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Dear Chamber Member,
Here are your Friday Facts – 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 poliva@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
PG Chamber radio show: October is Full. Now taking for November
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 $95, 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.
Non Profits at Wine Walk
Starting on October 17th , we are again inviting up to 12 non-profits to set up between Angela’s Cafe and Ace Hardware for Wine Walk. Non-profits MUST sign up prior to the event (if space is available). No-showing will result in their name being eliminated from all future dates. Cancellations can be taken up to noon on the day of the event. Please click here for application and guidelines.
Fall Downtown Bash
On November 2nd, the Downtown Merchants and the PG Chamber will be hosting the Fall downtown Bash 4-9 pm on Taylor in front of the old Courthouse.
Want to get your name out and be a sponsor?
- $250.00- name on banner, 2 free “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands
- $500 with name on banner and flyer plus stage recognition, 4 free “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands
- For $1000 you get your full logo on all event publicity as well as everything at the $500 level, 6 free “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands
Email Jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com for more info or to sign up.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Pat, Carole, Stephanie & Janet
Chamber Calendar of Events
Please remember to RSVP to: reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 941-639-3720.
September 25: Networking Luncheon-12 Noon – 1:30 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at La Fiorentina, 10361 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 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
October 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am-8:30 am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at our breakfast at Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720
October 16: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Granny Nannies, 4045-A Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte . 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..
October 17: 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.
October 23: Networking Luncheon – 12 Noon – 1:30 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at the Burg’r Bar, 317 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 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
City Wide Garage Sale 2019-2020 Schedule
8 am – 12 Noon, $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
New Location: Comfort Storage Parking Lot, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
Dates:
- October 12, 2019
- November 9. 2019
- December 14, 2019
- January 11, 2020
- February 8, 2020
- March 14, 2020
- April 11, 2020
- May 9, 2020
Please contact Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com. All Registrants need to be pre-registered with payment There will be no admittance the day of the event. Non-refundable, non-trasnferable sale held rain or shine… no rain dates.
Click Here for Major Chamber Events
New Members
Mission Statement
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Suzanne Vigliotti Construction Recruitment (FL) LLC
Suzanne Vigliotti
Punta Gorda
917-217-5314
suzannetvigliotti@gmail.com
Construction Recruitment
Sponsored by Pat Oliva
Quality Calibrations Inc.
Beverly Heiberger
252 W. Marion Ave., Unit 1124
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
877-747-3883
beverly@qualitycalibrationsinc.com
qualitycalibrationsinc.com
BioMed Calibration Service
Sponsored by Adrienne Meyer
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 September Events
Captain’s Table (Gold)
Captain’s Table is now serving Brunch on Sunday from
10 AM – 2 PM. Please Come enjoy our Chef’s take on Brunch with delicious dishes while enjoying views of Charlotte Harbor. Lunch will also be available form 11 AM – 4 PM. For more information please call 941-637-1177.
Fall Wine Dinner on October 8th. Click Here for info
Tampa Bay Rays/Charlotte Stone Crabs (Gold)
Click Here for their latest Crab Chronicle and the Kids Day Event on September 21st.
Florida Southwestern State College (Silver)
Keith Callaghan Named Executive Director of FSW Foundation Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) recently named Keith Callaghan as the executive director of the FSW Foundation. “I am honored to carry on the work of Susie DeSantis, Dr. Lou Traina and many others to help fund educational opportunities at FSW,” Callaghan said. “I’m excited to be able to play a small role in the continued evolution of FSW, and I look forward to working with the FSW Foundation board, and all members of the community who value the importance of quality education.” Callaghan previously served as FSW’s assistant vice president of economic development and external affairs, as well as director of development for FSW’s Charlotte Campus and Henry/Glades Curtis Center. Locally, he has also served as senior director of development for the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation, director of annual giving for Florida Gulf Coast University, and development director for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
FSW Charlotte Campus Observatory Opens for 2019-2020 Viewing Season
The James & Barbara Moore Observatory at the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Charlotte Campus opens for the 2019-2020 viewing season on Friday, Sept. 27. Observation sessions are held on the first Friday of each month and begin 30-45 minutes after dark, outdoors and weather permitting. Sessions are free and open to the public. The FSW Charlotte Campus is located at 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.
