Mission Statement:
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the prosperity and general welfare of its business members and the community they serve.
~ 97th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
"Lunch & Learn" Tuesday, January 25th, 12Noon - 1pm
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 339052
or call 941-627-2222
"There is a 100% certainty that business owners will leave their companies at some point, yet most haven't planned for it, and there are no dress rehearsals. Ideally, owners want to exit on their terms: leaving their business in the hands of successors they choose, on a date they pick, and for the money they need and want. The three universal goals every owner must set are deciding when, to whom, and for how much to transition their businesses."
"Business Succession Planning"
with Brian Simon
Financial Representative, ChFC, CLU, CExP
The Business Expo is 3 weeks away, have you signed up?
Thank you Expo Sponsors:

Platinum Title Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group
Gold Presenting Sponsor - Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Silver Associate Sponsor - Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Silver Associate Sponsor - Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Silver Associate Sponsor - Michael Saunders and Company
Bronze Participating Sponsor - American Imaging of Southwest Florida
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Bert's Black Widow Harley-Davidson
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Dancing Moon Travel
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Mosaic
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Painting with a Twist
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Sunshine Ace Hardware
Print Sponsor - Buffalo Graffix
Radio Sponsor - iHeart Media Group
Newspaper Sponsor - The Daily Sun
After Hours Party Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Kick-off Party Sponsor - Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
Breakfast Sponsor - Integrity Employee Leasing
Passport Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Lanyard Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group
Goodie 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.  
2021-2022 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.
Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed)
~ Chamber Events and Updates ~
NEW LOCATION FOR JANUARY: Third Wednesday Coffee: Wednesday, January 19 – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. - *** JANUARY LOCATION *** Beef O’Brady’s located at 1105 Taylor St., Punta Gorda – Enjoy a breakfast buffet - Get ready for some fun and great interaction – Registration is required - Immediately following our program, we will have our quarterly New Member Orientation. Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal).

The Gilded Grape Winery and Wine Bar, 3796 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Business Card Exchange will be Thurs., Jan. 27th 5-7p.m. It will be in the Wine Bar side with FREE Wine (Made by Paul) & Beer along with Cheese and Crackers to cleanse your palette. Please RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal).

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on February 3. (Digital flyers are due by February 1.) 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.

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.
~ Welcome New Members ~
R&J Cleaning Management, LLC
198 Porto Velho St.
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Javier Madronal
(786) 395-2472

BJ's Wholesale Club
(opening soon) 19150 Quesada Ave.
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Steve Saborse
http://bjs.com/portcharlotte

Brookdale Port Charlotte
18440 Cochran Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33948-3343
Kim Spencer
(941) 743-9300
http://www.brookdale.com

Down the Hatchet LLC
Call for information
Gerrie McCormack
(941) 500-3616
http://www.downthehatchet.com

Tarpon Painting, LLC
114 Hunter Street
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Martin Chiappone, Rhett Chiappone, Troy Chiappone
(941) 888-0459

Eggstra Special
125 Colonial Street SE
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Vigi Bondi
(916) 412-8622
Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member?
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!
~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~


Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members.
Charlotte Mercantile
Ribbon Cutting, Tues., Jan. 25th at 4:30 p.m.
1441 Tamiami Trail, Unit 933A, Port Charlotte (Town Center Mall)
They will have a special tasting of their jelly and jam merchant's samples
and Mad Hops beer infused flavor in N/A beer of course. They have over 30 vendors in their gallery. Attendees are requested to register in advance so that proper arrangements can be made. Please register for this event in the MIC. (Member Portal)

Fabulous Finds Store with the Homeless Coalition.
Ribbon Cutting, Moved to February 1 at 5:30 p.m.
1931 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 33948 (their new location)
They will be serving snacks and beverages Including the Bubbly B wagon.
Attendees are requested to register in advance so that proper arrangements can be made

Community Lending
Ribbon Cutting, Wed., Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
(next to Twisted Fork) 2090 Torrence St., Port Charlotte
The celebration will be held at the Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte
from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and we'll walk next door at 5:30 p.m. for the Ribbon Cutting.
They will have a live band, 2 drink tickets, appetizers and raffles.
Attendees are requested to register in advance so that proper arrangements can be made

ActivAge at Chelsea Place
Ribbon Cutting, Thurs., Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte 33952
Rebranding Celebration! They will be offering frozen drinks, live
music, massages, and catered food.
Attendees are requested to register in advance so that proper arrangements can be made

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.)





