Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Circa 1925)
~ 95
th
Year of Serving All Charlotte County
~
Offices in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda
BUSINESS ONLINE
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~~~ Monday, March 2, 2020 ~~~
Sustaining Partners:
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Upcoming Chamber Events for ALL Members:
Wed. March 4,
5:30 p.m.,
Ribbon Cutting-
Cora Physical Therapy,
2150 Tamiami Trail, Unit #9, Port Charlotte
Tues., March 10,
9:00 a.m.,
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Radio Show,
WCCF News Radio, 100.9 FM, 1680 AM
Tues., March 10,
5:30 p.m.,
C & F Movers
, 11503 SW County Road 769, Lake Suzy
Wed., March 11,
12-1 p.m.,
Networking & Noon
,
The Grill at 1951
, 1951 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Wed., Mar. 18,
7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.,
Third Wednesday Coffee
,
Buffalo Wings & Rings,
1020 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte
Sponsor:
Buffalo Wings & Rings
Nonprofit:
Valerie's House
Program:
Charlotte County Economic Development
Fri., March 20,
1:05 pm,
Chamber Appreciation Game with the
Tampa Bay Rays,
Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte, $20 raysbaseball.com/chamberoffer
Upcoming Chamber Meetings & Activities
Mon., March 2,
5:00 p.m.,
Government Affairs Committee Meeting
, Port Charlotte office
Tues., March 3,
8:00 a.m
., ChamberACTION Committee Meeting
, Port Charlotte office
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Welcome, New Members!
Carolyn Gorton - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
200 W. Marion, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Ph: 941-628-9263
Carolyn Gorton
carolyngorton.cbintouch.com
Learn to Sail, Inc.
750 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Ph: 941-999-1102
learntosailswf.org
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Breaking News- Book the historic Freeman House!
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Our stately A.C. Freeman House, build in 1903 in picturesque downtown Punta Gorda, is now officially available as a beautiful Victorian venue for wedding ceremonies accommodating from two to 50 attendees.
Located one block from Charlotte Harbor, and with many reception locations within walking distance, there is not a location more perfect.
Couples have their choice of authentic backdrops to use while reciting their matrimonial vows including the white-wicker sun room, the intimate foyer crowned by a majestic crystal chandelier, and in front of two original fireplaces – one with brown wood and red brick, and the other with an all-white hearth and mantle. Of course, in front of the grand parlor bay window is the setting of choice and will allow for the most guests.
This venue option is available at a simple flat fee for three hours. For members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and their immediate family, that fee is $500. For non-members, the fee is $750. You can arrange the furnishings however you wish, and decorate as elaborately or as little as you wish … or not at all. Additional hours can be added if needed.
Promotional materials and internet postings with photos will be coming soon, but bookings have already begun. Please contact me for all of the details at 941-627-2222 or
tashley@charlottecountychamber.org.
There honestly isn’t much fine print with this venue option. The majestic A.C. Freeman House speaks for itself.
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Leadership Charlotte
The
Leadership Charlotte Class of 2020
is hosting a 5K Run/Fun Walk at Carmalita Park on April 11th … along with a 20's Speakeasy Event on June 13th. All funds raised will go towards re-building the press box at Carmalita Park and starting a grant for children to play youth sports in Charlotte County who could not otherwise afford to be involved. Please visit
leadershipcharlottefl.com
for event information and registration. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well.
Chamber Member Events
Charlotte Players
- Let’s Hang On! is a group of 10 seasoned entertainers who will take you on a musical journey through of “Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.” Respectfully paying tribute to all the classic “Seasons” details, Let’s Hang On! Also pays tribute to the Broadway show, The Jersey Boys. Located at The Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita Street in Punta Gorda. Preferred Seating $49 and Regular Seating $44. For more information for this show on March 5 at 7:30p, call the Box Office at (941) 255-1022 or online at
www.charlotteplayers.org
.
Members only pre-Owned Car & Truck Sale-
Suncoast Credit Union
Car Sale on Saturday, March 7, 2020 for a great selection of pre-owned vehicles, below NADA pricing! When: Saturday, March 7, 2020, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Location: Suncoast Credit Union, Riverdale Service Center, 14021 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33905. Get pre-approved and save time at the sale. Apply online, by phone or in person, 2310 Tamiami Trail, Unit 2129, Punta Gorda FL 33950, phone 800.999.5887 ext. 56200.
