~ 98^th Year Serving Charlotte County ~

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

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.

PLATINUM+ LEVEL: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center; ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda; Suncoast One Title & Closings, Inc.

PLATINUM LEVEL: Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPAs, P.A.; Buffalo Graffix; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Crews Bank & Trust; GJC Window & Door; Integrity Employee Leasing, Inc.; McCrory Law Firm; The Daily Sun; Waste Management of Charlotte County

DIAMOND LEVEL: Adjuster Groups, LLC; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions, LLC; Farr Law Firm; Florida Gulf Coast University; Matthew Patterson, Patterson Group Keller Williams PRP; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty; The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad; Tommy's Express Car Wash; WhitCo Insurance - Alexia Martin Agency

EMERALD LEVEL: Achieva Credit Union; Big Shot Marketing & Design, LLC; Centennial Bank; Charlotte Players, Inc.; Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside; Friendly Floors; Granny Nannies Home Health Agency; Panther Hollow Dental Lodge; Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center, Inc.; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance - Mike Martin Agency; Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross & Young, P.A.

 Charter Sustaining Partner (no years missed)

Third Wednesday Coffee, December 20, 2023 will start at 8:00 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Our Sponsor: The Daily Sun Our Program: The Christmas Parade

Join us to welcome new members, award the Parade winners and enjoy the holiday spirit while networking. Please register in the Member Portal.

Thursday, January 4, 2024 - Expo2024 Participants Kick-off party. Save the Date. We'll have the workshop from 4:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. and then start the Party at 5:00 p.m. This event is open to those members who have signed up for a booth space or sponsorship at the Expo in February.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - Networking at Noon at IHOP Port Charlotte

Thursday, January 25, 2024 - Business Card Exchange at Lake Michigan Credit Union, 2120 Kings Hwy., Port Charlotte. From 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m..

Shop Members ~ Shop Local for the Holidays

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!

13th Annual Business Expo

Thank You Expo2024 Sponsors:

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor: Kittle Property Group: Swiftwater at West Port - The Flats at Sundown - Vantage Apartments

Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.

Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Silver Sponsor: True Fence, LLC

Silver Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

Silver Sponsor: Florida Tree & Ground Maintenance, Inc.

Bronze Sponsor: MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash

Bronze Sponsor: Better Business Bureau of West Florida, Inc.

Bronze Sponsor: J & J One Stop Gun Shop, Inc.

Bronze Sponsor: Succentrix Business Advisors

Bronze Sponsor: The Mosaic Company

Bronze Sponsor: Elite Hurricane Home Protection

Main Stage 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:



Vantage Apartments

3050 Steeple Cir.

Cape Coral, FL 33909

Ramona Lavo

(317) 619-2065

rlavo@kittleproperties.com

https://www.apartments-capecoral.com/

Hyper Fiber, LLC

28410 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 210

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Scott Jackson

239-887-5379

sjackson@hyperfiber.com

http://www.hyperfiber.com

Kathryn Wallace for Charlotte County Judge

323 Hargraves Ave.

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Kathryn Wallace

info@kathrynwallaceforjudge.com

http://kathrynwallaceforjudge.com

Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Charlotte County

Chamber member?

Businesses may join online now or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org - Thank you!

Thursday, January 11, 2024 5:00-6:30 p.m. (RC=5:30)

SimpliFi Home Loans

425 Cross St., Suite 116, Punta Gorda

Business Card raffle for multiple basket giveaways, door gifts for attendees. Food and drinks will be served.

Please RSVP in the Member Portal

Thursday, January 16, 2024

Gasparilla Boat Tours

Thursday, January 18, 2024 5:00-6:30 p.m. (RC=5:30)

Ribbon Cutting and Grand ReOpening

Soul Dental

941 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

Appetizers, Refreshments & Raffle Baskets

Please RSVP in the Member Portal

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 5:00-6:00p.m. (RC=5:30)

Brighter Than Ever Salon

425 Cross St., Suite 212 &213, Punta Gorda

 There will be raffles for attendees, Hair Blow Out, Nails Gel Manicure and a Mans Hair Cut. They will also be serving light food/appetizers along with wine & water. Please RSVP in the Member Portal

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.)

Be a part of non-stop D1 NCAA basketball action with your hometown! FGCU Women’s Basketball will be hosting the Homewood Suites Classic starting with Drexel at 7pm on Wednesday, December 20^th & Thursday, December 21^st against Southern Miss at 7pm.  Men’s Basketball will be taking on Florida Memorial at 7pm on Friday, December 22^nd in Alico Arena. There will be Holiday Movie clips and trivia all game long! Donations of new toys will be accepted for the Holiday Toy Drive to benefit Heroes Unmasked. Support your Eagles with ticket prices as low as $12 - visit FGCUTICKETS.COM and secure your seats in The Nest!  

