Dear Chamber Member,
Here are your Friday Facts – there’s a lot to read this week as it is the beginning of a new month! Please support your fellow Chamber Members. Enjoy reading them and have a great Friday and an even better weekend. 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.
PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for April 2020! Every month, your Punta Gorda Chamber teams up with local iHeart Media DJ – Bob Alexander to focus on Chamber members and what they are up to. For only $105, you get to pre-record 2 x 2-1/2 minute slots (which can be the same or different) which will be inserted into Bob’s show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. This is one of the largest local radio audiences available to us. You don’t even have to go to the studio any more. Bob will call you to record your message(s)! If you are interested, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com to get you on your way. Ideal for business promotions, event or simply to get your name out on air.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Pat, Carole, Hazel, Stephanie & Janet
Chamber Calendar of Events
Please remember to RSVP to (941) 639 3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
March 11: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am-8:30am
Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at St. Andrews South Golf Course, 1901 Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda for Business Over Breakfast! Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720
March 14: City Wide Garage Sale 8am-12 Noon Comfort Storage 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
$15.00 per entrant. You get two parking spots one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide) – Set up 7:15am. Please contact Punta Gorda Chamber at 639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com NON REFUNDABLE, NON TRANSFERABLE. SALE HELD RAIN OR SHINE. NO RAIN DATES.
March 17: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Cayo Costa Dental, 316 W. Helen Ave., Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
March 19: Third Thursday Wine Walk 5-8 pm
In Downtown Punta Gorda. Art-Music-Live Demonstrations-Shopping & Food! What better way to spend an evening out with old friends while you take the time to make new ones. Wine Walk works by donating $10 at the PG Chamber ( in advance or on the night) to get a wristband and passport that entitles you to a walking wine tasting – a map of all retail participants will accompany your wristband. Each location will have two different wine varietals to taste! Wristbands can also be purchased at Hipnotique on the day of the event. Not a wine drinker, you can still come and enjoy the atmosphere and shop, dine and stroll around.
March 25: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm.
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, 4400 Lister St, Port Charlotte. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid or $20.00 at the door. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.
Upcoming Chamber Events
(organized or run by your Chamber)
Walking Tour of Punta Gorda Murals – weekly thru April 7, 2020. Click Here for details.
Discover Punta Gorda Trolley & Boat Tour – weekly thru May 8, 2020. Click Here for details.
City Wide Garage Sale – March 14, 2020. Click Here for Application.
Sullivan Street Craft Fair – March 14 & 15, 2020. Click Here for details. Volunteers needed to assist at Chamber Booth.
Pirates in Paradise – April 18, 2020. Click Here for details.
Lairds Golf Challenge – April 25, 2020. Click Here for details and Application.
New Members
Mission Statement
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Secure Shredding, Inc
Timothy Jenkins
921 SE 13th Place,
Cape Coral, FL 33990
239-541-1624
info@floridashredding.com
www.floridashredding.com
Document Shredding
Sponsored by John Wright
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.
Partners in Action News
Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum) Click Here for March Events.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)
Feb. 28-Cape Cod Smitty (solo artist) at T.T.’s Tiki Bar from 3:00-6:00 PM. Storm Warning Band at T.T.’s Tiki Bar from 7:00-6:00 PM. Lobster Pot Friday’s at Dockside Grill from 4:00-10:00 PM. Happy hour from 4:00-7:00 PM. For reservations please call 941.673.6770 ext 141.
Feb 29-Comedy in the Library! For reservations, please email degame@att.net or call 305.343.2930.
Mar 3-Jimi Papas (solo artist) at T.T.’s Tiki Bar at 6:00 PM.
Mar 4-Prime Rib Wedensdays in Dockside Grill from 4:00-10:00 PM. For reservations, please call 941.637.6770 ext. 141.
Mar 6– Karibbean Grove band at T.T.’s Tiki Bar from 6:00-10:00 PM.
