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, December 19, 2022 ~
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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Evaluate Impact of Hurricane Ian on the State’s Businesses
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO is committed to supporting preparation, response, and recovery efforts of Florida businesses, communities, and citizens impacted by Hurricane Ian. The business damage assessment survey assists DEO and its federal, state, and local partners in those efforts,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “I encourage businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz.”
On September 24, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-219 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties in the State of Florida. All affected businesses should complete the survey.
Results from the Business Damage Assessment Survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. Businesses can complete the survey online or visit FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Ian” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call 850-815-4925 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or email ESF-18@em.myflorida.com.
Complete Business Damage Assessment
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The Florida SBDC at FGCU reminds you the the SBA Extends Deadline to Jan. 12 for Florida Businesses and Residents to Apply for Physical Disaster Loans for Hurricane Ian. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it will extend its deadline to Jan. 12 to give Florida businesses and residents more time to apply for federal disaster loans for physical damages that occurred from Sept. 23 through Nov. 4 due to Hurricane Ian. Apply Here | |
In response to Hurricane Ian, the Charlotte Community Foundation activated the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund. The CCF Board of Directors pledge $500,000 in matching funds in an effort to provide financial assistance and resources to Charlotte County residents. Additionally, CCF activated the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be utilized to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations that incurred structural and/or infrastructural damage preventing them from operating. The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation has generously provided matching funds for Charlotte County. Visit, www.charlottecf.org. | United at Work was created following Hurricane Ian to help business owners ensure their employees were able to take care of hurricane-related needs so that they can show up each day focused and ready to work. The United at Work fund offers financial assistance for individuals who are employed by a business that is based in Charlotte County or has sites in Charlotte County. The fund has a dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation that doubles all donations up to $500,000. With your help, we can establish a $1 million pool of resources for our community. GIVE HELP: If you want to contribute to this fund – click here for more information and to make your donation to United at Work. Your donation will be doubled by the Soderberg Foundation. GET HELP: If you are an employee of a Charlotte County business, – click here to complete a simple form, detailing the needs you have. Our team will help direct you to local resources and let you know what financial assistance you may qualify for. | |
~~ 2023 Community Guide Link ~~ | |
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2022-2023 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) | |
And remember, each time you attend a chamber event, your business card goes into the drawing for a 5 night Bahama or Caribbean cruse for 2 on Carnival Cruise Lines sponsored by Pat Hand, Dancing Moon Travel. The more events you attend, the more chances to WIN...Just look for the big gold bingo drum and add your business card! Drawing will be at our 98th Annual Meeting 2023. |
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NEW DATE Lunch & Learn, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, January 17th, at the Charlotte County Chamber office, 2702 Tamiami Tail, Port Charlotte. Topic: Understanding Your Insurance Policy. Presenter: Mike Martin, State Farm Insurance Mike Martin Agency. Cost $10pp includes sandwich, chips, cookie and a beverage. Please register in the Member Portal.
Third Wednesday Coffee on December 21, at 8:00 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Our Sponsor: The Daily Sun Our Program: Christmas Parade Awards. We think the "big man himself, aka Santa" will help us hand out Trophies and congratulate the winners. Come at 7:30 a.m. before the program begins to enjoy a breakfast treat and do a little Networking! You will be sure to catch the holiday spirit! Please RSVP in the member portal so that we can properly plan.
Business Card Exchange, Thursday, January 26 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. hosted by the Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. Please register for this event in the member portal.
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~ Did you see these Chamber items too? ~ | |
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Golf Fundraiser - Save The Date:
Saturday, May 27, 2023 at St. Andrews South Golf Club. It will be a scramble to benefit the Junior Leadership Charlotte program
More information will follow soon.
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Advertise in the Quarterly Newsletter Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is a DIGITAL Quarterly 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, or click here to learn more. | | | |
Showcase your business at the 12th Annual Business Expo | |
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12th Annual Business Expo (The Hottest Business Day in Paradise) –
Thursday, February 2, 2023 – Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center – 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Imagine, marketing your business in an 8’ x 10’ booth (piped/draped) and having 1,000 plus visitors and residents see the products and services you provide. You will have the opportunity to see more folks in a matter of 5 hours than you may see in a month. This will be an excellent environment for maximum business exposure for sales, lead generation and to develop great connections. Plus, there will be 107 other exhibitors to develop business-to-business client/customer relationships. To reserve your booth or secure your sponsorship today, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941.627.2222.
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The Hottest Business Day in Paradise is 7 weeks away!
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We want to thank our Expo2023 Sponsors:
Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.
