~ 98^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock

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.

PLATINUM+ LEVEL: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center; ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda; Suncoast One Title & Closings, Inc.

PLATINUM LEVEL: Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPAs, P.A.; Buffalo Graffix; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Crews Bank & Trust; GJC Window & Door; Integrity Employee Leasing, Inc.; McCrory Law Firm; The Daily Sun; Waste Management of Charlotte County

DIAMOND LEVEL: Adjuster Groups, LLC; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions, LLC; Farr Law Firm; Florida Gulf Coast University; Matthew Patterson, Patterson Group Keller Williams PRP; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad; Tommy's Express Car Wash; WhitCo Insurance - Alexia Martin Agency

EMERALD LEVEL: Achieva Credit Union; Big Shot Marketing & Design, LLC; Centennial Bank; Charlotte Players, Inc.; Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside; Friendly Floors; Granny Nannies Home Health Agency; Panther Hollow Dental Lodge; Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center, Inc.; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance - Mike Martin Agency; Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross & Young, P.A.

 Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed)

Join us on Thursday, December 7, 2024 for our monthly Business Card Exchange. It will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at The Daily Sun. Remember to bring your cards and if you like a small gift to promote your business. This is a members networking event.  Please register in the member portal.

Everyone Loves a Parade! Our 45th Annual Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will step off at Noon on Saturday, December 9th from the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, travel up Taylor, to disband at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Bring your lawn chairs and save your spot in downtown Punta Gorda. Your family will enjoy watching the decorated cars, boats, floats, horses, bands and performances all decked out to the theme "Tropical Christmas." Our North Pole connection has confirmed that Santa is making time in his busy schedule to drop in too!

Networking at Noon on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Unwined Wine and Beer Bar in Punta Gorda from 11:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Attendees are encouraged to bring a wrapped gift of $20. or less for our Christmas gift exchange (happening at the Lunch with attendees). Lunch choices 1)Filet Mignon skewers with a side salad 2)Garlic Shrimp skewers with a side salad 3)Salad with Grilled Chicken. Advance registration is required. Please choose your meal when you register. Cost is $20pp.  This is a members only event. Member Portal

The Charlotte County Chamber is a drop off site for our local Toys for Tots. We are accepting new, unwrapped toys for the program now through December 14th. We appreciate your support for Toys for Tots! If you have questions call us at 941-627-2222.

Third Wednesday Coffee, December 20, 2023 will start at 8:00 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Our Sponsor: TBA

Our Program: The Christmas Parade

Join us to welcome new members, award the Parade winners and enjoy the holiday spirit while networking. Please register in the Member Portal.

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.

Shop Members ~ Shop Local for the Holidays

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:

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor: Swiftwater at West Port/Kittle Property Gp

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

Main Stage Sponsor:

After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance, Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor:

Kick off Party Sponsor: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

Lanyard Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

Elite Hurricane Home Protection

3341 Ulman Ave., Unit B

North Port , FL 34286

Chris Hege, Trae Christian, Cody Hedge

(941) 200-2916

info@elitehurricanehomeprotection.com

https://www.elitehurricanehomeprotection.com/

Paradise Rentals

Call or email for information

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Nick Radermacher, Joleen Radermacher

(941) 867-6465

joleen@rentparadisefl.com

http://www.rentparadisefl.com

Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Charlotte County

Chamber member?

Businesses may join online now or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org - Thank you!

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 5:30 pm. until 6:30 pm. (RC=5:30)

Celebrating their Grand Re-Opening

Gladrich Florist

4678 Tamiami Trail, Unit 103, Port Charlotte

Raffle for attendees, refreshments & snacks.

Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 5:00-6:00 p.m. (RC=5:30)

Blind Spot Etc.

1810 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte

Refreshments, appetizers and raffle will be held for attendees.

Please RSVP in the Member Portal

Thursday, January 11, 2024 5:00-6:30 p.m. (RC=5:30)

SimpliFi Home Loans

425 Cross St., Suite 116, Punta Gorda

Business Card raffle for multiple basket giveaways, door gifts for attendees. Food and drinks will be served.

Please RSVP in the Member Portal

Thursday, January 18, 2024 5:00-6:30 p.m. (RC=5:30)

Ribbon Cutting and Grand ReOpening

Soul Dental

941 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

Appetizers, Refreshments & Raffle Baskets

Please RSVP in the Member Portal

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

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.)

Join us on Monday, December 4th, at Dough Bar Restaurant in Punta Gorda for "Party for a Cause 2023." This fundraiser event supports C.A.R.E and includes delicious hors d'oeuvres, mouthwatering pizza, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, all for just $25 per ticket. Enjoy a cash bar, participate in a 50/50 raffle, and explore a basket raffle with exciting prizes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference. Get your tickets here and be part of a meaningful evening!

