Charlotte County
Chamber of
Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, December 21, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New Members
- Chamber Member News
- Job Spot
- Resources
- Just For Fun
- Contact information
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Social Distancing and Safety Protocol Statement
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Give your chamber member friends, associates, or random chamber businesses who could use a supportive surprise the REAL gift that keeps on giving the whole year-
An EXPO Booth Gift Certificate
The chamber will notify the recipient on your behalf before noon, Thursday, December 24 with a personalized email announcement of your wonderful gift. You can chose your recipient or allow the chamber to select a random business member to benefit from this generosity!
"Surpasses a 'Jelly-of-the-Month Club Membership' by far!"
$495 per booth- Contact Teri Ashley at tashley@charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
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ONLY 7 WEEKS AWAY
Expo Sponsors:
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Charlotte Health Solutions
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mortgage Firm
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mosaic Company
Business After Party Sponsor- Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Print Sponsor- Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor- Sun Coast Media Group
Radio Sponsor- iHeart Media
Lanyard Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Event Bag Sponsor- Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency
There are four sponsorship levels which include the exhibitor booth space(s), lots of promotional perks, print and digital advertising, party tickets, and more than ever before. All of the details are right HERE.
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Make sure your business is included ... the exhibitor list is growing weekly:
AADisaster Restoration; Achieva Credit Union; Acu Heal Medical Acupuncture; Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda; BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Centennial Bank; Certain Service; Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller; Charlotte County Community Services; Charlotte County Economic Development Office; Charlotte County Property Appraiser Paul Polk; Charlotte County Water Rainsoft; Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association; Chelsea Place Senior Care; Charlotte State Bank and Trust; Charlotte Technical College; Coastal Dermatology; Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; Edward Jones-Jim Sproul; Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop; Farr Law Firm; Fawcett Memorial Hospital; FSBDC at FGCU; Gator Wilderness Camp School; Icard Merrill Attorneys and Counselors; Integrity Insurance Agency; Labor Solutions; LaQuinta Inn and Suites/Microtel Inn and Suites Port Charlotte; LMET@Sea, LLC; Murdock Stones Etc.; The SCORE Association; Port Charlotte Rehab and Nursing; Pregnancy Solutions; Radiology Regional Center; Rescue Air Cooling and Heating; S&N Motorsports; ServPro of Port Charlotte/Venice; Shutters 9-1-1, LLC; Tampa Bay Rays; TaxSavers; Tidewell Hospice; Tony/Rhonda Gustitus Team-Keller Williams Peace River Partners; Village Place Senior Living; Vintage Motor Car Club of America SWFL Region; and Whitco Insurance- Alexia Martin Agency.
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2020-2021 Sustaining Partners |
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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Charlotte Health Solutions
675 Tamiami Trail, 6-B
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Phone: 941-841-4565 Fax: 941-841-3165
Dana Jackson
http://www.charlottehealthsolutions.com
Finnegan’s Grille & Pub
1825 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-766-9886
Tom Natoli, Troy Wright
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First Choice Home Builders, LLC
24630 Sandhill Blvd.
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
941-255-3613
LeeAnn Burch
http://www.firstchoicehomebuilders.net
Tidewell Foundation, Inc
5955 Rand Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34238
941-552-7546
Peter C. Lefferts
http://www.tidewellfoundation.org
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Chamber Member News
Wishing all our Charlotte County Friends A Happy, Healthy Holiday- From Advocate Radiation Oncology to you and your loved ones, we wish a warm and wonderful Chanukah, a merry Christmas, and a peaceful holiday season. We are grateful to be a part of the Charlotte County community, and for the opportunity to help patients with a cancer diagnosis on their treatment journey. May we all have a prosperous and healthy 2021!
Cruise Planning course offered by America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring Thursday, January 14th 2PM to 5PM Thursdays & Mondays till February 1st in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Cruising on sail or powerboat (owned or chartered) covering: Preparation and planning – General, Boat and Equipment, Anchors and Anchoring, Security, Chartering, Cruising outside the United States, Crew and Provisioning, Voyage Management, Communications, Navigation, Weather, and Emergencies. Price is $60 for USPS members and $110 to public. To register or for information 941-637-0766 or education@peaceriversailandpowersquadron.org
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! Will we see you at the 2021 Business Expo in February? Now is the time to prepare! We can help you create the perfect look for your booth and your team and your giveaway items. Let us build you a custom tradeshow package to fit your budget. From now until 1/4/2021, get 10% off Embroidered Apparel & Promotional Products for the expo (maximum discount of $50).
Want to lend a helping hand in your community? CHEC needs your help! We are looking for volunteers with skills in carpentry, plumbing, electricity, and more. Please contact us at 941-575-5435 to learn about how you can get involved. Also, participate in free guided hikes with CHEC at Alligator Creek Preserve on Tuesdays or Thursdays, or other special hikes. Registration is required, and all participants must wear a face mask. Hikes begin at 9:00 AM. For more information or to register, call us or check out our website at www.checflorida.org.
At Complete Auto Repair, we believe that time spent with others is better than material gifts. The gifts we choose to give save time and money. If you’re like us, then consider giving someone a gift certificate for an oil change. We also replace their wiper blades if they are worn, free with your gift certificate. Stop by 20120 Veterans Blvd. in Port Charlotte to pick one up. Even a $25 expense avoided can be significant to someone who is watching his or her budget.
Fishermen’s Village annual Festival of Lights features more than one million holiday lights and decorations throughout the Village! Daily viewing through December 31st! Free parking/free admission. Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort & Marina, home to 40+ independently owned shops/boutiques/waterfront restaurants! www.fishville.com 941-639-8721. Located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda!
