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Friday Facts for August 23, 2019

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Dear Chamber Member,

Here are your Friday Facts – Enjoy reading them and have a great Friday and an even better weekend. If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to poliva@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.

PG Chamber radio show: (Now booking for August and September)
Every month, your Punta Gorda Chamber teams up with local iHeart Media DJ – Bob Alexander to focus on Chamber members and what they are up to. For only $95, you get to pre-record 2 x 2 ½ minute slots (which can be the same or different) which will be inserted into Bob’s show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. This is one of the largest local radio audiences available to us. You don’t even have to go to the studio any more. Bob will call you to record your message(s)! If you are interested, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com to get you on your way. Ideal for business promotions, events or simply to get your name out on air.

Your Chamber Staff,
John, Pat, Carole, Stephanie & Janet


Want to become a PG Chamber Guardian and/or Supporter in Perpetuity?

At our recent Board retreat, it was agreed to add a new page to our website to allow for those of you who wish to become either a Guardian ($1000) or Supporter ($500) in recognition of the work that the Chamber undertakes and how we have (hopefully) positively affected your time within the Chamber’s membership.

All Guardians and Supporters will be listed on our website under the Your Chamber tab along with a picture (if you so choose).

All Guardians will also be listed in our weekly e-news bulletins – the Friday Facts and the Monday Morning Updates.

Realizing that some may not want that recognition published, inclusion will be entirely at your discretion, but from our perspective, it’s a great way to show your support being seen doing so! The idea of having such Guardians and Supporters originated with the late Alvin Gould who wanted to show his support for our efforts, but realized that being a Member of the Chamber was not an avenue for him to actively be engaged. It is our hope to continue adding names to this list going forward, but we do want to acknowledge Michael P. Haymans for being the first name to be etched on this salubrious honor roll. Thank you.

To make your pledge or for further information, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com

John R. Wright
President

Click Here to see Our List of Guardians to Date
Guardians & Supporters of the Punta Gorda Chamber


Chamber Calendar of Events

Please remember to RSVP to:  reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 941-639-3720.

August 28: Networking Luncheon-12 Noon-1:30 pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid or $20.00 at the door. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex

September 5: Semi Finals & Finals of Chamber Feud
will be held on Thursday, September 5th, starting at 5pm at the PG Women’s Club 118 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda.

Semi-final line-up:
Chapman Insurance Agency vs Florida SouthWestern State College
&
Friendly Floors vs Re/Max Anchor Realty

Two winners will meet same night in the final with winner being given the Winner’s Trophy. Admission to this hilarious event : Only $2 at the door! Refreshments available for donation. Come and support your favorite team and enjoy a great night out!

September 11: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am-8:30 am
Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at our breakfast sponsored by Chapman Insurance Group and held at The Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda . Please be sure to RSVP to 941-639-3720 or email
reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

September 17: Business After Hours 5:30pm-7 pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Profiles Boutique, 121 E. Marion Ave., #111, Punta Gorda . Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

September 19: Third Thursday Wine Walk 5-8 pm
In Downtown Punta Gorda. Art-Music-Live Demonstrations-Shopping & Food! What better way to spend an evening out with old friends while you take the time to make new ones. Wine Walk works by donating $10 at the PG Chamber ( in advance or on the night) to get a wristband and passport that entitles you to a walking wine tasting – a map of all retail participants will accompany your wristband. Each location will have two different wine varietals to taste! Wristbands can also be purchased at Hipnotique on the day of the event. Not a wine drinker, you can still come and enjoy the atmosphere and shop, dine and stroll around.

September 25: Networking Luncheon-12 Noon – 1:30 pm.
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at La Fiorentina, 10361 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid or $20.00 at the door. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex

Punta Gorda Chamber Annual Awards Banquet, September 21, 2019 at 6pm (opens in new tab)

City Wide Garage Sale 2019-2020 Schedule
8 am – 12 Noon, $15.00 per entrant

You get two parking spots – one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide)
Set up 7: 15am
New Location: Comfort Storage Parking Lot, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda

Dates:

  • October 12, 2019
  • November 9. 2019
  • December 14, 2019
  • January 11, 2020
  • February 8, 2020
  • March 14, 2020
  • April 11, 2020
  • May 9, 2020

Please contact Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com. All Registrants need to be pre-registered with payment There will be no admittance the day of the event. Non-refundable, non-trasnferable sale held rain or shine… no rain dates.

