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Friday Facts for August 20, 2021

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends, 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 17, 2021.

For Our Members Only

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR SEPTEMBER 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!

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention BureauAugust 17th Update

From Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Controller, Charlotte County: Here at the Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, we’re ready to connect and share exciting news with you! That’s exactly why you’ll find us on your favorite social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.


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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]


Job Fair

Looking for Qualified Employees?

The Chamber, in partnership with CareerSource Southwest Florida, will be hosting a job fair at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on Tuesday, August 31st from 3-7pm. It’s just $50 for chamber members and $100 for non-members to participate. Please contact Tara at 941-639-3720 or tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com for more details or to register. Space is limited so please don’t delay!

Also, don’t forget to send Tara your weekly job listings to be included in our Tuesday employment email. Open positions are being filled! If you’re looking for a job, the listings can also be found on the chamber website HERE.


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 – August/Sept. 2021

August 25: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm.  Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Laishley Crab House located 150 Laishley Ct.. Reservations Required. Guest Speaker: Dave Gammon, Charlotte County Economic Development Director. Lunch choices are: Smothered chicken topped with onions, peppers and gouda cheese over rice or zucchini boat filled with black bean corn salsa. 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

ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR CHAMBER LUNCHEONS ARE ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE

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 Fabulous Finds. 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.


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.

Bernard “BJ” Jones – Michael Saunders & Company

(941) 661-9993

bjjones.michaelsaunders.com

bjjiones@michaelsaunders.com

Real Estate

Sponsored by: Kim Weger

Hope & Harmony Holistic Health, Inc

Dan Lambert

(941) 979-2952

dan@hopeandharmonyhealth.com

hopeandharmonyhealth.com

Health

Sponsored by: Tara Zajas

 

Modern Woodmen of America

Charles A . Claypool

(941) 787-4478

charles.a.claypool@mwarep.org

modernwoodmen.org

Financial Planning

Sponsored by: John Wright

 

Suncoast Beverage Sales

Molly Wright

(239) 334-3520

mollyw@suncoastbev.com

suncoastbeverage.com

Beer Distributor

Sponsored by: John Wright


Partners in Action News

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) –   July residential real estate statistics for Charlotte County: 685 sales, 47% conventional loan (big surprise), 42% cash sales, 66% (451) of the sales were under contract in 0-10 days, Median Days on the Market=5, and .8/mo of inventory (565) available at the end of July. Curious about your property value? Give Della Booth, Broker/Principal a call at 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) – The most anticipated event of the new season may be an appearance by the The Oak Ridge Boys on Tuesday, March 28, 2022, at the Charlotte Harbor and Conference Center. 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, Tickets went on sale Aug. 2.
Would you like to sponsor the Oak Ridge Boys Concert? Click here for options or click here to see other options to support the Langdon Playhouse. The Comedy for a Cause 2021cast has been revealed!

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

Frank Desguin Family (Support)Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know that our harbor was named by Dutch navigator Bernard Romans?

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Did you know that Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is participating member of the Museums for All program? Show your SNAP benefit card at the ticket booth and a family up to four members can visit for just $3. If you’d like to see the other 700 parks and museums that participate, please visit https://museums4all.org/


Member Information

Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House has two amazing fundraising events coming up.

Bingo: We are having a Bingo Fundraising event benefitting Valerie’s House on Saturday, September 25th 6-9pm at the Charlotte Memorial Reception Center. Please purchase tickets at https://valerieshouseswfl.networkforgood.com/events/32740-bingo-for-valerie-s-house

A Night of Swing: We are also having 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 Saturday, October 16th at 6pm. Please purchase tickets at AudienceView Professional (ovationtix.com)

Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – Sunday, August 29th 4 course wine dinner featuring the food and wines from Sicily

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.

Suncoast Humane Society

Kayak Day! August 21st 10am – 2pm Grilling, Raffles & Fun at Glass Bottom Rentals in Placida. Clear bottom kayaks, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes.

BIG Sale Alert! Stop into our Englewood Thrift store August 10 through 17 for 50% off everything marked in red and yellow, including furniture! This is 90% off the stock that we currently have on the sales floor, so hurry in to see what treasures await you.