Saturday Farmers’ Market (Gold) Click Here to see their February Newsletter
Wyvern Hotel (Gold)
Join us Monday March 2nd at 6:30 pm for the “Passing of the Brushes” at the Wyvern Hotel. We will celebrate a NEW art installation with light appetizers and a toast to the new artists on display. Lori Potts will be featured in the Wyvern lobby as part of her debut as our emerging artist at the Peace River National Art Festival. Kaytee Esser will be featured at the 360 bar. We will also feature several Plein Air artists with paintings made from the rooftop of the Wyvern. See you there!
Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)
Free Estate, Investment Planning Seminars. Click Here.
Bank Supports Food for the Troops Drive. Receiving a care package can be a real morale booster for those serving in the military. Englewood Bank & Trust is once again serving as a collection point for the Rotary Club of Englewood’s Food for the Troops drive. For drop off places and list of needed items Click Here.
Paradise Golf (Silver) Click Here for details.
Charlotte Players (Bronze) Charlotte Players- Let’s Hang On! is a group of 10 seasoned entertainers who will take you on a musical journey through the career of one of the most successful bands of all time “Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons”. Respectfully paying tribute to all the classic “Seasons” details, Let’s Hand On! Also pays tribute to the Broadway show, The Jersey Boys. Located at The Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita Street in Punta Gorda. Preferred Seating tickets are $49 and Regular Seating tickets are $44. For more information or to buy tickets for this show on March 5 at 7:30p, call The Charlotte Players Box Office at (941) 255-1022 or online at www.charlotteplayers.org.
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support)
Announcing the change of name to Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique. Click Here for details of Chamber Member Discount during March.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support)
The PGICA has a job opportunity. Click Here for details of the position.
Sunday, March 8 at 2.30pm. Always a joy to have Ireland’s Piano Man here to entertain us with his songs and his wit. In addition to his highly entertaining show, each year, Cahal leads our local Choir Play singers in original arrangements. This year’s program includes music by the Everly Brothers, Rod Stewart, Guns and Roses plus original compositions and old favorites. Cahal is a composer, concert pianist, storyteller and comedian who always satisfies his audience with his musicianship and trademark sense of humor. His repertoire spans traditional Irish songs, Broadway, Pop and Country. He is also a published author and runs a summer tour of his native Ireland every year. Concert will be at PGICA, 2001 Shreve Street. Public is welcome. $20. Tickets may be purchased at the PGICA office, online at www.PGICA.org or by calling 941-637-1655
Visual Arts Center (Support)
Workshops: Unless otherwise noted workshops are held at the Visual Arts Center Click Here to Register for all events. The Visual Arts Center is located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 9-4 & Sat, 10-2. Calendar of Events, Classes, Memberships and Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org or call 941.639.8810.
Pine Needle Baskets Workshop with Kathryn Erickson
3/28 from 10am-2pm Cost: $100 ($90 VAC members). If you can sew, you can learn how to form pine needles into a piece of art. Learn to coil pine needles and finish basket on your own. Nothing but patience is needed!
Ribbon Cuttings
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.
March 2, 2020: Fresh Power Smoothies & Sandwiches, 205 Wood Street, Punta Gorda
March 5, 2020: Pedelec SQB, LLC, 1205 Elizabeth Street, Unit B, Punta Gorda
March 11, 2020: Pedal Punta Gorda, Laishley Park South Pavilion, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 pm
March 18, 2020: Harbor Home Builders LLC, 411 Cross Street, Unit 111, Punta Gorda
March 19, 2020: Dream Salon & Spa, 117 Herald Court, Unit 115, Punta Gorda
March 26, 2020: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.
April 3, 2020: Gator Mikes, 35 NE Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral 4 pm
Fact of the Day
Hairy Like A Human
While it may appear that a chimpanzee is hairier than a human, that is not the case. On average, humans and chimpanzees share the same number of hair follicles. Chimps appear hairier as their hairs remain thick and long.
