~ 96th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, MAY 17, 2021 ~
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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.
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*Supreme Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) *Charter Sustaining Partner
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Chamber Events and Updates
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1580 News Radio, Tuesday, May 11, 9 a.m. - Tune in for a Chamber update.
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Third Wednesday Coffee, Wed. May 19, 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - Charlotte County Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Sponsor - Suncoast One Title and Closings - Kevin Graham; Non Profit – Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County – Lynn Dorler; Program – Sheriff Bill Prummell, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Members Networking
Thurs., May 20, 4:30 p.m., Community Guide Premium Page Drawing, Port Charlotte Office - for members interested in the center spread, back cover, inside front or back cover, facing inside back cover or pages 3 through 8 placement. 2022 Community Guide Contract
Business Card Exchange, Thurs., May 27, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Members networking at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and Event Center, 24411 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte. If you like please bring a small gift to promote your business. Members Networking
Save the date - Lunch and Learn on Wed., June 2, 12:00 p.m., at Charlotte County Chamber office at 2702 Tamiami Trail. Our speaker is Jeremy Carr, LocaliQ/USA Today. The topic: Digital Marketing & Analytics. Bring your lunch (water/soft drinks will be provided).
So what did you think of the first issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER sent on May 6, 2021? The next issue will be sent out on June 3. Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. We prefer a PNG file (at least 600-650 pixels wide, resolution 72PPI if possible and file size no larger than 4MG) for the "digital flyer" ad in the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER, due no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the First Thursday of the month. 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 [email protected] or call us 941-627-2222 for more information.
Tues., June 8, 9:00 a.m. Listen in on 1580AM Talk Radio for Chamber News with Bob White on the Ken Lovejoy show.
Wed., June 9, Noon - Networking at Noon will be at The Village Brewhouse, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade (Fishermen's Village). Reservations required, cost $15pp. Members Networking
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 July so we'll need your inserts on June 21. Provide 1,500 inserts, complete the contract and return it with your check $50 for profit/$100 nonprofit. . Here is the link to the flier with all the details.
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We are now taking applications for the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2022. Selection of Leadership Charlotte participants is anonymous and based solely upon the answers to the application questions, so please be thoughtful and sincere and use more paper if needed. Program participants must be members of, or employed by members of, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, and membership dues must be current. Cost of the program is $595 and is payable at the time of acceptance. Half scholarships may be available. If needed, please advise when applying. If you have any question please contact the Chamber office 941-627-2222. The application deadline is 4 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2021. Link to fillable Application. Link to Schedule.
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The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 2022 Community Guide and Business Directory is Your Place to Be!. This is the "one-book-look" for visitors and residents throughout our community. The guide, which includes live links to advertisers is posted on our website, as well as published in a large 8 1/2 x 11 glossy color print version. Reserve your ad today to increase your visibility and promote your business. Download the fillable 2022 Community Guide Contract
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Become a Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Sustaining Partner Today! Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional financial support to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce which, in turn, provides them with additional valuable membership benefits. The program runs from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. Additional business exposure includes website listings, verbal recognition at all of our events, space on the traveling banner at all our events, newsletter inserts, ad space in our new Fir$t Thur$day Adverti$er and much more. We need your commitment by August 13th in order to include you on the Sustaining Partner page in the new 2022 Community Guide. Please complete the fillable 2021-2022 Sustaining Partner form to make your choice of three levels of sponsorship or call chamber staff at 941-627-2222 or email [email protected] for additional details. These benefits are exclusively available to members in good standing.
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All members are invited to join us for these Ribbon Cuttings. Ribbon Cuttings are a great informal way to meet your fellow members, introduce yourself and enjoy casual networking.
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ADT Security
Wed., May 19, 8:30 a.m., (Immediately after 3rd Wednesday Coffee)
ADT Security, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda
Zest Nutrition
Thurs., June 3, 5:30 p.m.
1825 Tamiami Trail, Unit 5E, Port Charlotte
Rita's Italian Ice
Thurs., June 10, 5:30 p.m.
