Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Here are your Friday Facts
For Our Community and All Our Members.
From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on September 7, 2021.
For Our Members Only
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR OCTOBER 2021. We are very pleased to announce that our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM has returned 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 programming 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 show, 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 and All Our Members
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – . The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office would like to alert our local business community to the rise in recent catalytic converter thefts. If possible, please email Trista.zimmerman@ccso.org and let us know if your business has any Isuzu, large Ford models or box trucks that are kept on location at your business. This information will be sent to our Intelligence unit for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please give me a call at 941-613-3227. If you find your catalytic converter was stolen, please remind employees not to touch anything and call the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 941-639-0013 for deputies to respond.
City of Punta Gorda Police Department – Think before you drink! Take a look at these Florida and Punta Gorda DUI related statistics.
From Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Controller, Charlotte County: Need a passport? If your future travel plans require a passport, make sure you allow plenty of time to complete the application process. The U.S. Department of State recently warned that mail delays are significantly impacting processing times for passport applications. Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day you submit your application. Expedited service can take up to 12 weeks.
Let us help you plan ahead and avoid delays which may affect your trip! On Saturday, September 18th, we are holding a passport event to help families juggling hectic work and school schedules by providing extended office hours for processing passport applications. We will process your passport photo FREE OF CHARGE, and waive our $16.05 fee on this day only. Click HERE for more information.
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Where’s John Now?
Take a Tour of a Local Business and Chamber Member with John. CLICK HERE to find out where he visited this week.
This video will be shared here in Friday Facts, on our Chamber website, and on our Chamber Social Media pages. If you would like to have a visit from John please contact Tara Zajas at tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call the office (941) 639-3720 to schedule a date. [/box]
A Night Of Swing!
Make A Difference…While Having Fun!
Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox
MUSIC TO RAISE THE ROOF!
**Benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program**
Saturday, October 16th at Gulf Theater at The Military Heritage Museum
Doors open at 6pm – Music at 7pm
Intermission by Punta Gorda’s own Calendar Girls
?!?Have you reserved your seats yet?!?
Tickets and more details can be found HERE!
Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY
Networking Events – September 2021
September 14: Business After Hours 5:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Illusions Salon & Spa located at 115 Taylor St. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
September 22: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at the Captain’s Table located in Fisherman’s Village. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Menu: Pasta bar with grilled chicken strips to accompany if desired. Served with side salad. NOTE: Cancellations not accepted after 3pm on Friday before event. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex
ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR CHAMBER LUNCHEONS ARE ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE
October 13: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center for Business over Breakfast! The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is located at 10941 Burnt Store Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
All the Following Information is for Our Community.
Please Support Our Local Businesses!
Partners in Action News
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Lobster Pots are back! Please join us on Fridays at the Dockside Grill located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside. We offer the full lobster with all the trimmings for only $21.95. Come back on Saturday for our Prime Rib special that you won’t want to miss! After dinner, head on down to the tiki and dance the night away to Not Guilty on Friday and the Nightbreakers on Saturday. The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Hello September! We are quickly moving into fall and the real estate market is still moving quickly. 116 new listings, 202 pending (new contracts), 230 sold (new closings). This is the 7 day rolling stat for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port. Want to know more? Call me, let’s have coffee and talk. Della Booth, Broker 239-699-4493
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to Noon.
Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – is your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. We offer all types of custom window treatments for any business or commercial setting with 2 locations to serve you. Call for your FREE In-Home consultation! 941-637-0015 / 941-828-0000
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Meet the Cast of the 9th Annual Comedy for a Cause! “Comedy for a Cause” has changed the Performance Date to Friday October 15th, 2021 6pm.
Military Heritage Museum (Bronze In Kind)
September 30th: 2021 Distinguished Civilian Award Dinner Featuring Flavors of Punta Gorda
November 13th: Salute to Veterans Golf Scramble at St. Andrew’s South Golf Club
New happenings at the Military Heritage Museum and the Gulf Theater!
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know telephone service came to Punta Gorda in 1901?
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Butterfly Day! September 18th 9am – Noon Come out and enjoy a day dedicated to our beautiful winged pollinators! Fun for all ages including crafts, face painting, games, arts plant sales and a butterfly release. For more details, click HERE.
