From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on June 29 .
PG Chamber radio show:
Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR AUGUST 2021. We are very pleased to announce that our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM has returned 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 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.
The PG Beat is back!
If you are interested in having your flyer included in the August edition, please contact Janet asap at 941-639-3720 or via email at reception@puntagorda-chamber.com. All materials must by 8.5″ x 11″ and are due to the chamber office no later than July 23rd.
Interested in assisting in to stuffing the newsletter on July 30th at 9am? Please give us a call!!
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
As you may know, Cops and Goblins is a CCSO event that serves as a safe and fun alternative for kids on Halloween, limiting foot traffic on our streets and potential mischief in our neighborhoods. This year, we are anticipating a larger turnout than ever before, due to last year’s event being canceled. With that in mind, we are looking for sponsors for this incredible event to help us purchase candy, DJ services, bounce houses, and more. A $200 minimum sponsorship would get your company logo included in the rotation on the jumbotron in center field, which runs throughout the entire event! If you would like to be a supporter of this fun-filled evening, please contact Chris Hall, Community Affairs Specialist, at 941-575-5227. We know times have been hard for many over the last year-plus, but if you are in a position to and would like to be a sponsor, we truly appreciate it. Our community turns out for this event (previous years have seen over 3,000 kids plus parents), and we want to be able to provide them with a night they will never forget. I thank you for supporting the CCSO in that effort.
Chris is happy to answer any questions you may have in regards to Cops and Goblins, and checks can be made payable to CCSO and sent to: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office 7474 Utilities Road Punta Gorda, FL 33982 (please indicate Cops and Goblins on the memo line).
A note from our CCSO volunteer unit
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office encourages civilian participation in crime prevention activities through its Volunteer Services Unit. County residents volunteer in four areas: Citizens Observation Patrol, Marine Patrol, Parking Enforcement and Administration. Volunteer participation often has a direct impact on the effectiveness of deputies. Interested individuals willing to contribute a minimum of 16 hours per month should contact Sgt. Al Sacco (asacco@ccsofl.net) at 941-639-0013 or download an application at CCSO.org and return it to any District Office.
From the City of Punta Gorda
The government offices of the City of Punta Gorda will be closed on Mon., July 5th in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Residents of the City of Punta Gorda will notice NO CHANGE in their trash, yardwaste or recycling collections during this holiday. Commercial customers will notice NO CHANGE in trash collections during this holiday. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (941) 575-5050 during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri.
From Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Controller, Charlotte County
Here at the Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, we’re ready to connect and share exciting news with you! That’s exactly why you’ll find us on your favorite social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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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]
Looking for Qualified Employees?
The Chamber will be hosting a job fair at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on Tuesday, August 31 from 3-7pm. It’s just $50 for chamber members and $100 for non-members to participate. Please contact Tara at 941-639-3720 or tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com for more details or to register. Space is limited so please don’t delay!
Also, don’t forget to send Tara your weekly job listings to be included in our Tuesday employment email. Open positions are being filled! If you’re looking for a job, the listings can also be found on the chamber website HERE.
The Saturday Farmer’s Market will be OPEN as usual on Saturday from 8am until noon.
Fourthfest is July 3rd & 4th at Laishley Park. with concerts, vendors and fireworks! Details can be found at puntagordafireworks.com
Fisherman’s Village Stars, Stripes & Fireworks event begins on July 3rd at noon. Details can be found at fishermensvillage.com/events
Networking Events for July 2021.
July 14: Beef O’Brady’s 7:15am – 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Beef O’Brady’s, hosted by Chelsea Place for Business over Breakfast! Beef O’Brady’s is located at 1105 Taylor Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
July 20: Business After Hours 5:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Dream Salon & Spa. 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.
July 28: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Isles Yacht Club located at 1780 W. Marion Ave! Lunch choices are: Vegetarian lasagna with a small side salad or chicken caesar salad. Rolls and cookies will also be served. Reservations Required.
Guest Speaker: Kevin Sibley, Special Agent in charge, US Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
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
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Lobster Pots are back! Please join us on Fridays at the Dockside Grill located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside. We will offer the full lobster with all the trimmings for only $21.95. After dinner, head on down to dance the night away with one of our great bands. Please click to see June’s complete lineup. The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!!!
Sun Media Group (Platinum) – It’s time to CELEBRATE and share SUCCESSES of influential women in Charlotte County and we need your help! Tell us who you think should be named:
Here’s how it works:
Go to Yoursun.com/contests and to nominate woman in our county who are having a positive impact. The Daily SUN will select the top three in each category then an impartial committee of people in the community will choose this year’s winners, who will be announced on Sunday, August 29 in the leadHERship special section.
Bayfront Health (Gold) – While Spring brings sunshine, emerging greenery and longer days, many people dread this season for the sinus pressure, headaches, itchy eyes and respiratory problems it brings. More than 50 million people suffer with nasal allergies and half of those also have seasonal pollen allergies, according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Here are some tips for managing spring allergies.
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – TIME Realty Services wishes everyone a fun and safe 4th of July! To say that our housing market is active only begins to describe the sheer amount of information that those buying or selling must wade through to make the most of their real estate transactions. Prices, rates, and availability can and do change on a daily basis, so I hope you’ll count on us as a trusted resource for the most up-to-date facts and figures! Have a wonderful 4th of July holiday and we look forward to assisting you soon.
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to Noon. Latest 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
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Kids On Stage Returns With Full Program! Charlotte Players Kids Onstage Drama Camp is returning in July with a full program of three classes for students entering first through 12th grade in the fall. Camp will take place over two weeks in July (July 12-16 and 19-23) at the Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte.
