Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on April 13 — John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce.
New Member or Need A Refresher Course? NEXT WEEK We’ve Got You Covered! Did you know that as a new member of the Chamber you have many perks at your fingertips? Let us help you navigate through some of the perks while you meet other new members at the same time! Sign up for our new member class where we’ll walk you through things such as: Sharing information about your business and the services you provide on the chamber website. Posting business events. Posting hot deals. Looking for employees? Post opportunities! We’ll also share ways to market your business such as opportunities within the chamber walls, newsletters, and networking events. We’re offering a class on Wednesday, April 21 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. to be held at The Punta Gorda Chamber office located at 252 W. Marion Ave. Reserve your seat by calling the office at 941-639-3720 Monday thru Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Seating is limited so we can adhere to COVID safety guidelines. Hope to see you soon!
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR MAY 2021. 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 progaming 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.
Restaurant owners need to act now! Google made an update and won’t show your restaurant in the local search results anymore if your rating is below four stars and if someone was searching for “best restaurant near me,” the search term “best” automatically selects all results with 4.0+ ratings. You can imagine a customer likely won’t select anything below. Maybe even go up to 4.5 in the now newly available filter.
Why am I telling you this? With our agency, we are helping our clients getting more five-star reviews for years with great success. If you are a restaurant owner and still haven’t decided yet, now it’s about time! Getting more 5 Star Reviews helps you bury those negative ones by simply outnumbering them and increasing your rating. Combined with our #SocialWifi solution, we make it easy for restaurant and bar businesses to capture guest information and automatically invite them to write a review for you. Learn more: https://reputation.smargasy.agency/ Btw: It applies to pretty much every business which relies on having an excellent online reputation.
From the Charlotte County Economic Development Office. In keeping with Enterprise Florida’s commitment to providing minority and small businesses with training, development and financing options, MaSBEC will launch EFI’s first ever MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS BOOT CAMP on April 7th (to occur every other Wednesday through Aug 25th). This webinar series is designed to equip minority and small businesses with various tools needed for growth. Each hour-long session will provide small business owners, staff and team members with resources needed to create, maintain and grow a successful business. One time registration will allow attendees to participate in all 11 sessions. Boot Camp details.
From PGPD and PGFD. Take Back Day on April 24, 2021.
Your Priority Appointment for COVID Vaccine at Medicine Shoppe Punta Gorda. Medicine Shoppe Punta Gorda is offering you a priority appointment to get the two-shot Moderna Vaccine. Due to the recent joint FDA and CDC statement regarding a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we have opened up more vaccine availability for the Moderna appointments. If you would like to book your priority appointment for the Moderna vaccine, please email 1441@medicineshoppe.com or simply call 941-505-1095 to book an appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Charlotte County. Preregister for a vaccination appointment online at MyVaccine.FL.gov or call 866-200-9160 (or 833-990-3549 for TTY users). More vaccine availability information online: charlotte.floridahealth.gov/events/2021/01/CharlotteCOVID-19VaccineInfo.html and www.charlottecountyfl.gov/covid-19/vaccine-faq.stml
Charlotte County Centennial Year begins.
NEXT FRIDAY Centennial Gala, 6-11 p.m., April 23 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. This gala will include a cocktail hour, dinner, cash bar, dancing and live entertainment. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased at www.charlottecounty100.com/centennial-gala. The Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center is located at 75 Taylor St. in Punta Gorda. The Hibiscus Festival is set for April 30-May 2 at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda.
City Wide Garage Sale. LAST OF THE SEASON May 1, 2021, 8am to 12noon at 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd (Bal Harbor Plaza). Click here for application or call Chamber office (941 639-3720) to book a slot.
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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]
NEXT WEEK April 20: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours hosted by Granny Nannies, 2616 Tamiami Trail, Unit 1, Port Charlotte, 33952. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!
April 28: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at First United Methodist Church (The Life Center), 507 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Menu (by Burg’r Bar) Hamburger; Chicken Sandwich; Caesar Salad. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. 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.
All our networking events for the rest of the year are now hosted. Thank you to all who have stepped up to make these events possible.
NEXT WEEK April 19: Ribbon Cutting at 5.30pm for Team Punta Gorda’s ‘PUNTA GORDA in BLOOM’, beautification project on Taylor Street, on the steps of the Old Historic Court House, Punta Gorda.
