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, November 20, 2023 ~
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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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Our 2024 Community Guides and Business Directories are here!
Our Community Guides are “everything you need to know about Charlotte County”. These beautiful publications are available at the chamber office and we encourage any member who would like a supply for their lobby or customers to stop in and pick some up. One of the exciting features of the 2024 Community Guide is that the online version contains links to the websites for many of the events, services, advertisers, and members. We encourage you to preview the publication online here
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Help us "Stuff the Pup" for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County Have you seen The Storage Pup outside of our office? We are trying to “Stuff the Pup” with toys for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County. This festive season, the Charlotte County Chamber is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County to ignite the spirit of giving in our community. Each year the Boys & Girls Club host a heartwarming holiday party for the children and their families from both clubs in Port Charlotte and Englewood.
Amidst the current challenges faced by many families, your support can make a profound impact. We are seeking gifts of $50 or less unwrapped for these children
to open on Christmas Day. For ease of purchasing the gifts I have attached a flier with the QR code Click Here for an Amazon wish list or you can use this URL https://bit.ly/3rMHQbW.
The amazon wish list is set up to have the gifts delivered here to the Chamber office. In the special directions please add - Deliver during business hours M-F 8am-4pm. Do not leave the packages outside the door. If you do decide to have them delivered to your home, you can then drop them off to the chamber office. Donations are being accepted through December 8, 2023.
Thank you for your generous donations.
For more information please reach out to Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org
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Special request from Charlotte County Public Schools
At the October 16 Business Advisory Council meeting, the importance of building a strong talent pipeline and the need for students to enter the workforce with not only academic and technical skills but also the necessary soft skills was a recurring theme. In response to this request, Charlotte County Public Schools has created the below survey to help identify our local business community’s top five most desired soft skills in graduates. We have started this process by identifying a list of 15 essential soft skills, and we need your valuable input to narrow this list by selecting the top five you believe should be reinforced within our schools. The survey window will close on Wednesday, November 22. We appreciate your assistance and value the partnership between Charlotte County Public Schools and our local business partners to help create an even stronger community.
Your opinion matters! Please take this one-minute survey...click on CCPS Soft Skills for Students
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Join us on Thursday, December 7, 2024 for our monthly Business Card Exchange. It will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at The Daily Sun. This is a members networking event. Please register in the member portal.
The Charlotte County Chamber is a drop off site for our local Toys for Tots. We are accepting new, unwrapped toys for the program. We are open this week on Monday & Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving and Friday the 24th. We appreciate your support for Toys for Tots! If you have questions call us at 941-627-2222.
Networking at Noon on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Unwined Wine and Beer Bar in Punta Gorda from 11:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a wrapped gift of $20. or less for our Christmas gift exchange (happening at the Lunch with attendees). Lunch choices 1)Filet Mignon skewers with a side salad 2)Garlic Shrimp skewers with a side salad 3)Salad with Grilled Chicken. Advance registration is required. Please choose your meal when you register. Cost is $20pp. This is a members only event. Member Portal
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: TBA
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.
Decades Music Trivia! Finally a trivia game where everyone actually has fun as they guess classic TV Shows, Movies, and Radio Hits from the 50's-80's. Gather up your dream team of couch potatoes, movie buffs, and music lovers to win it all. Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Twisted Fork in the Green Room. Cost: $20pp. Our Social Committee plans this to be the first event in a series of fun, social events for our current members and those persons who may be considering membership. Individuals can order off the menu and self-pay. Register in the Member Portal.
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Shop Members ~ Shop Local | | |
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Post your deal on the Charlotte County Chamber website for additional promotion!
It’s free for all members.
Small Business Saturday is just around the corner, and everyone is gearing up to do their Holiday Gift Shopping.
If you have not done this before, it’s easy.
Login to the Member portal at charlottecountychamber.org, at the left in the Shortcuts area choose Hot Deals, (or Member to Member Deals) then click on add a Hot Deal and put in your deal and description with start and end dates. When complete, click on submit.
