***Our offices will be closed on Friday, December 24th and Monday, December 27th, re-opening at 9am on Tuesday, December 28th.
Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on December 21, 2021.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR JANUARY 2021. Our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM during the Bob Alexander Radio Show is 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.
City Manager – Weekly Highlights Report for December 22nd.
From Mayor Lynne Matthews – City Highlights for week ending December 22, 2021.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – Holiday shopping – Remember to always park in a well-lit area, remove or place your valuables out of sight, never leave purses or electronics in plain view and ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR!
Recently, neighboring counties have seen a rise in hotel parking lot vehicle burglaries. When traveling, always remember to park vehicles in well-lit areas, remove valuables and lock your doors.
From the Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller – Roger Eaton: Are you or someone you know planning a wedding ceremony, or applying for a marriage license? If so, the Charlotte County Clerk’s office is here to help! Our hassle-free marriage services make it easy for you to say, “I do!”. Start by applying online for a marriage license or scheduling your marriage ceremony at the Justice Center in Punta Gorda.
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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]
January 12: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at ShorePoint Health – Punta Gorda located at 809 E. Marion Ave. in downtown Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
January 18: Business After Hours 5:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center located at 75 Taylor Street in downtown Punta Gorda. 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.
January 26: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association located at 2001 Shreve St. Punta Gorda. 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
8am – 12 noon, $15.00 per entrant, Parking Lot at 1133 Bal Harbor, Punta Gorda FL
You get two parking spots – one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide.) Setup 7am. Trailers require 2 spaces (4 parking spots) – $30
Dates:
January 8, 2022
February 12, 2022
March 12, 2022
April 9, 2022
May 14, 2022
Please contact the Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Please join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar for the holiday weekend! We have Not Guilty playing on Friday night at 7:00 PM. We are still taking reservations for Christmas Dinner in our Dockside Grill, so call 941-637-6770 to make a reservation. The Tiki Bar will be open at 4:00 PM on Christmas Day, so take a break from the family and come have a drink with us. We are filling up fast for New Year’s Eve, so reserve your spot now for dinner in the Dockside Grill. After dinner, head down to the Tiki and ring in the New Year Mixed Signal! The Tiki Bar….always sizzling!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Merry Christmas wishes to everyone from TIME Realty Services, your hometown Realtor since 1998
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am until 1pm. The market will be CLOSED on Christmas day but will be OPEN on New Years Day! December Newsletter!
The Parrot Entertainment Magazine (Gold In Kind) – Latest issue.
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
Isles Yacht Club (Silver) – IYC Charity Cup Series! The Isles Yacht Club Series is a multi-faceted fundraising competition for the benefit of Valerie’s House and Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. For more information or to see sponsorship opportunities, click here.
C.A.R.E. (Bronze) – Ladies and Gentlemen the greatest event of all time is set for Saturday January 29, 2022 |6:00pm. Come one, Come all to the 34th annual C.A.R.E. Ball located “Under the Big Top” at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in downtown Punta Gorda. This year’s we will feature a traditional three course sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. We encourage guests to be creative with their formal wear. To purchase your tickets/ sponsorship opportunities visit www.care2022.givesmart.com. We’ll see you under the Big Top!
The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies presents Standing Together Responding to the Call January 31, 2022 located at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. This is a community collaboration to educate the public in the fight to end Human Trafficking. Cost: Free Refreshments will be provided in the morning. For more information visit www.carefl.org/events/ Let’s stand together to END Human Trafficking.
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – New Year’s Eve Spectacular December 31st! Come ring in the New Year with some of Charlotte County’s talented singers as they present a 90-minute concert-style program. Accompanied by Music Director/Pianist Ken Crisp and drummer Bob Cook, this concert has something for everyone. There are two different shows 6:30p and 9:00p. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – Tis the season of giving! Join the annual giving Tree tradition, plus other upcoming events.
Military Heritage Museum – (Bronze in Kind) December Happenings and Holiday/December Happenings at the Gulf Theater! Gift cards are now available at the Gulf Theater! Giving the gift of entertainment. laughter and joy is one that will leave a lasting memory in the hearts and minds of your family and friends. Click HERE to get your gift card!
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know, although a huge celebration today, the proclaimed date of Jesus’ birth has not always been so, and that the first record of Christmas in today’s Charlotte County dates from 1876?
The Punta Gorgeous Store (Support) – The Punta Gorgeous Store is at the Punta Gorda Chamber! We are excited to announce that you can find the full range of Punta Gorgeous merchandise at the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce! Stop by the Chamber to see the collection today and visit us online at www.thepuntagorgeousstore.com .
Chamber members receive a 10% discount on all purchases!
Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier County. Contact Christine Carey to volunteer, mentor, refer families, fundraising opportunities, and/or donate (christine@valerieshouse.org or 239-841-0382). We can also schedule Valerie’s House Tours. Valerie’s House’s website: www.valerieshouse.org
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea & Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Merry Christmas from our team to yours! Both shops will be Closed Saturday, December 25th and Saturday January 1st. We will oth be open Monday through Friday.
Kona Ice – Have Kona Ice of North Cape Coral to your Event or Parking Lot in the month of January and we will Donate 20% of Proceeds to the Charity of YOUR choice!! Give us a call at 239-365-9591 or email us at csphillips@kona-ice.com
The Grill at 1951 – Celebrate the Holidays with us! Click here to see our holiday lineup.
