~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, March 15, 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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Third Wednesday Coffee
Wednesday, March 17, 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Location and Sponsor:
Jarrett Ford of Charlotte County
3156 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Nonprofit: Guardian ad Litem Foundation-
20th Judicial Circuit
Speaker: James Parish, CEO, Punta Gorda Airport
"State of the Airport at PGD"
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Networking at Noon
Wednesday, April 14, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Finnegan’s Grille & Pub
1825 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
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Business Card Exchange
Thursday, April 22, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Dream Salon & Spa
117 Herald Court, Punta Gorda
Restock your business cards, purchase a fabulous gift exchange item, and remember to shop member-to-member businesses!
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The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2020 continues to move forward with their amazing class project to benefit the youth of Charlotte County. For more information on how can assist with this important initiative, please click the button below:
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Maryann Mize, CCIM, a business and community leader for many years, has announced that she will retire from Charlotte State Bank & Trust in July. She has been at the bank for 32 years and currently holds positions as Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer.
Maryann served as Chamber president in 2004 and helped guide the business community through the devastation of Hurricane Charley. She is a two-time Chamber Ambassador of the Year, member of the Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Chamber’s prestigious Pacesetter Award. Congratulations, Maryann. You will be missed.
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Expo Sponsors:
(So far!)
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Quigley Eye Specialists
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
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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Expo Exhibitors:
(So far!)
AADisaster Restoration; Achieva Credit Union; American Imagining of SW Florida; Anderson Enclosure's LLC; Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda; BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte; Buffalo Graffix; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; CareerSource Southwest Florida; Centennial Bank; Certain Service; Chapman Insurance Group; 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; Charlotte Health Solutions; Chelsea Place Senior Care; Charlotte State Bank and Trust; Charlotte Technical College; Coastal Dermatology; Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; Cutco Closing Gifts and 360 Business Growth; Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions; Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop; Farr Law Firm; Fawcett Memorial Hospital; Florida Weekly; Foot and Ankle Centers of Charlotte County; FSBDC at FGCU; Gator Wilderness Camp School; Icard Merrill Attorneys and Counselors; iHeart Media; Integrity Insurance Agency; Labor Solutions; LaQuinta Inn and Suites/Microtel Inn and Suites Port Charlotte; Liberate Physician Centers- Southwest Florida; Life Care Center of Punta Gorda; Maple Leaf Golf & Country Club; Michaela Kennedy; Murdock Stones Etc.; The SCORE Association; Port Charlotte Rehab and Nursing; Pregnancy Solutions; Quigley Eye Specialists; Radiology Regional Center; Rescue Air Cooling and Heating; S&N Motorsports; ServPro of Port Charlotte/Venice; Shutters9-1-1, LLC; Sun Coast Media Group; Tampa Bay Rays; TaxSavers; The Mortgage Firm; The Mosaic Company; Tidewell Hospice; Total Air Solutions; Tony/Rhonda Gustitus Team-Keller Williams Peace River Partners; Valerie's House; Village Place Senior Living; Vintage Motor Car Club of America SWFL Region; and Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency.
Make sure YOUR local business is part of this ~HOT~ August event. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for details!
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Are small businesses a target for cyber-attacks? “It won’t happen to me. I am too small and have nothing a hacker would want. 20% of small businesses experience a cyber-attack annually. 61% of small businesses close to six months after a cyber-attack average cost $38,000. Do you take credit cards, collect/store customer information, business financials, then you’re at risk? Would you like to your business from cyber-attacks? Please contact me for a complimentary assessment. #DoYourPart. BeCyberSmart. Flora Gutierrez, ADT Security Residential/Small Business Territory Manager, FloraGutierrez@adt.com, 239-316-8150.
