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, March 13, 2023 ~
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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 ~~ | |
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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.
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Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) | | |
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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. | | |
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MEMBER EVENT - March 15, 2023 Third Wednesday Coffee will be at the 24Twenty One Event Center in Port Charlotte from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.. Thank Our Sponsor: Mark Martella, Martella Law Firm, PLLC for the Coffee and Breakfast Goodies. Our Program Speaker: Patti Allen, Executive VP of Community and Government Affairs, Fishermen's Village Development Plans. Please register in the Member Portal.
Catch the Tampa Bay Rays vs. the Atlanta Braves on Monday, March 20 at Cool Today Park. We have booked the Centauri Field Level Suite which includes 1.5 hours of unlimited food/soft drinks and enjoy the game in a air-conditioned environment in right -field. Register now in the Member Portal. Cost is $80pp (Purchase tickets by 3pm on March 13th.)
Tuesday, March 21 Lunch and Learn. Topic: Being prepared to Protect your family and BUSINESS when Life Happens. Presenter: Mark Martella, Martella Law Firm PLLC. In this presentation, Mark will discuss the importance of having a proper estate plan in place to protect your family and your assets, especially if you are a small business owner. If you don’t have the proper documents in place BEFORE you need them, you face the specter of your family having to go to court which is time consuming and expensive! If you own a small business and it is stopped in its tracks because of your incapacity, the costs are even more catastrophic. Cost for this Lunch and Learn is $10pp and includes lunch and a beverage. Choose either an Italian or Turkey/Cheddar sandwich when you register in the member portal.
Thursday, March 23 Business Card Exchange is hosted by Frolich, Gordon & Beason Law Firm, 18401 Murdock Circle Suite C, Port Charlotte. Please register in the member portal so that we may plan accordingly. Remember to bring your business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business.
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.
Save the Date, Saturday, June 3, 2023 for the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023 Shagadelic Shindig.
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~ Golf anyone? Did you see these Chamber items too? ~ | |
Advertise in the Quarterly Newsletter 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, or click here to learn more. | | | |
13th Annual Business Expo | | |
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Interested in Expo2024?
We'll have the event on our calendar soon! It will take place on Thursday, February 8, 2024.
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Thank You Expo2024 Sponsors: | |
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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.
Platinum Title Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group
Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.
Bronze Sponsor:
Main Stage Sponsor:
After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions
Bag Sponsor:
Refreshment Station Sponsor:
Kick off Party Sponsor:
Lanyard Sponsor:
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Florida Casino Parties, Inc.
P.O. Box 2551
Valrico, FL 33595
Jose Arayasolano
(727) 385-0660
info@floridacasinoparties.com
http://www.floridacasinoparties.com
The Wheel House Park, LLC
Call or email for information
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Daniel Ortiz
(941) 718-8386
thewheelhousepark@gmail.com
Dr. Ally's Animal Clinic of Punta Gorda
324 Cross St., Suite 111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Dr. Ally Lanser
(941) 639-9600
Info@drallysanimalclinic.net
http://www.PuntaGordaVet.net
Home Star Storage
18505 Paulson Dr.
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Gus Rodriguez
(941) 227-4283
Portcharlotte@homestarstorage.com
https://www.homestarstorage.com/
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ | |
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Ribbon Cutting & New Location - Wednesday, March 29, 2023 - 5:30 p.m.
Restoration Bar
23081 Harborview Rd., Suite 202, Port Charlotte, FL 33980 - RSVP in the MIC
Ribbon Cutting - Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Total Gastroenterology/Dr. Ahmadi
3390 Tamiami Trail,, #101, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 - RSVP in the MIC
Ribbon Cutting - Thursday, April 20, 2023- 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m.
Parrot Outreach Society
1205 Elizabeth St. #1, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 - RSVP in the MIC
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening, Tuesday April 25 - 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Home Star Storage
18505 Paulson Dr., Port Charlotte - RSVP in the MIC
Ribbon Cutting and 15 Year Anniversary - Friday, May, 12 2023 - 5:30 pm - 7:30 p.m.
at the Visual Arts Center for Granny Nannies Senior Home Health Agency
210 Maud St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
This will be a Dual Ribbon Cutting with the Punta Gorda Chamber - RSVP in the MIC
Ribbon Cutting new location - Thursday, June 15 - 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Hometown Title & Closing Services
2091 Tamiami Trail, Unit B, Port Charlotte
(behind the car wash by Forrest Nelson Blvd.) - RSVP in the MIC
Kindly remember to RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal) for these events
so that we may properly plan these events.
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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.) | |
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Charlotte County Imagination Library- CELEBRATE with us! Monday, March 13th at Grill 1951 in Port Charlotte. The Charlotte and Lee County Imagination Library Programs are celebrating the work we’re doing for preschool children in BOTH counties!** Special Dinner Menu!** Silent Auction with some fun and unique items** Live Music with Mickey Basil Trio. Join us for dinner, fun and support the Imagination Library programs!
