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, June 6, 2022 ~
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Are You Prepared? Is your business prepared for hurricane season? The Charlotte County Economic Development Office is proud to partner with Charlotte County, Florida Government, CareerSource Southwest Florida, SBDC at FGCU, Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, and Englewood Chamber of Commerce to get you and your business ready for hurricane season. Join us for our FREE webinar on Wednesday, June 15th at 12pm.
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Leadership Charlotte Endowment Fund $2,500 Grant to support Children and Youth in Charlotte County.
501(C3) Nonprofit organizations that serve youth and are members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce May apply for a grant beginning on July 1, 2022 through August 1, 2022 by submitting a completed application through the Charlotte Community Foundation. For more information and how to apply, please visit www.charlottecf.org
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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.
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Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed) |
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~ Chamber Events and Opportunities ~ |
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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!
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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.
Charlotte County Chamber Young Professionals Present ... A Midsummer Night's Dream. Join us for a great night of networking with tons of fun and activities. Friday, June 17th, 2022 at the Laishley Courtyard Community Room, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. No cost to attend. Cash Bar, Finger food, DJ and Photo booth and more! RSVP for this event is required so that we can properly plan!
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 July 7. (Digital flyers are due by June28.) 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.
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Showcase your business at the 12th Annual Business Expo |
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The 12th Annual Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo date is February 2, 2023! Remember to save the date and set aside a little of your marketing budget ($395 for a booth space) for the Hottest Business Day in Paradise, Expo2023!
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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Bag Sponsor: WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency
Refreshment Station Sponsor: The Purple House Salon
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Camelot Community Care
19621 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Jennifer O'Bryan, Rebecca Payne (941) 613-3870
Alexandra Aesthetics
2200 Kings Hwy, Unit 2G, Punta Gorda , FL 33980
Alexandra Lima (941) 623-3754
Waterthrills
28443 Coco Palm Dr., Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Joshua Campbell (941) 548-6108
S & A Benefit Specialist
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Unit 1139-296, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Sandra Smith (941) 286-2141
Campbell Technologies LLC
28443 Coco Palm Dr., Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Joshua Campbell (941) 347-8002
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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
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ |
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Pink Pantha LLC Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, June 7th 5:30pm 1441 Tamiami Trail, Unit 205
(Port Charlotte Town Center Mall) Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, June 9th at 5:3o p.m. 474 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte.
Phoenix On Site Ribbon Cutting
Immediately Following the Third Wednesday Coffee, June 15th about 9:00 a.m.
75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda (outside the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center by his truck & trailer)
Suncoast Title and Closings New Location Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, June 16th at 5:30 p.m. 103 West Marion Ave. #101, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Carpenter Homes Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting NEW DATE
Tuesday, June 28th at 5:30 p.m. 1804 Tamiami Trail Suite E-3 Port Charlotte
Bert's Black Widow Harley Davidson - Grand Opening -Renovated Showroom.
Friday, July 1, 2022 at Noon - Lunch will be provided by The Twisted Fork following the Ribbon Cutting. Registration is required for the Ribbon Cutting so that we may properly plan. Register now in the Member Portal.
Stepping Stone Kids Therapy Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, July 7th at 5:30 p.m. 22655 Bayshore Rd., Unit 160, Punta Gorda
JB's Corner Cafe 1 year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, July 12th 2022 at 5:30 p.m. 1533 Rio De Janiero, Suite 1
Punta Gorda/Deep Creek. Pastries and Coffee will be served
ActivAge HomeCare Rebranding Ribbon Cutting - Dual Chamber
Thursday, July 21 at 5:30p.m. 126 E. Olympia Ave. Suite 301 Punta Gorda
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members. |
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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.)
