Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 96th Year of Serving All Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, November 2, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New Member
- 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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Welcome Back, Bob White! As both former staff member and board member, Bob White has many years of experience with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. We are pleased to announce that Bob has accepted the position of Membership Coordinator with the chamber. He will be out-and-about in the community to reinforce the importance and value of chamber membership to local businesses and the community at-large as we continue to grow. Bob can be reached at [email protected] or 941-627-2222.
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The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce DIGITAL 2021 Community Guide and Business Directory is available to view and share. The "Community Guide" tab is at the top of the chamber website home page at CharlotteCountyChamber.org.
If you would also like a supply of the printed, glossy magazine version to display in your office, and to distribute to your current and prospective clients and customers, please stop by the chamber office at 2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
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Write this down. In ink.
The 10th Annual “Hottest Business Day in Paradise” Expo is all set for February 10 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Both the chamber and the event center have this whole health safety situation down pat. We don’t take any chances without face masks, social distancing, hand-washing, and crowd-size guidelines. Nope, we just don’t. And, knock on wood, so far, so good.
Our member businesses have definitely benefitted from the expo for the past nine years and we so no reason why 2021 would be anything but bigger and better. In reality, the expo is just as much about business-to-business education and camaraderie as it is an opportunity to interact with a tremendous number of potential customer walk-ins. As far as I know there isn’t one participant who hasn’t gained multiple times the business to cover their expo expenses. And if they didn’t they aren’t admitting because, well, they obviously did their “expo-ing” all wrong. Sorry.
Every exhibitor attends a pre-event reception a couple week ahead of time to review the expo details and learn a few tricks-of-the-expo-trade. The two main points that always stand out to me are that everyone either needs your product or service … or they KNOW someone who does or will … or THEY know someone who knows someone who does or will … and so on. And don’t just sit in a chair behind your display waiting for customers to jump on over. Be front and center and proactively interacting.
Anyway, this isn’t your average run-of-the-mill expo. It’s THE “Hottest Business Day in Paradise Expo” with local businesses. It’s a fun, upbeat, day-long event with a theme depicting our sub-tropical locale. It’s so successful that many of our vendors and sponsors secured their participation at the conclusion of the 2020 expo.
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Expo Sponsors- Who’s already in?
Our 2021 10th Annual “Hottest Business Day in Paradise” Expo sponsors already (yes, already) include:
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group;
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, again- Chapman Insurance Group
There are four sponsorship levels which include the exhibitor booth space(s), lots of promotional perks, print and digital adverting, party tickets, and more than ever before. All of the details are right HERE.
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And you WON'T believe THIS expo news ...
We have more than 40 exhibitors confirmed and it's only the second day of November:
AADisaster Restoration, Achieva Credit Union, Acu Heal Medical Acupuncture, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte, Centennial Bank, Certain Service, Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Charlotte County Community Services, Charlotte County Property Appraiser Paul Polk, Charlotte County Water Rainsoft, Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association, Chelsea Place Senior Care, Charlotte State Bank and Trust, Coastal Dermatology, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty, Edward Jones-Jim Sproul, Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop, Farr Law Firm, Gator Wilderness Camp School, Icard Merrill Attorneys and Counselors, Integrity Insurance Agency, Labor Solutions, LaQuinta Inn and Suites/Microtel Inn and Suites Port Charlotte, Murdock Stones Etc., The SCORE Association, Port Charlotte Rehab and Nursing, Pregnancy Solutions, Radiology Regional Center, Rescue Air Cooling and Heating, FSBDC at FGCU, S&N Motorsports, ServPro of Port Charlotte/Venice, Tampa Bay Rays, TaxSavers, Tony/Rhonda Gustitus Team-Keller Williams Peace River Partners, and Village Place Senior Living.
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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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Bobbi Bevis-The Bevis Group, Real Estate Agent, RE/MAX Harbor Realty
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Ste. 1129, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-815-1176 Fax: 941-639-3366
Bobbi Bevis
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Chamber Member News
Lung cancer often doesn’t get the attention that other cancers do, yet it kills more people than most common cancers combined. When a lung cancer diagnosis is made there are many effective treatment options available, and frequently radiation therapy is one of them. If you or a loved one is facing a lung cancer diagnosis, Advocate Radiation Oncology is here to help you through that journey. Please call us at 941-883-2199 where we always put our patients first, combining our expertise and compassionate care.
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! There is no better time than now…get $10 off any order of $200 or more from now until 10/30/2020. From PPE to signage or apparel, we’ve got you covered! Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or [email protected] to see what we can do for you!
