Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Here are your Friday Facts.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT CHARLOTTE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS. United Way of Charlotte County is collecting face masks for Charlotte County Public School students. When you buy an adult or child-size face mask from Hipnotique Boutique to donate to CCPS, HipNotique Boutique will donate a second face mask to help our students mask up.
Chamber Members ONLY. Do you want to be a Punta Gorda Chamber Partner for 2021?
Back in 2005, the Punta Gorda Chamber launched its highly-recognized Partners in Action program, which offer you, our members, a one-time deal to be recognized throughout the Chamber’s Program of Work for the entire calendar year. We are currently initiating our 2021 list, which will run from Jan 1st-Dec 31st 2021. Support for the PG Chamber’s program starts for as little as $500! Obviously, the greater the investment, the more benefits you will reap. Payment plans for Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze members can be arranged, upon request. Click Here to find the updated benefits of being a Chamber partner for the entire year. As we all know, 2020 has been a crazy and highly uncertain year for all of us, but so many of you have seen the benefit of Chamber support, especially during these difficult times. Our Program of Work has been hit with COVID-related cancellations, but we have strived to add additional value items to our marketing sheet, to, in turn, offer you even more promotional exposure. You can rest assured that IF and WHEN the opportunities arise, the events that we have become infamous for will return and, automatically, your status will enjoy the added bonus of participating in them. The cut-off date to be included in the 2021 plan is November 20th, to allow us to get all the marketing collateral materials ready for a January 1st 2021 launch. To become or renew your Partnership level, simply email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com highlighting the level you would like. If you have any questions about the program, simply call us on 941 639 3720 and we’d be happy to help you.
Here’s to a very different and prosperous year in 2021!
Chamber Members ONLY. PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for September.
We are very pleased to announce that our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM will be returning to its usual monthly spot on the Bob Alexander Radio Show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. The process is very simple – no need to visit the studio. Bob will call you, set up a recording time and it’ll be done over the phone and inserted directly into the progamming of this very popular show. You get the option to record two x 2.5 minute slots or else simply record one and have it aired twice during the show. Bob will be able to let you know exactly during which hour it will air. The cost is an incredible $110 (payable to the PG Chamber, not iHeart). To register for the July show, or any subsequent shows, simply email John Wright. The rest we’ll take care of for you. Only ten businesses per month, so don’t delay. Offering you a great way to promote your business, advertise an event or simply to show your community support.
For Our Community. Financial assistance program from Charlotte County Economic Development Office – Detailed information about the Recovery Grant Program (for Charlotte County Businesses) is now posted on their website: https://cleared4takeoff.com/charlotte-cares and can be accessed now for submission. Funds are available on a first-come, first serve basis while the funds last.
For Our Community. From Brian Gleason, Communications Manager of Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners. For the past 26 years, the 1% percent local option sales tax has funded 117 projects that enhance our quality of life. The current local option sales tax expires this year, but on Nov. 3, voters will decide whether or not to extend it for six years to fund additional projects. To learn more, visit https://tinyurl.com/2020salestax. To schedule an informative presentation for your group or organization, call Brian Gleason at 941-743-1462.
For Our Community. Jury Duty Update from Roger D Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Charlotte County.
For Our Community. Update from Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau.
Charlotte County Residents Only. Message from Chief Pam Davis of Punta Gorda Police Department. I know many of you are unable to attend the September 9, 2020 Community Presentation. We do have seats reserved for those who told us they could attend. If your plans change, please use the below link to register. We would love it if you could also share the link with anyone else you think may be interested in attending. We still have several seats open. We have restricted it to Charlotte County residents only to make sure we have input for local law enforcement. Let me know if you have any questions.
If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Hazel, Janet and Stephanie
Chamber Calendar of Events, Members ONLY
Networking Events for September
RSVP’s are very important, as are cancellations (limited numbers allowed, masks and social distancing a must). We are not able to take bookings through the website for these events at the moment, so please call (941) 639 3720 (during office hours 10am to 2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
September 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am.
Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at St. Andrews South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be Sean Doherty, Interim Director for Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau.
September 15: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. CANCELLED
September 23: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon – 1:30pm.
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Captain’s Table, 1200 W. Retta Esplande, Punta Gorda. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.
Protocols for networking events:
We are in unprecedented and complicated times, but we know that as a Chamber we are the best networkers around, yet still MUST lead the community by example.
Until further notice:
- To attend a PG Chamber event you will need to have a prior RSVP to either by calling 941 639 3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com (no later than 2pm on the day prior to the event).
- Our events are limited to 50 people maximum and therefore NO WALK UPS can be allowed – sorry. If you show up and are not on the RSVP list (unless it’s John’s fault!), you may be turned away, if space is unavailable.
- The wearing of a mask is mandatory. We will continue to encourage social distancing.
- Food and beverages will be served individually to you at events.
- For our After Hours, we encourage you to bring giveaways that are in the form of a local business gift card, secured in a ziploc bag with your business card attached, so it can be sanitized prior to being given out. Alternatively, as long as your gift can be sprayed with disinfectant, you may bring along such a gift.
