~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, March 29, 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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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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DK Consultants of Florida, LLC- Steel SIP Home
Co-sponsored by Stewart Title
Wednesday, March 31, 5 p.m.
155 Chelsea Court NW, Port Charlotte, FL
Tidewell Foundation, Inc.
Wednesday, April 21, 8:30 a.m.
(Immediately after Third Wednesday Coffee)
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda
Dream Salon & Spa, LLC
Thursday, April 22, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(In conjunction with Business Card Exchange.)
117 Herald Court, Unit 115, Punta Gorda
Rita’s Italian Ice
Thursday, May 13, 5:30 p.m.
(One-Year Anniversary)
4255 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
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All American Decorative Concrete Resurfacing
5475 Williamburg Drive, Unit 1
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
863-657-5000
Ken Harvey
Buddyboy1953@gmail.com
Carlos Moreno – Coldwell Banker Sunstar
1900 Cochran Boulevard
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
407-334-0498
Carlos Moreno
carlosellsflhomes1@gmail.com
Community Concerns For Children & Families (CCFCF)
941 Tamiami Trail, Suite C
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
941-979-5594
George Belfond
contact@ccfcf.org
http://ccfcf.org
EarthBalance Corporation
2570 Commerce Parkway
North Port, FL 34289
941-426-7878
Don Ross
dross@earthbalance.com
ww.earthbalance.com
GreenSync Inc.
17301 Broadway Street, # 125
Alva, FL 33920
239-292-6586
Maran Hilgendorf
maran@greensyncinc.org
greensyncinc.com
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Kia of Port Charlotte
202 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
941-249-6171
Kelly Johnston
kjohnston@kiapc.com
kiaofportcharlotte.com
Punta Gorda Mercantile
10169 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-621-4978
Blake Ball
Info@puntagordamercantile.com
PuntaGordaMercantile.com
Rhino Strength & Performance
3527 Tamiami Trail, Suite E
Port Charlotte, FL 34286
910-635-3903
Tarra Famham
rhinostrengthfl@gmail.com
rhinostrengthfl.com
Sellstate Vision Realty
2705 Tamiami Trail, Unit 313
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-336-5400
Savannah Sheppard
swfl.visionrealty@gmail.com
sellstatevisionrealty.com
Wes Guerrier Promotions
443-847-2629
Wesley Guerrierr
wesguerrierpromotions@gmail.com
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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
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:
(More and more and more!)
AADisaster Restoration; Achieva Credit Union; American Imagining of SW Florida; Anderson Enclosure's LLC; Bathfitter of SWFL; 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; CFS Roofing; 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; Charlotte Technical College; 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 International Airshow; 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; Kia of Port Charlotte; 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; SKY Family YMCA at Franz Ross; 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.
Programs and Services for Families and Caregivers Touched by Alzheimer's and All Other Dementia--Please Pass them on. The Alzheimer's Association offers support groups, individual care consultations, a 24/7 helpline (800.272.3900), on-demand webinars, and a plethora of online resources at alz.org to help those touched by dementia; all are free of charge. No one should face Alzheimer's and other dementia alone. Please contact Kathy Heldman at kaheldman@alz.org for more information.
Come join us for Easter Brunch at Blu Grotto! There will be many delicious items to choose from along with Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s. Sunday April 4, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Reservations required! 992 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953 941-249-9205
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!
Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies- We’re excited to announce registration for our Run for Consent 2021 virtual 5K event is now open! Run for Consent is a month-long movement where people throughout Charlotte County pledge to Start By Believing in support of all sexual assault survivors — through running, walking, cycling, rolling, or any other type of movement — Showing their commitment to help end sexual assault across our local community. Register for this free event at www.carefl.org. Together we can make a difference!
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.
Charlotte County Libraries and History present “Stories of Charlotte County” which premiered March 20. This virtual Centennial presentation showcases residents sharing stories about their lives and experiences in Charlotte County. Enjoy local color at its finest in this standout interview series, presented on the Charlotte County Community Services YouTube page, www.tinyurl.com/CCCSYouTube. Get a glimpse into the heart of the community and meet just a few of the unique individuals that call Charlotte County home. For information, contact Neil Durrant or Elizabeth Lee at 941-833-5460 or Neil.Durrant@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or Elizabeth.Lee@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office 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.
Come out to one of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center’s preserves and enjoy free environmental education programs! There are only a few weeks left to attend free guided walks at Alligator Creek Preserve on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. This week you may also attend a walk at Tippecanoe 2 Preserve, Charlotte Flatwoods, and Bayshore Live Oak park. Check our calendar at www.checflorida.org for more information and call 941-575-5435 or 941-475-0769 to register. All walks begin at 9:00 AM and face masks are required to participate.
