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 Linked Here ~~

2022-2023 Sustaining Partners

Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional financial support annually to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce which, in turn, provides them with additional valuable membership benefits. These contributions to the chamber allow for the continued increase of promotion, advocacy, involvement, and leadership at the local, state and federal levels. This is done to always be proactive in support of our businesses and the community we serve.

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

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

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

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.

Networking @ Noon on April 12, 2023 will be at Isabel & Annabel’s Mexican Restaurant, 201 Marion Ave Unit 113 Punta Gorda, 33950 Lunch Menu: Grilled Shrimp Salad with onions, peppers & tomato or Isabel’s Shredded Chicken burrito with rice & pico de gallo or Delia Taquitos 3 shredded beef taquitos, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream,  Guacamole & rice. This is a member's networking event. Cost $20pp. Please RSVP in the MIC.

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.

13th Annual Business Expo

Thank You Expo2024 Sponsors:

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:

RAM Site Services, LLC

2432 SW Brewer Ave

Arcadia, FL 34266

Rick Miller

(941) 769-4690

ramsiteservices@gmail.com

http://www.ramsiteservices.com

Helping Our Returning Neighbors, Inc

P.O. Box 928

Englewood, FL 34295

Steve Kennedy

(941) 809-2191

stevekennedy16@comcast.net

http://www.helpingourreturningneighbors.com

Legendary Dance Studio

3109 Tamiami Trail

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Diana Goode

(941) 237-0518

legaciespc@gmail.com

http://legendarydancestudio.com

Whitsyms In-Home Care

677 N Washington Blvd., Suite 39

Jackie Frischeisen

Sarasota, FL 34236

(941) 275-4879

Jackie@whitsymsinhomecare.com

https://www.whitsymsinhomecare.com/

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

Businesses may join online now or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org - Thank you!

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 & Grand Opening - Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - 5:30 p.m.

VIPcare Punta Gorda

 3941 Tamiami Trail, Suite 3175, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

5:30 RC event is 5:30-6:30        Refreshments & tours - 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.

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.)

In preparation of our flight on 5/2 from PGD, SWFL Honor Flight will be meeting on 3/22 at 7pm: PG Public Safety Building – 1410 Tamiami Trail. All are welcome. Current fundraisers include $10 raffle tickets for a trip for two to Ireland and our golf tournament on 5/27. Contact us at swflhonorflight@gmail.com. Please like our Facebook page and like/share our posts to spread the word: www.Facebook.com/swflhonorflight . We are also on Instagram and LinkedIn.

50% off on soaps, bath bombs, and costume jewelry only. Sales begin March 17-25. Visit Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts LLC, owners Vernon and Rebecca at the Sanctuary Plaza at 2686 Tamiami Trail #5A, Port Charlotte, FL.

Hurricane Ian Town Hall meeting on Wed, March 22^nd. 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.

LMCY Mortgage Professional Seminar, Hosted by LMCU mortgage experts on March 30^th from 530pm to 7pm at 2120 Kings Hwy, Port Charlotte, Fl 33980. This Seminar will cover LMCU mortgage products, from construction and lot loans to FHA and VA loans. The advantages of working with an established mortgage lender. Person and Business banking Solutions to help you earn more and pay less. Beer, wine, soda and light appetizers will be provided.. RSVP By March 27^th 2023 by Calling 941-258-3055 or emailing

Natalie.proctor@lmcu.org

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

Restoration Bar has moved! We are now located at 23081 Harbor View Road in Port Charlotte. We are on the second floor of the American Imaging building, easily accessible at Harborview Road and Kings highway. Our relocation has allowed us to add additional services including DaVinci teeth whitening! What I love about DaVinci teeth whitening is INSTANT RESULTS. We have our Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting scheduled from 530PM to 7 PM on March 29. We are giving away over $1000 in services!  Follow us on IG & FB to see our event only offers! 