Member Information
Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House has two amazing fundraising events coming up. A Night of Swing!! Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program. This event will be on Saturday, October 16th at 6pm. Purchase tickets at www.militaryheritagemuseum.org Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique is selling bracelets for the month of September. The proceeds are going to Valerie’s House https://puntagordanails.com/
Rotary Club of Punta Gorda – Meetings are held at noon on Thursdays at the Isles Yacht Club, 1780 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Anyone who might be interested in joining Rotary, as well as Visiting and Snowbird Rotarians, are welcome. The Rotary Club of Punta Gorda promotes good fellowship and puts service to the community and to the world above self. It sponsors the annual Taste of Punta Gorda, the Healing Field of Honor, provides grants to and works with many local charitable organizations, and funds international humanitarian projects in Africa and Latin America. If you plan to join us for lunch, please call ahead to 941-875-3829. For more information visit https://www.puntagordarotary.org
The Grill at 1951 – Savory September! Happy Hour is here! Join us for 20% off drink and free
hors d’oeuvres with your beverage purchase. 3-5pm Monday – Saturday.
The Captain’s Table – October 5th & 6th – Fall Wine Dinner. Delicious Food. Amazing Wines & Great Company!
The Parrot Entertainment Magazine – Latest issue.
Drug Free Punta Gorda – Coalition Virtual Meeting Tuesday, September 14th 11:30 – 1pm. Click HERE for details.
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – Christmas Memories Concert, Monday November 29th. The Ditchfield Family Singers are back by popular demand!
Bayfront Health – Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda is looking for volunteers that are compassionate and caring and are willing to commit 4 hours per week for at least a 6 month time period with a minimum of 60 hours.
Our volunteers graciously donate their time and energy assisting our patients and staff. Depending on your interests and the needs of the facility, you may volunteer in areas that provide you with patient interaction, like the emergency room and information desk, or in areas like the business office, human resources and the education department. You will have the opportunity to volunteer at any of our facilities: Bayfront Health Port Charlotte or Bayfront Health Punta Gorda. Prospective volunteers are interviewed for placement, attend an orientation session and receive required training.
Apply online at https://www.bayfrontcharlotte.com/volunteer-opportunities. For more information please email heather.rozelle@bayfronthealth.com.
Epiphany Health – If you’ve considered joining, now is the time! For all Chamber members who call the office in September, we will honor our previous rate. Click HERE for details.
Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County – 12th Annual “Clubs For Kids” Golf Tournament Saturday, September 25th at St. Andres South Golf Club.
Copperfish Books – Join us for a very special event on Monday, October 25 when New York Times bestselling authors Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Patti Callahan will be in conversation with New York Times bestselling author Kristin Harmel! They will speak to us and and sign copies of their upcoming books at a brunch at F.M. Don’s restaurant in Punta Gorda. There will also be fun activities and prizes, and a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Friends of the Punta Gorda Library. We will have the entire restaurant, which not only makes it safer during these unusual times, but also adds to the fun! You won’t want to miss this literary extravaganza!
Punta Gorda Airport – New interactive map makes travel planning a snap!
The Punta Gorda History Center – Southern Supper 1920’s Style Saturday November 20th,5pm at Hurricane Charley’s.
The Yoga Sanctuary – 30 day Yoga Month Journey
Perfectly Polished – September 1-30 Fundraiser and awareness campaign for Valerie’s House. Buy a Bracelet! Also, see our large widow display designed by Valerie’s House.
Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County – Save the date! PetOberfest! October 2nd 11am – 3pm Grr and Prr Raffles winners drawn that day. No charge to enter. Food truck, face painting, tarot card reading and more!
Gregg’s Automotive Maintenance & Repair Center – From now through the end of September, take advantage of one of our Back to School specials below to ensure your vehicle is safe for your family, all while saving a little money to be used on, well, backpacks and school supplies.
