Friday Facts for August 14th, 2020

Here are your Friday Facts.

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 20^th, to allow us to get all the marketing collateral materials ready for a January 1^st 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!

PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for September.

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 July show, or any subsequent shows, 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.

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.

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau Industry Update for this week.

Roger D Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comproller of Charlotte County would like you to know his office has launched a New Records Website to Better Serve You.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT CHARLOTTE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS. United Way of Charlotte County is collecting face masks for Charlotte County Public School students. When you buy an adult or child-size face mask from Hipnotique Boutique to donate to CCPS, HipNotique Boutique will donate a second face mask to help our students mask up.

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 Calendar of Events – Members ONLY

Networking Events for August.

RSVPs are very important, as are cancellations (limited numbers allowed, masks and social distancing a must). 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.

August 18: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm.

Come and join you Chamber for our Ribbon Cutting with Business after Hours at the Military Heritage Museum 900 W Marion Avenue Punta Gorda (same as July) hosted by Granny Nannies,Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!

August 26: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon – 1:30pm.

Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Hurricane Charley’s, 300 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda  Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.

Protocols for networking events:

We are in unprecedented and complicated times, but we know that as a Chamber we are the best networkers around, yet still MUST lead the community by example.

Until further notice:

1. To attend a PG Chamber event you will need to have a prior RSVP to either by calling 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com (no later than 2pm on the day prior to the event).
2. Our events are limited to 50 people maximum and therefore NO WALK UPS can be allowed – sorry. If you show up and are not on the RSVP list (unless it’s John’s fault!), you may be turned away, if space is unavailable.
3. The wearing of a mask is mandatory. We will continue to encourage social distancing.
4. Food and beverages will be served individually to you at events.
5. For our After Hours, we encourage you to bring giveaways that are in the form of a local business gift card, secured in a ziploc bag with your business card attached, so it can be sanitized prior to being given out. Alternatively, as long as your gift can be sprayed with disinfectant, you may bring along such a gift.
6. The microphone will be used by Chamber staff and/or guest speaker ONLY.
7. We want to get back together and network effectively and hope that you all will respect these safety protocols, until such times as we are confident to remove them (in stages). Any questions, please call us 941-639-3720.

SPECIAL MEMBER NOTICES

ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER CELEBRATION

Join us for 2020 Celebration of Chamber Achievements’ during the year. We say Thank You to outgoing Chair Debra Trenholm and welcome incoming Chair June Amara and her new Board. Due to COVID19, this event has been scaled down from previous years and will be held in the large Tiki Bar at the Fourpoints with a maximum socially-distanced capacity of 140.

September 17, 2020 6pm to 9pm

Casual

$50 per person – cash bar

Menu

Tossed Caesar Salad

Homemade Potato Salad

Tropical Coleslaw

Grilled Corn on the Cob

BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Smoked Brisket

BBQ Chicken

Strawberry Shortcake

Please be sure to RSVP soonest. Call 941-639-3720 (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com.

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

Partners in Action News

Bayfront Health (Platinum) – Appointment of Tara McCoy as Chief Executive Office. 

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)

Need some R&R? Book a room at the Four Points by Sheraton under the Staycation rate and it includes food and beverage throughout your stay. Please click for more details. T.T.’s Tiki Bar is rolling out our new lunch specials for only $7.95 each day! TT’s Specials.

La Quinta by Wyndham (Platinum)

La Quinta Port Charlotte is Changing Brands!

Captain’s Table (Gold) – The Wine Dinners are Back!

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12. Here is the August Newsletter.

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – JUST available: 2/2 condo 1164 sq ft, first floor, waterfront, water views fully furnished in PGI. Available as an annual at $1350/mo or seasonal at $2500/mo. MLS ID C7431962

More information contact Tanise Gissendaner, TIME Realty Services 941-628-1224

This unit won’t last long.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – Our shop is open to the public by appointment only. Check out our current Hunter Douglas Promotion, The Smart Shades Rebate Savings Event, that is going on now through September 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

The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad (Silver) – Check out our newly updated website www.thepurplehousesalon.com . August Chamber Member promotion – 20% Off Any Chemical Service (New Clients Only). Buy 1 Get 1 Half All Professional Hair Care Product. Shawn Gilstad, 941.830.4746 – Cell, 941.205.8603 – Salon

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – We Continue to Perform…..

