~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, MAY 10, 2021 ~
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2020-2021 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.
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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Chamber Events and Updates
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Radio Show on 1580 News Radio, Tuesday, May 11, 9 a.m. - Tune in for a Chamber update.
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Networking at Noon, Wed., May 12, Noon - Members Networking at Dean's South of the Border, 130 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Cost $15pp. Sign up through the member portal or RSVP to 941-627-2222. There are food choices to make.
Third Wednesday Coffee, Wed. May 19, 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - Charlotte County Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Sponsor - Suncoast One Title and Closings - Kevin Graham; Non Profit – Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County – Lynn Dorler; Program – Sheriff Bill Prummell, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.
Thurs., May 20, 4:30 p.m., Community Guide Premium Page Drawing, Port Charlotte Office - for members interested in the center spread, back cover, inside front or back cover, facing inside back cover or pages 3 through 8 placement.
Business Card Exchange, Thurs., May 27, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Members networking at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and Event Center, 24411 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte. If you like please bring a small gift to promote your business.
FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will begin on May 6, 2021. Let us promote your business, event or special offer to our thousands of email contacts. This new digital monthly format will save you the cost of printing a flier. We prefer a PNG file (at least 600-650 pixels wide, resolution 72PPI if possible and file size no larger than 4MG) for the "digital flyer" ad in the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER, due no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the First Thursday of the month. Cost per issue is $145.00, and $95.00 for a non-profit. This is an exclusive opportunity for members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. (The chamber reserves the right to deny, publish and edit any submissions.) Email your ad to [email protected] or call us 941-627-2222 for more information.
And, with the new monthly advertising opportunity in the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER, we have decided to go quarterly with the printed Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Perspective newsletter. The next issue will be delivered in July. We’ll still accept fliers to ride with the newsletter for those members who wish to also distribute their information on paper. Here is the link to the flier with all the details.
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We are now taking applications for the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2022. Selection of Leadership Charlotte participants is anonymous and based solely upon the answers to the application questions, so please be thoughtful and sincere. Program participants must be members of, or employed by members of, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, and membership dues must be current. Cost of the program is $595 and is payable at the time of acceptance. Half scholarships may be available. If needed, please advise when applying. If you have any question please contact the Chamber office 941-627-2222. The application deadline is 4 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2021. Link to fillable Application. Link to Schedule.
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The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 2022 Community Guide and Business Directory is Your Place to Be!. This is the "one-book-look" for visitors and residents throughout our community. The guide, which includes live links to advertisers is posted on our website, as well as published in a large 8 1/2 x 11 glossy color print version. Reserve your ad today to increase your visibility and promote your business. Download the fillable 2022 Community Guide Contract.
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Finnegan's Grille & Pub
Tuesday, May 11, 5:30 p.m.
1825 Tamiami Trail, Unit F2, Port Charlotte
Rita’s Italian Ice
Thursday, May 13, 5:30 p.m.
(One-Year Anniversary)
4255 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
ADT Security
Wed., May 19, 8:30 a.m., (Immediately after 3rd Wednesday Coffee)
ADT Security, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda
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* GREAT MARKETING OPPORTUNITY *
We sell Charlotte County street maps on a daily basis. We actually sell between 30-40 maps per month. That’s approximately 480 maps per year. We have created a long term marketing opportunity which will certainly yield a strong Return on Investment. You will be able to place your ad on the Back Page of the map. It is a 4” x 9” ad space. In addition, your logo will be placed on the Front Page along with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce logo. The cost of this marketing opportunity is $3,500. Your marketing presence will be for at least 6-7 years, as we will be ordering 3,000 Charlotte County street maps. We know there will be members interested in this marketing opportunity. It will be on a first come, first served basis. If you want to take advantage of this, please contact Bob White at 941.627.2222 or at [email protected] immediately to reserve your space today!
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Dellutri Law Group, PL
18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 304
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Mark Martella
(941) 206-3700
www.dellutrilawgroup.com
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Do you know of a business who would benefit from being a Chamber member? Businesses may join online now on our website or email Bob White [email protected] with your suggestion and he will follow up!
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Expo Sponsors:
(More and more and more!)
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Kia of Port Charlotte
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Quigley Eye Specialists
Silver Associate Sponsor- Michael Saunders and Company
Bronze Participating Sponsor- American Imaging of SW Florida
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. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for the ~HOT~ details!
