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.

~ 98th Year Serving Charlotte County ~


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

BUSINESS ONLINE

~ Monday, June 3, 2024 ~

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)

~ Chamber Events ~

Coffee & Chat, Wednesday, June 5 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Will be presented by Justin Fitzgerald, Director of Community Engagement with Florida Gulf Coast University. Learn how FGCU students and faculty can assist your nonprofit and/or government agency through Intern service-learning. This event will take place at the Realtors, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port, DeSoto, Inc. building at 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. Members, Kindly RSVP in the member portal for planning purposes.


Members-Networking at Noon, Wednesday, June 12 will be at Dockside Grill at Four Points by Sheraton from 11:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Cost $20pp. Please RSVP in the Member Portal.


Members, Join us on June 27th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. for the Business Card Exchange at Life Care Center of Punta Gorda. Remember to bring plenty of business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Please Register in the member portal for planning purposes.

Treat a New Teacher to Breakfast!


Sponsor a New Teacher for Breakfast on Monday, July 31, 2024. 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 200 items for Teacher Welcome Bags. Gifts/promotional items 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 19th.


Click Here to Register

Leadership Charlotte Class of 2025 Applications


Applications for the upcoming Leadership Charlotte Class of 2025 are now available. Be thoughtful answering the nine questions as your answers will have a direct impact on your acceptance into the program. Class size is limited to 25. Simulated Society, a mandatory class, will be on October 25, 2024.


Click here for the application


Click here for the schedule

The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is a collection site for the Toys for Tots Backpack Campaign to support Elementary school children of Charlotte County, teachers and schools. Through July 7th, there will be a collection box in the Chamber office for school supplies, and we appreciate any support you can provide. They are looking for items like, 24pk crayons, glue sticks, disinfectant wipes, pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks, binders, index cards, tissues, fidgets, zip lock bags, markers and backpacks. There will also be an Annual Backpack Bike Run on June 9th-click here for the flyer, or email karenklasst4t@gmail.com for information.

~ 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

Did you know you may create News Releases, Post Jobs, Hot-deals and Member to Member deals FREE? Login to the member portal, be on the Home icon, then use the Shortcuts menu on the left of the page to create them. The software will guide you through each step. Once you submit your information the software will send a message to staff to make them active.

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.

Thank You Expo2025 Sponsors!

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor:

Silver Sponsor: Bone Dry Roofing

Silver Sponsor: Florida Tree

Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Bronze Sponsor: Better Business Bureau

Bronze Sponsor: Elite Hurricane Home Protection

Bronze Sponsor Succentrix Business Advisors

Main Stage Sponsor: CarmichaelTravel.Com

Breakfast Sponsor: Soul Dental

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:

~ Welcome New Members ~

Clique Photo Booth Rental

Call or email for information

Punta Gorda, FL 33983

Maribel Gutierrez

(941) 585-7652

cliquephotoboothrental@gmail.com

http://cliquephotoboothrental.com Bright Way Insurance-The Ward Agency1720 El Jobean Road

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Steven Ward

(207) 671-7502

steven.ward@brightway.com

http://www.BrightwayWard.com

Dale's Air Conditioning & Heating 18260 Paulson Dr. A-3

Port Charlotte, FL 33954

John Gable, Carrie Gable

(941) 629-1712

dalesac74@gmail.com

http://www.dalesac.com


Xtra Mile Restoration

30 S. Mango St.

Englewood , FL 34224 Kevin Grooms, Brianna O'Connell

(941) 236-6366

xtramilerestoration@yahoo.com

http://xtramilerestoration.com

Dream Salon & Spa, LLC

117 Herald Ct., Unit 115

Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Wendy Tirado

(941) 621-8311

dreamsalonofpg@gmail.com

https://www.dreamsalonofpg.com/

~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~

Ribbon Cutting Monday June 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (RC=4:30)

Rossini by Chef Rocco

18101 Murdock Cir., Port Charlotte

Refreshments & Tastings

Please RSVP in the member portal so we may properly plan.


Ribbon Cutting Tuesday June 4, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. (RC=5:30 p.m.)

Mazda of Port Charlotte

798 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

InAPickle (a street food deli) will provide catering. Come over for the tour and networking event.

Please RSVP in the member portal so we may properly plan.


Ribbon Cutting & One Year Anniversary Celebration Tuesday, June 11 from 5-7:00 p.m. (RC=5:30 p.m.)

Insane Conez Inc.

2686 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

They will have Yoders ice cream tastings & raffles as well as 10% off anything purchased during grand opening.

Please RSVP for planning purposes.

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.)

