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, February 13, 2023 ~
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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
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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 ~~ | |
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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.
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Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) | |
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. |
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Members join us at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on February 15th for our Third Wednesday Coffee. Our Coffee Sponsor is iTrip Vacations Punta Gorda. Our Program/Guest Speaker: TBA For planning purposes, please register in the Member Portal.
MEMBER EVENT - Business Card Exchange on Thursday, February 23rd, is sponsored by Armstrong Interiors at their office in Punta Gorda. The BCX will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Remember to bring your business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Please RSVP for this event so that we know how many members to plan for.
MEMBER EVENT - March 15, 2023 Third Wednesday Coffee will be at the 24Twenty One Event Center in Port Charlotte from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.. Thank Our Sponsor: Mark Martella, Martella Law Firm, PLLC for the Coffee and Breakfast Goodies. Our Program Speaker: Patti Allen, Executive VP of Community and Government Affairs, Fishermen's Village Development Plans. Please register in the Member Portal.
The Leadership Charlotte class of 2023, has kicked off their fundraising with a Booze Yeti. It is a Tundra 65 yeti filled with top shelf alcohol. The class is raising monies to give a helping hand to local charities that were damaged in Hurricane Ian. These nonprofits help our community exponentially. The tickets for a chance at winning the Booze Yeti is 1 for $20 or 6 for $100. Anyone 21 years or older can purchase these tickets from any Leadership Charlotte ’23 Classmate or at the Charlotte County Chamber office.
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~ Golf anyone? Did you see these Chamber items too? ~ | |
Advertise in the Quarterly Newsletter Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is a DIGITAL Quarterly 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, or click here to learn more. | | | |
13th Annual Business Expo | | |
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Interested in Expo2024?
We'll have the event on our calendar soon! It will take place on Thursday, February 8, 2024.
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We want to thank our Expo2023 Sponsors: | |
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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.
Platinum Title Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor: Adjuster Groups LLC
Gold Presenting Sponsor: Quigley Eye Specialists
Gold Presenting Sponsor: Lockett-N-Homes Realty Co.
Silver Sponsor: Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.
Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Silver Sponsor: BMR Company Roofing Services
Bronze Sponsor: Mosaic
Bronze Sponsor: Succentrix Business Advisors
Bronze Sponsor: ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda
Bronze Sponsor: J & J One Stop Gun Shop LLC
Bronze Sponsor: Reaper Rodent Removal
Bronze Sponsor: Tommy's Express Car Wash
Bronze Sponsor: Hodges University
After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions
Main Stage Sponsor: BMR Company Roofing Services
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad
Kick off Party Sponsor: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
Lanyard Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group
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MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash
Call or email for information
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Mark Dumser
(941) 268-8676
mdpressurewashingandsoftwash@gmail.com
http://mdpressurecleaning.com
Florida Entrepreneur Association
Call or email for information
Sarasota, FL 34236
Cullen Steger
(941) 444-1945
https://floridaentrepreneurassociation.com
Big Shot Marketing & Design, LLC
Call or email for information
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Dori Haltvoight
(716) 489-1991
dori@bigshotmad.com
http://bigshotmad.com
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ | |
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Chris & Erica Rayborn, Realtors - Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty.
Ribbon Cutting, Wednesday, February 15 at 9:00 a.m. immediately following the
Third Wednesday Coffee at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
Please RSVP in the member portal.
Burnt Store Title - Tri Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Punta Gorda, FL
Cocktails & Appetizers 5-7PM
Please RSVP in the member portal.
More information on these as we get closer to the date:
March 1, 2023 - Parrot Outreach Society
March 3, 2023 - Robert L. Cochran CH82 Disabled American Vets
April 5, 2023 Total Gastroenterology/Dr. Ahmadi
May, 12 2023 - Granny Nannies Senior Home Health Agency
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, networking opportunity. | |
#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.) | |
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The Suites at Fishermen’s Village is featuring a Luxury Romantic Getaway February Promo! Luxurious Accommodations! Bottle of Wine, Norman Love Chocolates, Late check-out and more! Book Today! 941 621-6046 fishermensvillage.com/suites
Charlotte Players- How The Other Half Loves, February 9-26. There are three couples in this play, the men all working for the same firm. One of the younger men is having an affair with the wife of the oldest, and when each returns home suspiciously late one night or early one morning they invent a story about having to spend some time smoothing domestic matters in the home of the third couple. Of course, the third couple have to show up to put the fat in the fire, but that complication only adds to the fun of this famous farce. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
The Charlotte County Tourist Development Council is accepting applications for the 2023 Event Development Program (EDP). The EDP provides reimbursable funding to assist in the development of new events, occurring in low or shoulder seasons which promote Charlotte County as a tourist destination. The application is available online here. Applicants should note, the program guidelines and application were recently revised.