Key West Express (Bronze) – Can we interest you in a Key West Getaway?

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.

Visual Arts Center (Support) – Join us for the Virtual Open House Sept 9-11 at facebook.com/VACPuntaGorda. The VAC is closed until Sept 8. Open Studio, Online and Onsite classes begin after we reopen- for more info visit us at www.VisualArtCenter.org. 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

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – It’s National Rosé Day-Hooray!! There’s a Rosé for every palate. There are rosé wines that are semi-sparkling or sparkling, with different intensities of sweetness levels and dryness. Stop by to choose your favorite(s) today! In a time crunch? Staying close to home? We have curbside pick-up. Give us a call to create yours-941-505-0479.

Gulfshore Opera – GO Opera Break

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – September Plant Sale Study Hall

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Facebook Live Event September 10

Gregg’s Automotive – Attention All Lefties

Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – MORE August Classes

FGCU – Register Now for the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources! The Center for Legal Studies

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Hosting an event, having a safety meeting, or just need some coffee to wake you up in the morning? Our selection of brewed coffees and teas come portable for the whole crew. Our Black Gold To Go Carafes hold 8 cups of coffee and tea brewed fresh and full of flavor. Don’t worry about the setup. We have you covered with everything from stir sticks to sugars. Give us a call ahead at 941-916-9095.

The Yoga Sanctuary – Important Updates: Leaning into Uncertainty

Buffalo Graffix – Show me a Sign!

Copperfish Books – Open Mon – Sat 10 am – 4 pm. Shop safely in-person by private appointment, or, if we have space available, you can come in to shop! We allow up to 4 shoppers in the store at one time. 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. Indie Book List. Happiness is…Bookstore Romance Day!

SAM’s Club – Your local club is hiring today!

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Save $$ and protect your pet!

Charlotte Community Foundation – Engaging opportunity for Charlotte County Non-Profits

Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – COVID-19 has served as a reminder that we never know what life may bring us and why we need to be prepared when the unexpected happens. If you have been thinking about an estate plan and would like to sit down for a complimentary consultation, please contact Mark Martella, Esq. with ICARD MERRILL. He will explain the BIG SIX documents everyone needs, five of which you may need to use while you are alive. Please call 941-206-3700 to schedule a confidential complimentary consultation.

Military Heritage Museum – Salute to Veterans Golf Scramble on November 7

Connect Print & Promotions – YOUR source for events & promotional gift ? swag, branded apparel & commercial printing —  website www.connectpromo.net

or contact us for a personal recommendation tailored specifically for your business & branding: office phone (888) 978-3437  email: kim@connectpromo.net … it’s ALWAYS about the people ??? #fortheloveofprinting

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.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Hotdog Days of Summer August 29.

Twin Isles Country Club – Join Now for a low Introductory Rate for Golf & Tennis

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

Cocoa Exchange – Did someone say cookies?

Sea Grape Gallery – is excited to finally be opening after this pandemic forced us to close for several months. We will be open 3 days a week (Thursday-Saturday). Our hours will be 11:00-5:00 each day. Check it out!

Animal Welfare League – Together, let’s Clear The Shelters!

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Cool off and save up to 30% with AutoShip

Fishermen’s Village – August Calendar of Events.

The Homeless Coalition – Charlotte Idol Finals Night.

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

Suncoast Humane Society – WOW! Monthly Donations Matched in August.

Newsletters

ARCHWay Institute – Newsletter

Charlotte Arts – Newsletter

Copperfish Books – Bookstore news, info and events for August

Drug Free Charlotte County – Heading into Summer

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – August Classes…Space, The Pepper Craze, Churchill, and more…

SandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – The SandStar Insider

United Way of Charlotte County – 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 hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.