The U.S. Navy Band, Washington DC, will present a free concert on March 8, 2020 at the
Charlot
te Harbor Event and Conference Center
at 2 p.m., doors opem at 1 p.m. Tickets available for pick-up at the Event Center Box Office, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The concert is presented in partnership with the Charlotte Harbor Chapter of Military Officers Association of America and the CHECC. It’s a great way to pay tribute to our military
Fishermen’s Village
annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Tuesday, March 17, 12 noon-9 pm. Live music featuring Paul Cottrell, Jim Garee, Mark Fitzpatrick, Eddie Dillon, Vladimir Gorodkin, Irish Step Dance by Kellyn Celtic Arts, and Lee County Pipes and Drums Para
de/Performance. Free admission/free parking. Visit
www.fishville.com/events
for full details!
Register today for The 5th Annual Dart Cup Challenge sponsored by the PGI Cruising Club to benefit
The Homeless Coalition!
The Dart Cup Challenge will be held on Thursday, March 19
th
at 6:00 p.m. in Punta Gorda. Teams of four are $5 per person. There will be a chance auction and a 50/50 raffle at the event. All proceeds benefit the programs and services at The Homeless Coalition. For additional information contact and/or to register please email Larry at
PGILarry@centurylink.net
.
Educational Foundation Systems
- six-week, 18-hour S.A.T. program preparing students for the April ACT exam and May SAT exam at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce office in Port Charlotte. SAT/ACT workshop- Monday, March 23 at 6 p.m. Program starts Wednesday, March 25, 6-9 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesday nights. This program has been conducted for
24 years and will be our 49th Charlotte County program. Last fall, programs averaged 100 point rise on SAT and a three point rise on ACT. For more information-
efssat@embarqmail.com
or contact Edward F. Scott- 941-9161398.
K&K Hobby
will participate in the Florida Planes, Trains & Cars Hobby Show & Swap Meet, Saturday April 4th, Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit 165 tables of hobby related items and a try-before-you-buy crawler course inside. Enjoy hot food, prize entries (need not be present to win), and a working HO train layout. Adults- $7, children under 10- free. Vendor info- $10 a table, contact K&K Hobby Shop at 941-883-6931 or visit
https://www.facebook.com/kinharttrains/
Job Fair-
Charlotte Technical College
- Wednesday, April 8, 2020 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Hiring? Reserve your free space now! Email: Claudette Baines:
Claudette.baines@yourcharlotteschools.net
, phone 941-255-7500 ext. 280. Meet graduating adult students and members of the public looking for new opportunities. Offer your expertise to High School seniors as they practice job search skills. For CTC Information visit www.charlottetechcollege.net. Students achieve certification in over 20 industries, including Automotive, Building Construction, Baking & Pastry/Commercial Foods, Cosmetology, Computer Systems & Information, Digital Design, HVAC, Firefighting/EMT; Healthcare programs include Nursing, Patient Care Tech, Paramedic.
“Spring Fling……A Trip Around the World with Habitat” presented by
Charlotte County Habitat
and the
Farr Law Firm
. Join us for an evening of casino gaming, dinner, dancing, photo booth, raffles an
d a lot of fun as we explore habitat regions around the world.*
Saturday, April 18th, 6 pm at Twin Isles Country Club, 301 Madrid Blvd. Punta Gorda
$125 per person. Visit
charlottecountyhfh.org
for tickets or call 941-639-3162. All proceeds benefit Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. *Credit Card Ba
r
available
Charlotte Prep
will be having their annual event Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Tickets are $35. Charlotte prep is looking for tax deductible sponsorships and/or auction item donations or bottles of spirit. The event will have live and silent auctions, casino gambling, food and dancing. Jenn Hutchinson, 813-607-0782.
Goodwill SWFL
Golf Classic - where cart path could lead to Pebble Beach Golfers, hole sponsors and souvenir bag items are wanted for the 10th Annual Goodwill SWFL Golf Classic. Join us April 30. The for
mat is a four person scramble. The $125 fee includes 18 holes of play, cart, lunch and contests. Hole-in-One Prize is a golf vacation to Pebble Beach to play and stay, valued at $7,500. Visit
www.goodwillswfl.org/golfclassic2020
for more information or to register.
Showcase your product/service at the many signature special events hosted at
Fishermen’s Village!
Thousands attend our events each month! Send an email with your inquiry to Kathy Burnam,
mkting@fishville.com
. The 8th Annual Key Lime and Tropical Fest is just around the corner on Saturday, May 9th! Now accepting vendor registration, especially those relating to this theme!
Please save the date for the
Animal Welfare League's
"Fairy Tail Endings." This fundraising event will be held from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on October 17 at Kings Gate Golf and Country Club, 24000 Rampart Blvd. in Port Charlotte. Enjoy an evening of fine food, dancing, both silent and live auction
s and help raise much needed funds for the animal at the Animal Welfare League. Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Call 941-625-6720 ext. 123 for more details.
