Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 95th Year of Serving All Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, August 17, 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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ONE MORE WEEK! The New Teachers' Breakfast Parade will be Monday, August 24. Members can participate and attend the parade by sponsoring a new teacher for $35. The teachers 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!
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***SEPTEMBER FLYER SPECIAL***
You provide 1,500 flyers and we'll insert them in the September Business Perspective newsletter for half-price! LIMITED TO THE FIRST 10 BUSINESSES before 8/20/2020. $75 for businesses or $50 for nonprofit organizations. For flyer printing specials, contact members Buffalo Graffix, C&R Graphics, and MonarchDIRECT! Call us at 941-627-2222 to reserve your space NOW!
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Don't forget this week, THIRD WEDNESDAY COFFEE
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference
Punta Gorda, Florida
Non-Profit Update: Sunrise Kiwanis Club- Shoes for Kids
Presentation: Proposed One Percent Sales Tax Extension Review-
Charlotte County: Emily Lewis, Deputy County Administrator, and Jared Bickham, Capital Projects Manager
City of Punta Gorda: Melissa Reichert, Communications Manager
Charlotte Makes Sense Political Action Committee (PAC) Co-Chairmen: Todd Rebol, Banks Engineering and Rob Humpel, Florida Premier Contractors
Mask are required and all health and safety guidelines will be followed.
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Becoming a Sustaining Partner is a major way in which businesses help strengthen and support the chamber, each other, and the economic stability of the entire community. This also results in substantial perks and promotion for the Sustaining Partners who have realized the benefits for many years.
People often say, “We couldn’t do it without you.” We honestly couldn’t. This is especially true with the changes that happened so quickly this year. In addition to routine business organization operations, we have been able to make sure our members are timely updated on important news developments and financial assistance opportunities, keep the region advised on our member business operations and hours, remain in contact with our local, state and national officials, create a complimentary Business Information membership, and very importantly, stay open for our members to offer guidance from day one.
As we move toward the new chamber year, please continue to thank our 2019-2020 Sustaining Partners-
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Alliance Financial Group-Brian Simon
14021 Metropodis Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33912
Phone: 239-246-8928
Brian Simon
http://www.afgl.com
brian.simon@afgfl.com
Big C Restoration
18245 Paulson Drive, #122
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Phone: 941-627-0000
Charles Rosenbarger
http://bigcrestoration.com
info@bigcrestoration.com
Brandon’s Pressure Washing
PO Box 510933
Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0933
Phone: 941-626-2058
Brandon Coughlin
http://brandonspressurewashing.com
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Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota
6400 Edgelake Drive
Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone: 941-921-8600
Angela Carnell
http://www.encompasshealth.com
angela.carnell@encompasshealth.com
Isabel and Annabel’s Mexican Restaurant
201 W. Marion Avenue, Suite 113
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-639-4086
Juan Ramirez
http://isabelandannabel.com
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Chamber Member News
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Need some signage or vehicle graphics? There is no better time than now…get 10% off any sign or vehicle graphics order from now until 9/10/2020. Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to see what we can do for you!
Charlotte Players- “Comedy for a Cause” is looking for sponsors! The “Comedy for a Cause” All Stars will continue its fundraising tradition with the 8th Annual Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser on September 25th from the Langdon Playhouse, live via live-stream on Facebook. Sponsorships start at $100 and offer a wide variety of opportunities to share your business with thousands of viewers. And there is more! CFAC will hos an online silent auction and needs silent auction items. For sponsorship and auction Information: Lori.wagner-ryan@charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Deadline is September 21st.
We continue to be amazed by the number of jobs repairing rodent damage. We hear stories of a car parked for as little as three days, but all the “tasty” wiring is gone. Repair costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. At Complete Auto Repair, we will evaluate and repair your vehicle and we now offer a "no-kill" option to deter the rodents in the future. Call 941-623-2926, or stop in for details.
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: Is a river cruise on your bucket list? AMA Waterways offers breathtaking itineraries; exquisite locally sourced wine & cuisine; elegantly appointed, intimate ships with maximized views; and gracious intuitive service -- along with aggressive protocols to ensure the safest possible cruise experience as the world re-opens. Join our Facebook Live at 1 pm Tuesday, August 18. https://tinyurl.com/y4so6f3w
Economic Development Office of Charlotte County- The Recovery Grant Program, now in Phase 2, has allocated $6,580,000 to help area businesses that haven’t received any other forms of COVID assistance. This program provides grant dollars, as opposed to a loan, to assist in business’s recovery efforts. The application form and details about the program are posted HERE.
It’s time for Back to School eye exams at Eye Centers of Florida! For a limited time, students save on eyeglass lenses treated with an anti-reflective coating with purchase of frames. To learn more and to view all optical 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. For locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
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.
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage is emptying a truck in South Dakota and headed back to Florida the first week in September. If you have anything that needs to be moved from that direction toward home - heavy pieces, antiques, or a house full of furniture, please call Kenny at 941 623 5311 to reserve your space.
These days, it feels like we’re all unlucky. However, on 8/27, Patti Guerzo of Guerzo Business Consulting will show you how to change your mindset, and change your luck (and profits). SCORE is hosting Patti’s presentation, “Profitable Marketing in Uncertain Times with Limited Resources,” at the Englewood Chamber office. Socially-distanced attendance is limited to 20 attendees, so sign up now on the Englewood Chamber’s website. This class is free, and includes a free lunch.
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.
