Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 95th Year of Serving All Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, September 14, 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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Third Wednesday Coffee
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event
and Conference Center
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
SPONSOR: Panther Hollow Dental Lodge
PRESENTATION: Dave Gammon, Director, Charlotte County Economic Development
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“95th Annual Membership Luncheon”
Please join us as we celebrate our longevity and contributions to the community while looking forward to a successful future.
Friday, October 2, 2020, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, Florida
$75 - per person $275 - table for four
Bar (credit cards only)
Business Attire
LIMITED SEATING
(*All required health and safety protocols will be followed.)
Reservation deadline: September 25, 2020
For additional information, please contact the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce at
2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, 941-627-2222
CharlotteCountyChamber.org
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The Pacesetter Award is the major individual honor presented annually by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 recipient:
A Pacesetter is by definition an individual who has achieved a level of excellence within his or her community or industry that provides a new benchmark for all to follow.
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Kindly submit your 2020 Pacesetter nomination before noon TOMORROW!
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As we move toward the new chamber year please continue to thank our 2019-2020 Sustaining Partners-
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The new chamber year begins on October 1 and all members are invited to become a 2020-2021 Sustaining Partner. Support your chamber and enjoy the perks!
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Welcome New Members
Gilley’s Custom Homes
1121 W. Price Boulevard
North Port, FL 34288
941-426-6542
Branden Gilley
gilleyscustomhomes@gmail.com
gilleyscustomhomes.com
Harbor Inspection Services, LLC
4201 Yacantan Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-740-4546
Lib Astafan
Lib.Astafan-CPI@harborhomeinspections.com
harborhomeinspections.com
Touch Nail Bar
1100 El Jobean Road
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-979-5431
Cung Hoang, Cuc Dao
touchnailbar20@gmail.com
touchnailbar.com
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Chamber Member News
Buffalo Graffix is here for all your printing and design needs! There is no better time than now…get 10% off any promotional product order from now until 9/30/2020. From PPE to pens or mugs, we’ve got you covered! Contact us today at 941-625-2833 or info@buffalograffix.com to see what we can do for you!
A referendum is on the ballot this fall regarding extending the 1% local option sales tax for six years. This is not a new tax, it has been approved by voters in Charlotte County for 26 years. If voters choose to extend it, the 1% local option sales tax will fund a variety of projects throughout Charlotte County. For information, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click the sales tax banner. To schedule a presentation for your organization, call Brian Gleason at 941-743-1944. Early voting starts Oct. 19 and Election Day is Nov. 3.
Hello community members! I'm Trista Zimmerman, Crime Prevention Coordinator with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. We are partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to assist us in keeping our businesses aware of any new crime trends taking place and pass along useful information. Recently, we have had several storage yards with fences cut, access made, and catalytic converters stolen off vehicles. The thefts caused in excess of $500.00 in damages to each vehicle. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 941-613-3227.
Charlotte Players- “Comedy for a Cause” is looking for sponsors! The “Comedy for a Cause” All Stars will continue its fundraising tradition with the 8th Annual Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser on September 25th from the Langdon Playhouse, live via Livestream, on Facebook. Sponsorships start at $100.00 and offer a wide variety of opportunities to share your business with thousands of viewers. And there is more! CFAC will be hosting an online silent auction and needs silent auction items. For sponsorship and auction information: lori.wagner-ryan@charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022 Deadline is September 21st.
We know that an air conditioner is one of the most important features in your car. Having it work efficiently will make your life better, and minimize the cost to your vehicle. At Complete Auto Repair, we make sure your a/c is functional. We add a dye to the Freon that includes a stop-leak for small leaks, and it’s fluorescent green, so we can easily find it later with a black light. Don’t roll the dice on your comfort this fall. Call Ron or Misty Morgan for an appointment, 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; currymoving@gmail.com. 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!
Dancing Moon Travel: Cruise Fans -- plan now to join Pat for our Facebook Live at 1 pm Tuesday .... she will provide an update on the new Health & Safety Protocols being put in place as cruise industry anticipates their return to sailing from U.S. ports. Align your expectations for the day when cruising resumes! Can't make the Live event? Join the Watch Party "instant replay" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday! https://www.facebook.com/DancingMoonTravel/posts/3504669912898199
We’ve built a better BOGO at Eye Centers of Florida! Enjoy 30% off all additional pairs of eyewear with purchase of first pair. Perfect for a spare pair, sunglasses, readers, and blue light blocking computer glasses. To learn more and 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 in front of Lowe’s. For all SWFL locations, visit https://www.ecof.com/locations/.
Now available for reservations! The Suites at Fishermen's Village, your stay and play destination on Charlotte Harbor! Perfect “Staycation” getaway! Call 941-639-8721 for rate/booking info or visit on line at www.fishville.com/resort. Suites are 1,000 sq. feet, sleep up to four, located on the 2nd level above Fishermen’s Village shops, boutiques and restaurants.
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.
Do you need something moved to or from the Midwest? If so, call Kenny Gardiner with Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage (941-423-5311). Kenny will be headed to the Midwest the 3rd week in September. Call him to arrange transit for your items, there’s still one week to make it work. When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage.
If you do what you have always done, you will get what you’ve always got, right? If you want better results from your marketing, you may need to reevaluate your message, format, and delivery methods. Guerzo Business Consulting can provide a fresh perspective. For profitable new products and services, brainstorming is a proven method to generate ideas. Call Patti Guerzo at 312-420-0884 to see if your business can benefit from some new ideas!
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; Lib.Astafan-CPI@harborhomeinspections.com; www.harborhomeinspections.com
The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. This event is a four-person mixed flight. There will be a continental breakfast and southern-style barbecue lunch. The cost is $95. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and shotgun is at 8:30 a.m. Please contact Darcy Woods at 941-627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot. Your support assists the Homeless Coalition in continuing to drive out hunger in our community.