Www.restorationbar.com

Valerie’s House-Charlotte County is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving children and families who have lost a loved one to go on to live fulfilling lives. Our vision is that no child grieves alone. Would you like to be a Valerie’s House Volunteer Facilitator? Our next training will be in Port Charlotte on April 15^th & April 16^th. Please complete the volunteer application link to join us: Volunteer in SWFL — Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org). We will also be having a FREE Remake Learning Days “Minute To Win It” family event at the Family Services Center with food & prizes on April 27^th (5-7pm). We hope to see you there.

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.

Kelting Inspections is here to help you with your mold inspection needs. We offer two types of inspections: One that will look over your property for any mold issues we can see and one that takes air samples to be sent to a lab and report on what mold is found in the home. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 941-655-8888. 

Whoops, Murdock Stones Etc.'s supplier made a big mistake...they sent us White Salt & Pepper Rip Rap...in our opinion it looks A LOT BETTER than Florida Rip Rap....call Brian at 941-629-6651 for special pricing...Material is located at our South Gulf Cove location...7621 Sawyer Circle.

Gardiner & Sons Moving and Storage provides a free in-home estimate before your move.  A red flag should come up if a mover suggests they can give you a price without a site visit.   At Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage, we are fully insured for travel in- and out-of-state and stand behind all our moves.   Our reputation speaks for itself through our reviews and customer referrals.  “When Quality Counts,“ call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage at (941) 423-5311. 

Here’s a tip from Complete Auto Repair to keep your air conditioner running:  Your car’s a/c can actually freeze and shut down if you keep it on recirculation and the coldest heating while driving on the highway.  At high speeds, push the outside air button to make sure you have cool air for the whole trip.  If you find your air conditioner doesn’t cool like it once did, call Mary for an appointment, at (941) 623 – 2926. 

When someone tells you they were sexually assaulted, how will you respond? Sexual Assault survivors often face disbelief and blame when they disclose their abuse, decreasing the chance they’ll report to police or seek help. The Start by Believing National Campaign challenges each of us to do better and start by believing the survivor. “I believe you,” are the words a survivor needs to hear. C.A.R.E is participating in this campaign. If your company would like to take the pledge or for more information, please contact us at 941-639-5499

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.”

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. 

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

~ Job Spot ~

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    

~ Volunteer ~

PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda — Volunteers needed for the PicklePlex Challenge sponsored by United HealthCare tournament Mar. 23-26. All volunteers receive a PicklePlex guest pass, moisture-wicking t-shirt, insulated metal water bottle and more. Do not need to be a pickleball player to volunteer. Will have the opportunity to see some great action. Contact Sue Meyer at info@pickleplex.org for more information and to volunteer.

“Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding.” – Jim Valvano

Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase your business? A great opportunity would be sponsoring one of our Third Wednesday Coffees. Sponsors receive recognition in Business Online, on Facebook and in the Chamber calendar.  Sponsors may place marketing materials on the tables at the event and will have 4-5 minutes to introduce yourself/staff/business. Available slots are limited. Please contact Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300.

LOCAL-

Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.

Charlotte County Economic Development Office- www.cleared4takeoff.com

Community Organizations Active in a Disaster- https://coadfl.org/

Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs- https://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/immediate-southwest-florida-job-openings/

Charlotte County Department of Health- www.Charlotte.FloridaHealth.gov

City of Punta Gorda- http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/

Charlotte County Administration - https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/dept/admin/Pages/default.aspx

Charlotte County Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. See property information and county and/or city services and public facilities in the property’s neighborhood.

United Way of Charlotte County Disaster Relief page at www.unitedwayccfl.org/ian. 

STATE AND FEDERAL-

Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320.

Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster

Federal Emergency Management Association - www.FEMA.gov or 1-800-621-3362

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/

Florida Retail Federation- http://www.frf.org/index.php/news/covid-19

Florida Dept. of Health- http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org

Governor's Office- www.flgov.com

Center for Disease Control- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Small Business Development Center - www.fsbdcswfl.org

A fourth-grade teacher was giving her pupils a lesson in logic.

"Here is the situation," she said. "A man is standing up in a boat in the middle of a river, fishing. He loses his balance, falls in, and begins splashing and yelling for help. His wife hears the commotion, knows he can't swim, and runs down to the bank. Why do you think she ran to the bank?"

A girl raised her hand and asked,

"To draw out all his savings?"