Be a part of non-stop D1 NCAA basketball action with your hometown! FGCU Men’s Basketball will be taking on New College of Florida at 7pm on Tuesday, December 5^th at Alico Arena. The Women’s Basketball team will also be hosting Gardner-Webb at 7pm on Thursday, December 7^th. Get into the Christmas spirit and wear your Holiday Sweaters! Donations of new toys will be accepted for the Holiday Toy Drive to benefit Heroes Unmasked. Support your Eagles with ticket prices as low as $12 - visit FGCUTICKETS.COM and secure your seats in The Nest!  

Charlotte Players- December 8th. Join Whitney Grace for a wonderful evening of the holiday classics! This high-energy and feel-good Christmas show will have you tapping your toes and strolling down memory lane. A triumph of everything you want to feel during the holidays. For tickets or more information to Whitney Grace- A Holiday Showstopper go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Charlotte Harbor School will be having a fundraiser at Five Below (North Port Cocoplum Village Shops-Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.) beginning December 9^th and lasting until the 24^th of December. If you would like to participate in the fundraiser and help Charlotte Harbor raise money by purchasing from Five Below, please contact Hugh Quigley at hugh.quigley@yourcharlotteschools.net for your voucher. Thank you for support!

Peace River Wildlife Center's Sunset Celebration. Friday, December 8, from 4-6pm. In memory of Dr. David Klein, former Capital Campaign Chairman. Join us at Peace River Wildlife Center for a relaxing evening while enjoying the sunset over Charlotte Harbor. Meet our resident wildlife while enjoying refreshments.  Donations appreciated. Gift Shop will be open for holiday shopping. Sponsorships available. 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. 941.637.3830. www.prwildlife.org

Win 4 tickets for a holiday dance recital! Dance with Janis is a locally owned business. The performance is called JOYFUL. It will be at the NPPAC on December 16th. Come into Pink Pantha clothing store located in the Port Charlotte Town Center to enter the raffle. Just spend $25 in our store and that enters you. We have Juniors and Misses apparel. We also carry maternity clothes and items. We have gift items for the holidays. Raffle ends December 13th. Call store for more details 941-764-6465.

LMCU is hosting a Retirement Seminar on December 14^th from 530pm to 7pm.

This seminar will cover: *Income needs and sources of income in retirement *The value of saving now to set you up for success later. *The advantage of starting retirement planning early. Seminar will be at Lake Michigan Credit Union in Port Charlotte at 2120 Kings Hwy Port Charlotte Fl 33980. Please RSVP by December 11^th by calling 941-258-3055 or emailing Natalie.proctor@lmcu.org

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 December. 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. 

LMCU is hosting a Member Appreciation Event on December 15^th from 11am to 2pm.

Enjoy some Top Notch BBQ on LMCU. Stop into the Port Charlotte Location at 2120 King Hwy Port Charlotte, Fl 33980 Not a Member? It’s Easy to Join. Visit us or call us at 941-258-3055.

The Symphonic Winds of Charlotte County, a/k/a as the Charlotte County Concert Band, under the artistic direction of Mr. Bob Miller, will be presenting “Herald the Holidays” on Friday, December 22, at 7:30 PM in the Charlotte Performing Arts Center at Charlotte High School, 701 Carmalita Street in Punta Gorda. The band welcomes the return of soprano Doreen Curp to their stage to compliment a truly delightful night of seasonal music. Tickets are online at www.charlottecountyconcertband.com or at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center the night of the concert. We hope that you will join us.

Tickets on sale now for the Bingo Blowout being held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Event Center on Saturday, January 13, 2024 to benefit Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. $50 includes 10 Game Bingo Card & dauber, lunch from FM Don's. There will be a Chance Auction, 50/50, lottery tree and cash bar. Visit www.volunteercare.org or call Barbara Wastart 941-368-8863.

Charlotte Local Education Foundation is hosting the Golden Apple Awards for the Teacher & Support Employee of the Year Celebration on Friday, January 19, 2024 presented by Suncoast Credit Union and being held at the Holy Trinity Event Center at 6:00p.m. We are looking for support from our community in the form of charitable sponsorships for the celebration. If you would like to sponsor, please return this form with payment by January 12, 2024.

This holiday season, give your employees something they’ll never forget! 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.

Cryotherapy of Charlotte County December's Special:  CryoSkin Revolution Slimming or Toning Packages.  5 session package $1,350.00 (Reg $1,500.00),  10 session package $2,400.00 (Reg $2,700.00), Call today to schedule your appointment with our licensed, medical Esthetician. (941) 979-7057

Would you like rescreening/screen repairs on your pool cage or lanai? Call CV Screening: a family-owned screen repair company in Port Charlotte, Florida. Whether just one panel or an entire screen enclosure, we’re the company to do it! We can also paint lanais, add pet doors, replace door hardware, and more. Every panel is guaranteed. Call 941-539-6868 or email CVScreeningLLC@gmail.com for your FREE ESTIMATE today! Visit www.CVScreeningLLC.com for more information.

