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 February 15, 2022.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR MARCH 2022. 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.
Charlotte County invites the public to join Charlotte County staff and representatives from agencies and academic institutions for an overview of water quality research, monitoring, and opportunities for action from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, March 7 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
Guest panelists will provide information on a variety of topics, including:
Attendees will have an opportunity to submit questions to panelists, which will be presented at the end of each session.
For information and to submit questions in advance of the summit, visit Charlotte County’s One Charlotte, One Water web page at: www.charlottecountyfl.gov/one-charlotte-one-water.
Saturday. Feb. 26th is Clerk Passport Day!
WHO: First-time passport applications, citizens with expired passports (over 15 years from the issue date), and minors needing to renew their passports are encouraged to take advantage of this event.
WHAT: Passport Event – Extended office hours exclusively for processing passport applications.
WHEN: Saturday, February 26th, 2022, from 8:00am – 12:00pm
WHERE: Charlotte County Justice Center,East Marion Ave. Punta Gorda, Florida 33950, (2nd Floor, Official Records division)
For more information visit us at CharlotteClerk.com.
Saturday, March 12th – Sunday, March 13th 2022. 10am – 5pm
Free Admission
On Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda
SAVE THE DATE! APRIL 2, 2022
Harboritaville, Toes In the Sand, a new family-friendly event on Saturday, April 2 on the Great Lawn at the T.T. Tiki Bar at Four Points By Sheraton from 12:30-6:30 pm.
Musical guests will include Michael Hayman’s Hibiscus Band, Tropical Avenue and John Patti Group.
The party on the lawn will benefit 10 of our local non-profits that will be promoting their causes, serving their own unique Margaritas and competing in a hula skirt dance-off competition.
The winning drink of the day will be based on voting by attendees purchasing the Margarita Row tickets/wristbands. The hotel/tiki will serve the winning margarita for one year and give the non-profit $1 for every time the drink is purchased. Watch for more details shortly!
We have sponsorship opportunities available! We’d like to thank Friendly Floors, Express Employment Professionals, Gettel of Charlotte County, TIME Realty Services, WhitCo Insurance and Parrot Magazine for their sponsorships.
Interested? Contact us at 941-639-3720 or jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com
We recently received the devastating news that our beloved Martha Litson passed away suddenly.
Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and Gregg Marrapodi at this incredibly sad time. Martha was an incredible asset to the Punta Gorda Chamber and we shall forever be grateful for the times we shared.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, April 1, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Port Charlotte, FL at 11am.
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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]
**Please remember to RSVP directly to events by emailing reception@puntagorda-chamber.com, by calling us at
941-639-3720 or by paying for lunch online. We LOVE to see you but we appreciate knowing you’re coming to provide our host with an accurate count to better accommodate us. Thank you for your assistance!
February 23: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Grille at 1951 located at 1951 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. Reservations Required.
Menu choices are:
Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. NOTE: Cancellations not accepted after 3 pm on Friday before event. Cost is $20 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex
ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR CHAMBER LUNCHEONS ARE ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE
March 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Beef O’Brady’s located at 1105 Taylor Rd., Punta Gorda and hosted by Epiphany Health. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
March 15: Business After Hours 5:30 pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at The Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens located at 5827 Riverside Dr. in 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.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – The Four Points by Sheraton and T.T.’s Tiki Bar have a lot coming up over the next couple of weeks! We are having our second Wine Down Wednesday on February 23rd. Please click to see the menu and pricing for a spectacular dinner paired with the best wines! Lastly, please click to see when all your favorite bands are playing throughout the month of February at the Tiki. The Tiki Bar…..Always Sizzling!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – The market continues to move quickly 116 new listings, 239 new contracts, 134 closed. This is a 7-day rolling stat for PG, PC & NP. Want to discuss numbers or values for your property? Give me a call 239-699-4493
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am until 1pm. February Newsletter!
Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – Your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. We offer all types of custom window treatments for any business or commercial setting with two locations to serve you. Call for your FREE In-Home consultation! 941-637-0015 / 941-828-0000
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – John Denver Tribute Band February 28, 2022. With the uncanny resemblance and sound of the late John Denver, Ted Vigil performs many of Denver’s hits, including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulder,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Preferred and Regular seating is available. Showtime is 7:30pm. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Coastal Expressions & Wine (Bronze) – February 23rd 4-7pm Wine Walk. $12 per person. Register online or in store at Coastal Expressions. Stroll the Plaza, Sip & Shop and enjoy meeting new people. Click here for more information.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Bronze) – Let’s Go Fishing! An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. The course is open to all members of the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm for six weeks beginning on Wednesday February 23. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
Animal Welfare League (Support) – Fairy Tail Endings March 19th 6-10pm Cocktail and Dinner Event. Click here for more information.
