The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Evaluate Impact of Hurricane Ian on the State’s Businesses

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO is committed to supporting preparation, response, and recovery efforts of Florida businesses, communities, and citizens impacted by Hurricane Ian. The business damage assessment survey assists DEO and its federal, state, and local partners in those efforts,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle.  “I encourage businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz.”

On September 24, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-219 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties in the State of Florida. All affected businesses should complete the survey. 

Results from the Business Damage Assessment Survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. Businesses can complete the survey online or visit  FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Ian” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call 850-815-4925 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or email ESF-18@em.myflorida.com.

Complete Business Damage Assessment

In response to Hurricane Ian, the Charlotte Community Foundation activated the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund. The CCF Board of Directors pledge $500,000 in matching funds in an effort to provide financial assistance and resources to Charlotte County residents. Additionally, CCF activated the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be utilized to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations that incurred structural and/or infrastructural damage preventing them from operating. The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation has generously provided matching funds for Charlotte County.  Visit, www.charlottecf.org.

United at Work was created following Hurricane Ian to help business owners ensure their employees were able to take care of hurricane-related needs so that they can show up each day focused and ready to work. The United at Work fund offers financial assistance for individuals who are employed by a business that is based in Charlotte County or has sites in Charlotte County. The fund has a dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation that doubles all donations up to $500,000. With your help, we can establish a $1 million pool of resources for our community. GIVE HELP: If you want to contribute to this fund – click here for more information and to make your donation to United at Work. Your donation will be doubled by the Soderberg Foundation. GET HELP: If you are an employee of a Charlotte County business, – click here to complete a simple form, detailing the needs you have. Our team will help direct you to local resources and let you know what financial assistance you may qualify for.

~~ 2023 Community Guide Link ~~

2022-2023 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: Adjuster Groups, LLC; Lesley Barton Coldwell Banker Sunstar; Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; GJC Window & Door; Integrity Employee Leasing; The Daily Sun; Suncoast One Title & Closings, Inc. and Waste Management of Charlotte County

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPAs; Charlotte State Bank & Trust; Decker Plumbing & Drains, LLC; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions; Farr Law Firm; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker; The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad; Tommy's Express Car Wash and WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Friendly Floors;  Granny Nannies Home Health Agency; Nolan Family Insurance;  Panther Hollow Dental Lodge;  Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross and Young, PA.

And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a 5 night Bahama or Caribbean cruse for 2 on Carnival Cruise Lines sponsored by Pat Hand,  Dancing Moon Travel.  The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card!  Drawing will be at our 98th Annual Meeting 2023.

Members, sign up for Networking at Noon at Beef O'Brady's Deep Creek on February 8, 2023. Cost $20pp. Please only one or two persons per member as space for this event is limited. Food Choices will be available soon. Register in the Member Portal

Members join us at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on February 15th for our Third Wednesday Coffee.  Our Coffee Sponsor is iTrip Vacations Punta Gorda.  Our Program/Guest Speaker: TBA For planning purposes, please register in the Member Portal.

The Business Card Exchange on Thursday, February 23rd, is sponsored by Armstrong Interiors at their office in Punta Gorda. The BCX will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Remember to bring your business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Please RSVP for this event so that we know how many members to plan for.

The Leadership Charlotte class of 2023, has kicked off their fundraising with a Booze Yeti. It is a Tundra 65 yeti filled with top shelf alcohol. The class is raising monies to give a helping hand to local charities that were damaged in Hurricane Ian. These nonprofits help our community exponentially. The tickets for a chance at winning the Booze Yeti is 1 for $20 or 6 for $100. Anyone 21 years or older can purchase these tickets from any Leadership Charlotte ’23 Classmate or at the Charlotte County Chamber office.  

~ Golf anyone, and did you see these Chamber items too? ~

13th Annual Business Expo

We want to thank our Expo2023 Sponsors:

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

Platinum Title Sponsor: Adjuster Groups LLC

Gold Presenting Sponsor: Quigley Eye Specialists

Gold Presenting Sponsor: Lockett-N-Homes Realty Co.

Silver Sponsor: Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.

Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Silver Sponsor: BMR Company Roofing Services

Bronze Sponsor: Mosaic

Bronze Sponsor: Succentrix Business Advisors

Bronze Sponsor: ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda

Bronze Sponsor: J & J One Stop Gun Shop LLC

Bronze Sponsor: Reaper Rodent Removal

Bronze Sponsor: Tommy's Express Car Wash

Bronze Sponsor: Hodges University

After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions

Main Stage Sponsor: BMR Company Roofing Services

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

Joe Rodriguez - Movement Mortgage

4575 Via Royale, Suite 201

Fort Myers, FL 33919

Joe Rodrqguez, Jen Barilar

(949) 606-6801

joe.rodriguez@movement.com

http://www.movement.com/joe.rodriguez

Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member?

Businesses may join online now or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org - Thank you!

Culver's Punta Gorda - Grand Opening New Location

Tuesday, February 7 at 9:00 a.m.

26440 Jones Loop Road, Punta Gorda

Please RSVP in the member portal.

Chris & Erica Rayborn, Realtors - Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty.

Ribbon Cutting, Wednesday, February 15 at 9:00 a.m. immediately following the

Third Wednesday Coffee at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

Please RSVP in the member portal.

Burnt Store Title - Tri Chamber Ribbon Cutting

  Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Punta Gorda, FL

  Cocktails & Appetizers 5-7PM

Please RSVP in the member portal.

More information on these as we get closer to the date:

March 1, 2023 - Parrot Outreach Society

March 3, 2023 - Robert L. Cochran CH82 Disabled American Vets

April 5, 2023 Total Gastroenterology/Dr. Ahmadi

May, 12 2023 - Granny Nannies Senior Home Health Agency

Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, networking opportunity.

#MembershipAddsValue! #OneCommunity

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.)

Estate planning Basics Seminar. LMCU is partnering with Threlkkeld law to bring you information about estate planning. Light Appetizers, beer, wine, and soda will be provided on Thursday, February 9^th at 530-630pm. Lake Michigan Credit Union Port Charlotte Branch 2120 Kings Hwy Port Charlotte, FL 33980. Seating is Limited . Please RSVP before Monday February 6^th. Call 941-258-3055 or email Natalie.proctor@lmcu.org.

The Suites at Fishermen’s Village is featuring a Luxury Romantic Getaway February Promo! Luxurious Accommodations! Bottle of Wine, Norman Love Chocolates, Late check-out and more! Book Today! 941 621-6046 fishermensvillage.com/suites

Charlotte Players- How The Other Half Loves, February 9-26. There are three couples in this play, the men all working for the same firm. One of the younger men is having an affair with the wife of the oldest, and when each returns home suspiciously late one night or early one morning they invent a story about having to spend some time smoothing domestic matters in the home of the third couple. Of course, the third couple have to show up to put the fat in the fire, but that complication only adds to the fun of this famous farce. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

On February 11, 2023 in anticipation of a spring full of kittens and expecting momma cats, we invite you to spend the day with us in celebration. There will be food, drinks, games, raffles and of course KITTENS! Visit our Kitten Shower page on our website or our Facebook Event page for more information. We also still have sponsorships available. Please contact Animal Welfare Leagues Marketing Manager @Elizabeth Marcino for more information.

The Charlotte County Tourist Development Council is accepting applications for the 2023 Event Development Program (EDP). The EDP provides reimbursable funding to assist in the development of new events, occurring in low or shoulder seasons which promote Charlotte County as a tourist destination. The application is available online here. Applicants should note, the program guidelines and application were recently revised.

Applications are due no later than February 22 by emailing Ms. Brynja Phipps at Brynja.Phipps@PureFlorida.com

Please come support Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County at this fun and delicious event. This year marks our 7th annual Mardi Gras on Marion. It is held at FM Dons on Saturday February 25th at 1:30. They will be serving all you can eat shrimp, crawfish, sausage, potatoes and corn. We will have a chance auction. Tickets are $40 and there will be a cash bar. All proceeds go to feed our local elderly homebound Meals on Wheels clients. We must continue to keep our mission alive and thriving.

On Saturday, February 25^th, from 11:00 – 2:00, Complete Auto Repair will hold their 13^th Customer Appreciation Party.  This outside event is open to the public, and features music by the GMen Band, and “cruise in” by Tailgaters of Central Florida and the Peace River Car Club.  Our popular raffles for adults and kids will continue this year! 

Valerie’s House-Charlotte County is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving children and families who have lost a loved one to go on to live fulfilling lives. Our vision is that no child grieves alone. Would you like to be a Valerie’s House Volunteer Facilitator? Our next training will be in Port Charlotte on April 15^th & April 16^th. Please complete the volunteer application link to join us: Volunteer in SWFL — Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org). We will also be having our Charity Quarter Frenzy Fundraising Event on March 9^th at 6pm at the 24TwentyOne Event Center. We hope to see you there. 

