Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 95
th
Year of Serving All Charlotte County
~
Offices in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, July 6, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New Member
- Chamber Member News
- Job Spot
- Resources
- Just For Fun
- Contact information
- Social Distancing and Safety Protocol Statement
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APPLY NOW
! The 2021 Leadership Charlotte application is now available by clicking the
link
, or by calling the chamber at 941-627-2222. Leadership Charlotte is the signature program of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. For more than 30 years the program has annually assembled approximately 25 individuals who wish to increase their leadership skills and gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges in our community. The selected participants in Leadership Charlotte commit to attend monthly day-long sessions, as well as participate in a class project.
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Missing Out Would Be a Big Mistake!
As we rebound, the business pace is forecast to increase rapidly for this community. The reason is because of our outdoor activities and abundance of less crowded areas. And it HAS already begun.
This is exactly where people WANT to visit, do business, and relocate. Make sure YOUR business is primed to reach thousands in this beautiful, free, printed magazine as well as a new digital flip-magazine.
Annual ads are as low as $264 in the
2021 Community Guide and Business Directory
.
For more information, click
HERE
!
Don't miss the deadline!
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S*P*E*C*I*A*L O*F*F*E*R for the
New Teachers' Breakfast Parade:
Refer a new member- your business
and
the new business will be included and promoted as sponsoring businesses
and
attend the parade for FREE!
The annual New Teacher’s Breakfast on Thursday, July 30 has officially been dubbed the
New Teachers' Breakfast Parade.
Chamber members can participate and attend the parade by sponsoring a new teacher for $35. Teachers will drive thru the Event Center parking lot and along the waterfront to pick up special boxed breakfasts and goody bags. They will be celebrated by their sponsoring businesses with greetings, signs, balloons and banners. If your business would like to sponsor one of the 90 new teachers for $35, and participate in the New Teachers Breakfast Parade, please contact the chamber at 941-627-2222 or jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org. To see the flyer, click
HERE
!
Gift bag items are needed for our new teachers. Please drop off 100 of your promotional items or gifts by July 24 to the Port Charlotte office at 2702 Tamiami Trail. Let's show how much our educators are appreciated!
(Gifts/promo items only. No flyers, please.)
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Be a ChamberACTION hero!
Since
you believe in the value of chamber membership, and love to be active in our community, the ChamberACTION Committee could be your perfect match. The mission of the ChamberACTION Committee is:
To support chamber activities on a regular or on-call basis. Along with providing valuable education about the chamber, joining ChamberACTION can lay the foundation for more in-depth involvement, and the heightened visibility you receive provides more recognition for your business.
This group, led by Vice President of Membership Steve Lineberry of Premier Photographic Events, includes a diverse cross-section of business professionals who are dedicated to sharing the value of becoming a member of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. They also assist with organizing and implementing events for their approximately 1,000 chamber member associates. These events include professional presentations, social networking events, and often a combination of both.
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The A.C. Freeman House-
Do you remember how excited we were to be back in our Punta Gorda offices at the historic A.C. Freeman House? Well not so fast, my friends. We’re out again. The stately old house developed some major new problems which will need significant repair. (Imagine an invisible, gigantic blue tarp and the accompanying issues.) This time it looks like it’s going to be months instead of weeks, so we will be operating completely from our Port Charlotte location for quite a while. We hoped to be back there soon.
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The dedicated Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional support to the annual chamber budget which, in turn, provides them with additional membership benefits. This allows us to continue with increased promotion, advocacy, involvement and leadership at the local, state and federal levels as we support our businesses and the community we serve.
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(For your business to become a Sustaining Partner and enjoy special benefits, please contact Teri Ashley at 941-639-2222 or
tashley@charlottecountychamber.org
for information.)
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Tailored Living of Port Charlotte
6035 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-999-2333
Josh Stevens, Rebekah Stevens
Rebekah.stevens@tailoredliving.com
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Is your construction project giving you nightmares? If so, you don’t have to deal with the aggravation alone. As an experienced attorney, Lance Ball, Esq. can guide you through the complexities of construction law and assist with a resolution. For aggressive advocacy at reasonable rates, contact the
Ball Law Firm
at (941) 740-2255
or
BallLawCenter.com
today. For your safety, we continue to offer telephone consultations during the pandemic.
Buffalo Graffix
is open and operating Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. We are here for all your design, printing, imprinted apparel, promo products, signs, wraps and direct mail needs. Check out our current specials on
www.buffalograffix.com
to save on the things you need to keep yourselves up and running! Call 941.625.2833 or email us at info@buffalograffix today to learn more! We hope you are all staying safe and healthy!
Charlotte Players-
Important Update: Kids Summer Workshop - July 8 application deadline and student number limits. We will not have the youngest group due to a lack of enrollment. The 3rd- 6th grade will not be doing Monsters, but will work with 7th -12 grade on Annie Jr. Camp for both groups will be 9 a.m. to noon this year. For more information or to sign up call 941-255-1022.