Schedule of Observatory Viewing Sessions 2019-2020:
Sept. 27, 2019
Oct. 25, 2019
Nov. 22, 2019
Dec. 27, 2019
Jan. 24, 2020
Feb. 28, 2020
March 27, 2020
April 24, 2020
May 22, 2020
Additional observation sessions may be scheduled or changed depending on celestial events.
For more information or for a full schedule of observatory events, call (941) 637-3518 or (941) 637-5652, or visit https://www.fsw.edu/charlotte/observatory.
Nov 28th Turkey Trot – early registration
Cejay Associates (Silver in Kind)
CeJay Associates weekly website spotlight is: www.vivantetennistournament.com – Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic and a Vivante Tennis Club are teamed up again for a fundraising tennis tournament. VBA Clinic benefits from the proceeds. Their page integrates software for purchasing sponsorships and event registration with Bloomerang donor software. Does your business website need to WORK better for your business? Let CeJay Associates help you develop your Internet marketing strategies, social media, branding, business graphics. Let’s take your business or organization to the next level of success! Contact CeJay Associates at 941-204-0007. www.CeJayAssoc.com
Port Charlotte Florist (Bronze in Kind)
Click Here for info on their Wine & Design Workshop Series
Animal Welfare League (Support)
Click Here for their latest news.
Charlotte Players (Support)
Auditions for “Jack of Diamonds” will be held in the Charlotte Players Rehearsal Hall on Sunday, September 22nd and Monday, September 23rd at 7:00 PM Click Here for character descriptions
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support)
4 – 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, through 24 at PGI Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda: “One Society: Race Relations in a Post-Racial Society” with James Abraham
9/10: Black Lives Matter: Just who are these people?
9/17: Interracial Dating: From the Bible to yesterday’s headlines, opinions on the subject run the gamut from hearty acceptance to violent proscription.
9/24: Multicultural Pluralism: Has a plurality of races and religions hindered or helped American progress?
Includes handouts and reading list.
$80 for the entire series. Call the PGICA office 941-637-1655 for more information and reservation.
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.
September 24: David Sussman Photography, 5240 Duncan Rd., Punta Gorda.
September 25: Ribbon Cutting of the New Orthopedic & Spine Unit at Fawcett Memorial Hospital. There will be Free valet parking at Main Entrance, volunteers will escort attendees to the second floor spine & orthopedic unit. Fawcett Memorial Hospital, 21298 Olean Blvd. Port Charlotte, September 25, 2019, 5 pm – 6:30 pm. Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 pm
October 1: King Fisher Fleet for their new boat “The Helen M”. Guests will be welcomed on board to tour the boat. The boat will not be leaving the dock.
October 3: Burnt Store Animal Hospital, 16500 Burnt Store Rd. Bldg B, In the Turtle Crossing Plaza, Punta Gorda
October 23: United Way’s 53rd Annual Campaign Kickoff & Rally at Charlotte Sports Park. 8 am
October 24: Ribbon Cutting at Nature Park, Corner of Bal Harbor & Aqui Esta, Punta Gorda. Goes from 4:30 to 6 pm. Ribbon Cutting will be at 5:30 pm
October 28: Ribbon Cutting at Dr. John Guarino’s office, 4245 Kings Highway Unit A, Charlotte Harbor.
Dr. John Guarino welcomes his new associate, Dr. Matthew Tufts. 5 pm
November 4: Ribbon Cutting at Visual Arts Center Fun Arts Festival, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda 12 Noon
November 12: Ribbon Cutting at Burnt Store Title & Escrow 150 Laishley Ct., Suite 122, Punta Gorda
November 14: Yesterdays Collectables, Antiques and Vintage Clothing, 4301 Sibley Bay Street, Unit B, (Corner of Hwy 41 & Sibley Bay) Charlotte Harbor
Fact of the Day
How Big Is Lake Superior?
You could combine the water of the remaining four great lakes and Lake Superior is still bigger. Superior is approximately 1,330 feet deep, 350 miles long, and 160 miles wide. It contains enough water to cover the land of both South and North America.
Question of the Week:
What does Punta Gorda mean?
Events for Week of September 20 – October 2nd
Remember to click this link to see events for these dates that are in flyer format.
Upcoming Member 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. September 20: 7pm -10 pm
Spend Friday night right listening to the one and only Orange House Band! This group fills the room, so call to reserve
your spot today!