Join C.A.R.E. on November 14th at 11:00 a.m. as we present Yoga and Wine at the History Park of Punta Gorda. Attendees will have a traditional yoga practice lasting around 45 minutes or so. Followed by plenty of wine provided by our sponsor Smugglers and tons of fun. Raffle prizes will be available so don't forget your cash! Space is limited so get your tickets early ($40.00 per person) as this event will sell out. For more information, visit our website www.carefl.org/events.
A friendly reminder from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or mind off driving. It is extremely risky behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger. Texting is one of the most dangerous of distracted driving behaviors. Please put the phone down. Focus on driving.
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC) invites you to attend free guided nature walks with a Volunteer Naturalist at various beautiful Charlotte County nature preserves. To kick off November, CHEC will host a guided walk at Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Preserve on Tuesday, November 3rd, and a walk at Tippecanoe Preserve on Thursday, November 5th. All walks begin at 9:00 AM. For more information or to register, please call the CHEC office at 941-575-5435. You can find more CHEC programs by visiting www.checflorida.org. We hope you will join us!
Chelsea Place Home Care is offering a new client discount. Purchase 40 hours of service and receive 10 hours additionally at no charge. We offer meal prep, medication reminders, transportation, companions, laundry and light housecleaning. Call for complimentary consultation 941-979-5288, available 24/7 with no minimum amount of hours.
If you’re planning to travel this holiday season – have Complete Auto Repair inspect your travel vehicle before you leave. They will give you a written summary and an estimate of any work that is recommended. Give Ron and Misty Morgan a call to schedule your inspection, 941-623-2926.
Curry Moving & Storage, Inc. remains open for business, but is closed to public access at this time. You may reach us by phone; 941-625-4191 or by email; [email protected]. We have mini-warehouses for rent with the best price in town. In light of the challenge we are all facing, Curry Moving & Storage is taking several hygienic precautions to keep our customers and employees safe. We are currently offering all first responders one month free mini-warehouse space or lot space. Remember, He is the light in the darkness!
Don Gasgarth’s Charlotte County Ford needs your vehicle and will pay cash today! Save up to $13,000 off on 2020 F-150 and Expedition. 2020 Escape starting at $19,997 or take up to $8,000 off 2020 Escape, Edge, or Explorer. Stop in to our showroom or visit us at CharlotteCountyFord.com for more specials. Joseph Keilholz, Sales Manager, 813-575-2140. Call or Text me anytime! Don Gasgarth's Charlotte County Ford, 3156 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Aloha! For a limited time, enjoy a very special Maui Jim BOGO at Eye Centers of Florida! Purchase one complete pair of prescription Maui Jim eyewear (sunglasses or eyeglasses), get a second pair of prescription Maui Jim eyeglasses for 50% off. These frames are gorgeous, and the sunglasses are incredible! To view all optical and Aesthetic Center specials, visit https://www.ecof.com/resources/coupons/. Most insurance and vision plans accepted. Walk-ins and outside prescriptions welcome! Call 888.EYE.APPT (888-393-2778) for an appointment. The Port Charlotte office is located on Hwy 41. For all SWFL locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
Fishermen’s Village annual Festival of Lights features more than one million holiday lights and decorations throughout the Village! Staff is currently decorating the Village in preparation of the holiday season. Daily viewing begins November 15th and continues through December 31st! Note: Although we are unable to host a “Lighting of the Village” Ceremony this year, we invite you to come and enjoy the Festival of Lights, lighted canal cruises, shopping, dining and live entertainment! Visit www.fishville.com for full details!
At Friendly Floors, we want you to love your floors for a long time. That’s why our team listens carefully to your needs, and recommends the best options. Call us to learn more about the new “Waterproof Hardwood” floor. Yes, there is such a thing as waterproof hardwood now, and waterproof laminate too. We’ve watched videos of tractors driving over metal hardware, and these floors are unharmed, so they should be strong enough for your family! Come see all our waterproof hardwood options at our showroom at 3785 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has a scheduled customer move to Indiana the second week in November. We are discussing logistics for customers who want reservations on that truck. If you or someone you know needs awkward, large, other items dropped off on our way to Indiana; please call Kenny Gardiner at 941-423-5311. When Quality Counts, call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage.
98% of businesses do not have a documented business plan. The other 2% are the high achievers that are ready for opportunities, and can adapt to negative events. Guerzo Business Consulting can help you develop a roadmap for next year that can provide more sales, profits, and enjoyment in running your business. When you look at 2021, would you like to be in the top 2%? Call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884!
