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Friday Facts for August 8, 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 www.puntagordachamber.com 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(opens in a new tab)


Chamber Calendar of Events

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

August 14: Business Over Breakfast 7:15-8:30am

Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at the St. Andrews Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Dr., Punta Gorda for Business Over Breakfast! Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720

August 15: 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.

August 20: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm

Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at The Bean on 41 Coffee Shop, 2705, Suite 413, Tamiami Trail, 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.

August 28: Networking Luncheon-12Noon-1:30pm

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

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!

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

Click Here for Major Chamber Events (opens in new tab)


New Members

Mission Statement

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

Pedal Punta Gorda

Amanda White P.O. Box 510264 Punta Gorda, FL 33951 615-974-7573 pedalpuntagorda@gmail.com www.pedalpuntagorda.com Entertainment – Pedal Tavern Sponsored by John Wright

Gator Mike’s

Chris Scuderi 35 NE Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL 33909 239-574-4386 info@gatormikes.com www.gatormikes.com Entertainment/Attraction Sponsored by Pat Oliva

SW Florida Honor Flight

Sue Paquin Charlotte County sjpaquinphot@gmail.com www.pchonorflight.org Veteran Services/Non-Profit Sponsored by Pat Oliva

Shaune Goff Freeland for Punta Gorda City Council

1950 Jamaica Way Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941-286-8487 info@electfreeland.com www.electfreeland.com Political Campaign 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

Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)

Kelly Louke is Charlotte State Bank & Trust’s newest vice president and the new branch manager of the North Port office. She is continuing her role as a residential lender in the North Port area. A graduate of the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2008, Kelly chairs the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce’s Member Services Committee and is a board member of Drug Free Charlotte County. She has served as an ambassador of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, member of the United Way Impact Panel and vice chair of the Charlotte County Red Cross.

Florida Southwestern State College (Silver)

Nov 28th Turkey Trot – early registration

CeJay Associates, LLC (Silver in Kind)

CeJay Associates, LLC website spotlight is www.gwaltneysupplycompany.com – a company that supplies our community with Tower Gardens(r), JuicePlus+(r) & natural bath/beauty products. CeJay Associates can help you build or refresh your business website – easy to manage WordPress sites are Mobile Friendly, optimized for Google and Search Engines, and ADA compliant. We can also help increase your site traffic and manage your social media, branding and business graphics. Let our team make your website WORK for your business! Call 941-204-0007 * email Design@CeJay.com * see www.CeJayassoc.com

One Source Accounting & Tax Co. (Bronze)

IRS Sending Virtual Currency Letters Most taxpayers don’t report transactions The IRS began sending educational letters to more than 10,000 taxpayers with virtual currency transactions who potentially failed to report income and pay the resulting tax from virtual currency transactions or did not report their transactions properly. For taxpayers receiving an educational letter, there are three variations: Letter 6173, Letter 6174 or Letter 6174-A. All three versions strive to help taxpayers understand their tax and filing obligations, and how to correct past errors. If you have not reported these transactions be prepared for the letter’s coming out soon! We are a phone call away and would love to help you with your tax needs!! OneSource Accounting & Tax Co Mary Anne Simone 315 E.Olympia Ave.,#224,Punta Gorda, masimone@1sourceaccounting.com / www.1sourceaccountingfl.com

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 13th Forcefield Hurricane Protection Systems, They are Celebrating their 15th Anniversary and the grand opening of their brand new expanded showroom, warehouse and Dealer support facility, 2265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte August 29: Few of My Favorite Things, 212 W. Virginia Ave., #111, Punta Gorda. 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.


Fact of the Day

What’s A Rookie?

It is believe that the word rookie was taken from the word recruit. Going back to the days of the Civil War, military veterans would call the newbies ‘reckies’, short for recruits. Between the days of the Civil War and now, the word went from reckies to rookies.


Question of the Week

Is there a parade for Labor Day?


