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, June 20, 2022 ~
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Leadership Charlotte Endowment Fund $2,500 Grant to support Children and Youth in Charlotte County.
501(C3) Nonprofit organizations that serve youth and are members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce May apply for a grant beginning on July 1, 2022 through August 1, 2022 by submitting a completed application through the Charlotte Community Foundation. For more information and how to apply, please visit www.charlottecf.org
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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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And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a $2,000 Key West Flight donated by Air Trek Charter Jet Service. The drawing to be held at the Annual Meeting on September 30, 2022! The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card!
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Members Networking at the Business Card Exchange on June 23, 2023 Join us at Bellissi Belle Blowdry Bar, 2686 Tamiami Trail, Suite 1A, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Remember to bring plenty of business cards, and if you like a small gift (door prize) to promote your business. Register for this event in the Member Portal.
If you haven't already done so and your schedule allows, register for the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2022 Graduation on Friday, June 24 at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Cost $35pp. The LC'22 class has had a fantastic year and now it's time to celebrate their success and experiences. To RSVP, Click Here We I look forward to seeing you at the graduation!
Lunch & Learn at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce on June 28th.
Topic: 9 Marketing Secrets for Small Businesses, Presented by Brad Swezey, JustSmallBiz Marketing. Your registration fee includes Lunch. Either an Italian or Turkey & Chedder sandwich, chips, cookie and a beverage. Cost is $10.00pp. Pre-registration by June24th is necessary so that we can properly plan the event. Please register for this event in the Member Portal.
Members, join us for our Candidate's Forum at the July 20th Third Wednesday Coffee This is your opportunity to meet the candidates running for election. Come at 7:45 a.m. and grab a coffee and breakfast goodie and enjoy some networking before the program starts at 8:00 a.m.. We will welcome new Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce members, then break out so that you can learn more from the individual candidates. Please register in the Member Portal.
We have just been informed by Charlotte County Public Schools that they are now expecting to welcome approximately 200 new teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. Teachers' responsibilities have changed so much over the years, they need our community support more than ever. We are asking for each new teacher to be sponsored by our caring membership (it takes a village). For those who have sponsored a new teacher this year, thank you so much! Sponsor a New Teacher for Breakfast on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Your sponsorship of $45 covers the cost of breakfast for you and a teacher. We also invite all members who sponsor a teacher to bring us 200 items for Teacher Welcome Bags. Gifts for inclusion need to be delivered to the Chamber office at 2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15th. (Gifts/promo items only-NO Flyers please.) Kindly register for this event in the MIC.
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~ Did you see these Chamber items too? ~ |
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Advertise in the 2023 Community Guide and Business Directory. . Your advertisement will be seen by thousands in both the printed and online guides. Members interested in advertising should return the advertising contract, Ad Copy and payment are due by August 12, 2022. The Community Guide is our showpiece for all things Charlotte County, distributed at the Punta Gorda Airport, Charlotte Harbor Event Center, County Libraries, Community Associations and to walk-ins, email and mail requests. AND on CharlotteCountyChamber.org with live links to your webpage. Please call 941-627-2222 with any questions.
Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023 applications are now available. We would encourage any chamber member who is looking to gain a greater and deeper understanding of how Charlotte County operates, to apply. In addition to getting a once-in-a-lifetime education, you will make life-long connections and friendships. Only 25 applicants are selected for each class. As you fill out the application, please provide complete and comprehensive answers to each question. The deadline for all application submissions is on Friday, August 5, 2022. If you have any questions regarding the Leadership Charlotte Program/Schedule, please reach out to Bob White bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org
Photo Contest for the Front Cover of our 2023 Community Guide and Business Directory. We’re looking for your “best shot” for the cover of our 2023 Community Guide. Nature? Golf? Fishing? Landscape? We want it all! You may enter up to three images for consideration. Photo entries must be emailed to Janet Caffee JCaffee@CharlotteCountyChamber.org on or before noon Friday, July 15th, 2022. Photo must be representative of Charlotte County, Florida. Photo recognition will be publicized within the 2023 Community Guide. Please print and return this flyer with your photo submission(s).
Business of the Year Nomination Form-2022 - Nomination forms are due back by August 22, 2022. You may nominate you own business, or nominate another business for this award. Print the form to see the criteria and answer five questions. We encourage you to blow your own horn and self-nominate. The selection committee will be made up of past recipients, and the awards will be presented at the 97th Annual Meeting Luncheon on September 30, 2022.
Nominations are being accepted for our prestigious Pacesetter award. A Pacesetter is by definition an individual who has achieved a level of excellence within his or her community or industry that provides a new benchmark for all to follow. Complete and return the nomination form no later than noon on August 22nd. The honoree will be announced Friday, September 30th at the 97th Annual Membership Luncheon.
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.
