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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~ 98th Year Serving Charlotte County ~
Punta Gorda ~ Port Charlotte ~ Englewood ~ Charlotte Harbor ~ Murdock
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~ Monday, April 1, 2024 ~
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2023-2024 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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Networking at Noon on Wednesday, April 10 will be at Finnegin's Grille & Pub. Networkwith fellow members over Lunch. Please register in the member portal and choose you meal. 1) Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad or 2) 8Wing Basket or 3) Ruben on Grilled Rye, both the wing and Reuben will come with one side. Register here.
Third Wednesday Coffee - April 17 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Arrive a little early to network and enjoy coffee and light breakfast fare. Our Sponsor this month is Pool Boy, Inc.
Please register for this event for planning purposes.
Coffee & Chat brought to you by the Charlotte County Social Club on Thursday, April 18th. This is a FREE members only class, and we are seeking One $300 sponsor.
Topic: Simple AI, Social Media, and Personal Branding Strategies Speaker: Steve Black This Masterclass will take your business to a new level and give you the edge on the competition. We encourage small business owners, entrepreneurs and business people looking to improve their sales, social media, AI and personal branding skills to attend. Members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce should plan on a one hour class and 30 minutes for Q&A. Click here to register in the Member Portal. View this brief video from our speaker, Steve Black https://vimeo.com/855771369
Celebrate National Karaoke Week at the Gilded Grape Winery on Tuesday April 23rd.
Join us from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. for Karaoke, Crackers, Cheese & Wine!
Cost is $30pp. Bragging rights for best costume resembling your favorite singer, most memorable performance and best group choreography! This event is organized by the Charlotte County Chamber's Social Club and Open to ALL. Click here to register.
Business Card Exchange, Thursday, April 25 at Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Members Networking Event - remember to bring your business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Please register in the member portal for planning purposes.
Professional Clothing Drive - Donate now February - April. Do you have any professional clothing items you no longer wear? We'll Take them. All clothing will go to stock the interview closet at Charlotte Technical College. Your donations will help students, who don't have appropriate attire, look the part and feel confident going on interviews for internships and employment. Drop off Locations: Charlotte County Chamber, 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte or Charlotte Technical College, 18150 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte.
13th Annual Integrity Golf Classic benefiting Junior Leadership Charlotte a program of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Date/Time: Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Check In at 7:00am. Place: St. Andrews South Golf Club. Includes: One round of golf with cart, breakfast, buffet lunch, 2 beverage tickets, raffle entry & cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Individual Golfer $75. - Foursome $300. - Sponsorships available. RSVP required - please do so in the Portal.
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~ Member Marketing Opportunities ~ | |
NEW Promote your business or event on our LED sign at US41.
$95per ad per week.
Rotation of 12 Ads per day per week.
15 Second View Time per ad.
Nonprofits get BOGO ads.
24 Hours 7 Days a Week.
Static Ads Only.
2 Weeks Advance Notice.
Reserve Your Spot Today contact Jami at JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org
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Do it Yourself in the Member Portal
Post News Releases, Jobs, Hot Deals, Member-to-Member Deals, all Free!
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Did you know you may set up automatic payments! Never forget another membership payment! Save on stamps, checks and time. To do so, login to the Member Portal. In the shortcut menu, choose Company Information, at the bottom of the list choose Billing, choose Payment Profiles and enter your credit card. Then from that same Billing area choose Autopay & Billing to select your payment profile. That's it! | |
14th Annual Consumer Marketplace Expo | |
Our 14th Annual Consumer Marketplace Expo2025 will be on February 13, 2025
Remember to add the Expo to your marketing plan/budget. More information will follow.
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Thank You Expo2025 Sponsors! | |
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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.
