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.
~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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.
~ Chamber Events and Updates ~
Wed., September 8 Networking at Noon will be at River City Grill, 131 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, cost is $15pp (please only 2 attendees per member as space is limited) There are food choices to make. Register in the MIC member portal. . Members Networking

Wed., September 15, 7:15 a.m. Third Wednesday Coffee at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Members Networking

Business Card Exchange, Thurs., September 23, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. At Beef O'Bradys (Deep Creek location) 24901 Sandhill Blvd., Punta Gorda. Members Networking and If you like, please bring a small gift to promote your business.

96th Annual Meeting Luncheon, Fri., October 1, 2021 - Noon - 1:30 p.m. Please join us as we celebrate our longevity and contributions to the community while looking forward to a successful future. Individual Tickets $75 or Tables of 6 $375. Register in the MIC member portal or call the office 941-627-2222.

We have decided to go quarterly with the printed newsletter the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Perspective. The next issue will be delivered in October so we'll need your inserts on September 20. Provide 1,500 inserts, complete the contract and return it with your check $150 for profit/$100 nonprofit. . Here is the link to the flier with all the details.

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on September 2nd. Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the
cost of printing a flier. We prefer a PNG file (at least 600-650 pixels wide, resolution 72PPI if possible and file size no larger than 4MG) for the "digital flyer" ad in the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER, due no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the First Thursday of the month. Sustaining Partners receive free ads as part of their partnership, or 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 advertiser@charlottecountychamber.org and include the web address we should link it to, or
call us 941-627-2222 for more information.
~ Ribbon Cuttings ~
New Business? New Renovation? Consider a Ribbon Cutting to promote your business.

Remember, you can post your own "Hot Deals" and "Member to Member Deals!" in the MIC (Member Portal) https://business.charlottecountychamber.org/membertomember/
~ Welcome New Members ~

Beef O'Brady's Deep Creek
24901 Sandhill Blvd., Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Chris Lansdale, Justin Starr
(941) 732-9464
https://www.beefobradys.com/

Beef O'Brady's Punta Gorda
1105 Taylor St., Suite I, Punta Gorda, FL 33950-6075
Edward Lewis, Armond Smith
(941) 505-2333
https://www.beefobradys.com/

Hip Notique
111 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Debi Malinoski
(941) 347-7250
http://www.hipnotique.net
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
Bob White bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org and he will follow up with them!
Watch for the Expo2022 information coming soon.

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.  

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.)

~ Member Events ~

Join Loveland Center for our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club on Friday, September 10th. Contact Becca at events@lovelandcenter.org for more information.

Charlotte Players- 4 Beekman is the first play of our 61st season! Join us September 10-19 where you will meet Deanne and Robert, a May-December couple. They have just returned from their honeymoon, and Deanne is shocked to find that Robert has unwittingly bought the very same apartment that she used to live in with her ex-husband, Skip. Located at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Pirate Poker Run on Saturday, September 18th. 10:00-4:00p.m. Cash prizes, food & drink specials, raffle prizes, live music and costume contest. Pre-race Captain’s party @Sandbar Tiki, Friday, Sept. 17, after-party @the Lighthouse Grill, Saturday, Sept. 18th. We will have a BEST Pirate Costume contest with prizes for the 1st and 2nd place (male and female), and BEST Boat and Crew! FIVE FUN STOPS with Food and Drink specials at each stop! Register online https://www.englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/poker-run by September 14. Check-in/registration is 8:30am–10:00am at The Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass! 

Valerie’s House has two amazing fundraising events coming up. A Night of Swing!! Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program. This event will be October 16th at 6pm. Purchase tickets at www.militaryheritagemuseum.org Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique is selling bracelets this month. The proceeds go to Valerie’s House https://puntagordanails.com/

The Tidewell Foundation 2021 Tidewell Trot 5K and 1-mile Run/Walk will take place on Thursday, Oct. 21 at Nathan Benderson Park. The event begins with a vendor fair at 5:00 pm followed by the 5K race at 6:00 and the 1-mile run/walk at 6:15pm.
More than 800 local runners and walkers are expected to participate in the 2021 Tidewell Trot. Proceeds will benefit the Tidewell Foundation in its grants to Tidewell Hospice for charity care, grief support services, specialized veterans care, music therapy, telehealth and more for more than 10,000 people in our region annually — all at no cost to them.

Sponsors for the 2021 Tidewell Trot will gain exposure from advertisement and promotion of the event, in addition to the more than 800 participants in attendance. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, call (941) 552-7546, email events@tidewellfoundation.org or visit tidewellfoundation.org.
 
This year’s Goffers Who C.A.R.E. scramble will be held on September 25, 2021 at the beautiful Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Dr, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. Individual registration is $90.00, team registration is $360.00. Includes: green and cart fees, driving range, breakfast, lunch, 2 beverage tickets, goody bag, raffle entry, and more! For more information visit https://carefl.org/events/ or contact Jamie at (941) 639-5499. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, advertise your business at the hottest scramble of the year. 

