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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~ 97th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, February 21, 2022 ~
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2021-2022 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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~ Chamber Events and Updates ~ |
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State of the County Address – Wednesday, Feb. 23 – Noon– 1:30 p.m. This will be a zoom call. You will have the opportunity to hear from our county entities (County, City, Airport, Public Schools, Tourism, Health Care and Economic Development). Take advantage of this call to get some direct information of what is effecting our community. Watch for your Zoom invitation via email from the Charlotte County Chamber.
Business Card Exchange: Thursday, February 24 – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Southwest Florida Insurance Associates is hosting at 3796 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte (Gilded Grape) – non-alcohol beer, soda, and spritzers and appetizers will be provided – Make sure to bring a gift to promote your business and plenty of business cards. Member Event. Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal).
All Leadership Charlotte Alumni and their guests are invited to the Battle of the Colors on Friday, February 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda. There will be snacks and beverages please RSVP so we know how many to plan for.
The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on March 3. (Digital flyers are due by March 1.) Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. ($100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue) . 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.
Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is going DIGITAL Quarterly beginning in 2022 and 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.
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Watch for information and sign up opportunities for the 12th Annual Expo on February 2, 2023 - coming soon. Remember to save the date and set aside a little of your marketing budget ($395 for a booth space) for the Hottest Business Day in Paradise, Expo2023! |
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Toastmaster - District 48
2132 Druid Rd. E, Unit 1107
Clearwater, FL 33764
Gina Lovick, Gene May
(727) 421-8952
http://district48.org
Harpers 1980 LLC
1158 Market Circle, Unit 5
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Tonya White
(941) 629-3490
http://www.harpers1980.com
Vacasa.com
3468 Acapulco Circle
Cape Coral, FL 33909
Laurel Quatrano
(239) 744-8365
http://vacasa.com
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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
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ |
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members.
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Pool Boy
Ribbon Cutting on Tues., February 22 at 5:30 p.m.
they are located at 27147 Del Prado Parkway, Harbor Heights
WhitCo Insurance Alexia Martin Agency
Ribbon Cutting on Thurs., Mar. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Celebrating their 10 year Anniversary and new location at
6210 Scott Street, Unit 216, Punta Gorda
J & J One Stop Gun Shop
Ribbon Cutting and New Owner/Range Renovation Celebration
originally scheduled for Thurs., March 10, at 5:30 p.m.
HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
We will let you know the new date/time when they reschedule.
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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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#OurFutureisNow!
#OneCommunity
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Allegiant Job Fair at Charlotte Technical College on February 22nd morning session 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Afternoon Session 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Maintenance Technician Open Interview Session. *New MX Contract *A&P Technicians starting at $30/hr * Profit Sharing Program *401(k) Match * Employee stock Purchase Program * Tool and Uniform Allowance * Rapid Internal Growth Opportunities * Fly for Free! Visit allegiant.com/careers for more information, or print and share the flyer.
Volunteers are needed for Tuesday, February 22 to assemble Kindergarten Readiness Bags for ALL incoming Charlotte County Kindergarten students. Shifts are available from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Join United Way of Charlotte County in providing resource bags for parents and caregivers to use with their children to help prepare them for their Kindergarten experience! School Readiness is one of the five pillars of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. If you wish to help assemble the bags: https://signup.com/go/jbeoxUq If you are able to deliver bags (to VPK providers): https://signup.com/go/oJEXNja For more information go to our website: https://www.unitedwayccfl.org/suncoast-campaign-grade-level-reading
Mulch Sale!!! Murdock Stones Etc. is selling its Bagged Red Mulch for just $2.50 per bag (normally $3.00) to all Chamber members and their employees through the month of February. "While Supplies Last". Delivery is available at an extra charge. 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.
Introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street. Topics include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh and salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment will be demonstrated. Instructor is local fishing guide Capt. Ralph. The course is on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning February 23, 2022. Cost $50. Advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
February 25 and 26, kids of all ages can experience games and activities that don’t involve electronics. The 25th Florida Frontier Days Festival will be held at the Punta Gorda History Park, 501 Shreve Street in Punta Gorda, brought to you by the Charlotte County Historical Society and the Shively Charitable Foundation. Homeschoolers are encouraged to attend on Saturday due to much higher attendance on Friday. Just $3 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Swamp cabbage will be available. For more information, contact Frank Desguin at (941) 769-1270. 2022 Pioneer Days ad Flyer.pdf
The Charlotte County Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, February 26th from 8 am to 12 pm to process your Passport application/children’s renewal, and take your passport photo FREE OF CHARGE with application. First-time passport applications, citizens with expired passports (over 15 years from the issue date), and minors needing to renew their passports are encouraged to take advantage of this event. Charlotte County Justice Center, 350. East Marion Ave. Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 (2nd Floor, Official Records division). For more information visit us at CharlotteClerk.com
Next Saturday is Complete Auto Repair’s 12th Annual Customer Appreciation Party. Owner Ron Morgan started this business during a recession when risks were high. Twelve years later, his continuous focus on quality and customer service have built his continued success. Please stop by next Saturday, February 26, from 11:00-2:00 to say hello and enjoy a fun outdoor community event!
Charlotte Players-February 4-29. Gillian Holroyd is one of the few modern people who can actually cast spells and perform feats of supernaturalism. She casts a spell over an unattached publisher, Shepherd Henderson, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Tickets are $22.