Platinum Title Sponsor:
Silver Sponsor:
Bronze Sponsor: MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash
Main Stage Sponsor: CarmichaelTravel.Com
Breakfast Sponsor:
Speed Networking Sponsor:
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
Lanyard Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group
Event Map Sponsor:
Passport Sponsor:
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Florida Blue
2203 N. Lois Ave.
Tampa, FL 33607
Janet Pogar
(719) 210-8990
janet.stoutpogar@bcbsfl.com
http://www.floridablue.com
Beacon Way Home Investment Solutions
Call or Email for Information
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Thomas Dunn
(941) 369-0805
BeaconWayHomeInvestments@gmail.com
Pro Property Inspection
3280 Tamiami Trail, Suite 36-180
Port Charlotte, FL 33952 Troy Smith
(941) 440-3232
propropertyinspectionfl@gmail.com
http://www.propropertyinspector.com
Kristine Lewis Underwriter Insurance Corp INC
6035 Taylor Rd. Unit 105
Punta Gorda, FL 33983 Kristine Lewis
(941) 815-9093
kristinelewis1@yahoo.com
http://www.insuredbykristine.com
Shine of Port Charlotte
20510 Camino Torcido Loop
N Fort Myers, FL 33917-8158 David Butler
(941) 340-6901
portcharlotte@shineinfo.com
Slauson Trading Company LLC
Email for Information
Rotonda West, FL 33947
Michael Slauson
(612) 759-3360
slausonbeanco@aol.com
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ | |
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Wednesday, April 10, from 5;00 to 6:30 p.m. (RC=5:30)
Cruzin' Dental
220 Kings Hwy., Suite 3-1, Port Charlotte
Hawaiian Theme-prize for best Hawaiian attire, Hawaiian Chicken & Rice & Chicken strips, Refreshments, Raffle
Please RSVP in the member portal for planning purposes.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Ribbon Cutting & Grand Reopening 5:00-6:00 p.m. (RC=5:30p.m.)
Waggles Puppies
2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 3A, Port Charlotte
Refreshments & Snacks
Please RSVP in the member portal.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Ribbon Cutting (at about 9:00 am at our Third Wednesday Coffee) for Insurance Professionals
at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda
Thursday, April 18, 2024 Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (RC=5:30) for Florida Living Team Bobbie Leah & Karen Brock
2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 1A, Port Charlotte
Please RSVP in the member portal.
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Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, atmosphere! Networking opportunity. | |
#ConnectingBusinessesTogether | |
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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“Art & the Human Brain” is a series of free lectures sponsored by The Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda. The Public is Invited &Free to Attend. Coming this Friday, April 5, 2024 -12:00pm -1:00am - "Slow Flow Photo" Visualization Through Your Cell Phone with Jim Austin (Click for Information). Jim will be speaking about using your cell phone, exploring radiant remindfulness practice, and a practice of image balance and design using your personal strengths. Call for More information 941-639-8810.
Are you on the fence about a will? We’ve put together complimentary informational 1-hour seminar at the Punta Gorda Library at 401 Shreve St. where we will be discussing how to create a SOLID LIFE after work plan. Seating is limited, so ensure you SIGN UP today! Is Your Legacy Protected? A Seminar On Will Awareness
Dates: April 4th (4:30pm), 5th (1:30pm), 6th (10:30am), and April 8th (6:30 PM)
To register: https://events.afceducators.org/campaigns/will-awareness-175
Spouses are encouraged to attend! For more information, please call (800) 285-8792 or visit www.precisefsolutions.com
Business Credit Expert Drew Smith on behalf of J Galt Presents a FREE Business Seminar on Building your Business Credit Score Charlotte Chamber of Commerce 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 941-627-2222 Tuesday, April 9, 12pm - 1pm and Thursday April 11, 5:00pm - 6:00pm. Learn the 7 Steps to Building Business Credit and how to remove personal guarantee's to access Cashflow for expenses and Capital for Growth. Free ebook for registering Limited seats. To register visit www.jgaltseminar.com
Now through April 12, free admission - National Art Exhibition at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda. Open Monday 10-4, Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-4 and Saturday 10-2. www.visualartcenter.org
Upcoming performances at the in the Gulf Therater at the Military Heritage Museum: Gulfshore Opera Divas on March 26 at 7:00pm. Memories-A Tribute to Barbara Streisand on March 27 at 3pm and 7:00pm. Fame-Tribute to David Bowie April 3 at 7:00pm. Welcome to Destruction-Tribute to Guns N Roses April 5 at 7:00pm. For tickets to all performances click here
Join us on Saturday, April 17th, at 8am for the "Community for a Cause" Awareness Walk, recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Hosted by Charlotte County S.A.R.T. at Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park, this free event aims to raise awareness and offer support to survivors of sexual assault. Walk alongside community members as we stand together, advocating for change and empowering survivors. Donation of new clothes is greatly appreciated. RSVP now to C.A.R.E. at 941-639-5499 to join us in making a meaningful impact and fostering a safer community for all.