Click Here for Major Chamber Events


New Members

Mission Statement

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

Thee Purple Potato Food Truck
Sherice Harris/Luz Llanos
Port Charlotte
314-704-1007 or 720-253-9766
theepurplepotato@yahoo.com
Food Truck
Sponsored by Debi Malinoski

Pickleball Global
Peter Della-Luna
25987 Tamiami Trail
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239-848-6943
info@pickleball.global
pickleball.global
Pickleball Tournaments & Events,League & Tournament Platforms & Retail Sales
Sponsored by Stephanie Stewart

AllyRides
Melissa Guido
2927 Caribbean Dr.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-242-7433
allyrides@comcast.net
allyrides.com
Medical Transportation
Wheel Chair/Stretcher
Sponsored by Pat Oliva

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


Partners in Action News

Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum) Click Here for August Events

Captain’s Table (Gold)
Captain’s Table is now serving Brunch on Sunday from
10 AM – 2 PM. Please Come enjoy our Chef’s take on Brunch with delicious dishes while enjoying views of Charlotte Harbor. Lunch will also be available form 11 AM – 4 PM. For more information please call 941-637-1177.

Wyvern Hotel (Gold)
Sat, Sept.14th –  Kitt Moran Trio Click Here for Info
Tues, Sept. 17th at 6pm – The Passing of the Brushes – a new exhibit At the Wyvern Hotel

Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)

Are You Prepared? Find Out At Free Estate-Planning Seminars In September
Thursdays 11-noon estate and investment planning: Trust Development Officer Kerry Hunter of Englewood Bank & Trust is offering a trio of free educational seminars in September. Hunter, a graduate of the Florida Trust & Wealth Management School, has 17 years of client service and banking experience. She will present timely information on estate and investment planning designed to help individuals achieve their financial goals for themselves and their heirs. The seminars will be held on consecutive Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon. at Englewood Bank & Trust’s main office, 1111 S. McCall Road, and Gulf Cove office, 12651 S. McCall Road.

Sept. 5, Are You Prepared with a Will or Trust?, in our Main Office
Hunter explains the pros and cons of having a will or trust, which approach is more suitable for your needs, and ways these documents can influence how your estate plan is implemented, administered and settled.

Sept. 12, Are You Prepared with Estate-Planning Basics, Gulf Cove Office
This seminar will review the basic elements of an estate plan, including last will and testament, power of attorney, and health care directives, focusing on the specifics and benefits of each and the pitfalls to avoid. The seminar will also include planning tools for non-married couples and couples who have remarried, plus ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and your assets.

Sept. 19, Are You Prepared with Asset Protection?, Gulf Cove Office
Hunter will explore the pros and cons of titling your assets in your trust name or when you should title accounts in a special way to protect your assets from creditors and liabilities. She will discuss umbrella policies and what assets should be covered.

The seminars are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Reservations may be made at any Englewood Bank & Trust office or by contacting Hunter at 941-473-3629 or khunter@ebtfl.com. Additional information is available at www.englewoodbankandtrust.com

Florida Southwestern State College (Silver)
Nov 28th Turkey Trot – early registration

Farr Law Firm (Bronze)
Hackett Named Best Lawyers® 2020 Real Estate “Lawyer of the Year” in the Fort Myers Metro Area
Jack O. Hackett II, a director at Farr Law Firm, has been recognized as the 2020 Real Estate “Lawyer of the Year” in the Fort Myers metro area. “Lawyer of the Year” awards are presented annually to a single outstanding lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area. Hackett has also received recognition for the fifth year in The Best Lawyers in America©. As a Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate attorney, Hackett represents clients in all areas of residential and commercial real estate sales, acquisition and development and has represented clients in several high profile real estate transactions. Hackett also practices business law and counsels clients in a wide range of industries in the formation, organization, and management of business entities. For more information, please visit farr.com.

