer, soft drinks, light appetizers and branded cookies
Please RSVP for this event in the member Portal.
DATE CHANGED 24 Twenty One 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, January 24 from 5pm to 7pm Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.
2421 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte - Appetizers, Entertainment,
Adult Beverages, Door Prizes Please RSVP for this event directly to 24twentyone@gmail.com or by calling them at 941-249-4059
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members. | |
#OurFutureisNow! #OneCommunity | |
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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PLEASE NOT THAT SOME OF THESE EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE RECENT HURRICANE. PLEASE CONFIRM WITH THE HOST ORGANIZATION.
The Center of Abuse & Rape Emergencies is co-hosting a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Training with the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence at ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda on October 17-21, 2002 from 8am-5pm. Training topics highlights include: Sexual Assault Response Team Roles, Medical & Forensic History, Head to Toe Assessment, Forensic Documentation, Trauma Identification and Evidence Collection. There is no cost to the participant. Please register at www.fcasv.org. Upon completion, the medical professional will have a clear understanding of the principles of care for those who experience sexual assault.
Haunting on the Harbor is October 21-31, 2022 open 6:00pm-11:00pm each night at our new larger location, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 just south of Walgreens on US41 south-between Smart Stop storage and Bank OZK. Visit www.PuntaGordaHaunting.com to see all the details. Vendor forms here. Free gate admission, entertainment, costume contests, kid's fun zone, food trucks, vendors, full bar and cold beer. Contact jerry@smugglers.com at Laishley Crag House/Smugglers Event Management or call 941-637-5953 for more information.
Animal Welfare League PetOberfest Rescheduled! Please join us on our new date, Nov. 12, 2022. We still have a great lineup for vendors and we will be announcing the winners of our Summer Raffle on that day as well! Grand prize is a cruise or $2,500!!! After the last few weeks we're guessing everyone could use a little time away. The raffle tickets will be on sale until Noon on the 12th. You can purchase them by clicking here.
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Be the Light, become a Disaster Relief Worksite partner. The CareerSource of Southwest Florida program will create temporary jobs to provide humanitarian assistance and debris cleanup. Individuals who lost employment due to the disaster will be given priority. To learn more email BusSvc@careersourceSWFL.com or call them 239-931-8200 ext. 1805. View or Print the flyer from this link.
Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions is offering Post-Ian Hurricane Damage Inspections and Post-Ian Roof Damage Inspections. Clients have been using these inspections for a variety of reasons: To find out if they have damage that isn’t visible to them before filing a claim and getting a “ding” on their history for no reason. To be prepared with evidence before meeting with an insurance adjuster. To appeal an insurance decision that they are not satisfied with. To prove to their insurance company that they don’t have damage so they can keep their policy in place. OUR DIRECT INSPECTION LINE IS: 941-662-8888
Building a healthier workplace one employee at a time! 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.
CCF is serving as the centralized coordinator of monetary donations to provide aid to Charlotte County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian. Donations to the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund can be made online, and 100% of all donations will be deployed to assist hurricane victims. Checks can be mailed to the Charlotte Community Foundation, noting “Disaster Relief Fund” in the memo line, 227 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Tax receipts will be provided. Other efforts are underway in neighboring counties, as well as in Charlotte County to provide assistance specifically to nonprofit organizations.
We pray that you find yourself safe in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. As we begin to rebuild please keep in mind that Kelting Inspections offers post-storm inspections that will assess the damage done to your home after a storm. You can schedule an inspection at 941-655-8888 or online at www.keltinghomeinspections.com.
Is there such a thing as "The Best Background Check"? Yes! The best background check is the one that's most defensible in a court of law. And, typically, the best test of defensibility is the answer to the question: "Did the employer check everything that should have been checked and could have been checked?" Naturally, defensibility also requires the background checks to be fully-documented. To avoid problems ... check thoroughly ... document fully ... and be FCRA-compliant. For employment and tenancy screening services ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Not everyone is cut out for Florida. If Ian, or any other piece of living in our state, has made you say, “No more!” then call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage we’ll help you make a new start somewhere else. If you wouldn’t move no matter HOW many hurricanes pass through, remember we offer temporary storage to get you through your repairs. When Quality Counts, Call Kenny at Gardiner & Sons, (941) 423-5311.
United Way of Charlotte County meets local needs every day, supporting nonprofit agencies, local businesses and assisting with individual and family rent, mortgage, and utility needs. Our focus on nonprofit agencies and Charlotte County residents in need hasn’t changed because of Hurricane Ian, it has only been amplified. We continue to support area nonprofit agencies, and individuals and families in Charlotte County. Your continued support of UWCC through general donations or through our designated Disaster Relief Fund will support LOCAL relief and recover efforts. Donations for local disaster relief through UWCC can be made at www.unitedwayccfl.org/ian
Thanks to Ian, we now have a new danger in used car buying: water damage. A flooded car is usually totaled due to the internal and engine damage. Before you purchase any used vehicle, please bring it to Complete Auto Repair for an inspection. Our exhaustive checklist will uncover water damage, as well as manufacturer recalls and bulletins and previous maintenance performed. We will ensure you don’t buy a car that will give you headaches. Call Mary for an appointment, at 941-623-2926.
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Members may create Member-to-Member deals, Hot-Deals, post Jobs and News Releases using the MIC (Member Portal). There is no additional cost to do so! We recommend that you check these links each week to see what members are offering. | |
“Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too.” — Mark Twain | |
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 August 16, 2022 and September 15, 2022... Take a look! | |
Showcase your business through sponsorship! | |
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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Six-year old Angie and her four-year old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church."
"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.
Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers."
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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