Member Portal
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The next issue of the FIR$T THUR$DAY ADVERTI$ER will be sent out on December 7th. (Digital flyers are due by December 5) Email your ad to advertiser@charlottecountychamber.org and include the web address we should link it to, or call us 941-627-2222 for more information. *Cost $100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue *Sustaining Partners receive free digital flyers depending on their partnership level. . Learn More
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Members, the Charlotte County Chamber Newsletter Business Perspective is a DIGITAL Quarterly publishing January/April/July/October. Members who want to include a Digital page to ride with the newsletter should complete and return the agreement and provide their digital page by the 20th of the month before publication. *Cost $100 for-profit and $50 non-profit each issue *Sustaining Partners receive free digital flyers depending on their partnership level. Send your digital flyer to Newsletter@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for information, or click here to learn more.
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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! | |
13th Annual Business Expo | |
Thank You Expo2024 Sponsors: | |
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Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix
Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun
Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.
Platinum Title Sponsor: Swiftwater at West Port/Kittle Property Gp
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.
Main Stage Sponsor:
After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions
Bag Sponsor:
Refreshment Station Sponsor:
Kick off Party Sponsor: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
Lanyard Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group
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"The Hottest Business Day in Paradise!" Over 1,000
attendees expected.
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Make sure to Save the Date - February 8, 2024
For this all day event!
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Brighter Than Ever Salon, LLC
425 Cross St., Suites 202-213
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Kimberly Cole, Ronald Cole
(941) 505-0397
kimy1842@gmail.com
http://www.brighterthaneversalon2023.com
Maloney Homes
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Paul Maloney
(941) 979-2773
paul@maloney.homes
http://www.maloney.homes
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~ Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ~ | |
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Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (RC=4:00 p.m.)
Dubz BBQ
4391 Aidan Lane, North Port
Tastings of food and refreshments. Dual event with the North Port Chamber.
Please RSVP in the Member Portal.
Tuesday December 5, 2023 - 5:30 pm. until 6:30 pm. (RC=5:30)
Celebrating their Grand Re-Opening
Gladrich Florist
4678 Tamiami Trail, Unit 103, Port Charlotte
Raffle for attendees, refreshments & snacks.
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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Charlotte County Imagination Library- Bocca Lupo Pizzeria is supporting CCIL on Nov. 21st with a percentage of their sales at all 3 locations!
Pizza for A Cause! The hours are 11am to 10pm. There are 3 Bocca Lupo Restaurants whose funds will support CCIL that day:1900 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 4301 Aidan Lane, North Port ,12105 Mercado Dr., West Villages. Dine in or Carry-Out to support CCIL!
Blood Donation Event: Friday Nov 24th, 2023 | 11a-4p - FREE FOOD & MUSIC: Food by J&K Mobile Cafe Food Truck! Location: Harbor Nissan, 4336 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, www.harbornissan.com SUNCOAST BLOOD CENTERS: Based out of Charlotte County, 100% of blood donations go to local hospitals! DID YOU KNOW: You can save up to THREE lives by donating blood. You can burn up to 650 calories per pint of blood donation. Donating at least once a year could reduce your risk of a heart attack by 88%.
Join Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity for our 25th Annual Turkey Trot! The 5k Run/Fun Walk will take place on Thursday, November 23rd, at FSW Punta Gorda Campus. Cost is $40 until Nov. 22 / $45 day of the event and all participants receive a finisher medal. All funds raised benefit our Homeownership Program to help local families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership. Join us for this Thanksgiving tradition! For additional information and to sign up visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/CCHabitatTurkeyTrot
Murdock Stones Etc. Black Friday special! Melaleuca Mulch (aka Florimulch) for $3.66 per bag through the end of November. Melaleuca is Florida friendly and BUG RESISTANT. Our bags are 2 Cubic Foot. (others are selling 1.5 C.F. Bags for about $4)... South Gulf Cove: 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox) or 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (behind the Murdock Wal-Mart). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651.