Sat. September 21: 7pm- 10 pm
Close out another great weekend at The Orange House with Tim Goodman on the keyboard and vocals by Rosanne Linders
Fat Point Brewing
Click Here for What’s Going On
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care Hosts Recovery Candlelight Vigil to Raise Awareness of Mental and Substance Use Disorder
Support Services in Charlotte County Mental and/or substance use disorders are a critical challenge that Charlotte County must address immediately. To draw attention to the issue, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care (CBHC) will host its annual Candlelight Recovery Vigil to raise awareness for people in need of treatment and showcase recovery support services. The Vigil takes place on Friday, September 20th, 2019, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. in Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. This is a kid-friendly and pet-friendly event. There will booths staffed by our community’s providers of mental and substance use disorder support services. The first 100 attendees will receive a free “R is for Recovery” t-shirt. The presentation begins at 7:15 p.m. with the Serenity Prayer and a butterfly release.
“The release signifies how recovery helps so many people get their wings and fly off to new, brighter horizon,” said Kelly Pomerville, director of marketing and pr at CBHC. “So, we release butterflies in hopes that we all release those shackles and troubles that hold us down – let the things holding us back from being our authentic selves fly off on the wings of the butterflies.” In addition, recovery honor beads are available free of charge, attendees may paint #RecoveryRocks, and peruse raffle prizes. The event ends with a candlelight vigil set to bagpipes and a moment of silence in honor of those struggling with this disease and in memory of those no longer with us. The Recovery Candlelight Vigil in Charlotte County highlights the benefits of substance abuse treatments and the contributions of treatment providers. It also promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible and that addiction is a treatable disease. For more information or to reserve a provider table, please contact Pomerville at kpomerville@cbhcfl.org or 941.639.8300 ext. 2275.
Military Heritage Museum Hosts Notional P O W / M I A Recognition Day on September 20th.
You Are Not Forgotten – that’s the central phrase behind the P O W / M I A remembrance movement which honors America’s prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action and their families. Many of our service members suffered as prisoners of war during decades of conflicts. While some of them made it home, tens of thousands more never did. In the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday on September 20. It honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.
For more information or reservations, go to www.militaryheritagemuseum.org or call 941-575-9002.
Homeless Students Gap Fund
Mentoring Matters: Why Not You?
Have you ever wanted to make a difference in someone’s life? Do you have a couple of hours a week to help a student?
· Learn valuable mentoring skills
· Learn strategies for working with at-risk students and students with disabilities
· Explore techniques for engaging students and families
· Training and manual provided at no cost
· Upon course completion, you will be a certified Check and Connect mentor
Training Dates:
Session 1: September 24 & 25, 2019, 8:30-3:30 OR
Session 2: January 14 & 15, 2020, 8:30– 3:30
Location: Gayler Professional Development Center
22362 Hancock Ave. Port Charlotte, FL 33980
For more information, contact Nancy Cwynar at ncwynar@gapfund.org
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
Minimum Wage and Visit Florida Forum
Charlotte Harbor Event & Confrence Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
September 25, 2019 | 9:00-10:30 a.m.
$15 FRLA members
$20 future members/guests
Hear from Richard Turner, FRLA’s Senior VP of Legal & Legislative Affairs, on the impact of a $15.00/hour minimum wage, and the importance of VISIT FLORIDA for our industry. Between the proposed constitutional amendment to raise the minimum wage in Florida and the bill filed in the US House to raise the minimum wage everywhere, the potential impact of an increase to the minimum wage should be top of mind for every business. We will also take this time to discuss VISIT FLORIDA. As you know, VISIT FLORIDA is vital to growing our tourism industry. This year, the received funding at $50 million and is set to sunset in June 2020. Join us in a discussion on the importance of fighting for this organization. Each of these issues will impact our businesses, and we look forward to brainstorming with our members on how to educate industry peers and employees on the above Tickets include access to forum and a light breakfast courtesy of the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Proceeds from the event will assist our high school ProStart/culinary programs. REGISTER NOW
Visual Arts Center
Join us at the Celebrity & Artist Match-Up Reception September 26 at 6:00pm to kick off annual FUN Arts Festival events at the Visual Arts Center, located at 210 Maud St in Punta Gorda (Across from Fishermen’s Village) Gallery & gift shop hours: Mon Fri, 9am-4pm & Sat, 10am-2pm. For more info visit visualartcenter.org or call (941) 639-8810. Free.
