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, November 9, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome 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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Networking at Noon
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Noon - 1 p.m. (But arrive early!)
Twisted Fork
2208 El Jobean Road
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Call the Chamber at 941-627-2222
Wear your Red, White, and Blue!
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Expo Sponsors (to-date):
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group;
Business After Party Sponsor- Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions;
Print Sponsor- Buffalo Graffix;
Newspaper Sponsor- Sun Coast Media Group;
Radio Sponsor- iHeart Media
Lanyard Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
There are four sponsorship levels which include the exhibitor booth space(s), lots of promotional perks, print and digital adverting, party tickets, and more than ever before. All of the details are right HERE.
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The general public is ready and almost 50 exhibitors are confirmed:
AADisaster Restoration, Achieva Credit Union, Acu Heal Medical Acupuncture, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte, Centennial Bank, Certain Service, Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Charlotte County Community Services, Charlotte County Economic Development Office; Charlotte County Property Appraiser Paul Polk, Charlotte County Water Rainsoft, Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association, Chelsea Place Senior Care, Charlotte State Bank and Trust, Coastal Dermatology, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty, Edward Jones-Jim Sproul, Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop, Farr Law Firm, Gator Wilderness Camp School, Icard Merrill Attorneys and Counselors, Integrity Insurance Agency, Labor Solutions, LaQuinta Inn and Suites/Microtel Inn and Suites Port Charlotte, Murdock Stones Etc., The SCORE Association, Port Charlotte Rehab and Nursing, Pregnancy Solutions, Radiology Regional Center, Rescue Air Cooling and Heating, FSBDC at FGCU, S&N Motorsports, ServPro of Port Charlotte/Venice, Tampa Bay Rays, TaxSavers, Tony/Rhonda Gustitus Team-Keller Williams Peace River Partners, and Village Place Senior Living.
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Please find PPP Loan Forgiveness information HERE and the needed Form 3508S HERE. THERE IS TIME!.
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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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AirSteril FL
3732 Cobblestone
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
844-783-7247
Christopher Evans
chris@airsterilfl.com
CIA Carter Insurance Agency
303 Tamiami Trail S., Unit G
Nokomis, FL 34275
941-484-4341
Nicholas Carter
Nick@CIASRQ.com
http://www.CIASRQ.com
Freebyrd C Repair, LLC
21351 Harborside Boulevard
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-479-9903
Virginia Byrd
info@freebyrdcreditrepair.com
freebyrdcreditrepair.com
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Titan Oil Tools, LLC
22212 Deborah Avenue
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
941-356-3010
Roy Pandelogou
roy.pandel@titanoiltools.com
Titanoiltools.com
Tomahawk
9387 Melody Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33981
859-227-6595
Daniel Boone
tomahawkweb.com
daniel@tomahawkweb.com
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Chamber Member News
Lung cancer often doesn’t get the attention that other cancers do, yet it kills more people than most common cancers combined. When a lung cancer diagnosis is made there are many effective treatment options available, and frequently radiation therapy is one of them. If you or a loved one is facing a lung cancer diagnosis, Advocate Radiation Oncology is here to help you through that journey. Please call us at 941-883-2199 where we always put our patients first, combining our expertise and compassionate care.
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Will we see you at the 2021 Business Expo in February? Now is the time to prepare. From table covers to banner stands, we’ve got you covered! We can help you create the perfect booth design and giveaway items for the "Hottest Business Day in Paradise.” From now until 11/30/2020, get $10 off your order of $200 or more. Contact us at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to build your custom trade show package today!
Join C.A.R.E. on November 14th at 11:00 a.m. as we present Yoga and Wine at the History Park of Punta Gorda. Attendees will have a traditional yoga practice lasting around 45 minutes or so. Followed by plenty of wine provided by our sponsor Smugglers and tons of fun. Raffle prizes will be available so don't forget your cash! Space is limited so get your tickets early ($40.00 per person) as this event will sell out. For more information, visit our website www.carefl.org/events.
