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, April 18, 2022 ~
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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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And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a $2,000 Key West Flight. The drawing to be held at the Annual Meeting on September 30, 2022! The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card! |
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Third Wednesday Coffee on Wed., April 20 will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Our Coffee Sponsor will be Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc. Our program speaker will be Pam Davis, Punta Gorda Chief of Police. The Chamber Coffee will be followed by a New Member Orientation at 9:00 a.m. for those who wish to attend. Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal).
Business Card Exchange, Thurs., April 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Tiki Bar/Four Points by Sheraton, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Remember to bring your business cards, and if you like, a small gift to promote your business. Please RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal).
Sorry, this event is full - Lunch & Learn on April 26, 2022 "Plan to Win, Prepare to Win, Expect to Win" presented by Frank Menard, Coach, Speaker and Trainer at The Menard Team. The focus of this facilitation is to help business owners and entrepreneurs to: Identify their Priority, Identify the 20% Activities that will accomplish their 80% Results. The lunch is sponsored by The Menard Team and will be held at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, 2702 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Charlotte County Public Schools are expecting about 150 New Teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. We are asking our Charlotte County Chamber members to Sponsor a New Teacher for Breakfast on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Your sponsorship of $45 covers the cost of breakfast for you and a teacher. We also invite all members who sponsor a teacher to bring us 150 items for Teacher Welcome Bags. Gifts for inclusion need to be delivered to the Chamber office at 2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15th. (Gifts/promo items only-NO Flyers please.) Kindly register for this event in the MIC.
NEW --- the 2023 Community Guide and Business Directory will be out in October 2022. Your advertisement can be seen by thousands in both the printed and online guides. Members interested in advertising should return the advertising contract, Ad Copy and payment by August 12, 2022. Additionally, members interested in a premium position ad with guaranteed placement should attend/or have a representative attend the Premium Page drawing on Thursday, May 19th at the Chamber office (2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte) at 4:30 p.m. For instance, if two members were interested in the Center Spread, we would draw a business card from the hat to determine who would receive it. The Community Guide is our showpiece for all things Charlotte County, distributed at the Punta Gorda Airport, Charlotte Harbor Event Center, County Libraries, Community Associations and to walk-ins, email and mail requests. AND on CharlotteCountyChamber.org with live links to your webpage. Please call 941-627-2222 with any questions.
The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on May 5. (Digital flyers are due by May 3.) 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.
Business of the Year Nomination Form-2022 - Nomination forms are due back by August 22, 2022. You may nominate you own business, or nominate another business for this award. Print the form to see the criteria and answer five questions. We encourage you to blow your own horn and self-nominate. The selection committee will be made up of past recipients, and the awards will be presented at the 97th Annual Meeting Luncheon on September 30, 2022.
Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is going DIGITAL Quarterly beginning in 2022 and 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.
The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2022 is raising funds for Mental Health Matters with a "Glow Gala" scheduled for June 4th. Funds raised will benefit four nonprofits. The Guardian Ad Litem Foundation's Alternative Therapy program for children in foster care. Purchasing items for The Family Services Center of Charlotte County to create a sensory room for all 14 nonprofits at the center to use. Purchasing items for Charlotte Behavioral Health Care to create a sensory room in the crisis stabilization unit. and to Purchase items for the Animal Welfare League to enhance their real-life room project, allowing dogs a break from stressful kennel life and space for staff and volunteers to enjoy the mental health benefits that come with comforting the dogs. Additionally the class plans to make a donation to the Leadership Charlotte Endowment fund and Junior Leadership Charlotte. Email them at leadershipcharlotte22@gmail.com for more information. Print the Glow Gala Sponsorship Flyer.
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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
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
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U Magazine FL
18245 Paulson Drive
Paulson Centre, Suite VP42
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Trevor Cherry
(941) 888-2532
https://www.umagazineflorida.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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Monarch Direct - 40th Anniversary and Ribbon Cutting
Wed., April 20 at 5:30 p.m.
1264 Market Cir., Unit 6. Port Charlotte FL 33953
Anniversary Party is from 4-7pm
Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County - 25th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting
Tues., April 26, 2022
At Family Services Center Building
21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
From 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.
Howard’s Hershey’s Ice Cream
New Location Ribbon Cutting
1700 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 33948 (in Murdock Plaza by Perkins)
on Thurs., May 12th at 5:30 p.m.
Offering Desserts & Refreshments and Tastings
of their 52 Hand Dipped Flavors of Ice Cream
Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Cottage
New Management Ribbon Cutting
Tues., May24th at 5:30 p.m.
2595 Harbor Blvd. Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Luau Themed - Entertainment by Tiki Tom
Appetizers, Beer, Wine & Water
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members. |
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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 Mercantile will be hosting a crafting class on-premises on April 19th, 2022 as an introduction for those who are wanting to learn to create their home decor. Everything you need to create your designs will be here with easy clean-up, and reusable. Only $25.00 provides everything you need. Contact Denise Kite at Charlotte Mercantile,941.764.0176.