Charlotte Players (Support)
Clean Up Day on Saturday, August 31st. Click Here for info.
Mama Won’t Fly – Auditions: Auditions will be held in the Charlotte Players Rehearsal Hall on Sunday. August 25 and Monday, August 26 at 7:00 PM

THE STORY: An outrageously hilarious race against the clock begins when Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycutt agrees to get her feisty mother all the way from Alabama to California in time for her brother’s wedding. Savannah’s problem: Mama won’t fly. With only four days to make it to the ceremony, this determined daughter has no choice but to drive cross-country with her equally willful mother, Norleen Sprunt, in Mama’s vintage sedan. As Savannah steels herself for this hastily conceived road trip, another outrageous complication arises: the bubbly, over-eager bride-to-be arrives unannounced. Hayley Quinn, delighted to finally meet her future in-laws, is convinced that traveling together to her wedding is the perfect way to bond. The folly of her decision quickly becomes apparent when the journey begins and comedic chaos ensues.
Director’s Audition Notes: MINIMUM OF ACTORS NEEDED: 2 WOMEN AND 6 MEN
MULTIPLE ROLES WILL BE CAST.
*Earthy southern AL & TX accents may be used at audition but are not necessary.

Character Descriptions:
Savannah Honeycutt- 40s (Daughter) Feisty, very put together, attractive southern business women; controlling; easily frustrated; sarcastic tone; strained relationship with her mother.
Norleen Honeycutt – 65+ (Mama) Head strong; stubborn; impetuous; spirited; tenacious; flashy dresser.
Hayley Quinn – 30+ (daughter -in-law to be) 30+- Lovable, high energy; nervous to make a good impression; accident prone; bit of an airhead.
Cousin Chicken – 60 + Delusional, in a world of his own.
Ardale – 50+ Bible -toting gold-digger.
Uncle Ferd – 70+ Very energetic, loves to dance, friendly, carefree.
Great Aunt Pawnee – 90s Wheelchair bound; senile, doesn’t speak.
Essie – 80s Curator at a Bra Museum; takes her job seriously.
Juliette – 50+ Former costumer for the local community theatre; just been fired from her position after 20 years; bitter and resentful.
Tanya – 40+ Big-haired, flashy-dressed realtor.
Denton – 65+ Owns auto repair shop; easy going; love interest for Norleen.
Rema Jean – 50 + Fun loving country matron.
Mickey – 40+ Fake Irish brogue; energetic; wants the bar to be an Irish Pub.
Mitch – 40+ Earthy Texas accent; Co-owner and brother to Mickey, Texas cowboy appearance; wants the bar as a saloon
Edweena – 50s Bible totting church lady; unafraid to demonstrate her values in public.
Fanny – 50s Bible totting church lady; a follower to Edweena’s lead
Officer Duggar – 60s Almost retired; world weary; all business.
Red – 50 + Eighteen Wheeler truck driver; very caffeinated; intense; maniac driver.
Kiki- 40s+ Sexy bimbo type; gold digger type; excited; passionate.
Ronald – 60 + Flattered by the attention from a younger women.
Teeta – 60 + Former Vegas showgirl; flashy /tacky dresser; ordained wedding officiator; all about her business.
Sybil – 60+ Ronald’s current wife; homespun; tries to stop wedding due the divorce has not yet been granted.
Spud – 40s Flamboyant cross dresser; friendly; confident; once engaged to Savannah.
Kelvin – 50s Well dressed hotel concierge; snobbish; displays disdain toward common guests.
Stagehand – Walk on role throughout play

