~ 97^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock

PLATINUM LEVEL: Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; Integrity Employee Leasing ; Olsen, Lynch & Associates, CPAs; The Daily Sun and Tommy's Express Cara Wash

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown, and Smith, CPAs; The Bevis Group; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Charlotte State Bank and Trust*; Farr Law Firm*; Friendly Floors; Nix and Associates Real Estate; and Panther Hollow Dental Lodge.

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions, LLC; Friendly Floors; Nolan Family Insurance; Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, McKinley and Young Law Firm.

The Small Business Administration has issued an Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for our area because of damage to homes during the January tornadoes.  An SBA Administrative Declaration provides the following types of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses:  Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. Mitigation assistance is possible. Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible. Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.   Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.  

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And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a $2,000 Key West Flight donated by Air Trek Charter Jet Service. The drawing to be held at the Annual Meeting on September 30, 2022! The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card!

Join us on Wednesday, May 18 for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce

Third Wednesday Coffee and New Member Showcase. Our Coffee Sponsor: Premier Nationwide Lending. Our Program will be an open meet and greet with new members who have joined our Chamber in the last quarter. They will have tables set up and attendees will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one to learn more about their businesses and services. Coffee and light breakfast items will be served. There is no cost, but please register in the MIC (Member Portal) so that we may plan accordingly.

The 2023 Community Guide and Business Directory will be out in October 2022. Your advertisement can be seen by thousands in both the printed and online guides. Members interested in advertising should return the advertising contract, Ad Copy and payment by August 12, 2022. Additionally, members interested in a premium position ad with guaranteed placement should attend/or have a representative attend the Premium Page drawing on Thursday, May 19th at the Chamber office (2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte) at 4:30 p.m. For instance, if two members were interested in the Center Spread, we would draw a business card from the hat to determine who would receive it. The Community Guide is our showpiece for all things Charlotte County, distributed at the Punta Gorda Airport, Charlotte Harbor Event Center, County Libraries, Community Associations and to walk-ins, email and mail requests. AND on CharlotteCountyChamber.org with live links to your webpage. Please call 941-627-2222 with any questions.

Join us on May 26, 2022 at Goodwill Industries, 24123 Peachland Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33954 for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange. There is no cost to attend, but we ask for your registration so that we can plan accordingly. Remember to bring your business cards, and if you like a small gift(door prize) to promote your business. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and should conclude by 7:00 p.m. Kindly register in the MIC (Member Portal).

New Teacher Breakfast - The Charlotte County Public Schools are expecting about 150 New Teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. We are asking our Charlotte County Chamber members to Sponsor a New Teacher for Breakfast on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Your sponsorship of $45 covers the cost of breakfast for you and a teacher. We also invite all members who sponsor a teacher to bring us 150 items for Teacher Welcome Bags. Gifts for inclusion need to be delivered to the Chamber office at 2702 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15th. (Gifts/promo items only-NO Flyers please.)  Kindly register for this event in the MIC.

Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023 applications are now available. We would encourage any chamber member who is looking to gain a greater and deeper understanding of how Charlotte County operates, to apply. In addition to getting a once-in-a-lifetime education, you will make life-long connections and friendships. Only 25 applicants are selected for each class. As you fill out the application, please provide complete and comprehensive answers to each question.  The deadline for all application submissions is on Friday, August 5, 2022. If you have any questions regarding the Leadership Charlotte Program/Schedule, please reach out to Bob White [email protected]

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on June 2. (Digital flyers are due by May 31.) Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. ($100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue). Email your ad to [email protected] and include the web address we should link it to, or call us 941-627-2222 for more information.

Business of the Year Nomination Form-2022 - Nomination forms are due back by August 22, 2022. You may nominate you own business, or nominate another business for this award. Print the form to see the criteria and answer five questions. We encourage you to blow your own horn and self-nominate.  The selection committee will be made up of past recipients, and the awards will be presented at the 97th Annual Meeting Luncheon on September 30, 2022.

Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is going DIGITAL Quarterly beginning in 2022 and publishing January/April/July/October. Members who want to include a Digital page to ride with the newsletter should complete and return the agreement and provide their digital page by the 20th of the month before publication. *Cost $100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue *Sustaining Partners receive free digital flyers depending on their partnership level. Send your digital flyer to [email protected] or call 941-627-2222 for information.

The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2022 is raising funds for Mental Health Matters with a "Glow Gala" scheduled for June 4th. Funds raised will benefit four nonprofits. The Guardian Ad Litem Foundation's Alternative Therapy program for children in foster care. Purchasing items for The Family Services Center of Charlotte County to create a sensory room for all 14 nonprofits at the center to use. Purchasing items for Charlotte Behavioral Health Care to create a sensory room in the crisis stabilization unit. and to Purchase items for the Animal Welfare League to enhance their real-life room project, allowing dogs a break from stressful kennel life and space for staff and volunteers to enjoy the mental health benefits that come with comforting the dogs. Additionally the class plans to make a donation to the Leadership Charlotte Endowment fund and Junior Leadership Charlotte. Email them at [email protected] for more information. Print the Glow Gala Sponsorship Flyer. For tickets visit LeadershipCharlotte.Square.site

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon

Please call or email for information

[email protected]m

Mathew Anderson

Businesses may join online now on our website or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes [email protected] and she will follow up with them!