Prostate cancer patients in Charlotte County can now spend less time undergoing treatment at the doctor’s office. Using innovative, industry-leading Varian machines, Advocate Radiation Oncology is offering shorter, highly effective versions of prostate cancer treatment. Many patients can complete their full course of radiation in as little as 28 visits to Advocate’s office in Port Charlotte. Prior treatments often required 40 to 45 fractions. For more information, please call 941-883-2199 or visit AdvocateRO.com for a consultation with one of our expert physicians.
Alzheimer's Association- Support a great cause and increase awareness of your business. The Charlotte Walk to End Alzheimer's is recruiting for leadership positions for the volunteer planning committee. Serving on the committee is a great opportunity to introduce the community to our cause and your business. We have roles for all interests and skills no matter how much time you have to give! Contact Kathy Heldman, your walk staff partner, at kaheldman@alz.org, for more information.
Are you doing everything you can to market yourself? Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Need some help with your marketing plan for the year? There’s no better time than right now to figure out the best way to promote your business. We’ve got tons of specials going on right now to save you money and get things done! Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to see what we can do for you!
Looking to have some fun while giving back to your favorite local charity? Join us on Sunday March 28th as C.A.R.E. Auxiliary hosts their annual Dart Tournament. Registration is $25.00 per player, tournament begins at 4:00pm. Sign-ups can be made by emailing careauxiliary@gmail.com or in person day of event. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. All proceeds benefit the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies. Eat, Sleep, and play darts with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary!
At Carpenter Homes, we think everyone should have the opportunity to turn their home-ownership dream into a reality. When you buy a home from us, you are buying reliability. We procure scattered lots in well-established Florida neighborhoods and build economical, sustainable homes on those lots. We understand that school district, amenities, and community are all important considerations when purchasing a home, which is why all of our homes are reasonably priced, sustainable, and community driven.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office a offers no-cost, voluntary Combat Auto-Theft (C.A.T.) program registry for residents and businesses. Once registered, a numbered decal is received for display allowing gives law enforcement officers to investigate during certain hours to determine if the vehicle has been stolen. Responding to recent trailer thefts, registering trailers to the C.A.T program was added. All trailers - to include boat trailers, open style utility trailers, as well as enclosed utility trailers - should be registered. Call 941-613-3227 to schedule your registry.
Calling all supervisors and HR staff! Join Charlotte County Society for Human Resource Management for a virtual hour with Dr. Chris Laney “Preparing a Workforce in a Skills Driven Economy” on Wednesday, 3/24 | 11 am - 12:15 pm CCSHRM Members $10 | Guests $15 (Chamber members enjoy the member rate for first time attendance!). Details & Registration - https://ccshrm.shrm.org/forms/register-monthly-webinar Questions? Call Kim Byrne at (941) 626-1830
Charlotte Players- March 11-28. This Neil Simon classic delightfully recalls the last time the Hines family gathered in the summer of 1953 in the Poconos. Tickets are $22. Temperatures are taken upon arrival. Masks are required. Social distancing will take place in the theatre. For more information call our Box Office at 941-255-1022 or online at www.charlotteplayers.org.
CHEC invites you to attend free guided walks at various Charlotte County nature preserves! Do not miss your chance to attend a walk with us before the hot weather returns. Until April, you can enjoy a free guided walk at Alligator Creek Preserve on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. This week you may also attend a walk at various other Charlotte County preserves. Check our calendar at www.checflorida.org for more information and call 941-575-5435 to register. All walks begin at 9:00 AM and face masks are required to participate.
The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida needs volunteer mentors! Our mentors provide support for Charlotte County families that have been reunified with their child(ren) through the child welfare system. By sharing your life experience, providing support and linkage to community resources, you can help a family stay together! Please fill out an application at www.childnetswfl.org. Training is offered via email and support can be provided to families via phone, electronic means, or in-person. For more information contact our Family Mentor Coordinator familymentorprogram@cnswfl.org or call 941-613-3937. Lend-A-Hand ~ Mentor A Family Today!