Pink Pantha clothing store is located in the Port Charlotte Town Center. Specializing in women's apparel. Carrying Junior and Misses we have the latest fashions and designs! Shirts, shorts, jeans, dresses, skirts, lounge wear, and so much more! We even have a maternity section! We also have accessories and gift items in the store. Come find your Valentine a gift! We offer in store pick up, local delivery, or we ship to anywhere in the US. Located at 1441 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte or order online at http://www.pinkpanthaclothingstore.com. 

Complete Auto Repair’s annual Customer Appreciation Party draws over a hundred people to enjoy our family-friendly and free event.  We raffle items throughout the February 25th 11:00-2:00 party.  Businesses:  If you want to donate an item to be raffled off, we will promote your company.  Please also plan to attend the party for some amazing photo opps. Call Mary Holstein at (941) 623-2926 to discuss your raffle ideas.   

How different would your move be, if rather than the physically draining and dangerous work that comes with moving heavy things, you simply organize the move and point out to the crew where you want things placed in your new home.  This could be your experience, with Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage.  Their full-service packing and unpacking is ideal for anyone with mobility challenges.  Call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311 for your local move. 

The St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference announced that they received a grant from the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance for residents of Charlotte County in need. The Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF) is a tool for change. St. Vincent de Paul is proud to be leading the way. St. Vincent de Paul received a grant from the CCF on December 14th, which will be used to provide financial assistance to help Charlotte County neighbors in need stay in their homes or retain working utilities such as water, power, and gas. The financial assistance can take the form of paying past due rent or utilities, and in the case of owneroccupied homes, assistance with minor home repairs to maintain a safe and habitable residence.

Help your employees fall in love with having a healthy lifestyle this Valentine’s Day! 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. 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.

We believe that donating blood should be a comfortable and convenient experience – just like being at home. With our “Donate@Home” Program, it is… literally right outside your front door. Simply schedule an appointment for “Donate@Home” and our vehicle will meet you at your home or office for a private, one-on-one interaction with a member of our collection team. Some benefits include: We Come to You, No Waiting, One-on-One Service, Available 6-days a week. Call SunCoast Blood Centers 844-972-6819 to schedule your Donate@Home appointment!

SWFL Honor Flight is happy to be part of the Charlotte County Chamber. Our next flight is May 2 from PGD. We need guardians to go on the trip and volunteers to help prepare for the day.  We are currently fundraising with $10 raffle tickets for a summer trip to Ireland, and our next golf tournament is 5/27. We’d love to find corporate sponsors who want to support veterans. Contact us at www.swflhonorflight.org, www.Facebook.com/swflhonorflight, swflhonorflight@gmail.com , or DonnaPLee94@gmail.com.

Mentors become a much-needed source of motivation and accountability students might be lacking at home and help them reach what may seem to be a distant, unfamiliar goal in their family history — achieving a college education. CLEF mentors are paired with students, giving students someone to rely on who has the commitment to help them reach their full potential. Mentors make a positive impact on students’ lives, and ultimately upon our community as a whole. Contact Daniel Washington if interested. Charlotte Local Education Foundation Office: (941) 255-7500 Ext 1796

A New Year has started, and we are excited! 2023 and we signed up 4 new artists. 

Valentine's Day is around the corner and what a better way to show your special someone a gift to remember. 15% off on Jewelry February 7th -14th. Visit Vernon and Rebecca at Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts at 2686 Tamiami Trail #5A, Port Charlotte, FL twoangelssgg@gmail.com (941)883-2861.

Members may create Member-to-Member deals, Hot-Deals, post Jobs and News Releases using the MIC (Member Portal). There is no additional cost to do so! We recommend that you check these links each week to see what members are offering.

~ Job Spot ~

We are looking for two case managers to add to our team in Charlotte County Human Services! One position is for our Aging and Adults division and the other is for our Neighborhood Services division, focusing on housing stability. Please share our application and job description with your contacts! We appreciate it.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/charlottecountyfl/jobs/3895207/case-manager?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

“Do what you love and success will follow. Passion is the fuel behind a successful career.” - Meg Whitman, CEO of Quibi

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 Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300.

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/

NEW My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. Type an address in the search field and scroll through the page to 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 flight instructor and a rookie pilot are flying in a small plane.

The flight instructor asks the rookie: "Have you ever flown solo?"

The rookie responds: "No, usually I fly higher than this."