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Showcase your business at the 12th Annual Business Expo |
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The 12th Annual Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo date is February 2, 2023! 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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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
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Get Snapped! Photo Booths LLC
22418 Esplanade Ave., Port Charlotte , FL 33954
Nydia Whyte (941) 276-1976
Trident Elite Imaging, LLC
10114 Owl Head Circle, Port Charlotte , FL 33981
Kathy Seiler (941) 830-3620
iTrip Vacations Punta Gorda
13970 Royal Pointe Dr., Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Suzanne Kyre, Chris Benson, Joe Benson, Wendy Benson (941) 559-5353
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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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Frohlich Gordon & Beason Open House & 10th Anniversary
Thursday, June 23 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. text 941-979-9010 or email FGBLawCares@FGBLawFirm.com
Carpenter Homes Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting NEW DATE
Tuesday, June 28th at 5:30 p.m. 1804 Tamiami Trail Suite E-3 Port Charlotte
Bert's Black Widow Harley Davidson - Grand Opening -Renovated Showroom.
Friday, July 1, 2022 at Noon - Lunch will be provided by The Twisted Fork following the Ribbon Cutting. Registration is required for the Ribbon Cutting so that we may properly plan. Register now in the Member Portal.
Stepping Stone Kids Therapy Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, July 7th at 5:30 p.m. 22655 Bayshore Rd., Unit 160, Punta Gorda
JB's Corner Cafe 1 year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, July 12th 2022 at 5:30 p.m. 1533 Rio De Janiero, Suite 1
Punta Gorda/Deep Creek. Pastries and Coffee will be served
Bricks & Minifigs Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
Saturday July 16th 10:00 a.m. - 1700 Tamiami Trail Unit A-5, Port Charlotte
(by Bashment & Hershey’s Ice Cream ) includes a VIP Sneak Peek
for Chamber Members & their guests @ 9:30a.m Wear your Badge and
let the doorman know you are with the chamber. Meet & Greet Lego Masters
Contestants Jen Smart & Cory Roberts, Raffles including a Lego set.
ActivAge HomeCare Rebranding Ribbon Cutting - Dual Chamber
Thursday, July 21 at 5:30p.m. 126 E. Olympia Ave. Suite 301 Punta Gorda
Suncoast Title and Closings New Location Ribbon Cutting NEW DATE
Tuesday, July 26th at 5:30 p.m. 103 West Marion Ave. #101, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members. |
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Public Service Announcement: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be going to three-digits starting on July 16th, 2022. Callers can access the line by calling 988. When you dial 988, counselors will be at the other end that will also have access to information about local resources. The phone line will operate 24/7, free-of-charge, and calls are confidential.
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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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The Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project begins June 19th, 2022 and ends July 24th. This mission, is to provide a new properly fitted pair of tennis shoes to any youth in the Charlotte County Public School System who may need them. We service the entire Charlotte County Public School System (CCPS) for the academic year (elementary, middle, high schools, and centers). The sizes range from a toddler five to a men’s fourteen and women’s twelve. The largest needs come in the elementary sizes; twelve toddler–five youth for girls and ten toddler to seven adult boys. Visit www.shoesforkidsproject.org
You will do flips over the artwork of Kelly Reark June 22nd from 5pm-7pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services 635 E Marion Ave Punta Gorda. We will be hosting a complimentary Wine and Cheese reception to showcase Kelly's passion for tarpon and local fisherman. Using vibrant expressions of light, texture and motion in combination with a scrimshaw-inspired painting technique, she create artworks that are both nostalgic and energetic. For more information please visit www.kays-ponger.com or like us on Facebook. AIPP Locations are sponsored by A/H Council.
We invite you to join us for a morning of virtual gratitude on Thursday, June 23 at 9:00 AM. You will see many familiar faces at our annual Campaign Celebration! Many of our stakeholders will be recognized during the online event with special awards for our community members, volunteers, sponsors and partner agencies along with some fun surprises! You will be able to view the presentation Live on Facebook, Youtube or www.unitedwayccfl.org. Links will be posted shortly.
Mark your calendars for the 2022 Public Safety Appreciation Night! Join us June 25, 2022 as we celebrate those who serve our great community. Benefiting Charlotte County Sheriff's Explorers Post #29 & Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County, Inc. Don't wait! Tickets are limited and sell out every year. Tickets on sale now: https://bit.ly/3uHHnGK
Join us June 29th at 5:30pm as C.A.R.E. Auxiliary presents Cooking with C.A.R.E. Hosted at the unparalleled F.M. Don’s, located at 201 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Tickets │VIP seating $75 │Individual seating $50│Come enjoy a delectable evening with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cooking-with-care-tickets-356737289837 or email CareAuxiliary@gmail.com for more information.
Fishermen’s Village will host their annual Independence Holiday Celebration July 3rd and 4th! Live music, specialty vendors, family friendly activities, shopping and dining will be featured beginning at 12 noon both days! Fireworks Display (best viewing from Sunset Tiki Bar, Dry Beach) will be held Monday, July 4th, 9 pm!!! Free admission/Free parking. www.fishermensvillage.com.