At Complete Auto Repair, we replace a lot of batteries. Many cars and trucks have battery covers, or sleeves to keep them clean. We are not fans of these air-restricting parts because they create an oven-like effect on the top of the battery. If you have a cover on your battery, and want to keep your engine as cool as possible this summer, call Ron Morgan at 941-623-2926. He can tell you how critical that battery cover is to the health of your engine.
Pack the Pantry Poker Run- Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc. is sponsoring Pack the Pantry Poker Run on Charlotte Harbor to benefit the Charlotte Homeless Coalition and Englewood Helping Hand Food Pantry charities. The event will be held at the Four Points Sheraton. The stops that can be reached by auto, motorcycle or by boat. There is a $500 Grand prize, raffles, food, drinks and music. You can register to play or become a sponsor by visiting the web site at www.EnglewoodBeachWaterfest.com. Englewood Beach Waterfest is a 501c (3) non-profit. Donations are tax deductible.
Farr Law Firm Named to The Fund 2020 President’s Circle - Attorneys' Title Fund Services, LLC (The Fund), announced Farr Law Firm is named to the President’s Circle, an exceptional group of Member firms based on policies remitted in 2020. “We are proud to recognize Farr Law Firm’s significant achievement and thank them for their loyalty to The Fund and dedication to their clients,” said Jimmy R. Jones, The Fund’s CEO. The support and loyalty of top performing Members allows The Fund to continue to serve 2,500 Member firms throughout Florida.
Fishermen’s Village- March 17 entertainment, noon until 9 p.m. Attendees encouraged to practice social distancing and wear masks. Acoustic Musicians Beth Travers and Dave Signs – Irish tunes, originals and variety music, 12 noon-4 p.m.; The Calendar Girls dance Troup – performances at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Bag Pipers performing in various locations throughout Fishermen’s Village between 2 p.m.-4 p.m.; Musicians Tim Wechgelaer and Rick Rourke performing a mix of traditional Irish tunes, originals and sing-a-longs accompanied by guitar and fiddle – 5 p.m.-9 p.m. We are located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, fishville.com.
Every year we help our snowbirds move-in and then move back when the weather breaks up north. This is an essential service for so many who might need extra assistance and shouldn't be lifting heavy objects or needs packing materials. We make your return to the north as joyful as possible. Let us take care of the packing, unpacking, and other essential moving services with our experienced and family-orientated crew. Call Kenny, owner of Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage, at 941-423- 5311 to book or discuss your move.
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, has opened registration for its 4th annual March Madness Bracket Challenge. The cost to participate is a $25 minimum donation per bracket, and prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers. Proceeds provide financial assistance to help meet a child’s basic needs, as well as recruit, train and support volunteer child advocates who serve as the voice for abused, neglected and abandoned youth in Southwest Florida as they navigate the judicial, education and child welfare systems. Visit GALFMarchMadness.com for complete details.
While CEOs of large companies have large staffs in all functional areas, small business owners must wear many hats. At Guerzo Business Consulting we specialize in applying our resources to accomplish goals, leverage successes, and overcome obstacles. Owners often know what to change, and sometimes how to do it, but are unable to obtain more than 24 hours in a day. If you want to enjoy the rewards of your plans more quickly and easily, let Patti Guerzo help you out. Email Patti at Patti@Guerzo.com to set up a free consultation.
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 1st Annual “Hope for Homeless” Spring Golf Scramble event to benefit the Homeless Coalition will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Deep Creek Golf Club located at 1260 San Cristobal Avenue in Deep Creek. Check-in is at 7:30 am and shotgun is at 8:30am.
The cost is $85 and includes: 25 chance auction tickets, 2 drink tickets, a continental breakfast, a delicious 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.
Have your creditors stopped working with you during COVID-19? Are you worried about a possible foreclosure? Are you confused about your options and the CARES Act? Is debt consolidation, debt negotiation or bankruptcy best for you? To get answers to all your questions, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a confidential, complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation to come up with a plan to eliminate your debt and enjoy a stress free, debt free life.