NEXT WEEK April 23: Ribbon Cutting at 10am. Celebrate the newest member Savannah Sheppard, Broker of Sellstate Vision Realty at 2705 Tamiami Trail, Unit 313, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. This is a joint ribbon cutting so PLEASE RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Melissa Lockhart
Candidate for City Council District 5
(941) 916-5115
422 Royal Poinciana
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – The Four Points by Sheraton has exciting news! After being away a few years, we are so happy to have Chef Michael back in charge of our Dockside Grill! Please stop in and see him for one if his fabulous nightly specials. Also, visit on Friday for AYCE Haddock Fish Fry and come back on Saturday for Chef Michael’s famous prime rib! Lastly, please click to find out when all of your favorite bands will be playing this month. The Tiki Bar……. The Place To Be!!
Sun Newspapers (Platinum Media) – Sun Coast Media Group is holding a Virtual Career Fair on April 28th from noon – 4pm and April 29th from 9am – 1pm. In “normal” times, a career fair helps connect job seekers and gives you the opportunity to have initial conversations right on the spot. In today’s socially distant environment, face to face career events are not always advisable, or even possible. That’s why we’re offering a virtual fair that will publicize your open position, and bring job seekers to you, where you can review resumes and conduct interviews via live chat! To find out more or to register, please contact Lissa Craig Ford at lissa.craigford@yoursun.com or 941.205.6412.
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda (Gold) – Bayfront Health Medical Group Welcomes New Psychiatrist/Psychologist to Town Keeping Moms and Babies Safe During the Pandemic
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Whether buying a legacy family vacation home or pursuing a real estate investment, The Residences at Secret Bay is the ultimate offering for those seeking an astute Caribbean real estate opportunity in an up-and-coming destination. Featuring generous floor plans and expansive lot sizes, each villa is thoughtfully sited within its own secluded enclave. Intrinsic to the original vision for Secret Bay, The Residences at Secret Bay presents an unrivaled opportunity to make part of the acclaimed boutique hotel your permanent slice of paradise and obtain a 2nd citizenship in the Caribbean. https://bit.ly/3u8MfBu Contact TIME Realty Services 239-699-4493 and put our 23 years experience to work for you. We are your hometown Realtors!
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Latest Newsletter.
Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver) – Free ‘Hybrid’ Seminars/Webinars continue in April. Free Englewood seminar this month.
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
C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Bronze) – C.A.R.E. Auxiliary Society partners with the Yoga Sanctuary to present Yoga & Wine on May 1st, 2021 11:00AM at the beautiful History Park located near downtown. Keep calm and get your yoga & wine on with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary!
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – You’re Invited to Spend an Evening at the “Hotbed Hotel!”. Also, 2022 Langdon Playhouse Tickets Go On Sale April 26th
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – Season 8 Announcement for GO.
Animal Welfare League (Support) – Pets of the Week. Contact us at 3519 Drance St, Port Charlotte, FL 33980. (941) 625-6720.
Fabulous Finds, Homeless Coalition (Support) – The 1st Annual “Hope for Homeless” Spring Golf Scramble event to benefit The Homeless Coalition will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Deep Creek Golf Club located at 1260 San Cristobal Avenue in Deep Creek. Check-in is at 7:30 am and shotgun is at 8:30am. The cost is $85 and includes: 25 chance auction tickets, 2 drink tickets, a continental breakfast, a delicious lunch and mulligans for your team. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot.
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know the County’s Centennial is coming up next week?
Gator Wilderness Camp School (Support) – NEXT WEEK Trail Run April 24, starting at 8am. 4th Annual 5K/10K/15K Trail Run. Sponsorship Available.
Military Heritage Museum (Support) – Battle of the BEST Golf Tournament at Paradise Golf on June 5. Registration 7.30am, Shotgun Start 8.30am. Application Form for teams and Hole Sponsors.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Clips from the Garden.
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Show your support and during your appointment with us, choose teal as the color for your nails and we will donate $5 to C.A.R.E. (Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies). Post your nails on Facebook or Instagram and you will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a $100 Visa Gift Card. Call 941-889-8388 to book your appointment.
