Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 96th Year of Serving All Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, October 19, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- 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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Congratulations to the
TAMPA BAY RAYS!
Your fellow Charlotte County
Chamber of Commerce members
are headed to the
WORLD SERIES!!
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THIS WEEK
Third Wednesday Coffee
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
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The Third Wednesday Coffee is open to all chamber members. Sponsoring the meeting this month is the Charlotte Community Foundation. Presenting an update about the foundation will be Ashley Maher, Executive Director. Each month we offer one of our nonprofit members the opportunity to provide an update of their program. Mike Mansfield, CEO of Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, will let us know the progress being made in our community by this wonderful organization. New chamber board president Justin Brand will also present a chamber outlook for the coming year.
But wait, there's more ...
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Immediately following the Third Wednesday Coffee, a 30-minute new member orientation is being presented to all businesses which have joined the chamber over the past year. It's time to re-group!
This will all be about learning what your chamber membership can do for you, and what you can do for your chamber. Topics to be covered include a one-on-one with the Board President, an introduction to the chamber staff, benefits and programs overview, and using the new website portal. (As a side-note, the new website portal is so popular that we will be scheduling a separate Lunch & Learn session just for this topic in the very near future.)
The goal of the orientation is to take the guesswork out of chamber membership so businesses can maximize success based on their individual needs.
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2020-2021 Sustaining Partners |
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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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CBC Technologies
3008 Greendale Road
North Port, FL 34287
941-228-1165
Tammie Underwood
tammie@cbctech.net
https://www.cbctech.net/
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Harbor Scoops (new owners)
150 Laishley Court, Suite 1111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-505-8880
Carla Allison, Frank Allison
harborscoops@gmail.com
harborscoops.com
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Chamber Member News
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This represents a critical time for individuals afflicted by this diagnosis and those who care for them. The good news is, state-of-the-art treatment options that can be completed in just a few weeks are available here in Southwest Florida. At Advocate Radiation Oncology we consider it our privilege to take care of cancer patients with expertise and compassion. To learn more about the treatment options offered at our Port Charlotte, Cape Coral and Fort Myers offices, visit www.AdvocateRO.com, or call Carol King-Murphy at 941-883-2365.
Remember the luncheon we had Friday, October 2nd? You might have noticed the stage and tables were decorated with balloons. These beautiful balloon centerpieces and stage décor created an enjoyable atmosphere. But you might have been wondering… who did all these balloons. It’s US! Balloon Excitement. We would love to help with your event or special delivery. Make your next Grand Opening, Awards Ceremony, Business Entrance, Employee Appreciation, Special Customer Appreciation, or Warehouse an enjoyable place to be. Have a different occasion? We’ve got ideas. Email info@balloonexcitement.com or call 941-787-9750.
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! There is no better time than now…get $10 off any order of $200 or more from now until 10/30/2020. From PPE to signage or apparel, we’ve got you covered! Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to see what we can do for you!
Back by popular demand C.A.R.E Auxiliary presents the Wheelbarrow of Cheer. Tickets are $10.00 or 5 for $40.00. Available for purchase at the following locations: All local branches of Bank of OZK and Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Ct, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Follow us on social media! @carecharlottecounty for additional locations on tickets! All proceeds benefit The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies providing services to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other violent crimes in Charlotte County.
A referendum is on the ballot this fall to extend the 1% local option sales tax for six years. This is not a new tax, it has been approved by voters in Charlotte County for 26 years. The 1% local option sales tax would fund more than 20 projects throughout Charlotte County. Find more at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov or call Brian Gleason at 941.743.1462 to schedule a presentation for your organization. Early voting starts Oct. 19; Election Day is Nov. 3.
Charlotte County Economic Development Office- Stage Three of the Charlotte Cares for Business Recovery Grant Program is open. The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners approved the Recovery Grant Program to accelerate and assist the reopening efforts of businesses hardest hit by COVID-19. Charlotte County was assigned $32.9 million from the federal CARES Act approved by Congress. Twenty percent (20%) of those funds, $6,580,000, will be given to qualified Charlotte County businesses by electronic application through the Recovery Grant Program. The criteria has changed for this stage, so for more information please go to: www.Cleared4TakeOff.Com
With Cops and Goblins 2020 officially canceled, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is inviting your children to compete in a virtual costume contest. During the last week of October, a post will be made on the CCSOFLSheriff Facebook page. All you need to do is snap a picture of your child in costume and put it in the comments section of that post. The 3 most-liked will get prizes. (Ages 12 and under only, please.)
Charlotte Players- Running Mates opening night is October 9th. This is the 2nd play of our 60th season. This fast paced political comedy brings new meaning to the phrase “family politics.” The show runs till October 18th. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling our Box Office at 941-255-1022. We are practicing social distancing in the theatre and masks are still required. Charlotte Players is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.
