Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends, here are your Friday Facts.
In celebration of Christmas the office will be closed Wednesday December 23 at 2pm and re-open Monday December 28 at 9am.
In celebration of New Year the office will be closed Wednesday December 30 at 2pm and re-open Monday January 4 at 9am.
Next Friday Facts will be January 8, 2021 (please send me your submissions before noon on Thursday January 7 hklossner@puntgorda-chamber.com)
For all of our Businesses and indeed everyone living in this beautiful city, we thought you might like to see just how many people (especially new people) have been looking at the Punta Gorda Chamber Website in the last month. People are checking in with us! To all our Business Members, make sure your information on Chambermaster is up to date, don’t miss the opportunity to promote yourselves as people search on our website
[graph showing website statistics: For the time period Nov 17, 2020 – Dec 16, 2020 the Punta Gorda Chamber had 3.988 users. Of that 3,796 of them were new users. The average time spent on the website was 1.20 minutes and each person viewed an average of 1.89 pages]
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR JANUARY 2021 – ONLY 1 SLOT LEFT. 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 progaming 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.
PGI Lighted Boat Parade will be held on December 19th. For more information Click Here
From Office of Roger D Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller. Safely Make Contactless Payments!
From CHNEP. Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership December Events.
From CCSO. Happy Holidays from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office! We would like to remind residents to be safe while out and about shopping this holiday season. Park in well-lit areas, secure your purchases in a trunk or out of sight, get out of your phone & pay attention to your surroundings and never leave your purse or wallet unattended. If you see something suspicious, say something! Non-Emergency 941-639-0013
From CDBIA. Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association Installs Caryn Huff-Sufferling as President of 2021 Officers.
Citywide Garage Sales are back! Next Event is Saturday January 9, 2021. 8am-noon, at the Bal Harbor Shopping Plaza – corner of Bal Harbor and Aqui Esta. Reservations can now be made by calling 941 639 3720 (9am-2pm M-F) Cost is $15 for two parking spaces (one for your goods, one for your vehicle). Larger spaces can be reserved depending on availability. Spaces will be allocated at check-in (7am onwards). Bathroom facilities will be made available. In this new world, we ask for masks to be worn, sanitizer to be available and social distancing of customers to the best of your ability. Hope to see you there
Advance Notice – Mural Tours will return in 2021. Click Here for details. Private tours can be arranged for groups of minimum 10.
Save the Date!! The Laird’s Golf Tournament is back!! Join us at the Paradise Golf Course on January 29, 2021 – yes, you have plenty of time to practice and get ready for this awesome day! Click Here for details.
The Pirates are back! Pirates in Paradise Fun for all the Family on April 10 1pm to 6.30pm on the Great Lawn at Four Points by Sheraton.
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
RSVP’s are ESSENTIAL, as are cancellations. 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 9am to 2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
January 13: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am.Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Bayfront Health – 4th Floor Conference Room, 809 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be from the Hospital.
January 19: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours hosted by The Loveland Center, destination TBD. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!
January 21: Ribbon Cutting at 5.30pm. Welcome new members PG Social House and Room by Room Furnishings, 258 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda.
January 22: Ribbon Cutting at 5.00pm. Welcome new member Harbor Social LLC, 212 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda.
January 27: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda for the traditional State of the City Address by the Mayor of 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.
Bayfront Health (Platinum) – Structural Heart Team at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte performs more than 120 Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Please join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar every weekend for the best live music! Click to see our complete December line up, and mark your calendars when your favorite bands play. Don’t forget to make your reservations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner by calling the hotel at 941-637-6770. Please click for the menus and pricing. The Tiki Bar…..The Place to Be!
Expedia Cruises (Platinum) – download your special gift voucher towards future travel here.
Sun Newspapers (Platinum Media) – The Coolest Place to Work promotion. It’s been a tough year for a lot of businesses so we wanted to end 2020 on a fun note!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Now more than ever people like you have been forced to work at home within the confines of their homes. Imagine stepping outside of those walls and into a world where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a tropical beachfront or lush jungle work atmosphere. If you are hoping to one day live and work in a safe and affordable overseas location, I can help you narrow your search with easy options in Belize, Nicaragua, and Panama that makes sense in building a life you won’t need a vacation from. Get on your path to becoming a location-independent Digital Nomad. https://bit.ly/39Y5rez For more information contact Della Booth, Broker TIME Realty Services Cell/What’s App +1 239-699-4493
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm.
Springhill Suites (Gold) – New Corporate Rate for First Responders valid through the end of 2021. Here is the reservation link you can use to make online reservations at rates specifically negotiated for your company Book your corporate rate for Care Giver Thank You If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.
Charlotte State Bank and Trust (Silver) – See Applause section below.
Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – is honored to be your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. Voted “Best of Charlotte 2020” for Window Decor & Interior Decorating. At CWT, we design all types of custom window treatments and more such as Draperies, Valances, Cornices, Bedding and Upholstery. We offer free in-home consultations. Visit one of our showrooms at 254 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., P.G. (941) 637-0015 or 4680 Placida Road, Suite D, Englewood (941) 828-0000. Masks are required. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
Friendly Floors (Silver) – Owner Marjorie Benson will match funds up to $10,000 for all donations made to the Fred Lang Foundation by end of the year.
The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad (Silver) – Check out our newly updated website www.thepurplehousesalon.com. Shawn Gilstad, 941.830.4746 – Cell, 941.205.8603 – Salon
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Estella Scrooge – A Christmas Carol with a Twist. Click Here for details.
Key West Express (Bronze) – Last Days – Holiday Sale.
Hessler Floor Covering (Support) – Name-Brand Inventory Clearance Sale
Illusions Salon & Spa (Support) – At Illusions Salon & Spa, wellness is infused with red-carpet style. From arrivals marked by a glass of champagne to spaces dedicated to your relaxation, we address your mind, body, and skin. We are now offering membership packages. The holidays are coming so treat yourself or someone special to a monthly spa package. (941) 505-5777 or www.illusionsofpg.com
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – Book by calling 941-889-8388 or online at PuntaGordaNails.com.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support) – Lighted Boat Parade December 19
Visual Arts Center (Support) – 12 Days of Giveaways are happening through Dec. 24 – Come in for a new giveaway every day! (VAC Will close Dec. 24 at Noon for the Holidays). “Off the Wall” on display until Dec 19, Art is $200 or less- take it home for the Holidays! Shop the Ornament & Holiday Gift Wall in the Gift Shop for your Xmas list. Every $10 donation receives a free VAC logo ornament! Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Store Hours: Mon & Fri: 9a-4p, Tue-Thu: 9a-7p, Sat: 10a-2p. Events, Classes, Memberships, Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org.
From our AAA Member. Punta Gorda Chamber Members please Click Here to get the flyer and information for a fundraising promotion through AAA. December is Punta Gorda Chamber month. Any employee at the office can assist you (941) 627-1544, do not go online.
TONIGHT & THIS WEEKEND
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – 2nd Annual Gardens Aglow 6pm-9pm. Must pre order tickets.
TONIGHT & SATURDAY
PG Social House – 12/18: Community White Elephant Party. RANDOM White Elephant Gift Exchange, put a white elephant gift under our tree valued at $15 to exchange on our outdoor patio! Gift exchange will start at 8PM.
12/19: Santa Claus is coming to PG Social House on from 5-7PM! Tickets MUST be purchased for this event. We will have hot chocolate, eggnog, letters to Santa, and a cookie decorating station! All activities are included in the price of admission along with a polaroid of your child and Santa Claus. Event Link for Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-claus-is-coming-topg-social-house-tickets-130603958957
THIS SATURDAY
Wreaths Across America – National Remembrance Wreath Laying December 19 at 10am, Charlotte Memorial Cemetery.
Punta Gorda Symphony – Holiday Pops Outdoors, Dec 19 Tickets still available.
THIS WEEKEND
Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Santa Coming To Town.
THIS SUNDAY
Twin Isles – Neighborhood Brunch, Dec 20.
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – We’re grateful for the support of our local community. From our Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine family to yours: a heartfelt Merry Christmas and wishes for a prosperous New Year! We are offering complementary delivery to the 33950-zip code through December 23rd. Call us to create your customized gift basket of $150 or greater and we’ll do the rest. 941-505-0479.
Coastal Expressions Home Decor, Gifts & Wine Bar – we are now open in the Isles. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd. Suite # 1135 Punta Gorda, FL. 33950. Hours: Sunday 9 AM -2PM, Monday – Wednesday 10 AM -5 PM, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 AM -9 PM. We have lots of gifts for guys and gals for the Holidays, so come on in and check us out. We serve wine & beer along with non-alcoholic drinks and Charcuterie Boards (Daily). Every Friday starting Dec 18th, we play “Wine-O BINGO”. 3 Games. 3 Wine prizes. Call us to reserve your spot for Dec 18th, as spaces are limited. 941-214-8599. If you say you saw this AD, you will receive 5% off on your purchase of in store items.
Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – A Special Christmas & new Years Eve with us…..
USA Dance – Dance Party, Dec 23 December Calendar
Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park – Winter Break Specials. 2 Mini Golf and 2 Go Karts $30 ($42 Value); 3 Mini Golf and 3 Go-Karts $43 ($63 Value); 4 Mini Golf and 4 Go-Karts $55 ($84 Value); 10 Go-Karts $80 ($100 Value); 2 Go-Karts and 2 Ziplines $40 ($50 Value); 4 Go-Karts and 4 Ziplines $75 ($100 Value).
Holiday 4 Heroes – Designer Purse Raffle.
King Fisher Fleet – Christmas Light Canal Cruises Now Available to Book!