Animal Welfare League (Support)
Click Here for their latest news.
Animal Welfare Organizations’ Collaborative Efforts
Lead to Grants Totaling Nearly $100,000
Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte Counties, Fl., August 19, 2019 – Ongoing collaboration helped five local animal welfare organizations receive FAF (Florida Animal Friends) grants totaling nearly $100,000 last week as they continue to try to stem the tide of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens in the Southwest Florida region. One animal rescue from Charlotte County, one from Sarasota County and three from Manatee County work closely together each year on their sterilization program for cats and dogs. As part of their collaborative efforts, they each asked to be considered for grants from Florida Animal Friend based on a specific locality (often by zip code areas) in their representative counties. FAF is a private entity in Florida that disburses revenue made on the sale of the Florida Animal Friend Specialty License Plates. The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County, Animal Rescue Coalition, Animal Network, Inc., Humane Society of Manatee County, and Gulf Shore Animal League each received amounts ranging from $15,000 to almost $25,000, making FAF’s contribution to the 2019-2020 trap-neuter-return (TNR) and spay/neuter programs in the region an unprecedented amount. Additional support is being provided by Feline Friends of Southwest Florida, a local trapping and transport charitable organization. Through these programs, there will be over 2,000 sterilization surgeries provided over two counties which are predicted to lower the births of unwanted puppies and kittens in those areas. Several of the programs will be significantly focused on lowering the enormous number of kittens born during the spring of each year during “kitten season” through trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. Feral and free roaming cats are either ones that live outside and are not socialized to humans or ones that are friendly to humans but are un-owned for various reasons. Feral cats can live long, healthy lives, content in their managed colonies, where they have access to food, water and shelter. However, an unmanaged colony can become a problem, with rampant breeding and the onset of problem mating behaviors. TNR not only lowers the number of kittens that regularly flood our shelters each spring, but improves the quality of life for these animals in our community

Profiles Nail Boutique (Support)
Save 10%. We are collecting items for the Animal Welfare League. Bring in one or more items from the Animal Welfare League’s Wish List (AWLshelter.org) and you will receive 10% off your services at Profiles Nail Boutique August 1 through August 30, 2019. Profiles Nail Boutique, 121 E Marion Ave #1111, Downtown Punta Gorda.  ProfilesBoutique.com


Ribbon Cuttings

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.

August 29: Few of My Favorite Things, 212 W. Virginia Ave., #111, Punta Gorda.

September 4: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of the New Orthopedic & Spine Unit at Fawcett Memorial Hospital. There will be Free valet parking at Main Entrance, volunteers will escort attendees to the second floor spine & orthopedic unit. Fawcett Memorial Hospital, 21298 Olean Blvd., Port Charlotte

September 12: Camelot2, 2705 Tamiami Trail Ste 313, Punta Gorda.

October 10: Yesterdays Collectables, Antiques and Vintage Clothing, 4301 Sibley Bay Street, Unit B, (Corner of Hwy 41 & Sibley Bay) Charlotte Harbor

October 24: Ribbon Cutting at Nature Park, Corner of Bal Harbor & Aqui Esta, Punta Gorda. Goes from 4:30 to 6 pm. Ribbon Cutting will be at 5:30 pm.

November 4: Ribbon Cutting at Visual Arts Center for Fun Arts Festival, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda. 12 Noon


Fact of the Day

One Thing Einstein Didn’t Know

Albert Einstein was a genius! Literally and figuratively. A known scholar with an IQ of 160, Einstein knew a lot and contributed a lot to the world today. There was at least one thing that Mr. Einstein didn’t know, and that was how to drive. He never had a drivers license. According to his wife Else, “It’s too complicated for him.”


Question of the Week

Are you ever going to start the garage sales up again?


Events for Week of August 23 – September 1

Remember to click this link to see events for these dates that are in flyer format.

Upcoming Member Events

The Orange House Wine Bar
320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 941-505-8233
We are now open for breakfast and lunch!
Tuesday-Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
Fri. August 23: 7pm -10 pm Spend Friday night right with The Orange House Band. Call to reserve your spot today!
Sat. August 24: 7pm- 10 pm

Visual Arts Center
Arts in August is 8/24 from 10a-30p at Fishermen’s Village. VAC Closed until Aug 25. Come in Aug 26-31 to register for classes and visit the Gift Shop and Art & Supply Store. Visit the Open house Sept 5 from 1-7pm, Sept 6 from 9a-3pm and Sept 7 from 10a-1pm to meet our NEW Instructors. The Visual Arts Center is located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 9-4 & Sat, 10-2. Calendar of Events, Classes, Memberships and Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org.