Gold Sponsor: Quigley Eye Specialists
Silver Associate Sponsor: Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
Silver Associate Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Bronze Sponsor: Mosaic
Bronze Sponsor: Succentrix Business Advisors
After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad
Kick off Party Sponsor: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
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Julia Zavodov
109 Swan Drive
Rotonda West, FL 33947
Julia Zavodov
(253) 448-3115
iulia.zavodov@gmail.com
Essential Constructs
332 San Carlos Drive
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Robert Warholic
(607) 760-2350
rob@essentialconstructs.com
http://www.essentialconstructs.com
Culver’s of Punta Gorda
26440 Jones Loop Rd.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Connie Wills
(941) 205-8939
culvers897@bluescoops.net
http://www.culvers.com
Reaper Rodent Removal
1040 Plantation Blvd.
North Port, FL 34288
Walter Grim
(941) 592-6354
Rrr_rodent@yahoo.com
http://www.rrr-rodent.net
Horse 'n' Around Travel Bar, LLC
415 Sunset Blvd. E.
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Brianna Pifer, Alex Joseph
(941) 763-0229
horsenaroundtravelbar@gmail.com
https://horsenaroundtravelbar.com/
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ | |
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Chicken Salad Chick Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, January 10 at 9:30 a.m.
1799 Tamiami Trail, Suite 103 & 104, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
There will be special giveaways all opening week from Tuesday, January 10th
through Saturday, January 14 for the first 100 guests.
Click here for the full press release.Click here for the full press release.
Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal
FairyTail Endings Rescue - Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 5:30pm
23212 Freedom Ave. Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Please register for this event in the Member Portal
Hometown Title - New Location Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, January 19th. The event is from 5:00 p.m.to 6:30 p.m.
with the actual ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m.
2091 Tamiami Trail, Unit B, Port Charlotte (behind the car wash by Forest Nelson Blvd.)
There will be drinks, food and giveaways! Please rsvp in the member portal.
24 Twenty One 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, January 24 from 5pm to 7pm Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.
2421 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte - Appetizers, Entertainment,
Adult Beverages, Door Prizes Please RSVP for this event directly to 24twentyone@gmail.com or by calling them at 941-249-4059
Punta Gorda Marina 40th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, January 27th Event will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
with the Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m. (Joint Ribbon Cutting with
the Punta Gorda Chamber)
25096 Marion Ave., Punta Gorda
Please RSVP for this event in the Member Portal
GJC Window & Door Open House & Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, January 21 from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
(Cutting the ribbon at 5:30 p.m.)
812 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Refreshments & Snacks
Please RSVP in the Member Portal
Restoration Bar - Ribbon Cutting/Open House.
Tuesday, February 7th (rescheduled from October 6)
The Open House is from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Actual cutting of the ribbon will be at 5:30.
There will be light food and refreshments served. Sample some of
the products and have a chance to win Botox, Filler, IPL Photofacial & Vitamin Shots.
Please RSVP at info@restorationbar.com
Culvers Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m.
26440 Jones Loop Road, Punta Gorda
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, networking opportunity. | |
#MembershipAddsValue! #OneCommunity | |
Members 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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Ring in the New Year Fishermen’s Village style! This family friendly event runs from 6pm-12pm on December 31st and will keep you entertained throughout the night. Hundreds join the celebration and keep the dance floor at Center Court groovin' until the clock strikes midnight! Enjoy family fun activities and live music featuring the Shane Duncan Band on the Beach, DJ Michael White at Center Court, a photo booth, tarot card reading, face painting, T’s Fairy Fragments and more. Plus, don’t miss the fireworks at midnight. This is a refreshing way to meet the new year with family, friends, and like-minded neighbors. Most importantly, this event is FREE of charge, to learn more, please visit www.fishermensvillage.com or call (800) 639- 0020.
Charlotte Players- New Years Eve Celebration. Join us on December 31st at 7:30pm with some of Charlotte County's talented singers as they present a 90-minute concert. Accompanied by Music Director/Pianist Ken Crisp and a drummer, this concert has something for everyone---something old, something new, something country, something pop, something Broadway and more! Tickets are $29. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and more. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen, the course is open to all members of the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday January 11, 2023. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
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URGENT ADOPTERS NEEDED! AWL needs your help! 16 Large Breed Adult Dogs need to find their #Fureverhomes immediately!!! Unfortunately due to some ongoing cases we are unable to bring in any new strays or owner surrenders. If we can find homes for 16 of our 40 large breed doggos we can resume normal intakes. If you were thinking about adopting, call us for an appointment, 941.625.6720. We are open 7 days a week from 10-4 You can view all of our available pups on AWLshelter.org/adoptable-dogs
Soul Dental: Dentistry with Heart and Soul. Local and Private Dental Practice. We provide comprehensive dental care for all ages and all stages in one location. Uninsured? Under- insured? You deserve an affordable plan that puts you in control of your dental health. We want to extend our In-House Wellness plan to you when you visit. This plan is ideal for any person that is self-employed, retired, families... For an annual enrollment fee, our Wellness Plan has amazing discounts on all your dental needs. Call to schedule a no-judgment consultation. www.SoulDentalPC.com (941) 629-7779 https://www.souldentalpc.com/patient-information/soul-dental-wellness-plan/
This holiday season, give your employees the gift of a healthier and happier lifestyle! 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.