4255 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte (rescheduled)
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* GREAT MARKETING OPPORTUNITY *
We sell Charlotte County street maps on a daily basis. We actually sell between 30-40 maps per month. That’s approximately 480 maps per year. We have created a long term marketing opportunity which will certainly yield a strong Return on Investment. You will be able to place your ad on the Back Page of the map. It is a 4” x 9” ad space. In addition, your logo will be placed on the Front Page along with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce logo. The cost of this marketing opportunity is $3,500. Your marketing presence will be for at least 6-7 years, as we will be ordering 3,000 Charlotte County street maps. We know there will be members interested in this marketing opportunity. It will be on a first come, first served basis. If you want to take advantage of this, please contact Bob White at 941.627.2222 or at [email protected] immediately to reserve your space today!
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Lesley Barton - Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Lesley Barton
(941) 404-5923
Charlotte Harbor Gastroenterology
2811 Tamiami Trail, Unit I
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Laura Castro
(941) 246-2700
http://fdhs.com/charlotteharbor
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Do you know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member? Businesses may join online now on our website or email Bob White [email protected] with your recommendation and he will follow up!
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Expo Sponsors:
(More and more and more!)
Platinum Title Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Platinum Title Sponsor- Kia of Port Charlotte
Platinum Title Sponsor- Total Air Solutions
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Burnt Store Title and Escrow
Gold Presenting Sponsor- Quigley Eye Specialists
Gold Presenting Sponsor - Southwest Florida Insurance Associates
Silver Associate Sponsor- Michael Saunders and Company
Bronze Participating Sponsor- American Imaging of SW Florida
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Charlotte Health Solutions
Bronze Participating Sponsor- Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mortgage Firm
Bronze Participating Sponsor- The Mosaic Company
Business After Party Sponsor- Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Print Sponsor- Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor- Sun Coast Media Group
Radio Sponsor- iHeart Media
Main Stage Sponsor- Dellutri Law Group
Lanyard Sponsor- Chapman Insurance Group
Event 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. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for the ~HOT~ details!
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Over 80 booths are sold for the 10th Annual Hottest Business Day in Paradise EXPO!
Already signed up? Keep these Marketing opportunities in mind - Provide your promotional item in 500 Goodie Bags. Donate a gift for the Grand Prize Drawing. Be part of the Speed Direct Networking to connect one-on-one with other exhibitors.
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities still available (Expo Exhibitors Only) * Event Map * Paradise Continental Breakfast * Event Passport * Refreshment Station * Speed Direct Networking *
Make sure YOUR local business is part of this ~HOT~ August event. Click the EXPO EXPO EXPO button below for details! Please feel free to contact the chamber office with any questions - 941-627-2222.
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The newly built CoolToday Park , spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, are offering walking tours for groups. Tours are conducted the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. This tour provides fans the opportunity to see the ballpark in an exclusive way with an up close and behind the scenes look at the year round spring training facility. Tour also includes a free lunch at Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar. Group tour prices start @ $35 and must be reserved in advance by contacting us at [email protected]
Charlotte Players- You Should Be So Lucky by Charles Busch. May 14-23. A contemporary Cinderella story set in Greenwich Village, reminiscent of the classic screwball comedies of the 1930s. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets call our Box Office at 941-255-1022 or online at www.charlotteplayers.org
A Healing Field of Honor at Laishley Park- hosted by Punta Gorda Rotary Club and Foundation, May 28-31, 2021! United States flags will fly in solemn formation, creating an awe-inspiring panorama for everyone to enjoy. This stirring display of 1000+ flags will be a community tribute to honor our heroes. Each flag will represent an individual and therein tells a story. Honor our fallen heroes as well as veterans, first responders and frontline line workers, doctors, nurses, teachers and our community! Donate and dedicate a flag (or more) or become a sponsor at https://www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl21. Info- Alyson Burch, call or texting 941-875-3829.
Attention Small Business Owners: Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE on a drop-in basis. Stop by the North Port City Hall, Friday June 4th from 9 to noon. Certified Mentors Michael Hantman and Nils Weibulll will be available for a casual chat about your business and the challenges you are facing. SCORE is powered by the SBA and offers confidential business mentoring at no cost. Visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.
