Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Today marks the last day of the Chairmanship of June Amara, Creative Window Treatments. The Chair’s gavel was officially passed to Alexia Martin of WhitCo Insurance at today’s Board meeting. June has been an amazing rock for our members during her time as Chair. She has exuded professionalism and innovation throughout her year, despite it falling on a challenging year for all businesses, as they recover from the affects of the pandemic, industry supply delays and a job seeker shortage – to name just a few.
September 18th we celebrate her year at our Annual Awards’ Dinner at the Isles Yacht Club. Reservations can be made by calling 941-639-3720 or visiting the shop chamber tab of www.puntagordachamber.com.
Time to celebrate and thank those who have travelled a path together over the last twelve months. This is the night we look forward to, as we share our journey with the community in which we are rooted.
We are taking into account the current spike in local COVID-19 cases and are planning on this event being held in a social-distanced setting, yet still offering our usual energy and enjoyment. We’ll be keeping a very close eye on local conditions as we proceed.
The PG Chamber’s membership continues to experience very positive growth. The Covid-19 shutdowns and current business economic conditions has shown the value of being a Chamber member even more that before. As our meetings grow again to pre-pandemic levels, albeit in different venues that offer social distancing, we are seeing some members unsure how to network effectively with a bigger group.
Rest assured, you are all part of the Chamber family. If you are looking for help in making connections, we are experts in that. Just tell us as you arrive who you are looking to meet with and we’ll get the ball rolling for you. Walking into a room full of strangers can be daunting, but we are a notoriously friendly group that enjoy doing business with each other, so don’t stand on the sidelines and let opportunities to grow pass you by. Let us help you!
From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on August 24, 2021.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR OCTOBER 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.
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!
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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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]
Tuesday, August 31st (3-7pm) at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.
Social distancing, mask protocols and hand sanitation stations in place:
Free to attend for job seekers. Spread the word and let’s get our community fully employed!
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.
Make A Difference…While Having Fun!
Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox
MUSIC TO RAISE THE ROOF!
Benefiting 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!
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 Illusions Salon & Spa located at 115 Taylor St. 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.
September 22: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at the Captain’s Table located in Fisherman’s Village. 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
ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR CHAMBER LUNCHEONS ARE ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Lightspeed Voice
Ed Hill
(941) 564-3010
lightspeedvoice.com
Telecommunications
Sponsored by: John Wright
LocaliQ – The News-Press
Maryjo Griffith
(239) 44-4882
localiq.com
Marketing, Publishing
Sponsored by: Tara Zajas
RoofRX
Tyler Forrey
(941) 979-5250
roofrx.net
Roof Contractor
Sponsored by: John Wright
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Lobster Pots are back! Please join us on Fridays at the Dockside Grill located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside. We offer the full lobster with all the trimmings for only $21.95. Come back on Saturday for our Prime Rib special that you won’t want to miss! After dinner, head on down to the tiki and dance the night away to Tropical Avenue on Friday and Neon Summer on Saturday. The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – New Listings: 117, Pending (new contracts): 203, Sold (closed): 178 This is the current 7-day rolling residential market statistics for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port. Thinking of selling? Let’s talk! Put my 23 years of local experience to work for you. Della Booth, Broker 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) – Charlotte Players- 4 Beekman is the first play of our 61st season! Join us September 10-19 where you will meet Deanne and Robert, a May-December couple. They have just returned from their honeymoon, and Deanne is shocked to find that Robert has unwittingly bought the very same apartment that she used to live in with her ex-husband, Skip. Located at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
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/
Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House has two amazing fundraising events coming up. 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 October 16th at 6pm. Purchase tickets at www.militaryheritagemuseum.org We also have a Bingo Fundraising event benefitting Valerie’s House on September 25th 6-9pm at the Charlotte Memorial Reception Center. Purchase tickets at https://valerieshouseswfl.networkforgood.com/events/32740-bingo-for-valerie-s-house
Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – Sunday, August 29th 4 course wine dinner featuring the food and wines from Sicily
Rotary Club of Punta Gorda – Meetings are held at noon on Thursdays at the Isles Yacht Club, 1780 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Anyone who might be interested in joining Rotary, as well as Visiting and Snowbird Rotarians, are welcome. The Rotary Club of Punta Gorda promotes good fellowship and puts service to the community and to the world above self. It sponsors the annual Taste of Punta Gorda, the Healing Field of Honor, provides grants to and works with many local charitable organizations, and funds international humanitarian projects in Africa and Latin America. If you plan to join us for lunch, please call ahead to 941-875-3829. For more information visit https://www.puntagordarotary.org
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – Christmas Memories Concert, Monday November 29th. The Ditchfield Family Singers are back by popular demand!