C.A.R.E. (Support) – Looking to have some fun while giving back to your favorite local charity? Join us on Sunday March 13th as C.A.R.E. Auxiliary hosts their annual Dart Tournament at the Ice House Pub. Located at 408 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Registration is $25.00 per player, tournament begins at 4:00pm. Sign-ups can be made by emailing careauxiliary@gmail.com or in person day of event. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. All proceeds benefit the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies. Eat, Sleep, and play darts with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary!
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know that Daniel C. Smith, instrumental in bringing educator Benjamin J. Baker to Punta Gorda, also played a significant part in building the town’s first African-American church?
Gator Wilderness Camp School (Support) – Thursday, February 24th – Banquet 2022! Turner Center in Arcadia. Silent Auction and more.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – ZimSculpt, running now through April 18th in which curators from Zimbabwe will bring in over 2,000 hand-carved stone sculptures.
We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from Charlotte County Schools wanting to bring 1,400 students to attend this exhibit and experience live demonstrations. This exhibit gives our students a rare opportunity to observe the finest Zimbabwean sculptors demonstrating their artistry, while they observe and learn about this art and culture. We need your help to meet the requests from our schools. Please join us and other community organizations to help support these field trips. The cost per student is $7. Please click here for more information on how you can help!
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support) – Registration is open for the 6th Annual Project Detect Feet Across Riverwood 5K Run/Walk on March 12, 2022. Enjoy the Florida sunshine and the beautiful Riverwood Community while helping to raise funds for early-detection cancer screenings for needy adults in Charlotte County.
Punta Gorda Short Film Festival – The 8th Annual Punta Short Film Festival will be March 2nd at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (Doors open at 6 pm). Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Online tickets can be purchased at 8pgsff.bpt.me or you can purchase tickets at the Punta Gorda Chamber during normal business hours (Cash or check please).
Punta Gorda Rotary Club – The 14th annual Taste of Punta Gorda. Sunday, March 6th – 11am to 5pm at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda. Tastes of delicious food from Charlotte County’s best restaurants all in one place! Beer & Wine, Arts, Crafts, a Kid’s Zone, and music with the BoogieMen. Tickets $5 – VIP $30 – kids 12 and under free. All proceeds support the Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation. Our Presenting IRON CHEF sponsor is Publix Super Markets. Other major sponsors are Ingman Marine, Suncoast Credit Union, Bankers Life, and Amerilife. Tickets can be purchased here.
Charlotte County Historical Society – The 25th Annual Florida Frontier Days! February 25th & 26th at the Punta Gorda History Park. Click here for more information.
United Way of Charlotte County – Volunteers are needed for Tuesday, February 22 to assemble Kindergarten Readiness Bags for ALL incoming Charlotte County Kindergarten students. Shifts are available from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. If you wish to help assemble the bags: https://signup.com/go/jbeoxUq If you are able to deliver bags to VPK providers please click here https://signup.com/go/oJEXNja
Charlotte County Boys & Girls Club – February 26th 5:30 – 9:30pm Farm2Table 2022 Gourmet Dinner, Live Entertainment, Silent Auction & Cash Bar.
Punta Gorda Boat Club – Sunset Social Friday February 25, from 5 to 7pm. 802 W Retta Esplanade. If you have your own boat and would like to informally swap stories about your SW Florida boating experiences, come meet our members and find out about our BOGO Membership special. Bring an appetizer to share and the beverage of your choice. Contact Jan at 941-743-2472 for more information, or check us out at pgboatclub.org. Hope to see you there!
Suncoast Humane Society – This year we will break ground on our new state-of-the-art facility that is the FUTURE of animal welfare. With innovative design and animal care spaces that support the health and well-being of those in our care, we will revolutionize the modern approach in animal sheltering. To find out more click here.
Charlotte County Habitat For Humanity – The next $10,000 that is donated to Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity through April 2nd Annual Home Build Campaign will be matched up to $10,000! Click here to find out more or to find out how your donation can be matched!
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Our Spring Haley Handcrafted Molded Chocolates have made its way to the marbles! Come and see what our talented Chocolatiers have crafted for us this time. These flavors have a limited time on the marbles, so make sure to get some before they are gone. Today is also National Drink Wine Day, we will be celebrating tomorrow with some exciting NEW wine on the tasting table. This time of the year the reservations fill up very quickly, so make sure to give us a call and put your name(s) down for a time slot. Tasting reservations start at 9:30AM and the last reservation runs till 2:30PM.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Are you hosting a party, special occasion, birthday event, employee appreciation party, business meaning, etc.? We have our Black Gold to Go Coffee or Tea Carafes. These hold 96 oz of your select coffee roast or brewed tea. Perfect for everyone in the party! This comes with everything you need including cups, straws, sugar, and cream. Keep the meeting alert or get ready to party with caffeine for everyone. Give us a call at 941-916-9095 to order one now.