Charlotte State Bank & Trust Vice President Christine Hause and Portfolio Manager Gregory Thomas are conducting a series of complimentary webinars from 10 to 11 a.m. starting Tuesday, Oct. 20, with “Avoiding Estate-Planning Mistakes, with Celebrity Examples,” followed by “Stocks, Bonds, and Exchange Traded Funds” on Wednesday and ”Family Administrating Your Estate Plan” on Thursday. For more information or to register for the webinar, visit www.charlottestatebank.com or contact Hause at 941-624-1917 or chause@csbtfl.com.
Chelsea Place Home Care is offering a new client discount. Purchase 40 hours of service and receive 10 hours additionally at no charge. We offer meal prep, medication reminders, transportation, companions, laundry and light housecleaning. Call for complimentary consultation 941-979-5288, available 24/7 with no minimum amount of hours.
The Children’s Network of SWFL is in need of caring volunteers in Charlotte County. If you have a desire to help struggling families, please visit our website, click on the Family Mentor Program tab for details and application www.childnetswfl.org. All they need is Love ~ Foster, Adopt, Mentor!
Are you thinking of buying someone a car for Christmas? You probably know that economy cars are a bargain when it comes to maintenance costs. Researching average repair and maintenance costs can lead you to select a vehicle that may not have been on your original list. You can check maintenance costs for various models on the Complete Auto Repair website, mycompleteautorepair.com. Ron Morgan is happy to chat about your final selection. Model year “quirks” and their repair costs can be easily avoided in just one phone call. Call Ron at 941-623-2926.
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!
Don Gasgarth’s Charlotte County Ford needs your vehicle and will pay cash today! Save up to $13,000 off on 2020 F-150 and Expedition. 2020 Escape starting at $19,997 or take up to $8,000 off 2020 Escape, Edge, or Explorer. Stop in to our showroom or visit us at CharlotteCountyFord.com for more specials. Joseph Keilholz, Sales Manager, 813-575-2140. Call or Text me anytime! Don Gasgarth's Charlotte County Ford, 3156 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33952
We’ve built a better BOGO at Eye Centers of Florida! Enjoy 30% off all additional pairs of eyewear with purchase of first pair. Perfect for a spare pair, sunglasses, readers, and blue light blocking computer glasses. To learn more and to view all optical and Aesthetic Center 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. The Port Charlotte office is located on Hwy 41 in front of Lowe’s. For all SWFL locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
Farr Law Firm is pleased to announce the addition of Kimberly N. Rubino as an associate attorney in the Punta Gorda office. Rubino is the newest member of the firm's experienced litigation team. Prior to joining the Farr Law Firm, Rubino was an Assistant State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in Fort Myers and Port Charlotte. Rubino earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Stetson University College of Law in 2017. In 2014 she received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida International University.
Fishermen’s Village annual Festival of Lights features more than one million holiday lights and decorations throughout the Village! Staff is currently decorating the Village in preparation of the holiday season. Daily viewing begins November 15th and continues through December 31st! Note: Although we are unable to host a “Lighting of the Village” Ceremony this year, we invite you to come and enjoy the Festival of Lights, lighted canal cruises, shopping, dining and live entertainment! Visit www.fishville.com for full details!
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 getting busy with our part-time residents returning to SWFL. We especially want to make ourselves available for unloading or unpacking services for your returning neighbors. If you know someone that needs unloading or unpacking or might be moving elsewhere in SWFL, tell them to call Kenny at 941-423-5311 for information or scheduling. Check out our 5-star reviews online. Our reputation guarantees we will do all that we can to make your family or friends comfortable once they arrive.
"Harness the amazing power of indifference. Everything doesn’t need a response. Most of what we hear and see daily is inconsequential and devoting your finite amount of time and energy to it only steals from your future. Use the energy you have to focus on making things better for you and yours." This tough-love thought was sent compliments of Guerzo Business Consulting (Original text written by a former client). Call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884 if you’d like to improve your focus.
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.
Harbor Inspection Services is offering a 30 day special of 10% off Residential home inspections including wind mitigation and 4 point inspections for seniors 65+, teachers, medically licensed personnel, law enforcement, veterans/military. Proper ID required. Please contact Lib Astafan via phone or email for more information and pricing. Offer ends 10/11/2020. Lib Astafan, Owner/Inspector, Harbor Inspection Services LLC, Certified Professional Inspector; FL Home Inspector Lic. HI12433; InterNACHI # 19060317; Bus. Mobile 941-740-4546; Lib.Astafan-CPI@harborhomeinspections.com; www.harborhomeinspections.com
The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event to benefit the Homeless Coalition will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. The cost is $95 and includes: 25 chance auction tickets, 2 drink tickets, a continental breakfast, a southern-style barbeque lunch and mulligans for your team. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot.
Each day is a gift, and we can never predict what the future holds. Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.
Independent Financial Coaching is looking to help families plan a fun yet frugal holiday season. If you know a family that has been receiving CARES Act aid (which expires this year), give them Sue Craig’s number (941-916-5324). In just one meeting, Sue can talk them through a plan to avoid a financial “hangover” in January. Help your friends minimize holiday stress this year!
Learn to Sail is offering adult sailing lessons with a special discount for all chamber members. Simply use the coupon code “Chamber” when checking out for a $50 discount.