Events for Week of August 9 – August 18

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 9: 7pm -10 pm Sat. August 10: 7pm- 10 pm Charlotte County Emergency Management is offering the CERT, Citizen’s Emergency Response Team training course. This free course emphasizes training of needed lifesaving medical skills, proper use of a fire extinguisher, disaster psychology, and other disaster recovery skills. The 3-day course will be held at the Rotonda Community Association in Rotonda West from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays 8/10, 8/17, and 8/24. To register or for more information call 813-702-3785. Military Heritage Museum Hosts Catch A Wave To The Tikifest Catch a wave to the TikiFest! The Military Heritage Museum will be host to a Free entertainment event on Saturday, August 10 at 2:30 p.m. in the Gulf Theater. The event is happening during this year’s Tiki Fest 2019 at Fishermen’s Village. Setting the Military Heritage Museum on fire, the Hot Flashz, a troupe of women all over 45, hit the museum’s stage with song and dance to entertain the crowd during TikiFest 2019. For information or reservations, call 941-575-9002 or go to www.freedomisntfree.org and sign up. The museum is located at 900 West Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. As The Homeless Coalition celebrates its 30th Anniversary year, we are excited to announce that the 7th Annual Charlotte Idol Final singing competition will be held on Saturday, August 10th at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The event is Emceed by Melissa Lockhart of Helping Hands and Cris Chana of Chelsea Place. Sixteen amazing singers from the community competing in hopes to be the next 1st place winner. The finalists include: Nidal Zarour, Jennifer Zangari, Elizabeth Rogers, Jazmin Solunar, Christine Fankhauser, Aaron Thompson, Abigail Wertman, Valeria Sanchez, Jamie Landry, Daniel Candia, Daniella Storesser, Camille Crites, Sarai Sapp, Ashlyn Houser, Madison Campbell and Nikole Darna. You’ve seen it on tv now see it yourself. VIP tickets are $75 each include dinner, special seating and pre-show entertainment. Doors open at 5:00P.M. The General admission tickets are available for $20 and guests can enjoy a cash bar and snacks that are available for purchase in the concourse. Doors open at 6:00P.M. doors for general admission will open at 6:00pm with cash bar and snacks available for purchase in the concourse For information on how to obtain tickets for Finals Night contact Darcy Woods at Events@CChomelesscoalition.org or by calling 941-627-4313, Ext. 134. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Homeless Coalition’s programs and services. Fishermen’s Village The 4th annual Tiki Fest will be held Saturday, August 10th, 12 noon-4 pm at Fishermen’s Village. Music, vendors, hula dancers, photos with International Mermaid Faith Lynn are just some of the highlights of this highly anticipated family friendly event. Full details on line at www.fishville.com/events. Free admission/Free parking! Chelsea Place Presents “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” Chelsea Place Adult Day Care is hosting an educational program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Chelsea Place Daytime Activity Center, 3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Alzheimer’s Association Program Specialist Amy Schenk, RN, MSEd, will address the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.” “Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia cause changes in memory, thinking and behavior that interfere with daily life,” said Chelsea Place owner Kris Chana. “Join us to learn about 10 common warning signs and what to watch for in yourself and others.” Schenk’s program will also address: 1. Typical age-related changes. 2. How to approach someone about memory concerns. 3. Benefits of an early diagnosis and the diagnostic process. 4. Alzheimer’s Association resources. A passionate health care professional with a successful track record in growth, clinical goal achievement, physician relationships and multi-site management, Schenk is a Registered Nurse and Certified Dementia Practitioner. She also earned a master’s degree in education and public health. She has experience in acute care, ambulatory care, dialysis, quality management and home care. To register for this important event, contact Chelsea Place Senior Research Specialist Amie Conti at (941) 787-0687 or aconti@chelseaplacecare.com. You can also visit alz.org/CRF to register online and explore additional education programs in your area. To learn more about Chelsea Place and all it has to offer, visit www.chelseaplacecare.com. PGD Launches Air Service Destination Survey Participants Eligible for Airport Coupons & Prizes Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is offering coupons and prizes for airport parking and concessions to encourage participation in its online air service destination survey through Aug. 31, 2019. The survey focuses on two areas of air service via PGD: intrastate and major U.S. hub destinations. The survey, which can be found at www.FlyPGD.com/survey, asks potential and current PGD passengers to indicate where within Florida they would fly to from PGD at $200 each way, as well as how often, why, with how many people, which days and times of the week, and what times of the year. Survey options include Jacksonville, Destin, Palm Beach, Key West, Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale. The second part of the survey asks similar questions for major U.S. hub airports that could connect local passengers to international destinations through Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Newark, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Dallas. “The data we collect will provide valuable insight we can share with potential new airline partners, as well as Allegiant,” said PGD’s CEO James Parish. “This information will help management build our case to grow the number of options beyond the 40-plus destinations Allegiant currently offers.” Whether air travel is for business or pleasure, participants can preview the survey to help evaluate their air travel needs and wants before starting the survey so that it can be completed as quickly and accurately as possible. Participants who do not see their preferred airport as a predefined option will have an opportunity to type in their own answer toward the end of the survey. “Participants should keep in mind that PGD is not currently, or planned to be, an international airport,” said Parish. The first 200 participants who complete the survey with a valid email address will receive a coupon for a free 20 oz Zephyrhills bottled water valued at $2.99 or a large coffee valued at $3.29, redeemable at The Junction, which is located inside of the Bailey Terminal departures area. Each coupon will be redeemable September 2019 through September 2020. Additional prizes, including passes for a free week of airport parking and $20 gift certificates to The Junction, will be randomly awarded in September 2019 for up to 10 participants who complete the survey by Aug. 31, 2019. “This is the first time we’ve launched an air service destination survey like this, so we are hoping to receive upwards of 500 completed surveys with the community’s help and engagement,” said PGD’s Marketing & Communications Manager Kaley Miller. “While we receive a lot of suggestions on social media, we need strong, quantifiable survey results to help us analyze and present our case in a more meaningful way to potential airline partners.” Charlotte County Airport Authority employees are not eligible to win coupons or prizes.


