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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~ 98th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, January 22, 2024 ~
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2023-2024 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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Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed)
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Our 2024 Community Guides and Business Directories are here!
Our Community Guides are “everything you need to know about Charlotte County”. These beautiful publications are available at the chamber office and we encourage any member who would like a supply for their lobby or customers to stop in and pick some up. One of the exciting features of the 2024 Community Guide is that the online version contains links to the websites for many of the events, services, advertisers, and members. We encourage you to preview the publication online here
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Decades Music Trivia!
Finally a trivia game where everyone actually has fun as they guess classic TV Shows, Movies, and Radio Hits from the 50's-80's. Gather up your dream team of couch potatoes, movie buffs, and music lovers to win it all. Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Twisted Fork in the Green Room. Cost: $20pp. Our Social Committee plans this to be the first event in a series of fun, social events for our current members and those persons who may be considering membership. Individuals can order off the menu and self-pay. Register in the Member Portal
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~ Marketing Opportunities ~ | |
The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on February 1. (Digital flyers are due by January 30) Email your ad to advertiser@charlottecountychamber.org and include the web address we should link it to, or call us 941-627-2222 for more information. *Cost $100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue *Sustaining Partners receive free digital flyers depending on their partnership level. . Learn More
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Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is a DIGITAL Quarterly publishing January/April/July/October. Members who want to include a Digital page to ride with the newsletter should complete and return the agreement and provide their digital page by the 20th of the month before publication. *Cost $100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue *Sustaining Partners receive free digital flyers depending on their partnership level. Send your digital flyer to Newsletter@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for information, or click here to learn more.
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Did you know you may set up automatic payments! Never forget another membership payment! Save on stamps, checks and time. To do so, login to the Member Portal. In the shortcut menu, choose Company Information, at the bottom of the list choose Billing, choose Payment Profiles and enter your credit card. Then from that same Billing area choose Autopay & Billing to select your payment profile. That's it! | |
13th Annual Business Expo | |
Thank You Expo2024 Sponsors: | |
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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.
Platinum Title Sponsor: Kittle Property Group: Swiftwater at West Port - The Flats at Sundown - Vantage Apartments
Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.
Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Silver Sponsor: True Fence, LLC
Silver Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group
Silver Sponsor: Florida Tree & Ground Maintenance, Inc.
Bronze Sponsor: MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash
Bronze Sponsor: Better Business Bureau of West Florida, Inc.
Bronze Sponsor: J & J One Stop Gun Shop, Inc.
Bronze Sponsor: Succentrix Business Advisors
Bronze Sponsor: The Mosaic Company
Bronze Sponsor: Elite Hurricane Home Protection
Bronze Sponsor: Sage Grove on Aaron
Bronze Sponsor: Landings at Westport
Bronze Sponsor: VIP Care
Main Stage Sponsor: CarmichaelTravel.Com
Breakfast Sponsor: Soul Dental
Speed Networking Sponsor:
After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance, Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad
Kick off Party Sponsor: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
Lanyard Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group
Event Map Sponsor:
Passport Sponsor: Martella Law Firm PLLC
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"The Hottest Business Day in Paradise!" Over 1,000
attendees expected.
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Make sure to Save the Date - February 8, 2024
For this all day event!
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ | |
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Wednesday, January 31, 2024 5:00-6:00p.m. (RC=5:30)
Brighter Than Ever Salon
425 Cross St., Suite 212 &213, Punta Gorda
There will be raffles for attendees, Hair Blow Out, Nails Gel Manicure and a Mans Hair Cut. They will also be serving light food/appetizers along with wine & water. Please RSVP in the Member Portal
Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 4:30-6:00 pm (RC=5:30)
Fine Line Custom Homes
4516 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Light appetizers, refreshments & raffle.
Please RSVP in the Member Portal.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 about 8:30 a.m.
Bubble Up Exterior Cleaning
Will take place at the Third Wednesday Coffee in February
in the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda.
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, atmosphere! Networking opportunity. | |
#ConnectingBusinessesTogether | |
Members Send YOUR Member News/Events to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org and we'll share it each week. Email submissions of 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday for inclusion the following Monday. This is a free members-only benefit! (We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.) | |
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Port Charlotte Florist - HIGH END FLORAL DESIGN + DINNER Wednesday, January 24th 5 to 7 p.m All classes are held at Port Charlotte Florist, 900 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Book online or call (941) 627-2236. Dinner, glass of wine, and all design supplies are included. Class size is limited and payment is non-refundable. Learn more or sign up.
Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells a large variety of mulch at everyday low prices? This week, we'll tell you that our Melaleuca Mulch is on sale for $3.66 per bag for all chamber members through January 31st (normally $4/bag)....and Melaleuca is Florida friendly and BUG RESISTANT. Come see us at 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox) or 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (across from Home Star Storage). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651
Charlotte Players-Rumors. Join us for the first play of 2024 running January 12-28. The Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself at a large townhouse. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Start your day off right with a seminar covering the different types and levels of fraud, how to detect and avoid fraud, and how LMCU helps businesses cereal-ously secure their finances. We are partnering with Charlotte County Sheriffs Office to talk all about personal and business fraud. Please RSVP with Natalie Proctor at Natalie.proctor@lmcu.org. Event is at January 24th at 730am to 830am at LMCU Port Charlotte Office located at 2120 Kings Hwy, Port Charlotte, Fl 33980
The Small Business Development Center offers counseling to small businesses on acquiring capital, managing cash flow, and saving money. On January 25th, the SBDC presents Money Saving Tips for Seniors. There are actually many tips for savers of all ages. To register, please email Patti Guerzo, SBDC Consultant, at pguerzo@fgcu.edu.
Join us for the spectacular 2024 C.A.R.E. Ball on January 27th! An enchanting evening awaits, filled with elegance and purpose. Your presence is requested, and with fewer than 60 tickets left, secure your spot for a night of celebration. Reserve your place at this year's most eagerly awaited social gathering here!
Charlotte Players- Tribute to Steve and Eydie on January 23rd. Direct from Boston…Valerie & Jim will bring back the wonderful musical memories of Steve and Eydie. The Grammy and Emmy-winning artist’s careers spanned over five decades and are remembered for such hits as: We Got Us, I’ve Got to Be Me, This Could Be the Start of Something Big, Too Close for Comfort, and Blame it on the Bossa Nova. For tickets or more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Loren Putnam and the Staples Port Charlotte store wants to wish you a Merry Christmas! We are having The Print Big Sale! $20 off your print purchase of $100 or more, $50 off your print purchase of $200 or more, $100 off your print purchase of $300 or more. Valid 12/17/23 through 2/10/24. Exclusions apply. Visit Staples.com/print for more details
Christine Hause, Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist, and Kerry Hunter, Wealth Strategist, have scheduled free estate-planning seminars in several Crews Bank & Trust locations for February. Hause and Hunter, members of the bank’s Trust and Wealth Management Services division, will present vital information on the topics from a trust officer’s point of view. "These seminars will help you create a strong plan for the future," explained Lory Weisensee, President of Trust and Wealth Management. Registration is available at any Crews Bank & Trust branch office, online at www.crews.bank, via email at trust@crews.bank or by calling Trust Operations Associate Linda Ferrara at 941-624-1943. All seminars run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Charlotte Players- Stumblin' Out The Gate Dunlap & Mabe-Bluegrass Band January 29th. Dunlap and Mabe have performed and recorded with many talented musicians and bands-including Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Lonesome Highway, and Circa Blue-and have performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and other prestigious venues. With roots planted firmly in bluegrass, the band will play a mix of original tunes, classic bluegrass numbers, jazz favorites, and popular covers that everyone will recognize. Preferred $42, Regular $36. For more information and tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Restoration Bar invites you to join us on Thursday February 1st at 530pm to see live demos of our newest technology. We will have representatives to answer questions, food and giveaways. Enerjet kinetic facelift! Preime dermafacial! Laser hair removal for all skin & hair types! Fractionated radiofrequency! Daxxify - the longer lasting botox! Vaginal Rejuvenation!!RSVP is required: info@restorationbar.com 941-347-7707
Lake Michigan Credit Union is partnering with Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home to Host a complimentary information seminar. Complimentary lunch included. Please call 941-474-2413 to register. Event on February 1st at 1130am at 2120 Kings Hwy Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 – Gulf Coast Partnership’s 2024 Community Leaders Breakfast & Awards Ceremony - From 8 am – 10 am at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Tickets on sale and can be purchased here Award Winners: Mass Care, Publix, St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference, ShorePoint Health. Our Sponsors: Gulf Coast Community Foundation/Gould Family Trust Foundation, CCSO, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, CASL, Virginia B. Andes, Charlotte County Human Services
The Visual Arts Center is excited to announce our upcoming Art Tour to Bok Tower Gardens on February 6, 2023. This fun and educational tour is an opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore the beautiful Bok Towers and learn about its history and significance. Don't miss out - Register Today!!! Tour includes: *Coach Transportation *Continental Breakfast *Admission Bok Tower Gardens & Mansion *Lunch [8:00am - Pickup & Continental Breakfast - Visual Arts Center, 8:30am - Depart for Bok Tower Tour] VAC Members $110/Non-Members $135. Register Today! CLICK HERE: www.georgecustomtravel.com
The Small Business Development Center has many new workshops, tools, and team members. Come check them all out on February 8 at the Business Expo at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center from 10am to 3pm. Learn about February’s class - AI for Small Business; and sign up to participate in our Charlotte County networking events and research groups. Every day, the SBDC offers consulting to small businesses at no cost. For more information, contact SBDC Consultant Patti Guerzo, at pguerzo@fgcu.edu.