Errors in mortgage forbearance agreement reporting are being found daily, along with discoveries of new fraud schemes, which take advantage of new government programs. This is an excellent time to check your own credit reports, just to make sure things are accurate. Sue Craig, of Independent Financial Coaching, can help you understand your 3 credit reports, how they interact, and how to lock down your SSN to prevent future identify theft and financial fraud. Call Sue at 941-918-5324 for an appointment.
Please welcome Henry Garcia, April 15th from 5pm-7pm for a complimentary Wine & Cheese Reception! Henry combines his love for painting on canvas with his trade as an interior and exterior painter for residential and commercial properties where he is considered one of the best in the industry due to his fine lines and eye for detail. Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services are proud to be part of Art in Public Places thru The Arts & Humanities Council. Join Henry April 15th, 5pm-7pm, 635 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda.
Women in Wellness helping Women in Crisis- Please join Korman Relief & Wellness Center on Saturday, March 27th from 10 am -1 pm, as women business owners showcase a variety of services, from yoga, to massage, to posture and movement assessments, to hearing tests, anti-aging therapy, with the ability to even try them out yourself! There will also be drawings and giveaways! Admission is $15, however, ALL PROCEEDS benefit the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (C.A.R.E.). Korman Relief & Wellness Center is located at 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd. 941-629-6700.
It's often heard ... "I can just tell if someone will be a good or bad hire!" If your gut says "bad hire," trust it. If it says "good hire" ... do everything possible to prove it wrong! Studies say we decide if we like someone or not within 14 seconds. If you like an applicant, you probably won't ask tough questions or pursue a thorough background check. Put feelings aside ... and dig deep! For FCRA-compliant screening, 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
The Boat Handling course is offered by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring on Monday, April 5th at 1:30PM to 4PM with sessions every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Topics: Rules of the Road; Confidence in Docking and Undocking; Handling Your Boat Underway; Anchoring with Assurance; Emergencies on Board; Knots You Need to Know and Line Handling. Price is $75 for USPS members and $125 to public. To register or for more information: 941-637-0766 or Education@PeaceRiverSailandPowerSquadron.org
Sam's Club Port Charlotte - Get a $45 gift card when you join as a new member for $45. Join here: http://samsclub.com/$45offer You’re gonna love all the ways membership pays. A $45 gift card is just the start. Here’s a peep at the perks! Scan & Go™ shopping. Skip the checkout line. Just scan & pay in the Sam’s Club App! Convenient Curbside Pickup. Pay online, park, and we’ll load your car. Members-only prices on what your family needs and loves.
Volunteers Needed- Our program is currently accepting volunteers to mentor students with our Scholarship Program. Mentors are academic guides ensuring the students does well in school, meets college requirements and keeps the student focused on being accepted to a Florida college. Mentoring requires meeting weekly for at least 30 minutes in-person, via Zoom, and App Chat or Video. Being part of the journey as a strong influence is rewarding and enjoyable creating a long-term relationship. Contact me for details at 941-255-7500 ext 169 or Gloria.smith@yourcharlotteschools.net. https://www.takestockinchildren.org
Gloria Smith, Student Services Coordinator
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
Using a Marine GPS is being taught hands-on by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron Saturday, 27 March staring at 8:30 AM and finished by Noon 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@PeaceRiverSailandPowerSquadron.org
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“Always deliver more than expected.”
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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!
Email Testimonials to Janet at jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org today!
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Sunny Days Ice Cream is looking for a mature driver to operate our ice cream truck. This position involves driving, customer sales and service. It is a part time position. Must have clean driver record for past 10 years. There is lifting and climbing in this position. Must be able to work in the Florida heat. Looking for someone with open availability, for our always changing schedule. Those interested please apply on line at www.sunnydaysicecream.com/join-our-team/ No phone calls please.
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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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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Eyelashes are supposed to prevent things from going into your eyes. But whenever I have something in my eye, it's always an eyelash. Eyeronic.
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Send YOUR Member News to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 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.)
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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