A friendly reminder from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or mind off driving. It is extremely risky behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger. Texting is one of the most dangerous of distracted driving behaviors. Please put the phone down. Focus on driving.
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC) invites you to attend free guided nature walks with a Volunteer Naturalist at various beautiful Charlotte County nature preserves. CHEC will host a guided walk at Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park at Oyster Creek on Wednesday, November 11th, and a walk at Bayshore Live Oak Park on Friday, November 13th. All walks begin at 9:00 AM. For more information or to register, please call the CHEC office at 941-575-5435. Find more CHEC programs at www.checflorida.org. We hope you will join us!
Charlotte Players- Join us Nov. 6-15 for our 3rd play of the season, Mom’s Gift. In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. One by one the family’s secrets are peeled away revealing a shocking truth that surprises even our ghost. Located at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Tickets can be purchased by calling our Box Office Monday thru Friday 10am- 4pm or online at www.charlotteplayers.org. Tickets are $22. Masks are required. Temperatures will be taken upon arrival. Social distancing in the theatre.
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.
Happy Veterans Day to our soldiers, both past and present, from Complete Auto Repair. We owe you our thanks, but more than that, we owe you our freedom. There's no way to thank our veterans for everything they sacrifice for our freedom, but on Veterans Day, we have to try. So thank you to all our service men and women, both past and present!
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
Aloha! For a limited time, enjoy a very special Maui Jim BOGO at Eye Centers of Florida! Purchase one complete pair of prescription Maui Jim eyewear (sunglasses or eyeglasses), get a second pair of prescription Maui Jim eyeglasses for 50% off. The frames are gorgeous, and the sunglasses are incredible! 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. For all SWFL locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
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.
Are you planning on moving an office or your warehouse this year or next? Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has acquired expertise over the years from moving businesses, warehouses, and offices of all sizes. We understand the precise logistics of any move.
Business and office moves have lots of “moving pieces.” Our crew at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage is up to the responsibility and challenge of helping your business move smoothly. Call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311 for an estimate.
Every disruption is an opportunity for change. 2020 has been the biggest “opportunity” in some of our lifetimes. If you want to try to see these changes in a more favorable light for your business, schedule a meeting with Patti Guerzo, of Guerzo Business Consulting. An outsider’s perspective can see opportunities that cannot be seen by an insider – owner and employees. First meeting is complimentary and you will gain new ideas to make a successful comeback in 2021. Patti@Guerzo.com
Gulfcoast South AHEC provides free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs! 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 866-534-7909to 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 player registration is now full. We are still looking for sponsors. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot. Your support assists The Homeless Coalition in continuing to drive out hunger in our community.
December 31, 2020 marks the end of many Bank and Credit Card foreclosure and collection moratoriums. Don’t wait until the last minute to think about what you are going to do to deal with your creditors once collections and foreclosure actions start up again. Call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill to help you deal with your creditors and protect your assets and homestead. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com. Learn more at https://icardmerrill.com/money-matters/ .
Recent moves by Congress to loosen withdrawal rules for 401(k)-type plans underscores a growing acceptance that retirement accounts do double duty as emergency funds. These provisions are set to expire in 8 weeks. At Independent Financial Coaching, we can help you create your own emergency fund to buffer you from these financial storms. Call Sue Craig at 941-916-5324 to get started.
Keep Charlotte Beautiful is celebrating America Recycles Day by hosting their Annual Recycling Event on December 5th in the Walmart Murdock Parking Lot from 8-noon. Bring out old electronics for recycling. CCSW will be sponsoring the shredding! Only paper please. The Cultural Center will be in attendance to take clothing or small items and CCSO will be there to take any of your prescriptions or OTC drugs that have expired or are no longer needed! Please come out and properly dispose of these items with us. Questions? Please call 941.764.4390.