Charlotte High School is excited to invite you to our inaugural annual career fair on Feb. 16th. Please see the letter in the link provided below. We are hoping to have several local businesses and organizations participate to highlight the multiple career pathways students can take. This can be restaurants, small business owners, larger agencies, corporations, medical practices, and so on. There is no limit! Please use the link in the letter to RSVP and contact Jaime Eyster with any questions. Thank you and we look forward to having you join us! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QfA6xp7jxbh4hPNOHxvNVa3X25wfr3HQ/view?usp=sharing
Drug Free Charlotte County's Rally Round 4 Prevention will be March 2, 2024, 3-8:30pm at the PicklePlex®. Any experience level can play this round-robin, poker hand style play. $35 for single or $50 for team (w/meal). Register at: https://bit.ly/PlayRally2024. At 3pm - The Battle of the Guns and Hoses" as CCSO, PGPD, CC Fire/EMS and PG Fire/EMS hit the courts for a pre-event tourny. All events are free to watch (no meal included). SPONSORSHIPS available: https://bit.ly/RallyRound2024 941-559-1946 for questions.
Gator Wilderness Camp School will be hosting a 5k / 10k / 15k trail run through our beautiful 250 acre property which includes the boys campsites and our 12 acre lake. The run is Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 8 AM at Gator Wilderness Camp. We will also be hosting a kids fun dash for ages 2-12 at 9:00am. There is also a hot breakfast, fresh fruit, and delicious baked goods provided by Gator Wilderness Camp School and Detwiler's Farm Market to all registered participants. Contact Melissa Bergey 941-639-7722 or Register Online at:
http://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/GatorWildernessCampTrailRun
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Charlotte County Facilities Construction & Maintenance is conducting a feasibility study for accessibility to/from the bridgeless barrier islands (Palm Island, Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island, Knight Island/Thornton Key). This study seeks community input on the need for additional modes of access between the islands and mainland. A Public Drop-In Input Event will be held Jan. 11 at the Mac V. Horton West County Annex, 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood. Stop by anytime between 11:30 -1:30 to provide input and ask questions or provide input online: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ISLANDS (closes Jan. 26).
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Building a healthier workplace one employee at a time! Gulfcoast South AHEC offers FREE tobacco cessation counseling and FREE Nicotine Replacement in the form of patches, gum and/or lozenges at no cost for qualifying participants. Let’s get back to happy and healthy together. 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.
CV Screening: a family-owned and operated company providing top-quality service on pool cage rescreening, pool cage screen repairs, lanais, screen enclosures, and complete pool cage restorations in Port Charlotte and surrounding areas. Every panel is guaranteed. Call (941) 539-6868 for your FREE ESTIMATE today!
Save the Date. Complete Auto Repair is happy to announce that we will be having our 14th Annual Customer Appreciation Party on Saturday February 24th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be Music, Prizes, Food and our Car Show! A big thank you to everyone participating in the Car Show, everyone's favorite, as well seeing friends, customers and interacting with the community. - From Ron, Misty & the Crew!
Biohazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Venice and Port Charlotte has water damage restoration specialists and has specific training and expertise to safely remediate biohazard contaminants. Call us (941) 629-0966.
