Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce logo

Friday Facts for February 19, 2021

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

For Our Community and All Our Members.

From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on February 16.

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 & March

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 24: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. FULL 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 Fresh Jersey Tomatoes Food Drive for Families in Need in Charlotte County.

March 10: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 – 8:30 am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Nino’s Bakery & Restaurant, 3078 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda. Our hosts are Jan & Dan Stuckey of ARCHway Institute. Please bring non-perishable foods for the Fresh Jersey Tomatoes Food Drive for Families in Need in Charlotte County.

March 16: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours hosted by hosted by Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5800 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please bring non-perishable foods for the Fresh Jersey Tomatoes Food Drive for Families in Need in Charlotte County.

March 24: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, 4400 Lister Street, Port Charlotte. Our speaker will be Darcy Woods from The Homeless Coalition. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. MENU: BBQ Chicken Quesadilla; CHYC Blackened Fish Sandwich; Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad. 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 Fresh Jersey Tomatoes 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.

Ellen Carrell – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Realty

(239) 223-3181

5356 Royal Poinciana Way

North Port FL 34291

ellencarrell@bhhsfloridarealty.net

www.ellencarrell.com

Real Estate

Sponsored by John Wright

 

CommunityWorks Inc

Jennifer Higgins

(941) 276-8375

4678 Tamiami Trail #105

Port Charlotte FL 33980

jenniferhigginsnti@gmail.com

www.cwrecovery.org

Non-Profit Community Organization

Sponsored by John Wright

 

Cubby’s Homemade Ice Cream

Jody Westphal

(941) 637-9600

264 W. Marion Ave

Punta Gorda FL 33950

jody2west@comcast.net

Ice Cream & Deli

Sponsored by John Wright

 

Corey Meldahl – Rossman Realty Property Management LLC

(239) 333-7357

1104 SE 46 Ln, Ste #2

Cape Coral FL 33904

corey@rossmanrealty.com

www.rossmanrentals.com

Property Management

Sponsored by Hazel Klossner

 

Specialized Pressure Washing LLC

Rick Heiberger

(941) 661-0288

1133 Bal Harbor Dr, Ste 1

Punta Gorda FL 33950

rick@specializedpressurewashing.com

www.specializedpressurewashing.com

Pressure Washing

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! SAVE THE DATE! T.T.’s Tiki Bar is hosting Rodeo Night on the Harbor for the first time on March 6th! This is a must see event! The live action will include roping and goat tying dummies, stick horse barrel racing, horse rides, and so much more. Bring the family out for a night of rodeo fun and enjoy our food and drink specials from 5-7 PM! Lastly, click to see when all of your favorite live bands will be playing. The Tiki Bar….The Place To Be!

Gettel (Platinum) – 4-Day Checked Flag Event

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) – Zoom, Zoom; moving fast is not just for cars. Our real estate market is still moving forward at a record pace. In 2020 our median price was up 5-14% YOY every month of the year. We started 2021 with a 15% year over year increase. The 7 day rolling residential statistics for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte and North Port is: 127 New listings, 143 Sold (closed), 282 Pending (new contracts). TIME Realty Services is your hometown Realtor with over 23 years of local experience. How can we assist you today? 239-699-4493

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 “Planning for Beneficiaries with Challenges” on Tuesday, Feb. 23, “Global Markets and Your Portfolio” on Wednesday, Feb. 24, and “Estate Planning and Your Pets” on Thursday, Feb. 25. 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

WENG (Silver in Kind) – Finally, the restrictions on your business are beginning to ease! WENG Radio will help you get the word out with this special advertising opportunity! :30 second spots available immediately for only $8 a spot. That’s 30% off regular pricing. Talk about special reminders, hours, sales, promotions, and of course, your website, location or phone number. Contact Sue Z at suez@fiorini.media or Evie Alexander at eviea@fiorini.media.

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Bronze) – Looking to save money while giving back to the community? C.A.R.E. ReUse offers a wide variety of new/gently used items at a fraction of retail cost. All proceeds provide essentials to survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Charlotte County. Open at both locations (PC & Englewood) Tuesday –Thursday 9:00am-3:30pm.

Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – On the GO – Viva Verdi in Punta Gorda! (now on Thursday February 25th)

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

Port Charlotte Florist (Bronze in Kind) – Celebrate Anything & Everything & Save $10

Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s column in the newspaper, Benjamin Joshua Baker.

Military Heritage Museum (Support) – Upcoming February & March Events You Do Not Want to Miss!

Visual Arts Center (Support) – Celebrate new artists on display at the Wyvern Hotel with the “Passing of the Brushes” event Feb 23, 5:30pm. Peace River National Art Festival is March 20-21, 9a-4p in Laishley Park, $5/person. Join us for fun Wine & Painting Socials, $40/person, register at www.VisualArtCenter.org. “The Student Show” and “Serenity” exhibits now on display. Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Store Hours: Mon & Fri: 10a-4p, Tue-Thu: 10a-7p, Sat: 10a-2p. Events, Classes, Memberships, Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org.


