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Friday Facts for September 18, 2020

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends, 

Here are your Friday Facts.

To ALL our Chamber Members. In what has been a very different year for us all the Chambers of Charlotte County have decided that you are all the 2020 Business of the Year. We encourage you to download the attached certificate, complete it, print it and hang it with pride. You are all to be congratulated. Here is the Press Release quoting our own June Amara, Chair of the Board of Directors.

If your company has a long name then use this Certificate for Long Name.

If your company has a short name then use this Certificate for Short Name.

Not a member yet??? Know someone who is NOT?

Starting Tuesday September 1, 2020 – thanks to our friends at Expedia Cruises – Air, Land and Sea Vacations in Laishley Court, and running through to September 30, 2020, we are offering every new member the chance to win a $1000 gift voucher towards any future travel plans managed by Expedia Cruises. Expedia don’t just do cruises, so this is a great reward that can be shared with your staff or family. Any new members joining in the month of September will automatically be entered into a drawing which will be drawn by our new Board Chair June Amara on October 1, 2020.  The winner will be notified by phone on October 1, 2020. There is no better time to become a member of this incredible family of businesses that brings you so many opportunities to succeed. How to join, click right here? To qualify, payment MUST be received in full by September 30, 2020

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!

For All Local Businesses – Scam Alert warning from Punta Gorda Police Department. Last night, two separate local businesses received phone calls from a male claiming to be with the Punta Gorda Police Department. The male asked questions such as how many employees were working and how much money was in the register and in the safe. The male also stated that the business has received counterfeit bills and someone would be there soon to retrieve the deposit for the day. Please be advised that members of the Punta Gorda Police Department would not make this type of phone call and ask these questions over the phone. The employees in these incidents did an amazing job in deterring the scammers and contacting us and neither of the businesses suffered any financial loss. Please educate your friends, families, and employees to ensure no one falls victim to this scam.

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 Members ONLY.

PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for November & December.

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 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.

Special Member Notice

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

Special Member’s Only Promotion

From our AAA Member. Punta Gorda Chamber Members please Click Here to get the flyer and information for a fundraising promotion through AAA. Any employee at the office can assist you (941) 627-1544, do not go online.


For Our Community

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.

Save the Date!! The Laird’s Golf Tournament is back!! Join us at the Paradise Golf Course on January 29, 2021 – yes, you have plenty of time to practice and get ready for this awesome day! Click Here for details.

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.

From Punta Gorda City – Gilchrist Park.

From CCSO – Good afternoon community members! I’m Trista Zimmerman, Crime Prevention Coordinator with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. We are partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to assist us in keeping our businesses aware of any new crime trends taking place and pass along useful information. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 941-613-3227.  Recently, we have had several storage yards with fences cut, access made, and catalytic converters stolen off vehicles. The thefts caused in excess of $500.00 in damages to each vehicle.

 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.

 Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau present Partners in Tourism.

North Port Chamber is hosting a Virtual Job & Career Fair with CareerSource Suncoast on September 25 9am to 12pm. Job Seekers can participate at no cost. Employers click here for details.

Help assisting City Staff with signage ordinances: City staff has been working to re-write the sign code in order to more fully comply with recent US Supreme Court and US District Court decisions regarding regulations on commercial speech and to ensure the sign code remains content-neutral.  The working draft of the sign code was brought to City Council as a discussion item May 20, 2020. City Council directed staff to obtain input from the community and stakeholders regarding the proposed regulations. With COVID-19, public meetings can be challenging, therefore, staff created a survey to gather public input. The following is a link to the sign code survey. Please take a moment to take the survey and please distribute to your membership. The survey will be live Friday, August 28 thru September 30, 2020. After the survey closes, staff will tally the results and take to City Council for further discussion and direction. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FGGS3M


Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

Networking Events for September and October.

RSVP’s are very important, as are cancellations. 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 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.

October 14: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am.

Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber to be hosted by Chapman Insurance, place to be determined. Our guest speaker will be Barbara Dolleschal, Smargasy Inc.