The Aviation Airframe Mechanic Program offered by Charlotte Technical College is an excellent opportunity for those seeking a rewarding career in a high demand occupation. Charlotte Technical College (CTC) is accepting applications for this program and will be hosting an information session on June 8th 6pm to 7pm at the CTC Auditorium. CareerSource Southwest Florida in Port Charlotte will also hold information sessions to promote this program. To attend, must register in advance by calling 941-235-5900. See date Thursday, June 10, 10am to 11am & 3pm to 4pm.
You are invited to the Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association's Dart Tournament on July 10th, 2021 at The Icehouse Pub in Punta Gorda. Registration will begin at 1:30 pm and darts will be in the air at 2:30 pm. Prize for 1st place: $400 AND they get to choose which of the following CDBIA nonprofit member will receive $500: Boy and Girls Club of Charlotte County; Charlotte County Young Life; Crossroads Hope Academy; Gulf Coast Partnership; The Homeless Coalition. For any additional information or to register contact Alaina at [email protected]
Cruise Planners located at 941 Tamiami Trail, Ste A, Port Charlotte, Florida is excited to host Royal Caribbean's Strategic Account Manager for the Southeast Region, Hong Ngo, at our upcoming Chamber ribbon cutting on July 14, 2021 at 5:30pm. Contact Robin Carmichael, ACC at 941-259-1711 for all your travel needs
Sponsor the Walk to End Alzheimer's to support families touched by Alzheimer's and increase awareness of your business. The Charlotte Walk to End Alzheimer's offers sponsorship opportunities for local organizations to participate in this inspiring community event on October 2nd in Laishley Park. Your participation helps accelerate research for a cure and provides programs and support services for our community. Walk day sponsorship packages begin at $500. Please contact Kathy Heldman, your walk staff partner, at [email protected] for more information.
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The end of Alzheimer's starts with YOU! Now recruiting Volunteers. We are building our 2021 Charlotte Walk Committee. This dedicated group of volunteers drives the event's development and growth - advancing the fight against Alzheimer's from the ground up. There are lots of ways to use your interests and skills no matter how much time you have to give! Questions? Contact Kathy Heldman, your walk staff partner, at [email protected].
Building material thefts are on the rise nationwide. Criminals are targeting all building materials and equipment. If possible, do not leave any unsecured items on jobsites. Please remember to always remove your valuables, key/key fob & weapons from your vehicle and LOCK YOUR DOORS!! If you see something suspicious, say something! Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency #941-639-0013. If you have any questions, please call our Crime Prevention Office at 941-613-3227.
Summer camp season is just around the corner! Consider enrolling your child or grandchild into summer camp with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Campers will enjoy fun games, activities, crafts, & more at our beautiful CHEC nature preserves. For more information about the summer camps, call one of our offices for more information. For camps in Englewood, email [email protected] or call 941-475-0769. For camps in Punta Gorda, email [email protected] or call 941-575-5435.
Did you know that even “stock” mufflers need tweaking to fit properly into an exhaust system? Our pipe bender creates a perfect seal regardless of small variances in the car or exhaust equipment. Without it, you could hear too much noise or feel a vibration caused by the high-speed air leak. At Complete Auto Repair, every conventional muffler change is a custom job! To hear and feel the difference, call for an appointment at 941-623-2926.
Crossroads Hope Academy has achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA), demonstrating the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. It ensures that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in resource management, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.
CALL FOR VENDORS!! Fishermen’s Village is hosting a huge Independence weekend celebration July 3 rd and 4 th! Interested in getting your business exposure to thousands of customers by being a vendor at this event? Email Kathy Burnam, marketing/events manager at [email protected] for details!
Registration for the RRF opens Friday, April, 30th at 9 am EDT and the application period will start Monday, May 3rd at 12pm EDT - The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Florida SBDC at FGCU Learn More
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.
What can a recruiter do for you that you can’t do for yourself? Here are 3 things: Follow up with good applicants in a timely basis, view candidates the way they will treat your customers, and remember applicants from other postings who didn’t show up for an interview and keep them from you. It’s a small job market, and one person with knowledge of many job seekers can help weed out your future disappointments. Let Patti Guerzo, of Guerzo Business Consulting, find the team to take you to the next level. 312-420-0884.
