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Friday Facts for March 6, 2020

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 ½ 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, events or simply to get your name out on air.

Your Chamber Staff,

John, Hazel, Carole, Stephanie & Janet


Useful Information From Visit Florida Regarding Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
Please CLICK HERE for the latest update

Sponsorship Opportunities – Downtown Bash

Plans are being finalized for the downtown bash scheduled for May 23, 2020 .  ??? The event runs from 4 pm to 9 pm.  Tropical Ave will provide music from 5 pm to 9 pm ? Music, Food Trucks, and Beverages will be on Taylor Street in front of the historic courthouse. This is always a great event and many will be in attendance.

Sponsorship Opportunities:
“Shout outs” from the stage for each sponsor level.
$250– name on the banner, 2 “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands, shout outs from the stage
$500 with name on the banner and flyers plus stage recognition, 4 “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands, shout outs from the stage
$1000 you get your full logo on all event publicity as well as everything at the $500 level, 6 “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands

  Don’t delay please let me know if you are “IN” so we can add your information to the marketing. Della Booth – djbooth@time-realty.com

Deadline: 4/10/20 12 noon


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 14 & 15: Sullivan Street Craft Fair 10am-5pm. Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda.

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 Punta Gorda Chamber (in advance or 5-7pm 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 round.

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.


Partners in Action News

Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum) – Click Here for March Events.

Saturday Farmers’ Market (Gold) – Click Here to see their March Newsletter

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.

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 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.

March 27, 2020: In Honor of Victor Desguin, to celebrate his service to the community and his 94th Birthday. Meet in front of 413 Desguin Lane, Punta Gorda (formerly W Grace Street) at 4:30pm.

April 3, 2020: Gator Mikes, 35 NE Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral 4 pm


Fact of the Day

Elmo In Congress. On April 23, 2002, Sesame Street character Elmo became the first non-human to testify before Congress. He was there to defend funding for music programs in schools.


Events for Week of March 6 – March 16

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
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 Theater Shell Factory – Presents Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Feb 11-Mar8. Click Here for details.

The Yoga Sanctuary
Introduction to Yoga Series, Mondays, thru 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.

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.

Guardian ad Litem Foundation. A limited number of tickets remain for the Voices of Hope Gala, an inaugural fundraising event on March 28 that will support Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit. Tickets are available for $175 each or $1,750 for a table of 10.The Voices of Hope Gala starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd. in Estero. Guardian ad Litem Foundation also is seeking donations for auction packages, including gift certificates, experiences and other items. For more information about the Voices of Hope Gala or to purchase tickets, please visit VoicesForKids.org/event/Voices-of-Hope or call 239-533-1435.


Member Information

Click Here for General Info Flyers


Escape Rooms Unlocked – We would like to put out a call for business partners for the “Scaven-tour” that we are organizing for April 10th and 11th (the weekend before Easter). We are looking to partner with 3 to 5 different businesses within walking distance of downtown or Fishermen’s Village that would be open on the 10th and 11th until evening (at least 7PM) and would want to have teams of people from the area visit their business to collect “Easter Eggs”. From a high level, we are planning an adventure around the city of Punta Gorda. On Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th, teams of individuals (ideally 4 to 6 per team) will solve puzzles and mysteries around Punta Gorda, collecting Easter Eggs from each of our partner businesses in the process. Teams that collect all the Easter Eggs will be entered into a drawing for prizes. We would ask that each of our business partners donate one item for the grand prize gift basket. The intention is for a low cost ($20 to $40 per team) form of fun and entertainment that showcases not only the beauty of Punta Gorda, but also gives great exposure to some of our Chamber members. Businesses that are interested in partnering in this 1st annual Scaven-Tour will need to contact either Scott or Lisa Gregory by Saturday March 14th. The phone number is 941-295-6880 or contact@escaperoomsunlocked.com

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.

Kays, Ponger & UseltonClick Here for details of their invitation to a complimentary Wine & Cheese Reception. Stop by and support our local arts and humanities and meet our local artist of the month. April 2, 2020, 5pm-7pm at 635 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda.

