~ 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)

Wednesday, May 22 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Join us for Coffee & Chat.

Topic: Working with Interns - FGCU's Career Development Department

(Recruiting & Hiring FGCU Students for Internships & Jobs) This event will be held at the Realtors of Punta Gorda Port Charlotte North Port DeSoto Inc., 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33980. Kindly RSVP so that we may properly plan.

Business Card Exchange, Thursday, May 23 is hosted by Friendly Floors, 3785 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Members Networking Event. Join us from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., bring plenty of business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. There will be appetizers, refreshments and and Ice Breaker Game TBA. Please register in the member portal for planning purposes.

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.

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 ~

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

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:

Pinnacle Home Care

5280 Summerlin Commons Way, #803

Fort Myers, FL 33907

Tracy Pijanowski, Kyan Kurth

(813) 814-6000

tpijanowski@pinnaclehomecare.net

http://www.pinnaclehomecare.net

Digital Transformation Consultants

Call or email for information

Port Charlotte, FL 33981

Caneel Johnson

(509) 690-2144

Caneel@dtcllc.xyz

https://www.dtcllc.xyz



Rossini by Chef Rocco

18101 Murdock Circle

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Rocky Farace, David Budney

(941) 235-8652

chef@rossinibychefrocco.com

Shark Pressure Washing LLC

22370 Catherine Avenue

Port Charlotte, FL 33952 T.J. Cox

(941) 732-9274

sharkpressurewashing1@gmail.com

https://www.sharkpressure.com

LeBel Plumbing and Gas LLC

27194 Green Gulf Blvd.

Punta Gorda, FL 33955

Amanda LeBel

(941) 677-2069

lebelplumbing@gmail.com

http://lebelplumbing.com

Truly Nolen of America

2715 Edison Ave.

Fort Myers, FL 33916

Andrea Rottler, Matthew Lentine

(941) 276-0655

Andrea.rottler@trulynolen.com

http://Trulynolen.com

Helicon

5011 Luckett Rd. Suite 7

Fort Myers, FL 33905

Neil Finicum

(844) 435-4266

neil.finicum@heliconusa.com

https://www.heliconusa.com

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, Wednesday May 29

from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (RC=5:30 p.m.)

Sharp Development & Kristine Lewis Underwriter, Insurance Corp.

6035 Taylor Rd., Suit 105, Punta Gorda

They will have an open house beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 5 p.m. to "Meet the Builder," and from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 will continue with appetizers and drinks.

Please RSVP in the member portal for planning purposes.

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Friday May 31, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. (RC=1:00 p.m.) Pioneers Express

2686 Tamiami Trail, A6, Port Charlotte

Pizza Tastings from 12-3pm that day.

Please RSVP in the member portal for planning purposes

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, at 5:30 p.m.

Mazda of Port Charlotte

798 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

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

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.)

Bruce Laishley, Syd Kitson, Bryon Russell & Shane Simmons along with the host committee cordially invite you to a fundraising event to support Vanessa Oliver for State Representative District 76 on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. For more information and to RSVP, please email events@capitalresourcesfl.com. The maximum donation by law is $1,000 per person or corporate entity per election. Contributions are not deductible for federal tax purposes. Paid by Vanessa Oliver, Republican for State Representative, District 76. Link to Campaign Invitation.

Explore “Awakenings”, a captivating art quilt exhibit at The Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda. Marvel at these unique creations & witness artistic brilliance firsthand. These are not grandma’s quilts! The exhibit is the work of SAQA-Studio Art Quilt Association-Florida chapter and is on display in Rebecca Hall from May 13-24, 2024. This amazing quilt art is only here for a short time and not to be missed! Free to visit during VAC open hours. www.VisualArtCenter.org for more information.

The Charlotte County Veterans Council - The entire community is invited and welcome to attend the County's Memorial Day Program at 9:30 a.m. at the Replica of the Vietnam Wall in Punta Gorda on Monday, May 27, 2024 beginning with a Presentation of the Colors, a 21 Gun Salute, the playing of Taps, and concluding with Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Featured speaker is Congressman Greg Steube. Join us to memorialize and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our great nation. Memorial Day Flyer

Join Us for Sharp Development’s Meet the Builder Event! The Meet the Builder event is on May 29^th, from 2-5 PM. It will take place at our office, at 6035 Taylor Rd Suite 105, Punta Gorda, FL. See our latest designs, meet our team, enter to win a prize, and enjoy some appetizers and drinks. Stick around for the Charlotte County Chamber Ribbon Cutting event from 5-7 PM. RSVP on our Sharp Development Facebook page. See you there! Call our office for any questions or for more information at 941-815-9093.

Charlotte Players- Kids Onstage Summer Workshop. June 3-7 & 10-14. Performances on June 14^th at 7p and 15^th at 2p. Students will have hands-on experiences in all facets of theatrical production. This includes backstage, scenic design, props, costumes, music, and sound as well as performing on stage. Children entering 1^st grade all the way thru students entering 12^th grade can attend. Located at Charlotte Performing Arts Center 701 Carmalita St in Punta Gorda. For more information download the form here https://www.charlotteplayers.org/in-the-news/ or call 941-255-1022 for more information.