#OurFutureisNow!
#OneCommunity
~ Member Events ~
The St. Vincent dePaul Rummage Sale will be held Saturday, February 5th from 9:00am-12:00pm at 25200 Airport Road and Taylor Road. RAIN DATE: Saturday, February 12th
There will be household items, furniture, linens, clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, books and toys. Masks are optional, No pets please. Join our Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St. Vincent dePaul in our continuing efforts to raise money to assist those in need in our community.   SVdP Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 9:00am-12:00noon. Office (941-575-0767 Furniture: (941) 575-8544, 25200 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

It’s time to celebrate our Teachers! The Charlotte Local Foundation, Inc. along with Suncoast Credit Union, our sponsors, school staff, and community leaders will present the Golden Apple Teacher and Support Employee of the Year Awards on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 5:00 pm. The event will be held at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, FL. 33950 Virtual tickets are now on sale and sponsorships are needed. For more information please visit  www.charlotteschoolfoundation.org or by calling 941-255-7500 ext. 1811 for more information.  

The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies presents Standing Together Responding to the Call January 31, 2022 located at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. This is a community collaboration to educate the public in the fight to end Human Trafficking. Cost: Free Refreshments will be provided in the morning. For more information visit www.carefl.org/events/ Let’s stand together to END Human Trafficking.

Charlotte Players-February 4-29. Gillian Holroyd is one of the few modern people who can actually cast spells and perform feats of supernaturalism. She casts a spell over an unattached publisher, Shepherd Henderson, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Tickets are $22.

Looking for entertainment this coming Florida winter season? Look no further than the Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum! Every band is carefully booked...Each group is of the highest quality! You will surely want to come back for more! Click here for event and ticket information.
~ Member News ~

You complete thorough background checking and vetting and hire the applicant. Then what? Do you have a detailed plan for that employee's first six months? Surveys show new hires experiencing structured onboarding are much more likely to remain on the job after three years. But, many employers expend more effort planning holiday parties than new hire onboarding. Employees feeling challenged, empowered, and acknowledged during those first six months often respond with productivity and loyalty.    For economical and FCRA-compliant background screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.    941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   [email protected] 

Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? Start 2022 off right and get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family by contacting Mark Martella, Esq. with the Dellutri Law Group, PA 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 in 2022.

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.

Home Buying couldn’t be easier. With new programs available, Toby Lynn can find the right fit for a friend or co-worker. Conventional, FHA/VA, Primary Residences, Secondary Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans, Toby can help. Pre-Qualify at no cost, zero, FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com

In December, the average price paid for a used vehicle surpassed $30,000 for the first time, according to J.D. Power.  Your current vehicle is more of an asset than ever before.  Don’t shorten its life by neglecting routine maintenance.  At Complete Auto Repair, even a simple oil change comes with an inspection that nips expensive repairs in the bud.  Call Mary at 941-623-2926 and make an appointment to keep your current car humming throughout 2022. 
Sometimes the hardest thing about a move is getting the truck to the house!  Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage has their share of “war stories,” from backing the truck up a steep mountainside driveway, wading knee-deep in hurricane floodwater, to many high-rise adventures.  Professional and experienced drivers make a difference in the safety of your belongings.  Call Kenny Gardiner to discuss your upcoming move.  When Quality Counts, call 941-423-5311. 
~ Tip of the Week ~

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” — Michael Jordan
We encourage members to shop with other members to keep our community and local economy strong. If you do business with one or more of our renewing members please congratulate them for their Chamber Anniversary. These are members who renewed between November 16, 2021 and December 15, 2021... Take a look!
The Purple House Salon is seeking a Front Desk Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, full time Tuesday – Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Duties include but not limited to: Create a welcoming atmosphere in the lobby and reception area, Manage salon phone calls/voice mails/emails, Manage the POS system including checking out clients, making appointments, maintaining employee schedules, running reports, etc., Assist with marketing (flyers, printouts, ads, chamber/networking events), Assist Stylist Manager with inventory reports, intake, ordering, Prepare payroll (bi-weekly) and tax reports (monthly, quarterly) for accountant, Run errands and handle banking including deposits and maintaining adequate change in cash drawer, Compose documents as needed, Maintain files (hard copy and digital), Assist with laundry & salon cleaning and Reports to Stylist Manager. Candidates interested should send resume to: [email protected]
Showcase your business through sponsorship!
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.
~ Resources ~
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 Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
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
Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org
Governor's Office- www.flgov.com
~ Just for Fun ~
Where are average things manufactured?
At Satisfactory. 
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.)
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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]
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce charlottecountychamber.org