TEAM Punta Gorda (Volunteers for a Better Community) – Join us for a day or more as we build out newest Habitat Home beginning March 10. We’re looking for volunteers for the upcoming TEAM BUILDS! construction project at 402 E. Helen Avenue in Punta Gorda. No experience necessary. Participate for a day or multiple days as we frame, finish and paint a new home for a needy family. Contact 941 637 TEAM (8326) or TEAM@teampuntagorda.org to Sign Up.

The Homeless Coalition – Register today for The 5th Annual Dart Cup Challenge sponsored by the PGI Cruising Club! The Dart Cup Challenge will be held on Thursday, March 19th at 6:00 PM. at the Ice House Pub located at 408 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda. Teams of 4 are $5 per person. There will be a chance auction and a 50/50 raffle at the event. All proceeds benefit the programs and services at The Homeless Coalition. For additional information contact and/or to register please email Larry at PGILarry@centurylink.net.

Lifelong Learning Institute – March 17, 2020 10:00 am – noon, “Marbled Paper: A Riot of Color” with Steve Pittelkow.
Lifelong Learning Institute presents an internationally respected artist who will discuss the history and uses of marbled paper and will demonstrate the technique used to create these spectacular works of art. Room D-108, Florida Southwestern State College, 26300 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda. Cost, $15 for LLI Members, $25 for non-members. To register or for more information, www.lifelonglearning-charlotte.org or call 941-637-3533.

Fishermen’s Village – Showcase your product/service at the many signature special events hosted at Fishermen’s Village! Thousands attend our events each month!
Send an email with your inquiry to Kathy Burnam, mkting@fishville.com 8th Annual Key Lime and Tropical Fest is just around the corner on Saturday, May 9th! Now accepting vendor registration, especially those relating to this theme!  March calendar – Click Here.

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. Click Here for more details.

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.

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 – is having their annual Spring Madness Courtyard Sale on March 13 & 14, from 10:00a.m. until 4:00p.m. The artists invite the public to come and take advantage of the greatly reduced prices on art that the artists themselves love but must part with, in order to make room for new art coming into the Gallery. Come meet the artists and find great values on all types of unique original art including paintings, jewelry, pottery, basketry, photography, glass, and so much more. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. For more information on Sea Grape’s Spring Madness Courtyard Sale, call the Gallery at 941-575-1718. The artwork of all Sea Grape Gallery artists can be viewed at www.seagrapegallery.com.

FRANTZ Eye Care Botox special. Click here for all info.

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!!

Kitson & Partners, developer of Babcock Ranch, has announced that Publix will anchor Crescent B Commons, an 82,540-square-foot shopping center under construction at a new entrance to Babcock Ranch being constructed about one mile south of the existing entrance on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. The estimated opening date for Crescent B Commons is first quarter 2021.


Community News

Florida International Air Show – Oct 24 & 25, 2020. Click Here for exciting 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.


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.


Thought for the Week

Helen Keller – Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.


Member Newsletters

Click Name of Business for their latest news

ARCHway Institute

Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller 

Charlotte Players

Chelsea Place, Senior Care Conference

Copperfish Books

Drug Free Punta Gorda

FGCU Renaissance Academy – Fort Myers

Gulf Shore Opera

Key West Express

Military Heritage Museum

Paradise Golf

Soul Dance Temple

Stonecrab Cronicle

Suncoast Country Oprey

Visual Arts Center

Yoga Sanctuary


Joke of the Week

like to speak with Max, please.” The homeowner reluctantly replies, “I suppose that would be possible, but it seems rather strange.” The telemarketer responds, “Why would that be?” The homeowner answers, “This is the first time we’ve ever had a call for the dog.”


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.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Animal Welfare League

Calenda Real Estate Group

Centennial Bank

Chapman Insurance Group

Charlotte Players

Denise Henry,

ReMax Anchor Realty

Farr Law Firm 

Florida Premier Contractors

Granny Nannies

Gulfshore Opera

Hoff’s Air Authority

PicklePlex of Punta Gorda

State Farm Insurance Agency – Mike Martin

Superior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross & Young, PA

 

Support Partners