Member Information

Drug Free Punta Gorda – D-Fy Punta Gorda (Drug Free Youth) Short Term Action Team. Hybrid meeting Monday February 22, 1pm-2.30pm.

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

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.

Suncoast Humane Society – Our Pet Palooza has been extended to March 1.

Right At Home – an award winning and exceptionally busy in-home care assistance agency is looking for caregivers to join our fantastic team. We are looking for anyone with the heart of caring for someone, service clients in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood and Surrounding Areas. Please apply here today: https://right-at-home-englewood.careerplug.com/jobs/1122081/apps/new

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – This week’s “celebration day” may include the “National” day to drink wine, but for us, Every Day is a great day to enjoy a great glass. Happy National Drink Wine Day to all! It’s always a good time to find a new favorite, whether it’s a new terroir with your favorite grape, or an undiscovered “gem.” Every Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. We have an International Wine Tasting of Dry & Sweet Wines, Craft Beer, Meads, & Ciders. Cameo appearances of Fortified, Dessert, & Ice Wines. Call 941-505-0479 or stop in Saturday to check availability. Cheers!

SCORE – The new Amazon FBA Program, Webinar Feb 25 at 7pm

Coastal Expressions & Wine – 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd. Suite 1135, Punta Gorda. Open Tue & Wed 10-5; Thur – Sat 10 -9. Starting Tuesday February 16th, adding to our Bar Menu Burrata Plate’s for Lunch & Dinner along with our Charcuterie BoardsLive Music Saturday night February 20th with Paul Roush. Call to reserve 941-214-8599.

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Keep smiling and save up to $20.

The Firm 360 Photography – The Firm 360° Photography is proud to be a part of the SWFL Parade of Homes™ again this year providing the Virtual Walking Tours for each entry. The showcase home this year is from a multi award winning builder, Thornberry Custom Builders, Inc. They have built their customer base through hard work and determination over the years. Click the link HERE to see the Virtual Walking Tour of another shining example of their award-winning custom craftsmanship. We can provide a virtual tour for your business too. Contact us today for details at 941-347-8198.

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.

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

Florida Skin Center – Offering State-of-the-Art Tattoo Removal That Treats Color Inks.

Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – Have your creditors stopped working with you during COVID-19? Are you worried about a possible foreclosure? Are you confused about your options and the CARES Act? Is debt consolidation, debt negotiation or bankruptcy best for you? To get answers to all your questions, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a confidential, complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation to come up with a plan to eliminate your debt and enjoy a stress free, debt free life.

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/

The Cocoa Exchange – 50% off Everything!

ARCHway Institute – ‘Funding Recovery’ Concert Series.

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.

Sea Grape Gallery – Guest Artists for March 2021. March Courtyard Sale on March 12 & 13 – supporting Harry Chapin Food Bank.

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 – Build a Bike, Win a Bike cycling event on March 18. 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


Job Opportunities

Part Time Job – Coastal Expressions & Wine (Bar) 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd #1135 Punta Gorda is looking for a Kitchen Assistant (Prep, no Cooking). Days, Evenings & Weekends as well as private wine events, approx. 20 hours available immediately. $10/Hour. Send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941-214-8599.

Part Time Job – Coastal Expressions & Wine (Bar) 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd #1135 Punta Gorda is looking for a Wine Bar Tender. Days / Weekends as well as private wine events, approx. 20-40 hours available immediately. Hourly Wage + Tips. Send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941-214-8599

Part Time Job – Coastal Expressions & Wine (Bar) 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd #1135 Punta Gorda is looking for a Server. Days, Evenings & Weekends as well as private wine events, approx. 20-40 hours available immediately. Hourly Wage + Tips. Send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941-214-8599

Part Time Job – Coastal Expressions & Wine (Boutique)1133 Bal Harbor Blvd #1135 Punta Gorda is looking for a Retail Clerk. Tuesday – Saturday (Days) 10-5. Days and Hours vary. Approximately 20 hours. Available immediately. Send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941-214-8599.

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.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – Newsletter

Animal Welfare League – Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – Newsletter

Charlotte Arts – Newsletter

Charlotte Players – Jan-Feb Newsletter 2021

Copperfish Books – Newsletter

Drug Free Punta Gorda – January-February Newsletter

Hope4Communities – Newsletter

Lennore Shubel, Realtor – January Newsletter

PGD Buzz – Newsletter

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – January Newsletter

TIME Realty – Newsletter

The Yoga Sanctuary – February at The Yoga Sanctuary: Letters of Love


Community Events

Punta Gorda Garden Club‘s new event, HOP’N INTO SPRING, which will take place on March 6, 2021. Like many other non-profits our club has had to greatly alter our plans during the pandemic. This will be our only fund raiser of the fiscal year and, as always, the proceeds will fund our scholarship program and community beautification and environmental projects.


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