Country for a Cause, July 8, 2022, 6PM: Champ Jaxon will perform at this Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic fundraising event. In a casual country-western setting, guests will enjoy a catered meal, GREAT music, auctions and fun, in order to raise funds for the Clinic's important mission, providing no-cost volunteer Medical, Pharmacy and Wellness Services to the under-served in Charlotte County. Tickets & sponsorships, more info available online: https://volunteercare.org/country-for-a-cause/ - or call Karen Amador 941-276-4075.
The Kiwanis Punta Gorda After Hours Foundation presents Merry Grinchmas in July a Reverse Raffle fundraiser to support free books for kids visiting Lizzy the Literacy Bus. Drawing will be Saturday, JULY 9, 2022 at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Top prize is $10,000! Tickets are a minimum donation of $100 each and include dinner for two and entertainment with the Boogiemen. Sponsorships contact Douglas Tucker at 941-875-4111. Need not be present to win, but must be reachable by phone at time of drawing at approximately 9:30 pm EST. Contact Marian Taylor 941-380-1087 Tickets at www.KiwanisPGAfterHours.com
Valerie’s House Save the Date for our Celebrating Charlotte Fundraising Event! Join us on Saturday, July 30 th (1-5pm) at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. All proceeds will be benefitting Valerie’s House-Charlotte County. Contact Christine Carey for vendor & sponsorship opportunities (239-841-0382 or christine@valerieshouse.org).
Save the Date - Charlotte County Sheriff's Office 2nd Quarter Awards Luncheon with proceeds benefitting the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Friday, August 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Visani Italian Steakhouse. For more details or sponsorship information, email Jennifer Wireman jwireman@ccsofl.net
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In recent years, the U.S. Department of Labor has significantly narrowed the definition of "independent contractor" ... and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service has estimated that the majority of workers listed by employers as independent contractors are actually employees. Review the latest DOL guidelines ... and then be as careful and thorough in checking the backgrounds of your legitimate independent contractors as you would be in screening your direct employees. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Spring into well-being by having happier and healthier employees! 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.
Did you know warranty companies use labs to determine if you are at fault for engine damage? They will deny your repair claim if the lab finds you waited too long to get your oil changed, or used the wrong type of oil. This is why we will use the oil recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, put a reminder for your next service on your windshield, and even send reminders to schedule your next oil change. This small step can save you thousands later. Call Mary at 941-623-2926 to schedule your appointment.
Hot weather and storms can turn a “simple” apartment move into a dangerous and damaging experience for you and your belongings. Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage works in rain or shine, even during hurricanes. Damage to your things can occur even with a local move. Call Kenny Gardiner to schedule a truck and crew, at (941) 423-5311. It’s less expensive than you think.
Charlotte Players- 10th Annual Comedy for a Cause is looking for cast members! An annual fundraiser taking place on September 9th where community leaders come together to entertain with side splitting improvisational antics! Lead by and taught by Dr. Chris Constance. Are you ready to raise money for a good cause, Community Theatre? Rehearsals are set to start in July. For more information call 941-255-1022 or email Steve Lineberry at lineberry.stephen@gmail.com or Jesse Cantwell-Shiner at Jessica_Shiner@LCCA.com.
Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes as well. For the month of June, all chamber members can get $5 off any one roll of weedmat. 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.
Every dollar spent in ticket sales goes towards the Military Heritage Museum and all of its many programs! We are offering two different season ticket packages-A full pass to ALL 23 shows, that package runs at $749.99. A savings of nearly $300 if you purchase them all individually! The second package is a Pick 10 This package runs at $349.99, a savings of $200! Gulf Theater 2022-2023 Season Individual Tickets Click Here or
VA Benefits??? Toby Lynn loves helping our Veterans get the financing they need. VA Mortgages are just one of her specialties. Let her get a family member or best buddy, who is a Veteran, Pre-Qualified at no cost! That’s right….FREE Pre-Qualifying. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
The Animal Welfare League has a FULL HOUSE!!! All large breed dogs are just $49.99 until the end of the month! Want to check out our pups before you arrive? Visit AWLshelter.org/adoptable-dogs to find your favorites before your appointment. Appointments can be made 7 days a week from 10am-3pm (941) 625-6720 please call ahead.
Medicaid planning is done in two ways: in a crisis situation or, proactive planning. In either case, if you get that call that a family member needs to go into a nursing home and you have no idea how you are going to pay the $10,000+ fees a month, the Dellutri Law Group can help. Contact Mark Martella, Esq., at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@dellutrilawgroup.com to request your Free Special Report on “Will Medicaid Pay for Your Nursing Home?” or if you have any other Estate Planning questions. |
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“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill. |
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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 April 16, 2022 and May 15, 2022... Take a look! |
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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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Wife: Honey, I saved $1 off on a loaf of bread!
Husband: That’s fantastic! How did you do that?
Wife: Well, I bought a 10lbs bag of birdseed.
Husband: But we don’t have any birds.
Wife: Yes I know but the birdseed came with 50 cents off dog food coupon that I used to buy dog food.
Husband (in frustration): WE DON’T HAVE ANY DOGS EITHER!!!
Wife: I KNOW! But the dog food came with $1 off bread coupon!
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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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