The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Evaluate Impact of Hurricane Ian on the State’s Businesses

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

SBA Federal Disaster Loan Assistance Available to Businesses and Residents of FL affected by Hurricane Ian on September 28 - Availability and features of low-interest disaster assistance loans:These long-term, low interest rate loans help survivors rebuild, get back to business, and make property improvements that eliminate future damage.  

SBA is a disaster survivor’s long-term federal recovery partner. The loans enable people to repair, rebuild or replace their damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  We can help with uninsured and underinsured losses, along with insurance deductibles, gap insurance, debris removal, fences, mitigation, storm shutters, house-raising, many things for which insurance does not normally provide protection. 

 There is no need to wait for settled insurance claims, potential FEMA grants or contractor estimates before applying. We encourage survivors to apply as soon as possible—and there is no obligation if they change their minds later.  It’s important to know that low-interest federal disaster loans are for HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS, plus businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, small aquaculture businesses, and small agricultural cooperatives impacted by the storms. All can apply for their uncompensated losses – i.e., their insurance wasn’t enough to complete their repairs, or they didn’t have insurance.  

Attached, please find the SBA documents for this disaster (2022 11 3 -FOCE Press Release, FL 17644 Fact Sheet 2022_11_10, and 3-Step Process Trifold) that provides further details of the SBA loans available for those who experienced losses from Hurricane Ian.

Applicants may apply ONLINE, under SBA declaration # 17644, using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s. Applicants may also apply IN PERSON at the following Disaster Recovery Centers:  TRINGALI REC. CENTER: 3450 N Access Road, Englewood, FL 34224 Hours -8:00 am-7:00pm, Sun-Sat The November 28, 2022 Deadline is fast approaching.

In response to Hurricane Ian, the Charlotte Community Foundation activated the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund. The CCF Board of Directors pledge $500,000 in matching funds in an effort to provide financial assistance and resources to Charlotte County residents. Additionally, CCF activated the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be utilized to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations that incurred structural and/or infrastructural damage preventing them from operating. The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation has generously provided matching funds for Charlotte County.  Visit, www.charlottecf.org.

United at Work was created following Hurricane Ian to help business owners ensure their employees were able to take care of hurricane-related needs so that they can show up each day focused and ready to work. The United at Work fund offers financial assistance for individuals who are employed by a business that is based in Charlotte County or has sites in Charlotte County. The fund has a dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation that doubles all donations up to $500,000. With your help, we can establish a $1 million pool of resources for our community. GIVE HELP: If you want to contribute to this fund – click here for more information and to make your donation to United at Work. Your donation will be doubled by the Soderberg Foundation. GET HELP: If you are an employee of a Charlotte County business, – click here to complete a simple form, detailing the needs you have. Our team will help direct you to local resources and let you know what financial assistance you may qualify for.

~~ 2023 Community Guide Link ~~

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.

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Friendly Floors;  Granny Nannies Home Health Agency; Nolan Family Insurance;  Panther Hollow Dental Lodge;  Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross and Young, PA.

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.

Business Card Exchange, Thursday, December 8 will be at the Peace River Botanical Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. Please register for this event so that we may plan accordingly.

Networking at Noon on Wednesday, December 14 will be at Italia at River City Grill. Members, enjoy lunch and networking. Cost $15pp please register in the member portal. Food choices will be available soon.

Lunch & Learn, Tuesday, December 20, at the Charlotte County Chamber office, 2702 Tamiami Tail, Port Charlotte. Topic: Understanding Your Insurance Policy. Presenter: Mike Martin, State Farm Insurance Mike Martin Agency. Cost $10pp includes sandwich, chips, cookie and a beverage. Please Register in the Member Portal.

The Hottest Business Day in Paradise is 11 weeks away!

12^th Annual Business Expo (The Hottest Business Day in Paradise) –

Thursday, February 2, 2023 – Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center – 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Imagine, marketing your business in an 8’ x 10’ booth (piped/draped) and having 1,000 plus visitors and residents see the products and services you provide. You will have the opportunity to see more folks in a matter of 5 hours than you may see in a month. This will be an excellent environment for maximum business exposure for sales, lead generation and develop great connections. Plus, there will be 107 other exhibitors to develop business-to-business client/customer relationships. To reserve your booth or secure your sponsorship today, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941.627.2222.

We want to thank our Expo2023 Sponsors:

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Silver Associate Sponsor: Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Silver Associate Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Bronze Sponsor: Mosaic

After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon

A1 Porta Potty

102 Baldwin Ct SE

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Mike Benson

(812) 786-4222

info@a1portapotty.com

http://www.a1portapotty.com

Lisa Creighton, Realtor - Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty

1200 West Retta Esplanade

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Lisa Creighton

(239) 218-9061

lisa.creighton@cbsunstar.com

http://lisa-creighton.cbfloridahomes.com

Millennium Physician Group - Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, December 1 (event 5-7p.m.) Ribbon Cutting 5:30 p.m.

