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 13, 2022 ~
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Are You Prepared? Is your business prepared for hurricane season? The Charlotte County Economic Development Office is proud to partner with Charlotte County, Florida Government, CareerSource Southwest Florida, SBDC at FGCU, Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, and Englewood Chamber of Commerce to get you and your business ready for hurricane season. Join us for our FREE webinar on Wednesday, June 15th at 12pm.
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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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~ Chamber Events and Opportunities ~ |
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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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Third Wednesday Coffee on June 15 will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Our sponsor is GulfView Medical Institute, and our guest speaker is Hector Flores, Charlotte County Administrator, with a "State of the County" address. Please register for this event in the Member Portal. There is no charge for this member event.
Charlotte County Chamber Young Professionals Present ... A Midsummer Night's Dream. Join us for a great night of networking with tons of fun and activities. Friday, June 17th, 2022 at the Laishley Courtyard Community Room, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. No cost to attend. Cash Bar, Finger food, DJ and Photo booth and more! RSVP for this event is required so that we can properly plan!
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.
The 2023 Community Guide and Business Directory will be out in October 2022. Your advertisement can 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.
New Teacher Breakfast - The Charlotte County Public Schools are expecting about 150 New Teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. We are asking our Charlotte County Chamber members to 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 150 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.
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
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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Eric Decker Team Double Decker - Keller Williams, PRP
1675 W. Marion Ave., Suite 112, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Eric Decker(617) 306-9805
Wendy Decker Team Double Decker - Keller Williams PRP
1675 W. Marion Ave., Suite 112, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Wendy Decker (617) 306-9806
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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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Phoenix On Site Ribbon Cutting
Immediately Following the Third Wednesday Coffee, June 15th about 9:00 a.m.
75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda (outside the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center by his truck & trailer)
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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Drug Free Punta Gorda: Join us Tuesday, June 14th at 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM for our June coalition meeting, "A Coalition Conversation with DFC. Joella Moore, CCSO." Community members are invited. Join in person or via ZOOM (zoom link provided). The meeting will be at the DFPG office: 27050 Fairway Dr. PG, FL. at East Elementary School. (Entrance is around corner, behind school on Indian Creek Lane) In-person attendance is ideal. but a zoom link to connect remotely is: https://tinyurl.com/ysxcv4x7 RSVP to Monica.Babcock@yourcharlotteschools.net or 941-740-4358.
Carpenter Homes Patriot Sale-New Home Move-in Promo! Offering Home Buyers **$8,000 Concession towards buying down rates and closing cost fees or for Veterans and First Responders **10,000 Concession towards buying down rates and closing cost fees. Four locations in North Port. Contact new home specialist, Julie Gibbs 941-876-5860 for details on specific terms and conditions for this offer good through 6-15-22.
Next Thursday, June 16, our newest band member, Shawn Marren, will be appearing on piano with his quartet " Top Shelf Jazz" at The Grill at 1951 in Port Charlotte. The featured artist for this event is Tom Ellison, from Venice, FL. Tom will be playing various saxophones and flutes as well as singing arrangements by Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, and Eddie Jefferson. Also appearing, Patricia Dean on drums and vocals. Patricia will be singing favorites from the Great American Songbook. Holding up the bottom end is Grant Cuthbertson, a seasoned bassist from Asheville, NC. The band will play from 6-9pm. Reservations are not required but are recommended. (941) 255-0994
Camelot Community Care is having a Charity Cornhole Tournament June 18th for the kids in Foster Care in Charlotte County. Camelot is contracted by the Children’s Network of SW Florida to provide the services we do in Charlotte County. We are looking for PLAYERS, VENDORS, and SPONSORS. The tournament will be held indoors with A/C! For more information and how to register visit www.camelot4kids.com Proceeds will benefit the foster care services and programs of Camelot Community Care in Port Charlotte which serves children and families experiencing abuse, neglect, behavioral health and substance abuse issues.
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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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.
