~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, JUNE 7, 2021 ~
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2020-2021 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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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Chamber Events and Updates |
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1580 News Radio, Tuesday, May 11, 9 a.m. - Tune in for a Chamber update. |
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Tues., June 8, 9:00 a.m. Listen in on 1580AM Talk Radio for Chamber News with Bob White on the Ken Lovejoy show.
Wed., June 9, Noon - Networking at Noon will be at The Village Brewhouse, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade (Fishermen's Village). Reservations required, cost $15pp. Members Networking
Wed. June 16, 7:15 a.m. Third Wednesday Coffee at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Non-Profit Speaker: United Way of Charlotte County. Program: Patrick Fuller, Emergency Management Director. Members Networking
Business Card Exchange, Thurs., June 24, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Kays Ponger & Uselton, 635 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Members networking and If you like, please bring a small gift to promote your business.
Members Networking
Welcome a New Teacher and treat them to breakfast on Wednesday, July 28 at 7:30 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Your $45 sponsorship includes breakfast for you and a teacher. The paring of sponsors with new teachers will be on a random first-come, first-marched basis. Sponsors are invited to provide 100 gift/promotional items for Teacher Goodie Bags - Gifts for inclusion should be delivered to the Port Charlotte Chamber office by 4 p.m. on Friday, July 16. (Gifts/promo items only, No flyers, please.) Register for this event through the membership portal (MIC) or complete and return the digital New Teachers' Breakfast Flyer 2021.
The next issue of the the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on July 1. Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. We prefer a PNG file (at least 600-650 pixels wide, resolution 72PPI if possible and file size no larger than 4MG) for the "digital flyer" ad in the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER, due no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the First Thursday of the month. Cost per issue is $145.00, and $95.00 for a non-profit. This is an exclusive opportunity for members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. (The chamber reserves the right to deny, publish and edit any submissions.) Email your ad to advertiser@charlottecountychamber.org or call us 941-627-2222 for more information.
We have decided to go quarterly with the printed newsletter the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Perspective. The next issue will be delivered in July so we'll need your inserts on June 21. Provide 1,500 inserts, complete the contract and return it with your check $150 for profit/$100 nonprofit. . Here is the link to the flier with all the details.
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We are now taking applications for the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2022. Selection of Leadership Charlotte participants is anonymous and based solely upon the answers to the application questions, so please be thoughtful and sincere and use more paper if needed. Program participants must be members of, or employed by members of, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, and membership dues must be current. Cost of the program is $595 and is payable at the time of acceptance. Half scholarships may be available. If needed, please advise when applying. If you have any question please contact the Chamber office 941-627-2222. The application deadline is 4 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2021. Link to fillable Application. Link to Schedule.
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The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 2022 Community Guide and Business Directory is Your Place to Be!. This is the "one-book-look" for visitors and residents throughout our community. The guide, which includes live links to advertisers is posted on our website, as well as published in a large 8 1/2 x 11 glossy color print version. Reserve your ad today to increase your visibility and promote your business. Download the fillable 2022 Community Guide Contract
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Become a Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Sustaining Partner Today! Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional financial support to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce which, in turn, provides them with additional valuable membership benefits. The program runs from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. Additional business exposure includes website listings, verbal recognition at all of our events, space on the traveling banner at all our events, newsletter inserts, ad space in our new Fir$t Thur$day Adverti$er and much more. We need your commitment by August 13th in order to include you on the Sustaining Partner page in the new 2022 Community Guide. Please complete the fillable 2021-2022 Sustaining Partner form to make your choice of three levels of sponsorship or call chamber staff at 941-627-2222 or email bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org for additional details. These benefits are exclusively available to members in good standing.
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All members are invited to join us for these Ribbon Cuttings. Ribbon Cuttings are a great informal way to meet your fellow members, introduce yourself and enjoy casual networking. |
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Rita's Italian Ice
Thurs., June 10, 5:30 p.m.
4255 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte (rescheduled)
Celebrating their one year anniversary.
2019 Leadership Charlotte Book Bus
Thurs., June 17, 5:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County
21450 Gibralter Dr., Suite 10, Port Charlotte
Please help celebrate the completion of the Book Bus
which was the 2019 Leadership Charlottes class project.