Visual Arts Center (Support) – Now until 4/29 You Can Support the Visual Arts Center Without Spending a Cent! Text ‘VAC2021’ to 31996 to share a brand opinion via Express Feedback for Good™ and donate up to $2 to the VAC. More Info at https://bit.ly/EFG_VAC. View Exhibits ‘New Beginnings’ and ‘Underwater Fantasea’ on display thru 4/13. Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Store Hours: Mon & Fri: 10a-4p, Tue-Thu: 10a-7p, Sat: 10a-2p. Events, Classes, Memberships, Call to Artists at www.VisualArtCenter.org
TEAM Punta Gorda for St Vincent de Paul – TODAY/NOW We are having a drive-through food drive Friday, April 16 at the Charlotte Community Foundation in Punta Gorda. Further Details.
Punta Gorda Symphony – THIS SUNDAY Harborside Brass Tickets Available. April 18 (delayed from last week). Behind the Notes!
Fishermen’s Village – April Events Calendar. NEXT WEEK Hook Kids on Fishing, April 17.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – NEXT WEEK April 21st is National Administrative Professional’s Day 2021! Let us customize a handcrafted gift basket for you this year. From Grade A Loose-Leaf Tea’s to Whole Bean/Ground Coffee Beans, we have something for everyone. Give us a call at (941) 916-9095 to create the perfect gift or gift basket for those being honored this week.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – NEXT WEEK With National Administrative Professional’s Day on April 21st, 2021 is approaching us, let us create a 24 Piece Handcrafted Chocolate Box or even choose a beautiful bottle of wine to celebrate those administrative professionals in your workplace. Give us a call at (941) 505-0479.
Vision Quest Business Builders – NEXT WEEK ACCELERATE Your Business Success! FREE Masterclass hosted by Joanne Cumiskey from Vision Quest Business Builders on Wednesday, April 21st at 3pm, LIVE via ZOOM. Learn about FIVE powerful, proven behaviors top-performing organizations routinely practice to strengthen competitive advantage. Get your BEST PRACTICES Checklist, elevate your business capability, and learn what it takes to GUARANTEE Success. Register here: https://vision-quest-business-builders.mykajabi.com/pl/2147488922. Details and checklist included with registration. Scheduling conflict? No problem. Recording available to registered attendees.
Drug Free Punta Gorda – NEXT WEEK In conjunction with PGPD and PGFD, DEA NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION TAKE BACK DAY – APRIL 24, 2021.
Sunny Days Ice Cream – Starting to plan a graduation? Why not have something different for your grad? Hire the Sunny Days Ice Cream Truck for a special treat! We are mobile and can come to you wherever you are holding your party, the beach, the park, a residence, an event center. We carry pre packaged novelty ice cream. Visit our website at http://www.sunnydaysicecream.com to learn more about us. Email us at info@sunnydaysicecream.com or call 941-255-1889 to book. Hurry dates fill fast!
Thryv – We are excited to host Connect for HVAC Contractors later this month. This is a virtual seminar designed exclusively for growing HVAC businesses. At Thryv Connect, you will hear from experts in the field and learn how to leverage the latest technology to grow your business, connect with clients, and increase cash flow. Click here for information. Here is a link to the registration site: https://thryv.biz/3dGLCso
Vision Quest Leadership – Would you like to play Biz Builder BINGO?
The Firm 360 Photography – The Firm 360° Photography asks: Have you ever driven past a business and wondered what it looks like inside? With a 3D Virtual Walking Tour it is now possible to see the “inside view” right from your phone or computer. We create this for your business and enhance your online Google listing as well. Why? Because the more exposure you have, the more clients you get. Contact us today for details at 941-347-8198 and visit our website for examples. www.thefirm360.com/portfolio
SCORE – Free Business Mentoring on First Friday of Every Month.
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Win $100 Gift Card!
Valerie’s House – Tours are available. Please contact Christine Carey (239-841-0382 or christine@valerieshouse.org). Valerie’s House website: www.valerieshouse.org
Take Me There Sailing – is now based in Burnt Store Marina offering all- inclusive day sails or overnight charters on a 60-foot sailboat. Sail, kayak, snorkel, fish, lounge on deck, and sail under the stars. Licensed to provide food and alcohol, all meals and drinks are included. Charters are customized to exceed your expectations and create unforgettable memories. Book online or call to discuss your special event. https://takemetheresailing.com or 941-259-0977.