PAINTING WITH A TWIST FUNDRAISER
Do you like to paint?? Do you have a creative side? Do you just need a night out?? We will be hosting a Painting with the Twist Fundraiser to benefit the services and programs at The Homeless Coalition on Thursday, August 29th. The event will be held from 7pm-9pm at Painting with a Twist, located at 18700 Veterans Blvd in Port Charlotte. Please bring your favorite beverage, snacks will be provided.

The artwork for the evening will be “Home Sweet Home” (the state of Florida and a palm tree in the background) and the cost is $35, which includes painting supplies and a fun evening! Reserve your spot at: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/port-charlotte/event/2109553. For additional information, contact Darcy Woods at 941-627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.woods@cchomelesscoalition.org

Mindfulness Meditation: A 3-Week Series
Sundays, September 1st – 15th 12:30 – 1:45
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.~ Viktor E. Frankl
Many of us live our lives as if on autopilot, constantly being destabilized and reacting to what we encounter. The practices of mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools that change our relationship to what we encounter in life, providing a window of opportunity between stimulus and response. What we discover in that space is our ability to reduce our own stress, to pay closer attention while appreciating the fullness and richness of life, and to develop good will for ourselves and others. Join us for this 3-week series led by guest instructor Carl Eisen. In this series you will come to understand what is meant when we speak of mindfulness and meditation, learn various postures for meditation, and learn by direct experience vs concepts and ideas. Each week you will receive audio recordings to guide you between class sessions as well as have plenty of time for Q&A in class. Cost will be $55 for the series.
For more information call 941-505-YOGA (9642), email info@theyogasanctuary.biz, visit theyogasanctuary.biz or see our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/yogasanctuary/

Yoga Month Bingo Challenge
A Benefit for the Peace River Wildlife Center
September 1st – 30th
September is National Yoga Month! During Yoga Month, designated by the Department of Health & Human Services, festivities occur across the country. Hundreds of studios, teachers, and students join in. Come celebrate with The Yoga Sanctuary and discover the transformational power of a consistent yoga practice. Participate in our month-long game of Yoga Month Bingo and see the difference yourself! In addition to feeling stronger, more relaxed, and less stressed, you will also be supporting the Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC). Our August 29th Community Class at PRWC kicks off the Bingo game, which culminates with a celebration for all participants and supporters on Wednesday, October 2nd. See you on the mat and in the world. For more information call 941-505-YOGA (9642), email info@theyogasanctuary.biz, visit theyogasanctuary.biz or see our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/yogasanctuary/

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans 2020

Those of us old enough to remember the Vietnam war, should also remember the way our brave American men and women were treated when they returned home. There were no applause or cheers when they walked through the airports, only name calling, and ugly treatment by the very Americans they were serving, and doing the job that uncle Sam asked them to do.
The ugly stories are far too numerous to talk about.

Now it is time to finally give the Vietnam veterans the welcome home they deserved, but never received.
On march 28, 2020, there will be a welcome home parade through downtown Punta Gorda with a welcome home ceremony at the Vietnam memorial wall of southwest Florida.

Following the ceremony, there will be a welcome home music festival at Laishley Park. Music will be provided by local favorites the Boogiemen, our own Nashville recording artist Jack Michael, and finally the greatest patriotic singer of our generation, lee greenwood.
The festival will be free for veterans from all across America, we are going to be using all of the different veterans magazines to advertise this event.

We are expecting national news coverage of this, it is time for Punta Gorda and southwest Florida to shine, and show the world that we care about those veterans that were so mistreated by what at the time, was an ungrateful nation.
Vietnam veterans as a group, are dying at a faster rate than surviving WWII veterans because of complications from agent orange. We are asking for your support to finally give these brave men and women, the thanks and welcome home they deserve.
We hope to see you there.