It’s a great time to be an online criminal. We are so distracted with life’s events that we have forgotten to build or maintain walls of protection around our personal assets. In the financial world, fraudulent behavior most often is discovered after the crime has been committed. As a former banker, Sue Craig at Independent Financial Coaching, knows how these attacks happen and what you can do to prevent damage. For a confidential and remote call to discuss your protections, call Sue at 941-916-5324.
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 Murdock Stones Etc. sells a number of different rocks that can be used for rock painting? They range in price from 25 cents to 60 cents a pound...Check them out at: 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
Do you double-check identity before hiring? Try this records-based method: On your job application, require applicants to list all prior addresses over the last ten-plus years. Then, order an SSN/Prior Address Verification for that applicant. Compare applicant-provided addresses with the address report. Applicants using falsified identities rarely know the prior addresses of the person whose identity they've stolen. And, after verifying identity, the SSN/PAV indicates jurisdictions to check for criminal and other records. 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
Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique is excited to announce its new location at 208 Tamiami Trail #111 in Downtown Punta Gorda. You will find a beautiful and fun assortment of gift items for everyone on your list! Featuring home decor, women's fashion, children's clothing and gifts. During this time curbside pickup is available as well as FREE delivery within Charlotte County, and gifts are always wrapped! For more information please contact us at 941-205-2333 or email us at pomegranateandfig@yahoo.com. Please visit us Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. We look forward to seeing you!
Premier Photographic Events, 2019-2020 Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, invites you to “Make a Great First Impression” with a professional business head shot. We have photographed dozens of business professionals in Charlotte County. Now Scheduling for August 25th 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Your hi-res business head shot, perfect for websites, print and social media, will include 3-4 poses on both an executive blue background and selected background and includes basic retouching. Only $75.00. Schedule your appointment today - Steve Lineberry, Photographer 941-626-0551 Learn More: Make a Great First Impression
The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association’s monthly magazine, “The Communicator,” reaches thousands of Punta Gorda Isles residents. “The Communicator” is an affordable way to reach the PGICA residents who want to use your products and services. Ad rates start at $60.00 a month (3 month minimum) Check out the latest “The Communicator” and you will see why it is the “go to resource” for thousands of PGICA members. To learn more: contact Steve Lineberry, 941-626-0551 or email stevelineberry.pgiadsales@gmail.com The Communicator
The Punta Gorda Rotary Club is meeting virtually at Noon on Thursdays during the pandemic. Rotary is a wonderful service organization that values "Service Above Self" in its ongoing efforts to serve our community and our world. We are people of action, and welcome anyone who would like to work as part of a group doing service. If you are interested in attending one of our virtual lunch meetings (and later, face-to-face lunches), please contact our President Darcy Hanley by calling or texting 303-927-9437 or writing darcyrhanely@gmail.com. Website: https://www.puntagordarotary.org. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puntagordarotary/.
Tammy Hayes, RE/MAX Palm Realty is conducting a Crayons for Kids fundraiser for Charlotte County and North Port kids. It runs from July 31 to August 31. Drop off new boxes of crayons at RE/MAX Palm Realty, 1808 Tamiami Trail D2, Port Charlotte, FL between 9 am to 5 pm, M-F. For more information call Tammy at 941-276-6185.
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
Dr. Neil B. Zusman would like to introduce Dr. Daniel Solano who will be joining Zusman Eye Care Center in August 2020! Dr. Solano is a South Florida native who received his Bachelor's degree in Biology and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. He completed his internship and Ophthalmology Residency at Doctors Hospital in Columbus Ohio. Dr. Solano has a special interest in minimally invasive cataract surgery, glaucoma and eyelid reconstruction. He is also fluent in Spanish. During his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and four children.
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Membership Coordinator- Full Time
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic, experienced Membership Coordinator to join the staff of the professional membership organization. This position will primarily be responsible for all activities related to the recruitment of new chamber members in order to meet assigned monthly goals.
The ideal candidate should have chamber of commerce operational knowledge, the ability to articulate the chamber’s mission and scope of services, and a drive to serve the business community. Secondarily, this position will be responsible for sales of other chamber products, event coordination, and additional operational tasks.
Strong sales experience and communication skills are required. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) is needed, with ChamberMaster experience preferred.
Charlotte County Public Schools is currently hiring qualified applicants for various instructional and support positions. Review our open positions at https://charlotteschools.ted.peopleadmin.com/hire/index.aspx. High need positions are bus drivers, food service assistants, and substitute teachers. CCPS offers competitive wages and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. For our bus driver positions, we offer all of the necessary CDL training and wages start at $14.82/hour. Substitutes teachers start at $15/hour. Charlotte County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.
Home Health Aide - Home-care: Home Instead Senior Care is the premier home-care agency in SWFL. As a Home Health Aide, you will provide one-on-one care to our wonderful clients in their home. Interviewing daily – All shifts available (preference for overnight and weekend availability). Full medical benefits, direct primary care health plans, vision, dental, 401K, paid training. Starting at $11.00/ hr ($12 for licensed CNA). Call Regina at 941-621-2028 or text the word CARE to 239-596-2050 to apply!
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
Three dinosaurs stumble across a magic lamp. They rub it and a genie appears.
“I have three wishes, so I’ll give one to each of you,” the genie announces.
The first dinosaur thinks hard. “Alright,” he says, “I’ll have a big, juicy, piece of meat.”
Instantly, the biggest, juiciest piece of meat he’d ever seen appears in front of him.
Not to be outdone, the second dinosaur thinks even harder. “I know! I’ll have a shower of meat!”
Immediately, huge pieces of meat rain down around him. The third dinosaur, certainly not to be outdone, thinks harder than the previous dinosaurs.
“I’ve got it!” he cries, “I want a MEATIER shower!
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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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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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