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.

New Art in the Galleries! Explore the vibrant new art exhibits in the Visual Arts Center Galleries until May 24. Immerse yourself in the enchanting creations of Team Palette, our staff & instructors work on display & Kate's Kollection. Kate is a painter & longtime VAC member. The Florida Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) will display Quilts As Art exhibit. Visit to experience a world of creativity and inspiration. Awards & Meet the Artist Reception is June 6^th at 5:30-all invited. www.VisualArtCenter.org for more information.

Charlotte Players- Morning After Grace- May 16-26. Hilarious and heart-warming, this unconventional new comedy tackles love, loss, and coming to terms with growing old. After a funeral meeting the day before, Agnus and Abagail find themselves sharing a bed the next morning. For tickets and more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

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.

Kerry Hunter, Wealth Strategist, will present vital information on estate-planning topics from a trust officer’s point of view in conjunction with local, guest attorneys at seminars during May in Englewood. Hunter is a member of the Trust and Wealth Management Services Division at Crews Bank & Trust. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Avenue, Englewood, 10 a.m., presented with guest Attorney Lori Wellbaum of Wellbaum Law. Registration is available at any Crews Bank & Trust branch, online at www.crews.bank, via email at trust@crews.bank or by calling Trust Operations Associate Linda Ferrara at 941-624-1943.

You are invited to FGCU’s Charlotte County Town Hall & Welcome Reception for FGCU’s 5^th 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 5^th 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.

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

Elevate your legal defense with our Private Investigation services. As a certified process server, we bring specialized proficiency in serving eviction notices and managing court documents. Our distinct forte lies in Criminal Defense, having played a pivotal role in securing Nolle Prosequi memorandums, Not Guilty verdicts, and substantial penalty reductions for law firms in Charlotte County. Renowned as adept mitigation specialists, we leverage our investigative findings to fortify your case, ensuring a strategic and effective defense. Trust us to navigate the complexities, safeguarding your legal interests with precision and prowess. InvestigatorOnCall.com 941-777-3247 David Ferrante

Hurricane Preparedness Tip #1 from the Small Business Development Center: Review your emergency contact list and update names and numbers of employees, suppliers, landlord, utilities, bankers and other supporters. This list cannot be created by AI yet will be the most cherished document if a hurricane hits. The SBDC specializes in practical and proven consulting, offered at no cost to business owners. To become a client, click here. https://floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting/

Don't miss out on this month's Monarch exclusive offer! Swing by Monarch's lobby and snag a custom-made shirt while supporting C.A.R.E. with your donations, aiding domestic violence victims in Charlotte County. Your kindness could score you big, too! A donation enters you into our raffle for a chance to win an Igloo Cooler packed with over $200 worth of summer goodies! Find Monarch Direct at 1264 Market Cir Unit #6, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. It's a win-win for style and charity! Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

Help Bring Comfort to Grieving Children. We're collecting new or gently used stuffed animals to support children who are going through tough times. Your donation can bring a smile and a sense of comfort to a child in need. How You Can Help: Donate: Bring your new or gently used stuffed animals to Valerie's House 233 E. McKenzie Street Punta Gorda. Spread the Word: Share this post with friends and family to amplify our efforts. Support: Consider writing a heartfelt note to accompany your donation. For more information, contact us at 941-769-4915 or amy.huddleston@valerieshouse.org

Don't sweat summer! Stay cool in your car. As temperatures climb, ensure your A/C is top-notch. A clogged cabin air filter cuts cool air, making everyone uncomfortable.

Complete Auto Repair offers complete A/C checks to keep you cool all summer. Schedule a checkup to identify potential issues and keep your A/C working perfectly. Call (941) 623-2926 to avoid discomfort!

~ New Kids on the Block ~

Karen Current has joined Crews Bank & Trust as Residential Loan Originator in the Englewood area. "I'm looking forward to being part of an organization that is community-minded and supports its employees as they give of their time and talents to benefit others,” shared Current when asked about her new position with the bank. Outside of work, Current spends time with her husband, Alfred, while kayaking, shelling, gardening and completing crossword puzzles. Current is based at the Gulf Cove branch, 12651 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte. She can be reached at 941-961-7500 or kcurrent@crews.bank.

“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” — Kenneth Blanchard

~ 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

Signs of Too Much 21st Century:

1. You try to enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 4.

4. You e-mail your colleague at the desk next to you to ask if they're ready to go to lunch.

5. You chat online regularly with a stranger from the U.S., but you haven't spoken to your next-door-neighbor yet this year.

6. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends is that they do not have an e-mail address.

7. Your idea of being organized is multiple colored post-it notes.

8. You hear most of your jokes via e-mail rather than in person.

9. When you go home after a long day at work you still answer the phone in a business manner.

10. When you make phone calls from home you accidentally dial "9" to get an outside line.