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.
The Yoga Sanctuary – 30 day Yoga Month Journey
Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County – Pet Foster Parents Needed!
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Hosting an event, having a safety meeting, or need some coffee to wake up in the morning? Our selection of brewed coffees and teas come portable for the whole office. Our Black Gold To Go Carafes hold 8 cups of coffee or tea brewed fresh to order and packed with flavor. Don’t worry about the setup, we have you covered with everything from stir sticks, sugars, cream, and more just request what you need, and we will have it ready. With over 10 different coffee beans to choose from and a seasonal list of brewed teas to choose from the party could go on forever.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Take a moment and check out our Facebook Page (Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine), we post updates on seasonal favorites like cherry cordials, Holiday Barks, Holiday Brittles, Old Fashioned Hard Candy, and of course we post our Wine & Beer Tasting Table weekly. You can also follow us on Instagram (haleyhandcraftedchocolates) to see our new chocolates and flavor combinations.
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 – Check out CHEC! The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center has a new self-guided tour that is equipped with QR codes placed along the trails. Using a smartphone to scan, the QR codes lead to a website that is full of narrated information and pictures that guide visitors and point out the beautiful sites along the way. There are 14 QR codes to discover on the trail that will educate visitors about common plants and animals. This new program allows for an educational experience at the park any time of day!
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Up to $75 off heartworm, flea, and tick medication.
Fisherman’s Village – 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.
Gulfshore Opera – Anthony Kearns in Concert January 21st at Daniels Pavilion, Artis-Naples.
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Step 5 – Plan For Your Third Act By Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP This seems like a given: what do you want to do in the next phase of your life? Business owners have spent much of their life wrapped up in their business. Most do not know what they will fill their time with after “work” is no longer their main priority.
Solutions? Continue reading: https://covenant-business.com/steps-to-take-be…-your-business-2/
Our client objectives include: INCREASING YOUR INCOME DECREASING YOUR TAXES IMPROVING YOUR NET WORTH
Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!
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 9 and 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold it’s annual Orchid Sale and Symposium. 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
Wreaths Across America – Nite Under the Museum! Thursday October 14th 7-10pm at the Military Heritage Museum
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 Show – SOCOM Para-Commandos Return to the Florida International Air Show October 16th & 17th, Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
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.
The Hounds on Henry Dog Park will be closed on Sept. 8 starting at noon through Sept. 10 for the installation of the K9 grass (weather permitting). The Dog Park is tentatively scheduled to re-open on Sept. 11. For additional information on this project, please contact City of Punta Gorda Public Works Department at
(941) 575-5050 between the business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday
Drug Free Punta Gorda has been awarded the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant for Year 7! Our fiscal year goes from September 30, 2021 – Sept 29, 2022. We are very thankful for the opportunity to continue teen drug prevention in Punta Gorda, FL. as a Coalition of people working to empower youth to make healthy, drug-free choices. The funding provides $125,000 per year, for prevention outreach and education.
Farr Law Firm – Guy S. Emerich, Jack O. Hackett II, and David A. Holmes, directors at Farr Law Firm, were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
Emerich was recognized by Best Lawyers© for his work in Trusts and Estates and has received this honor for sixteen consecutive years. He is Florida Bar Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates, and his practice focuses on estate planning, probate and trust administration, with an emphasis on protecting and preserving his clients’ assets, minimizing taxes and avoiding probate.
Hackett was named by Best Lawyers© in the practice of Real Estate law for the seventh consecutive year. As a Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate attorney, he 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.
Holmes was recognized by Best Lawyers© in the area of Construction Litigation for the fourth sequential year. Holmes, firm president, counsels and advocates for business owners and their businesses across a broad range of matters including initial organization, governing documents, operations and contracting, acquisition, disposition, and finance.
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
Cooperfish Books – August Newsletter
Lifestyles After 50 – What’s Happening in August
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Punta Gorda Mural Society – August 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.
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.
