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Friday Facts for September 3, 2021

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal office hours on Tuesday, September 7th at 9am. Have a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day weekend!

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 August 31, 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 – Lawn maintenance businesses – Due to local landscape equipment thefts, please be sure to secure your equipment and trailers when not in use.

Neighboring counties are reporting an uptick in UNLOCKED vehicle burglaries. Please, remove all valuables, keys & key fobs and LOCK YOUR VEHICLE!

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 8: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Beef O’ Brady’s, hosted by Punta Gorda History Center for Business over Breakfast! Beef O’ Brady’s is located at 1105 Taylor Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Part of the program for this breakfast will also constitute the annual meeting of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. The only item on the agenda for this meeting, since there are no voting matters, will be the introduction of the 2021/20222 Executive Board of Directors. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

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


All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Please Support Our Local Businesses!


New Members

Mission Statement

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

Gemma Schaefer Photography

Gemma Schaefer

(941) 564-5354

Gemma@GemmaSchaeferPhotography.com

gemmaschaeferphotography.com

Photography Services

Sponsored by: John Wright

 

Superior Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, Inc.

Bill Comber

(941) 575-9818

Bill@superiorcc.net

superiorcarpetcleaninginc.com

Carpet, Upholstery, Tile/Grout Cleaning

Sponsored by: Alexia Martin

Pictures from Ribbon Cutting – Paradise Pointe, September 1st


Partners in Action News

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) – Upcoming events through November listed 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 October 16th at 6pm. Purchase tickets at www.militaryheritagemuseum.org

Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique is selling bracelets this month. The proceeds go 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 1951Savory 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 Parrot Entertainment MagazineLatest issue.

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Coalition Virtual Meeting Tuesday, September 14th 11:30 – 1pm. Click HERE for details.

Burnt Store Presbyterian ChurchChristmas 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.

Punta Gorda AirportNew interactive map makes travel planning a snap!

The Yoga Sanctuary30 day Yoga Month Journey

Perfectly PolishedSeptember 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 CountyPet Foster Parents Needed!

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.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Take a moment and follow us on all our social media to see new updates, new drinks, be apart of our contests, and more. Our Facebook is Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea, our Instagram is pgcoffeeandtea, and our loyalty program is with the app Loyalty Zoo (Samsung, Google, Apple) under Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea. We will be closed Monday September 6th for Labor Day and will reopen on the 7th at 7am.

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Can you believe it’s September already! Well, we have a lot planned for this month including National Cab Day, National White Chocolate Day, National Drink a Beer Day and more! We might even have some new musicians playing during our Wine and Beer Tasting every Saturday, so keep your eyes out this is a crazy month. We will be closed September 6th for Labor Day and will re-open on the 7th at 10 am.

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, the time⌚️is NOW! we encourage you to reach out today — 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.

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta GordaSave in the Sun! $20 off orders of $150 or more or $10 off orders of $100 – $149.

Fisherman’s VillageSeptember calendar of events.

SCORE – TODAY! Attention Business Owners: Small Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE Port Charlotte on a drop-in basis. Stop by the North Port City Hall, suite 302 on Friday from 9 to noon. Friday, September 3rd, Certified Mentors Dave Horn 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 this Friday and visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.

Gulfshore Opera Anthony Kearns in Concert January 21st at Daniels Pavilion, Artis-Naples.

Pinch A PennyFire Up The Grill this Labor Day!

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 – On October 9 and 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold it’s annual Orchid Sale and Symposium. On October 29, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host the acoustic ensemble, Appalachian Road Show, for the first Rhythm on the River performance of the season. The group performs bluegrass and folk music, as well as original songs. The event will take place on the Ford lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge 2606 – November 6th Veterans Parade. For information or to register, contact Charles Moores 860-595-7482

Wreaths Across AmericaNite 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

Florida International Air ShowThe F-16 Viper Demo Team Headlines the 2021 Florida International Air Show

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

The Hounds on Henry Dog Park will be closed on Sept. 8 starting at noon through Sept. 10 for the installation of the K9 grass (weather permitting). The Dog Park is tentatively scheduled to re-open on Sept. 11. For additional information on this project, please contact City of Punta Gorda Public Works Department at

(941) 575-5050 between the business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – Newsletter

Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – August Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Cooperfish BooksSeptember Newsletter

Lifestyles After 50What’s Happening in August

Loveland Center – Exciting Updates

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Gardens at a Glance News

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyAugust 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.

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