Were you Self- Employed in 2020 and/ or 2021 ? Were you or your family members impacted by Covid and you lost time at work as a result? If so... you are probably eligible for a refund from the US government! Go to www.applyforcovidtaxcredits.com and answer 10 easy questions to pre-qualify. There is no cost or obligation. William Moeshlin, Certified Independent Agent for Jorns & Associates CPA's - ERC Funds for Business Email: support@ercfundsforbusiness.com Phone: 941-276-4020 Website: www.ercfundsforbusiness.com

Restoration Bar is excited to offer half off of our 2024 essential level membership through Dec 31, 2024. Feel amazing knowing that you are locking in your savings on our services with an annual membership. Give the gift of health and wellness ! Restoration Bar recently upgraded our already state of the art technology and would love to show you! Call / text 941-347-7707 or email info@restorationbar.com and let us know when you would like to come by to visit! 

Be a Santa to a Senior. Korman Relief & Wellness Center | 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33954 is making magic happen again this year with Home Instead, Senior Care. We have decorated our Christmas tree this year with a variety of gift tags labeled with special requests from the senior citizens of our community. If you would like to take part in being a Santa to a Senior this year, please stop by our office and select a gift tag from our tree. 

Know anyone who wants to make a difference in people’s lives – every day? Explore the area’s only comprehensive Surgical Technology program offering an Associate degree and opportunity for national certification. Dually accredited by ACCSC and ABHES, STC’s program offers hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced faculty who are committed to your success. Next term begins January 8, 2024! Call/Text 941-391-8888 | Visit www.southerntech.edu | Email Annamarie - amazzoni@southerntech.edu

Still looking for a holiday party/event for your colleagues and employees? What about a unique customer appreciation party for your best customers? Check out Gasparilla Boat Tours. Our clean, safe (inspected) vessel holds up to 18 people and has a bathroom on board. Bring your own drinks, food, and decorations. Located in Englewood, our Captains and crew are excited to meet you! Reach us at gasparillaboattours.com or call us directly at 833-786-8687.

If you plan to buy a used vehicle, you must check for water damage. A flooded car is usually totaled due to internal and engine damage. Before you purchase any used vehicle, please bring it to Complete Auto Repair for an inspection. Our exhaustive checklist will uncover water damage, manufacturer recalls, service bulletins, and previous maintenance performed. We will ensure you don’t buy a car that will give you headaches. Call Mary for an appointment at 941-623-2926.

Consider Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage if you must relocate your business in 2024. Our experience will reduce the time and frustration of an office move. We focus on getting you and your staff back to business as soon as possible, setting up the office furniture where it belongs, and ensuring minimal downtime. When quality counts, call Kenny at (941) 423-5311.

This week's Trivia Challenge from Dellutri Law Group:

Q: What is the state bird of Florida?

Q: Which river is the longest in Florida?

Q: What popular theme park in Florida is known as “The Happiest Place on Earth”?

Q:What is the state tree of Florida?

Elizabeth Etnoyer eetnoyer@DellutriLawGroup.com 239-210-7253 (Call/Text)

Happy Holidays from your Port Charlotte Staples. We want to pass on a special offer at your Port Charlotte Staples location. We are offering 50% off custom Holiday Cards and Yes Invitations now through December 16, 2023. Please stop in and speak to one of our associates for details. We are located at 1825 Tamiami in Port Charlotte, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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.

Quality is not an act; it is a habit - Aristotle

~ Resources ~

LOCAL-

Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.

Charlotte County Economic Development Office- www.cleared4takeoff.com

Community Organizations Active in a Disaster- https://coadfl.org/

Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs- https://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/immediate-southwest-florida-job-openings/

Charlotte County Department of Health- www.Charlotte.FloridaHealth.gov

City of Punta Gorda- http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/

Charlotte County Administration - https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/dept/admin/Pages/default.aspx

Charlotte County Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. See property information and county and/or city services and public facilities in the property’s neighborhood.

United Way of Charlotte County Disaster Relief page at www.unitedwayccfl.org/ian. 

STATE AND FEDERAL-

Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320.

Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster

Federal Emergency Management Association - www.FEMA.gov or 1-800-621-3362

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/

Florida Retail Federation- http://www.frf.org/index.php/news/covid-19

Florida Dept. of Health- http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org

Governor's Office- www.flgov.com

Center for Disease Control- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Small Business Development Center - www.fsbdcswfl.org

A Penny for your Thoughts:

One night, a wife found her husband standing over their baby's crib. Silently she watched him. As he stood looking down at the sleeping infant, she saw on his face a mixture of emotions: disbelief, doubt, delight, amazement, enchantment, even skepticism.

Touched by this unusual display and the deep emotions it aroused, with eyes glistening she slipped her arm around her husband. "A penny for your thoughts," she said.

"It's amazing!" he replied. "I just can't see how anybody can make a crib like that for only $67.50."