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage takes pride in moving Seniors across town or cross-country. Caring for your parents and grandparents is an important part of our mission as a family-owned business. We have patience that may be required to explain; we take the extra time to pack heirlooms. You can trust Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage to care for your family as we care for our own. For information call Kenny at (941) 423-5311.
BubbleUp Exterior Cleaning wishes you and yours a happy and healthy 2024! BubbleUp is offering two promotions: 50% off driveway cleaning with the purchase of any regular exterior cleaning and 20% off rust removal restoration services! Schedule now so your home will be beautiful in 2024!! We do soft washing and pressure washing depending on the surface to be cleaned. We clean the house, roof, driveway, walkways, pool cages, lanai's, fences, walls, gutter cleanouts, etc. BubbleUp is licensed and insured. Visit: BubbleUpclean.net or call or text: 941-587-0654.
Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes. For the month of January all chamber members can get $10 off any one roll of weedmat. 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte. (across from Home Star Storage). . www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-698-9769.
Start 2024 out by pampering yourself with our January Specials. We are offering our CryoSkin Revolution Facial for $150.00 (Reg. 200.00) and CryoSkin Slimming and Toning package special. Call Cryotherapy Port Charlotte (941) 979-7057 to schedule your next appointment.
This week's Trivia Challenge from Dellutri Law Group:
Q: Which famous Florida highway runs through Charlotte County?
Q: What is the name of the historic district in Punta Gorda?
Q: What unique ecosystem is found in the Babcock Ranch Preserve in Charlotte County?
Q: Name a species of sea turtle that nests on the beaches of Charlotte County.
Elizabeth Etnoyer eetnoyer@DellutriLawGroup.com 239-210-7253 (Call/Text)
New statewide requirements go into effect when recording property deeds, which make it more difficult for persons to file fraudulent deeds. Currently, deeds require two witness signatures to be recorded, with the name of each witness to be legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped immediately below the signature. Beginning January 1, 2024, however, the post office address of each witness will also be required and must be legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped on the deed. This statewide change is a result of House Bill 1419. Sign up for our FREE Property Fraud Alert service. It notifies property owners when a deed, mortgage, or other document has been recorded into the Official Record with their name on it. To register, visit Fraud.CharlotteClerk.com.
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Here is a great way to Use Your Membership. The option to post Deals, Jobs and News Releases is a FREE benefit! Do it yourself through the Member Portal. | |
~ New Kids on the Block ~ | |
Crews Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that Kris Proudfoot has joined the bank as a Residential Loan Originator, filling the role recently vacated by Connie Richhart, who retired after more than 40 years in residential lending. In her spare time, Proudfoot enjoys golfing and participating in community events with friends. She is based at the Murdock branch, located at 1100 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Proudfoot can be contacted at 941-369-0374 or at kproudfoot@crews.bank. | |
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The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association has an opening for a full-time facility and maintenance coordinator. This critical position requires extreme scheduling flexibility, organization, positive attitude, good judgement, and outstanding customer service skills. This position is responsible for preparing the auditorium and classrooms for daily activities (set-up and break-down), staffing events, monitoring facility cleanliness, repair and safety, and performing minor facility repairs. Reliable transportation required. Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Weekdays- $17 per hour; Weekends and Holidays- $19 per hour. Paid vacation. Send inquiries and resumes to Teri Ashley, teriashley@pgica.org.
The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant. This position requires scheduling flexibility, organization, a very positive attitude, good judgement, outstanding customer service and communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Graphic design and QuickBooks skills are also beneficial. Administrative assistants help handle the daily activities, financial transactions, and administrative operations of the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The PGICA is a fun, fast-paced environment and this is a high-profile role. Weekdays- $16 per hour; Weekends- $17 per hour. Send inquiries and resumes to Teri Ashley at teriashley@pgica.org.
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“Chase the vision, not the money. The money will end up following you.” —Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos | |
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Who Built the Suez Canal
"Dad, who built the Suez Canal?"
"I don't know, son."
"Dad, who discovered penicillin?"
"I've no idea, son."
"Dad, what's the capital of Italy?"
"I ain't got a clue, son."
"Dad, you don't mind me asking all these questions do you?"
"Of course not, son. If you don't ask, you won't learn anything."
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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