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Friday Facts for August 21, 2020

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts.

Blue Face mask with a school bus and the words "Back to School"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.

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 (pdf) 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 20th, to allow us to get all the marketing collateral materials ready for a January 1st 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.

For our Restaurants – FAQs for Restaurant Employee Screening Protocols from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

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 and September.

RSVP’s 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 26: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon – 2:00pm. (Networking from noon-12.30pm. Lunch served at 12.30pm)
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.

September 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am.
Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at St. Andrews South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be Sean Doherty, Interim Director for Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau.

September 15: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. CANCELLED
Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours with the Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!

September 23: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon – 1:30pm.
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Captain’s Table, 1200 W. Retta Esplande, Punta Gorda. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $20.00 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 we MUST continue to 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.

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

Dress 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 as soon as possible, seat fill up fast and seating is limited!
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


New Members

Mission Statement

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

Pizza Gorda
Marzia Candelora
(941) 205-8032
315 TaylorStreet
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
pizzagorda315@gmail.com
www.pizzagorda315.com
Pizzeria – Restaurant
Sponsored by Della Booth

PG Social House
Alicia Scott
(941) 347-7888
124 Cross Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
pgsocialhouse@gmail.com
www.pgsocialhouse.com
Dessert Bar
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard

Room by Room Furnishings
Alicia Scott
(941) 374-7422
258 W. Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
roombyroomfurnishings@gmail.com
www.roombyroomfurnishings.com
New Furniture and Home Goods
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard

Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.


Partners in Action News

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)

Join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar for our new lunch specials. You won’t find a better deal anywhere! Also, check out all of our events for the month of August including the Sizzling Summer Concert series this weekend featuring Gas House Gorillas!

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) – See our newsletter below.

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

Paradise Golf (Silver) – The new Paradise Golf Course 2021 Social Golf Membership

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

One Source Accounting & Tax (Bronze) – Payroll tax Executive Order Clear as Mud

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Save the Date: Comedy for a Cause Virtual Auction

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.

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Blood Drive on August 31. Virtual Classes Schedule.

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

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – CARES Funding Assistance.

C.A.R.E. – Back to School Donations for Survivor Families

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – You guessed it! It’s the start of something new…FALL! Introducing our seasonal Dark Cherry Fudge Frappe, great for these hot Florida days. We will keep you updated throughout this month and next with other new Fall flavors. We will also be posting on our Facebook (Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea) and our Instagram (pgcoffeeandtea).

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Hot deals for your pet!

Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – Special Announcement

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

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – Time to celebrate Pinot Noir! Pinot’s lower tannins mean it is a bit smoother and easier to drink than other reds. We’ve curated a selection from Portlandia to Willamette Valley. Visit us here at the shop to find your favorite(s) today! Curbside pick-up available! -941-505-0479

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Open Labor Day

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Facebook Live Event September 10

Gregg’s Automotive – Attention All Lefties

The Yoga Sanctuary – All That’s Happening at the Yoga Sanctuary.

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.

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz

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.

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – Sharing Some Local History

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 – Share YOUR story! Help us Earn $100k in Lifesaving Funds!

Fishermen’s Village – August Calendar of Events. September Calendar of Events.

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

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

SCORE – Grants for Charlotte County Businesses available.


Newsletters

ARCHway InstituteNewsletter

Charlotte Arts – Newsletter

Copperfish Books – Bookstore news, info and events for August

Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – From Florida’s EcoSystem to Hollywood Glamor

FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers – Rain Storms and Online Webinars!

SandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – The SandStar Insider

TIME Realty Services Inc – Newsletter

United Way of Charlotte County Newsletter


Applause

Panther Hollow Dental Lodge is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Neil Seaver to our practice! Dr. Seaver is originally from Akron, Ohio. He moved to Tampa, Florida after high school and studied Biomedical Science at the University of South Florida. He continued his doctoral studies at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. As a professional, Dr. Seaver enjoys producing high quality dentistry. He strives to take advantage of any updates in technology that make dentistry more predictable as a practitioner and more comfortable and longer-lasting for the patient. We look forward to introducing Dr. Seaver to our patients and community! www.pantherhollowdental.com


Job Opportunity

The Yoga Sanctuary

We are looking to fill one or two massage therapist positions. Please click here for link to the website with further information


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.

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