2343 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte

Meet & Greet Physicians & other community organizations.

Learn about Medicare options this Medicare Open Enrollment.

Refreshments. light hors d’oeuvres, & more

Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Succentrix Business Advisors Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting

 Tuesday December 6^th 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.

FairyTail Endings Rescue Ribbon Cutting

   Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 5:30pm

  23212 Freedom Ave. Port Charlotte, FL 33980

Please register 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

#MembershipAddsValue! #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.)

Charlotte State Bank & Trust is collecting gifts for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation and the Salvation Army this holiday season. Locations accepting Guardian ad Litem donations until Dec. 7 include Murdock, 1100 Tamiami Trail; North Port, 4300 Aidan Lane; and Parkside, 3002 Tamiami Trail. Salvation Army donations accepted at Peachland, 24163 Peachland Blvd., and Punta Gorda, 2331 Tamiami Trail until Dec. 9. Branches are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

By golly, be jolly! It’s the season of giving! Are you thinking about Christmas Shopping yet?

We have the gift they want! Get ready for Christmas Deals. We have In-Store Afterpay and Afterpay on our website and we have E-Gift Cards. Warm wishes from us to you 40% off on sales. November 21^st through 26th. December 16^th through the 24^th Mother Nature told Santa to place our gifts in his Christmas bag this year. No lump of coals only Bath Bombs. Vist Rebecca & Vernon at Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts 2686 Tamiami Trail #5A, Port Charlotte

Free Educational Event, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd at 12:30 pm at our office: 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd. Regenerative Medicine has revolutionized treatment of chronic pain and inflammation in the knees, shoulders, elbows, hips, wrists, and elsewhere. But there's a lot of confusion out there over how it works, where the stem cells come from, what kind of cells are most effective, etc. Get answers to these questions and more. Attendance is free but seating is limited. RSVP required. Limited spots remaining! To reserve your spot call:

941-629-6700 Korman Relief & Wellness Center

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity is hosting our 24^th Annual Turkey Trot! The 5k/Fun Walk will take place on Thursday, November 24^th, at FSW Punta Gorda Campus. Cost is just $40 ($45 day of) and includes a finisher medal. All funds raised benefit our Homeownership Program to help local families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership. Join us for this annual Thanksgiving tradition! For additional information and to sign up visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/CCHabitatTurkeyTrot

Please Join Us for our First Meet The Artist Event on Wednesday December 7th form 5:00-8:00 PM at The Sanctuary Plaza - Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts, 2686 Tamiami Trail #5A, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Artist Jessica Wajoli creates authentic hand made African wear. Get a chance to talk to the artist, door prize, raffle tickets, refreshments and our new Christmas scents have arrived. Mark your calendar and we are looking forward to seeing you. Email twoangelssgg@gmail.com for more information

From United Way of Charlotte County: Let’s bring HOPE to Charlotte County for the holidays.  We are hosting an old-fashioned block party – open to the public! It’s a time to gather, share stories and celebrate each other during this season. We’re expecting 200+ guests, entertainment and food for this all community event. Please invite your neighbors, colleagues and team to the KIA of Port Charlotte parking lot on December 13 from 3-6pm. Much like the true essence of a block party everyone brings something, would you like to contribute? If you would like to sponsor, volunteer, RSVP or provide an in-kind gift, please click here. This will certainly take a village to make sure it is a success, and we appreciate your help! 

Due to Hurricane Ian and the mall not being fully opened we had to cancel our November date. We now have a new date of January 28, 2023! Reserve your spot now for the Suncoast Living Health & Wellness Expo at Port Charlotte town center from 10a - 4p. Get your business in front of many SW Florida full-time residents, visitors and snowbirds! We will have 2 different live radio broadcasts the day of, as well as newspaper, social media and more to advertise this event! Different booth levels available. Call or email for more information and an application - 941.204.2222 or info@onholdprod.com Brought to you by Lincoln Marketing Group and Port Charlotte Town Center Mall!

Pink Pantha LLC, a women's clothing store, opened in March. We specialize in juniors and misses clothing. We have shirts, jeans, pants, shirts, sweaters, shorts, tanks, and pajamas. We have plus sizes available. We carry brand name clothing such as Vervet, BIBI, Blue Turtle, Zenana, Anna-Kaci and Unishe. We even have a section of pre-loved clothing! Our prices are affordable, you may find us in the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall. We have dressing rooms so you can find the right fit for you. Our staff is ready to help, come on in! Online ordering is also available, http://www.pinkpathaclothingstore.myshopify.com 

If you have family and friends who will be visiting for Thanksgiving, remember that at Complete Auto Repair, we offer a 24,000 mile, 2-year warranty that is valid nationwide. That means our work will be warrantied at a shop near your families’ home. If a visitor needs service so they can get back home, call Mary for an appointment, at 941-623-2926. 

