~ 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)

Fun After Five, February 28, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Join us at Buffalo Wings and Rings, 1020 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte for an informal social gathering. This is a pay-your-own-way for food & drinks. Everyone is welcome to our Social Club event. Kindly register in the member portal for planning purposes.

Wednesday, March 13 Networking at Noon at DoughBar Restaurant & Pizzeria (on their covered outdoor patio) 520 King St., Punta Gorda. Please arrive by 11:45 a.m so that we may start promptly at Noon. Kindly RSVP in the member portal. Cost is $20pp.

Wednesday, March 20 at 8:00 a.m. Third Wednesday Coffee (different location in March) at the REALTORS® of Punta Gorda Port Charlotte North Port DeSoto Inc. building, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. Program: be State of the County Address: Presented by Hector Flores, Charlotte County Administrator and Dave Gammon, Economic Development Director.

Kindly RSVP for planning purposes.

Thursday, March 21st - Social Club Event, Coffee & Chat at the Association of Realtor Building, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. Program: Frank Menard "Mastering the Art of Networking." Starts at 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. No cost to attend but RSVP is requested for planning purposes.

Thursday, March 28th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Business Card Exchange

Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda.

Please RSVP 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.

~ Marketing Opportunities ~

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 Business Expo

Thank You Expo2025 Sponsors!

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor:

Silver 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:



Gardena Home Watch, LLC

Email or Call for Information

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Nancy Cornett

1-603-203-1249

gardeniahomewatchfl@gmail.com

http://www.gardeniahomewatchllc.com

J Galt Finance Suites

Call or email for information

Port Charlotte, FL 33981

Drew Smith

(941) 200-3150

dsmith@jgalt.io

https://www.jgalt.io/dsmith/

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 - 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (RC=5:30)

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Byrd Haus Market

13425 Muriel Ave., Port Charlotte

Raffle (must be present to win), Snacks, beer, wine & soft drinks.

Please RSVP for planning purposes.

POSTPONED - Thursday, February 29 from 4:00 p.m. util 8:00 p.m. (RC-5:30)

Ground Breaking and Ribbon Cutting

Kittle Property Group /Swiftwater at West Port Luxury Apartments

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.

Valerie's House of Punta Gorda

233 East McKenzie St., Punta Gorda

Kindly RSVP for planning purposes.

Friday, March 15, 2024 at 8:15 a.m. Tri Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Crews Bank & Trust

1100 Tamiami Trail, Por Charlotte

Kindly RSVP for planning purposes.

Tuesday, March 19 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (RC=5:30) Dual Ribbon Cutting

Metropolitan Solutions

16830 Canopy Garden Dr., Port Charlotte

Finger foods & Refreshments

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.)

~ PSAs ~

The Charlotte County Human Services Department and the Community Action Agency Advisory Board has extended the deadline for applications from area non-profits for tenancy in the Family Services Center to 5 p.m., Feb. 26. Applicant agencies must have current IRS designation as a 501(c)(3) with a defined mission of offering health and/or human services to Charlotte County residents or other critical supporting functions. Applicant agencies must illustrate how the community will be improved by the organization's participation in the Family Services Center and how an integrated services model benefits their program and the overall mission of the organization. Applications will be reviewed and scored by members of the Community Action Agency Advisory Board. Recommendations for tenancy will be submitted to the Charlotte County Commission for final approval. To view the full request for application and to obtain an application, visit:

https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/boards-committees/community-action-agency-advisory-board/ Email applications to Colleen.Turner@CharlotteCountyFL.gov. Application will also be accepted by certified mail or hand delivered to Colleen Turner, Charlotte County Human Services, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Unit 1, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 For information, call the Charlotte County Human Services at 941-833-6500.