Events for Week of February 28 – March 9
Remember to click these links to see events that are coming up
Click This Link for Events Coming in March
Click this link for Future Events
The Orange House Wine Bar
320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 941-505-8233
We are now open for breakfast and lunch!
Tuesday-Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
Fri. Feburary 28: 7pm-10pm Spend this Friday night at the Orange House with our very own Rory, Tony, Richie and The Orange House Band!
Sat. February 29: 7pm-10pm Happy Leap Year! Spend your extra day in February at The Orange House listening to the musical sensations of the Bob Page Trio. You only get changes like this every 4 years, so don’t miss it! Call to reserve your spot!
Punta Gorda Diner – Grand Opening Specials thru Mar 8th with coupon (one per person) which are available at Chamber office. 3941 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 or (941) 205 8966.
Players Circle at the Theatre Shell Factory – Presents Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Feb 11-Mar8. Click Here for details.
The Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation The Punta Gorda Rotary Club hosts its 13th Annual Taste of Punta Gorda and Beyond at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda from 11 AM – 5 PM on Sunday, March 1st. The Presenting Sponsor is Publix Super Markets, with major sponsors Ingman Marine and Suncoast Credit Union. The Taste features 35 restaurants from Punta Gorda and nearby communities serving “tastes” of signature dishes. 80+ arts, crafts, and nonprofit vendors, a “don’t miss” Silent Auction, a Fun Kids’ Zone, and music all day with the Charlotte HS Jazz Band, Tiki Tom & AJ, and the BoogieMen. Advance tickets available at https://TasteofPuntaGorda.org.
The Yoga Sanctuary
Introduction to Yoga Series, Mondays, February 10- March 16, 5.30-6.45pm, $108, 112 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda. No flexibility required; all ages and body types welcome! This six-week series, limited to eight students, will walk you through the basics of yoga. Each student will receive a copy of Yoga Fan: Practice Guide for Everyday as well as guidance and support in how to continue one’s practice after the completion of the series. Due to the small class size, which allows for individualized attention, pre-registration is required.
Community Acupuncture Clinic, Saturday February 22,
12 – 2pm, Sliding Scale $25 – $50.
We’re so glad to be welcoming back Rebecca Moore from Points for Health Community Acupuncture! Acupuncture is a form of medicine in which needles are inserted into the body at various locations to create a change. Community acupuncture is when acupuncture is performed in a group setting with a number of people in the same room, creating a sense of community as we gather, in a quiet space. For more information please visit theyogasanctuary.biz or call 941.505.YOGA (9642).
USA Dance #6126 – Rendez-Vous Dance Party, Sunday March 8 at 2:30 PM Dance Lesson, 3:30-5:30 PM Dance Party
Location: Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda
Fees: $15 Non-members $12 USA Dance Members. This is open to the public. Includes refreshments & snacks.
Contact: 330-501-2366 (Laura) 614-439-8545 (Robin)
Email: usadance6126@gmail.com. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #6126 Charlotte Harbor.
Member Information
Click Here for General Info Flyers
FGCU – Celebrating Black History Month Click Here for all details.
The Charlotte County-Punta Gorda-Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will be holding a series of Community Outreach Workshop Events to solicit public opinion, ideas, and comments. Click Here for more details and event schedule.
Punta Gorda Symphony Click Here for details of the Dvorak New World Symphony and Fuchs Piano Concerto! The Punta Gorda Symphony Friend is holding its fifth monthly “Composers Luncheon” of this concert season on Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. The luncheon will be held at the Punta Gorda Woman’s Club, 118 Sullivan Street, and is open to the public. Guests are welcome. Pre-register by calling the PGSymphony Office at 941-205-5996 by noon on Tuesday, March 3rd.
WENG – We will be holding a “Listener & Advertiser Appreciation” event at the Military Heritage Museum on March 20th to celebrate our new 98.1 frequency.
Charlotte Technical College – Spring Job Fair on April 8 at 11am-2.30pm. Click Here for more details.