When is the last time you listened to music and looked at it all in the same night? Join us Wednesday, October 2 at 5:00 PM and you will be doing just that. Becky Van Pelt’s beautiful music themed paintings will be on display as Les Dacosta entertains us with his varied and delightful tunes. Good food, good wine, great art and wonderful music. Why would you be anywhere else? And it’s free! Everything is happening at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory , 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda and is presented by Leigha Murray and the Art Council’s “Art in Public Places” Program. Call 941-639-1171 for more information.
Member Information
Click Here for Member Info
The Bean on 41 Coffee Shop
The perfect place for a business meeting or social chat is The Bean on 41 Coffee Shop in Towles Plaza. Locally roasted beans, triple filtered water, and a whole lot more than just coffee. Healthy smoothies, light bites, breakfast sandwiches and more. Stay tuned for our new revised menu launching October 1st. Meeting space available for rent. Having a special event? The Bean also caters coffee a delightful touch to your party or fund-raiser. www.thebeanon41.com 941.769.2398
Village Brewhouse
Hurricane Fund Raiser – $1 of all Hurricane Buckets sold before 9/22 will be donated to hurricane relief
Sunday NFL kick off specials- .75 cent wings, $2 kids meal, Bud Light girls will be here at 12:30. Bud Light 22 oz yard glass can be purchased filled for 3.50 and then bring the glass back for any Monday or Thursday NFL regular season game and refill it for only $2.50
$5 Bloody Mary’s and of course we also have all the games with the NFL package and more that 30 TVs
Vote for us in the Pizza king contest and receive $5 off any pizza
Homeless Students Gap Fund of Charlotte County
Mentoring Matters: Why Not You? Have you ever wanted to make a difference in someone’s life? Please click here for the info
The Charlotte Education Foundation is looking for volunteers for light duty office and mentors for students. A background check is required. Contact: Sara Wierhake at 941-255-7500, ext. 294 or email Sara.Wierhake@yourcharlotteschools.net.
Charlotte County Info
Show Us Your Charlotte is a call to submit your best photos of Charlotte County to the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. Share your best images of the area—the beach, the harbor, an adventure–we want to see what you’ve got! Photos submitted by Sept. 27 will be considered for the 2020 Show Us Your Charlotte calendar. Submit your photos online: www.ShowUsYourCharlotte.com.
Gulfshore Opera
Season 6 Brings Exciting Changes and Audience Favorites
Click Here for all of the info.
Visual Arts Center
“Color” and “Black & White” on display until Oct. 3. Wine & Painting socials Wednesday nights @ 6pm begin with “Anything But Canvas Oct. 9. Color Theory WS w/ Mike Grecian Oct. 16 & 17 includes more than $50 in free samples! Support our FUN Arts Festival Celebrities at crowdrise.com/fun-ats-fest-2019 – Finale Event Nov 15, tickets at visualartcenter.org. 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.
Golfers Who C.A.R.E. Scramble- Saturday, October 12, 2019, St. Andrews South Golf Cub
Come support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Charlotte County during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, cart and green fees. $90/person – $360/Foursome Raffles, challenges with prizes, and more!
Email chris.hall@carefl.org or call 941-639-5499 for more information.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Harvest for the Harbor 2019
Click Here for all of the details
National Library Card Sign-up Month
King Fisher Fleet, located at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, supports National Library Card Sign-Up Month by offering free Sunset Cruises to everyone who gets a new library card during the month of September. Interested library borrowers in Charlotte and Desoto Counties may sign up for a new library card at the front desk at any Charlotte or Desoto County library. When signing-up, borrowers will receive a voucher for a free Sunset Cruise which is valid for use during September or October. The Sunset Cruise is a 90 minute sightseeing cruise that allows passengers to enjoy a glorious Florida sunset over Charlotte Harbor while touring the residential waterfront. Advance reservations are recommended. For the current schedule, more information, and reservations, call 941-639-0969. King Fisher Fleet offers eight cruises including daylong cruises to the islands of Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Boca Grande, narrated tours of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, as well as sunset cruises and Christmas light canal cruises. King Fisher Fleet also offers charter fishing with some of the best fishing guides in southwest Florida, departing every day from Fishermen’s Village Marina. Gift certificates for cruises as well as for fishing charters are available at the King Fisher Fleet office.
Wheelbarrow of Cheer!
The C.A.R.E. Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for a wheelbarrow full of liquor! Tickets are $10 each or 5 for $40, and all proceeds benefit survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Charlotte County. The winner will be pulled on October 12 at the Golfers Who C.A.R.E. event. Winner is not required to attend. Call or email Chris to purchase your tickets! (941) 639-5499, chris.hall@carefl.org.