Have your creditors stopped working with you during COVID-19? Are you worried about a possible foreclosure? Are you confused about your options and the CARES Act? Is debt consolidation, debt negotiation or bankruptcy best for you? To get answers to all your questions, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a confidential, complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation to come up with a plan to eliminate your debt and enjoy a stress free, debt free life.
Do you know how your credit score is calculated? Credit scores are a combination of debt owed, debt history, new lenders, as well as types of debt and length of debt, which are all calculated on a percentage basis, creating a score between 300 and 850. You can see how one error could affect that percentage. That's why it's important to check your scores and make appropriate corrections when necessary. Call Independent Financial Coaching’s Sue Craig at 941-916-5324 for a consultation about your credit scores.
Maaco, in Port Charlotte, is a full-service collision center and auto painting business. Our most economical complete paint job can cost as little as $499, excluding body work or any special preparation needed prior to paint. We offer free estimates and can perform repairs covered by any insurance company. The owners, Jim and Susan McCulla, will personally meet with you and prepare your estimate. We're located at 4356 Tamiami Trail and our phone number is 941-391-6196. Come on in for your "Maaco-over" and love the car you drive again.
Murdock Baptist Church- 18375 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte, Community Drive-thru Food Distribution- Saturday, Sept. 19th from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m., 21 lb box of refrigerated food to include meat, milk, butter, cheese, vegetables, and fruit. Limit: 2 boxes per family use. First come, first served until food is gone. Questions? Call 941-627-6352
Are you or your kids bored at home? Murdock Stones Etc. sells a number of different rocks that can be used for rock painting. They range in price from 25 cents to 60 cents a pound ... Check them out at: 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
It's understandable that employers hiring workers who will drive company vehicles will check the driving records of those persons. But, checking a driving record may also provide insight into potential substance abuse (DUI and related). And, with respect to repeated accidents and infractions, a driving record can also be an indicator of one's general attitude about safety and safety issues, following rules and regulations, and showing care and consideration towards others in a similar situation. 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
Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique is excited to announce its new location at 208 Tamiami Trail #111 in Downtown Punta Gorda. You will find a beautiful and fun assortment of gift items for everyone on your list! Featuring home decor, women's fashion, children's clothing and gifts. During this time curbside pickup is available as well as FREE delivery within Charlotte County, and gifts are always wrapped! For more information please contact us at 941-205-2333 or email us at pomegranateandfig@yahoo.com. Please visit us Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. We look forward to seeing you!
Premier Photographic Events introduces its newest photographic service - Video Slideshows. Share your business services, special events, real estate listings, or special products with a video slideshow. Perfect for websites and social media. Video marketing remains the best performing digital content type, driving more views, more engagement, and more response than any other social posting option. Premier Photographic Events can produce a video slideshow easily and affordably. For a free quote call Steve Lineberry, email premierphotographicevents@gmail.com or call 941-626-0551 Click here for a recent video slide show for The Homeless Coalition.
The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association’s monthly magazine, “The Communicator” reaches thousands of Punta Gorda Isles residents. “The Communicator” is an affordable way for chamber members to reach the PGICA residents who want to use your products and services. Ad rates start at $63.00 a month. (3 month minimum) Check out the latest “The Communicator” and you will see why it is the “go to resource” for thousands of PGICA members. To learn more: contact Steve Lineberry, 941-626-0551 or email stevelineberry.pgiadsales@gmail.com The Communicator
The Punta Gorda Rotary Club is meeting virtually at Noon on Thursdays during the pandemic. Rotary is a wonderful service organization that values "Service Above Self" in its ongoing efforts to serve our community and our world. We are people of action, and welcome anyone who would like to work as part of a group doing service. If you are interested in attending one of our virtual lunch meetings (and later, face-to-face lunches), please contact our President Darcy Hanley by calling or texting 303-927-9437 or writing darcyrhanely@gmail.com. Website: https://www.puntagordarotary.org. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puntagordarotary/.
Radiology Regional Port Charlotte is honoring new and returning teachers with a special campaign for September and October! We are offering teachers a Heart Screening CT for $49 (reg $69). In addition, we are offering “after school hours” walk- in Screening Mammograms for teachers between the hours of 2:30pm-5pm! Neither exams require a doctor’s order, and we work with other facilities to retrieve previous mammograms for comparison! Ladies, teachers, friends and family- you have a CHOICE where your imaging is done, and Radiology Regional is here for YOU! 18300 Murdock Circle, 941-255-7945
Rita's Ice is Spreading The Happiness - Grand Opening Specials. We are proud to announce that September 10th-13th, 10% of ALL SALES went to benefit Port Charlotte Bandits Football. Please come support our town's youth. September 17th- 20th, 25% OFF ALL ORDERS. We look forward to seeing you!
VA Benefits? Toby Lynn loves helping our Veterans get the financing they need. VA Mortgages are just one of her specialties. Let her get a family member or best buddy, who is a Veteran, pre-qualified at no cost! That’s right….FREE pre-qualifying. 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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Charlotte County Public Schools is currently hiring qualified applicants for various instructional and support positions. Review our open positions at https://charlotteschools.ted.peopleadmin.com/hire/index.aspx. High need positions are bus drivers, food service assistants, and substitute teachers. CCPS offers competitive wages and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. For our bus driver positions, we offer all of the necessary CDL training and wages start at $14.82/hour. Substitutes teachers start at $15/hour. Charlotte County Public Schools is an equal opportunity 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 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
What did the camel say in Alaska?
"... help ..."
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Do you have news or information about YOUR 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 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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