Christmas Light Canal Cruise reservations at King Fisher Fleet now open! Be part of the 40-year Punta Gorda tradition. Enjoy the same unique holiday experience but with new safety guidelines in place. These popular, family-friendly cruises tour residential canals to view Christmas lights, displays, and decorations on homes, boats, seawalls and docks. December 1st - 31st. Three options: 2-hour Sunset Cruise/Christmas Light Canal Cruise Combo, Classic 1-hour Christmas Light Canal Cruise, and Private Small Group Cruises. Info, prices, and reservations: https://kingfisherfleet.com/christmas-light-canal-cruise/.
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 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 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
(#1 of 4) Reasons to “CONNECT” with Lightspeed Voice. INCREASED RELIABILITY: We have geographically dispersed data centers and call forwarding which means your clients can always reach you. Learn more.
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. 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox) or www.murdockstonesetc.com, 941-629-6651.
Years ago, federal regulations limited criminal record checks on applicants and employees to seven years back ... unless the job paid $75,000 or more. But, based on amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates background screening for employment, there is no longer any federal limit on how far back employers can go when checking criminal records (although 12 states - not including Florida - do have their own limitations.) For economical and FCRA-compliant screening services, 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
Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County was founded in 1995 by the late Captain Don Cerbone with the Punta Gorda Police Department. In the last 25 years, over 1,000 students in Charlotte County have been recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, acts of heroism, community service, and for doing the right thing. We would like to ask you to consider becoming a financial sponsor for Charlotte County’s Do the Right Thing Program. Please contact Lieutenant Justin Davoult at jdavoult@cityofpuntagordafl.com or 941-575-5525 if you would like to become a sponsor.
While October is the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month, mammograms are year-round! Are you due for your annual mammogram? If so, Radiology Regional’s Mobile Mammo will be parked at 1851 Tamami Trail in Port Charlotte, on Wednesday, November 11th from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., call 941-255-7945 to schedule your appointment. Mammograms matter! An annual mammogram could be the difference between early detection and less invasive, less expensive treatment versus battling a late-stage cancer and aggressive cancer. Schedule your appointment today at 941-255-7945.
Hello fellow chamber members. Reminder, Rita's helps support the community. We offer several fundraising options to help nonprofits. We’re proud to say we recently raised $2,000 for the Charlotte Bandits Football and Cheer. We are currently working on a Spirit Night for Kingsway Elementary School and a Scoop Night with the Homeless Coalition, tentative date- November 12, 2020. If we can help, contact gregan@ritaspc.com or stop by for more info. Rita's is open 7 days a week, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm. We offer drive thru, walk up and delivery.
https://www.ritasice.com/location/ritas-of-4255-tamiami-trail-port-charlotte-fl/#ritas-row-flavors
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
SIP, SAVOR, SUPPORT! Raise a glass and do local good in Charlotte County with United Way of Charlotte County. Beaujolais, November 19th! Here's how the virtual fundraiser works: Select your Tapas and Wine Tasting package by going to our website at
www.unitedwayccfl.org. Invite a few friends or family over and enjoy a FUN evening on YouTube or our FaceBook page. You will learn about the wines from Kenneth L. Johnson Jr., local wine enthusiast, enjoy foods paired especially for the wine by Chef Jason Osborne with Charlotte Technical College. Order your tasting package by 11/9 text wine2020 to 51555 or call 941-627-3539.
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AAA The Auto Club Group has over a hundred years behind our brand. We have a top-notch Field Insurance Sales Agent opportunity to join an industry leader in our Port Charlotte, FL location.
Do you love helping people through difficult situations? SERVPRO of Venice and Port Charlotte is looking for a reliable and hardworking production technician. Experience in cleaning and restoration is preferred; will train the right candidate. Part-time and full time candidates will be considered. Must be available to work after hours and weekends for emergency services. Ability to successfully complete a background check is required. Please email your resume to: servpro9552@msn.com SERVPRO® of Venice and Port Charlotte is an EOE M/F/D/V employer.
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
Friend #1: When I drink coffee, I can't sleep.
Friend #2: Really? I am the exact opposite.
Friend #1: Wow, seriously?!?
Friend #2: Yes. When I sleep I can't drink coffee.
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Do you have news or information about YOUR chamber 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 only 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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