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
Synchronizing the Symphony in Your Brain
How neurofeedback can help ‘tune’ your brain. ATTEND THE LECTURE Click Here for all the information
Pedal Punta Gorda
You don’t want to miss this! Our first Pedal & Paint tour around Punta Gorda is Harry Potter themed. Dress in your favorite Costume and choose your House. Are you Gryffindor or Slytherin? We will help you create a masterpiece to start off the Spooky Season. Tour is 3 hours long and only 15 spots available. 21+ unless you book the whole Tavern as a Private tour. Not a Potter fan? Check out the 27th tour. We will be doing field pumpkins on recycled pallet wood. Cost is $100.00 pp. Sunday October 13th, 2019 @ 1:00 P.M. Like us up on FB/IG: pedalpuntagorda or check our our website for upcoming events. ww.pedalpuntagorda.com
Booking questions: 941-777-0715
Island Flavah News
It’s Michael White, and recently I competed in Las Vegas, NV at Karaoke World Championships in August against 109 other contestants from all across the country, representing their respective states. The grueling 3-day competition was tough, but….I WON! This was a major win, as 9000 hopefuls had tried out, with 109 other hopefuls like myself battling it out in Las Vegas. The next step is the WORLD FINALS which are being held in Tokyo, Japan. KWC is paying for my flight and lodging, but I will need to provide my own food and transportation while I’m there. I’m looking to put on a fundraiser, where I’ll be performing Live at Downtown Gatorz, 502 King Street, Punta Gorda, Florida on October 26th, 2019 at 3pm-7pm. We’re looking for businesses to please donate anything they can: Gift Certificates, baskets to raffle, whatever. Would you please help me by donating anything to help us raise enough money? Our goal is 1300 before November 13th. Every little bit helps. We appreciate you and in return, we’d like to advertise your business or organization with your logo. Please email a copy of your logo to: mianji@gmail.com and we will add to all of our flyers and at the venue on the big screens as well. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, and if you are even interested in sponsoring, we’d like to chat about that at your convenience, if you want.
Jaguar Concours d’Elegance (Car Show)
See the most beautiful car design in the world…“JAGUAR”
Jaguar Cars from the early 1950s to current models.
Saturday, October 26, 2019 at The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St. Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 from 9:30 am To 4:00 pm. Click Here for all of the info.
Job Fair Charlotte Technical College
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 8:00-11:30
This free event will link employers from all industries with qualified adult students who are ready to go to work upon graduating. High school seniors who want to work while will also attend. Charlotte Technical College graduates achieve industry certification in over 20 disciplines, including A/C Refrigeration & Heating; Automotive; Business Management; Commercial Foods/Culinary Arts; Computer Systems & Information, Criminal Justice, Digital Design, Fire/EMT Healthcare and Cosmetology. Contact Claudette Baines: claudette.baines@yourcharlotteschools.net, phone 941-255-7500 ext. 280 or Maureen Watts, Assistant Director: Maureen.watts@yourcharlotteschools.net. Find out more about us at www.charlottetechcollege.net.
We look forward to hosting you at our Fall, 2019 Job Fair!
2019 Florida International Air Show
The 2019 Florida International Air Show has announced a “Military – Veteran Discount.” Active Military and Veterans will receive a $15 discount on the Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, General Admission Tickets Only. General Admission Tickets for Active Military and Veterans will be $20.00 (plus fees) . Proper ID is required. The Active Military and Veterans Discount is not available online or in advance. This special ticket offer is only available at the Gate on November 2nd & November 3rd. Dana Carr, President of the 2019 Florida International Air Show stated “It was way to give back to our active military and veterans and thank them for their outstanding service.”
How kids can get free air show tickets
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade can earn free tickets to the Florida International Air Show held Nov. 1 through 3. All they have to do is read an aviation-related book and write three things they learned about aviation or liked about the book. There is a form parents must fill out and submit to the student’s teacher. The form must also include a short summary, with length determined by the teacher. The form can be found on http://www.floridaairshow.com Home school students also have the opportunity to earn their free ticket. Parents can email the form, which must be signed by the parent, to floridaoutlook.com Once the form is submitted, students will earn a free ticket and can choose what day they would like to attend the event. They must, however, be accompanied by adult who paid admission. Tickets will be distributed Oct. 28. This year’s air show is Nov. 1-3 at Punta Gorda Airport. For more information about the air show, visit FloridaAirShow.com Click Here to find out what you need to know before you go to the Air Show.