Charlotte Players- John Denver Tribute Band February 28, 2022. With the uncanny resemblance and sound of the late John Denver, Ted Vigil performs many of Denver’s hits, including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulder,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Preferred and Regular seating is available. Showtime is 7:30p. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Charlotte Players- Cahal Dunne in concert. February 27th, 2pm located at The Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte. "Ireland's Piano Man - The Man of Many Jackets", possesses that certain magical quality known in show business as "it". "It" transcends talent. "It" comes from deep within a great entertainer and washes over an audience, captivating them. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022
You’re invited! On Saturday, February 26th, from 11 – 2, Complete Auto Repair will hold their 12th Annual Customer Appreciation Party. This outside event is free, and celebrates our customers. This year we will have music by the GMen Band, and “cruise in” by Tailgaters of Central Florida and the Peace River Car Club. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be free and we will be raffling prizes all day. Come on over to 20120 Veterans Blvd in Port Charlotte.
Admire the artwork of Karen Bell, March 2nd from 5pm-7pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 635 E Marion Ave Punta Gorda. Enjoy a complimentary Wine and Cheese reception to showcase Karen. As a child she had a LOVE for paper, scissors & music. As Karen's career brought her to teaching music she reconnected her LOVE of paper with an Art teacher at the school. For years she has been enjoying many cultures in which Scherenschnite is a tradition. For information www.kays-ponger.com or like us on Facebook.
The Southwest Florida Parade of Homes™ is a showcase of new homes produced by the National Association of Home Builders local, and the Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association. This annual event is open to all builders in the community to showcase model homes they offer the most innovative styles and designs. The Parade of Homes will be held March 5-13, 2022. For a list of homes, please visit www.swflparadeofhomes.com Homes will be open from 10-5 daily, Monday through Saturday, and 12-5 Sundays. Free of charge, chance to win a prize too.
The 14th annual Taste of Punta Gorda. Sunday, March 6th – 11 to 5 at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda. Tastes of delicious food from Charlotte County’s best restaurants all in one place! Beer & Wine, Arts, Crafts, a Kid’s Zone, and music with the BoogieMen. Tickets $5 – VIP $30 – kids 12 and under free. All proceeds support the Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation. Our Presenting IRON CHEF sponsor is Publix Super Markets. Other major sponsors are Ingman Marine, Suncoast Credit Union, Bankers Life, and Amerilife. Link to purchase tickets ahead is at Taste of Punta Gorda.org.
Water Quality Summit Set for March 7: Charlotte County has scheduled the 2022 Water Quality Summit from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, March 7 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Panelists will provide information on the following topics: Identifying water quality drivers in Charlotte Harbor, Advances in harmful algal bloom detection, prediction and communication, County activities and partnerships to monitor, improve, and protect water quality and natural habitats and Opportunities for citizen education and action. https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/news/water-quality-summit-set-for-march-7.stml
Looking to have some fun while giving back to your favorite local charity? Join us on Sunday March 13th as C.A.R.E. Auxiliary hosts their annual Dart Tournament at the Ice House Pub. Located at 408 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. 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!
Fishermen’s Village invites everyone to their annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! Thursday, March 17th, beginning at 12 noon, enjoy authentic Irish music and dance, bag pipers, shopping, dining and a gorgeous sunset! Full details at www.fishermensvillage.com.
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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.
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
"Negligent retention" is often an ongoing concern among employers, especially when their employees have access to sensitive information or physical access to equipment and facilities. About a third of employers regularly re-screen employees. In some fields, like healthcare and transportation, re-screening is compulsory. And, the practice is growing as an aid to employers in maintaining a safe and secure environment while protecting their brand and insuring that employees moving into new positions are qualified. For economical and FCRA-compliant background screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Joey, the African Grey Parrot, and Diane, his human companion, from Parrot Outreach Society want to thank the folks at the Chamber of Commerce and their members for a most warm welcome at the morning coffee this past Wednesday. Everyone was so kind and friendly. As Diane mentioned in her introduction, if you get a chance, please stop down for a visit to Parrot Outreach to meet the flock. The address is 1205 Elizabeth Street, Suite I, in Punta Gorda. Our hours are 10-4 Tuesday through Saturday.
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 discuss your move.
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“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” Walt Disney |
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We encourage members to shop with other members to keep our community and local economy strong. If you do business with one or more of our renewing members please congratulate them for their Chamber Anniversary. These are members who renewed between December 16, 2021 and January 15, 2022... Take a look! |
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Allegiant Job Fair at Charlotte Technical College on February 22nd morning session 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Afternoon Session 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Maintenance Technician Open Interview Session. *New MX Contract *A&P Technicians starting at $30/hr * Profit Sharing Program *401(k) Match * Employee stock Purchase Program * Tool and Uniform Allowance * Rapid Internal Growth Opportunities * Fly for Free! Visit allegiant.com/careers for more information, or print and share the flyer.
F45 Training is a boutique fitness center franchise that is growing internationally. With a grand opening soon we need energetic, certified and friendly people to join our team in Port Charlotte. Hiring in 2022: Studio Manager (CPT, AED, CPR); Membership Manager (CPT, AED, CPR); Certified head Trainer (CPT, AED, CPR); Certified Trainers (CPT, AED, CPR); Administration & Front Desk. To learn about these great opportunities contact Michael Bluemling Jr. 516-788-5260 PortCharlotteWest@F45Training.com our website https://f45training.com/portcharlottwest - We will be at the Job Fair at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, Tuesday, February 1, 2022 from 3:00 to 5:00pm.
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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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It was my wife's birthday and she rang me to see what time I would be home.
"Can't talk," I said, "I'm driving."
"Where are you?" she asked.
She wasn't happy when I said "the 7th tee."
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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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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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