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gulfcoast South AHEC is now providing free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs virtually! 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.
Harbor Inspection Services is offering a 30 day special of 10% off Residential home inspections including wind mitigation and 4 point inspections for seniors 65+, teachers, medically licensed personnel, law enforcement, veterans/military. Proper ID required. Please contact Lib Astafan via phone or email for more information and pricing. Offer ends 10/11/2020. Lib Astafan, Owner/Inspector, Harbor Inspection Services LLC, Certified Professional Inspector; FL Home Inspector Lic. HI12433; InterNACHI # 19060317; Bus. Mobile 941-740-4546; [email protected]; www.harborhomeinspections.com
The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event to benefit the Homeless Coalition will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. The cost is $95 and includes: 25 chance auction tickets, 2 drink tickets, a continental breakfast, a southern-style barbeque lunch and mulligans for your team. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134 or email [email protected] to reserve a spot.
Each day is a gift, and we can never predict what the future holds. Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or [email protected] to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.
There are new ideas emerging to increase hope during this stressful time. One technique involves “future casting,” envisioning a time when life returns to normal. At Independent Financial Coaching, we call that “goal setting.” While we all can future cast in isolation, call Sue Craig (941-916-5324) if you prefer talking with someone about your goals. This is proven to increase hope and reduce stress, and with IFC, it’s confidential and social-distanced as well.
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/.
Learn to Sail is offering adult sailing lessons with a special discount for all chamber members. Simply use the coupon code “Chamber” when checking out for a $50 discount.
A US Sailing Certified Instructor will lead the sessions. Classes are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Nov. 7 & 8th & Nov. 14th & 15th. November 21st is a makeup day in the event a class must be canceled or cut short due to inclement weather. Class: $450 + $25 non-refundable registration fee, seats are limited. Register here: www.learntosailswf.com
(#1 of 4) Reasons to “CONNECT” with Lightspeed Voice. INCREASED RELIABILITY: We have geographically dispersed data centers and call forwarding which means your clients can always reach you. Learn more.
Did you know that if you are laying pavers in Florida, that in most cases you only need two inches of paver sand to go underneath? Murdock Stones Etc. is selling it for $43 a yard ($5 off) to chamber members for the month of October. 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte. 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox) or www.murdockstonesetc.com, 941-629-6651.
Employers conducting their own background checks internally are advised to insure consistency in their processes and have working knowledge of the many different laws governing applicant screening, including federal and state anti-discrimination laws, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules on background checks, data privacy laws, and specific state requirements. About 75 percent of employers who utilize background checks in their hiring process outsource that work to professional screening agencies. For expert, economical, and FCRA-compliant screening services, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500; Toll-Free: 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: [email protected]
While October is the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month, mammograms are year-round! Are you due for your annual mammogram? If so, Radiology Regional’s Mobile Mammo will be parked at 1851 Tamami Trail in Port Charlotte, on Wednesday, November 11th from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., call 941-255-7945 to schedule your appointment. Mammograms matter! An annual mammogram could be the difference between early detection and less invasive, less expensive treatment versus battling a late-stage cancer and aggressive cancer. Schedule your appointment today at 941-255-7945.
Hello fellow chamber members. Reminder, Rita's helps support the community. We offer several fundraising options to help nonprofits. We’re proud to say we recently raised $2,000 for the Charlotte Bandits Football and Cheer. We are currently working on a Spirit Night for Kingsway Elementary School and a Scoop Night with the Homeless Coalition, tentative date- November 12, 2020. If we can help, contact [email protected] or stop by for more info. Rita's is open 7 days a week, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm. We offer drive thru, walk up and delivery.
https://www.ritasice.com/location/ritas-of-4255-tamiami-trail-port-charlotte-fl/#ritas-row-flavors
Toby Lynn helps families buy, build, or refinance their home. Let’s get the ball rolling for a family member, co-worker, or your best buddy! Toby Lynn can help get them financing for Primary Residences, Secondary Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans. Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
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Do you love helping people through difficult situations? SERVPRO of Venice and Port Charlotte is looking for a reliable and hardworking production technician. Experience in cleaning and restoration is preferred; will train the right candidate. Part-time and full time candidates will be considered. Must be available to work after hours and weekends for emergency services. Ability to successfully complete a background check is required. Please email your resume to: [email protected] SERVPRO® of Venice and Port Charlotte is an EOE M/F/D/V employer.
Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs
Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to [email protected].
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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
We have a BIG decision to make this month. Pumpkin pie or pecan pie?
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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 [email protected]. 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.)
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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