Clerk of the Circuit Court-During Operation Green Light, customers with suspended driver licenses will have an opportunity to pay overdue court obligations, including traffic tickets, and save up to 40% in additional fees. WHEN: Monday, March 13 – 17 8:00 am– 5:00 pm, Friday, March 20 – 24 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday, March 25 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Charlotte County Justice Center 350 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Payments must be made in full either in person, online at CharlotteCourtPay.com or by telephone at 855-796-5772.
Charlotte County & the State of Florida, in cooperation with William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Fund & The Military Heritage Museum Invites you to attend the: BEIRUT PEACEKEEPERS MEMORIAL TOWER GROUNDBREAKING SERVICE 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans memorial Park, 20499 Edgewater Drive, Port Charlotte.
Fishermen’s Village will play host to their annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Friday, March 17th, 2023 beginning at 12 noon and continuing until 9 pm. The public is encouraged to attend. Authentic Irish/Celtic Music and Dance to be featured will include: The Black Velvet Band 12noon-3 pm (Dry Beach) *The Punta Gorda Bag Pipers 2-4pm in various areas of the property (parade at 2pm) *Drake School of Dance students Irish dance 3 & 4pm (Center Court) *Emily Ann & Kel Thompson 5-9pm (Dry Beach) *Musician Jeff Walton 5-9pm (Center Court) www.fishermensvillage.com.
Hurricane Ian Town Hall meeting on Wed, March 22nd. 5:30-Doors open & light refreshments will be served,6:15-Panel Begins, followed by 7:15 Panel Q & A. Property Owners will listen to a panel of experts from Ask An Adjuster, The Morgan Law Group, and JD Restorations regarding all aspects of Hurricane Ian insurance claims. Event will take place at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, 4400 Lister Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. Free Event REGISTER TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eUJnnG8p
Celebrity Bartending with Leadership Charlotte Alumni - Cheyenne Young, Mike Riley, Cathi Dryburgh, Eric Loche, & Bob White. They will be slinging drinks from 4-7pm on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Celtic Ray. Stop on down to to have some fun with past & present Leadership Charlotte Teams!! The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023 is raising money to Help Senior Nonprofits in our area devastated by Hurricane Ian.
Charlotte Players- Murder on the Orient Express March 16th-April 2nd. Agatha Christie's most popular play, Murder On The Orient Express, begins just after midnight when a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by morning it is one passenger fewer. Come see what happens next! Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Community Flea Market- An outdoor community flea market is being held March 26 at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. All business and individual vendors are welcome to participate. The minimal cost is $35 for two parking spaces- one for a vehicle and one for sales items. To register visit pgica.org or call 941-637-1655. Rain or shine. (Established in 1962, the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 community organization.)
Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. Offers a six-week small business development program to help low-to-moderate income emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses. Individuals who are thinking about starting their own business, but need some mentoring are invited to apply for the Port Charlotte class, scheduled for April 3 – May 11, 2023. To apply, visit www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise, or call (239) 995-2106 ext. 2304. The session is $80; Volunteer hours can be substituted for the fee if income requirements are met. For more information, email Sandra Plazas at sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org.
The "Battle of the Brushes" is our big fundraiser centered around six local celebrities, paired with six Visual Arts Center professional artists. The teams work together to create a one-of-a-kind collectible artwork, which will be revealed and auctioned at the Grand Finale Gala on March 24, 2023. Donate to your favorite celebrity or to all the teams!
Battle of the Brushes 2022-23 Celebrity Artists – Visual Arts Center (visualartcenter.org)
The Grand Finale Gala will have five tapas stations, drinks, music, dancing, silent auction, red carpet photo op, and Celebrity Artist Painting Reveal. EVERYONE IS INVITED
TO THE GRAND FINALE GALA! TICKETS $75 - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
Sign up is now OPEN...we are 1/2 filled. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is excited to host our first FCA Celebrity Golf Tournament with NFL Players on Saturday,
April 29th at the Veranda Golf Club in Fort Myers. Click here to learn more. Registration at 7:45 a.m., Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. We are still looking for a few more NFL player so we have enough for all teams. Does anyone have a relationship with Sammy Watkins, Deoin Sanders, Mike Singletary, Charlie Ward, Bo Jackson, Mike Tomzak, Zack Thomas or maybe someone else I can contact to play? If you have questions please contact Tom Parker - tparker@fca.org
Please join us for our 3rd golf tournament at Deep Creek Golf course on Saturday April 29th 2023. All proceeds from this event will go directly to Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County and help continue their mission Feeding elderly home bound charlotte county residents. Please contact Debbie Amaral Chow at 941-457-1638 to sign up to play in this tournament or become a sponsor.
Are you looking for a fun way to support a great cause? Look no further than the Animal Welfare League’s 60th anniversary “Diamonds are Forever” Gala! This event promises to be a night to remember, with delicious food, great music, and amazing company, all in support of animals in need. Event date is November 4, from 6-10pm at Holy Trinity Event Hall in Port Charlotte. Individual tickets are available now for just $135, or you can purchase a table of 10 for a discounted rate of $1250 if you enter TABLE at check out. You can visit http://bidpal.net/awl60th to purchase. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please reach out to the shelter for more information, or email events@awlshelter.org.