Are you looking for somewhere to volunteer? C.A.R.E. (The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergences) helps victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and violent crimes. We have outreach and awareness, answering the phones, hospital response team and two Re-Use stores. Looking for compassionate, listening and caring individuals. For more information, please contact Julie Dennis at 941-639-5499 or julie.dennis@carefl.org, or go to carefl.org/volunteer for more information.
Valerie’s House Launches Grief Support Program for Young Adults – Podcast Aims to Reach Those Grieving in the Shadows. Valerie’s House’s “Grieve Love Heal” Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Google. Valerie’s House, the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission to help children grieve the loss of a loved one, is now helping thousands more people struggling with grief through its monthly podcast, “Grieve Love Heal.” The Valerie’s House podcast is now listed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Listeners can subscribe and receive alerts on their devices when Valerie’s House posts a new episode each month.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grieve-love-heal/id1497602393
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3GFLfSHmNxDMHsOpAY5poJ
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2SEvtcD
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill
We all recently experienced what happens when someone passes suddenly and unexpectedly. Each day is a gift, and we can never predict what the future holds. Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.
Copperfish Books Click Here for their best new books this month.
The Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda meets the first three Thursdays of each month, 11:45, Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, PG. If you’re interested in giving back to your community and helping children, check us out. Folks can also visit us on Facebook.
Sea Grape Artists Gallery during the month of March are showcasing the artworks of both Eileen Amster, oil and acrylic artist, and Kathryn Erickson, pine needle artist. Eileen attended Pratt Institute majoring in Fine Arts and Painting. Her art has been exhibited in several galleries in lower Manhattan and she has been recognized as an “Accomplished Contemporary Artist”, registered with the National Registry of American Artist in D.C. Eileen works primarily in oils and acrylics. Kathryn Erickson always admired and collected art. However, spending years in the teaching profession in New York, Michigan and Florida did not allow her time to pursue creating art herself. Once retired, she attended an art show where she took an interest in a pine needle demonstration. She then took lessons and realized that this was an art form that she wanted to pursue. Both Eileen and Kathryn will be available at the Gallery during March’s “Wine Walk” to describe their art and the creative processes they use to produce their wonderful artwork. Eileen’s and Kathryn’s art can also be viewed on Sea Grape’s website at www.seagrapegallery.com. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. The Gallery is always open until 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month for “Wine Walk”. To learn more about Sea Grape’s Guest Artist Program call 941-575-1718.
Frantz Eye Care Botox special. Click here for all info.
Howard Spielman – Artist. As a result of a Charlotte Arts showcase my work is now displayed in the lobby of the administration building in Port Charlotte for February. In conjunction with that display, I had a video interview with C.C. T.V. which was aired locally January 16. Click Here for the interview. I also belong to The COCO Art Gallery at Coconut Point. Spotlight Magazine saw my work at the gallery and interviewed me at my home studio with a featured article about me and my work including the cover of the magazine to be published in the next few weeks.
United Way of Charlotte County has done presentations to over 1500 people here in Charlotte County during the last few months. Won’t you help us make it to our 2000 person goal of sharing the good work being done? We are mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty through individuals sharing their time, talents & treasures and getting businesses engaged. Local lives are being transformed. Please call our office (941) 627-3539 to schedule a 5-25 minute presentation for your group or business.
HipNotique!
“Business & Professional Women of Charlotte County is excited to partner with Hipnotique Boutique for their biggest fundraiser of the year. The money raised is given in scholarships to young women in Charlotte County who are looking to further their education but need financial assistance. Tickets available at HipNotique ($35 cash only). Just wait till you see the line-up of models!”
Gator Mike’s
Gator Mike’s is sponsoring a Gator Fest 2020, on March 6th, Featuring the band Buckcherry. There are sponsorship opportunities available. Click Here to see all of the info. Click Here to see Latitude 78 flyer.