At
Complete Auto Repair
, we are often asked to fix issues that other shops couldn’t fix. They require the time and talents of our best techs. While the customers are thrilled, we stress over the time it took to find the problem. Do yourself a favor: When it’s time for maintenance, get it done. So many expensive problems are born as affordable maintenance items. Call us at 941-623-2926 for a timely appointment, so we can charge you less!
Cooling Dynamics
offers new monthly service! We’re proud to be one of the few HVAC companies now offering monthly service to visit and change your air filters for you. No more climbing ladders to change your filters and no more forgetting to do it. Instead of spending $15+ a month on air filters … we will change your filters and service your A/C for $29! Start breathing the difference with cleaner/safer air, saving on your electric bill and prolonging the life of your A/C system. Click
here
for more information or call 941-416-5541.
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
: This week Let's Talk Travel welcomes Tia Broomes from the Barbados Tourism Authority. Why should Barbados be on your travel bucket list? Join Pat & Tia at 8 pm Wednesday July 8 to find out!
https://bit.ly/July8PatHand
Day's Complete Pool Care, Inc.
is a small local business striving to be reliable, honest, and dedicated. Communication is a top priority, and we are licensed, insured, and certified. As a company, we make it a point to keep up on all new changes in chemistry and industry developments. We definitely are a full service company. All you have to worry about is swimming, and we do the rest! We take pride in keeping your pool sparkling all year around. Contact us at 941-235-0375.
Eye Centers of Florida
, including the Port Charlotte office at 1940 Tamiami Trail #103 (in front of Lowe’s), is offering 30% off all additional pairs of eye wear with the purchase of one complete pair. Walk-ins and outside prescriptions welcome! Call 888.EYE.APPT (888-393-2778) for an appointment. See all optical specials here:
https://www.ecof.com/resources/coupons/
.
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.
What is most important to you when it comes to moving? Is it honesty, integrity, showing up on time, being careful, packing, unpacking, temporary storage, accurate estimates, or an experienced crew? At
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage & Storage
we believe they are all important. We strive every day to delight our customers with our best efforts. We know moving is hugely stressful. Our crew will take care of the moving details, you’ve got enough on your plate. Call Kenny at 941-423-5311.
Granny Nannies Senior Care Agency
is open, and we moved to our new location. We are an essential business. We are busier than ever giving the best care to our clients, and taking care of our caregivers. Professional in-home senior care services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Granny Nannies is dedicated to ensuring you receive the home health care you or your loved one require and deserve.
https://grannynannies.com/Port-Charlotte
Our new address is 2616 Tamiami Trail, Unit 1, Port Charlotte, Florida 33952, Phone: 941-743-7606
To all you cooks out there. Would your life be easier with a sous chef at your side? Someone to cut, chop, and prep, make your life easier. Having a business advisor is similar to having a sous chef. At
Guerzo Business Consulting
, they organize and plan your activities, so that the business owner and their teams enjoy the marketing activities. We do the detailed work, so you and your teams can do the fun parts. For creative marketing assistance, call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884.
Homeless Coalition
- Charlotte Idol is back! Auditions will be Friday, July 24th at 6 p.m. and streamed at
www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyHomelessCoalition
. Forty singers will compete for a chance to win cash prizes. Will you be the next Charlotte Idol? Register by emailing
CharlotteIdolHC@gmail.com
. Singers must be at least 16 years old and a $20 registration fee is required. Finals Night will be at Visani Italian Restaurant and Comedy Theatre on August 8
th
! For sponsorship information, call Darcy Woods at 941-627-4313, Ext. 134.
If you have re-opened your business but now face the prospect of pressure from your creditors, call Mark Martella, Esq. of
Icard Merrill
, to help you deal with them while you rebuild your business income. Having gone through four economic downturns as an attorney and small business owner, Mark can assist you in your restructuring and advise you how to avoid the fatal mistakes made by past clients in similar circumstances. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at
mmartella@icardmerrill.com
.
There’s debate on Phase 2 of this pandemic. Will it happen? No one knows for sure. What we DO know is that there will be unexpected strains on your savings in the future. If you want to be ready for the next challenge to your financial success, call Sue Craig of
Independent Financial Coaching
, at 941-916-5324. She has years of experience helping consumers keep their peace in the middle of trouble.
Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project
begins on June 21
st
and runs through July 26
th
. This project
provides new, properly fitted sneakers for children in the Charlotte County Public School System (CCPS). You can make a monetary donation thorough our Kiwanis web-page (
www.pcsunrisekiwanis.org
) or donate a new pair of sneakers at one of our collection sites (
www.shoesforkidsproject.org
). Your gift means one youth will not have to wear duct tape, not have to curl their toes, not have to wear plastic bags over their socks. Helping just one changes their lives…Bless you!