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You can save money while giving back to the community. C.A.R.E. ReUse Shop offers a wide variety of new/gently used items at a fraction of retail cost. Instead of items going to the landfills this effort helps to assist survivors. All proceeds provide essential needs to survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Charlotte County. Open Tuesday –Saturday 9:00am-3:30pm in Port Charlotte at Mid County Mini Transfer Station 19765 Kenilworth Blvd. Donations accepted until 3:00pm. For more information visit https://carefl.org/reuse-stores/ or call 941-624-3488
March into a Beautifully Healthy Smile. Due or over-due for routine preventative hygiene maintenance? Putting off dental care? Ready for a change or return to your Healthy Smile? Looking for convenience and comfort options that suite your needs and finances? We're just what you've been looking for...Soul Dental. Complete Dentistry in one location. Family Friendly. Locally owned. Private Practice. Caring for All ages, All Stages of Dental Care Needs. Welcoming New Patients Soul Dental, Saving Smiles by Transforming Lives ®️ 941-629-7779 www.SoulDentalPC.com Office@souldentalpc.com
High temperatures are in our forecast. It’s time to check your air conditioning system! Are you a smoker? Regardless, you should be aware that your cabin’s air filter is very small. It is important to look at the entire system to make sure you’re not sweating unnecessarily this summer. Call Mary at Complete Auto Repair to schedule your a/c checkup. 941-623-2926.
Contractors know the hardest thing about doing a remodel is working around customers’ belongings. Why not store the items temporarily with Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage? We will move them out of your way, store them until you finish, and bring them back dust-free. You will enjoy the job more, and you just might finish faster. Call Kenny at (941) 423-5311 for pricing.
Have you been putting off preparing a Last Will and Testament until next year? Well, your next year is here! It is so important to have the right documents in place BEFORE a medical emergency happens. Give Mark Martella, Esq., of the Martella Law Firm, PLLC a call at 941-867-6865 (or e-mail him at mark@martellalaw.com) to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss your options to be prepared for when “life happens.”
Children’s Network of SWFL (CN) is the private, nonprofit lead agency that administers the child welfare system in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties. Our mission is to work with the community to protect children and preserve families. CN is responsible for over 2,500 abused and neglected children and delivers a comprehensive local system of care through subcontracts with more than 50 social service agencies and serves over 300 at-risk children monthly in our Diversion Program. For more information on our programs and volunteer opportunities, visit www.childrensnetworkfl.com or call us at 239-226-1524.
The Do’s and Don’ts of answering the phone for your business. Chances are… You’re probably doing It wrong! - Big Shot Marketing & Design invites you to check out this week’s Bi-Weekly newsletter where we feature “Business Relevant” blogs that can only help propel your business forward! This week we’re discussing… you guessed it! The Do’s and Don’ts of answering the phone for your business. https://bigshotmad.com/2023/02/march-newsletter/ We are committed to providing tangible results for our clients. That means – lead generation, increasing online purchases, and reaching digital marketing goals.
Better choices = a healthier and happier lifestyle, give your employees that option! 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 that Murdock Stones Etc. sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes. For the month of March, all chamber members can get $10 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
Hello, my name is Mike Pershing, and I am the new Procurement Manager for CCPS. We are excited to do more business with our local vendors. To register with the District for solicitations, go to www.PublicPurchase.com and register, at no cost, with Charlotte County Public Schools (FL). You will then receive email notifications when we have a solicitation in your field. If you have questions, I can be reached at 941-621-3011.
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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. | |
The Charlotte County Supervisor of Election’s office is looking for a Front Desk Deputy Registrar. The applicant will need to be a team player with an emphasis in customer service. They will be tasked with greeting visitors by phone or in person. Also, will be responsible for administrative duties, such as answering emails, filing and scanning documents. Our ideal candidate has previous front office experience. Applicant must be proficient with the entire Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook and Excel. They must be able to type an average of 40 words per minute. This position is open to upward mobility and growth within the office. Cross training in other departments will be open for discussion. Send resume to SOE@SOECharlotteCountyFL.gov | |
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C.A.R.E. is looking for volunteers! Volunteers are needed for our Hospital Response Team. Volunteer sexual victims’ advocates play an important role with clients who are experiencing trauma at our local hospitals. These volunteers are vital in the care and recovery of the survivor. This is an on call position that does require extensive training and may include volunteering overnight and weekends. We thank all our volunteers, who are giving back to our local community by helping survivors of sexual assault and other violent crimes. For more information, please call 941-639-5499.
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 15th & April 16th. Please complete the volunteer application link to join us: Volunteer in SWFL — Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org).
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“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” —Vince Lombardi | |
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 Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300. | |
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Worrying works...
90% of the things I worry about never happen!
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"Darling, I just called to tell you how awesome you are. You really are the love of my life…"
"Sir, I’m sorry, this is a brewery!"
"Oh, I know…"
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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