A US Sailing Certified Instructor will lead the sessions. Classes are from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Nov. 7 & 8th & Nov. 14th & 15th. November 21st is a makeup day in the event a class must be canceled or cut short due to inclement weather. Class: $450 + $25 non-refundable registration fee, seats are limited. Register here: www.learntosailswf.com
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 if you are laying pavers in Florida, that in most cases you only need two inches of paver sand to go underneath? Murdock Stones Etc. is selling it for $43 a yard ($5 off) to chamber members for the month of October. 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox) or www.murdockstonesetc.com, 941-629-6651.
Employers searching job applicants' or employees' social media accounts for background information is drawing scrutiny. More than twenty states have adopted various prohibitions of the practice. Generally, it's unlawful for employers to consider applicants' gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion when making hiring decisions ... and social media accounts may reveal all of that information! Additionally, much of social media information may be unreliable because of bias, exaggeration, or outright falsehoods. Contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500; Toll-Free: 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: nrginfo@atlantic.net
"Using a Marine GPS" is being taught hands-on by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron Saturday, 31 October staring at 1PM and finished by 5PM in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. We give you a little background on how it works; then we hand you a handheld GARMIN GPS unit which we walk thru the operation, menus, and create/enter waypoints to create a route. Price is $35, additional family member sharing materials $20. To register or for more information: 941-637-0766 or Education@PeaceRiverSailandPowerSauadron.org.
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month! Radiology Regional is offering 3D Screening Mammograms at a special self-pay rate of $85 for uninsured patients. This offer is good at the Port Charlotte location only, and exam must be done in the month of October. A doctor’s order is not required for a screening, and we will obtain prior images if they were done at another imaging center. Call 941-255-7945 to schedule. 18300 Murdock Circle, Bldg 15, behind the Murdock Surgery Center (GPS: use Radiology Regional Port Charlotte)
Connect with an experienced financial professional who understands how to ask the right questions. Do you have adequate financial resources to provide for a confident retirement? Do you understand your portfolio? Do you have adequate insurance to protect your family’s financial plan? Are you paying hidden fees? Call Rebekah Fero at 941-625-5811 to schedule a complimentary second opinion. (Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through IFG Advisory, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, IFG Advisory and LPL Financial are separate entities.)
Available for $226,500! This home has almost 2,000 sf under air plus lanai with steps to the back yard and pool. First floor 3 BR with numerous upgrades. Just 8 units can enjoy the heated, screen-enclosed pool. This unit has its own 2-car garage with access into the unit, and there is ample guest parking on the premises. For information on 17444 Boca Vista Rd #1002, Punta Gorda, contact Terry Arculus at Coldwell Banker Realty 941-724-1930 or terry.arculus@floridamoves.com.
Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, and refinance their home. Conventional, FHA/VA, primary residence, second homes, investment properties, or construction loans. Toby Lynn works to get the financing your best buddy needs. Pre-qualification is free! Specializing in happy, smooth, and on-time Closings! Call today! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
Tidewell is pleased to announce that Blue Butterfly has expanded to Charlotte County!
The Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center is a Tidewell Hospice program that helps grieving children and teens, ages 5-18, through peer-support groups and activities. Families may enroll regardless of when the death occurred and regardless is there was a previous relationship with Tidewell or not. The program is 100% donor funded so there is no charge to participants. Please contact Tidwell at 941-893-6610 or on our website at https://tidewellhospice.org/blue/butterfly/ for more information.
United Way of Charlotte County’s Annual Day of Caring is October 22, 2020. The Stock Our Shelves Campaign supports 15 local Partner Agencies. Our nonprofit agencies work hard serving our community. It’s our turn to give back! Select from the list of requested items and collect as many as you can! Do it as an individual, group, or business. Drop off items on 10/22 from 9-11AM in the Port Charlotte Town Center parking lot near the old Sears Auto Center and deliver through a contact-less drive thru. Volunteer at www.unitedwayccfl.org/dayofcaring or 941-627-3539.
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Do you have a background in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Case Management? Do have experience working with homeless individuals and families? Are you looking for a more fulfilling job? Saint Vincent de Paul CARES is looking to fill multiple housing case management positions in Charlotte County, Florida. They are also looking for housing specialists with knowledge of the Housing First Model and excellent landlord engagement skills. Additionally, they are looking to hire a program manager for their Charlotte County office. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about these career opportunities, please contact Jana Balicki at 727-313-2363
Farr Law Firm is seeking a full-time Real Estate Assistant/Processor for their Punta Gorda office. This position supports the firm’s real estate department with opening new real estate files according to the established procedure, preparing documents, wires, letters and checks as directed. The real estate/staff assistant will attend real estate closings as needed. Other responsibilities include preparing draft HUDs, giving verbal title quotes, ordering various title searches, funding files and performing other secretarial duties as required. For more information please visit: https://farr.com/careers/
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
The man who broke up with his longtime girlfriend went on an epic fruit-eating binge. When asked how he was handling it, the fellow merely raised a half-eaten piece of produce.
“Can't you see?” he said, “I'm in the depths of this pear.“
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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.)
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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