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, December 27, 2021 ~
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Help for Kentucky: The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals has advised us that the immediate needs are monetary donations and boots on the ground to help in the recovery efforts in Kentucky. Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation have partnered to build a relief fund for their fellow Kentuckians to ensure they are able to rebuild and we are encouraging donations to be made to this fund. With the money raised in this fund, the two groups will be working with local communities, local chambers, as well as their state and local elected officials to ensure the needs of these areas are met in the wake of tragedy. If you would like to donate visit https://www.kychamber.com/ksrtornadorelief
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The Business Expo is 6 weeks away, have you signed up?
Thank you Expo Sponsors:
Platinum Title Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group
Silver Associate Sponsor - Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Silver Associate Sponsor - Michael Saunders and Company
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Dancing Moon Travel
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Painting with a Twist
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Sunshine Ace Hardware
Print Sponsor - Buffalo Graffix
Radio Sponsor - iHeart Media Group
Newspaper Sponsor - The Daily Sun
After Hours Party Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Kick-off Party Sponsor - Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
Passport Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Lanyard Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group
Goodie 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.
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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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~ Chamber Events and Updates ~ |
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Join us at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on Wednesday, January 19 at 7:45 a.m. for our monthly Third Wednesday Coffee. The program begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by a brief new member orientation (9:00 - 9:30 a.m.). Kindly RSVP in the MIC.
The Gilded Grape Winery and Wine Bar, 3796 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Business Card Exchange will be Thurs., Jan. 27th 5-7p.m. It will be in the Wine Bar side with FREE Wine (Made by Paul) & Beer along with Cheese and Crackers to cleanse your palette. Please RSVP in the MIC.
The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on January 6. (Digital flyers are due by January 4.) Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. ($100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue) . 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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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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Everyone is invited to attend our ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members.
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Fabulous Finds Store with the Homeless Coalition.
Ribbon Cutting, Moved to February 1 at 5:30 p.m.
1931 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 33948 (their new location)
They will be serving snacks and beverages Including the Bubbly B wagon.
ActivAge at Chelsea Place
Ribbon Cutting, Thurs., Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte 33952
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~ Public Service Announcement ~
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Businesses within Charlotte County face the prospect of flooding because they are located in a community that has a history of flooding events, and they must determine how best to respond to this challenge. The financial impact of flooding to any business is compounded because any damage loss is likely to be accompanied by detrimental impacts to the operation of businesses.
In its efforts to address the flood hazard, Charlotte County has developed a “Program for Public Information” (PPI). The document specifies a number of target audiences which are considered to be most important for dissemination of information. One of the target audiences is the Charlotte County business community.
The attached flyer has been developed to cover the matters pertaining to the flood hazard which the County considers to be most important for you to know. Especially pertinent is the fact that everyone in Charlotte County should seriously consider having flood insurance, and that you should know your flood zone. Visit www.agis.charlottecountyfl.gov to find flood information for your location.
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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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#OurFutureisNow!
#OneCommunity
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Charlotte Players- New Year’s Eve Spectacular December 31st! Come ring in the New Year with some of Charlotte County's talented singers as they present a 90-minute concert-style program. Accompanied by Music Director/Pianist Ken Crisp and drummer Bob Cook, this concert has something for everyone. There are two different shows 6:30p and 9:00p. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Join us at Fishermen's Village at 6:00 p.m. for our New Year's Eve celebration. Live music, good food, shopping family fun and midnight fireworks. Sponsored by Tow Boat U.S. Charlotte Harbor, Keesling Construction and Holidaze Boat Rental. Fishermen's Village is located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. See more events at www.fishermensvillage.com or call 941-639-8721 for information.
A Marine Communications Systems course is offered by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring on Tuesday, January 11th at 1PM to 3PM for 8 weeks in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Systems available to the recreational boater. Definitions of radio circuits to choose best method. GMDSS, FCC Rules and Regs, radiotelephone operating and High Seas communication. Price is $55 for USPS members and $115 to public. To register or for more information: contact the Instructor Holles Dick at 717 552-3845 or h25188d@hotmail.com
An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh/salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment demonstrations and handouts. The class is geared towards beginning anglers, but more experienced fishermen may pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen who might even reveal the locations of a few local hotspots! The course is open to the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday January 12, 2022. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
It’s time to celebrate our Teachers! The Charlotte Local Foundation, Inc. along with Suncoast Credit Union, our sponsors, school staff, and community leaders will present the Golden Apple Teacher and Support Employee of the Year Awards on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 5:00 pm. The event will be held at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, FL. 33950 Virtual tickets are now on sale and sponsorships are needed. For more information please visit www.charlotteschoolfoundation.org or by calling 941-255-7500 ext. 1811 for more information.
Ladies and Gentlemen the greatest event of all time is set for Saturday January 29, 2022 |6:00pm. Come one, Come all to the 34th annual C.A.R.E. Ball located “Under the Big Top” at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in downtown Punta Gorda. This year’s we will feature a traditional three course sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. We encourage guests to be creative with their formal wear. To purchase your tickets/ sponsorship opportunities visit www.care2022.givesmart.com. We’ll see you under the Big Top!
The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies presents Standing Together Responding to the Call January 31, 2022 located at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. This is a community collaboration to educate the public in the fight to end Human Trafficking. Cost: Free Refreshments will be provided in the morning. For more information visit www.carefl.org/events/ Let’s stand together to END Human Trafficking.
Looking for entertainment this coming Florida winter season? Look no further than the Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum! Every band is carefully booked...Each group is of the highest quality! You will surely want to come back for more! Click here for event and ticket information.
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Wildlife & Rodents Seek Shelter in Winter. Keep Mobile Home Skirting in Repair to prevent animals from entering beneath your home. If you have a mobile home, manufactured home, or crawl space home, you will need or already have skirting to protect the water-vapor barrier, the electrical wires, and plumbing lines. Be sure to NEVER neglect the skirting in Florida. It can lead to a host of problems. Great news! We fix them all! Call Suncoast Rodent Control 941-201-1119 or go online at SuncoastRats.com. Roof Rats enter through any opening.
Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, and refinance their home. Conventional, FHA/VA, Primary Residence, Second Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans. Toby Lynn works to get the financing your best buddy needs. Pre-Qualification is FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
As we begin our 28th year of service to Florida employers and landlords, we offer our Best Wishes to All for a Happy, Healthy, and Rewarding New Year! For economical and FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening services, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
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“If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn |
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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 November 16, 2021 and December 15, 2021... Take a look! |
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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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Random New Year's chuckles:
My New Year's resolution was to read more, so I turned on the subtitles on my TV.
I'm going to stay up late this New Year's Eve—not to ring in the New Year, but to make sure this one leaves.
My New Year's resolution is to procrastinate. I'll start tomorrow.
Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up late on New Year’s Eve. Middle age is when you’re forced to.
I was going to give up all of my bad habits for the new year, but then I remembered that no one likes a quitter.
Not to brag, but I already have a date for New Year's Eve—it's December 31.
At the beginning of the year, I made a resolution to lose 15 pounds. Only 20 more to go!
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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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