Get ready for non-stop D1 NCAA basketball action with your hometown! FGCU Men’s Basketball will be taking on UNC-Wilmington at 4:30pm on Saturday, November 25th at Alico Arena. Support your Eagles with ticket prices as low as $12. Visit FGCUTICKETS.COM and secure your seats in The Nest! AND Women’s Basketball takes part in the Gulf Coast Showcase at Hertz Arena starting November 24th in the first round against Delaware at 5pm, and continues until Sunday the 26th! Visit GulfCoastShowcase.com for tickets and the full bracket!
Charlotte Players- Giving Tuesday November 28th is a day of global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. A day where kindness and giving are shared in many ways for 24 hours. Consider making a donation to your community theatre on this day at www.charlotteplayers.org or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CharlottePlayers. To learn more about Giving Tuesday go to https://www.givingtuesday.org/about/.
Charlotte County Imagination Library- Giving Tuesday November 28th is a day of global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. A day where kindness and giving are shared in many ways for 24 hours. Consider making a donation to your local Imagination Library Affiliate on this day at https://www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org/. To learn more about Giving Tuesday go to https://www.givingtuesday.org/about/.
Tickets are on sale now for the Holly Days Home Tour on December 1 & 2 in historic downtown Punta Gorda. The tour is from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on both days and organized by the Punta Gorda Garden Club a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization. Tickets $20.00 donation are available at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds fund community projects and scholarships.
Charlotte Community Foundation - Our friends Erik & Diane Hoffer cordially invite you to join us on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 3 p.m. for a heartfelt moment. We'll be unveiling a beautiful statue and water feature at the Peace River Botanical Gardens, 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. There's no admission fee, and all are welcome. That's why we decided to place this feature at the entrance to the future Children's Garden. It's a tranquil and inviting spot, ideal for hosting guests. You'll find ample parking on Riverside Drive, and we'd appreciate it if you could bring your own chairs. See you there!
Get ready to jingle all the way to a festive finish at the Holiday Hustle 5K in Punta Gorda on December 2nd! Lace up your running shoes and join us for a merry morning of fun and fitness. Whether you're an experienced racer or looking for a fun family event, this race is for you. With all proceeds benefiting Girls on the Run scholarships for SWFL girls, you'll be spreading joy and making a difference while you break a sweat. Plus, there's a special surprise - Santa himself will be at the finish line to spread some extra holiday cheer! Don't miss out on this joyful 5K - register today and make December 2nd a date to remember!
Join us in celebrating the Animal Welfare League's momentous 60th anniversary with "Paws for a Cause" on December 3, 2023! This grand event promises a day of fun and compassion for animals in need. We invite vendors and sponsors to be a part of this special occasion, making a positive impact on the lives of our furry friends. For more details, visit AWLshelter.org/Paws-for-a-cause or reach out to events@awlshelter.org. Let's come together to support a brighter future for animals.
Join us on Monday, December 4th, at Dough Bar Restaurant in Punta Gorda for "Party for a Cause 2023." This fundraiser event supports C.A.R.E and includes delicious hors d'oeuvres, mouthwatering pizza, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, all for just $25 per ticket. Enjoy a cash bar, participate in a 50/50 raffle, and explore a basket raffle with exciting prizes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference. Get your tickets here and be part of a meaningful evening!
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 December. 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.
Tickets go on sale October 31 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.
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Charlotte Technical College is elated to announce the continued advancement of its visionary "Propelling Futures: Advancing Aviation Education" Capital Campaign. An initiative that isn't just about teaching; it's about transforming our local economy and ensuring Charlotte County remains at the forefront of aviation technology. The creation of the new Aviation Training Facility isn't just a landmark for the future of aviation education in our region; it's a beacon for economic rejuvenation. With the aviation industry on an unprecedented trajectory, the demand for specialized skills, especially aviation mechanics, is soaring. For more information on this initiative please visit https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/CTC. Read the full News Release.
Thanksgiving is around the corner; your employees will be thankful for a new healthy lifestyle! 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: Florida shares a land border with what state that also immediately follows it on an alphabetical list of the U.S. states? Q: Florida Panthers mascot ___ C. Panther is named for the biggest prize in the NHL. What seven-letter first name goes in the blank?