Charlotte Players- There’s a Burglar in my Bed. April 13-24. After thirteen years of marriage, William W. Worthington III (Billy) and his wife Ashley, wealthy New England socialites, are contemplating divorce. Thanks to a pre-nuptial agreement, both know precisely what to expect from a divorce settlement. Located at The Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets call 941-255-1022 or go to www.charlotteplayers.org
Please help your Charlotte County Public Schools spread the word that Kindergarten registration begins this month. You may register online by following this link, Kindergarten Registration or you may visit your school April 19-25. By making certain that every student who is 5 on or before September 1st is registered, you help us to hire the appropriate number of Kindergarten teachers.
On April 20th, 2022 MonarchDIRECT celebrates 40 years of being in business. Throughout the years, Monarch has expanded its portfolio beyond printing to signs, promotional items and most recently, a commercial sign and digital marketing division. Our clients are always our number one priority as we take great pride in making sure that each one of our clients receive a VIP experience from the moment we ask, “How can I make your day outstanding?”
MonarchDIRECT has been the product and marketing leader in Southwest Florida for almost 40 years. With that being said, we invite you to join us in celebration of this monumental anniversary event! Please keep an eye out for more details in the coming weeks.
Complete Auto Repair is co-hosting an event on April 20th for teens at the Charlotte County Library, called Drive Smart Auto Maintenance Workshop for Teens. We’ll cover the basics and teach the “why” behind maintenance that will keep their repair costs down for a lifetime. To register them, go to Charlotte County Library Facebook Page. If you have an organization who would like to host this class, call Ron Morgan at (941) 623 – 2926 to discuss.
Alaska Land, Rail & Sea Presentation on April 22, 2022 @ 2pm. Experience the diversity Alaska has to offer by land, rail & sea with the cruise line that started it all 75 years ago. Alaska experts dedicated to explorers, foodies and music lovers of all ages, Holland America cruise tours combine the best of an Alaskan cruise with the most authentic and immersive ways to experience Denali National Park & Preserve. Learn more with CarmichaelTravel.Com and Holland America by registering at https://www.carmichaeltravel.com/form/AlaskaPresentation
Senior Health & Wellness Expo on Monday, April 25th/12 to 4 pm at Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Cottage, 2595 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte. Don’t miss local health & wellness providers offering complementary screenings and educational materials. The Big Red Bus will be onsite from 1 to 4 pm to donate blood. Seaview 104.9 will be broadcasting live from 12 to 2 pm. Uncle Frank’s Hot Dogs will be onsite serving up their delicious hot dogs and signature side dishes. Lots of great vendors-Free Giveaways and Raffles! 941-766-7444 ext 104.
The 2022 Giving Challenge will be happening from NOON to NOON on April 26-27. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference is participating in this 24 hour online giving event. Individual donations from $25 to $100 will be matched 100% by The Patterson Foundation. Our conference was one of the few agencies in Charlotte County to remain open helping those in need during the pandemic. Help Us Help Others. Go to www.givingchallenge.org and enter Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference in the Participating Organizations.
Port Charlotte has been great with showing support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Let’s keep it going! On April 23 rd C.A.R.E will be having our “Walk For Awareness” Located in Larry Taylor Kiwinis Park. Join us in showing survivors that we are with them on their journey every step of the way. For more information please call (941) 639-5499 or visit our website www.carefl.org You can also find us on Facebook/Instagram @CareCharlotteCounty. Let’s come together as a community and show survivors that we believe them and we are with them.
Job Seekers wanted! Charlotte Technical College will host a Job Fair at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte FL, on Friday, April 29, from 11:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. The Charlotte Technical College Job Fair is delivered in partnership with Career Source of Southwest Florida and the Charlotte County Society for Human Resource Management. In addition, Suncoast Blood will have a mobile unit on site that day from 10:30-4 for those who wish to give blood.
Susan Craig a financial coach from Independent Financial Coaching will be presenting her "Financial Literacy Class" at the Port Charlotte and Englewood Libraries on April 29th as part of their “Family Financials Program". She will be sharing the basics of budgeting, savings, and retirement. This information is useful to people of any age group and individuals wanting to think strategically and simply about their money. The program is at Port Charlotte Library at 11 AM and the Englewood Library at 4 PM. Come join us for this Free Event. https://www.yourifc.com/post/family-financials-program-presents-financial-literacy
Valerie’s House will be celebrating Remake Learning Days on Cinco de Mayo with crafts, food, and fun. This is a free event for families on Thursday, May 5th (5-8pm) at the Family Services Center. Save the Date for our Celebrating Charlotte Fundraising Event! Join us on Saturday, July 30th (1-5pm) for bites, tastes, samples & shopping at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. All proceeds will be benefitting Valerie’s House-Charlotte County. Purchase $25 wristband tickets ($35 VIP) at: Events — Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org) Contact Christine Carey for vendor & sponsorship opportunities (239-841-0382 or christine@valerieshouse.org).