Robin Carmichael, ACC Cruise Planners
Wed., Jul. 14, 5:30 p.m.
941 Tamiami Trail, Suite A, Port Charlotte
Help us welcome our New Member.
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* GREAT MARKETING OPPORTUNITY *
We sell Charlotte County street maps on a daily basis. We actually sell between 30-40 maps per month. That’s approximately 480 maps per year. We have created a long term marketing opportunity which will certainly yield a strong Return on Investment. You will be able to place your ad on the Back Page of the map. It is a 4” x 9” ad space. In addition, your logo will be placed on the Front Page along with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce logo. The cost of this marketing opportunity is $3,500. Your marketing presence will be for at least 6-7 years, as we will be ordering 3,000 Charlotte County street maps. We know there will be members interested in this marketing opportunity. It will be on a first come, first served basis. If you want to take advantage of this, please contact Bob White at 941.627.2222 or at bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org immediately to reserve your space today!
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Just Small Biz
379 Center Ave. NW, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Brad Swezey
(941) 564-9163
http://www.justsmallbiz.com
PMI Stingray Homes LLC
622 Burning Tree Lane, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Jody McHugh
(330) 341-9661
www.pmistingrayhomes.com
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Do you 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 Bob White bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org and he will follow up with them!
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Expo Sponsors:
(More and more and more!)
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Kia of Port Charlotte
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Quigley Eye Specialists
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Southwest Florida Insurance Associates
Silver Associate Sponsor- Comfort Inn & Suites
Silver Associate Sponsor- Michael Saunders and Company
Bronze Participating Sponsor- American Imaging of SW Florida
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Charlotte Health Solutions
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mortgage Firm
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mosaic Company
Business After Party Sponsor- Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Print Sponsor- Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor- Sun Coast Media Group
Radio Sponsor- iHeart Media
Main Stage Sponsor- Dellutri Law Group
Lanyard Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Event 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. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for the ~HOT~ details!
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Over 80 booths are sold for the 10th Annual Hottest Business Day in Paradise EXPO!
Already signed up? Keep these Marketing opportunities in mind - Provide your promotional item in 500 Goodie Bags. Donate a gift for the Grand Prize Drawing. Be part of the Speed Direct Networking to connect one-on-one with other exhibitors.
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities still available (Expo Exhibitors Only) * Event Map * Paradise Continental Breakfast * Event Passport * Refreshment Station * Speed Direct Networking *
Make sure YOUR local business is part of this ~HOT~ August event. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for details! Please feel free to contact the chamber office with any questions - 941-627-2222.
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Public Service Announcement - Did you know that beginning April 24, 2021, callers should begin dialing 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. If you forget and dial just 7 digits, your call will still be completed until October 2021. Beginning October 24, 2021, callers must dial 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. This effects our 941 area code. If you have questions consult your telephone provider.
Join us June 9th at 6:00pm as C.A.R.E. Auxiliary presents Cooking with C.A.R.E. Hosted at the unparalleled F.M. Don’s, located at 201 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. This year Chef Keith Meyer will feature local Florida farm to table menu including: Key West shrimp, braised pork shank, and sweet strawberry shortcake. Tickets │VIP seating $75 │Individual seating $50│Come enjoy a delectable evening with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary. Reservations can be made by emailing careauxiliary@gmail.com or calling 941-639-5499.
King Fisher Fleet, located at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, supports the Military Heritage Museum by offering free Sunset Cruises to everyone who becomes a new or renewing Annual Museum Member during the month of June. To enroll, visit the Military Museum at 900 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. When signing-up, members will receive a voucher for a free Sunset Cruise which is valid for use during June or July.
The newly built CoolToday Park, spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, are offering walking tours for groups. Tours are conducted the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. This tour provides fans the opportunity to see the ballpark in an exclusive way with an up close and behind the scenes look at the year round spring training facility. Tour also includes a free lunch at Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar. Group tour prices start @ $35 and must be reserved in advance by contacting us at springtraining@braves.com
The Aviation Airframe Mechanic Program offered by Charlotte Technical College is an excellent opportunity for those seeking a rewarding career in a high demand occupation. Charlotte Technical College (CTC) is accepting applications for this program and will be hosting an information session on June 8th 6pm to 7pm at the CTC Auditorium. CareerSource Southwest Florida in Port Charlotte will also hold information sessions to promote this program. To attend, must register in advance by calling 941-235-5900. See date Thursday, June 10, 10am to 11am & 3pm to 4pm.