The Florida Guardian ad Litem program and the Salvation Army are collecting new toys, clothing and other “wish list” items to help brighten the season for area children in need. All six branches of Charlotte State Bank & Trust are serving as drop-off locations for these two prominent local charitable organizations, so drop by any bank office and pick up a “wish list’ or two. Bank lobbies are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (except for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day).
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage wishes you a Merry Christmas. We are available to help with your local moves, getting you into your new place for the start of 2021. When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons at 941-423-5311.
Business owners, what do you wish for? As 2021 rolls in, consider the momentum-building power of a relevant business plan. Unless you need financing, your business plan can be a simple guide toward and away from priorities. Patti Guerzo, of Guerzo Business Consulting, makes this planning process enjoyable and productive, resulting in a roadmap toward the success you choose. Don’t let 2021 just happen; take control and call Patti at 312-420-0884 to set an appointment.
Gulfcoast South AHEC provides free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs! Programs are led by Tobacco Cessation Specialists who are trained to provide evidence-based tobacco cessation education and resources. As part of Tobacco Free Florida, all Group Quit services, including nicotine replacement therapy, are FREE. Pre-registration is required. Call 866-534-7909 to register. You will be emailed a link to join by ZOOM conference via video or audio.
December 31, 2020 marks the end of many Bank and Credit Card foreclosure and collection moratoriums. Don’t wait until the last minute to think about what you are going to do to deal with your creditors once collections and foreclosure actions start up again. Call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill to help you deal with your creditors and protect your assets and homestead. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com. Learn more at https://icardmerrill.com/money-matters/ .
Merry Christmas from Independent Financial Coaching! Do you have a college student home on break? This is a great opportunity to have them speak with Sue Craig, and take a free literacy assessment and explore a private course in personal finance that will lay the foundation for a successful financial life and retirement. Sometimes, people listen better to strangers. Call Sue at 941-916-5324 to set up a video, or in-person meeting.
Christmas Light Canal Cruise reservations at King Fisher Fleet now open! Be part of the 40-year Punta Gorda tradition. Enjoy the same unique holiday experience but with new safety guidelines in place. These popular, family-friendly cruises tour residential canals to view Christmas lights, displays, and decorations on homes, boats, seawalls and docks. December 1st - 31st. Three options: 2-hour Sunset Cruise/Christmas Light Canal Cruise Combo, Classic 1-hour Christmas Light Canal Cruise, and Private Small Group Cruises. Info, prices, and reservations: https://kingfisherfleet.com/christmas-light-canal-cruise/.
Need a last minute gift for someone that is hard to buy for? Murdock Stones Etc. sells a wide variety of lawn ornaments from $15 to $100. Check them out at: 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market). or 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.
Our Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes to All for a Peaceful and Joyful Holiday and a Very Happy, Healthy, and Rewarding New Year! For economical and FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening services, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500; Toll-Free: 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: nrginfo@atlantic.net
Volunteers Needed- Our program is currently accepting volunteers to mentor students with our Scholarship Program. We have 11 new students who will need a mentor to be their academic guide until graduation. Mentoring a child will require that you meet at least once weekly, in person, via Zoom meeting or the TSIC App. You will be ensuring that your mentee continues to do well in school, meet college requirements and continue to focus on acceptance to a Florida college. https://www.takestockinchildren.org; Contact: Gloria Smith/Student Services Coordinator; Gloria.smith@yourcharlotteschools.net; 941-255-7500 Xt. 169
Home Buying couldn’t be easier. With new programs available, Toby Lynn can find the right fit for a friend or co-worker. Conventional, FHA/VA, Primary Residences, Secondary Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans, Toby can help. Pre-Qualify at no cost, zero, FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
Zaxby’s of Port Charlotte is giving away four free children’s bikes on December 22nd. Parents may stop by Zaxby’s on Cochran Blvd and complete one entry card per child. No purchase is necessary. You do not have to be present to win. www.Zaxbys.com.
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Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs
Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to tashley@charlottecountychamber.org.
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Resources
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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Just for Fun
Maestro Raffaele Ponti of the Punta Gorda Symphony offered a few explanations to the audience at Saturday's wonderful Holiday Pops Outdoors concert at Florida SouthWestern State College. He explained that along with social distancing, face masks, and other modifications, that additional concessions had needed to be made for the event.
"We had hoped to have a new piece arranged and ready to premier for your today called 'The Second Noel,'" Maestro Ponti apologetically explained. "Instead, we will now play for you ... 'The First Noel.'"
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Do you have news or information about YOUR chamber business? Send it to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and we'll share it with the entire membership. Email your submission to Teri Ashley at tashley@charlottecountychamber.org. Please send 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday. Business Online is emailed weekly on Mondays, or Tuesday following a holiday. This is a free membership only benefit! ( We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.)
Also, if you happen to still be reading on this fine December day, be the first one to email "YES! 10th Annual Hottest Business Day on Paradise Expo" to me at tashley@charlottecountychamber.com and you win a free booth at the February 10th, 2021 event!
Teri Ashley, Executive Director
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
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2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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Social Distancing and Health Safety Protocol Statement: The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce requests that you kindly not attend events with a fever, any COVID-19 Symptoms, if anyone in your household has shown symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are included in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined high-risk category for COVID-19. Additionally, while we know that most are accustomed to handshakes, fist-bumps, and hugs, we ask that you refrain during this time and follow all recommended health safety protocols. Social distancing is required by anyone attending chamber events and it is recommended that face masks be worn to lessen the possible transmission of COVID-19 to others. By attending Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce events, all attendees acknowledge and assume the risk that COVID-19 is contagious and exposure may occur. :
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