The Punta Gorda Women’s Club – The Punta Gorda Women’s Club is having a Bunco Game Day fundraiser on Friday, February 18th at noon in our clubhouse at 118 Sullivan Street. Call Ellen Say for tickets – 941-505-9605.
Vision Quest Leadership LLC – Nonprofit Leaders Collaborative Meeting, Tuesday, March 8th from 4-5:30pm. Nonprofit leaders gather to collaborate and learn about Operational Fortitude, the last topic in our 6-month series. Gain tips, ideas, and education in a fast-paced format. Turn your ideas into brilliant outcomes! Our March meeting is hosted by chamber member, Rae Ann Antonucci, President of the GulfShore Medical Services Foundation. The meeting will be held at Restoration Bar – 122 Nesbit St. #112, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 near the corner of Marion/Nesbit. Please register here for ONE attendee ($20): https://vision-quest-business-builders.mykajabi.com/offers/VRBuTggm or TWO attendees ($35): https://vision-quest-business-builders.mykajabi.com/offers/YbK2wzYs. Questions? Contact Joanne Cumiskey at 517-304-7676 or joanne@vqleadership.com.
Unwined Wine and Beer Bar – Happy Hour! Tuesday – Saturday 3-6pm House Wine $5 Craft Beer $3.50 525 E Olympia Ave. Suite 3 Punta Gorda.
Gregg’s Automotive Maintenance & Repair Center – February 1st through March 31st is our annual Brakes for Kids Charity event. That means you get FREE brake pads with and brake repair. Even better, 10% of the total repair costs will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Research Hospital. Click here for more details.
Punta Gorda Symphony – Punta Gorda Symphony returns outdoors to present Strings on the Lawn at Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus lawn on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at 4pm.
Punta Gorda Pub Crawl – The Punta Pub Crawl presents The Punta Gorda Food Drive February 26th! The Ice House Pub at 10:30am until 1pm. Anyone who brings a non-perishable can of food will receive one raffle ticket per can, up to 24 cans per person for a chance to win the grand prize of three nights at a luxurious resort in the Bahamas. There will be a 2nd drawing for round trip air fare to Asheville, NC on Allegiant Air.
Charlotte County Republican Club – 2022 Lincoln Day dinner and fundraiser at the Kings Gate Golf Club in Port Charlotte, Saturday April 2nd. Click here for sponsorship opportunities and other information.
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – The Boys of D63, featuring the music that defined the generation of the 60s are back. All performances will start at 7:15pm. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There is no reserved seating. Click here for more details.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida – Charlotte County Small Business Class Starts February 28. Individuals who are thinking about starting their own business but need some mentoring are invited to apply to the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute, scheduled for Feb. 28-April 7, 2022. Click here for more information.
Team Punta Gorda – Pedal and Play in Paradise March 26th. Punta Gorda’s Premier Bicycle event is back! Pedal and Play in Paradise features 15, 30 & 60 mile rides and the ever popular “Mystery Ride!” Includes a light breakfast, tasty box lunch, live entertainment & t-shirts for first 400 riders. Registration $50. Proceeds benefit TEAM Punta Gorda’s Bicycle-Friendly and other initiatives. Click here for more information.
Connect Print & Promotions, LLC. – February, a Super ? month for getting together & spreading the love — we’re here to make your marketing shine Punta Gorda!
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Guardian Ad Litem Foundation – The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, will host its newest fundraising event, “What’s your Superpower 5K Walk/Run & Kids Fun Run,” on Feb. 19 in Fort Myers.
The event will be held on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College and feature a traditional 5K race for runners of all ages, as well as a children’s run and a virtual run for those unable to join the race in person.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – On Friday, February 18, Neil Zirconia, a Neil Diamond tribute entertainer will perform at the next Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ Rhythm on the River celebration. Zirconia, dubbed the ultimate “Faux Diamond,” will perform Neil Diamond hits on the historic Ford lawn along the Caloosahatchee River. Gates open at 5:30pm and concert starts at 6 pm.
Punta Gorda Historical Society – The Punta Gorda Historical Society will be hosting a variety of musicians in the Park on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, through May 2022 from 4-6pm. Bring your own chair and beverage of choice, peruse the Food Trucks for your dining pleasure.
Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services: March 2nd from 5-7 pm. Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services invites you to a complimentary Wine & Cheese Reception. Stop by and support our local arts and humanities and meet our local artist of the month.
Sea Grape Gallery – Now to March 3, 2022, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Kitt Moran, oil painter, and Nancy Giffin, Nantucket, and Shaker style basketry artist.
Fishermen’s Village – February calendar of events | March calendar of events.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
ARCHway Institute – Newsletter
Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – February Newsletter
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Cooperfish Books – February Newsletter
Loveland Center – February Newsletter
Military Heritage Museum – Happenings & Highlights
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Gardens at a Glance News
Punta Gorda Mural Society – Newsletter
SandStar – Newsletter
The Yoga Sanctuary – January 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.