Charlotte Players- Men Are Dogs by Joseph Simonelli, June 11-20. Final play of 20-21 season! As a therapist who runs a support group for single and divorced women, she must listen to a number of relationship problems from her unusual cadre of patients as well as dealing with the unsolicited advice of her live in mother on subjects ranging from dating to cooking recipes. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 941-255-1022
Admire the artwork of Tina Weida June 24th 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 Tina. Her passion is about creating an image that will make you stop and look at something you have seen before but have never really looked at. Join us June 24th from 5pm-7pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton, 635 E Marion Ave Punta Gorda. For more information please visit www.kays-ponger.com or like us on Facebook.
If you are looking to volunteer for a great cause, Valerie’s House will be doing their next volunteer training June 26th and 27th. Valerie’s House in Charlotte County needs volunteers to help us run group nights. Your commitment is only two nights per month. We work with grieving children ranging from ages 4-19 and their adult caregiver in peer support groups. Click on the link for more information: Volunteer — Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org)
Charlotte Players- Kids Onstage is July 12-16, 19-23. Registration is open! The location this year will be at Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse. 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Students entering 1st & 2nd grade and students entering 3rd thru 6th grade camp will be 9am-12pm. Students entering 7th-12th grade will have camp 1pm-4pm. The cost is $195 before July 5th and $220 after July 5th. Price includes T-Shirt for student. Camp ends with performances on July 23rd and 24th at 7:30pm and 25th at 2pm. For more information go to Kids OnStage Facebook Page or call Charlotte Players at 941-255-1022.
FIREWORKS ARE BACK IN PUNTA GORDA! 2 Days - Sat July 3 & Sun July 4
Celebrate America Concert! Featuring Nashville Recording Artist- JOSH GRACIN!
Nashville Southern Rockers- FLYING BUFFALOES PG Native- Local Favorites- Jack-Michael Band Fourth-Fest! It wouldn't be Independence Day without fireworks! One of the largest Fireworks displays in SW Florida will light up the sky over Laishley Park! Retail, Informational, Business Services, Food Trucks All Vendors-Exhibitors wanted!! Both events are included in your vendor fee!!! 1 FEE FOR BOTH DAYS! visit- www.SmugglersEvents.com Visit the event site www.PuntaGordaFireworks.com
You are invited to the Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association's Dart Tournament on July 10th, 2021 at The Icehouse Pub in Punta Gorda. Registration will begin at 1:30 pm and darts will be in the air at 2:30 pm. Prize for 1st place: $400 AND they get to choose which of the following CDBIA nonprofit member will receive $500: Boy and Girls Club of Charlotte County; Charlotte County Young Life; Crossroads Hope Academy; Gulf Coast Partnership; The Homeless Coalition. For any additional information or to register contact Alaina at Alaina@CDBIA.com
Cruise Planners located at 941 Tamiami Trail, Ste A, Port Charlotte, Florida is excited to host Royal Caribbean's Strategic Account Manager for the Southeast Region, Hong Ngo, at our upcoming Chamber ribbon cutting on July 14, 2021 at 5:30pm. Contact Robin Carmichael, ACC at 941-259-1711 for all your travel needs
We have a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! The C.A.R.E. Ball is BACK! The hottest event of the year has been officially scheduled for Saturday January 29, 2022. This year’s theme will be “Under the Big Top” and feature the traditional sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. We encourage all of our attendees to get creative with their black tie attire. Stay tuned for ticket sales! Interested in sponsorship please email admin@carefl.org.
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Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, or refinance their home. Let’s get the ball rolling for a family member, co-worker, or your best buddy! Toby Lynn can help get them financing for Primary Residences, Secondary Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans. 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.