During this holiday season, our thoughts gratefully turn to all those who have made our success possible over the past 28 years. And, in that spirit, we offer a very sincere "Thank You!" ... and ... we send our best wishes to all for a very happy and safe holiday and a prosperous New Year! For economical and FCRA-compliant employment and tenancy screening services ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; nrginfo@atlantic.net
Bridge to Better Living of Port Charlotte’s goal is to connect Seniors and their families
with all levels of Senior Living Communities where social, physical, medical,
and financial needs are met. Senior Living Communities include Independent
Living, Assisted Living, Memory Assisted Living and Long-Term Care. We
currently serve from Punta Gorda to Sarasota. Our support and guidance begin at
the first contact, continuing throughout the transition and beyond. We pride
ourselves on Placement with Passion©. Call for a FREE consultation: 941-259-0966.
My name is Rob Warholic an owner with Essential Constructs. I am facilitating and administrating the use of cooperative purchasing networks (co-ops) with school districts, municipalities, governmental offices, housing authorities and any public or non-public agencies. This allows any public entity to utilize the coop’s without having to competitively bid and gives you the authority to select individual preferred local sub-contractors. I would like to have the opportunity to meet with you, zoom, phone or in person and provide information of the overall use of the co-ops C 607-760-2350 Rob@EssentialConstructs.com
During this holiday season remember the children who are directly affected by domestic violence or sexual violence in the home. For a young child or teenager, dealing with an unstable home and the constant stress of uncertainly can be overwhelming. C.A.R.E.’s holiday gift drive, which includes new toys, gift cards, and new clothes, among other items, is happening until December 21. Please call 941-639-5499 for information and allow your kindhearted donation bring joy into the life of a survivors’ child this holiday. A one-time or monthly monetary donation can be made at http://carefl.org/giving/donate/
Last minute Christmas Gifts! Murdock Stones Etc. has a wide selection of Lawn Ornament (Statues)...Statues include animals, religious, bird baths, patriotic, and military/service personnel among others. All chamber members get 10% off from now until 12/23. Check them out at: 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (behind Murdock Wal-Mart) and 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.
The frustration of incurring property damage is cruel enough, let alone hoping your insurance company will pay the true cost of repairs. Hope is not your only option as a residential or commercial insurance policyholder, as you have the option to hire a licensed, certified, and bonded Public Adjuster. A Public Adjuster is an independent professional claims expert who advocates, negotiates, and settles the insurance claim for YOU versus relying on the insurance company's adjuster or repair vendors. Contact Derek Kobel at Right Way Public Adjusting derek@rightwaypa.com 877-774-8929 to learn more.
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Members may create Member-to-Member deals, Hot-Deals, post Jobs and News Releases using the MIC (Member Portal). There is no additional cost to do so! We recommend that you check these links each week to see what members are offering. | |
Angie Misner, based at the Murdock branch, has been promoted to Vice President at Charlotte State Bank & Trust. “It is with great pride that I get to share this news,” commented Lory Weisensee, Executive Vice President, Director of Trust and Wealth Management. “Angie is dedicated to our bank and her clients, and I know she will continue to succeed in her new position.” Outside of work, Misner volunteers at the marathons hosted by Disney which benefit various charities and for other non-profit organizations. Misner may be reached at 941-235-5181 or amisner@csbtfl.com. | |
~ New Kids on the Block ~ | |
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You’re Invited. You and a guest are invited to meet Natalie Proctor the manager of Lake Michigan Credit Union in Port Charlotte Branch. Light Appetizers, soda, beer and wine will be provided. Thursday January 19th from 530pm to 730pm. 2120 Kings Hwy Port Charlotte, Fl 33980. Please R.S.V.P by Thursday January 12th by calling 941-258-3055 or emailing Natalie.proctor@lmcu.org
The Suites at Fishermen’s Village is pleased to announce Anthonia Smith has joined The Suites as General Manager. Anthonia brings a vast array of hospitality industry experience to his position and has previously served on 2 chamber boards, Marco Island and the Sanibel and Captiva Island. We are delighted to have Anthonia as part of our growing team of professionals!
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The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new – Socrates | |
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 October 16, 2022 and November 15, 2022... Take a look! | |
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 Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300. | |
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There was a ventriloquist who had no work for six months. He went to his agent and told him he needed work badly.
The agent said, "There's no call for ventriloquists, but if you were a psychic I could get you plenty of work." So this ventriloquist went home and hung outside his door a psychic sign.
An hour later a woman knocks on the door. "I want to talk to my deceased husband. How much will it cost?"
The ventriloquist says, "If you talk to him, $50. If he talks to you, $100. If you both talk to each other while I'm drinking coffee, that's $200."
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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