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#OurFutureisNow! #OneCommunity |
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Charlotte Players-Kids onstage Summer Theatre Workshop. June 6-10, 13-17 $250. $25 discount for additional child per family. Three groups: Dolly’s Kids 9a-Noon entering 1st & 2nd grade, Stars 9a-Noon entering 3rd-6th grade, and Thespians 1pm-4pm entering 7th-12th grade. T-shirt included in the price. Located at Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita Street in Punta Gorda. For more information or to register call 041-255-1022. Check out Kids onstage Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/KidsOnStageCP.
Lightspeed Voice provides products and services to help businesses attract new customers and provide exceptional service for the ones they have. This is accomplished with the latest phone technology and customer integration software. Lightspeed Voice is also “More Than Just Business”. Lightspeed GIVES has funded 44 Grant Requests … totaling more than $40,000. The 1st quarter Grant Request window closes on Thursday – June 9th. Grant requests can be submitted online at LightspeedGIVES.com. (https://www.lightspeedvoice.com/lightspeed-gives)
Carpenter Homes Patriot Sale-New Home Move-in Promo! Offering Home Buyers **$8,000 Concession towards buying down rates and closing cost fees or for Veterans and First Responders **10,000 Concession towards buying down rates and closing cost fees. Four locations in North Port. Contact new home specialist, Julie Gibbs 941-876-5860 for details on specific terms and conditions for this offer good through 6-15-22.
Camelot Community Care is having a Charity Cornhole Tournament for the kids in Foster Care in Charlotte County. Camelot is contracted by the Children’s Network of SW Florida to provide the services we do in Charlotte County. We are looking for PLAYERS, VENDORS, and SPONSORS. The tournament will be held indoors with A/C on June 18th! For more information and how to register visit www.camelot4kids.com Proceeds will benefit the foster care services and programs of Camelot Community Care in Port Charlotte which serves children and families experiencing abuse, neglect, behavioral health and substance abuse issues.
You will do flips over the artwork of Kelly Reark June 22nd from 5pm-7pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services 635 E Marion Ave Punta Gorda. We will be hosting a complimentary Wine and Cheese reception to showcase Kelly's passion for tarpon and local fisherman. Using vibrant expressions of light, texture and motion in combination with a scrimshaw-inspired painting technique, she create artworks that are both nostalgic and energetic. For more information please visit www.kays-ponger.com or like us on Facebook. AIPP Locations are sponsored by A/H Council.
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
Fishermen’s Village will host their annual Independence Holiday Celebration July 3rd and 4th! Live music, specialty vendors, family friendly activities, shopping and dining will be featured beginning at 12 noon both days! Fireworks Display (best viewing from Sunset Tiki Bar, Dry Beach) will be held Monday, July 4th, 9 pm!!! Free admission/Free parking. www.fishermensvillage.com.
Country for a Cause, July 8, 2022, 6PM: Champ Jaxon will perform at this Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic fundraising event. In a casual country-western setting, guests will enjoy a catered meal, GREAT music, auctions and fun, in order to raise funds for the Clinic's important mission, providing no-cost volunteer Medical, Pharmacy and Wellness Services to the under-served in Charlotte County. Tickets & sponsorships, more info available online: https://volunteercare.org/country-for-a-cause/ - or call Karen Amador 941-276-4075.
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]).
Save the Date - Charlotte County Sheriff's Office 2nd Quarter Awards Luncheon with proceeds benefitting the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Friday, August 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Visani Italian Steakhouse. For more details or sponsorship information, email Jennifer Wireman [email protected] |
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With Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage you can get our full-service Pack-Unpack-Place Service with an option of storing items in-between moves. We will help you leave Florida (but why?), or move within Florida. Even if you are just moving down the street, price check us before hiring trucks and pulling favors from family and friends. Professional movers will get your possessions into your new place without damage. We are insured, is your best friend? When quality counts, call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311.
An oil change at our shop takes an hour, yet others finish in 5 minutes. What takes US so long? At Complete Auto Repair, we put your car on a lift and give the whole thing an inspection. Are your brakes okay? Is there a leak in a hose? Did you know your front tires are bare? We even check your windshield wipers, which will be used a lot in the next 6 months. If there’s an issue, we’ll recommend and discuss before taking action. Along with the actual oil, we check and top off all other fluids, too. If you need them, we’ll even give you new wiper blades. For our diagnostic oil change, call Mary for an appointment at (941) 623-2926.