In avoiding discrimination in hiring, ignorance is often bliss! When employers gather info about job applicants using Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., they expose themselves to "failure-to-hire" discrimination lawsuits. Normally, employers know not to ask applicants about age, race, national origin, religion, disability, etc., but viewing an applicant's Facebook page may provide much of that information ... and more! By accessing that information online, the employer loses the ability to claim ignorance. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
When it comes to exhaust systems, here at Complete Auto Repair, we’ve invested in a new pipe bender and a local pipe-bending expert. This team saves you money and produces a smoother-sounding exhaust. How? We conserve parts of the exhaust system that are not worn, replacing just what is needed, then custom-weld it together. Our pipe-bending equipment is required for this customization, and we use it for soccer moms’ minivans as well as hot rods. When you need a new muffler or catalytic converter, call Ron Morgan for an appointment at 941-623-2926.
It was reported this week that more than 7 million people moved counties last year, up 500,000 from 2019. At Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage, sometimes it feels like they are all calling us! It is a very busy time, and the shortage of workers has been hitting movers for years. We honor all jobs that we agree to and our movers and drivers are our employees. So even in this busy season where on arrival, people can be left without their belongings for weeks, you can count on us to make your move efficient and painless. When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons at (941) 423 – 5311.
If you’re an employer trying to hire, this buyer’s market is no fun. Does your ad stand out from the myriad of others offering employment too? Patti Guerzo, of Guerzo Business Consulting, can help you rewrite your ad to stand out from your competition, and show your company in its most favorable light. Your ad is the first impression, and it needs to be good to attract the best talent. They have so many choices it’s easy to pass over a job that doesn’t look good. Don’t let that be yours! Call Patti at 312-420-0884 to set up an appointment.
Planning for retirement considers both financial and lifestyle needs. At Independent Financial Coaching, we believe a happy retirement can be achieved at many income levels. We help people planning for this life change to create spending plans at various income levels and get organized so that record-keeping tasks are efficient and sufficient. To discuss what this would look like for you, call Sue Craig at 941-916-5324.
CALL FOR VENDORS!! Fishermen’s Village is hosting a huge Independence weekend celebration July 3 rd and 4 th! Interested in getting your business exposure to thousands of customers by being a vendor at this event? Email Kathy Burnam, marketing/events manager at mkting@fishville.com for details!
BUSINESS FOR SALE. Unique concrete crack repair business located in Charlotte County. High profit margins, no competition, huge niche market that’s growing fast. Will train on using our proprietary system to fix cracks on pool decks, driveways, any concrete surface with follow-up option to paint. Have Nat'l dealer program in-place with huge potential. Owner retiring. Asking $119k. Reply P.O. Box 511662, Punta Gorda, FL 33951.
Registration for the RRF opens Friday, April, 30th at 9 am EDT and the application period will start Monday, May 3rd at 12pm EDT - The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Florida SBDC at FGCU Learn More
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A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at them."-- David Brinkley
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Member-to-Member Testimonials |
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Thanks to a member suggestion, we are enthusiastically sharing testimonials from our members about their positive business experiences with other members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Submit a paragraph of 90 words or less describing your experience. Include your name and business name, and email your Member-to-Member Testimonial to Janet at jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org before noon on Friday to be included the following week. We are proud of our members and this is an excellent way to let them shine even more!
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United Way of Charlotte County is seeking a Finance Manager – this team member is critical to the success of our mission. UWCC is mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty. Our workplace is fast-paced, friendly and adaptive. Join us in giving everyone in our community the opportunity to live their best life. Our Finance Manager is responsible for directing the fiscal functions of the United Way of Charlotte County and the United Way Foundation of Charlotte County in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. For more information, please go to our website, click here: https://www.unitedwayccfl.org/now-hiring or email your cover letter and resume to: admin@unitedwayccfl.org
Your Port Charlotte, FL, Sam's Club at 17700 Murdock Cir is hiring immediately to meet the increased needs of our members. If you or someone you know is looking for work, please click the link to check out all open positions at apply online today
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Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org. AND REMEMBER you can login and post your job in the MIC (Member Portal) and it will be visible to all on our website https://business.charlottecountychamber.org/jobs/
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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 grocer put up a sign that read: "Eggplants, $0.25 each -- three for a dollar."
All day long, customers came in exclaiming: "Don't be ridiculous! I should get four for a dollar!"
Meekly the grocer capitulated and packaged four eggplants. The tailor next door had been watching these antics and finally asked the grocer, "Aren't you going to fix the mistake on your sign?"
"What mistake?" the grocer asked. "Before I put up that sign no one ever bought more than one eggplant."
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Send YOUR Member News 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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2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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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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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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