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.
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~ 97th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, May 9, 2022 ~
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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.
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Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) |
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~ Public Service Announcement ~ |
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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 disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
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~ Chamber Events and Updates ~ |
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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!
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Join the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce for our monthly Networking at Noon Luncheon. The May 11th event is hosted by The Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Members and their guests are welcome to attend. Cost is $15pp. Please limit your participation to no more than 2 persons per member and kindly make your food choice when you register. Register and pay in the MIC (Member Portal).
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 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 bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org
NEW --- 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.
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 advertiser@charlottecountychamber.org 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 Newsletter@charlottecountychamber.org 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 leadershipcharlotte22@gmail.com for more information. Print the Glow Gala Sponsorship Flyer. For tickets visit LeadershipCharlotte.Squaare.site
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Showcase your business at the 12th Annual Business Expo |
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The 12th Annual Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo date is February 2, 2023! Remember to save the date and set aside a little of your marketing budget ($395 for a booth space) for the Hottest Business Day in Paradise, Expo2023!
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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
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Home Instead Senior Care
520 E Olympia Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-3838
Laura Gillian, Rick Sloan, Lindsay Tobin
(941) 505-0450
http://www.homeinstead.com/701
Wiseguys Barbershop
12717 Gulfstream Boulevard
Suite 5
Port Charlotte, FL 33981
Louie Giunta
(941) 698-1035
http://www.wiseguysbarbershops.com
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Lockett-N-Homes Realty Co.
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd.
Suite 1139, PMB 184
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Frieda Chambers, Adonis Lockett, Jefferson Chambers
(941) 702-4614
http://www.lnhrealtyco.com
The Rock Doctor Inc.
Call or Email for Information
North Port, FL 34287
E.J. Simoes, Dawn Simoes
(941) 586-1055
http://www.therockdoctorinc.com
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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
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ |
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Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
New Location Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, May 10th at 5:30pm
17831 Murdock Circle, Unit B, Port Charlotte FL 33948
Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Cottage
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
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Howard’s Hershey’s Ice Cream
New Location Ribbon Cutting
1700 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 33948 (in Murdock Plaza by Perkins)
on Thurs., May 12th at 5:30 p.m.
Offering Desserts & Refreshments and Tastings of their 52 Hand Dipped Flavors of Ice Cream Kindly RSVP in the MIC
Pink Pantha LLC
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, June 7th 5:30pm
1441 Tamiami Trail, Unit 205
(Port Charlotte Town Center Mall)
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members. |
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Send YOUR Member News/Events to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org 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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#OurFutureisNow! #OneCommunity |
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Great saving Tuesday and Friday Only. 4 for $20.00 on all Organic Soaps and 4 for $10.00 on Bath Bombs. 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 twoangelssgg@gmail.com call the store (941)883-2861 or visit http://www.twoangelssoapsgalleryandgifts.com for more information.
On Wednesday, May 11th at noon, come to the Chamber Office, 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte and check out the Small Business Development Center’s Mobile Assistance Center bus. Making its rounds before hurricane season, you can tour it and talk with local SBDC consultants who will be available to speak with you about your business goals. The SBDC offers its services to business owners at no cost. For more information contact Patti Guerzo, Business Consultant, Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University pguerzo@fgcu.edu or visit www.fsbdcswfl.org
Cancer treatment is a journey no one should make alone. Advocate Radiation Oncology care team guides patients every step of the way. This year, Popping the Cork on Cancer is raising money for Children’s Cancer Center. This benefit on May 12 from 6-8PM is organized by Ken Johnson and Carol King-Murphy, from Advocate Radiation Oncology, cancer survivors themselves, with the support of Noelle LaPonte and Lexington Manor. Please help us help them, they didn’t choose to have cancer, we can choose to be their Champions and provide our support for this worthwhile cause. For Tickets & Info call Ken 941-380-5650
Fishermen’s Village presents the 2nd annual “A Day of Celtic Music”, Saturday, May 14, 2022 12 noon-9 pm. Presented in partnership with the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida and the New World Celts (Sarasota Chapter), visitors to Fishermen’s Village will experience authentic Celtic musicians from all over the country, joining together to bring this fun, interactive event to fruition. This year’s event has 6 performing groups and evening hours. Our headliner Seven Nations Band featuring Kirk McLeod, with three between 6-9 pm. Admission and parking are free www.fishermensvillage.com
The Punta Gorda Rotary 2nd 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 27th from 3pm-7pm and Saturday, June 4th 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
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 30th (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 christine@valerieshouse.org).