It’s a M*A*S*H Party & FUNdraiser!! – The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic hosts its Annual Appeal Kick-off Party on Fri, OCT 8, 2021, 6-10 PM * Special Guest “Pvt. Igor Straminsky” (TV series Chef) Jeff Maxwell * Emcee: Stacey Deffenbaugh * MASH Costume Contest * Games * Food * Cash Bar * Holy Trinity Banquet Hall (Port Charlotte). $75 /pp. RSVP by Sept. 30, 2021. Get tickets online https://volunteercare.org/mash OR Call/Email Karen: 941-276-4075 – kamador@volunteercare.org

It's Official! The Florida International Air Show will be held October 16th & October 17th at the Punta Gorda, FL Airport (PGD) featuring the F-16 Viper Demo Team.  We are looking for sponsors and volunteers. Steve Lineberry, Media & Marketing Director (833) 743-3427 Ext. 703 floridaairshow@outlook.com www.floridaairshow.com  
~ Member News ~
Get a free training assessment & program when you purchase a Rhino Strength & Performance gym membership. GET MOVING PACKAGE: Are you struggling to get motivated & stay consistent? During our three sessions together, we identify barriers you face and develop a clear plan of action to get you started. PRE &POSTNATAL PACKAGE: We help prepare your body for pregnancy and get back to training after pregnancy a 6-session special! NEW CLASSES: Strength & conditioning (M-W-F 5:30-6:15 am and pm) & conditioning lunch (M-F 12-12:30)!  Ryan and Tarra Farnham rhinostrengthfl@gmail.com

NRG Background Checks has been providing professional background screening services to private sector Florida employers and property managers, as well as to various public agencies and licensing authorities, for more than 27 years. We take pride in providing our clients with the highest levels of expertise, experience, efficiency, and ease, together with access to the best Fair Credit Reporting Act-compliant data sources available, at the most economical pricing available.    Contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno for further info or for answers to any background screening questions you might have.    941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   nrginfo@atlantic.net    

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.

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

When your vehicle is having maintenance performed, it is important to take that opportunity to inspect hoses and belts for signs of wear.  Replacing these inexpensive parts saves you the labor costs to dismantle the engine again, and possibly, the hassle of being stuck on the side of the road.  At Complete Auto Repair, our technicians conduct a thorough inspection when your vehicle is having routine maintenance.  You preapprove any recommended repairs.  Call Mary at 941-623-2926 to schedule an appointment. 
 
Moving can be very stressful.  Some movers, notoriously, damage precious items while packing, unpacking, or moving.  Let us come pack up your breakables and collectibles, pack them safely, and then unpack them so that they are just like they were before we moved them.  We are careful in this process and take no chances with your treasures.  Call Kenny at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage at (941) 423-5311, "When Quality Counts." 

More employees are planning to change jobs than at any other time in the past 20 years.  Businesses need to watch the exit door while they try to get more employees through the entrance.  At the same time, preferences for benefits are changing; employees want to retain their freedom.  If you want to discuss how to make your business a magnet for talent, call Patti Guerzo, of Guerzo Business Consulting, 312-420-0884.   

~ Tip of the Week ~
“Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group
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 July 16, 2021 and August 15, 2021... Take a look!
MEMBER NAME and ANNIVERSARY
Florida SouthWestern State College 37
Charlotte Players, Inc. 35
Harbor View Mobile Home Park 29
Interstate Courier Service, Inc. 27
Crossroads Hope Academy 24
Dean's South of the Border 24
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club 19
CareerSource Southwest Florida 18
Port Charlotte Adventist School 16
McGriff Insurance Services 15
Patrice Weston State Farm Insurance Agency, Inc. 15
Sleep Inn & Suites 14
Comfort Inn and Suites 13
WFTX Fox 4 - TV 13
RC Computer Services, Inc. 12
Thornberry Custom Builders, Inc. 12
Charlotte County Republican Club 11
Hancock Law, PA 11
Ingman Marine 11
Miller's Murphy Bed and Home Office 11
Pilgrim United Church of Christ 11
Reuter Accounting & Tax, Inc. 11
Truex Preferred Construction 11
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Inc. 10
Granny Nannies Home Health Agency 10
Pottery Express and Bamboo Farm 10
Punta Gorda Animal Hospital 10
Quality Homes of Port Charlotte, Inc. 10
Storm Smart 10
Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory 9
Murdock Stones Etc. 9
Gehring Realty, Inc. 8
Fero Construction & Remodeling, Inc. 7
Bert's Black Widow Harley-Davidson 6
CAM Realty of SW Florida, Inc. 6
Zaxby's 5
American Imaging of Southwest FL 4
Hessler Floor Covering 4
Lamar Airport Advertising 4
State Farm Insurance Co., Kathy Nash 4
TaxSavers 3
Wharton-Smith Inc. 3
Charlotte Harbor Construction, Inc. 2
J Gregory Group, LLC dba J Gregory Group Ins. Services 2
Port Charlotte United Methodist Church 2
Taglio Cucina & Pizzeria Romana 2
~ Member-to-Member Testimonials ~
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 jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org 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! 
Tell us about your good experience with a fellow member and we'll share it here and post is on our website.
~ Job Spot ~
Dellutri Law Group, P.A. – Port Charlotte Office-Guest Services position available.
Must be a Self-Motivated Action Taker, Take Pride In Your Work, & have a relatable personality easily getting along well with co-workers & clients. Full time with health, dental, vision, and 401K benefits. Great hours, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 - 5:00 with an hour lunch. No weekends. Must have excellent customer service skills, ability to multi task, open to learning new things, and above all a positive attitude with a great personality. PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS: Submit a cover letter & resume via email to Resumes@DellutriLawGroup.com . Then call this number 239-210-7252 to leave a sample voicemail so we can hear how wonderful you sound, please explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs

Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org. AND REMEMBER you can login and post your job in the MIC (Member Portal) and it will be visible to all on our website https://business.charlottecountychamber.org/jobs/  
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 jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org 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 ~
A girl went to a palmist to have her hand read.
"I see that you are in love with a tall man with a front tooth missing," the palmist said to her.
"That's right," was the reply.
"I see that he has ask you to marry him and his name is Bill Jones," the palmist said.
"That's marvelous," said the girl. "How can you tell that from the lines on my hand?"
"It's not the lines I am reading," the palmist said, "It's the ring you are wearing. I gave it back to Bill two weeks ago."
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.)
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce charlottecountychamber.org