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Friday Facts for February 12, 2021

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

Chamber Office Hours are now Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

941 639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on February 9. Click Here.

For Our Members.

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR MARCH 2021. 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.

For Our Community

COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Charlotte County. For Register by phone at the Florida Dept. of Health in Charlotte County call (866) 200-9160. Or, call COVID 19 Call Center +1 (866) 776-6121, email COVID-19@flhealth.gov, or text CharCoCares to 888-777. the vaccine will also be given by select Publix stores in Charlotte County – by appointment only – www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida.

Charlotte County Centennial Year begins. May 15 – Centennial Memories. Flyer.

A Message from Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Charlotte County. Times got tough – and we responded!

From Fresh Jersey Tomatoes. The Chamber is partnering with FJT in a Food Drive for Charlotte County Families – Collection Box in Our Office. Please bring non-perishable items only.

The 7th Annual Punta Gorda Short Film Festival. Will be held at City Market Place, Punta Gorda as a Retro Drive-In, on Tuesday March 2, 2021. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CHAMBER OFFICE (cash or check preferred).  Click Here for Event Flyer.

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.


Chamber Calendar of Events Members Only

Networking Events for February

RSVP’s are very important, 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 4pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

February 16: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours hosted by Illusions Salon & Spa, 115 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please bring non-perishable foods for the NJT Food Drive for Families in Need in Charlotte County.

February 24: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm.  Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Harbor Social LLC, 212 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Our speaker will be from The Loveland Center. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. MENU: Steak Sammie; Chicken Sandwich; Vegan Stir Fry. 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. Please bring non-perishable foods for the NJT Food Drive for Families in Need in Charlotte County.

All the Following Information is for Our Community. Please Support Our Local Businesses!


New Members

Mission Statement

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

Don Tottingham Properties LLC

Don Tottingham

(941) 867-0367

345 Mendoza Street

Punta Gorda FL 33983

dontottingham@bhhsfloridarealty.net

www.dontottingham.com

Real Estate

Sponsored by John Wright

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


Partners in Action News

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) –  Please join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar this Sunday from 10-2 PM for Brunch on the Harbor with a side of Jazz! Enjoy a full menu and bottomless Mimosas and Blood Mary’s for $29.99 plus the accomplished Jazz voice of Sarah Santiago! Also, please click to see a complete list of live music for the month of February! We have all of your favorites and more! It’s not too late to make your Valentine’s Day reservation by calling 941-637-6770. Please click for all of the details!

SUN Newspapers (Platinum Media) – The Inbox

Bayfront Health Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda (Gold) – Bayfront Health’s next virtual health and wellness education session is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, with guest speaker Luis Dibos, M.D., cardiac surgeon with Bayfront Health Medical Group and Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte.

Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management (Gold) – Another $5000 Match!

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Our residential real estate market continues to move at a rapid pace. This is a seven day rolling statistic for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, & North Port. This does not include land or commercial properties. 131 New Listings, 189 Sold (closed sales), 298 Pending (new contracts). With a 25 year residency and 23 years experience in real estate, we are your hometown Realtors!  Give one of us a call/text to discuss your real estate goals. Della Booth 239-699-4493, Cynthia Cazassa 914-325-9525, Melinda Mack 239-443-6527, Jennifer Tremaine 810-252-3827, Janet Franzese 516-810-2700, Arturo Crosby 810-580-2383.

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Latest Newsletter.

Charlotte State Bank and Trust (Silver) – Charlotte State Bank & Trust is continuing its series of complimentary estate-planning seminars next week, starting with “Estate Planning Reviews and Updates” on Tuesday, Feb. 16, “How to Benchmark Your Investments” on Wednesday, Feb. 17, and “Giving of Tangible Personal Property” on Thursday, Feb. 18. Attendees may participate in person at the bank’s Murdock office (limited seating) or online. You can register at any branch office, online at charlottestatebank.com, via email at rsvp@csbtfl.com, or by calling Brielle at 941-624-1943. See the website for complete descriptions and a list of upcoming seminars.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) –  is your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. Our current Hunter Douglas Promotion Energy Smart Style Saving Event runs until 3/22/21. Insulating shades can increase your comfort & help lower your energy bill. Rebates start at $100 on qualifying purchases. FREE In-Home consultations! 941-637-0015 / 941-828-0000

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Bronze) – Volunteer Open House

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – The Upcoming Performances. “With This Ring” February 5th – It’s Perfect for Valentine’s!