Chamber Member News
Are you looking for somewhere to volunteer? C.A.R.E. (The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies) helps victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and violent crimes. We have outreach and awareness, answering the phones, hospital response team and two Re-Use stores. Looking for compassionate, listening and caring individuals. For more information, please contact Julie Dennis at 941-639-5499 or
julie.dennis@carefl.org
, or go to
carefl.org/volunteer
for more information.
Become a volunteer mentor with the
Children’s Network of Southwest Florida
. Volunteers are needed who are caring, supportive, non-judgmental, and have 1 hour a week to meet with a local family to provide “familie
s helping families” style mentoring. Complete our online application at
childnetswfl.org
and take our Family Mentor Training online. Children’s Network office: 19621 Cochran Blvd Unit 4 Port Charlotte, FL 33954. This a very rewarding volunteer opportu
nity ~ share your experience by mentoring a family ~ Lend-A-Hand Mentor a Family Today ~ Mentor Coordinator 941-613-3937 or
pmalik@cnswfl.org
for more information.
Ron and Misty Morgan would like to say thank you to everyone who came out to their Customer Appreciation Party on Saturday. It was
Complete Auto Repair’s
10th celebration, and many attendees have been at every annual party. This year’s was the biggest yet, a true community celebration. Give us a call at 941-623-2926 for your vehicle repairs.
If you are in the market for new flooring, carefully consider how you use your floors. Will there be young children spilling juice? New puppies being trained? Parties with red wine and pasta with red sauce? Your professional flooring design specialist can guide you through products that will meet your practical needs, as well as your budget and your décor! At
Friendly Floors
, we have a full range of products that can handle your household! Stop by our Port Charlotte showroom at 3785 Tamiami Trail to browse our selection.
Attention renters – looking at next year, when does your lease expire? If you are planning to change residences in 2020, you should reserve a mover once you have a move date.
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage’s
owner, Kenny Gardiner, takes countless calls each summer where the would-be customer waited until the last minute for a whole-house move, booked online with an unknown company who never visited their house, or just found that it’s too hot to do it alone. Don’t let this happen to you – call Kenny at (941) 423-5311.
Guardian Ad Litem
advocates for abused, abandoned and neglected children in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Charlotte has 462 children in the welfare system, of that number 320 are appointed to t
he Guardian program. We are a volunteer driven organization. After the volunteer is trained, “party status” is received meaning pertinent records can be accessed to assist in advocating in court for the child’s needs. If you have a heart for children, ability to learn and 12 hours per month to give, contact Rick Sloan, Recruiter at 941-467-4663 or
Rick.Sloan@gal.fl.gov
In our tight job market, employers are better off improving skills of current employees than finding new ones. If you want your sales department to close more business,
Guerzo Business Consulting
can help. Patti Guerzo can show each member of your sales team how to understand buying needs of different personalities, and how to adapt your sales process to meet their needs. This process is guaranteed to work, and comes with a money back promise. If you want to know more, set up a meeting with Patti Guerzo, at
patti@guerzo.com
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Gulfcoast South AHEC
provides free Group Quit tobacco cessation programs in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. 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 within the Florida Department of Health, all AHEC Group Quit services, including nicotine replacement therapy, are FREE. Call 941-552-1283 or visit our website tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.com for more information or to register for a class today!
We all recently experienced what happens when someone passes suddenly and unexpectedly. 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 you
r family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of
Icard Merrill
at 941-206-3700 or
mmartella@icardmerrill.com
to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.
When it comes to saving for emergencies, the evidence is clear: People want to do it. They just don’t follow through. A 2019 survey found roughly four in 10 Americans wouldn’t be able to come up with $400 in a financial emergency. Sue Craig of
Independent Financial Coaching
helps people like this to make plans, and achieve them, to create financial resilience. Give Sue’s number 941-916-5324 to someone who may be struggling with this challenge. IFC’s program is affordable and effective.
Kelting Inspections
offers residential inspections that provide a thorough overlook of the entire property you are wanting to purchase. With this inspection you receive a detailed report, complete with pictures. T
he goal of a residential inspection is to give you a clear understanding of what you are purchasing in your new home. Reach out to us today to learn more! Email:
office@keltinghomeinspections.com
; Facebook: Kelting Home Inspections; Website: keltinghomeinspections.com; Instagram: keltinghomeinspections; Phone: 941-655-8888.
Murdock Stones Etc.
is in it's 25th year in business. To celebrate we are giving all Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce members $5 off per cubic yard on ANY of our bulk materials throu
gh the month of March. 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.
FCRA-Compliant Nationwide Criminal Quik-Chek - Just $38. Verify SSN (identity check); Verify prior addresses (identity double-check and target records); Check federally-based criminal records in all 94 federal criminal districts; Check state-based criminal records nationwide; Check sex offender registration nationwide. Plus, property managers can add a statewide eviction check for $8 additional and/or a personal credit report with credit score for $18 additional. For professional employment and tenancy screening services, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at
NRG Background Checks.