A rain surprise – rodents will seek shelter under your vehicle’s hood. They eat the electrical wiring and shove nesting material where it can later catch on fire. A car doesn’t have to sit for long periods to be a shelter for rats. Repair costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but fortunately they may be covered by insurance. At Complete Auto Repair, we will clear out nest debris and replace your car’s wiring that the rodents had for dinner. Call Mary at 941-623-2926 for an ASAP repair appointment.
Occasionally Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage may be moving a client and find we have room on our truck, at those times we are able to offer "space" and drop off items to your "on our way" destination. We make trips up north every month, chances are we may be coming your way, and can deliver items that might be too expensive to send alone. Call Kenny Gardiner for questions at (941) 423-5311.
When reviewing criminal records, arrests without convictions shouldn't be used to deny employment. An "arrest" means only that an individual was taken into custody for some period of time because police believed there was "probable cause" the individual had committed a crime. A "conviction", on the other hand, means there was a court-based, factual adjudication of guilt ... meaning the court found beyond a reasonable doubt that the individual had actually committed the crime. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy background screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
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
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.
All-Natural Organic Bath & Body Products, Handcrafted Jewelry, Handmade Gift, Resin Art. Featuring our Local Artists Wajoli African Wear, Carla Buchanan's 100% Habotai Silk Scarf, Vernon Waldron's Pour Painting and more. Every Tuesday and Friday we have all natural organic soaps 4 for $20.00 and bath bombs 4 for $10.00. Remember members of the Chamber of Commerce received 10% off 20% on the large paintings (bundle discount not included). Visit Vernon and Rebecca at Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts at 2686 Tamiami Trail Unit 5A, Port Charlotte, FL www.twoangelssoapsgalleryandgifts.com.
Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, and refinance their home. Conventional, FHA/VA, Primary Residence, Second Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans. Toby Lynn works to get the financing your best buddy needs. Pre-Qualification is FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
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.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s office wants to remind you- Schools are on summer break – Students will be out and about enjoying our beautiful community! Catalytic converter thefts & UNLOCKED vehicle thefts continue to be on the rise nationwide. Remember to remove your valuables, key/key fobs and guns and lock your doors. See if your mechanic will etch your VIN# onto your catalytic converter for a small fee while it's in for regular maintenance. New construction site thefts continue to remain high. If you observe suspicious activity call 941-639-2101 to report it.
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Charlotte County Imagination Library (CCIL), the local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library announced the receipt of TWO grant awards! $2000.00 from the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners’ One-time Grant Funding for outreach to enroll children born at ShorePoint Health in Port Charlotte and also pre-school age children living in low-income areas. The Punta Gorda Rotary Foundation awarded CCIL $1,000.00 to support the early literacy efforts of the children of our community. CCIL’s Advisory Council and the Charlotte Players organization greatly appreciate the support for the benefit of Charlotte County’s youngest citizens.
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“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions” – John Hancock |
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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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The Wotitzky Law Firm is accepting applications for a Receptionist to be responsible for greeting clients and visitors to our office. The Receptionist is responsible for contacting employees regarding visitors, answering telephones, distributing mail and maintaining supplies. To be successful in this role, you will need excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as competency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Outlook. Prior experience as a receptionist is also helpful. Email cover letter and resume to warren.ross@wotitzkylaw.com.
The Charlotte County Housing Division is seeking licensed & insured contractors to work with the SHIP Housing Rehabilitation Program. The program provides qualified homeowners with funds to repair/improve their owner-occupied home. Applicants can receive up to $50,000 provided in the form of a loan secured by a mortgage. Eligible repairs include roofs, doors, windows, storm shutters, plumbing, electrical, exterior painting, air conditioning/heat, septic system, accessibility, and much more. Contractors please contact Rich Gromalski, 941-916-1277, Rich.Gromalski@charlottecountyfl.gov
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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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Dad is down at the auto dealership, looking at potential choices.
“Cargo space?” he asks the salesman.
The salesman, slightly confused, finally replies, “Car no do that... car go road.”
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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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