The BEAN on 41 invites all members to stop by and pay a visit to the newly transformed coffee shop in Towles Plaza. The BEAN recently made headlines when disclosing its support for President Donald Trump, and the shop is open to all. Fresh pastries baked daily, great lunch specials, and good company with other deplorables. www.thebeanon41.com . 239.314.6808
Senior Friendship Center
Many businesses in our community have been sponsors of Senior Friendship Centers’ birthday club. Thanks to these gracious sponsors, our birthday celebrations have truly been special events for our senior clients and have also provided them with valuable resources and information. Sponsorship of a monthly birthday celebration at our Harbour Heights location involves providing treats for approximately 20 guests and a 15 minute presentation of your business, services, or any topic of interest relevant to seniors age 60+.
If you would like to become a sponsor in 2020 or know of a business that might be interested, please contact Jeanne DeLauro at 941-255-0723 or email jdelauro@friendshipcenters.org. Many and heartfelt thanks!!
Community News
Speaking of radio shows…..
From Dave Krieger, DK Consultants of Florida LLC
To all Chamber members – please know this is available. Because we’re non-profit, community radio-oriented (my show has 15,000+ internet radio IP addresses logging into KDWRadio.com), we’re not able to be an infomercial; however, the benefits of demonstrating expertise in a given field is welcome. Our show airs Fridays at 6 pm Eastern and repeats Mondays at 2 pm Eastern on both the internet and on 97.5 FM. We have an application pending to put a repeater in Punta Gorda to get our signal out there more (FCC approval needed, so we are waiting). Still, you can hear us worldwide on the internet and also in parts of Punta Gorda, most of Port Charlotte, all of North Port and some of Venice. We are also the area’s EAS emergency network.
Thought for the Week
Ella Fitzgerald
Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.
Member Newsletters
Click Name of Business for their latest news
Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller
Chelsea Place, Senior Care Conference
FGCU Renaissance Academy – Fort Myers
Joke of the Week
Two students were talking about their childhood. “I was a very clever toddler. By the time I was ten months old, I could already walk.” “You call that clever?” the other said. “I managed to trick my parents into carrying me until I was three!”
Applause
Babcock National Golf Course opens at Babcock Ranch
“We’re thrilled to officially announce the opening of the golf course at Babcock National. Award-winning architect Gordon Lewis designed this championship course around the natural beauty of the land, and its unique offering is aligned perfectly with Babcock Ranch,” said Lennar Director of Operations for Southwest Florida, David Meyers.
Boasting a stunning location on Lake Babcock north of Founder’s Square, the par-72 semi-private course will complement Babcock National’s world-class amenities center, including a resort-style pool and spa with a nearby chickee bar; a clubhouse with fine and casual dining and a golf pro shop; a tennis center and pro shop; pickleball and bocce ball courts; and a sports club with a fitness center, yoga and aerobics room, saunas, treatment rooms and a full-service salon. Babcock National will feature 18 of Lennar’s most popular home designs offering 1,120 to 3,473 square feet of living space. A mix of multi-family and single-family homes, including condominiums, luxury coach homes, executive homes and estate-style designs, will incorporate innovative design details and Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® program that provides customers with a high level of standard features already included in the home price. Homes at Babcock National start from the upper $100,000s. For more information about Southwest Florida’s new hometown, located just northeast of Fort Myers off Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, visit the Woodlea Hall Discovery Center at 42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch, call 877-709-6620, or visit www.BabcockRanch.com.
Job Opportunities
As the economy here in Southwest Florida remains strong, more businesses every day are using radio to compete. As a result, we have a huge need for sales account executives at both WENG and WFLN. No radio experience needed, but sales experience preferred. High energy, good people and organization skills, a smile, plus a desire for success working in a fun environment are all that are necessary. You know our stations for their excellence in delivering the very best in community broadcasting. We bring you local information, national and local news, 24 hour weather, Tampa Bay Rays and Lightning and high school sports, as well as compelling national syndicated programming. Join our radio sales team now – Call Bill Fleming, Sales Manager at 941-474-3231 for details.
WENG, WFLN and Fiorini Broadcasting are equal opportunity employers.
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 websites.