One Source Accounting & Tax (Bronze) – The importance of meeting with a qualified tax professional. What to bring to the annual appointment. 

Visual Arts Center (Support) – “Florida’s Best” and “The Nature of Blue” Start a New Slate of Exhibits. Click here for details.


Member Information

THIS WEEKEND

Coastal Expressions & Wine – TONIGHT – 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1135, Punta Gorda. Starting Friday February 12th, we’ll play “Wine-O BINGO” & every other Friday from there. Live Music every Saturday night starting February 6th. Valentine’s Day Special, February 14th 11-3. Call us to reserve, as space is limited. 941-214-8599.

Wildwood Pizza – TONIGHTChakulla is playing at Wildwood Pizza Friday, February 12th from. 5 to 8. Please bring non perishable food items to help feed hungry children/people

Society of St. Vincent de Paul – TOMORROW The Charlotte County District Society of St Vincent de Paul will hold its 12th annual Walk for the Poor in Laishley Park on February 13, 2021. The Walk will start at 9:00 AM with registration beginning at 8:00 AM. Join us for a leisurely 1.6 mile walk along the Trabue Harbor Walk. This year, perhaps more than ever this fundraiser is needed to continue to help those so devastated by the far reaching effects of COVID-19. Call Maryanne at 268-9678 for more info).

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Spring Festival Feb 13 & 14.

Tidewell Foundation – Also running now to Feb 14 – a Linen Drive.

Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – Special Valentine’s Day Evening Menu and Entertainment.

Copperfish Books – is holding a Food Drive, collecting food and hygiene items through February 14. Donations of non-perishable food (no glass, please) and hygiene products will go to the United Way of Charlotte County and be distributed to families that participate in their Charlotte County Reads program. Over the years, our amazing community has helped feed young minds through our Book Drives. Now we hope to help nourish our neighbors in need. Copperfish Books is located at 212 W. Virginia Avenue, Suite 112, Punta Gorda. We are open for safe shopping Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4, and Sun 11-3. Upcoming Virtual Events.

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!! We are the ONE STOP shop for all things VALENTINE! Decadent Chocolate, Delicious Wines, Scrumptious Charcutterie-to-go and Flavorful Craft Beer!!! Saturday wine, craft beer, cider, and special tastings Saturday 9:30 until 3 p.m. Limited patio seating available. Call now to reserve 941-505-0479.

Drug Free Punta Gorda – AVAILABLE NOW The Don’t Wait video is now available, for a limited time, for you or anyone you can share this with, to watch at your own convenience, through a Promo Code listed below and on the flyer. Availability to watch this video is now through March 10, 2021.  This is a film every parent and caring adult must see! Here are the directions to follow to log in to the video – these directions are also on the flyer. We would be so appreciative if you would share the flyer and/or also post on Social Media: Go to https://vimeo.com/ondemand/dontwaitpromo. Click on “Rent $10.00” You won’t be charged; it’s already paid for. You will be asked to log in or to create a Vimeo account by entering your name, email and password

Enter the Promo Code:  DFPG2021. Drug Free Punta Gorda is thankful to ARCHway Institute who provided the funding to make this dynamic and impacting film available for us to share.

Pedelec – Vote to Support $1,500 Electric Bicycle Tax Credits For Everyone.

Connect Promo – Kim & Freddie wanted to thank all the members who attended this month’s business over breakfast & hope an enjoyable time was had by all at the awesome Village Fish Market.

Punta Gorda Airport (FLY PGD) – Self-serve Vending “Snack Shack” Opens at PGD

TEAM Punta Gorda – Help build another TEAM House, ground breaking February 23. Become a TEAM member.

