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.

WCCF Radio 1580AM, Tuesday, April 11 at 9:00 a.m. Listen to Chamber updates on Charlotte County Speaks/Ken Lovejoy show.

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.

Third Wednesday Coffee and New Member Showcase, Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. (Come at 7:45 a.m. to get your coffee and settled before the program starts at 8:00 a.m.) Join us, along with invited new members for our quarterly New Member Showcase at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Connect with our newest members while enjoying breakfast pastry and a beverage. Please RSVP in the MIC so that we may properly plan.

Members Networking Event - Business Card Exchange on Thursday, April 27th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Brookdale Port Charlotte, 18440 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte. Please RSVP in the MIC so that we may properly plan.

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. Sponsorships Available.

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:

ERC Funds for Business

1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Suite 1139-329

Port Charlotte, FL 33952-5129

William Moeshlin

(941) 276-4020

support@ercfundsforbusiness.com

http://www.ercfundsforbusiness.com

Mark Kreitzer (Life Insurance)

3295 Manhattan St.

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

(941) 779-3028

markckreitzer@gmail.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.)

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 County Attorney will be hosting a hurricane recovery and rebuild workshop at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023 in Room 119 of the Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL. The public is invited to attend, hear from the experts, and ask questions of the County Building Official representatives; local attorneys regarding landlord/tenant issues, construction, and insurance laws; in addition to representatives from the Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, and Florida Rural Legal Services. For information, contact Ceres Austria at County.Attorney@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or 941-743-1327.

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.

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

The Charlotte County Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, April 1st from 8 am to 12 pm to process your Passport application/children’s renewal, and take your passport photo FREE OF CHARGE with application. We understand how hectic work and school schedules can be for working families. We’re here to help you, and look forward to seeing you at the Justice Center located at 350 East Marion Ave., Punta Gorda (2^nd Floor, Official Records division). For more information visit us at CharlotteClerk.com or call us at (941) 637-2335.

Charlotte Players- European River Cruise Benefit Auction. Join us on April 13 at 7p for a fun Viking Presentation by Darren Dolan and Travel Advisor Robin Carmichael. Bidding starts at $1,000 for a 8 Day- & Night Vonage for 2. Refreshments & Door Prizes will be provided. No charge for the evening festivities. Also no advanced ticketing necessary. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. 

C.A.R.E. is proud to announce Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 2023. Register for the FREE Sexual Assault Awareness Walk by calling 941-639-5499. The first 100 walkers to sign up will get a free t-shirt. Join people in your community, April 15^th 9am at Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park, to raise awareness and give support to the sexual violence survivors who we honor each day. C.A.R.E. is dedicated to helping survivors and to spreading awareness through our 24-hour HELPLINE 941-637-0404, offering one on one counselling, support groups and many other victim services.

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.

2^nd Annual Fishermen’s Village Craft Beer Fest. Enjoy a day of sampling beers from over 30 breweries on Saturday, April 22nd from 12:00-4:00 pm at Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda, FL presented by the Charlotte Chapter of Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association! Pre-Sale Tickets are $40/each. Day of Tickets are $50/each. Get your Tickets link. Proceeds will support local ProStart/Culinary schools and students with scholarships, classroom supplies and equipment. Tickets must be purchased by individuals who are 21 years of age or older. A valid government issued ID will be required to gain entry to the event.

Sunshine Ace Hardware at 3035 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 is holding a B2B Event Introducing Sunshine Ace Hardware Commercial Sales Division, on April, 27 at 8AM until 12Noon. For more information contact B2B Account Executive Tony Corvino acorvino@sunshineace.com or call 941-769-1454.

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.

BB&B for charity! Port Charlotte Sunrise Kiwanis Foundation (Shoes for Kids) hosts its third Beer, Brats and The BoogieMen on May 6^th INSIDE the Expo Hall at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are $40 which includes the best music and dancing by our area’s premier band, dinner (brats and sides), ice tea and one beverage ticket for beer, wine, seltzer or soda. Silent auction and raffles. Presenting sponsors are Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions and Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning. Call Diana 941-628-2025 or visit Eventbrite. 

Every business is created for one thing: to solve a problem. You can solve a problem by selling gas, fixing roofs, advertising for small businesses, or anything else. Businesses are problem solvers. So, what problem are you solving? – 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!  https://bigshotmad.com/2023/02/march-2-newsletter-2 BSMAD is committed to providing tangible results for our clients. That means – lead generation, increasing online purchases, and reaching digital marketing goals.

Keith Walther Roofing, LLC is a licensed and insured family owned and operated roofing company with more than 25 years experience in construction!. We can handle all of your shingle, metal, and flat roof repairs and replacements. We offer free inspections and quotes. We would love the opportunity to discuss with you your roofing needs. We offer senior, military, and first responder discounts. Customer service is our top priority. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have. Please call us at (239)880-7663 today! 

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.

Another tip from Complete Auto Repair:  We have found some people are not aware that your vehicle’s control panel tells you which side of the car has the fuel door.  The next time you start your car, look for this indicator.  If you get in the habit of looking for it then you’ll have an easy time refueling your next rental.  If you have an auto-related question, just ask us - (941) 623 – 2926.  We are here to help. 

Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage takes pride in moving Seniors across town or cross-country. Caring for your parents and grandparents is an important part of our mission as a family-owned business.   We have patience that may be required to explain; we take the extra time to pack heirlooms.  You can trust Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage to care for your family as we care for our own.  For information call Kenny at (941) 423-5311. 

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

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 ~

Charlotte Technical College is hosting a job/internship fair for the following programs: Early Childhood Education – IT - Digital Design – Auto – HVAC - ALL High Schoolers looking for summer work and internships. Thursday, April 20 8:30 AM-1:30 PM. SPACE IS LIMITED. REPLY TO SIGN UP BY APRIL 5! Tables provided. Two representatives per table max please. Lunch available on site. Stephanie Rusch, Career Specialist/Community Liaison, Charlotte Technical College stephanie.rusch@yourcharlotteschools.net phone (941) 255-7500 ext.1739

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    

~ New Kids on the Block ~

ShorePoint Medical Group Welcomes New OB/GYN, Ricky Leff, M.D., FACOG

Ricky Leff, M.D., FACOG, a board-certified OB/GYN, has joined ShorePoint Medical Group. He specializes in care that ranges from annual women’s checkups, labor and delivery, and preventive care, to the treatment of menopausal symptoms, incontinence, and more. Dr. Leff will see patients in each of the ShorePoint Obstetrics and Gynecology offices (Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, and Arcadia) and is currently accepting new patients. For more information, please visit www.ShorePointMedicalGroup.com

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” - Muhammad Ali

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

The topic for my third-grade class was genetics. Smiling broadly, I pointed to my dimples and asked, “What trait do you think I passed on to my children?”

One student called out, “Wrinkles!”

----------

Top Reasons for Joining the Church Choir:



- You're running out of clean clothes and the robe saves on laundry.

- The church is usually crowded and you want to make sure you always have a seat.

- You've just been selected for jury duty and you want to get use to sitting with a large group of people.

- The collection plate is never passed to the choir.

- There's a clock in the back of the church and you want to know when one hour has passed.

- For years you have wanted to know who sits in the back of the church but were afraid to turn around and look.

- You've been known to nod off during the service and don't want the minister/priest to catch you.

- The chairs for the choir are padded and are the most comfortable chairs in the church.