Cancer treatment is a journey no one should make alone. Advocate Radiation Oncology care team guides patients every step of the way. This year, Popping the Cork on Cancer is raising money for Children’s Cancer Center. This benefit on May 12 from 6-8PM is organized by Ken Johnson and Carol King-Murphy, from Advocate Radiation Oncology, cancer survivors themselves, with the support of Noelle LaPonte and Lexington Manor. Please help us help them, they didn’t choose to have cancer, we can choose to be their Champions and provide our support for this worthwhile cause. For Tickets & Info call Ken 941-380-5650
Caring for a loved one? Finally, take the "daycation" you both deserve! Enter to Win free care for an entire year right here at ActivAge at Chelsea Place Enjoy peace of mind while your loved one is having the time of their life! Our Daycation Giveaway is open now to May 31st, 2022. If you are caring for a loved one, don't miss this opportunity to win an entire year of care, FREE at our Port Charlotte location. Visit https://www.activagecare.com/free to enter! Winner will be chosen/announced in June 2022.
The Kiwanis Punta Gorda After Hours Foundation presents Merry Grinchmas in July a Reverse Raffle fundraiser to support free books for kids visiting Lizzy the Literacy Bus. Drawing will be Saturday, JULY 9, 2022 at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Top prize is $10,000! Tickets are a minimum donation of $100 each and include dinner for two and entertainment with the Boogiemen. Sponsorships contact Douglas Tucker at 941-875-4111. Need not be present to win, but must be reachable by phone at time of drawing at approximately 9:30 pm EST. Contact Marian Taylor 941-380-1087 Tickets at www.KiwanisPGAfterHours.com
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Need something for your teen to do this summer? Or would you like to check sailing off your bucket list as an adult? Sign up for a sailing course ASA 101 Basic Keelboat. It is a 2-day course from 9:30-4 pm. SailTime is the largest network of American Sailing schools. SailTime Southwest Florida serves as a fun, social, less stressful approach to sailing and a great way to get any age involved in sailing. No one is too young or old. Sailing teaches responsibility, critical thinking, and self-confidence in a fun manner. Contact Kelly Edwards at (941) 210-0093.
Rooter service - Often tree root invasions blocking sewer or plumbing lines are the cause for your slow draining pipes. Liberty Drain Co provides 24/7 Rooter Service, give us a call today! (941) 740-7256
libertydrainco.com
Did you know that your children have credit scores? If someone has stolen their identity, their credit score could be trashed by their high school graduation. You can prevent untold heartache by FREEZING the credit of your children’s social security number (yours too!). If you want to know more about this free, credit freezing option, call Sue Craig of Independent Financial Coaching at 941-916-5324.
Statistics show job applicants lie or misrepresent up to 70% of the time during the application and interview processes. Diploma mills and other subterfuges are commonplace. Consequently, background screening is a critical and essential element of hiring. Check all applicant information provided via cover letters, resumes, and application forms. Then, go beyond to develop and verify other information essential to the position applied for. Using a screening agency to complete verifications will generally save time and money. For expert screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Complete Auto Repair is co-hosting a free event, Drive Smart Auto Maintenance Workshop for Teens, this Thursday the 20th at 4:00 the Mid-County Library. We’ll cover the basics and teach the “why” behind maintenance that will keep repair costs down for a lifetime. To register your teen, go to Charlotte County Library Facebook Page. If you have an organization who would like to host this class, call Ron Morgan at (941) 623 – 2926 to discuss.
May is National Moving Month for a reason. Things are heating up out there for movers. Scheduling your move in advance at least 30 days is more important than ever. Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage takes calls frequently from desperate residents whose mover didn't show up. Scheduling with someone that is referred to you and has impeccable reviews is imperative to save yourself undue stress. "When Quality Counts" call Kenny for an estimate at 941-423-5311. Check out our reviews.
Spring into well-being by having happier and healthier employees! 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. 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.
There is no better time to buy a home. Toby Lynn helps get the right mortgage program for your sister, parents, or best buddy! Toby makes the process easy from Pre-Qualifying to Closing. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
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“Always deliver more than expected” Larry Page, co-founder of Google |
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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 February 16, 2022 and March 15, 2022... Take a look! |
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Job Seekers wanted! Charlotte Technical College will host a Job Fair at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte FL, on Friday, April 29, from 11:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. The Charlotte Technical College Job Fair is delivered in partnership with Career Source of Southwest Florida and the Charlotte County Society for Human Resource Management. In addition, Suncoast Blood will have a mobile unit on site that day from 10:30-4 for those who wish to give blood.
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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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A rookie police officer was assigned to ride in a cruiser with an experienced partner. A call came over the car's radio telling them to disperse some people who were loitering.
The officers drove to the street and observed a small crowd standing on a corner. The rookie rolled down his window and said, "Let's get off the corner."
No one moved, so he barked again, "Let's get off the corner!" Intimidated, the group of people began to leave, casting puzzled glances in his direction. Proud of his first official act, the young policeman turned to his partner and asked, "Well, how did I do?"
"Pretty good," replied the veteran, "especially since this is a bus stop."
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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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