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Over 80 booths are sold for the 10th Annual Hottest Business Day in Paradise EXPO!
Already signed up? Keep these Marketing opportunities in mind - Provide your promotional item in 500 Goodie Bags. Donate a gift for the Grand Prize Drawing. Be part of the Speed Direct Networking to connect one-on-one with other exhibitors.
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities still available (Expo Exhibitors Only). * Main Stage * Event Map * Paradise Continental Breakfast * Event Passport * Refreshment Station * Speed Direct Networking *
Make sure YOUR local business is part of this ~HOT~ August event. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for details! Please feel free to contact the chamber office with any questions - 941-627-2222.
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At Bayfront Health, we understand how important your health is, so whenever you need us, we’re dedicated to helping you get well and live healthier. This mission takes tremendous resources, coordination and the commitment of a skilled and compassionate team. The people inside our walls aren't just skilled professionals; they are heroes in our midst, unwavering in the fight for the health and wellbeing of our community. Celebrate National Hospital Week, May 9–15 to salute and honor our local hospital teams, hospitals and healthcare workers across this country and around the world.
Shared by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office - The week of May 9-15 is officially "National Police Week", which celebrates law enforcement officers across the country for the sacrifices they make and the risks they take to protect their communities. A non-profit group called the FBI Tampa Citizen's Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) has decided to begin a "Paint the Town Blue" campaign to honor law enforcement everywhere. They are asking every community to participate in this endeavor however they see fit.
Charlotte Players- You Should Be So Lucky by Charles Busch. May 14-23. A contemporary Cinderella story set in Greenwich Village, reminiscent of the classic screwball comedies of the 1930s. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets call our Box Office at 941-255-1022 or online at www.charlotteplayers.org
Fishermen’s Village is proud to host A Day of Celtic Music, Saturday, May 15! Presented in partnership with the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida and the New World Celts (Sarasota Chapter), visitors to Fishermen’s Village will be entertained by authentic celtic musicians from all over Florida, joining together to bring this fun, interactive event to fruition! Performances will take place between 12 noon-4 pm along the promenade in all three sections and the center court of Fishermen’s Village featuring:
Clover’s Revenge / Eireann’s Call / The Black Velvet Band / West of Galway / Whiskey Dregs. Free parking/free admission.
A Healing Field of Honor at Laishley Park- hosted by Punta Gorda Rotary Club and Foundation, May 28-31, 2021! United States flags will fly in solemn formation, creating an awe-inspiring panorama for everyone to enjoy. This stirring display of 1000+ flags will be a community tribute to honor our heroes. Each flag will represent an individual and therein tells a story. Honor our fallen heroes as well as veterans, first responders and frontline line workers, doctors, nurses, teachers and our community! Donate and dedicate a flag (or more) or become a sponsor at https://www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl21. Info- Alyson Burch, call or texting 941-875-3829.
Cruise Planners located at 941 Tamiami Trail, Ste A, Port Charlotte, Florida is excited to host Royal Caribbean's Strategic Account Manager for the Southeast Region, Hong Ngo, at our upcoming Chamber ribbon cutting on July 14, 2021 at 5:30pm. Contact Robin Carmichael, ACC at 941-259-1711 for all your travel needs
Sponsor the Walk to End Alzheimer's to support families touched by Alzheimer's and increase awareness of your business. The Charlotte Walk to End Alzheimer's offers sponsorship opportunities for local organizations to participate in this inspiring community event on October 2nd in Laishley Park. Your participation helps accelerate research for a cure and provides programs and support services for our community. Walk day sponsorship packages begin at $500. Please contact Kathy Heldman, your walk staff partner, at [email protected] for more information.
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Summer camp season is just around the corner! Consider enrolling your child or grandchild into summer camp with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Campers will enjoy fun games, activities, crafts, & more at our beautiful CHEC nature preserves. For more information about the summer camps, call one of our offices for more information. For camps in Englewood, email [email protected] or call 941-475-0769. For camps in Punta Gorda, email [email protected] or call 941-575-5435.
Looking to save money while giving back to the community? C.A.R.E. ReUse offers a wide variety of new/gently used items at a fraction of retail cost. All of their proceeds provide essential needs to survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Charlotte County. Open at both locations (PC & Englewood) Tuesday –Saturday 9:00am-3:30pm. C.A.R.E. is currently looking for “secret shoppers” to provide customer feedback at our retail locations. Interested call 941-639-5499.
