~ 97^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

 Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock

PLATINUM LEVEL: Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; Integrity Employee Leasing ; Olsen, Lynch & Associates, CPAs; The Daily Sun and Tommy's Express Cara Wash

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown, and Smith, CPAs; The Bevis Group; Burnt Store Title and Escrow; Charlotte State Bank and Trust; Farr Law Firm; Friendly Floors; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; and Panther Hollow Dental Lodge.

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions, LLC; Friendly Floors; Nolan Family Insurance; Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, McKinley and Young Law Firm.

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!

Join us on May 26, 2022 at Goodwill Industries, 24123 Peachland Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33954 for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange. There is no cost to attend, but we ask for your registration so that we can plan accordingly. Remember to bring your business cards, and if you like a small gift(door prize) to promote your business. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and should conclude by 7:00 p.m. Kindly register in the MIC (Member Portal).

Networking at Noon on June 8, 2022 will be at the Perch 360 Restaurant at the Wyvern Hotel. Cost is $15 per person for this members networking event. Kindly register and choose your meal in the Member Portal.

Third Wednesday Coffee on June 15 will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Our sponsor is GulfView Medical Institute, and our guest speaker is Hector Flores, Charlotte County Administrator, with a "State of the County" address. Please register for this event in the Member Portal. There is no charge for this member event.

Lunch & Learn at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce on June 28th.

Topic: 9 Marketing Secrets for Small Businesses, Presented by Brad Swezey, JustSmallBiz Marketing. Your registration fee includes Lunch. Either an Italian or Turkey & Chedder sandwich, chips, cookie and a beverage. Cost is $10.00pp. Pre-registration by June24th is necessary so that we can properly plan the event. Please register for this event in the Member Portal.

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 are due by August 12, 2022. 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.

New Teacher Breakfast - 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 [email protected]

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.) 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.

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 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] for more information. Print the Glow Gala Sponsorship Flyer. For tickets visit LeadershipCharlotte.Square.site

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon

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!

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

Tuesday, June 7^th 5:30pm

New Location Ribbon Cutting

103 West Marion Ave. #101

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

June 1^st at 12:00 Noon

Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers Ribbon Cutting

474 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte. Refreshments will be served

Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal)

Carpenter Homes

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Wednesday, June 29^th at 5:30pm

Wine, Beer, Soda, light Snacks & Cake Kindly RSVP for this Event in the Member Portal.

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.)

Introducing two new local artists "Wajoli African Wear" Jessica represents her family at eastern part of Ghana. She weaves these beautiful baskets, hats, fabric fan and Krobo bracelets. And Carla Buchanan 100% Silk Effect Habotai Scarf. These wear beautifully with both your comfiest threads and your more elegant looks. For Chamber Members offering 10% off all in-store purchases. Great saving Tuesday and Friday Only. 4 for $20.00 on all Organic Soaps and 4 for $10.00 on Bath Bombs. Located at 2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 5A, Port Charlotte  www.twoangelssoapsgalleryandgifts.com under Feature Artist. 

Laurie and Keith Farlow cordially invite you to Farlow’s on the Water, 2080 S. McCall Rd. Englewood, FL for a reception in honor of Stephen R. Deutsch, Charlotte County Commissioner. Live entertainment. Fun. Food. On Wednesday, May 25^th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. $50 contribution appreciated. Please print the invitation for details. RSVP to (941) 235-8322. Checks should be made payable to: Stephen R. Deutsch Campaign, PO Box 380184, Murdock, FL 33938-0184.  “The display or dissemination of this advertising document is a membership service and is not an endorsement from or by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.”

The Punta Gorda Rotary 2^nd 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 27^th from 3pm-7pm and Saturday, June 4^th 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

or on Saturday, June 4 https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1230378

Or visit www.oneblood.org and use Flats at Sundown’s sponsor code #67999

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.

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

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

Valerie’s House Save the Date for our Celebrating Charlotte Fundraising Event! Join us on Saturday, July 30^th (1-5pm) 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 [email protected]).

The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies would like to inform everyone that we have opportunities for those looking to make an impact and wanting to help those in need! We are always accepting new volunteers. If you would like more information, please visit our website, www.carefl.org or visit our Instagram/facebook page at “carecharlottecounty” For further inquiries, our main office number is (941) 639-5499, feel free to give us a call if you would like to speak to our wonderful volunteer coordinator, Keara. We are looking forward to meeting you! 

Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage was honored to be chosen as the "Mover" for Punta Gorda City Offices. Our team loves the challenges of big office moves and our clients seem to love the outcome. We pack and move everything out of their old offices into their new offices with the extra care put in to set up so your new office ready for the staff. Call Kenny Gardiner to book your next office move, at 941-423-5311. 

And it’s time for…. Rain!  Remember, your tires take a beating on the hot pavement, and as they wear out, their performance can suffer.  Add a heavy rainstorm, and you might find yourself in a jam.  Call Mary at Complete Auto Repair to schedule an inspection of your tires’ condition before the heavy rains are a daily occurrence.  We’re located at 20120 Veterans Blvd in Port Charlotte, 941-623-2926. 

Always provide notice and obtain a signed consent from the applicant or employee before initiating a background check. Make sure the notification form (or, more commonly, the "release") complies with requirements stipulated in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) by making the release a separate document (not part of your application form) designed solely to notify the applicant or employee that you're doing a background check and need their consent in advance.    For professional, FCRA-compliant, background screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks.   941-488-8500;  800-531-6522;  [email protected]  

Home Buying couldn’t be easier. With new programs available, Toby Lynn can find the right fit for a friend or co-worker. Conventional, FHA/VA, Primary Residences, Secondary Homes, Investment Properties, or Construction Loans, Toby can help. Pre-Qualify at no cost, zero, FREE! Specializing in Happy, Smooth, and On-Time Closings! CALL TODAY! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager, The Mortgage Firm, 941-356-6579 – www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com

FREE GAS FOR ONE YEAR - Florida Off Lease Auto Brokers 474 US 41, Port Charlotte, one block N of Chamberlain. New car dealers charge a Dealer Fee of $995. We give it back to you with free gas @ $25 weekly. We have over 1,500 2018-2022 Off Lease Florida vehicles available to buy weekly; all with Clean Carfax, Warranty. We sell to you @ 10% over our Dealer cost at our new virtual internet showroom. Order today, save money and time!

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

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.

Click here to view jobs currently posted on the Charlotte County Chamber website!

Fresh Catch Fish Co is a local business that specializes in bring the freshest seafood, steaks, homemade pot pies and more to the residents of Southwest Florida. We also bring our trucks not only to the Punta Gorda farmers market but also to gated communities stretching from Naples to Sarasota. We are looking for drivers to join our growing team as are expanding into more communities! Come drop by our store in Punta Gorda or go to our website Freshcatchfishco.com 

FULL TIME MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR - Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) The Membership Coordinator is responsible for growing PGICA membership through marketing campaigns and community outreach by developing and implementing membership recruitment and retention strategies, and works as a liaison between the association and its members. High-profile role requiring outstanding customer service, sales, communication and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office; positive and outgoing personality; high degree of judgement, initiative and confidentiality; and commitment to the mission and values of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. Send resumes to [email protected] for consideration. 

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.

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 Administration - https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/dept/admin/Pages/default.aspx

Charlotte County Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320.

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

Florida Dept. of Health- http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org

Governor's Office- www.flgov.com

Center for Disease Control- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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.)

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]