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 find out ways to volunteer, mentor, and donate (christine@valerieshouse.org or 239-841-0382). We can also schedule Valerie’s House Tours. Valerie’s House’s website: Valerie’s House

Punta Gorda Tea & Coffee –NEW HOURS! We are now open Monday through Friday 7 AM to 4 PM and Saturdays 7 AM to 2PM.”

The Firm 360 Photography – The Firm 360° Photography   recently did a virtual tour for Boyette & Miller Construction & Development, Inc. Have a look at their custom designed and built offices. They have spent years refining the residential and commercial projects they build for their clients. They offer the finest quality, the truest craftsmanship and the most substantial living and working spaces possible. The Firm 360° can provide a virtual tour for your business too. Contact us today for details at 941-347-8198 Visit our website www.thefirm360.com

Pattivantonder.comI have been in the Beauty Industry for over 50 years. Consulting for REVLON and then Regional Sales and Marketing Director for ESTEE LAUDER. I was introduced to COLLAGEN ELIXIR last month. It took a few decades but….I finally found my little bottle of amazing! Take a look!

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

The Wyvern Hotel – Mid-Week Exclusive – reduced rates available.

Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Problem: For virtually all business, your “lifeblood” is sales of products or services. Your support is your sales team consisting of personnel, managers, executives & designers. Relying on sales, how committed are you to your advertising program and budget? If you have a complete sales team, how do you manage their Return On Investment (ROI)?  Solution: https://covenant-business.com/the-lifeblood-of-your-business/ Patti Van Tonder

The Cocoa Exchange – 50% off Everything!

Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.

ARCHway Institute – ‘Funding Recovery’ Concert Series.

Sea Grape Gallery – Guest Artists for February 2021

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Celebrate Thomas Edison’s Birthday all Month.

Fishermen’s Village – Please Click Here for our February calendar. Retail space for lease: We are seeking a savvy business entrepreneur to join our family of successful, independently owned shops and boutiques at Fishermen’s Village! Space size: 1,584 sq. ft. in prime location. Please forward interested inquiries to GM, Patti Allen via email: mall@fishville.com.

King Fisher Fleet & Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Let’s Go Fishing! 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 February 24, 2021. The cost for the class is $45 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County – Grow with Us in 2021 – Farm to Table, February 27.

AMH Community Outreach – FREE Concert in the Park on now March 14, 1pm to 5pm in Laishley Park. Click Here for more details.

TEAM Punta Gorda – Annual TEAM Golf Scramble on March 20.

ARCHway Institute – Annual Tennis (March 26) & Golf (March 27) Tournaments.

Englewood Beach Waterfest – Poker Run around Charlotte Harbor March 27.


Applause

Charlotte State Bank and Trust

Alyson Burch Retail Banking Officer at the Punta Gorda office of Charlotte State Bank & Trust, and Fresh Jersey Tomatoes member Cheryl Panetta display items donated at the bank for the Fresh Jersey Tomatoes ongoing food drive. The bank is among more than 20 drop-off locations throughout Charlotte County. Donations will be distributed through the Boys and Girls Club to families in need. “We have a shopping cart on the front porch so people can just drop and go, or they can come inside,” said Burch. The food drive will continue through March 31. For more information and a list of other drop-off sites, visit the Fresh Jersey Tomatoes Facebook page.


Job Opportunities

Beach Bums

Are you looking for a great part-time position? We are located on the beautiful Charlotte Harbor in Fishermen’s Village is hiring.  Currently looking for a smiling face (yes you can see under the mask), have superior customer service skills and a strong work ethic then we want you! Please apply in person only. No phone calls. Position is for Sunday, Monday and Thursdays.

Simply Sweet

We are looking for the sweet in you! Simply Sweet needs additional staff to join our fun team. We are located on the beautiful Charlotte Harbor in Fishermen’s Village. If you like candy, this is the place to work. A flexible schedule is necessary. Days, evening, and weekend hours available. Apply in person only.


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.

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