October 20: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. 

Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours the Wyvern Hotel, 101 E. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!

October 28: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm.

Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Village Brewhouse, 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.


New Members

Mission Statement

To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.

Isles Luxury Storage

Chad Commers

1123 Bal Harbor Blvd

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

chad.commers@svn.com

www.islesluxurystorage.com

Self Storage

Sponsored by Nanette Leonard

 

Magic Bubbles

Jerome Bush

(833) 622-5326

2061 W. Marion Ave, #48B

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

magicbubblesjb@gmail.com

www.magicbubbleswash.com

Pressure Cleaning

Sponsored by Hazel Klossner

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) Please click on the link to see T.T.’s Tiki Bar lineup for September. Please mark you calendars for the 2nd Annual Suicide Awareness Vegas Dice Run on September 26th. Please call the Four Points by Sheraton to book a room at the discounted rate of $99 per night. The Tiki Bar….The Place to Be!!

La Quinta is now Comfort Inn and Suites (Platinum)

Captain’s Table (Gold) – Fall Wine Dinner September 22 at 6pm.

TIME Realty Services, Inc – August real estate sales were amazing! 669 residential sales in Charlotte County – 565 were single family, 101 were condo/multi-family, 46% conventional loans, 37% cash sales, 33% went under contract in 10 days or less. Thinking about selling? Let’s talk about values.  Thinking of buying? Let’s talk about options. Della Booth CIPS, C2EX®, SRES®, AHWD®, SFR® Globally connected through FIABCI, AREAA, CREA Broker/Principal. TIME Realty Services, Inc. Punta Gorda, Florida. cell/text +1 239-699-4493

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12. 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

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

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – Our shop is open to the public however masks are required in accordance with City of Punta Gorda Ordinance #1944-2020. Check out our current Hunter Douglas Promotion, Seasons of Style Savings Event that is going on now through December 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. Shawn Gilstad, 941.830.4746 – Cell, 941.205.8603 – Salon

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – “Comedy for a Cause” is looking for Sponsors! The “Comedy for a Cause” All Stars will continue its fundraising tradition with the 8th Annual Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser on September 25th from the Langdon Playhouse, live via Livestream, on Facebook. Sponsorships start at $100.00 and offer a wide variety of opportunities to share your business with thousands of viewers. And there is more! CFAC will be hosting an Online Silent Auction and needs silent auction items. For Sponsorship and Auction Information: Lori.wagner-ryan@charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022 Deadline is September 21st.

Key West Express (Bronze) – Come see what’s new in Key West! Key West Travel Voucher’s are on SALE Now!

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 (Support) Isles Girls and Guys Estate Sales, are happening, one on Friday, September 18 from 8 AM to 11 AM & it continues on Saturday, September 19 from 8 AM to 10 AM at 88 Sabal Dr. The next estate sale after that one, will be on Friday, September 25 from 8 AM to 11 AM and continues Saturday, September 26 from 8 AM to 10 AM at 200 Lido Dr.  There is something there for everyone: furniture, kitchenware, glassware, home decor, tools and so much more!

Visual Arts Center (Support) View new exhibits “Color” and “Black & White” on display until Oct 2. Exhibits are always free to view M-F, 10a-2p. Online Classes, 2D and Pottery Open Studios happening all September. Onsite classes will begin Oct 8, Registration is now open! To view a Class Schedule and Register visit VisualArtCenter.org. Paint a Masterpiece LIVE on Zoom-Virtual Wine & Painting sessions begin Oct 14. 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

Meals on Wheels – TOMORROW SATURDAY. Our Thrift Store, now known as ‘Finders Keepers’ will be having a Grand Re-Opening on Saturday September 19th, 10am to 2pm. We have totally redone everything in the store and want all of Charlotte County to come and see the amazing deals.

The Yoga Sanctuary – Renovation of Sullivan Street – We Are Still Open!

Gulfshore Opera – Let’s GO Together! GO Divas & Dinner.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Private Tours. Open Select Dates in October.

Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services – Artist Gina Battle. Wine & Cheese Reception.

Tidewell Foundation – Virtual Turkey Trot

Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – Have your creditors stopped working with you during COVID-19? Are you worried about a possible foreclosure? Are you confused about your options and the CARES Act? Is debt consolidation, debt negotiation or bankruptcy best for you? To get answers to all your questions, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a confidential, complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation to come up with a plan to eliminate your debt and enjoy a stress free, debt free life.

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Fall into these Savings!

Fishermen’s Village – September Calendar of Events. October Calendar. Now available for reservations! The Suites at Fishermen’s Village, your stay and play destination on Charlotte Harbor! Perfect “Staycation” getaway! Call 941 639-8721 for rate/booking info. or visit on line at www.fishville.com/resort. Suites are 1,000 sq. feet, sleep up to four, located on the 2nd level above Fishermen’s Village shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – Hug A Vegetarian Day is next week. We love curating something for everyone. Explore our wide selection of Vegan, Vegan “Friendly”, Vegetarian, and Gluten free gourmet items. Stop by the shop to discover your new favorite today. Curbside pick-up available! 941-505-0479.

Punta Gorda Symphony – Advancing Mission Thrivability.

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

Copperfish Books – We are moving in late October! We are open for safe shopping Mon – Sat 10 am – 4 pm. 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.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County – Your coffee purchase for September 20-26, at Race Trac, will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Florida.

Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County – The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. This event is a four-person mixed flight. There will be a continental breakfast and southern-style barbeque lunch. The cost is $95. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and shotgun is at 8:30 a.m. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941)627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot. Your support assists the Homeless Coalition in continuing to drive out hunger in our community.

Vision Quest Leadership – Upcoming Event, When Life Gives You Lemons…September 23

Charlotte Harbor Dragons – A competitive dragon boat club is now recruiting new members. If you are a fitness minded man or woman and looking for a new challenge this may be for you. If interested please contact Eddie Amara at eamara1@comcast.net or 941-740-1286 for more information. You can also check us out at www.charlotteharbordragons.com.

Englewood Bank & Trust – Free Estate Planning Webinar.

Buffalo Graffix – Our New Normal.

Calenda Real Estate Group – Punta Gorda Real Estate Update and Announcement.

Village Fish Market – The Village Fish Market is proud to announce that breakfast is now being served daily from 8am to 12pm.

Valerie’s House – Launches Giving Campaign

John Bothwell P.A., eXp Realty – 4 Steps to Choosing the Right Bid

Military Heritage Museum – New Events

SCORE – Women in Business 2020 Forum.

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

Carmelo’s & Hipnotique – “Who doesn’t love a meal at Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante?!”. $10 buys you a complete dinner with salad (to go/pick up only) AND supports the 11U North Port Rivals Traveling baseball team! Once again, your $10 supports TWO local businesses/organization PLUS a great meal to eat in your home~we call that a WIN WIN WIN! 5 Dinner choices shown below~Mangia! Tickets now available at Hipnotique (cash only please). Vouchers sold thru 9/19/2020 and are valid for redemption thru 10/30/2020


Applause

Presstige Printing – Highlighted for Job Creation, Revenue Growth. Recognized by GrowFL as a 2020 Florida Companies to Watch Finalist. See More


Job Opportunity

The Yoga Sanctuary – We are looking to fill one or two massage therapist positions. Please click here for link to the website with further information. 

Labor SolutionsPort Charlotte Job Openings


Newsletters

ARCHway InstituteSeptember Recovery Month Kick-Off

Centennial Bank – August Circular

Charlotte Arts – Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – Mid Year Report 2020

Copperfish Books – News & Events for September & Beyond

Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Congrats that you have decided to take classes with us

FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers – Classes start next week!

Gregg’s Automotive – September 2020

Hope 4 Communities – August Newsletter

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz – New Routes

SandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – The SandStar Insider

TIME Realty Services Inc – Newsletter

United Way of Charlotte County Newsletter, We’re Fine.


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

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