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Friday Facts for February 5th, 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 2. 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. A message from Brian Gleason, Communications Manager, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners.

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

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 10: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 – 8:30 am.Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Village Fish Market, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade #J36 Punta Gorda. Our hosts are Freddie & Kim Cinquina of Connect Print & Promo.

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!

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.

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.

Patti Van Tondee, pattivantondee.com

(954) 465-3855

29195 River Drive

Punta Gorda FL 33982

pattivantondee@gmail.com

www.pattivantondee.com

Health & Wellness

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 10-2pm 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! Lastly, don’t forget 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

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.

Charlotte State Bank and Trust (Silver) – Charlotte State Bank & Trust is now serving Florida businesses that are existing and new bank customers seeking Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The bank is accepting first draw, second draw and expedited second draw applications through its online application portal. Please visit https://www.charlottestatebank.com for details. As a family-owned business, Charlotte State Bank & Trust is committed to supporting small businesses in the communities it serves.

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) – There will be no CARE Ball for 2021 – here is the perfect way to show your support virtually. Please check out our 2021 Fundraising page.   As you scroll down you will notice a ribbon. This is like a fundraising thermometer, and will fill with color (purple and teal) as we receive individual donations, and donors names will scroll up and down.  Sponsorship Opportunities. Donors can choose to remain anonymous when they make a donation. https://Care2021.givesmart.com

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

One Source Accounting & Tax (Bronze) – The IRS announced that tax season will start on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns. The Feb. 12 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the recent tax law changes.

The IRS anticipates those who e-file a return claiming the earned income credit (EIC) or additional child tax credit (ACTC) will begin receiving their refund the first week of March, assuming no issues are detected.

Overall, the IRS anticipates 9 out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of electronically filing, with direct deposit, if there are no issues with their tax return.

Frank Desguin Family (Support) – The story of George Brown. Frank Desguin’s Column.

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


Member Information

Jersey Mike’s Subs – LAST DAY – GO NOW! .99cent Breakfast Sandwich Feb 1-5, TAKE THIS COUPON. Serving breakfast from 7.30am to 10am.

SCORE – ON NOW Click here for details about First Friday Business Mentors.

Tidewell FoundationTHIS LUNCH TIME Now a Virtual Event. Friday February 5, 2021 – Signature Luncheon featuring Lorna Luft. 11.30am to 1.30pm. For Tickets Click Here. A link to watch the program will be emailed along with detailed instructions several days prior to the event. Virtual experience tickets are $200. Also running now to Feb 14 – a Linen Drive.

Punta Gorda Symphony – TOMORROW Symphony on the Lawn, February 6, 2021. The latest Tempo magazine.

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Coalition Meeting February 9, 2021 at 11.30am, Virtual Zoom Meeting. Will You Join Us?

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – The name Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine just says, “we have all your Gourmet needs covered.” We have craft beer, cheese, mead and can make baskets too! Romantic Evening at home?? We have curbside pick-up. Give us a call to create yours-941-505-0479.     .

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

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

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

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

GMan Home Watch of Punta Gorda – Press release from the National Home Watch Association:  https://www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org/gman-home-watch-of-punta-gorda-of-punta-gorda-fl-earns-fourth-year-accreditation-from-the-nhwa/

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Smile and Save 15%.

Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Business Survival Guide. In event of a natural or economic disaster, is your business prepared? Your business should have a Business Strategic Contingency Plan.

For any disaster plan, be sure you have written instructions and procedures in place AND communicated them to your employees…More Information: https://covenant-business.com/business-survival-guide/

Buffalo Graffix – Are you doing everything you can?

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.

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. The Indie Next List.

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.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Society of St. Vincent de Paul – 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).

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.

YMCA – Join us for Harbor Nights on Mar 6, 5pm at Gilchrist Park, an exclusive charity event filled with dinner, open bar, dancing, live and silent auction. Awesome local band, The Kollections will be our live entertainment thought the night! It is a beach casual event so dress accordingly. This charity event is key to the YMCA’s ability to open our doors to all in our community as proceeds from this benefit go directly to the Children and Families Scholarship Funds and programs in Charlotte County served by The SKY Family YMCA. Individual tickets – $125, Table Host available for $1,500. For more information contact Kristen Szych at kszych@skyymca.org or Liz Nason at lnason@skyymca.org

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.

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


Applause

Florida Skin Care names Kimberly Royal as Director of Marketing. Click Here for more details.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – National 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

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – January Newsletter

Sandstar Remodelling – Insider

TIME Realty – 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 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