For all Graduating seniors and adults returning to school to pursue higher education:

In response to the delay in students receiving their 2024-2025 FAFSA applicant information, the Charlotte Community Foundation is allowing applicants to submit FAFSA SAI estimates using the Federal Student Aid Estimator tool. This tool will provide students with an instant estimate of the SAI which may be uploaded and submitted in the CCF application. If applicants are awarded a CCF scholarship in May 2024, CCF may request the official SAI report from students at that time. Students should not upload 2023 FAFSA documents or their application will be marked incomplete and returned. The Charlotte Community Foundation encourages students to apply for scholarships by following the link on our website https://charlottecf.org/scholarships/ 

All scholarship applications are due by 11:59 PM, February 28, 2024. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to respond to email programs@charlottecf.org or call Gayle Ross at 941-637-0077.

Please join Drug Free Punta Gorda on Thursday, February 29th 11:30 am to 1:00 pm for our February Coalition Meeting. The meeting will be at the DFPG office, located directly behind East Elementary School (Enter the second gated entrance off Indian Creek Lane). Guest Speaker Maribeth Toner, with Restoring Oaks, will speak/discuss "How to Prevent Human Trafficking."  In person attendance is preferred, or there is the option to join virtually. Please RSVP to Ashley.Chandler@yourcharlotteschools.net or copy and paste the link to join via Zoom: http://tinyurl.com/3c4ub78z. 

Special Offer - Chamber members are invited to take advantage of a special offer for tickets to the Resnick-Wynn Family Business Conference, scheduled for Thursday, February 29, 2024, on the FGCU campus from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event promises valuable insights and best practices tailored for family businesses. The keynote speaker for the conference is Jonathan M. Tisch, Co-Chairman of Loews Corporation, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels & Co., and Co-Owner of the NY Football Giants. For additional details, visit https://www.fgcu.edu/familybusinessconference/. Up to 15 tickets are available for $199 per ticket ($100 savings). You must be a family business to attend. To apply, contact I'Riel Williams at iwilliams@fgcu.edu and reference the Chamber Offer.

ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda proudly announces the grand opening of its new behavioral health center on February 29 at 5:30 p.m. Located within the ShorePoint Health hospital building, this new location marks a transformative milestone in delivering mental health care services to our community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony heralds the official opening of the behavioral health center, symbolizing ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda's continued commitment to enhancing mental health care accessibility and quality within the community. All are invited to join in this auspicious occasion and witness the dawn of a new era in behavioral health care in Charlotte County.

Kick Up Your Heels For Healthy Start on February 29, 2024 at Twisted Fork Restaurant. The Fun Starts at 5:30PM until 9:00PM. We’ll have a Buffet, Dancing, Raffles, 50/50 and more!  Cost $50.00/person for tickets go to https://givebutter.com/kicking2024 proceeds to benefit Charlotte County Healthy Start Coalition because every baby deserves a Healthy Start. Click here for the flyer or call Vicki Vertich-Hutcheson 941-764-9700

At the United Way of Charlotte County's 9th Annual Beaujolais on March 1, 2024 we will honor Kevin Russell with special recognition and award for his service to our community. Let’s make it a special time for Kevin on March 1. We look forward to seeing you at Starry Nights. This exclusive gathering promises an evening of exquisite wines, delectable cuisine, and memorable moments shared among his esteemed colleagues and friends. For more information or for tickets, click here.

Drug Free Charlotte County's Rally Round 4 Prevention will be March 2, 2024, 3-8:30pm at the PicklePlex®. Any experience level can play this round-robin, poker hand style play. $35 for single or $50 for team (w/meal). Register at: https://bit.ly/PlayRally2024. At 3pm - The Battle of the Guns and Hoses" as CCSO, PGPD, CC Fire/EMS and PG Fire/EMS hit the courts for a pre-event tourny. All events are free to watch (no meal included). SPONSORSHIPS available: https://bit.ly/RallyRound2024  941-559-1946 for questions. 

Looking to have some fun while giving back to your favorite local charity? Join us on Sunday, March 3rd as C.A.R.E. Auxiliary hosts their annual Dart Tournament at the Ice House Pub. Located at 408 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Registration is $25.00 per player, tournament begins at 3:00pm. Sign-ups can be made by emailing careauxiliary@gmail.com or in person day of event. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. All proceeds benefit the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies. Eat, Sleep, and play darts with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary!

