From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on January 18, 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.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Vistor & Convention Bureau – As we welcome this new year, we are pleased to present the newly redesigned PureFlorida.com website. After 5 years it was time for the site to evolve, just as travelers’ expectations have, and to include the newest technology. The redesign process included significant research, exploration of existing data and integration of industry best practices to deliver rich content in a seamlessly, intuitive way for visitors to find the information they seek, quickly and easily. We think you’ll like what you see.
Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 3pm-5pm at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.
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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]
Networking Events – Jan. / Feb. 2022
**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!
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 9: 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.
February 15: Business After Hours 5:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at The Visual Arts Center located at 210 Maud St. 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) – Please join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar this weekend! We have an all star line up this weekend! On Friday, we have Karibbean Groove is in the house at 7:00 pm. On Saturday, Gas House Gorillas take the stag at 7 pm. We will also have Deven Starr playing at 1 pm on Saturday. Finish off the weekend listening to Paul Roush at 3:00 pm. Also, don’t forget to make a reservation for our first Wednesday Wine Down Dinner! Please click for menu details and how to make reservations. The Tiki Bar….Always Sizzling!TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – The stats for December 2021 are released: 626 sales down 9% YOY, $339,700 median price up 41%, 48%cash, 41% conventional loan, 58% under contract in 0-10 days. The month ended with 548 active listings. 1024 in pending waiting to close!
Would you like to discuss the numbers for your zip code? Call me & let’s meet for coffee 239-699-4493. Enjoy our Florida weekend!
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) – The Edwards Twins Feb 7th & 8th. Welcome back by popular demand, The Edwards Twins, direct from Las Vegas! Remember all the wonderful variety shows we all grew up on in the ’70s & ’80s? Now is your chance to see them live and re-created by Las Vegas’ number one impersonators. Preferred and regular seating available. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Located at The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda.
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – Taste of the Opera at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, February 5th. Start the evening off with a concert in the ballroom. A trio of rising professional artists will perform some of the greatest aris, duets, and scenes from opera and classic musical theater. Kyaunnee Richardson, soprano, Derrek Stark, tenor, and Madison McIntosh, mezzo-soprano with Maestro Geoffrey Loff at the piano. The concert is followed by an elegant dinner in the Harbor Room. The menu includes a refreshing Pear Arugula Salad with a choice of Trout Almondine or Filet Mignon paired with a glass of wine and a dessert of Wild Berry Trifle. Cash bar is available throughout the night.
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.
Fabulous Finds (Support) – Fabulous Finds Re-Sale Shop is moving from its current location to a bigger and better location. Saturday, January 22nd will be the last day of sales at the current location so we can prepare our new location! The entire shop has sales all week to clear out the current merchandise, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know William Goff, one of the first settlers of what became Englewood, has hundreds of descendants, many of whom reside in Charlotte County today?
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 Short Film Festival – The 8th Annual Punta Short Film Festival will be March 2nd at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (Doors open at 6pm). 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).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 Coffee and Tea – Have you had a chance to try our NEW Ginger Syrup, this is made from our HHC Chocolatiers who experimented with a Candied Ginger Bar and ended up making this amazing syrup? Perfect in Teas, Lattes, Cold Brew, and more! This is a limited syrup so come down before it’s all gone!
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Have you Pre-Ordered your fresh to order Chocolate Covered Strawberries for your Valentine yet? They are only available for pre-order until February 1st; so give us a call at (941) 505-0479 and reserve your Fresh Hand-Crafted Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
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
Team Punta Gorda – 17th Annual Gold Scramble March 19th at St, Andrews South Golf Club. Click here for details.
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. – January, a month of resolutions & new beginnings — let Kim & Freddie chart the path for your marketing success throughout the year!
(888) 978-3437
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 South Western 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 – 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.
The Grille at 1951 – Savor this Valentine’s Day! We’re preparing a special menu just for you and that special someone. Come enjoy our sweetheart specials!
Sea Grape Gallery – From February 3 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.
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., February 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.
From:
Sherrie Moody, Executive Director
Charlotte Players
1182 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33950
“Dear Friends of Dan,
I am heartbroken to report to you that Dan sadly and suddenly left us on Sunday, January 16, 2022 due to complications from Covid. His last communications with family were, “You don’t want to get this,” and “Make sure you get the booster.” As you all know, Dan was a beautiful soul who made us all smile, and even laugh out loud, at his love of life. I miss him sorely already. Peace.”
From Dan’s Brother Greg
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we want to inform you of the passing of Dan Mearns this past Sunday morning. He has been a long time valued member of our Charlotte Players family. Dan served as the Secretary of our Board of Directors, an actor and we fondly remember him as our 50/50 guru.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Dan at Charlotte Players this Saturday, January 22nd at 2pm. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers to kindly make donations to Charlotte Players www.charlotteplayers.org or Charlotte County Imagination Library www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org
For more information call 941-255-1022.”
~ Sherrie Moody, Executive Director, Charlotte Players
ARCHway Institute – Newsletter
Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. –Newsletter
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Cooperfish 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.