New Management Ribbon Cutting

Tues., May24th at 5:30 p.m.

2595 Harbor Blvd. Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Luau Themed - Entertainment by Tiki Tom

Appetizers, Beer, Wine & Water

Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers Ribbon Cutting

474 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte. Refreshments will be served

Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal)

Tuesday, June 7^th 5:30pm

Send YOUR Member News/Events 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.)

Restoring Oaks is hosting a screening of "Priceless" on Friday, May 20th from 6-8:30pm in the New Day Christian Church Student Room. We're going to hear from a survivor of trafficking and have a conversation around the film. Here's a landing page with more details: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/IjVN6dC/priceless This is the registration link: https://conta.cc/3LzXs74

Great saving Tuesday and Friday Only. 4 for $20.00 on all Organic Soaps and 4 for $10.00 on Bath Bombs. Introducing our new local artist Carla Buchanan 100% Silk Effect Habotai Scarf. These wear beautifully with both your comfiest threads and your more elegant looks.

For Chamber Members offering 10% off all in-store purchases. Stop in and see Rebecca & Vernon Winfield at Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts LLC located at 2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 5-A, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, email [email protected] call the store (941)883-2861 or visit http://www.twoangelssoapsgalleryandgifts.com for more information.

Laurie and Keith Farlow cordially invite you to Farlow’s on the Water, 2080 S. McCall Rd. Englewood, FL for a reception in honor of Stephen R. Deutsch, Charlotte County Commissioner. Live entertainment. Fun. Food. On Wednesday, May 25^th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. $50 contribution appreciated. Please print the invitation for details. RSVP to (941) 235-8322. Checks should be made payable to: Stephen R. Deutsch Campaign, PO Box 380184, Murdock, FL 33938-0184.  “The display or dissemination of this advertising document is a membership service and is not an endorsement from or by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.”

The Punta Gorda Rotary 2^nd Annual Healing Field of Honor is May 27-30, 2022 at Laishley park, 1200 Laishley Court, Punt Gorda. Open from 9am to 6pm each day Thousands of Flags will be on display over Memorial Weekend at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. Honor your Hero-a Veteran Deceased of Living-Doctor-Nurse-First Responder-Family member-Friend. Become part of this event by either dedication of a flag or becoming a sponsor. For full information visit www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl22

The Big Red Bus will be at the Flats at Sundown on Friday, May 27^th from 3pm-7pm and Saturday, June 4^th from 10am-2pm for blood donations. We are celebrating the Hero in YOU in 2022! All donors receive a $20 e-gift card, OneBlood Hero T-Shirt and Wellness Checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening. There will be food trucks here for both events. Schedule on Friday, May 27 https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1230369

or on Saturday, June 4 https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1230378

Or visit www.oneblood.org and use Flats at Sundown’s sponsor code #67999

Caring for a loved one? Finally, take the "daycation" you both deserve! Enter to Win free care for an entire year right here at ActivAge at Chelsea Place Enjoy peace of mind while your loved one is having the time of their life! Our Daycation Giveaway is open now to May 31st, 2022. If you are caring for a loved one, don't miss this opportunity to win an entire year of care, FREE at our Port Charlotte location. Visit https://www.activagecare.com/free to enter! Winner will be chosen/announced in June 2022.

The Kiwanis Punta Gorda After Hours Foundation presents Merry Grinchmas in July a Reverse Raffle fundraiser to support free books for kids visiting Lizzy the Literacy Bus. Drawing will be Saturday, JULY 9, 2022 at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Top prize is $10,000! Tickets are a minimum donation of $100 each and include dinner for two and entertainment with the Boogiemen. Sponsorships contact Douglas Tucker at 941-875-4111. Need not be present to win, but must be reachable by phone at time of drawing at approximately 9:30 pm EST. Contact Marian Taylor 941-380-1087 Tickets at www.KiwanisPGAfterHours.com

Mark your calendars for the 2022 Public Safety Appreciation Night! Join us June 25, 2022 as we celebrate those who serve our great community. Benefiting Charlotte County Sheriff's Explorers Post #29 & Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County, Inc. Don't wait! Tickets are limited and sell out every year. Tickets on sale now: https://bit.ly/3uHHnGK

Valerie’s House Save the Date for our Celebrating Charlotte Fundraising Event! Join us on Saturday, July 30^th (1-5pm) for at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. All proceeds will be benefitting Valerie’s House-Charlotte County. Contact Christine Carey for vendor & sponsorship opportunities (239-841-0382 or [email protected]).