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The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies would like to thank everyone for participating in Sexual Assault Awareness Month! The turnout for the “Walk for Awareness” was amazing. We hope to continue to receive your support as we find new ways to bring awareness for survivors. For more information on upcoming events feel free to visit our website, www.carefl.org or check out our Facebook page at “carecharlottecounty.” Our admin number is (941) 639-5499. Thank you for supporting survivors on their journey to empowerment and let’s keep showing that we care!
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, kburnam@fishermensvillage.com
Finding and selecting the right employees for their workplaces is a challenge for all organizations. The right employees give a company a significant competitive advantage ... while a single bad hire can cause irreparable harm. A professional background screening agency serves an important role in delivering quick, accurate, and comprehensive information to fuel better hiring decisions ... reducing negligent hiring risks, building a safer and more productive workforce, and supporting the overall strategic goals of the organization. For professional, FCRA-compliant background screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
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.
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
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage is experiencing their busiest time of the year. We do have availability from the end of May to early June. Call if you think you may need our services during that period or beyond. We always try to help everyone especially residents with local moves if we can but without notice that might not be possible now. For estimates on local moves, out-of-state moves, packing, unpacking, crating, or temporary storage between moves, call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311.
Your vehicle is an important hedge against rising fuel prices. Complete Auto Repair reminds you of some proven methods to save gas: combine errands, treat the gas pedal gently, and make sure the filters inside your engine are clean. This last step can improve your gas mileage and give you a smoother ride. To let your car pinch pennies for you, call Mary Holstein at (941) 623 – 2926 to schedule an appointment.
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
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.
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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“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door” Milton Berle |
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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 March 16, 2022 and April 15, 2022... Take a look! |
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F45 Training is a boutique fitness center franchise that is growing internationally. With a grand opening soon we need energetic, certified and friendly people to join our team in Port Charlotte. Hiring in 2022: Studio Manager (CPT, AED, CPR). Membership Manager (CPT, AED, CPR). Certified Head Trainer (CPT, AED, CPR). Certified Trainers (CPT, AED, CPR).
Administration & Front Desk. To learn about these great opportunities contact Michael Bluemling Jr. 516-788-5260 PortCharlotteWest@F45Training.com our website https://f45training.com/portcharlottwest
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Lennox Industries, a trusted HVAC brand for more than 125 years, awarded Tri County Air, based in North Venice, FL the Lennox Community Award. The award is presented annually to a select group of dealers that best represent Lennox values and a shared dedication to making a difference in the community. Only three awards are given out per year out of over 7,000 Lennox Dealers in the USA and Canada and each winner is chosen by Lennox’s Executive Team. Established in 1977, Tri County Air employs over 100 people and services Manatee, Sarasota, & Charlotte counties in Florida.
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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 jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org 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 career Army officer I once met was jumpmaster for his unit and was taking up a few novices for a drop. The flight was pretty rough, and after a while, the jumpmaster called off the jump because of high winds. As the plane headed back to base, and the pilot pulled off an unusually smooth landing, two of the neophytes got airsick.
"How come you could take that rough flight, but you couldn't handle the smooth landing?" asked the jumpmaster.
"Well, sir," one trainee explained, "We've always jumped out of planes. We've never actually landed before."
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Send YOUR Member News/Events to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org 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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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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