~ Member Events ~

Southwest Florida Leadership Institute Launches "Building Equitable Workplaces: 2024 Summer Workshop Series" to Drive Economic Development through Grant Funding (fgcu.edu) The Building Equitable Workplaces: 2024 Summer Workshop Series June 14-July 24th is designed to equip organizations and leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to advance workplace equity, foster inclusive cultures, and build robust talent pipelines. By addressing critical areas such as gender equity, intergenerational differences and ageism, AI Adoption across skill levels, and many other topics we aim to cultivate a skilled workforce and drive economic prosperity in the region.

This program is sponsored by the Equitable Jobs Pipeline grant and is FREE to the community. Meagan Baskin, PhD, mbaskin@fgcu.edu FGCU, SWFL Leadership Institute.


Charlotte County Sheriff's Explorer Post 29 and Do the Right Thing of Charlotte County Inc. invite your to become a sponsor for our 2024 Public Safety Appreciation Night . The event will be held on Saturday, June 15th at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. For questions or more information about sponsorships, please contact Skip Conroy, Sponsorship Chair at 941-575-5252. Tickets to the event can be purchased on Eventbrite from our Facebook page: @PSANcharlottecounty. View the flyer here.


You are invited to FGCU’s Charlotte County Town Hall & Welcome Reception for FGCU’s 5th President, Dr. Aysegul Timur on June 5, 2024. As part of FGCU’s Strategic Plan’s goal to “Elevate Partnerships for Regional Impact,” we are excited to co-host this event with Charlotte County Commissioner Bill Truex, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte County Economic Development Office. This is an opportunity to meet FGCU’s 5th President to learn more about FGCU and its impact. There will be time for conversation and Q & A, drinks & light refreshments will be served. Thank you to the Charlotte Harbor Event Center for hosting us! Please RSVP by clicking FGCU Town Hall – Welcome Reception. Print the invitation.


Camelot Community Care invites you to become a player, vendor, or sponsor for our Bags & Brews Adult Charity Cornhole Tournament. The event will be held on Saturday, June 15th at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds under AIR beginning at 10:00 a.m. All proceeds will go to the Foster Care Program in Charlotte County. For more information visit camelot4kids.com or contact Rebecca Payne at 407-607-6272 or rpayne@camelotcommunitycare.org


Fishermen’s Village proudly presents this year’s salute to the Blues. . .Electric Blues Extravaganza, Saturday, June 15th, 12 noon-9 pm! Live music on the main stage

on the dry beach and in center court! The impressive line up of artists

includes: *The Cedrick Talton Experience-12:00pm-2:30 pm! *The Dukes Project–3:00-5:30 pm–Drummer Maurice Dukes and his band*Dottie Kelly & the Rock The House Band–6:00 pm-9:00 pm! *Saxophonist Keanu Reed–12:00 noon-2:30 pm-instrumentall! *Reggie King Sears–3:00 pm-6:00 pm–multiple styles *Carnival Xhibition–7:00-9:00 pm–soul, alternative& funk! Free admission and free parking.


Join the C.A.R.E. Auxiliary on Monday, June 17, at 5:30pm, at unWINEd Punta Gorda for an evening of "Cooking with C.A.R.E." In collaboration with Taste of Punta Gorda champion Chef Luis Contreras, prepare to be taken on a Mediterranean journey with a four-course menu inspired by Italian, Greek, and Spanish cuisines. Each dish will be expertly paired with fine wines. Reserve seats now for $90 per person, with VIP packages available for $250. Limited seating—call today! 941-639-5499


Join us for the "Live Your Strength" Fundraising Gala a Casino Night of Enchantment, Elegance, and Empowerment on Saturday, July 20th at 3555 Bobcat Village Center Rd., North Port. View and scan the QR code on the flyer or call 941-203-6023 for information. Empowering women through life's transitions, Live Your Strength focuses on financial independence, emotional support & spiritual growth by fostering resilience and confidence www.liveys.org

~ Member News ~

At Buffalo Graffix, our team of professionals deliver the quality and service you are looking for in every project. Come visit our new Sales Office at 17960 Toledo Blade Blvd in Port Charlotte to get started on your next order with us. Whether it’s Promotional Products, Direct Mailers, Imprinted Apparel and Uniforms or Graphic and Web Design, Signs and Wraps, or Fleet Graphics. We are your one stop shop for it all! Our hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00PM. We look forward to seeing you.