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

It takes 28 days to create a new habit…make today day 1. Starting January 1, 2024, Gulfcoast South AHEC will begin offering $25 gift cards* to Group Quit participants who attend in-person or virtual sessions. FREE tobacco cessation counseling and FREE Nicotine Replacement in the form of patches, gum and/or lozenges are also available 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. *while supplies last

Securing capital for new businesses often involves a personal guarantee for a loan. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) takes a proactive approach, ensuring that owners maintain healthy credit scores for favorable loan approvals. Business consultant Sue Craig specializes in this crucial area, assisting owners in preparing successful loan applications. For personalized guidance, reach out to Sue Craig at scraig@fgcu.edu. The SBDC is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in achieving financial success.

BubbleUp Exterior Cleaning, a Veteran Owned Pressure washing/ House washing company with over 8 years of experience is offering services in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port and Venice areas. We want to thank everyone who supported us at the Ribbon Cutting, it was GREAT!! We also wish the new businesses that were featured at the New Business Showcase much success!   BubbleUp is licensed and insured. Visit: BubbleUpcleans.pro to see astonishing “Before” and “After” pictures. Call or text: Mac at 941-587-0654.

Make a Great First Impression with a Professional Head Shot from Premier Photographic Events!  Steve Lineberry, Photographer, has photographed hundreds of Charlotte County executives, business owners, staff, and employees for their business headshots. Our on-location studio lets us photograph you and the staff at your location. Easily and affordably. (For On-site Locations - Certain conditions apply.) Professional Headshot Sessions include 3-4 Pose Selection; with Basic Editing and 3 backgrounds, Executive Blue, Gradient Gray, and PNG file; Same Pose. Ask about our Chamber Member Discount. Contact Steve Lineberry (941) 626-0551 premierphotographicevents@gmail.com

Southern Technical College is an accredited private institution offering career education. We’re listening to employers, and we’re dedicated to preparing the workforce for today’s demanding job openings. Students enjoy hands-on small class sizes, day/evening, financial aid, and placement assistance. Diploma programs offered in medical assisting, veterinary assisting, electrical technology, and an Associate’s degree in Surgical Technology. Transform someone’s life and shape future generations. Referrals welcomed. New terms begin every month. The next term starts 3-4-2024. Call 941-391-8888 or email Eddie Ortiz at eortiz@stc.edu. Learn more at www.southerntech.edu. 

What do your car’s dashboard lights mean? When lights persistently stay on, they are trying to tell you that an action needs to be taken. Sometimes, they can be easy to ignore when nothing bad happens. Complete Auto Repair can help you decipher dashboard lights and let you know the action needed or if it can be ignored without negative consequences. If you need a vehicle light checked out, call Mary at 941-623-2926 for an appointment. 

How different could your move be if you simply organize the move and point out to the crew where you want things placed in your new home. Simple could be your experience, with Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage. Their full-service packing and unpacking are ideal for anyone with mobility challenges. Forget about the physically draining and dangerous work that comes with moving heavy things, Call Kenny at (941) 423-5311 for an estimate.

Railroad Tie sale at Murdock Stones Etc.!! Was $50, now $40 for all chamber members through the month of February. They make great borders for driveways, and landscaping. Check them out at 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox) or 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (across from Home Star Storage). . www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.

Have you been putting off preparing a Last Will and Testament until next year? Well, your next year is here! It is so important to have the right documents in place BEFORE a medical emergency happens. Give Mark Martella, Esq., of the Martella Law Firm, PLLC a call at 941-867-6865 (or e-mail him at mark@martellalaw.com) to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss your options to be prepared for when “life happens.”

~ Job Spot ~

GIlstad Literacy Foundation, Inc. needs some temporary help from someone who is skilled in using Mail Chimp for outreach from the Charlotte County Imagination Library program. Time frame/hours and compensation are negotiable. Please contact Chris Zimmer for more information. Chris@charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org or 941-286-6931.

“Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential.” ― John C. Maxwell

~ 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

Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers?

He will stop at nothing to avoid them.

__________

Did you hear about the old man whose birthday one year lasted only one minute?

It was his sixty-second birthday.