- The microphone will be used by Chamber staff and/or guest speaker ONLY.
We want to get back together and network effectively and hope that you all will respect these safety protocols, until such times as we are confident to remove them (in stages). Any questions, please call us 941-639-3720.
Special Member Notices
Annual Awards Dinner Celebration
Join us for 2020 Celebration of Chamber Achievements’ during the year. We say Thank You to outgoing Chair Debra Trenholm and welcome incoming Chair June Amara and her new Board. Due to COVID19, this event has been scaled down from previous years and will be held in the large Tiki Bar at the Fourpoints with a maximum socially-distanced capacity of 140.
September 17, 2020 6pm to 9pm
Casual
$50 per person – cash bar
Menu
Tossed Caesar Salad
Homemade Potato Salad
Tropical Coleslaw
Grilled Corn on the Cob
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Brisket
BBQ Chicken
Strawberry Shortcake
Seating is Limited, RSVP Now! Call 941-639-3720 (Mon – Fri 10 am-2 pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
Punta Gorda Chamber Member & Visitor’s Guide 2021
In conjunction with the SUN Newspapers we are planning to have the new Chamber Member & Visitor’s Guide ready for January 4, 2021 distribution. So, please, please review all your information on the Chamber website and make sure it is correct. Also, take a look at the attached flyer for Advertising Rates.
Any questions contact Hazel at hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com
All the Following Information is for Our Community.
Please support Our Members – The Shops, Attractions, Restaurants and Non-Profits. These are the people who make this City and the Surrounding Area the vibrant, happy place we live in!
Shop and Play Local.
New Members
Mission Statement: To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Your Pickleball Place
Charles “Chuck” Taylor
(541) 778-2644
28100 Challenger Blvd
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Pickleball Paddle Manufacturing
Sponsored by John Wright
Pioneers Pizza Punta Gorda
Lisa Barone
(941) 916-9947
2113 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard
Pioneers Pizza Port Charlotte
Lisa Barone
(941) 235-2424
4560 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard
Roofing by HOMEPLUS Inc
Robert Long
(239) 540-4550
4651 SE 11th Place, Unit 1
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Roofing
Sponsored by Cathy Perry
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.
Partners in Action News
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)
Join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar for our new lunch specials. You won’t find a better deal anywhere! Also, check out all of our events for the month of August including the Sizzling Summer Concert series this weekend featuring Gas House Gorillas!
Captain’s Table (Gold) – The Wine Dinners are Back!
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12. Here is the August Newsletter.
Springhill Suites (Gold) – We are offering all 1st responders a discounted rate of $89 at the Springhill Suites Punta Gorda until 1/31/2021. We would be happy to help all first responders who may need a place to stay or are not comfortable going home at this time. If you would please make sure to pass this along to anyone who may need a clean and safe space to rest that would be wonderful. Book your corporate rate for First Responder Rate
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – The seven day rolling real estate activity for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port: 132 new listings,146 closings (sold properties), 216 pending (new contracts written). WOW, our market continues to move. Want to know what your property is worth? Give us a call 239-699-4493, we are here to assist you. Your hometown Realtor for 22 years.
iHeart Media (Gold in Kind) – Broadcasts Charlotte County High School Football. Under the circumstances the football stadiums can only accept 25% capacity for the games this year. As in past years iHeart Media will broadcast home games for both the Charlotte and Port Charlotte High Schools. These will be broadcast live on multiple stations this year, WKII 1070am, WCCF 1580am & FM 100.9 and on the iHeart Ap – with the ability to listen nationwide!. Call Teresa Desguin at 941-815-0324 or email teresadesguin@iheartmedia.com for more details on how your business can not only support our Local Teams, but be part of the most listened to local High School Football game broadcast!
Centennial Bank (Silver) – August Circular
Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver) – Free Investment Planning Webinar TODAY 10am-11am
Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – Our shop is open to the public by appointment only. Check out our current Hunter Douglas Promotion, The Smart Shades Rebate Savings Event, that is going on now through September 7, 2020. Call us to learn more on how you can save on qualifying Hunter Douglas Products. We have 2 convenient locations to serve you. 941-637-0015 (Punta Gorda)/941-828-0000 (Englewood.) http://www.mycreativewindow.com
Paradise Golf (Silver) – The new Paradise Golf Course 2021 Social Golf Membership
The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad (Silver) – Check out our newly updated website www.thepurplehousesalon.com . August Chamber Member promotion – 20% Off Any Chemical Service (New Clients Only). Buy 1 Get 1 Half All Professional Hair Care Product. Shawn Gilstad, 941.830.4746 – Cell, 941.205.8603 – Salon
One Source Accounting & Tax (Bronze) – Working Remotely and taxes.
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Save the Date: Comedy for a Cause Virtual Auction
Key West Express (Bronze) – Are you getting stir crazy, yet?