Applications are due no later than February 22 by emailing Ms. Brynja Phipps at Brynja.Phipps@PureFlorida.com
Please come support Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County at this fun and delicious event. This year marks our 7th annual Mardi Gras on Marion. It is held at FM Dons on Saturday February 25th at 1:30. They will be serving all you can eat shrimp, crawfish, sausage, potatoes and corn. We will have a chance auction. Tickets are $40 and there will be a cash bar. All proceeds go to feed our local elderly homebound Meals on Wheels clients. We must continue to keep our mission alive and thriving.
On Saturday, February 25th, from 11:00 – 2:00, Complete Auto Repair will hold their 13th Customer Appreciation Party. This outside event is open to the public, and features music by the GMen Band, and “cruise in” by Tailgaters of Central Florida and the Peace River Car Club. Our popular raffles for adults and kids will continue this year!
Charlotte Players- NATURAL WOMAN: A TRIBUTE TO CAROLE KING STARRING KATIE PINDER BROWN MON FEB 27 2023. Natural Woman is the premier tribute to legendary singer/songwriter Carole King. Professional piano entertainer Katie Pinder Brown play s and sings live the iconic songs that defined a generation. Located at The Charlotte Harbor Event And Conference Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Valerie’s House-Charlotte County is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving children and families who have lost a loved one to go on to live fulfilling lives. Our vision is that no child grieves alone. Would you like to be a Valerie’s House Volunteer Facilitator? Our next training will be in Port Charlotte on April 15th & April 16th. Please complete the volunteer application link to join us: Volunteer in SWFL — Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org). We will also be having our Charity Quarter Frenzy Fundraising Event on March 9th at 6pm at the 24TwentyOne Event Center. We hope to see you there.
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IMPORTANT! The Employee Retention Credit is a stimulus program designed to help businesses and Non-profits that retained their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Established By the CARES ACT in 2020, it is a tax credit (a grant, not a loan ) that refunds salaries and health care costs you paid to your employees during 2020 and 2021. Business refunds vary from $8,000 to $26,000 per employee based on your particular qualifications. Over 90% of businesses qualify. There are NO out of pocket costs incurred. Len Kushner, Secure Benefit Options, 941-979-7728.
Help your employees live healthier, happier, and longer! 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.
If your home has “shrunk” due to the things you’re planning to bring back up North, consider having Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage pack them for the move, and store them in their secure storage facility. Then, schedule your move with Kenny, to ensure availability when many Snowbirds fly back north. When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons, 941-423-5311.
Next Saturday (the 25th), is Complete Auto Repair’s 13th Annual Customer Appreciation Party from 11:00-2:00, located at 20120 Veterans Blvd. It is free to everyone, even if you’ve never been a customer. We will have the GMen Band playing music, two car clubs with some amazing vehicles on display, free food and drink (while it lasts), and raffles for both kids and adults. Come on out!
Teen dating violence is an issue that that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Together, we can raise the nation’s awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships. C.A.R.E.’s 24/7 HELPLINE (941)637-0404 is available to provide victim advocacy, one-on-one counseling, support groups, and help for family members of survivors of rape and sexual violence. Let’s put an end to teen dating violence!
Pink Pantha clothing store is located in the Port Charlotte Town Center. Specializing in women's apparel. Carrying Junior and Misses we have the latest fashions and designs! Shirts, shorts, jeans, dresses, skirts, lounge wear, and so much more! We even have a maternity section! We also have accessories and gift items in the store. Come find your Valentine a gift! We offer in store pick up, local delivery, or we ship to anywhere in the US. Located at 1441 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte or order online at http://www.pinkpanthaclothingstore.com.
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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. | | |
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Love Should NOT Hurt! February has often been known as the month of love, sweethearts and romance. Unfortunately, not all relationships are healthy and they sometime can result in domestic violence or sexual violence. C.A.R.E. is here to help you. Our 24/7 SV Hotline (941) 627-6000 has trained advocates that are here to help, and give you the tools for healing and hope. Make February the month for self-love and self-care, fostering relationships with family and friends, and loving others.
We are looking for two case managers to add to our team in Charlotte County Human Services! One position is for our Aging and Adults division and the other is for our Neighborhood Services division, focusing on housing stability. Please share our application and job description with your contacts! We appreciate it.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/charlottecountyfl/jobs/3895207/case-manager?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
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“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle | |
Showcase your business through sponsorship! | |
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. | |
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Top ways high egg prices are changing the world:
Only the wealthy can now afford to walk on eggshells.
Eggs are now considered too good to scramble.
"Laying an egg" is now a compliment.
People are starting to ask for a cost-of-mayo raise.
You can have a steak. Or, for $2 more, an egg salad sandwich.
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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