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 January 11, 2022.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR FEBRUARY 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.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – From FTC.gov
How to avoid buying fake COVID tests online
January 4, 2022 by Colleen Tressler
Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC
The news is filled with images of long lines at in-person COVID testing sites and reports of limited supplies of at-home test kits. It’s not a surprise that, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fake and unauthorized at-home testing kits are popping up online as opportunistic scammers take advantage of the spike in demand.
Using these fake products isn’t just a waste of money, it increases your risk of unknowingly spreading COVID-19 or not getting the appropriate treatment. So, if you’re shopping online for COVID test kits and related items:
Suspect a scam seller or bogus test? We want to hear about it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Learn more about COVID-related frauds at ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams.
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 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. This is our annual State of the City Address with the Mayor. 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
February: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Tamiami Tavern located at 10361 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda and hosted by Connect Print & Promotions, LLC. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Please join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar this weekend for a great time. On Friday, we have Tropical Avenue playing at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, the Sunstrip Band will take the stage at 7:00 PM. On Sunday kick back listening to J&B Acoustics a 3:00 PM. Also, mark your calendars for our Wednesday Wine Down Dinners. They consist of a 4 course meal for $79.95 and the first one will be held January 26th. Please call Sara at 941-637-6770 to make a reservation. The Tiki Bar….Always Sizzling!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Wow, January is moving by quickly. The stats for December & the end of 2021 will be available next week. If you are thinking of selling or want to know the value of your property let’s meet for coffee (my treat) and talk numbers. You can reach me on my cell 239-699-4493. Your home town Realtor for 24 years!
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am until 1pm. January Newsletter!
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.
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Charlotte Players-February 4-20. Gillian Holroyd is one of the few modern people who can actually cast spells and perform feats of supernaturalism. She casts a spell over an unattached publisher, Shepherd Henderson, Partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 942-255-1022. Tickets are $22.
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – Start off 2022 with Opera Meets Broadway! January 25th at 7pm
C.A.R.E. (Support) – 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.
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know this column, which I am privileged to write for the Charlotte County Historical Society, has appeared, typically every other Wednesday, for over ten years? Consequently, I thought it appropriate to revisit the Society’s and now defunct, Historical Center’s evolution.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – ZimSculpt, running from February 4th- April 18th in which curators from Zimbabwe will bring in over 2,000 hand-carved stone sculptures. Only coming to North America once per year, we take great pride in the fact that our Garden is the smallest and youngest garden to receive this exhibit with such international distinction.
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. About 40% of these students are from low-income families and seldom have an opportunity to explore the arts and relate them to classroom learning. 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.
This event is a first for us, and for our community. 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 $7.00. Please click here for more information on how you can help!
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 – To start off the New Year right, this month’s Frappe of the Month is our HHC Mocha Chip Frappe. This is a Limited Frappe so stop in before it’s too late! Don’t forget to come visit us next week for the Downtown Experience!
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! If you are looking to Pre-Order our HHC Chocolate Covered Strawberries, we have already started taking orders. These orders are only available until February 1st, 2022, so make sure to order before then! They will be available for pickup February 9th through 11th, 2022; our number is (941) 505-0479. Don’t forget to come visit us next week for the Downtown Experience!
Unwined Wine and Beer Bar – Happy Hour! Tuesday – Saturday 3pm – 6pm House Wine $5 Craft Beer $3.50 525 E Olympia Ave. Suite 3 Punta Gorda.
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
Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – Monday, January 17th at 6pm – 4 Course Dinner with Wines from Cantele’s Family. Click here for the menu!
Charlotte County Concert Band – TODAY! The Charlotte County Concert Band, under the direction of Conductor Bob Miller has planned a special program to open the New Year. The concert entitled “Out of this World” will be on Friday night, January 14, at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda. Heather Ivy, an internationally acclaimed Modern Classical Soprano, will be the featured soloist.