The Yoga Sanctuary30 day Yoga Month Journey

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – The Homeless Coalition’s Singing Competition is back for the 9th year! Finals will be Saturday, August 28th at 5:00p.m. at Kings Gate Golf Club located at 24000 Rampart Blvd in Port Charlotte. Tickets are $75 and include appetizers, dinner, dessert, coffee and iced tea. There will be a cash bar and a chance auction. All proceeds benefit the programs and services at The Homeless Coalition. For Tickets, call Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134.

Charlotte County Historical Center Society – 20th Annual Authentic Live Maine Lobster Bake Saturday, September 25th. Details here!

Animal Welfare League of Charlotte CountyPet Foster Parents Needed!

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Today is National Lemonade Day! With this we are bringing back our Lemonade Shakers. Of course, you can always get a glass of our house-made and hand-squeezed Fresh Lemonade, but you could also spice it up and try a Strawberry Lemonade Shaker, an Arnold Palmer, a Cherry Lemonade Shaker, or even our NEWEST…our Matcha Fresca Lemonade Shaker. Perfect for these hot and humid Florida summer days!

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – This week we have the pleasure of celebrating National Pinot Noir Day. We focus on all boutique style wines from small vineyards around the world. During our Saturday Wine and Beer Tastings we are going to have a Pinot Noir or two on the table so call ahead and reserve your spot now, walk-ins are always welcome as well. At this moment our shop was One White and Four Red Pinot Noirs to enjoy.

Loveland Center Loveland Center is proud to partner with Perfectly Polished Nails – during the month of August, for anyone who gets their nails painted Maroon, Perfectly Polished will donate $5 to Loveland. Perfectly Polished will also be collecting hurricane supplies to make emergency kits for Loveland Participants. Divine Global Recovery will be helping Loveland Participants to assemble the kits and learn how to use the items in an emergency.

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center – Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center has entered the 21st Century with the first of their new online self-guided tours at their Alligator Creek facility on Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda. Instead of a tape player and earphones, visitors use their smartphones to scan QR codes placed on signs along the trail. For more information, click here.

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta GordaUp to $75 off heartworm, flea, and tick medication.

Fisherman’s VillageAugust calendar of events and the September calendar of events.

Punta Gorda Symphony Punta Gorda Symphony returns to the stage August 28 to complete its new indoor Summer Chamber Series. The finale presents Punta Gorda Symphony’s Percussion Ensemble, which has curated a unique program of underrepresented composers seldom heard in live settings.

SCORE – 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.

The Captain’s TableHomegrown Wine Dinner featuring local, Charlotte County flavors August 24th.

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

Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Step 4 – Research Exit Options By: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP

As a business owner, you have several options for how you would like to exit your business. Walking To Destiny describes seven of the most popular exit options in inside and outside ways. The inside exit options include: intergenerational transfer, management buyout, sale to existing partners, and an ESOP. The outside options include: sale to a third party, recapitalization, and orderly liquidation.

Continue reading: https://covenant-business.com/steps-to-take-be…it-your-business/

Our client objectives include: INCREASING YOUR INCOME    DECREASING YOUR TAXES     IMPROVING YOUR NET WORTH

Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night! Next week: Step 5 – Plan For Your Third Act

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 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 Airport Allegiant announces new service to Austin and Bentonville.

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 ShowPatty Wagstaff Returns to the Florida International Air Show.

C.A.R.E. – Want to learn how YOU can help make Charlotte County a safer community? Join us for our NEW Bystander Intervention training seminar on August 27th at 9:00am or 3:00pm located at our Englewood office 6868 San Casa Drive. You will learn techniques to safely diffuse/intervene in moments of conflict/violence tailored to your personal boundaries. Seminar will last 90 minutes with light refreshments provided. No one has to do everything, but everyone CAN do something. Register today HERE.

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition.


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

Copperfish BooksAugust Newsletter

Lifestyles After 50What’s Happening in August

Loveland Center – Exciting Updates

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyAugust Newsletter

The Yoga Sanctuary – August 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

Charlotte Community Foundation

Charlotte Players

Denise Henry –ReMax Anchor Realty

Farr, Farr, Emerich,Hackett, Carr, and Holmes Law Firm

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital

Granny Nannies Home Care

Gulfshore Opera

Hoff’s Air Authority

Pickleplex of Punta Gorda

State Farm Agency -Mike Martin

Superior Carpet & Upholestry Cleaning

Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, & Young, PA

Port Charlotte Florist (In Kind)

Support Partners