Loren Putnam and the Staples Port Charlotte store wants to wish you a Merry Christmas! We are having The Print Big Sale! $20 off your print purchase of $100 or more, $50 off your print purchase of $200 or more, $100 off your print purchase of $300 or more. Valid 12/17/23 through 2/10/24. Exclusions apply. Visit Staples.com/print for more details

Cryotherapy of Charlotte County - Treat yourself to our December SPECIAL:   CryoSkin Revolution Facial $150.00 (Reg $200.00) by our licensed esthetician. Call and book today (941) 979-7057  GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Christine Hause, Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist, and Kerry Hunter, Wealth Strategist, have scheduled free estate-planning seminars in several Crews Bank & Trust locations for January. Hause and Hunter, members of the bank’s Trust and Wealth Management Services division, will present vital information on the topics from a trust officer’s point of view. "These seminars will help you create a strong plan for the future," explained Lory Weisensee, President of Trust and Wealth Management. Registration is available at any Crews Bank & Trust branch office, online at www.crews.bank, via email at trust@crews.bank or by calling Trust Operations Associate Linda Ferrara at 941-624-1943. All seminars run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

All December long, our wedding ceremony room will be decorated in Winter Wonderland colors and theme. Say I do under the twinkling lights and falling snowflakes. Please go to marriage.charlotteclerk.com to schedule your Winter Wonderland wedding today! Roger D. Eaton Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, 350 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941-637-2329

Charlotte Technical College (CTC) is proud to announce its Winter 2023 Graduation Ceremony, where 55 graduates will be honored for their dedication and hard work in completing their respective programs. The commencement ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, 2023, and marks a significant milestone in the academic journey of these accomplished students. Friends, family members, faculty, and staff will gather to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. For more details, please review the press release. If you need further information or interviews, contact The Firm Advertising Agency, Elizabeth A. Lombardo 239-595-2739 elizabeth@thefirmfl.com

The Symphonic Winds of Charlotte County, a/k/a as the Charlotte County Concert Band, under the artistic direction of Mr. Bob Miller, will be presenting “Herald the Holidays” on Friday, December 22, at 7:30 PM in the Charlotte Performing Arts Center at Charlotte High School, 701 Carmalita Street in Punta Gorda. The band welcomes the return of soprano Doreen Curp to their stage to compliment a truly delightful night of seasonal music. Tickets are online at www.charlottecountyconcertband.com or at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center the night of the concert. We hope that you will join us.

Charlotte County Community Services - Freedom Run 5k, Sunday, December 31, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park. Join us for one of the last 5k's of the year and leave 2023 in the dust. T-shirts for all registered runners-Cost $30. Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place per age group. The race will start and end at the William R. Gaines jr. Veterans Memorial Park. Contact info@wrgainesjr.org for questions or sponsorships or go to sign up at WRGainesJr.org

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, tattoos, face painting, 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. www.fishermensvillage.com / 941 639-8721

The Small Business Development Center offers workshops for small businesses. Competing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, 11:00-1:30 at the CDBIA, 17984 TOLEDO BLADE BLVD, PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33948-1021. To register: https://charlottedesotobia.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/XpjxYYZL?mode=Attendee In this one-stop seminar, learn how your business can benefit from using AI.

Tickets on sale now for the Bingo Blowout being held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Event Center on Saturday, January 13, 2024 to benefit Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. $50 includes 10 Game Bingo Card & dauber, lunch from FM Don's. There will be a Chance Auction, 50/50, lottery tree and cash bar. Visit www.volunteercare.org or call Barbara Wastart 941-368-8863.

Charlotte Local Education Foundation is hosting the Golden Apple Awards for the Teacher & Support Employee of the Year Celebration on Friday, January 19, 2024 presented by Suncoast Credit Union and being held at the Holy Trinity Event Center at 6:00p.m. We are looking for support from our community in the form of charitable sponsorships for the celebration. If you would like to sponsor, please return this form with payment by January 12, 2024.

The Small Business Development Center offers workshops for small businesses. In 2023, the SBDC presented 18 workshops to over 220 entrepreneurs. January’s lineup includes an in-depth class on Artificial Intelligence tools for businesses, and Money Saving Tips for Seniors. Contact Patti Guerzo at pguerzo@fgcu.edu or information on all of our 2024 workshops.

Whether just a single-screen panel replacement or an entire pool cage re-screen, we are the company to do it! Every panel is guaranteed. Call CV Screening (941) 539-6868 and get a FREE ESTIMATE today!

Experience the convenience of direct communication from Complete Auto Repair when we are working on your vehicle. We keep you informed at every crucial step, from providing an accurate estimate to notifying you of the pickup time. Our follow-up calls ensure you're in the loop and always know what's going on. Our dedication to excellence sets us apart, making us the preferred choice for all your auto repair needs. Call Mary at 941-623-2926 for an appointment. Please note: We will be closed from Christmas Day to January 2^nd  to give our employees quality time with family. We wish you all the best the holiday season has to offer. 