Fishermen’s Village is pleased to announce our new permanent Retail Hours of operation are now 10am - 8pm, Monday - Saturday, and 12pm - 6pm Sunday ALL YEAR ROUND. For those of you who didn't know, Fishermen's Village used to revert back to a 6pm closing time during off season. Come by and enjoy that sunset and be sure to stay awhile!! (restaurants stay open later; visit www.fishermensvillage.com for more info.)

Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage makes time for local moves. If you are moving to or from a multi-floor apartment or condo, house, office, or warehouse, we can pack it, move everything out then move it into your new location.   We not only pack/unpack everything, we place your oversized items where you want them without any fuss.  We love helping our neighbors get happily through the move and then help them get settled.  Call Kenny Gardiner for an estimate at (941) 423-5311.  

Sometimes you’ll see a car for sale at Complete Auto Repair.  Were you aware we have a dealer’s license?  It’s a perfect combination because all vehicles that we sell have been fully serviced to be in great running condition.  They are often hard-to-find cars that somehow find their way to Ron.  A rare 1999 Honda Civic hatchback tops the list this week.  Or perhaps you want a dune buggy?  You never know what will be at the shop, so check it out when you drive by, 20120 Veterans Blvd. 

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

Vendor Call!  Fishermen’s Village is offering vendor space on the Village Promenade for their annual Independence Celebration to be held July 3 & 4! Promote your products/services to thousands of locals and visitors during this highly popular annual event! For pricing and space availability, contact Kathy Burnam, [email protected]

If organizations choose to do their own background checking internally, they should first take steps to insure consistency in that process. Then, they should make certain they're familiar with the many different laws governing employment and tenancy screening, including federal and state anti-discrimination laws, U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules on background checks, federal and state personal data privacy laws, and any other specific state requirements in play. Be careful.    For professional, FCRA-compliant background screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.   941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   [email protected]  

New Fitness Studio Open in Port Charlotte – F45 Training PCW Team Training * Life Changing. Experience the most innovative HIIT, Group, Circuit workout. Join us at our outdoor Track event while we complete our buildout during May, every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. located in our parking lot at 2150 Tamiami Trail. Tier 1 Foundation Memberships available at over 20% Discount. Follow Us!! FB/IG @F45TrainingPCW Sign Up!! @MINDBODY App or call Michael 561-788-5260.

C.A.R.E is always looking for ways to improve the lives of our survivors. If you or anyone you know would like to donate old furniture, bedding or clothes, please consider our reuse store! It is located at 19765 Kenilworth Blvd, for further inquiries their number is 941-624-3488. Thank you for all that you do to ensure we help survivors of violent crimes in Charlotte County. For more information, please visit our website at www.carefl.org or check us out on Instagram/Facebook at “Carecharlottecounty” For further questions, the office’s number is 941-639-5499

Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes. For the month of May, all chamber members can get $10 off any one roll of weedmat. 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

Charlotte Harbor Water Shuttle- It’s time to give yourself a time out. Everyone needs a break to relax and enjoy a nice boat ride and have an exceptional meal. So don’t wait, reserve your seat/seats on the TIP~C~GULL (941-219-9217)! When you do that, Captain Phil will make your dining reservations for you. Lunch or Dinner. No more waiting in line. For more information visit our website: www.charlotteharborwatershuttle.com

Independent Financial Coaching helps people through high-stress times in their lives. During the transition to healthy financial habits, our coaches keep you focused and supported through the journey to financial security or guide you in rebuilding your credit. We assist in acquiring mortgages, personal loans, and credit card lines. Finances cause the most stress in our lives and can take their toll; whether accumulating wealth or digging out of a financial crisis, help is available. Call Sue Craig at 941-916-5324 for a consultation. 

Spring into well-being by having happier and healthier employees! Gulfcoast South AHEC offers 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.

Click here to view jobs currently posted on the Charlotte County Chamber website!

FULL TIME MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR - Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) The Membership Coordinator is responsible for growing PGICA membership through marketing campaigns and community outreach by developing and implementing membership recruitment and retention strategies, and works as a liaison between the association and its members. High-profile role requiring outstanding customer service, sales, communication and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office; positive and outgoing personality; high degree of judgement, initiative and confidentiality; and commitment to the mission and values of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. Send resumes to [email protected] for consideration. 

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.

LOCAL-

Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.

Charlotte County Economic Development Office- www.cleared4takeoff.com

Community Organizations Active in a Disaster- https://coadfl.org/

Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs- https://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/immediate-southwest-florida-job-openings/

Charlotte County Department of Health- www.Charlotte.FloridaHealth.gov

City of Punta Gorda- http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/

Charlotte County Administration - https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/dept/admin/Pages/default.aspx

Charlotte County Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320.

Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/

Florida Retail Federation- http://www.frf.org/index.php/news/covid-19

Florida Dept. of Health- http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org

Governor's Office- www.flgov.com

Center for Disease Control- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Send YOUR Member News/Events 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.)

Bob White, Executive Director [email protected]

Jami Joannes, Dir. of Business Development [email protected]

Ruth Uzonyi, Dir. of Finance [email protected]

Janet Caffee, Information & Customer Service [email protected]