Happy Thanksgiving from Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage! As we enter the holiday season, remember that we can pack and ship or move heirlooms that you want to gift to your family or friends. Call Kenny at (941) 423 – 5311 to discuss the items you want to ship. He will help you get it there in perfect condition.   

There's no single source for checking criminal records. The FBI maintains a database called the National Crime Information Center ... but access is denied to employers. So, what options are there? Crimes are prosecuted in county, state, and federal courts ... and records can be retrieved from each. But, there are more than 10,000 county, state, and federal courthouses in the U.S. ... so ... which do you check to see if your applicant has a criminal record?    For info or screening assistance ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.  941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    

BoxDrop Mattress Port Charlotte offers mattresses, bed in a box, adjustable bases, hybrids, pillow tops, box springs, and much more! All of our inventory is 50-80% off retail prices everyday! At BoxDrop Mattress you'll always find a friendly face, the best prices in town, and quality products. Check out our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/boxdroppc You can also visit our clearance center at: 4265 Tamiami Trail Unit N Port Charlotte, FL 33980 or give us a call on our cell at 941-699-6225 if we are not at the shop.

Thanksgiving is around the corner; your employees will be thankful for a new healthy lifestyle! 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

Are you looking to paint, renovate, upgrade your office, or looking for a fresh new look? What about a deep clean for your office before the holidays? The team at Phoenix Services would love to help! We're here to help you look good inside and out! CBC 1265844 Call us today at 941-525-7114 

Domestic violence is violence committed within the home, it can include partners and ex-partners, immediate family members, other relatives or family friends. At C.A.R.E., domestic violence survivors are given strategies to assist in coping, recovering, and growing. There is a 24/7 DV Hotline 941-627-6000, which is answered by a live advocate who can offer immediate support, help with a safety plan, victim advocacy, economic empowerment services and support groups. Part of healing for a survivor is being empowered to grow and take control of their own lives. Call if you need help.

Charlotte County Economic Development Office has launched a post-Hurricane Ian outreach effort to contact business owners to determine their needs. “Just like homeowners, commercial property owners and businesspeople are facing a range of challenges due to Hurricane Ian,” said EDO Director Dave Gammon. “We want to talk to them, gauge their needs, and try to connect them with resources to help them recover.”

Business owners can contact the EDO at 941-764-4941 to learn about immediate assistance programs offered in Charlotte County.

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.

~ Job Spot ~

Medical Receptionist : John Guarino MD PA, Matthew Tufts MD, Vincent Brown MD

Busy General Surgery Practice has an opening for a full-time receptionist . We are seeking an outgoing, experienced, able to multitask, and be a team player. Job requires scheduling patients for surgery, charting, medical records, and assisting the providers .You will support doctors and patients through a variety of tasks related to patient care management, organization, and communication. Responsibilities: Insurance verification, collection of copay/deductible; Check in / Check out; Schedule appointments; Answer phones; Send, receive, request medical records; Basic office tasks; Billing and coding experience. Email administration: Brooke Bulifant    office@guarinomd.com

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” – Henry Ford

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 September 16, 2022 and October 15, 2022... Take a look!

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 Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300.

LOCAL-

Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.

Charlotte County Economic Development Office- www.cleared4takeoff.com

Community Organizations Active in a Disaster- https://coadfl.org/

Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs- https://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/immediate-southwest-florida-job-openings/

Charlotte County Department of Health- www.Charlotte.FloridaHealth.gov

City of Punta Gorda- http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/

Charlotte County Administration - https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/dept/admin/Pages/default.aspx

Charlotte County Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

NEW My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. Type an address in the search field and scroll through the page to see property information and county and/or city services and public facilities in the property’s neighborhood.

United Way of Charlotte County Disaster Relief page at www.unitedwayccfl.org/ian. 

STATE AND FEDERAL-

Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320.

Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster

Federal Emergency Management Association - www.FEMA.gov or 1-800-621-3362

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/

Florida Retail Federation- http://www.frf.org/index.php/news/covid-19

Florida Dept. of Health- http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org

Governor's Office- www.flgov.com

Center for Disease Control- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Small Business Development Center - www.fsbdcswfl.org

Blame the Paperboy -



A teenage girl had just been given family-car privileges. One Friday night she returned home very late from a party.

The next morning her father went out to the driveway to get the newspaper and came back into the house frowning. At 11:30 am the girl sleepily walked into the kitchen, and her father asked her, "What time did you get in last night?"

"Not too late, Dad," she replied nervously.

Dead-panned, her father said, "Then I'll have to talk to the paperboy about putting my paper under the front tire of the car."