Sun Events is bringing some of your favorite bands and artists to the Cultural Center of Charlotte County!
Click Here for September & October Schedule
Ghost Stories of Punta Gorda
Newly published book of stories set in Punta Gorda Ghost Stories of Punta Gorda is an anthology of twenty spooky short stories involving real people, true events and actual locations of Charlotte Harbor. These entertaining tales are a fusion of history, folklore, personal experiences and imagination. The stories were collected by Eve Sylvie Alexander, also known as Tour Guide Evie of SW Florida Walking Tours. She and a crew of close friends used creativity and invention to re-interpret well-known stories from Punta Gorda’s history. Some stories are based on the personal recollections of Punta Gorda residents, and others are historical fiction drawn from characters and events of the past. The book is abundantly illustrated with dramatic scenes by artist Simona Molino. An online reviewer wrote, “I really enjoyed the combination of historical facts and local lore woven into each tale. I can’t wait for my next trip to Punta Gorda.” Ghost Stories of Punta Gorda is available at Amazon in print and Kindle format https://www.amazon.com/dp/1076625045). Tour guests can add a book order when purchasing tickets (online at https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/ or by phone at 941-276-6384). Beginning on Sunday, September 29,2019, Ms. Alexander will be at the Punta Gorda History Park Farmer’s Market where books will be on sale in person. Book signing appearances currently are being scheduled.
Point to Ponder
How to help everyone have a better day…
1. Contribute
2. Be Kind
3. Be Patient
4. Be Honest
5. Encourage People
6. Apologize
7. Forgive
8. Thank People
Thought for the Week
“The only people you owe your loyalty to are the ones who never made you question theirs.”
Member Newsletters
Click Name of Business for their latest news
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Senior Care Conference
Economic Development Partnership
FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers
FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda
Port Charlotte Score Lunch & Learn Workshops
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society
Job Opportunities
Hessler Floor Covering is seeking talented people to join our sales team in multiple locations-Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and Naples. We are experiencing continued sales growth in all locations with opportunities to increase sales even more with you! Hessler Floor Covering has been serving customers in all of South West Florida since 1951 and continues to be a 5 Star rated company by our customers. Together with our parent company, Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings, we have 4 retail locations. We offer: company provided health and basic life insurances; dental and vision are available.
401K plan after 1 year with the company.
Potential for the right candidate(s) to achieve $60,000/annually with unlimited earnings potential.
Previous sales experience with flooring and tile industry experience preferred, however, we will train the right candidate(s). Please email your most recent resume for consideration and start your new career with us today!
Attention Rich Lancette @ rlancette@hesslerfloors.com.
We are a drug free workplace! Backgound check and drug testing required.
Special Offers for Chamber Members
Air Trek Click Here for Special Key West Offer
Storm Smart Click Here for a special offer for Chamber Members.
Sleep Inn & Suites Click here for a special offer for Chamber Members.
Twin Isles Country Club Click Here for Offer, Click Here for Offer
LaQuinta Inn & Suites Click Here for Summer Special
Joke of the Week
Held Hostage
Two music lovers were being held hostage and both were going to be shot. One of them was a country music lover and the other enjoyed all types of music. Before they were shot they were asked for one last request before they died.
The country music lover said, “I would like to listen to ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ 50 times in a row…”
The other music lover said, “Please, shoot me first!”
A Message From The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
Here at the Sheriff’s Office, we have instituted aggressive measures to curb ongoing retail thefts being committed at big box stores such as Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Target. These thefts are being committed by what we believe are organized groups. These seem to be mainly distraction thefts in many cases, but not in all cases.
Because of our focus, these thefts have seemed to taper off, but these organized groups now appear to be moving to smaller, “mom and pop” type stores, as these thefts have increased somewhat in those businesses.
We share this information with you in the hopes that you can pass along this information to the smaller retail stores in your respective areas. Please advise your merchants to be aware of small groups of people entering their establishments where they may attempt to use distraction methods. Have them safeguard their personal belongings that they may store behind checkout counters.
There is no reason for panic or major concern. We simply want share this information so your chamber members can be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious people and actions to our non-emergency number (941-639-0013).
As always, Sheriff Prummell and his staff appreciate the shared partnership and close working relationship.
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.
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