PattiVanTonder.com – We continue to have amazing results with our Collagen. We projected to sell 1 million bottles in 3 months and sold 1 million bottles in 72 HOURS!!! Launched in the US in mid January and to date sold over 6 million bottles. If you haven’t already, it’s time to get YOUR LITTLE BOTTLE OF AMAZING! www.pattivantonder.com 941-202-3127. Find us at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday 8am-1pm.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Want to save up to $75?
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Sea Grape Gallery – Announces Three Guest Artists for April 2021.
Rossman Realty Property Management – manages annual, seasonal, and commercial accounts, we are looking to connect with Commercial Real Estate companies. We offer top dollar referrals to Real Estate agents for investor accounts. Commercial Investor accounts- Negotiable referral fees. Investor Accounts for Annual- $500. Investor Accounts for Seasonal- $200. Email Corey Meldahl @ corey@rossmanrealty.com or call 239-333-7357.
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – YOUR BUSINESS ON A STOOL? Problem: I’m sure you’ve heard this analogy before, your business is likened to the seat of the three-legged stool. Your job as the business owner is maintaining balance between all three legs. One leg represents the day-to-day operations, the building of the business. The second leg represents the exit plan. How do you harvest the years of blood, sweat & tears of your successful business? The third leg represents the windfall, and how will you handle a retirement that could last 30 years or more? For the Solution: Check out https://covenant-business.com/your-business-on-a-stool/ Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!
ARCHway Institute – Keynote Speaker Announced for Virtual Gala & Auction on April 30 at 7.30pm EST.
Charlotte County Historical Center Society – The 16th Annual Hibiscus Festival April 30 – May 2.
St Vincent de Paul – WE ARE BACK! The first St Vincent de Paul rummage sale the pandemic is back. The people of Charlotte County have been very generous donating clothing, household items, tools, furniture, linens, toys, books and whatever else you can think of. 25200 Airport & Taylor Road, Saturday May 1st from 9:00 to 12:00. Rain date Saturday May 8. Please join Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in our continuing efforts to assist those in need. Masks are required for shoppers and all St Vincent helpers.
Twin Isles Country Club – Summer Promotions 2021 May 1 to September 30. Golf. Tennis.
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care – Upcoming Mental Health Walk on May 1, 2021. Bee Heard.
Divine Global Recovery – is having a “Mother Nature Art Contest” on Thursday May 6th from 5 – 7 PM at PG Social House – 124 Cross St. Punta Gorda. Submissions can be a photo, drawing or a painting and can be no larger than 11 1/2 by 17 and must be family friendly. Submissions must be turned into PG Social House no later than 5 PM on May 5th. Must be 12 and over to enter and must be present to win. For more info call 844 – 99 – DIVINE.
Animal Welfare League – Invites all animal lovers to attend its Mask-R-Aid event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 6 at the Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Road. Join us, along with our presenting sponsor, Gettel Automotive, for this outdoor casual fundraising event that will help support the life saving work of the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. For more information, visit www.awlshelter.org or call 941-625-6720.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Fort Myers Film Festival on May 14 at 7.30pm.
Charlotte Community Foundation – Charlotte County Non-Profits Virtual Town Hall on May 18 at 4pm.
Suncoast Humane Society – Virtual Walk May 22, Tails On Trails.
Punta Gorda Rotary Club – Healing Field of Honor, May 28-31. Click Here for Details. Flyer.
CDBIA – Join us at the Icehouse on July 10 for Darts! Team Registration Form.
ARCHway Institute – April Newsletter
Animal Welfare League – April Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – Newsletter
Charlotte Arts – Newsletter
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Copperfish Books – April Newsletter
Hope4Communities – Newsletter
Lennore Shubel, Realtor Coldwell Banker Sunstar – Newsletter
Loveland Center – Newsletter
Punta Gorda Symphony – April Tempo
Sandstar Remodeling – March Newsletter
Senior Friendship Centers – Spring 2021
The Yoga Sanctuary – What is your why?
TIME Realty Services – March Newsletter
Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP), 2021 Southwest Florida Climate Summit
Calling all SkyDivers, 9/11 Memorial, Flyers in the Air.
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.
Bristol Private Wealth Management of Raymond James
D&D Custom Cabinets
Frank Desguin Family
Kingdom Center for H.O.P.E
Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens
Punta Gorda Isles
Civic Association
Valerie’s House
252 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-3720
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 9am to 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
© 2023, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
