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.
~ 97th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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
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.
Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed)
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!
~ Chamber Events ~
Lunch & Learn SOLD OUT 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, Networking at Noon on July 13 will be at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. Please be a few minutes early to check in - the event starts at noon and your RSVP is required. Cost is $15.00pp 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.

Our July 28 Business Card Exchange is Sponsored by the Daily Sun. Members networking from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at their office at 23170 Harborview Road, Port Charlotte. Remember to bring plenty of business cards and if you like a small gift/door prize to promote your business. Please RSVP 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.

Once again, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce will be a collection site for the Sunrise Kiwanis “Shoes for Kids” project. This endeavor collects new tennis shoes for our youth in the Charlotte County Public Schools, pre-K through High School. The need for the 2022-2023 school year is 41,000 new pair of tennis shoes. The window for collection of new tennis shoe is Sunday, June 19 through Sunday, July 24. Please consider helping for this worthy cause by stopping by our office at 2702 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte. For more information visit shoesforkidsproject.org.
~ Did you see these Chamber items too? ~
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.

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on July 7. (Digital flyers are due by June28.) 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 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.
Showcase your business at the 12th Annual Business Expo

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!
Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
~ Welcome New Members ~
Threlkeld Law, P.A.
1777 Tamiami Trail, Suite 501, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
(239) 234-5034 Michelle Richey , Joel A. Threlkeld
michelle@napleslegal.net http://www.napleslegal.net

Keller Williams Realty Gold
1160 South McCall Rd., Englewood, FL 34223
(941) 473-7399 Danielle Durocher, Brian Wentz 
danielle@kwenglewood.com http://www.englewood.yourkwoffice.com

Tammy Breden Realtor KW Realty Gold
1160 South McCall Rd., Englewood, FL 34223
(574) 210-4274 Tammy Breden
tammy.breden@kw.com http://tammybreden@kw.com

Health Insurance Marketplace USA
10155 Crooked Creek Dr., Venice, FL 34293
(888) 865-9086 John Luchansky
john@healthinsurancemarketplaceusa.com http://www.healthinsurancemarketplaceusa.com

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
Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org and she will follow up with them!
~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~

Carpenter Homes Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting NEW DATE
Tuesday, June 28th at 5:30 p.m. 1804 Tamiami Trail Suite E-3 Port Charlotte
Wine, Beer, Soda, light Snacks & Cake Kindly RSVP for this Event 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

Bert's Black Widow Harley Davidson - Grand Opening -Renovated Showroom. 
Friday, July 15, 2022 at Noon NEW DATE - 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.

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.

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

ActivAge HomeCare Rebranding Ribbon Cutting - Dual Chamber
Thursday, August 18 at 5:30p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Dual Ribbon Cutting)
126 E. Olympia Ave. Suite 301 Punta Gorda
They will be serving food & beverages. Kindly RSVP for this Event in the Member Portal

Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members.
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. 
#OurFutureisNow! #OneCommunity

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.)

~ Member Events ~
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

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.

Start off the July 4th celebration enjoying free Hot Dogs 11am-2pm. at C.A.R.E. ReUse on Saturday, July 2nd Throughout July take 10% discount at both ReUse Stores. All of the proceeds provide essential needs to survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Charlotte County. Open at both locations (PC & Englewood) Tuesday –Thursday 9:00am-3:30pm. Phone: 941.639.5499 www.carefl.org

Country for a Cause, July 8, 2022, 6-9PM: 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 30th (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
~ Member News ~
Our annual Campaign Celebration is right around the corner – and we don’t want you to miss it! Please note that the Celebration will be prerecorded and available for viewing soon. We will be honoring many familiar faces who have helped us make a difference in the lives of Charlotte County residents this past year. You will be able to view the recorded presentation on Facebook, Youtube or www.unitedwayccfl.org. Links will be posted shortly.

The Sunrise Kiwanis Shoes for Kids project collects new tennis shoes for children (pre-K, elementary, middle, and high) in the Charlotte County Public School System. The need for the 2022-2023 school year is 4100 new pairs of sneakers. So please consider helping this worthwhile project! Sponsor: Kiwanis Club of Port Charlotte Sunrise Donations accepted: For more information on the project or on making a monetary donation, visit our website at www.shoesforkidsproject.org or call 941-769-0864. All monetary donations should be made payable to the clubs 501c3: Kiwanis Club of Port Charlotte Sunrise Foundation Inc