Click Here to view information provided by our members (pdf.) Welcome Home Veterans 2020 (member provided pdf)


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! Contact: 941-637-3533 or charlotte.lli@fsw.edu

The Charlotte Education Foundation is looking for volunteers

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.

Gulfshore Opera

Season 6 Brings Exciting Changes and Audience Favorites Click Here for all of the info (Customer provided pdf.)

Therapy One

New Research Shows: Physical Therapy First for Low Back Pain Curbs Opioid Prescriptions and Lowers Costs Adding to a growing body of evidence for physical therapist treatment of low back pain (LBP), a new study shows that using it as a first-line approach not only saves money, but also dramatically reduces the chance of receiving a prescription for dangerous opioids. The study, Physical Therapy as the First Point of Care to Treat Low Back Pain: An Instrumental Variables Approach to Estimate Impact on Opioid Prescription, Health Care Utilization, and Costs, was published in the May 2018 issue of Health Services Research. Researchers followed the health insurance claims of more than 150,000 patients for 1 year after an initial visit to a health care provider for LBP. They sought to examine differences in the type of health care utilized and how much it cost over the course of a year for those who saw a physical therapist first, those who saw a physical therapist at a later time after the initial visit, and those who never visited with a physical therapist during the study period. The team concluded that patients with LBP who received care from a physical therapist first experience lower out-of-pocket pharmacy and outpatient costs. They also reduced their likelihood of receiving an opioid prescription by 87% compared with patients who never visited a physical therapist. The “physical therapist first” group also experienced a 28% lower probability of having imaging services and 15% lower odds of making a visit to an emergency room. At any given time, about 25% of people in the US will report having low back pain within the previous 3 months. And more than 60% of people with low back pain in the US have a prescription for opioids. The US is struggling to combat an unprecedented opioid epidemic, resulting from the misuse of prescription painkillers, which come with dangerous side effects including depression, addiction, overdose, and death. In 2016 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released opioid prescription guidelines, recognizing that prescription opioids are appropriate in certain cases like cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care, and in acute care situations if properly dosed. But the guidelines say for other pain management, nonopioid treatments, including physical therapy, should be used. The American Physical Therapy Association’s #ChoosePT campaign raises awareness about physical therapy as a safe and effective alternative to drugs for the treatment of pain. It aligns directly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s opioid prescription guidelines (March 2016), citing “high-quality evidence” supporting exercise as a part of a physical therapy treatment plan for low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.

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.

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 www.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.


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