We hope that you will join the band on Friday night, January 14, at 7:30 for this concert of music sure to send you out of this world. The Charlotte Performing Arts Center is on the campus of Charlotte High School located at 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda, 33950. Tickets are available online at www.charlottecountyconcertband.com or at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center the night of the concert
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.
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.
Connect Print & Promotions, LLC. – January, a month of resolutions & new beginnings — let Kim & Freddie chart the path for your marketing success throughout the year!
commercial printing
logo/graphic design
next-level promotional swag
branded apparel
signs & graphics
(888) 978-3437
kim@connectpromo.net
www.connectpromo.net
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.
Charlotte County Society for Human Resource Management – January 26th CCSHRM Lunch & Learn – Ensuring OSHA Compliance hosted by Charlotte County Society for Human Resource Management (11:30am-1:15pm) at the River Room Wyvern Hotel, 101 E. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda – Topic: ENSURING OSHA COMPLIANCE – Presented by Michele A. Mathews, Certified Safety Management Specialist, Trainer, Consultant | Sponsored by Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller – Employment | Business | Government – registration. https://ccshrm.shrm.org/events/2022/01/january-26th-ccshrm-luncheon-meeting-ensuring-osha
Punta Gorda Symphony – Punta Gorda Symphony kicks off the new year on January 16, featuring guest artist and award-winning violinist Sirena Huang on Dvořák’s Violin Concerto at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda. Huang will be accompanied by Punta Gorda Symphony under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti. The concert begins at 7:30pm with a pre-concert talk at 6:30pm included with ticket purchase.
Join us Thursday, January 27, 2022 TEAM Community Meeting. Doors open 6:30 pm and program begins 7:00 pm. Featuring a distinguished panel, including Punta Gorda City Manager Greg Murray and Charlotte County Development Director Dave Gammon. “Moving Forward Together” Valuable insights into the future of our community. Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. Vaccination and facial coverings recommended.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – On February 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host its annual Antique Ford Car Show. Each year, classic car owners exhibit their cars on the Ford estate lawn as a tribute to Henry Ford, the pioneer of the automobile industry. Model Ts, Mustangs, Thunderbirds and other models will be on display.
Along with the car show, there will be a DJ on site playing music, and refreshments available for purchase. Visitors can also tour the gardens, museum, laboratory and see the historic homes. The site includes more than 20 acres of botanical gardens along the Caloosahatchee River with plants and trees from all around the world.
This family event is free for Edison Ford members and $25 for non-members, which includes a self-guided tour of the entire site. General admission tickets may be purchased on the website or at the ticket counter. Antique car owners wanting to participate can register their car (any Ford model, 1980 or older) for display in the show at EdisonFord.org before January 28.
Dellutri Law Group – Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? Start 2022 off right and get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family by contacting Mark Martella, Esq. with the Dellutri Law Group, PA at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@dellutrilawgroup.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected in 2022.
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!
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
The Calendar Girls – https://variety.com/2022/film/markets-festivals/sundance-calendar-girls-documentary-juno-films-1235151068/ – Sundance: ‘Calendar Girls,’ Inspiring Documentary About Dance Group, Sells to Juno Films (EXCLUSIVE) The Sundance Film Festival doesn’t kick off until next week, but that’s not slowing the dealmaking. Juno Films has acquired North American rights to the feature-length documentary “Calendar Girls,” a look at a dance team comprised of Florida women over 60. The film will have its world premiere at this year’s festival in the World Cinema Documentary Competition Category. Before Sundance went virtual due to rising COVID cases, the dance team had planned to make the trek up the mountain to Park City to perform. Juno Films plans to release the film in theaters in the early summer. “We are delighted to collaborate with Juno Films to bring ‘Calendar Girls’ to North American audiences,” says filmmakers Maria Loohufvud and Love Martinsen. “We believe that it will appeal to audiences across the spectrum and will prompt viewers to reconsider what it means to be ‘old.’”
ARCHway Institute – Newsletter
Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. –Newsletter
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Copperfish Books – January Newsletter
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
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.