It pays to hire a Public Adjuster. According to State of Florida OPPAGA Analysis using a public adjuster for your insurance claim resulted in a 747% payout increase. Adjusters work for YOU, not the insurance Company. Free policy review, free claim review, free 11-point inspection and free advice. Contact Scott Jackson, 4350 W Cypress St, STE 102, Tampa, FL 33607 Office: 941-740-3821 | Fax: 321-999-7528 Online: AskAnAdjuster.com/scottjackson

FCRA-Compliant Nationwide Criminal Quik-Chek : Just $38    >>> Verify SSN >>> Verify prior addresses (identity check and target records) >>> Check federally-based criminal records in all 94 federal criminal districts >>> Check state-based criminal records nationwide  >>> Check sex offender registration nationwide. Plus, property managers can add a statewide eviction check for $8 additional and/or a personal credit report with credit score for $18 additional.    For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.   941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    Our 28th year serving Florida employers and property managers!

Diabetic cat special: $45 adoption fee will include 6 months of Insulin and syringes for 3 of our Diabetic Cats. (Call for more details) Snowy, Miss Kitty and Winnie are all looking for their Furever homes! Please call to set up a meet and greet or find out more about them on AWLshelter.org 3519 Drance St | Port Charlotte, FL 33980 Office: 941.625-6720 ext. 107

Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers has good news-Vehicle prices are finally coming down!! We have over 1,000 vehicles available for purchase weekly-all prices down 10%!! 2018-2022 with Factory Warranty, Clean Auto Check report and low mileage. Over 500 Trucks, Crew Cabs, and 4x4's also. Call for info; we are happy to email prices, specs and details; or make an appointment to visit us in the only indoor virtual showroom. NO DEALER FEES! give Justin a call at 941 350-7544 or Peggy 941 284-9617. 

Let your employee’s freedom from tobacco soar this 4th of July! 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.

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.

You may have heard that it’s been difficult to get movers.  Sometimes the truck arrives without any contractors hired to unload it.  If this has happened to someone you know, have them call Kenny Gardiner at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage.  Kenny’s experienced staff will get them out of that jam.  For long distance moves, Kenny moves his unloaders WITH the truck, choosing the extra expense to guarantee a smooth move for his customers.   When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage at 941-423-5311. 

As gas prices surge, there are ways to save.  Drivers should check and clean their engine air filter every three to six months.  A dirty filter can cause your engine to work harder to get clean air, like drinking from a coffee straw vs a Big Gulp straw.  This alone will decrease fuel economy by 1 to 3 miles per gallon.  At Complete Auto Repair, we change your filters with every oil change, minimizing your trips (another money saver).  For a comprehensive and inflation-fighting oil change, call Mary at 941-623-2926 to schedule your appointment.   

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.

Pressure Washing was one of the very first services we offered when we started in 2012. Now, over 10 years later, our "Pressure Washing Services" are better than ever. Our top-of-the-line equipment and attention to detail, allows us to clean, protect, and preserve the investments of our customers. Give your roof a safe soft wash to remove mildew, mold, or algae. Give your driveway or pavers a great pressure wash to restore them to their original glory. Call Kelting Home Inspections 941-655-8888 today for your free quote. 10% discount to our Chamber Business Partners
~ Tip of the Week ~
“There is no magic formula for great company culture. The key is just treat your staff how you would like to be treated” Richard Branson
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 May 16, 2022 and June 15, 2022... Take a look!
~ New Kids on the Block ~
As Charlotte State Bank & Trust continues to grow, it recently strengthened its commercial lending team with the addition of Nate Halligan and Sarah Mack. “Nate and Sarah are terrific additions to our team,” said the bank’s Senior Vice President and Senior Lender, Todd R. Rinehart. “They both have the expertise to help our clients achieve growth and profitability.”
Showcase your business through sponsorship!
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.
~ 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 Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/
Florida Retail Federation- http://www.frf.org/index.php/news/covid-19
Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org
Governor's Office- www.flgov.com
~ Just for Fun ~
Wife: Are you having another sleepless night?!?
Husband: Yeah! I’m so darn angry, I’ve got insomnia again.
Wife: What’s eating you tonight?
Husband: It's that darn boss of mine! He gets me so boiling mad! He keeps bugging me all day long! Hounding me! Hounding me!! Then, when comes time to go to bed, I’m so full of “I should’ve said—!” that I can’t get any shut-eye!
Wife: What’s he got against you anyway?
Husband: He says I keep falling asleep on the job. 
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.)
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
Bob White, Executive Director bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org
Jami Joannes, Dir. of Business Development jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org
Ruth Uzonyi, Dir. of Finance ruzonyi@charlottecountychamber.org
Janet Caffee, Information & Customer Service jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce charlottecountychamber.org