Visit our website for sponsorship opportunities


Homeless Students Gap Fund of Charlotte County
Mentoring Matters: Why Not You? Have you ever wanted to make a difference in someone’s life? Please click here for the info

Life Long Learning Institute Needs Your Help – LLI is looking for a Treasurer!
• Are you a retired bookkeeper or accountant with time to attend monthly Board meetings and coordinate with our office manager (a maximum of 15 – 20 hours per month)?
• Have you worked in Quick Books and are you comfortable with online data systems?
• Do you have the abilities to monitor daily receipts, make disbursements and keep documentation of these transactions to produce monthly financial reports?
• Would you be able to advise and explain to the members of our Board of Directors various accounts, transactions and reports?
• Are you able to file appropriate and timely tax and other required forms to maintain our 501 (c) 3 and charitable status?
If you answered these questions “yes”, then we want to meet and talk with you!!!! Our Board of Directors is a great team of members who are dedicated to putting quality programs together at affordable prices — we have new committees who are putting the fall and winter schedules together . . . “everything’s coming up roses!”
Please consider joining this team as Treasurer to provide financial support and guidance!
Please contact: 941-637-3533 or charlotte.lli@fsw.edu

The Charlotte Education Foundation is looking for volunteers for light duty office and mentors for students. A background check is required. Contact: Sara Wierhake at 941-255-7500, ext. 294 or email Sara.Wierhake@yourcharlotteschools.net.

Charlotte County Info
Show Us Your Charlotte is a call to submit your best photos of Charlotte County to the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. Share your best images of the area—the beach, the harbor, an adventure–we want to see what you’ve got! Photos submitted by Sept. 27 will be considered for the 2020 Show Us Your Charlotte calendar. Submit your photos online: ShowUsYourCharlotte.com.

Gulfshore Opera
Season 6 Brings Exciting Changes and Audience Favorites
Click Here for all of the info.

Golfers Who C.A.R.E. Scramble – Saturday, October 12, 2019, St. Andrews South Golf Cub
Come support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Charlotte County during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, cart and green fees. $90/person – $360/Foursome Raffles, challenges with prizes, and more!
Email chris.hall@carefl.org or call 941-639-5499 for more information.

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Harvest for the Harbor 2019
Click Here for all of the details

4th ANNUAL JOB & EDUCATION FAIR
Thursday, September 12, 2019 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, FL
Click Here for complete info

Sunny Days Ice Cream
Are you the type of person that likes to give unique gifts? Gifts that are special and memorable? Sunny Days Ice Cream truck specializes in premium ice cream catering service. Send our ice cream truck for a special treat to your clients, customers, students or friends in business. Great way to say thank you for a job well done or for referrals. We carry premium novelty ice cream and provide excellent service! Visit our website at sunnydaysicecream.com for more information regarding our services. Call 941-255-1889 to book now!

NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH
King Fisher Fleet, located at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, supports National Library Card Sign-Up Month by offering free Sunset Cruises to everyone who gets a new library card during the month of September. Interested library borrowers in Charlotte and Desoto Counties may sign up for a new library card at the front desk at any Charlotte or Desoto County library. When signing-up, borrowers will receive a voucher for a free Sunset Cruise which is valid for use during September or October. The Sunset Cruise is a 90 minute sightseeing cruise that allows passengers to enjoy a glorious Florida sunset over Charlotte Harbor while touring the residential waterfront. Advance reservations are recommended. For the current schedule, more information, and reservations, call 941-639-0969. King Fisher Fleet offers eight cruises including daylong cruises to the islands of Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Boca Grande, narrated tours of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, as well as sunset cruises and Christmas light canal cruises. King Fisher Fleet also offers charter fishing with some of the best fishing guides in southwest Florida, departing every day from Fishermen’s Village Marina. Gift certificates for cruises as well as for fishing charters are available at the King Fisher Fleet office.

Wheelbarrow of Cheer!
The C.A.R.E. Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for a wheelbarrow full of liquor! Tickets are $10 each or 5 for $40, and all proceeds benefit survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Charlotte County. The winner will be pulled on October 12 at the Golfers Who C.A.R.E. event. Winner is not required to attend. Call or email Chris to purchase your tickets! (941) 639-5499, chris.hall@carefl.org.

2019 Florida International Air Show
Patty Wagstaff Performing at the 2019 Florida International Air Show, November 1st-3rd Punta Gorda FL (PGD) AIrport
Click Here to read all about it.