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club cordially invites you to our 1st Tri-Chamber Meet and Greet Business Membership Opportunity, Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Complimentary wine and cheese. Business card drop raffle, your business can win a free three-month membership! Advantages of business memberships – Bring your clients to a breakfast, lunch or dinner in a safe environment; Conduct business meetings or company parties; AV set up available for your use; Wow your clients with the best view in Charlotte County; Executive Chef and professional staff available to you.
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!
For something as routine as an oil change, it’s easy to overlook the details. Make sure you read your owner’s manual to learn what type of oil is recommended. Using any other type will create sludge that remains at the bottom of your engine, which will eventually become a costly repair. At Complete Auto Repair, we stock many types of motor oil to make sure that your car is receiving the proper oil to keep your car running well for a long time. Call Ron Morgan at 941-623-2926 to schedule an appointment.
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.
The Suites at Fishermen’s Village offer a terrific, relaxing get-a-way without going far away! Stay with us in a spacious 1,000 sq. foot suite situated above all the amenities of Fishermen’s Village! Enjoy magnificent sunsets while listening to local musicians, dine on delicious cuisine, take in some retail therapy at our independently owned shops/boutiques, sunset cruise with King Fisher Fleet or rent a boat from Holidaze Boat Rental! Visit on line at www.fishville.com/resort or call 941 621-6046 for rates and availabilities!
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage is moving a full truck to Georgia at the end of March. Still, we can load your things once we have unloaded and bring them back with us to Florida or drop them off anywhere along the way in case you have items in Georgia that you would like to get to out. "When Quality Counts," call Kenny at 941-423- 5311 for quotes and logistics. We love helping our neighbors and friends everywhere we go.
Amid all the changes, one constant: In 2019, full employment meant businesses couldn’t find staff. 2021: Recovery, businesses can’t find staff. Let Guerzo Business Consulting help with your recruiting needs. Are the words in your ad having the effect you think they are? Patti Guerzo creates ads that match your desired employee’s personality, putting an attractive lure on your hiring hook. Don’t let the right person skip over an ad that’s not worded for them. Call Patti at 312-420-0884 to discuss.
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.
Negative changes to credit scores may hinder the ability of consumers to successfully apply for loans and receive the most competitive annual percentage rates in the market. Don’t let today’s uncertainty take your attention away from protecting your good name. 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.
Failure to perform applicant and employee background checks could make your business vulnerable to negligent hiring or retention lawsuits brought by workers, customers, or clients suffering damage caused by an employee. Courts have established that employers have a "duty of care" to protect workers, customers, and clients from injury caused by an unfit employee who the employer "reasonably should have known" posed a risk. Be sure to check ... thoroughly! For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500 or 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: nrginfo@atlantic.net
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
There is no better time to buy a home. Toby Lynn helps get the right mortgage program for your sister, parents, or best buddy! Toby makes the process easy from pre-qualifying to closing. Specializing in happy, smooth, and on-time closings! Call today! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
The Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center is a program of Tidewell Hospice with a mission for serving grieving children and families in Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto counties. Led by mental health professionals, children who are grieving a significant person after a death, attend support groups alongside their peers twice per month. Blue Butterfly groups are held at First Alliance Church, 20444 Midway Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Please call to register, 941-893-6610.
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"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer
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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!
"I stopped by Hershey’s Ice Cream this weekend. Kim Wilson & Howard Freudenvoll invited Valerie’s House to put our brochure, flyer, and business cards up to help spread awareness about Valerie’s House to our Charlotte County families. Kim is also on our Charlotte County Valerie’s House Advisory committee. Their ice-cream was delicious. I had such a great experience at their new ice-cream shop." - Christine Carey, Valerie’s House Outreach and Program Coordinator
"A big thank you to Alexia Martin from WhitCo Insurance Agency for donating treats to our Valerie’s House-Punta Gorda families recently. She is also a Val’s Pals Mentor and on our Charlotte County Valerie’s House Advisory Committee. She has a been a big help to our Valerie’s House-Punta Gorda families this year." - Christine Carey- Valerie’s House Program and Outreach Coordinator
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Murdock Stones Etc. is looking to fill 2 positions...one for part-time driver. Some dump truck and/or loader/forklift experience preferred. The other job is for a yard worker/front end loader. Some front end loader experience preferred. Apply in person at 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte after 9am. We are open 8-5 Monday through Friday and Saturdays 8-12. It's a good place to work...we have employees that have been here 19, 10, 6, 5 and 5 years...no phone calls please.
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.
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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A golf club walks into a local bar and asks the bartender for a beer.
The bartender refuses to serve him.
"Why not?" asks the golf club.
"You'll be driving later," replies the bartender.
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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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