Fishermen’s Village – Annual Festival of Lights features more than one million holiday lights and decorations throughout the Village! Daily viewing through December 31st! Free parking/free admission. Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort & Marina, home to 40+ independently owned shops/boutiques/waterfront restaurants! www.fishville.com January Calendar. 941 639-8721. Located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda!
Military Heritage Museum – Visit the Museum this Holiday Season.
One Source Accounting & Tax – We are proud and excited to announce the launch of our new website at: http://1sourceaccountingfl.com . Our new website can help you in many ways and make your tax time so much easier. Click Here to find out how.
Event Elements Catering – Event Elements Catering@the Orange House. Voted in Harbors Hottest in 2019-2020 in Harbor Style Magazine. Preparing Wednesday Night Dinners for curbside or Free delivery. Fresh Menu changes weekly, posted on our Facebook page, Event Elements, on Saturdays. Call or text to (941) 268-5801 for orders.
Loveland Center – December News
Charlotte Community Foundation – Final Days to Help Share End of Year Cheer.
Brookdale Punta Gorda isles – Count on Us, Even on Holidays! Join us on Jan 5, 10am -11am.
The Firm 360 Photography – The Firm 360° Photography asks: Have you ever driven by a business and wonder what it looks like inside? Well, wonder no more! See this gem with a 3D Virtual Walking Tour we did for Desi Salon. We can do this for your business too and include it in your online Google listing. Contact us today for details at 941-347-8198, or visit our website www.the firm 360
Copperfish Books – Will be open on Sundays! At their new location 212 W Virginia Ave. in downtown Punta Gorda (between Taylor and Sullivan Streets). We’re open Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4 and Sun 11-3. Masks are required and we sanitize often. Shop Local and Shop Early this holiday season!
ARCHway Institute – Thank You for Supporting ARCHway’s Holiday HOPE Campaign.
Covenant Business Planning Solutions – Managing Cash Flow. Cash flow is essential to small business survival, yet many business owners struggle to pay the bills (let alone themselves) while they’re waiting for checks to arrive… More Information: https://covenant-business.com/everyday-business-challenges-series/
The Cocoa Exchange – Prep Your Pantry!
Sea Grape Gallery – Two Guest Artists for January 2021.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County – The world is complicated, but it shouldn’t be for kids.
Gulf Theater at Military Heritage Museum – The Military Heritage Museum/Gulf Theater is offering an opportunity for you to use our beautiful facility. Located on Punta Gorda’s harbor, the museum offers space on our veranda, theater and club indoors with the ability for a cash bar and catering. Your event is our event!
Rick’s Estate & Jewelry – Not only is Rick’s the top destination in SW Florida to buy and sell estate jewelry and coins, we are also actively buying and selling designer handbags, crystal, and sterling silver flatware sets. Whether you are looking for an unforgettable Christmas gift or looking to sell a luxury purse, stop by our store and see us today. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, #1141.
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – December 31, 2020 marks the end of many Bank and Credit Card foreclosure and collection moratoriums. Don’t wait until the last minute to think about what you are going to do to deal with your creditors once collections and foreclosure actions start up again. Call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill to help you deal with your creditors and protect your assets and homestead. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com. Learn more at https://icardmerrill.com/money-matters/ .
Virginia B Andes Volunteer Clinic & Pharmacy – Making our Community Healthier. Right Here. Right Now.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Gulfshore Opera – Gala Announcement Season 7 Announcement
Tidewell Foundation – Signature Luncheon on Friday, February 5, 2021, 11.30am at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
Charlotte State Bank & Trust
Toys and wish list items collected for needy children on behalf of the Salvation Army Christmas Angels surround the tree at the Punta Gorda office of Charlotte State Bank & Trust. Staff members looking on include: front row, from left, Personal Banker Sylvia Amick, Residential Lender Holly Selders, and Head Teller Mallorie McManus; back row, Commercial Lender James Coalwell and Personal Banker Faith Schreiber. Tracy, the Guardian ad Litem Administrative Assistant, calls herself the “Head Elf” this time of year, while husband Michael is “Assistant Head Elf.”
[Picture: Michael and Tracy Trotter, are displaying toys under a Christmas tree and wish list items collected for kids in need through the Guardian ad Litem program at the Parkside office of Charlotte State Bank & Trust, along with Personal Banker Gabrielle Lambert and Retail Banking Officer Jacqueline Benjamin.]
ARCHway Institute – National Newsletter
Animal Welfare League – November Newsletter
Charlotte Arts – Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – End of Year Cheer
Copperfish Books – Newsletter
Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know
Gregg’s Auto – December Newsletter
Hope4Communities – November Newsletter
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – December Newsletter
SCORE – November Newsletter
StandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – Insider for November
TEAM Punta Gorda – Newsletter
Virgina B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – December Newsletter
Yoga Sanctuary – December Newsletter
United Way of Charlotte County is hiring! Talented Finance Assistant wanted to join our team. To view this part-time job description, visit: www.unitedwayccfl.org/part-time-position-available Please email your resume to admin@unitedwayccfl.org. Position closes on 12/31/20.
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.
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.