Q: What NASA field center, located on Merritt Island in Florida, is named for the United States’ 35th president? Q:Which supermarket chain headquartered in Florida was started by the Jenkins family in 1903 and is the biggest employee-owned company in America?
Elizabeth Etnoyer eetnoyer@DellutriLawGroup.com 239-210-7253 (Call/Text)
Secure your future with S.A.F.E Insurance Team! As a mother-daughter duo specializing in life and health coverage, we're your go-to agents for Marketplace insurance during open enrollment. Protecting assets for everyone is our priority. Need employee benefits? We've got you covered. Contact us at 941-380-7279 or email a@safeinsuranceteam.com. Let us safeguard what matters most—your well-being and security.
Did you know that Murdock Stones Etc. sells a large variety of mulch at everyday low prices? This week, we'll tell you we sell Melaleuca Mulch (aka Florimulch). Melaleuca is Florida friendly and BUG RESISTANT. Our 2 Cubic Foot bags are $4 apiece (others are selling 1.5 C.F. Bags for the same $4)... South Gulf Cove: 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox) or 590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (behind the Murdock Wal-Mart). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651
Happy Thanksgiving Week! If you live near a snowbird or someone moving here for the first time. Let them know that Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage can unload their moving van, unpack the boxes, and set up their household. Our trained staff will arrange heavy furniture and assemble items taken apart for moving. When quality counts, call Kenny Gardiner at 941-423-5311.
When we see a well-maintained car at Complete Auto Repair, it stands out. Proper maintenance is priceless when it comes to extending the life of your vehicle and minimizing repairs. 1). Get the oil changed on a regular schedule. 2.) Use a shop where they check all the fluids and your brake and tire life. Ask for a written estimate for future maintenance costs. Complete Auto Repair is happy to service your vehicle. Please call Mary at 941-623-2926. Enjoy the Holidays ahead!
Charlotte Harbor Center School is looking for sponsors for our yearbook. Potential outreach is 300 to 600 people. Cost of full-page add cost $150. If you would like more information, please contact Shana Barlow at (941) 255-7440 ext. 1167 or email shana.barlow@yourcharlotteschools.net
Happy Holidays from your Port Charlotte Staples. We want to pass on a special offer at your Port Charlotte Staples location. We are offering 50% off custom Holiday Cards and Yes Invitations now through December 16, 2023. Please stop in and speak to one of our associates for details. We are located at 1825 Tamiami in Port Charlotte, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate giving this month by donating meal ingredients for C.A.R.E.’s shelter residents Thanksgiving Dinner. Click here to view our Wishlist or call (941)- 639-5499 for more details. Your generosity helps ensure that every resident can enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal and creates a sense of community during the holiday season.
Our Pajama Drive is happening RIGHT NOW at Soul Dental throughout the entire month of November! We are so thankful to support 4 KIDS of Southwest Florida right here in the Port Charlotte community. Would you come alongside us in this season of giving? We're helping children in foster care with comfort through a gift of BRAND NEW pajamas. We're collecting pajama donations in sizes from infants 6mos through children's size 16. Please drop off or ship your donation to our office by November 27th,2023: Soul Dental, 941 Tamiami Trail Suite F, Port Charlotte FL 33953. www.SoulDentalPC.com
The Salvation Army of Charlotte County provides Thanksgiving meals to residents of the county. This year we will be providing 176 families with meals. To provide turkeys to these families, we are in need of a refrigeration trailer to store the turkeys in. We also have The Angel Tree program which assists many families and children with Christmas needs of clothing, linens, diapers, and toys. This year has been a struggle to rent an air-conditioned unit, and we are in need of portable air conditioning units. If you can help, please call the Salvation Army at 941-629-0910 or email Claudia.Roseno@uss.salvationarmy.org
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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. | |
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." — Albert Einstein | |
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What did the sweet potato say when it was asked if it was hungry?
"Yes, I yam."
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A teacher was helping her young fourth graders with an assignment.
Reading over John's papers she read:
Mother's name: Mary Applegate
Relationship to the person above: It's good.
______________________
When are turkey's most grateful?
The day after Thanksgiving.
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Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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