Learn to Sail
is pleased to honor our Punta Gorda City workers for their hard work and dedication by offering them a 25% discount on sailing lessons for their children ages 8 - 18. Please go to
https://www.learntosailswf.org/class-schedule--pricing-summary.html
to view the available sessions, and age groups. Please use the code PGCW when checking out to receive your discount.
Did you know that
Murdock Stones Etc.
sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes. For the month of June, all chamber members can get $5 off any one roll of weedmat.
590 Prineville St
. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market).
7621 Sawyer Circle
(off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox).
www.murdockstonesetc.com
. 941-629-6651.
There are legal consequences when employers conduct background checks not in accordance with rules established under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FCRA allows individuals who feel wronged in the screening process to sue an employer in federal court. The plaintiff may recover court costs, legal fees, and punitive damages for deliberate violations. The law also allows relevant federal agencies and states to sue employers for non-compliance and to obtain civil penalties. Contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at
NRG Background Checks
for info. Call: 941-488-8500; Toll-Free: 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505 Email:
nrginfo@atlantic.net
Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects, Inc.-
American Institute of Architects Florida Southwest Chapter named AIA Florida Chapter of the Year for excellence in public awareness, outreach, political effectiveness and membership development. The award is noteworthy given the component’s size and volunteer staff. The chapter includes Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades Counties. During 2019, AIA Florida Southwest increased the volume and variety of events, presentations, affiliations, competitions, and opportunities. Involvement included the Advocacy Committee, a Regional Director, a member on the Florida Building Commission, and continued national participation at the Women in Architecture Conference.
Realizing Dreams-
Since reopening, Florida has become a COVID-19 hot zone. Governor DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr.Rivkees advise Floridians to wear masks in public and enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible. Let’s all wear face masks to cool off Florida as a hot zone and prevent closing businesses again. To get reusable 100% cotton face masks, email Jim Cantoni, (not the weatherman) at
jim@ccpromos.com
or call 414-367-6937. Over 3,000 in stock. $3 each 25/pack =$75. Single use face masks $1 each 50/pack=$50. Plus tax. Ask for customization and bulk discounts.
The Computer People
- Offering "no contact" service for repairs brought to me. Typically, remote/phone/email support is $45 hr. During this pandemic, services are $30 hr. Repairs brought to me are also reduced from a flat fee of $85 to $65 during the “lock down.” With almost everyone working from home, and children schooling from home, protect your computers from hackers, scammers, and other vicious activity. Office hours: Monday -Friday, 9-5 p.m. Weekends are by appointment. 941-426-3888. Y'all stay safe, wash your hands, and don't touch your face! Look forward to talking to you.
Home buying couldn’t be easier. With new programs available, Toby Lynn can find the right fit for a friend or co-worker. Conventional, FHA/VA, primary residences, secondary homes, investment properties, or construction loans, Toby can help. Pre-qualify at no cost, zero, free! Specializing in happy, smooth, and on-time closings! Call today! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager,
The Mortgage Firm
, 941-356-6579 –
www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™
offer sales and installation of auto and marine accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World® is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services. The all-new Tint World® Port Charlotte store is located at 2000 Tamiami Trail #217-218, Port Charlotte, FL 33948-2182. For more information, call (941) 229-6055.
Job Spot
Join an amazing team where caregivers are #1!
BrightStar Care
is looking for full and part-time HHAs / CNAs with a passion for care who will work under the supervision of an RN to perform care services as necessary to meet our client’s needs. Read our heartfelt reviews and see why BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte has won Best Homecare Employer for four years in a row! Weekly paycheck with 1st paycheck one week after orientation. 1:1 patient care. W2 - not a 1099. Call 941- 412-4070 or go to
brightstarcare.com/venice-port-charlotte
Home Instead Senior Care is currently hiring full-time/part-time home health aides and CNA’s to join our CAREGiving team. Home Instead CAREGivers deliver one-on-one care to seniors in their home by providing companionship and assisting them with activities of daily living such as bathing and
dressing. We provide paid training and 24/7 support as well as offer full medical benefits. If you have a heart for seniors and are looking for a career where you truly make a difference, please call Regina at (941) 505-0450 or visit us online at
homeinstead.com/CharlotteCountyFL
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.
Resources
LOCAL-
Please
call 2-1-1
for any resource needs.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan-
ForidaDisasterLoan.org
STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce-
www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
Small Business Administration-
www.sba.gov/disaste
r
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association-
https://frla.org/covid-19/
Florida Reemployment Assistance-
http://www.floridajobs.org
Florida Department of Health Data and Surveillance Dashboard-
https://fdoh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/8d0de33f260d444c852a615dc7837c86
Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic-
www.irs.gov
Just for Fun
Woman to her friend: "My son came to visit for summer vacation!"
Friend: "How nice! Did you meet him at the airport?"
Woman: "Oh, no. I’ve known him for years!"
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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.)
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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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311 W Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-639-2222
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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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