If you call Complete Auto Repair for an appointment, you will hear a new voice! Ron and Misty Morgan would like to introduce you to: Mary Holstein. We welcome her to our front desk customer service coordinator position. If you stopped by last week, you already saw a difference in our waiting room! Stop by our shop to meet Mary and say hello.
CALL FOR VENDORS!! Fishermen’s Village is hosting a huge Independence weekend celebration July 3 rd and 4 th! Interested in getting your business exposure to thousands of customers by being a vendor at this event? Email Kathy Burnam, marketing/events manager at [email protected] for details!
Registration for the RRF opens Friday, April, 30th at 9 am EDT and the application period will start Monday, May 3rd at 12pm EDT - The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Florida SBDC at FGCU Learn More
Planning on a move for this summer? Things are heating up out there for movers as temperatures rise. Scheduling your move in advance at least 30 days is more important than ever. Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage takes calls frequently from desperate residents whose mover didn't show up. Scheduling with someone that is referred to you and has impeccable reviews is imperative to save yourself undue stress. Moving is stressful enough. Don't set yourself up for a crisis. Call Kenny for an estimate at 941-423-5311. (Check our reviews.)
A ribbon cutting was held April 29 at the relocated office of Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz at 2602 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. The new office will better accommodate the growing personal injury law firm, which has been serving Port Charlotte since 1999 for personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, real estate, commercial litigation, construction law, and wills and estate administration. Visit JusticeStartsNow.com.
As unemployment funds dry up, people will be job-seeking. As an employer, are you able to find the best, before others hire them first? If you want to hire someone quickly and painlessly, call Patti Guerzo at Guerzo Business Consulting. Her proven process has found talent to fit jobs for 15 years. Contact Patti at 312-420-0884 to learn more.
Do you want happier and healthier employees? Learn how Gulfcoast South AHEC can offer 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.
As our country opens up, many of us are planning a vacation. It’s important to make a budget before you start booking. There is currently a shortage of rental cars, and prices have skyrocketed. At Independent Financial Coaching, we believe having a budget makes spending more fun. If you’d like to chat about budgets, call Sue Crag at 941-918-5324.
In light of today's increasing security risks, workplace violence, and prolific negligent hiring lawsuits, large numbers of employers rely on thorough background screening for peace of mind and to decrease their hiring and retention liabilities. According to recent studies, an estimated 80-plus percent of all employers are using criminal, driving, credit, and other background records checks and verifications to assist in hiring safe, honest, and qualified employees. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500 or 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: [email protected]
There is no better time to buy a home. Toby Lynn helps get the right mortgage program for your sister, parents, or best buddy! Toby makes the process easy from Pre-Qualifying to Closing. 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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"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." --John D. Rockefeller
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Member-to-Member Testimonials
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Thanks to a member suggestion, we are enthusiastically sharing testimonials from our members about their positive business experiences with other members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Submit a paragraph of 90 words or less describing your experience. Include your name and business name, and email your Member-to-Member Testimonial to Janet at [email protected] before noon on Friday to be included the following week. We are proud of our members and this is an excellent way to let them shine even more!
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The Executive Director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the full range of chamber activities. This includes but is not limited to coordination of the program of work, organizational structure and procedures, motivation of volunteers, income and expenditures, community relationships, outreach, promotion of the chamber and its activities, service to members, employment, training and supervision of staff, interpretation of board policy and vision planning. The CEO/Executive Director may be called upon to represent the board of directors in contact with the membership, with outside individuals, public agencies and officials, various organizations and groups, and with the general public. This all requires sound judgment, professionalism, and tact to foster good community relationships. Applications should be sent to the [email protected] please click here for the full details.
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Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to [email protected].
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Showcase your business through sponsorship!
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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 Janet Caffee [email protected] or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300.
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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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A boy read a restaurant sign that advertised fat-free French fries.
“Sounds great,” said the health-conscious boy. He ordered some.
He watched as the cook pulled a basket of fries from the fryer. The potatoes were dripping with oil when the cook put them into the container.
“Wait a minute,” the boy said. “Those don’t look fat-free.”
“Sure they are,” the cook said. “We charge only for the potatoes. The fat is free!”
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Send YOUR Member News to [email protected] 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.)
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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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