Suncoast Humane Society – Welcoming Hurricane Ida Dogs and Cate. Learn how you can help.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Our New Frappe of the Month is our Haley Handcrafted Pumpkin Spice….YES, it’s that time of year again! This wonderful blended until creamy smooth refreshing beverage combines the sweetness of the homemade pumpkin sauce with the fresh spices blended into perfection to give everyone that smooth bold flavor we all have been waiting for.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Introducing our NEW FALL Seasonal Handcrafted Molded Chocolate Flavors! Including Caramel Macchiato, Blueberry Crumb, Caramel Pumpkin Spice, and more. These are seasonal so come and get some before they are gone! Come down and celebrate with us at our Wine and Beer Tastings every Saturday from 9:30AM to 3PM. You can call ahead and reserve your spot at 941-505-0479, walk-ins are always welcome as well.
Florida Gulf Coast University – Artificial Intelligence starts this Fall at FGCU! FGCU’s Innovative Education & Partnerships office teamed up with IBM Skills Academy to bring skills-oriented training to our students and communities focused on various technology backgrounds resulting in digital badges that showcase skills/competencies learned through the academy.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center – Check out CHEC! The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center has a new self-guided tour that is equipped with QR codes placed along the trails. Using a smartphone to scan, the QR codes lead to a website that is full of narrated information and pictures that guide visitors and point out the beautiful sites along the way. There are 14 QR codes to discover on the trail that will educate visitors about common plants and animals. This new program allows for an educational experience at the park any time of day!
Connect Print & Promotions – hashtag #connect ??? is YOUR source for logo branded Holiday gifts ? & Christmas?cards — due to unprecedented supply chain/inventory issues & expected delivery ? delays, if you are planning on purchasing custom printed Holiday products, the time⌚️is NOW! we encourage you to reach out today & not miss any deadlines — kim@connectpromo.net ? (888) 978-3437 ? www.connectpromo.net ?
C.A.R.E. – This year’s Goffers Who C.A.R.E. scramble will be held on September 25, 2021 at the beautiful Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Dr. Port Charlotte, FL 33953. Individual registration is $90.00, team registration is $360.00. Includes: green and cart fees, driving range, breakfast, lunch, 2 beverage tickets, goody bag, raffle entry, and more! For more information visit https://carefl.org/events/ or contact Jamie at (941) 639-5499. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, advertise your business at the hottest scramble of the year.
Punta Gorda Symphony – Punta Gorda Symphony Announces 21/22 Season! Punta Gorda Symphony returns to a glorious 70-musician orchestra for mainstage concerts, and Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti is programming for a lush and exciting return to the concert hall. This highly anticipated season offers a long-awaited return to normal concert operations, featuring six mainstage concerts, three outdoor chamber ensembles, renowned guest artists, and revered symphonic works that will be music to the ears of Southwest Floridians eager for live concert experiences inside and outside the concert hall.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Save in the Sun! $20 off orders of $150 or more or $10 off orders of $100 – $149.
Fisherman’s Village – September calendar of events.
SCORE – Are you looking for ways to give back and make an impact in our community? Local small business owners need your help now more than ever.
SCORE Southwest Florida depends on our volunteers to fulfill our mission. We are looking for volunteers with backgrounds and experiences as diverse as the small business owners we serve. If you’re interested and able to give back, we would love to have you! Click here to see more!
Small Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE Port Charlotte on a drop-in basis. Stop by the Charlotte County Economic Development building on Friday from 9 to noon. This Friday, Certified Mentors Greg Imig and Nils Weibulll will be available for a casual chat about your business and the challenges you are facing. SCORE is powered by the SBA and offers confidential one-on-one business mentoring at no cost. Stop by the City Hall Friday September 24th and visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.
Gulfshore Opera – Anthony Kearns in Concert January 21st at Daniels Pavilion, Artis-Naples.
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Business Partnership Issues-Personality Clash
by: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP
This is the hardest one on the list to repair. When 2 people just cannot get along, it takes a bit of work to get through the junk and out to a better place. Personality clashes require patience by all parties as we talk through the differences. Continue reading: https://covenant-business.com/?p=2600&preview=true Our client objectives include: INCREASING YOUR INCOME DECREASING YOUR TAXES IMPROVING YOUR NET WORTH Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!
Joyce Vein & Aesthetic Institute – Join us for Cocktails and Tapas at JVAI Aesthetics Bodysculpting Event! Thursday, September 23rd 4-7pm.