Charlotte Players-64th Season Tickets are going on sale! Click here https://bit.ly/3VqfRuX for the Langdon plays for next year. The rest of the season will be announced soon. Season Tickets go on sale: April 4th for Members, April 11th Series Renewal Non-Members, & April 18th Public. The discounted season tickets can not be purchased online. Please call the Box Office or visit us at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte to purchase. To get a Season Brochure mailed to you send a request to info@charlotteplayers.org. For more information call 941-255-1022.
Gator Wilderness Camp School will be hosting a 5k / 10k / 15k trail run through our beautiful 250 acre property which includes the boys campsites and our 12 acre lake. The run is Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 8 AM at Gator Wilderness Camp. We will also be hosting a kids fun dash for ages 2-12 at 9:00am. There is also a hot breakfast, fresh fruit, and delicious baked goods provided by Gator Wilderness Camp School and Detwiler's Farm Market to all registered participants. Contact Melissa Bergey 941-639-7722 or Register Online at: http://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/GatorWildernessCampTrailRun
2024 Home & Hurricane Expo will take place at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda on Saturday, May 18th from 10AM until 3PM. Free admission & parking, open to the public. Tons of Vendors & Expert speakers! Learn how to prepare, survive & recover from hurricanes. Attention all businesses, join dozens of other local businesses at the Home and Hurricane Expo. Reserve your space now, contact Sun News Media 941-205-6406 Today.
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On April 9-10 the bi-annual Giving Challenge will happen from noon-noon for the Visual Arts Center. This 24-hour online giving event that connects our non-profit with you, to support our programs, free exhibits, affordable classes, workshops and artist events. Your gift during the Giving Challenge will be matched up to $100! Donate *Online from the comfort of your home by going to Give to The Charlotte County Art Guild, Inc. dba | Giving Challenge *Calling in to the VAC at 941-216-6162 with a credit card or Stopping by the VAC during business hours (after 12p.m.-7p.m. on the 9th, 9a.m.-12p.m. on the 10th)
Murdock Stones Etc. would like to introduce our newest product: Brookstone...it has a great variety of colors...through the month of April we will be selling it to chamber members for $350 (normally $375)..check it out at: 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (display only). 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd...can pick up here). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651
Business owner – Google is calling you to help. April Fools! It is not Google, because Google’s tools are free. Once they understand how Google’s “plumbing” works, they realize they can easily manage this lead generator in-house, at no cost. This knowledge can also be learned at no cost, through the Small Business Development Center. Simply click on this link, and you will be connected with a local consultant who is well-versed on how to tap into Google’s potential to increase sales. https://floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting/
Charlotte Players- Giving Challenge. Support your community theater noon on April 9th thru noon on April 10th! This 24-hour online event is provided by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Donations made from $25 to $100 will be generously matched by The Patterson Foundation. Check out our 24 live streaming during the Giving Challenge at www.spotlightoncharlotteplayers.org. We have a wide variety of entertainment planned for you during those 24 hour. Call 941-255-1022 with any questions.
We are excited to share that The Patterson Foundation has graciously offered to match all gifts, up to $100, made during the Giving Challenge. Your donation will directly benefit FCA, additionally, your contribution will go towards funding our upcoming camp, which provides a transformative experience for the individuals we serve. To learn more and make your donation, please visit our website at www.givingchallenge.org. Your support means the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful for your consideration. On behalf of the entire Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff and Tom Parker, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support.