Hessler Floor Covering (Support) – Reliable Products Despite an Unreliable Time
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – Cindy and Stan Grigiski welcome chamber members to get the nails on fingers and toes perfectly polished and relax with an essential oil pedicure. Our summer essential oil is vanilla. All chamber members will receive 15% off services totalling $30 or more. Cannot be combined with other discount. Mention that you are a Chamber member when booking. Book by calling 941-889-8388 or online at PuntaGordaNails.com.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Blood Drive on August 31. Virtual Classes Schedule.
Visual Arts Center (Support) – Join us for the Live Virtual Open House Sept 9-11 at facebook.com/VACPuntaGorda. Open Studios & Zoom Online classes begin Sept 14. Onsite classes will begin Oct 8. To view a Class Schedule and Register visit www.VisualArtCenter.org. Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery, Art Supply Store & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 10-2. Events, Classes, Memberships, Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org
Member Information
Copperfish Books – Independent Bookstore Day THIS SATURDAY. Open Mon – Sat 10 am – 4 pm. Shop safely in-person by private appointment, or, if we have space available, you can come in to shop! We allow up to 4 shoppers in the store at one time. Face masks are required. You can also shop online at www.copperfishbooks.com. We offer contact-free pickup, free local delivery, and shipping services. (941) 205-2560.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – THIS SATURDAY – Hotdog Days of Summer August 29.
Gulfshore Opera – Special Announcement. On the GO:Style & Song
Phoenician Treatment Spa – Reopening!
Animal Welfare League – Seeing Stray Cats in Charlotte County?
Village Fish Market – The Village Fish Market is proud to announce that breakfast is now being served daily from 8am to 12pm. For an extra special Chamber discount join us Monday to Friday until September 4th and enjoy Sue’s Special Discount of Buy One Get One, of equal or lesser value, 50% off. Not to be combined with any other offer.
John Bothwell P.A., eXp Realty – 4 Steps to Choosing the Right Bid
Promotional Marketing Online – 2021 Florida Wall Calendars on Sale https://www.promotionalmarketingonline.com/p/XPYDM-SNJPW/florida-calendar
Promote your business with Set of 2 Vehicle Magnets https://www.promotionalmarketingonline.com/p/DAZKF-XZHSS/set-of-2-vehicle-magnets—12×18
Contact Karen Reed, 941.347.8564
www.promotionalmarketingonline.com
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Panini’s coming soon! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and comment on our posts to help decide what mouthwatering flavors we will be serving in the nest couple of weeks.
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – We love to discover hidden gems and share them. Our latest found treasures are the Hopler Pannonica White (Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc) and Hopler Pannocia Red (Blaufrankish, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir). A brilliantly blended cuvée of extraordinary quality – shimmering with the clarity of their unique climate and soil. Pannonica is the perfect companion for relaxing and unwinding for the connoisseur as much as for the novice. Curbside pick-up available! -941-505-0479.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Drug Free Punta Gorda – Virtual Coalition Meeting September 15
Military Heritage Museum – New Events
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – CARES Funding Assistance.
C.A.R.E. – Back to School Donations for Survivor Families
The Homeless Coalition – Results of Charlotte Idol 8.
USA Dance #6126 – Come back and Dance! September Calendar.
Fishermen’s Village – August Calendar of Events. September Calendar of Events.
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – COVID-19 has served as a reminder that we never know what life may bring us and why we need to be prepared when the unexpected happens. If you have been thinking about an estate plan and would like to sit down for a complimentary consultation, please contact Mark Martella, Esq. with ICARD MERRILL. He will explain the BIG SIX documents everyone needs, five of which you may need to use while you are alive. Please call 941-206-3700 to schedule a confidential complimentary consultation.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Save up to 30% on your pet’s food!
Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – Special Announcement
The Yoga Sanctuary – All That’s Happening at the Yoga Sanctuary.
Buffalo Graffix – Show me a Sign!
Charlotte Community Foundation – Engaging opportunity for Charlotte County Non-Profits
Connect Print & Promotions – YOUR source for events & promotional gift ? swag, branded apparel & commercial printing — website www.connectpromo.net or contact us for a personal recommendation tailored specifically for your business & branding: office phone (888) 978-3437 email: kim@connectpromo.net … it’s ALWAYS about the people ??? #fortheloveofprinting
Rick’s Estate & Jewelry – Gold and Silver prices are rising quickly and Rick’s is aggressively buying these metals in all forms including jewelry, coins, and watches. We have a large selection of gold and silver coins for those looking to invest in these metals as well. Rick’s is also buying/selling diamonds of all sizes and shapes. We are open during our normal hours of M-F 10-5.
Twin Isles Country Club – Join Now for a low Introductory Rate for Golf & Tennis
Vision Quest Leadership – Upcoming Event, When Life Gives You Lemons…September 23
Cocoa Exchange – Did someone say cookies?
Sea Grape Gallery – is excited to finally be opening after this pandemic forced us to close for several months. We will be open 3 days a week (Thursday-Saturday). Our hours will be 11:00-5:00 each day. Check it out!
Sincerely,
John Wright, President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
Every effort has been made to accommodate guests of all abilities. The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for the presentation, format or accessibility of customer submitted documents, images and links. For assistance with this document, please email hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