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.
If you have friends who would rather take unemployment than a job, please remind them that unemployment benefits don’t count as income to the Social Security Administration. Extended periods of unemployment will hurt their retirement benefit with low-income years contributing nothing. SSA takes the highest 35 years and having a zero in a few can really lower that person’s benefit. Is it worth it? Sue Craig at Independent Financial Coaching says no. Let Sue help your friends regain the confidence and wealth that employment offers. Call her at (941) 918-5324.
Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells a large variety of mulch at everyday low prices? This week, we'll tell you that our Melaleuca Mulch is $2.75 for a 2 cubic foot bag....and Melaleuca is Florida friendly and BUG RESISTANT. ($3 to $4 at most other establishments) 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
Today, employers are expected to know as much as possible about their job applicants in order to make the best and safest hiring decisions. Consequently, pre-employment background screening is the key way for employers to meet their due diligence requirements in hiring qualified, safe, employees while also reducing their negligent hiring exposure. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security strongly recommends thorough background checks in ALL areas of employment. For FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. Call: 941-488-8500 or 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email: [email protected]
Event Venue- The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association invites you to BOOK YOUR SPECIAL EVENT HERE NOW! This wonderful, full-service venue nestled in Punta Gorda is often forgotten … meaning you could be in luck. Space includes a beautiful lobby, classy auditorium, and catering kitchen with everything needed. Auditorium style events seats 225; with tables and chair seats 160; with tables, chairs and dance floor seats 125. All audio/visual equipment, kitchen supplies, portable bar, tables, padded chairs and more are available on-site. Lovely outdoor settings available as well. [email protected] - 941-637-1655.
Sun Coast Blood Center-A national blood shortage continues to impact patients in our community. Make your appointment TODAY to donate blood this week to make sure blood products can support life-saving surgeries and procedures. Please share, donate & ask a friend to do the same. We can’t do it without you. Schedule now: suncoastblood.org or call 1-866-97-BLOOD Download our app SCBC on your Android or Apple device and make an appointment.
When choosing the perfect mortgage plan, prioritizing needs and wants can lead in different directions. With 30 years in the business, Toby Lynn is a pro at helping your family, co-workers, or best buddy see advantages and disadvantages in options available. 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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"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." -- Conrad Hilton
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Member-to-Member Testimonials
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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 [email protected] 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!
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The Executive Director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the full range of chamber activities. This includes but is not limited to coordination of the program of work, organizational structure and procedures, motivation of volunteers, income and expenditures, community relationships, outreach, promotion of the chamber and its activities, service to members, employment, training and supervision of staff, interpretation of board policy and vision planning. The CEO/Executive Director may be called upon to represent the board of directors in contact with the membership, with outside individuals, public agencies and officials, various organizations and groups, and with the general public. This all requires sound judgment, professionalism, and tact to foster good community relationships. Applications should be sent to the [email protected] please click here for the full details.
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Your "Help Wanted" information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to [email protected].
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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 [email protected] 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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I found a job cleaning the elegant home of an older couple. Among other duties, I had to dust their many imported carvings and petrified collectibles, as well as pick up after their pets.
One day, I was astonished to find two ivory fossils lying on the floor beside the bookcase. I quickly picked them up, and put them back on the shelf. The next week, the same thing happened.
That afternoon, my employer came into the parlor, her faithful dog behind her. Looking around, she eyed the bookcase. "Nya," she asked the dog, "how in the world do you keep getting your bones up there?"
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Send YOUR Member News 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.)
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2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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Social Distancing and Health Safety Protocol Statement: The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce requests that you kindly not attend events with a fever, any COVID-19 Symptoms, if anyone in your household has shown symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are included in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined high-risk category for COVID-19. Additionally, while we know that most are accustomed to handshakes, fist-bumps, and hugs, we ask that you refrain during this time and follow all recommended health safety protocols. Social distancing is required by anyone attending chamber events and it is recommended that face masks be worn to lessen the possible transmission of COVID-19 to others. By attending Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce events, all attendees acknowledge and assume the risk that COVID-19 is contagious and exposure may occur. :
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