Introducing C.A.R.E.'s latest initiative: a safe haven for young children of domestic violence and rape survivors. C.A.R.E.'s new facility will offer survivors a free Child Care Program for ages 1-4 while they receive the necessary support to persevere through their difficult time. Help us fund improvements and expansions to our new facility by purchasing a personalized brick for $125 (text) or $150 (text + logo). With your contribution, we pave the way for healing and hope. Join us in making a lasting impact! Call Linda for more information 941-639-5499.


Help Us Impact 250+ Lives at FCA Summer Camp! This year we have 5 camps that our local area will be a part of, as well as Coaches Timeout. To maximize our impact our goal is to raise $12,000. These crucial funds will help to, Purchase Bibles, provide Scholarship Opportunities and purchase Camp Resources Every contribution brings us closer to our goal and brings the hope of Christ to a young person searching for direction. Donate today and be a part of what God is doing in Charlotte County! Donate Here


It takes 28 days to create a new habit…make today day 1. 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.


We at Sharp Development want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Charlotte County Chamber, Premier Photographic Events, and everyone who joined us for our Meet The Builder and Ribbon Cutting event last week. Your support means the world to us! We are incredibly grateful to be part of such a wonderful community. Your presence made the event a true success and reaffirmed our commitment to contributing positively to this wonderful community. Thank you once again for your support. We look forward to many more successful events and collaborations in the future!


Cryotherapy of Charlotte County June Special’s - Choose your package - $75. Package #1 - Whole Body Cryotherapy session and Halo Salt Booth session and either a Vibration Plate session or a Compression Boot session or Package #2 - Infrared Sauna session and Halo Salt Booth session and either a Vibration Plate session or a Compression Boot session. We are also offering a NEW CLIENT SPECIAL (First time clients only) this month - 50% OFF any service (excludes AIS stretching and CryoSkin Revolution services). Call (941) 979-7057.


Are you a military veteran struggling with your VA Disability Claim? Ask a vet if they are happy with their current Disability Rating. 10% rating = $171/month for life. 100% rating = $3,700/month for life. Big gap in benefits – where do you stand with your Service-Connected Disabilities? I’m Vanessa Donaldson, Marine Corps Spouse. We help veterans nationwide with their claims for earmarked non-taxable financial security and peace of mind.

https://resetwithvanessa.com/disability-rating-audit Book a Call to discuss your case; refer a vet to us. “We Serve Because You Deserve."


Are you located in Charlotte County and have a screen enclosure in need of repair? Call CV Screening! Whether it's just one panel or an entire screen enclosure, we're the company to do it!  Every panel is guaranteed. Call (941) 539-6868 or visit www.cvscreeningllc.com for more information and get a FREE ESTIMATE!


Don't Rely on family, friends, or AI to GUESS about your car trouble. Get a reliable diagnosis at Complete Auto Repair. We thoroughly inspect your vehicle before recommending any repairs. Our commitment to your satisfaction includes: Expert diagnosis: Our certified technicians accurately identify the issue. Transparent estimates: You'll know the cost upfront before any work begins. Drive with peace of mind with our Nationwide warranty: Schedule your appointment today! Call us at (941) 623-2926.

~ Job Spot ~

The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association is seeking a part-time (approximately 20-30 hours per week) administrative assistant to help handle daily office operations. This position requires office setting experience, outstanding customer service communication, organizational detail, and strong Microsoft Office skills. Duties may include: Answering phones; assisting visitors; handling payment transactions; answering general inquiries; conducting facility tours; advertising sales, assisting with The Commentator monthly magazine; creating fliers and advertisements as needed; adding/editing classes and events to calendar app; and assisting with events. Part-time- $16 per hours. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to teriashley@pgica.org.

~ New Kids On the Block ~

Hello, my name is Denise Rafn.  I have been a general manager for restaurants and retail stores in the area for the past 30 years.  I now manage the brand-new Home Star Storage on Paulson drive.  Please come meet me and take a tour of this great facility. No appointment needed. Come on over, we would love to show you around the facility and help you with all your storage needs.  Home Star Storage, 18485 Paulson drive Port Charlotte Florida 941-227-4283 

~ Tip of the Week ~

“Play by the rules, but be ferocious” – Phil Knight

~ 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

~ Just for Fun ~

A magician comes up to our table and does a card trick.

Impressed, I asked him how he did it.

He says "I can tell you, but I'd then have to kidnap you and take you away."

I said, "Can you tell my mother-in-law?"

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

2702 Tamiami Trail

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

941-627-2222



Bob White, Executive Director bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org
Jami Joannes, Dir. of Business Development jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org
Ruth Uzonyi, Dir. of Finance ruzonyi@charlottecountychamber.org
Janet Caffee, Information & Customer Service jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org
Submit your news/event/job for Business Online to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce charlottecountychamber.org
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