Did you hear that the CCPS graduation rates are the highest they’ve ever been?! We are proud of the level of achievement our students have and are committed to supporting them as they move on to the next level. As a district, we have made significant investments in our students and teachers. By supporting the Vote Yes! For Success initiative you can ensure that CCPS will continue to make these investments in the future. www.voteyes4success.org
All-Natural Organic Bath & Body Products, Handcrafted Jewelry, Handmade Gift, Resin Art. Featuring Local Artists Wajoli African Wear, Carla Buchanan's 100% Habotai Silk Scarf, Vernon Waldron's Pour Painting and more. Every Tuesday and Friday all natural organic soaps 4 for $20.00, bath bombs 4 for $10.00. Members of the Chamber of Commerce received 10% off 20% on the large paintings (bundle discount not included). Visit Vernon and Rebecca at the Two Angels Soaps, Gallery & Gifts at the Sanctuary Plaza 2686 Tamiami Trail Unit 5A, Port Charlotte, or www.twoangelssoapsgalleryandgifts.com.
Should you check social media for background information on job applicants? Social media checks may provide important information - BUT - social media is also likely to be very unreliable. Traditional background checks are generally reliable because they're based on independent third-party information provided by the courts, schools, and past employers. By contrast, social media information is self-reported and may contain biased, false, or doctored information - PLUS - information that's unlawful for an employer to be checking! For professional and FCRA-compliant background screening ... contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno at NRG Background Checks. 941-488-8500; 800-531-6522; [email protected]
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
Pathways to Opportunity School Supply Donations Needed! Our Pathways to Opportunities summer semester is off to a great start, but we need your help. Our adult training program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is looking for supplies for their life skills learning classes. All donations are appreciated. Click this link for our Amazon Wishlist. For more information about our community programs contact us Goodwill SWFL | (239) 995-2106 | E-mail | Website
The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies would like to inform everyone that we are on social media! For anyone that would like to see what we have been up to, our Instagram/TikTok page is “carecharlottecounty.” Everyone is more than welcome to share and show their support for survivors everywhere. If you would like to contact us for inquiries about helping us with our mission feel free to call our admin office at, (941) 639-5499. Thanks for the support you have shown C.A.R.E. We appreciate everything that has been done!
The Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project begins June 19th, 2022 and ends July 24th. This mission, is to provide a new properly fitted pair of tennis shoes to any youth in the Charlotte County Public School System who may need them. We service the entire Charlotte County Public School System (CCPS) for the academic year (elementary, middle, high schools, and centers). The sizes range from a toddler five to a men’s fourteen and women’s twelve. The largest needs come in the elementary sizes; twelve toddler–five youth for girls and ten toddler to seven adult boys . Visit www.shoesforkidsproject.org
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.
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! Reserve your private convenient appointment today. Call Peggy 941 284-9617 or Justin 941 350-7544
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“Days are expensive. When you spend a day you have one less day to spend. So make sure you spend each one wisely.” Jim Rohn, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. |
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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 April 16, 2022 and May 15, 2022... Take a look! |
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Florida Consumer Off Lease Auto Brokers LLC- Drive Free, have an income. Option one: We have over 1,500 late model, low mileage vehicles with factory warranty available every week. All one owner Florida vehicles. You are invited to our indoor virtual auto studios to view live auctions with no dealer fees and purchase at 5% over cost and resell for a 10% profit. Option 2: You may join the company for a small fee and work from home or your office; sell from several lines and earn 40% commission. Average $1,000 per sale. Free training for the right person; Call Justin for appointment 941 350-7544
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.
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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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Mr. Bigger and Mrs. Bigger have a baby.
Who’s the biggest in the family?
The baby of course - because he’s a little Bigger.
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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.)
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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