Looking for health insurance tailored to your needs? Kristine Lewis at Insurance Corp has you covered. With her expertise, she can help you navigate the complexities of health insurance and find the perfect coverage for your unique requirements. Kristine is offering small business group plans, PPO, private plans, ACA, Medicare & life insurance. Kristine is dedicated to proving personalized solutions to protect what matters most to you, contact Kristine Lewis at 941-815-9093 or visit insuredbykristine.com
At Sharp Development of Southwest Fl we specialize in building homes in Sarasota and Charlotte counties. With a commitment to quality, attention to detail, and personalized service, we bring your vision to life, creating homes that reflect your unique lifestyle and preferences. Contact us today at 941-764-8243 to begin the journey of building your dream home with Sharp Development of Southwest Fl.
Need screen repairs on your screen enclosure? Whether it's just one panel or an entire screen enclosure, we're the company to do it! Every panel is guaranteed. We can also paint your enclosure, add pet doors, replace door hardware, and more. Call (941) 539-6868 or visit www.cvscreeningllc.com for more information.
Crews Bank & Trust is happy to announce that Alyson Burch and Kris Bilodeau have been named as the Bank’s newest Trust Officers. Both Burch and Bilodeau will be assisting clients in the greater Charlotte County area. Burch can be contacted at 941-205-2720 or emailed at aburch@crews.bank and Bilodeau can be contacted at 941-624-1980 or emailed at kbilodeau@crews.bank.
Happy April! Gifting a Grad a Car? Think beyond the price tag! Factor in maintenance costs. Check various models on Complete Auto Repair's website at mycompleteautorepair.com. Based on our car repair expertise, we can advise on a reliable, budget-friendly ride! We are here to help. Call (941) 623–2926 if you have an auto-related question.
Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage is your go-to for local moves in Southwest Florida. Our superior service includes business moves, residential moves, multi-level apartments and condos, emergency moves, and large, awkward items that need assistance. We can pack, unpack, and properly place your belongings. We also offer short-term storage for items not ready to move to your new place. Whatever your moving circumstances, we can help. Call Kenny at 941-423-5311.
Charlotte County Imagination Library- Giving Challenge. Support CCIL Managed by Gilstad Literacy Foundation noon on April 9th thru noon on April 10th! This 24-hour online event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, in which your gift will be matched dollar for dollar by The Patterson Foundation, for all donations up to $100.00. CCIL also has a very generous benefactor who is offering a match for every donation, up to a total of $15,000 to $20,000! Join us at the Pop-Up Giving Challenge Station at Military Heritage Museum on the 9th from noon till 6p.
https://www.givingchallenge.org/organizations/gilstad-literacy-foundation-inc.
A unique giving opportunity will take place April 9, noon through April 10 at noon. Maximize your giving potential through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 2024 Giving Challenge. The Patterson Foundation will match your donation up to $100. During this Challenge, donations made to the Military Heritage Museum will be matched a second time by a very generous philanthropist. A $100.00 donation becomes $200.00 after the Patterson Foundation’s match. That $200.00 dollar donation then becomes $400.00 after the unique Military Heritage Museum match. Call 941.205.8546 for information.
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Ideas are a dime a dozen. People who implement them are priceless. Mary Kay Ash | |
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A and C were going to prank their friend … but they just letter B.
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Which day of the year do monkeys like best? The first of Ape-ril.
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Which day is the worst to propose on? April Fools’ Day.
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Why was everyone so tired on April 1? Because they just finished a long 31-day March. ______
Babies born on March 31 are the easiest to prank on April Fools’ Day. They were literally born yesterday!
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Joke’s on you, April Fools’ Day. I can be fooled any day of the year.
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Wanna hear an April Fools' Day joke about paper? Never mind—it's tearable.
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Knock knock. Who's there? Candice. Candice who? Candice April Fools' joke get any worse?
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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