941-488-8500; 800-531-6522;
nrginfo@atlantic.net
Our 26th year serving Florida employers, landlords, and governmental entities.
Please click
this link
for the Winter 2020
Punta Gorda History Beacon
- the newsletter of the
Punta Gorda History Center.
This issue includes our full plate of upcoming programs at the history center, provides an update on the Southern Southern, plus some history tidbits. Please share your comments on what you might want to see in future issues. The newsletter will be mailed by regular mail to those who have joined our membership. If you aren’t a member yet, and interested in joining, please find an application
here.
RE/MAX Palm Realty
agent, Tammy Hayes, is making a difference in Charlotte County by participating in the RE/MAX Miracle Home Program. Through this program, Tammy makes a donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® after each listing transaction that closes. All of the donations benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital in Ft Myers which is Charlotte County’s designated hospital. Donations will support research and training, purchase eq
uipment, and pay for uncompensated care at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Contact Tammy Hayes at 941-276-6185 if you want to list your home as a Miracle Home.
Suncoast Humane Society:
Dog: I’m Mama, a 2-year-old female, 51lb, American pitbull terrier mix. I would love a yard to play in or space to accommodate a dog my size. I’m looking for a new home to show off my wonderful personality. I’m house trained, travel well, and enjoy playing fetch.https://www.petango.com/Adopt/Dog-Terrier-American-Pit-Bull-43544043 Cat: I’m Big Mac, 2-year-old male, domestic shorthair mix. Once you see me you'll know why. Sweet, loving and looking for a committed cat lover to rescue me. A faithful friend and forever grateful is what you'll have in a pet companion. https://www.petango.com/Adopt/Cat-Domestic-Shorthair-43779578
Redundant Backups. Why? Ransomware loves backups, especially ones attached to the device being backed up. Email filtering. Why? Ransomware loves targeting emails. Antivirus and an endpoint detection and response solution. Why? Antivirus solution alone is not enough. EDR solutions c
ollecting and storing large data volumes from endpoints and provide real-time host based file level monitoring can help. How can I be 100% protected from ransomware and cyber-attacks? Well, don’t connect to the internet! But if you must, call 941-4
26-3888 to implement the safest environment you possibly can. Nanci Ruhl,
The Computer People
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
Tiki Tom Entertainment -
visit
www.tikitomrocks.com
for our performance schedule and booking information. Join us Monday at the Tampa Bay Rays Family Day at Charlotte Sports Park. Happy tunes, happ
y times from Rat Pack to Reggae. Do you have a special event needing live music, karaoke, a PA sound system or an EMCEE? Contact us through
www.tikitomrocks.com
or directly at 239.314.6808. Special rates for 501c non-profits.
Payroll, Benefits, HR Support and Workers Comp, all in one easy package. Do What You Do, We’ll Do The Rest!
Worksite
makes life easier for business owners by handling all employee-related headaches, using a simple and transpar
ent system. PEO Brokers! Come work with the best and most broker-friendly PEO in Florida, with quick turnarounds, high commissions, and phenomenal customer service so you can spend all your time prospecting and less time unraveling PEO issues. Learn more at
WorksiteEmployee.com
or call us at 941-677-0110.
Your Complete Business IT. Online.
Zypha Corporation
is a national IT utility company that is on the cusp of a major expansion. At present we are operating in four states and have the ability to work in all 50 States, as well as anywhere within the world that has dependable internet access. We serve small and medium sized businesses and organizations including Federal/State agencies. These are exciting times so keep watching and see little Zypha grow. 941-204-1958,
zyphausa.com
Job Spot
Your
"Help Wanted"
information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to tashley@charlottecountychamber.org.
Just for Fun
Best Case Scenario
"Yes," said the attorney to his client. "You have one of the best cases I have ever heard."
"Thank you," said the client, getting up and heading out the door.
"Where are you going?" ask the astonished lawyer.
"I'm going to settle this case out of court," said the client as he opened the door to leave.
"But I told you it is one of the best cases I have ever heard!"
"That could be," said the client, "but not for me. I told you the other guy's side of the case."
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Do you have exciting information about YOUR business? Send it to the Chamber and we'll share it with our other members! Email news about your business to Teri Ashley at tashley@charlottecountychamber.org. Please keep it to 90 words or fewer. We reserve the right to publish as well as edit any submissions. Business Online goes out weekly on Mondays … please email your news in paragraph form by noon of the preceding Friday. It's a free membership benefit!
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Teri Ashley, Executive Director
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
311 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-2222
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(941) 627-2222
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