~ 97^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock

The Business Expo is 9 weeks away, have you signed up?

Platinum Title Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group

Silver Associate Sponsor - Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Silver Associate Sponsor - Michael Saunders and Company

Bronze Participating Sponsor - Dancing Moon Travel

Bronze Participating Sponsor - Painting with a Twist

Bronze Participating Sponsor - Sunshine Ace Hardware

Print Sponsor - Buffalo Graffix

Radio Sponsor - iHeart Media Group

Newspaper Sponsor - The Daily Sun

After Hours Party Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions

Kick-off Party Sponsor - Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center

Passport Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions

Lanyard Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group

Goodie Bag Sponsor - WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

There are four sponsorship levels which include the exhibitor booth space(s), lots of promotional perks, print and digital advertising, party tickets, and more than ever before.  

PLATINUM LEVEL: Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; Integrity Employee Leasing ; Olsen, Lynch & Associates, CPAs; The Daily Sun and Tommy's Express Cara Wash

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown, and Smith, CPAs; The Bevis Group; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Charlotte State Bank and Trust*; Farr Law Firm*; Friendly Floors; Nix and Associates Real Estate; and Panther Hollow Dental Lodge.

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions, LLC; Friendly Floors; Nolan Family Insurance; Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, McKinley and Young Law Firm.

Networking @ Noon:  Join us for a nice lunch and member networking event at Harbor Social located at 212 W. Marion Ave. in Punta Gorda on Wednesday, December 8. Lunch starts at noon, please be a little early to check in. Kindly limit your participation to no more than 2 people per member as space is limited. Cost is $15pp. Remember to choose your meal when you register, click here to register.

The next Business Card Exchange is on Thursday, December 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chapman Insurance Group, 2455 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Please RSVP for this event in the MIC. If you like, please bring a small gift to promote your business.

43rd Annual Christmas Parade steps off in downtown Punta Gorda at Noon on Saturday, December 11 and will travel from the Charlotte Performing Arts Center staging area, up Taylor Rd. to disband at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. The Judging area will be in front of Centennial Bank. Come out to watch this free family fun event, bring your blankets or lawn chairs and set them up along Taylor Rd.

Third Wednesday Coffee and 1st Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest:  Join the Charlotte County Chamber for our monthly morning coffee on Wednesday, December 15. Wear your best ugly sweater and join us as we celebrate the Christmas Parade Award Winners. Thanks to our Sponsor The Daily Sun for the coffee and breakfast goodies.  Come at 7:45 a.m. to have a little time to have your coffee/goodie and do a little networking. The coffee begins at 8:00 a.m.   Please RSVP for this event in the MIC. We encourage you to bring a new unwrapped toy which will be donated to the Ironman Alex toy drive.

The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is a collection site for the Marine Corps League Toys for Tot's! If you would like to donate a new, unwrapped toy for a child bring your gift to our office at 2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. Donations will be accepted through December 10.

Join us at Fishermen's Village at 6:00 p.m. for our New Year's Eve celebration. Live music, good food, shopping family fun and midnight fireworks. Sponsored by Tow Boat U.S. Charlotte Harbor, Keesling Construction and Holidaze Boat Rental. Fishermen's Village is located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. See more events at www.fishermensvillage.com or call 941-639-8721 for information.

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on January 6. (Digital flyers are due by January 4.) Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. 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.

Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is going DIGITAL beginning with the January 2022 issue. Complete the Newsletter Agreement ($100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue) and email it with your digital flyer to Newsletter@charlottecountychamber.org

Businesses may join online now on our website or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org and she will follow up with them!

ROOF RX - Ribbon Cutting Tuesday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Lime Tequila - Ribbon Cutting, Wednesday, December 15 at 4:30 p.m.

The attached flyer has been developed to cover the matters pertaining to the flood hazard which the County considers to be most important for you to know. Especially pertinent is the fact that everyone in Charlotte County should seriously consider having flood insurance, and that you should know your flood zone. Visit www.agis.charlottecountyfl.gov to find flood information for your location.

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.)

Cutco is coming to Miromar Outlets! Our limited time Pop Up Shop starts Dec 6th at 3:00pm. Come find us near the Coach Store. See & feel Cutco products in person, request service, and more! Call (239) 989-8635 for more information.

SIP, STROLL and SAVOR as you admire the artwork of Becky VanPelt December 15th from 5pm-7pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services 635 E Marion Ave Punta Gorda.  We will be hosting a complimentary Wine and Cheese reception to showcase Becky. Her current work of art, as she calls it Abstract-ism. Then finishes the painting by applying paint, fluidly over the composition, while maintaining harmony. Tour Becky’s journey at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services December 15th from 5pm-7pm 635 E Marion Ave Punta Gorda. AIPP Locations are sponsored by A/H Council and Coordinated By the Program Director.

An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh/salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment will be demonstrated during the class and there will be a number of useful handouts. The class is geared towards beginning anglers, but more experienced fishermen may pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen who might even reveal the locations of a few local hotspots! The course is open to the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday January 12, 2022. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

It’s time to celebrate our Teachers! The Charlotte Local Foundation, Inc. along with Suncoast Credit Union, our sponsors, school staff, and community leaders will present the Golden Apple Teacher and Support Employee of the Year Awards on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 5:00 pm. The event will be held at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, FL. 33950 Virtual tickets are now on sale and sponsorships are needed. For more information please visit  www.charlotteschoolfoundation.org or by calling 941-255-7500 ext. 1811 for more information.  