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – We’re looking for VOLUNTEERS for our construction sites and ReSale Stores. This is an amazing opportunity for you and your staff to get out into the community and give back and collaborate together with a team-building activity. See how more details HERE.
Englewood Beach Waterfest – September 18th Pirate Poker Run! Cash prizes, Costume Contest, Raffle, Live Music Food & Drink Specials. Online Registration HERE. For more information click HERE.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers school break camps for students aged six to 12 throughout the school year. These programs are designed to enhance children’s education in STEAM (science technology, engineering, art, and math), history and the natural world when school is closed. Camps are taught by the Edison Wild Wizards in the “living laboratory” at the Estates and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Edison Ford members receive discounted registration fees.
Punta Gorda Elks Lodge 2606 – November 6th Veterans Parade. For information or to register, contact Charles Moores 860-595-7482
Wreaths Across America – Nite Under the Museum! Thursday October 14th 7-10pm at the Military Heritage Museum
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – TENNIS TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER – ‘Tis the Season Vivante Tennis Tournament – Benefiting Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, will be held Friday to Sunday, November 19th- 21st, 2021, at the Vivante Tennis Center, Punta Gorda FL. The 3rd Annual Tournament will include 2 days of play for tennis player levels 6, 7, 8 & Open. The tournament kicks off on Friday night with a Sponsor/Player Party. SPONSORSHIPS with benefits now available HERE. Contact Barb Robinson, at 941-628-3664.
It’s a M*A*S*H Party & FUN*draiser!! – The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic hosts its Annual Appeal Kick-off Party on Fri, OCT 8, 2021, 6-10 PM * Special Guest “Pvt. Igor Straminsky” (TV series Chef) Jeff Maxwell * Emcee: Stacey Deffenbaugh * MASH Costume Contest * Games * Food * Cash Bar * Holy Trinity Banquet Hall (Port Charlotte). $75 /pp. RSVP by Sept. 30, 2021. Get tickets online HERE OR Call/Email Karen: 941-276-4075 – kamador@volunteercare.org
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
City of Punta Gorda, FL: Volunteers for Boards and Committees Needed
Post Date: 09/09/2021 12:08 PM
The City of Punta Gorda is seeking volunteers to serve on its advisory boards. All meetings are held in City Council Chambers located at 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda FL 33950. Appointment Information forms are available in the City Clerk’s Office at the above address or via the City’s website, www.pgorda.us. For more information, please call (941)575-3369 or e-mail pgclerk@pgorda.us. Applications are welcome for all City boards, with vacancies currently existing for the boards listed below.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS (3 regular and 2 alternate) – 4th Tuesday of the month – 4:00 p.m.; must be City resident. Financial disclosure required. Makes recommendations to City Council on variances to the City Code of Ordinances.
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD (2 regular and 2 alternate) – 4th Wednesday of the month – 9:00 a.m.; must be City resident. Financial disclosure required. Hears and decides alleged violations of the City Code of Ordinances.
PUNTA GORDA ISLES CANAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 4th Monday of the month – 1:30 p.m. Punta Gorda Isles residency required. Financial disclosure required.
Makes recommendations to City Council on effective maintenance of existing canals, waterways and navigable channels within the district, together with maintenance and reconstruction of seawalls. Holds public hearings and makes final decision on petitions for special permit to provisions of Section 2-1(c) of Chapter 6, City Code of Ordinances.
Media Advisory Boards and Committees
Applause
Charlotte State Bank & Trust – Linda Ferrara has joined the Trust and Investment Management Services division of Charlotte State Bank & Trust as a Trust Operations Specialist charged with facilitating trust department operations, working with trust team members, and assisting clients with inquiries, requests, and support. She has worked in the banking industry since 1979 and also has experience in retail sales, employee engagement and customer service. Executive Vice President Lory Weisensee, who manages the Trust and Investment Management Services division, called Linda “a real find for our team.”
Newsletters
ARCHway Institute – Newsletter
Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – September Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Cooperfish Books – September Newsletter
Lifestyles After 50 – What’s Happening in August
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Gardens at a Glance News
Punta Gorda Mural Society – August Newsletter
The Yoga Sanctuary – September Newsletter
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 tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
