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

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
Help for Kentucky: The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals has advised us that the immediate needs are monetary donations and boots on the ground to help in the recovery efforts in Kentucky. Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation have partnered to build a relief fund for their fellow Kentuckians to ensure they are able to rebuild and we are encouraging donations to be made to this fund.  With the money raised in this fund, the two groups will be working with local communities, local chambers, as well as their state and local elected officials to ensure the needs of these areas are met in the wake of tragedy.  If you would like to donate visit https://www.kychamber.com/ksrtornadorelief
The Business Expo is 5 weeks away, have you signed up?
Thank you Expo Sponsors:

Platinum Title Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group
Silver Associate Sponsor - Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Silver Associate Sponsor - Life Care Center of Punta Gorda
Silver Associate Sponsor - Michael Saunders and Company
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Bert's Black Widow Harley-Davidson
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Dancing Moon Travel
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Painting with a Twist
Bronze Participating Sponsor - Sunshine Ace Hardware
Print Sponsor - Buffalo Graffix
Radio Sponsor - iHeart Media Group
Newspaper Sponsor - The Daily Sun
After Hours Party Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Kick-off Party Sponsor - Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
Passport Sponsor - Elite Inspections and Pest Solutions
Lanyard Sponsor - Chapman Insurance Group
Goodie Bag Sponsor - WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

There are four sponsorship levels which include the exhibitor booth space(s), lots of promotional perks, print and digital advertising, party tickets, and more than ever before.  
2021-2022 Sustaining Partners
Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional financial support annually to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce which, in turn, provides them with additional valuable membership benefits. These contributions to the chamber allow for the continued increase of promotion, advocacy, involvement, and leadership at the local, state and federal levels. This is done to always be proactive in support of our businesses and the community we serve.
Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed)
~ Chamber Events and Updates ~
Wed. Jan. 12, at 11:45 a.m., Networking @ Noon at Metro Diner at 11:45 a.m. Please register in the MIC.

NEW LOCATION FOR JANUARY: Third Wednesday Coffee: Wednesday, January 19 – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. - *** JANUARY LOCATION *** Beef O’Brady’s located at 1105 Taylor St., Punta Gorda – Enjoy a breakfast buffet - Get ready for some fun and great interaction – Registration is required - Immediately following our program, we will have our quarterly New Member Orientation. Kindly RSVP in the MIC.

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

The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on January 6. (Digital flyers are due by January 4.) Members interested in taking advantage of this new digital monthly format will save the cost of printing a flier. ($100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue). Email your ad to [email protected] and include the web address we should link it to, or call us 941-627-2222 for more information.

Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is going DIGITAL beginning with the January 2022 issue. Complete the Newsletter Agreement ($100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue) and email it with your digital flyer to [email protected]
~ Welcome New Members ~
Hampton Manor Premier Assisted Living & Memory Car of Punta Gorda
10211 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Amie Conti
(941) 621-9898
http://www.hamptonmanor.com

Total Recon Cleaning Services
Call for Information
Bobby Buonaiuto
(941) 456-1434
http://www.total-recon.com
Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member?
Businesses may join online now on our website or please recommend a business to
Jami Joannes [email protected] and she will follow up with them!
~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~


Everyone is invited to attend our ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members.
Fabulous Finds Store with the Homeless Coalition.
Ribbon Cutting, Moved to February 1 at 5:30 p.m.
1931 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte 33948 (their new location)
They will be serving snacks and beverages Including the Bubbly B wagon.

ActivAge at Chelsea Place
Ribbon Cutting, Thurs., Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte 33952

~ Public Service Announcement ~

Businesses within Charlotte County face the prospect of flooding because they are located in a community that has a history of flooding events, and they must determine how best to respond to this challenge. The financial impact of flooding to any business is compounded because any damage loss is likely to be accompanied by detrimental impacts to the operation of businesses.
 
In its efforts to address the flood hazard, Charlotte County has developed a “Program for Public Information” (PPI). The document specifies a number of target audiences which are considered to be most important for dissemination of information. One of the target audiences is the Charlotte County business community.
 
The attached flyer has been developed to cover the matters pertaining to the flood hazard which the County considers to be most important for you to know. Especially pertinent is the fact that everyone in Charlotte County should seriously consider having flood insurance, and that you should know your flood zone. Visit www.agis.charlottecountyfl.gov to find flood information for your location.

Send YOUR Member News/Events to [email protected] and we'll share it each week. Email submissions of 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday for inclusion the following Monday. This is a free members-only benefit! (We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.)