Ladies and Gentlemen the greatest event of all time is FINALLY BACK! The 2022 C.A.R.E. Ball is officially scheduled for Saturday January 29, 2022 |6:00pm | located at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in downtown Punta Gorda. This year’s theme is “Under the Big Top” featuring a traditional three course sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. We encourage guests to be creative with their formal wear. To purchase your tickets/ sponsorship opportunities visit www.care2022.givesmart.com Come one, come all to hottest event in town! 

Looking for entertainment this coming Florida winter season? Look no further than the Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum! Every band is carefully booked...Each group is of the highest quality! You will surely want to come back for more! Click here for event and ticket information.

FRESH CUT NC CHRISTMAS TREES FOR SALE!!! Are you feeling the Christmas Spirit but aren't feeling like getting out of the house?  Greenscape Innovations can deliver Christmas to your door step, we have: ~Beautiful Fresh Magnolia Christmas wreaths and Garland ~Christmas Tree Bow toppers ~Poinsettias ~Firewood ~Soy Candles ~Christmas trees: 3’ $60, 4’-5’ $75, 5’-6’ $90, 6’-7’ $110, 7’-8’ $135, 8’-9’ $180. To find out more find us on Facebook, Instagram or www.greenscapeinnovations.com We are located: 4435 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte 941-628-0012 to place your order over the phone. 

The Charlotte Community Foundation has opened their annual scholarship cycle early, on December 1, 2021. Our hope is that this will allow for students to apply during their winter break. In the 2021 cycle, CCF was able to award over $137,000 to 42 Charlotte County residents through the generosity of our donors. This year we will be awarding even more scholarships with new opportunities available. Through our new partnership with The Babcock Ranch Foundation we have added general study opportunities for 2 and 4 year degrees in addition to our multiple health professions and nursing scholarships. Please encourage students to apply on our website www.charlottecf.org/scholarships. Students will be able to research the available scholarships, review each different criteria, have access to the FAFSA applications and more. Follow us on social media as up to date information will be posted regularly.

Americans are growing increasingly familiar with the negative effects of identity theft. Sadly, according to FBI crime statistics, an average of 280,000 individual's register identity theft-related complaints each year, with $1.3 billion in losses reported. Financial Identity Theft is by far the most common type of theft being reported. If you or your family have been a victim or you want more information, please give Sue Craig at Independent Financial Coaching a call to discuss (941) 916-5324. They work with people that have been exposed to all types of identity theft.

Gardiner & Sons Moving and Storage is headed to the Midwest before Christmas time.  We have room to play Santa and deliver something wonderful to someone special or you may just have a few boxes or awkward items that you need assistance with but by themselves are too expensive to send. These items can hitch a ride with us. Please call Kenny as soon as possible to discuss the planning at 941-423-5311. "When Quality Counts" call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage. 

If you have family and friends who will be visiting during the holidays, and they need repairs to their travel vehicle, 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. 

Year end is a natural time for reflection.  Did you achieve your business goals this year?  Now is the time to start making notes for your 2022 plan.  Patti Guerzo, of Guerzo Business Consulting, would be happy to discuss your 2022 plans, offer ideas, and help you make 2022 a standout year.  If you want a collaborative mind that wants to help you succeed, meet with Patti.  Schedule an appointment with her at patti@guerzo.com. 

According to recent research, employees who believe their own actions can make a difference in their company are much more optimistic, seek more solutions, take more action, and have more perseverance. High performers have this kind of mindset and, as a result, they find ways to consistently produce good results rather than excuses. Studies have also shown that ALL of these high performers have the "I can do it!" attitude in common.    For the best FCRA-compliant background screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.    941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    

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

Do you want happier and healthier employees? Learn how Gulfcoast South AHEC can offer 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.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office has initiated the Take Me Home Program. This program helps those residents who have a tendency to wander. When given specific information, we then have the ability to identify registered missing people and return them home. Participants can be non-verbal or just easily confused, adults or children. It is free of charge to Charlotte County citizens. Participants can be registered by calling the Community Affairs Unit (941) 575-5345 or our CCSO App. Information will be stored in our computer system along with a current photo of the person.

Help the Tidewell Foundation make holiday wishes come true for families and children who have lost a loved one! Here are some ways you can inspire moments of joy and excitement: ● Purchase a gift off our wish list for a child, teen, or adult enrolled in the Blue Butterfly program ● Sponsor a family or multiple families as a business or community partner ● Make a cash gift by donating at www.tidewellfoundation.org To provide gifts, or for more information, contact the Tidewell Foundation at (941) 321-9734 or Giving@TidewellFoundation.org.

Click here to view jobs currently posted on the Charlotte County Chamber website!

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.

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/

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

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

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

Florida Department 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

Nine things Dogs Don't Understand:

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.)

Bob White, Executive Director bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org

Jami Joannes, Dir. of Business Development jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org

Ruth Uzonyi, Dir. of Finance ruzonyi@charlottecountychamber.org

Janet Caffee, Information & Customer Service jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org