Don’t ask friends and family to help you move. A local move is more affordable than you think, especially when you factor in truck rentals and the unpredictability of non-professionals and volunteers. We plan every box’s place in the truck to use all the space without breakage. like the pros we are. Please Note: We recommend booking your 2024 move three months in advance whenever possible. When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons at 941-423-5311. 

Last minute Christmas Gifts! Murdock Stones Etc. just got in their annual Lawn Ornament shipment...Statues include animals, religious, bird baths, and military/service personnel among others. Check them out at: 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox), 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (behind Murdock Wal-Mart). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.

This holiday season, give your employees something they’ll never forget! 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. Let’s get back to happy and healthy together. 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.

This week's Trivia Challenge from Dellutri Law Group:

Q: Which famous person is the city of Jacksonville named after?

Q: What Florida county, sharing its name with an early U.S. President, contains part of the Everglades and all of the Florida Keys including the Dry Tortugas?

Q:  What is the most common tale of the origin of Orlando's name?

Q: What are the names of the two national parks that surround Miami? 

Elizabeth Etnoyer eetnoyer@DellutriLawGroup.com 239-210-7253 (Call/Text)

BubbleUp Exterior Cleaning is offering two promotions for the holiday season: 50% off driveway cleaning with the purchase of a regular exterior cleaning and 20% off rust removal restoration services! Schedule now so your home will be beautiful for the holidays!! We do soft washing and pressure washing depending on the surface to be cleaned. We clean the house, roof, driveway, walkways, pool cages, lanai's, fences, walls, gutters and many other things. BubbleUp is licensed and insured. Visit: BubbleUpcleans.pro or call or text: 941-587-0654.

If you filed as self-employed during the 2020 and or 2021 tax periods and you or your family were in anyway affected by Covid, and you lost time at work as a result. You may be eligible for a substantial rebate of the taxes you paid during those tax years. To check your eligibility and pre-qualify go to www.applyforcovidtaxcredits.com and answer 10 easy questions, there is no cost or obligation to see if you qualify. For questions, William Moeshlin, Certified Independent Agent for Jorns & Associates CPA's-ERC Funds for Business Email: support@ercfundsforbusiness.com Phone: 941-276-4020 www.ercfundsforbusiness.com

Restoration Bar is excited to offer half off of our 2024 essential level membership through Dec 31, 2024. Feel amazing knowing that you are locking in your savings on our services with an annual membership. Give the gift of health and wellness ! Restoration Bar recently upgraded our already state of the art technology and would love to show you! Call / text 941-347-7707 or email info@restorationbar.com and let us know when you would like to come by to visit! 

Know anyone who wants to make a difference in people’s lives – every day? Explore the area’s only comprehensive Surgical Technology program offering an Associate degree and opportunity for national certification. Dually accredited by ACCSC and ABHES, STC’s program offers hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced faculty who are committed to your success. Next term begins January 8, 2024! Call/Text 941-391-8888 | Visit www.southerntech.edu | Email Annamarie - amazzoni@southerntech.edu

Still looking for a holiday party/event for your colleagues and employees? What about a unique customer appreciation party for your best customers? Check out Gasparilla Boat Tours. Get out on the water this holiday season. Our clean, safe (inspected) vessel holds up to 18 people and has a bathroom on board. Bring your own drinks, food, and decorations. Located in Englewood, our Captains and crew are excited to meet you! Reach us at gasparillaboattours.com or call us directly at 833-786-8687. We have gift cards, always a well received present!

Here is a great way to Use Your Membership. The option to post Deals, Jobs and News Releases is a FREE benefit! Do it yourself through the Member Portal.

any

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln

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

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

My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. See property information and county and/or city services and public facilities in the property’s neighborhood.

United Way of Charlotte County Disaster Relief page at www.unitedwayccfl.org/ian. 

STATE AND FEDERAL-

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

Federal Emergency Management Association - www.FEMA.gov or 1-800-621-3362

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

Small Business Development Center - www.fsbdcswfl.org

Why did Santa’s helper start going to therapy?

He had low “elf” esteem.

­­­­­­­_____

What do Santa’s helpers learn in school?

The elf-abet.

_____

What would you find on an elf’s Instagram account?

Lots of elf-ies.

_____

What is an elf’s favorite candy?

 Orna-mints.

_____

What do you call an elf that just won the lottery?

 Welfy.

_____

Who is the best singer in the North Pole?

Elf-is Presley.

_____

What was the elf allergic to?

 Sh-Elf-ish.

_____

What do you call Santa’s little helpers?

Subordinate clauses!