King Fisher Fleet – An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics to be covered include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh and salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment will be demonstrated during the class and there will be a number of useful handouts issued to students. The class is geared towards beginning anglers, but more experienced fishermen may pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen who might even reveal the locations of a few local hotspots! The course is open to all members of the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday January 12, 2022. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
First United Methodist Church – The 1st United Methodist Church, will host a joyous, fun-filled Christmas Eve experience, designed especially for children and families on Christmas Eve day at Gilchrist Park (400 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda), from 10:00am to 12:00pm. There will be a petting zoo and arts and crafts activities for the children. There will also be a live Nativity scene and music. At 12:00pm there will be a service for children and families and at 3:00pm a contemporary service will be held. Traditional services at 6:00pm and 8:00pm will commence at the Life Center on the church’s campus (507 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda), with special Christmas music featuring harp, hand bells, choir and organ prelude that will begin 30 minutes before each service. For information visit www.whatis1st.com or call 941-639-3842.
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES! Burnt Store Presbyterian Church 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, will hold Christmas Eve Worship Services on December 24th. A contemporary service featuring the praise band will be held at 7:00 pm. A traditional service featuring the chancel choir and bell choir will be held at 9:00 pm and will include communion. Both services will conclude with candlelight.
Connect Print & Promotions, LLC.
We are proud to serve the Punta Gorda Chamber Community:
Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante – We’ve made ordering gift cards for the holidays easier than ever. Order physical gift cards shipped directly to you or egift cards delivered instantly by email. Click here more more details.
Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda – Hampton Manor Premier Assisted Living and Memory Care of Punta Gorda offers support of activities of daily living while enabling our residents to remain as independent as possible. Our community should open their doors by the last part of this years quarter, however we are actively taking reservations to offer a locked in pre-opening rate for the first two years. Please contact Amie Conti, Community Development Manager at (941) 201-8053 or email amie@hamptonmanor.co. Visit our website at www.hamptonmanor.co to view our virtual tour of our Cape Coral community that is similar to Punta Gorda.
Charlotte County Imagination Library – Charlotte County Imagination Library (CCIL), an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and a program of the Charlotte Players, Inc., announced the receipt of a $1,375.00 donation from the Alligator Park Association on Taylor Road in Punta Gorda. Alligator Park residents, through the leadership of Becky Hedden, adopted CCIL for their charitable giving during the holiday season. Click here to learn more.
Fisherman’s Village – January calendar of events.
Punta Gorda Airport – Arrive early! You’ll be thankful you did. New airport bar, routes, attractions & more!
Sea Grape Gallery – Until January 6, 2022, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Donna Pape, oil painter, and Renee Farr, glass artist. Many of Donna’s colorful oil paintings are of local tourist attractions that she hopes will bring back happy memories to those who have visited these locations. Donna recently donated her “Peace River Pelicans” painting to Beyond Ourselves’ silent auction that benefited the Peace River Wildlife Center. Prints of this painting are available at Sea Grape Gallery. Realizing that glass was truly her calling, Renee began exploring the many technical aspects of glass which led her away from jewelry and into the production of fused and stain glass artwork. When designing her art, Renee continually looks for new glass techniques. As Renee explains, “I love things ordered and symmetrical and strive for perfection in every piece I create, and each piece is unique and never recreated”. It is obvious when viewing Renee’s art, that she is inspired by life’s beauty and her love of color.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Join the CHARLOTTE COUNTY PARLIAMENTARIANS UNIT for their winter class: “THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER” This course in intended for those who wish to apply Robert’s Rules of Order for more effective meetings. Topics include Motions, Agendas, Voting Procedures, and Bylaws. 6-week sequence, Thursdays, 9 to 11:30 am. January 20 – February 24, 2022 at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association building, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda 33950. Tuition is $40 paid to the PGICA by check or credit card. To register, call the PGICA 941-637-1655, or go online www.pgica.org. Registration is required by January 14, 2022. Students will be provided access to relevant materials. For further information, contact Joyce Gleason 941-637- 921 or joyglee16@gmail.com
The Homeless Coalition – On December 17, The Homeless Coalition distributed more than 100 turkeys/hams along with traditional holiday food items to prepare. People were pleasantly surprised to receive a Christmas present(s) with their food box. Volunteers led the drive and were happy to give back to the community.
The Homeless Coalition is proud to be able to help so many people in the neighborhood. Another impactful way this organization contributes is by opening their dining room doors every night at 4:30 p.m., for anyone who wants a homecooked meal. “We are overwhelmed with the generosity of our caring community, who made so many have a nice holiday meal,” said Tina Figliuolo, Chief Executive Officer of The Homeless Coalition.
The Homeless Coalition is a 501©(3)not-for-profit organization incorporated in June 1989. It is the mission of The Homeless Coalition to alleviate and prevent hunger and homelessness.
If you would like more information or how you can help at The Homeless Coalition, please contact Meghan Himelein, (941) 627-4313 Ext. 134 or email MeghanHimelein@cchomelesscoalition.org
ARCHway Institute – Newsletter
Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – December Newsletter
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Cooperfish Books – December Newsletter
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Gardens at a Glance News
Punta Gorda Mural Society – November Newsletter
SandStar – Newsletter
The Yoga Sanctuary – December 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.