Sun Events is bringing some of your favorite bands and artists to the Cultural Center of Charlotte County!
Click Here for September & October Schedule

Suncoast Humane Society Pet of the Week
Dog: Pear – My name is Pear. I’m a 3 year old American Bulldog At 65 lbs. I could be your new bundle of joy! I enjoy going on long walks and playing with toys. I’m not a big fan of loud noises. I’ll stay by your side when I hear them though!
Click Here to see Pear

Cat: Twisted – My name is Twisted. I’m a 4 year old Domestic Shorthair mix. I’m a friendly kitty who’s looking for a great home. I can be independent but will make sure I come to you when I want some attention. I’m hoping I get adopted soon! Click Here to see Twisted


Thought for the Week

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”


Member Newsletters

Click Name of Business for their latest news


Job Opportunities

Hessler Floor Covering is seeking talented people to join our sales team in multiple locations-Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and Naples. We are experiencing continued sales growth in all locations with opportunities to increase sales even more with you! Hessler Floor Covering has been serving customers in all of South West Florida since 1951 and continues to be a 5 Star rated company by our customers. Together with our parent company, Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings, we have 4 retail locations. We offer: company provided health and basic life insurances; dental and vision are available.
401K plan after 1 year with the company.
Potential for the right candidate(s) to achieve $60,000/annually with unlimited earnings potential.
Previous sales experience with flooring and tile industry experience preferred, however, we will train the right candidate(s). Please email your most recent resume for consideration and start your new career with us today!
Attention Rich Lancette @ rlancette@hesslerfloors.com.
We are a drug free workplace! Backgound check and drug testing required.


Special Offers for Chamber Members

Air Trek – Click Here for Special Key West Offer

Storm Smart – Click Here for a special offer for Chamber Members.

Sleep Inn & Suites – Click here for a special offer for Chamber Members.

Twin Isles Country Club – Click Here for Offer, Click Here for Offer

LaQuinta Inn & Suites  – Click Here for Summer Special


Joke of the Week

A Different Approach

A young salesperson peeped into the office of someone who looked like a sales manager, muttered something, then started walking away. After retreating a little he seemed to change his mind and headed back to the door — where after some hesitation, he started to back away again. The sales manager, feeling sorry for the young man, and surprised that he was so badly trained, called him in.
“You’re a salesperson aren’t you? What are you selling?”
“Sir … uh … yes … I’m a salesman. I’m sorry to bother you. I was selling insurance, but I’m sure you don’t want any. Sorry to have wasted your time.”
Feeling sorry for the young bungler, the sales manager bought two policies to give the young salesman some confidence and then started teaching him about selling.
He said: “You should have different pre-planned approaches for different kinds of—”
“But I do, sir,” the young salesman interrupted, “the one I just used is my planned approach for sales managers. It always works. Thank you!”


Applause Section

Keeping Kids at Home:
Charlotte Community Foundation brings
The Homeless Coalition and Habitat for Humanity Together

On Thursday, August 8, The Homeless Coalition and Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity celebrated the graduation of their inaugural collaborative Bridges out of Poverty class, funded in part by the Charlotte Community Foundation, through the Mildred Hill Fund.

Mildred Hill is a retired nurse and her late husband, Robert R. Hill was an engineer. Mildred graduated from Syracuse University and Robert from Clarkston University, located in Potsdam, New York. They made Charlotte County their home and were married for 70 years before Robert passed away. A decision made early in their lives subsequently allowed them to create legacies to help those most in need.

Twelve future Habitat homeowners participated in the course as a requirement in the ownership process. The curriculum enables the participants, called “investigators,” to examine their own experiences and to help them on their journeys to self-sufficiency. Of her experience in the course, one participant stated, “I know I have the power to change my situation, but I realize now the first step is knowing the situation I’m into the fullest extent and [the class] taught me that. It was really helpful to be reminded of my strengths and to discover my weaknesses and how to overcome them.” A new Bridges out of Poverty class with new Habitat for Humanity students will begin this month.

Please call the Homeless Coalition at 941-627-4313 for more 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 websites.

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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