#OurFutureisNow!
#OneCommunity
~ Member Events ~
Charlotte Players-Exit Laughing Jan 6-16. When the biggest highlight of your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the “girls”, what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? Come check out the first play of 2022. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Mark your calendars~ Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Cottage will be hosting a blood drive with One Blood’s “Big Red Bus” on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 from 9 am to 1 pm.
All donors will receive a $10 e-card, a One Blood long sleeve T-Shirt and a Chick-Fil-A card! PLUS, a wellness checkup including: blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. You can call or go online to schedule your appointment: 1-888-9-DONATE or www.oneblood.org/donate-now (use sponsor code 58606) Thank you in advance for helping our local community!

A Marine Communications Systems course is offered by the America’s Boating Club® Peace River Sail and Power Squadron staring on Tuesday, January 11th at 1PM to 3PM for 8 weeks in Bayfront Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Systems available to the recreational boater. Definitions of radio circuits to choose best method. GMDSS, FCC Rules and Regs, radiotelephone operating and High Seas communication. Price is $55 for USPS members and $115 to public. To register or for more information: contact the Instructor Holles Dick at 717 552-3845 or [email protected]

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 fishing regulations for fishing in fresh/salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment demonstrations and handouts. The class is geared towards beginning anglers, but more experienced fishermen may pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen who might even reveal the locations of a few local hotspots! The course is open to 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 12, 2022. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

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

Ladies and Gentlemen the greatest event of all time is set for Saturday January 29, 2022 |6:00pm. Come one, Come all to the 34th annual C.A.R.E. Ball located “Under the Big Top” at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in downtown Punta Gorda. This year’s we will feature a traditional three course sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. We encourage guests to be creative with their formal wear. To purchase your tickets/ sponsorship opportunities visit www.care2022.givesmart.com. We’ll see you under the Big Top!
 
The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies presents Standing Together Responding to the Call January 31, 2022 located at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. This is a community collaboration to educate the public in the fight to end Human Trafficking. Cost: Free Refreshments will be provided in the morning. For more information visit www.carefl.org/events/ Let’s stand together to END Human Trafficking.

Looking for entertainment this coming Florida winter season? Look no further than the Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum! Every band is carefully booked...Each group is of the highest quality! You will surely want to come back for more! Click here for event and ticket information.
~ Member News ~
Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? Start 2022 off right and get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family by contacting Mark Martella, Esq. with the Dellutri Law Group, PA at 941-206-3700 or [email protected] to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected in 2022.

Why do workers quit? Most of the time, we'd probably guess "for more money". But, one study revealed that only 12% of employees change jobs for more money. In reality, the study found the #1 reason employees leave is the way they've been supervised! The old adage is true: "People join companies ... but leave managers!" Good managers create a culture that naturally attracts and retains the best employees. Be the best you can be!    For economical and FCRA-compliant background screening, contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.    941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;   [email protected]    

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

Did you think an athlete achieves athletic excellence without a coach? Is achieving financial excellence any different? Financial coaching can create the same sort of financial predictability and excellence we see in athletes when they have great coaches. Avoid unnecessary stress and achieve financial excellence. Get coaching for the #1 issue that drives most professionals. Call Sue Craig at Independent Financial Coaching, at 941-916-5324, or email [email protected].
~ Tip of the Week ~
We encourage members to shop with other members to keep our community and local economy strong. If you do business with one or more of our renewing members please congratulate them for their Chamber Anniversary. These are members who renewed between November 16, 2021 and December 15, 2021... Take a look!
Showcase your business through sponsorship!
Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase your business? A great opportunity would be sponsoring one of our Third Wednesday Coffees. Sponsors receive recognition in Business Online, on Facebook and in the Chamber calendar.  Sponsors may place marketing materials on the tables at the event and will have 4-5 minutes to introduce yourself/staff/business. Available slots are limited. Please contact Janet Caffee [email protected] or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300.
~ Resources ~
LOCAL-
Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.
Charlotte County Economic Development Office- www.cleared4takeoff.com
Community Organizations Active in a Disaster- https://coadfl.org/
Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs- https://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/immediate-southwest-florida-job-openings/
Charlotte County Department of Health- www.Charlotte.FloridaHealth.gov
City of Punta Gorda- http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/
Charlotte County Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/
Florida Retail Federation- http://www.frf.org/index.php/news/covid-19
Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org
Governor's Office- www.flgov.com
~ Just for Fun ~
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in...
A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
Send YOUR Member News/Events to [email protected] and we'll share it each week. Email submissions of 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday for inclusion the following Monday. This is a free members-only benefit! (We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.)
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
Bob White, Executive Director [email protected]
Jami Joannes, Dir. of Business Development [email protected]
Ruth Uzonyi, Dir. of Finance [email protected]
Janet Caffee, Information & Customer Service [email protected]
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce charlottecountychamber.org