Military Heritage Museum (Bronze In Kind) – Membership sign up month! Everyone who becomes a new or annual renewing member in the month of June receives a free 90-minute Sunset Cruise from King Fisher Fleet.
The Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum is excited to announce our Pre-Season Fall Series!
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know the first “named” hurricane to strike this area was Donna?
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – The Board of Directors of Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is pleased to share the news that Tanna Horner became our Executive Director as of July 1. She is responsible for administering the daily operations and staff of the 30-acre property that is becoming indispensable for the community and will become active in Chamber events and beyond.
Tanna and her family recently relocated from Sarasota and she is excited to assume the leadership of the Gardens continuing to offer the art and nature attractions and expanding the events which take place on the grounds. Look for more information soon about our 2021 Gardens Aglow in December and also an exciting international exhibit scheduled for February through April.
TODAY! SCORE – Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE on a drop-in basis. Stop by the North Port City Hall, Friday July 2nd from 9 to noon. Certified Mentors Fred Cort and Greg Imig will be available for a casual chat about your business and the challenges you are facing. SCORE is powered by the SBA and offers confidential business mentoring at no cost. Visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.
Valerie’s House – Pizza for a Cause! Tuesday, July 13th 11am – 10pm. A portion of sales benefit Valerie’s House directly. Who’s hungry?!
The Captain’s Table – All American BBQ Wine Dinner Tuesday, July 13th.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Can you believe it, it’s already JULY! This year has gone by so fast. Independence Day is this Sunday, we hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend. If you need to restock and of your coffee beans, grade A loose leaf teas, mugs, grinders, and more before all the guests arrive, our doors are open. We are open Monday through Friday 7AM to 4PM and Saturdays from 7AM to 2PM THIS WEEK! We will be closed July 5th and will re-open with our regular hours on the 6th of July.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Let’s have some summer fun in the sand! This summer we have you stocked with a whole wall of Small Brewery Craft Beers and Small Vineyard Wines. Don’t forget your crackers, cheese, jams, jellies, and more this summer. We even have the perfect size picnic baskets made with durable and washable insulation made to keep your beverages cool for hours. Just don’t forget the wine cork or bottle opener! We will be closed July 5th and will re-open on July 6th with our regular hours.
Loveland Center – Come join us at Rita’s Italian Ice fundraiser for The Loveland Center on Wednesday, July 14th, 2021. 10% of all proceeds from the day will be donated to The Loveland Center and you can meet our celebrity scoopers from 4 to 8 PM! 4255 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Join Loveland Center for our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club on Friday, September 10th. Contact Becca at events@lovelandcenter.org for more information.
Copperfish Books – Kristin Harmel In-Person “Meet & Mingle” Saturday, July 10th at 4pm.
Suncoast Humane Society – Thrift store saving through July 6th and Fourth of July heroes needed!
Sea Grape Artists Gallery – Sea Grape Gallery Artists of Month for July-August 2021. During Sea Grape Gallery’s 33 years in Punta Gorda, the artist owners of the Gallery have continually supported charitable and non-profit organizations in the community. This year, beginning with the Gallery’s annual courtyard sale, the artists selected special original art pieces where 100% of the proceeds of each sale would be donated to Harry Chapin Food Bank. On June 11th the artists of Sea Grape were pleased to present a check for $1,000 to Harry Chapin Food Bank to help stock their much needed food shelves.
Connect Print & Promotions – Connect Print & Promotions is your source for flyers: custom design & print for inclusion in the Punta Gorda Chamber quarterly newsletter, which resumes in August! Call Kim & Freddie at (888) 978-3437 or email kim@connectpromo.net
Punta Gorda Airport – Punta Gorda Airport is seeking proposals for a full-service public restaurant, bar and caterer at the Punta Gorda Airport General Aviation Center (GAC). It will be located in the area currently under development off Challenger Boulevard. This is an exciting opportunity for a restauranteur looking to build out 2,500 square feet and capitalize on amazing runway-front event space and private flight catering! Bids are due July 30. Request the RFP at www.flypgd.com/bids-proposals-qualifications/
Allegiant announces new nonstop service to two cities!
FGCU – Cannabis Professional Online Certificate Program starts July 11th.
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – Eirinn Abu Concert July 25th.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Hot Saving for Cool Pets through July 12th!
Fisherman’s Village – Fourth of July Celebration and July calendar of events.
Punta Gorda Symphony – 21/22 Season! Save the dates.
Gulfshore Opera – Welcome to Season 8 Touring Community Concerts! Check out of calendar of events.
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – by: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP Step 1 – Select Your Exit Planning Team PROBLEM: Having a team to help and rely on is essential for success in everything you do.
The best time to start your planning process is today!
Learn more about how to Select Your Exit Planning Team through a well-formed Exit Plan with our solution.
SOLUTION: https://covenant-business.com/steps-before-you…it-your-business/. Our client objectives include: INCREASING YOUR INCOME DECREASING YOUR TAXES IMPROVING YOUR NET WORTH
Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night! Next week: Step 2 – Mitigate Risk in the Business
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – We’re looking for VOLUNTEERS for our construction sites and ReSale Stores. This is an amazing opportunity for you and your staff to get out into the community and give back and collaborate together with a team-building activity. See how more details HERE.
ZenBusiness – empowers new business owners by making it easier than ever to start, run and grow a successful business. Launch your business with our worry free services, world-class support and an all-inclusive platform delivering everything you need to be successful. Formation plans starting at $49.00.
Click here to quickly and easily register your dream business.
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – 2021 3rd Annual ‘Tis the Season Tennis Tournament November 19-21
C.A.R.E. – Third Annual Paula Hess Humanitarian Scholarship Luncheon July 21st. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies Paula Hess Scholarship Fund. Reservations must be made by July 14th!
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Edison and Ford Winter Estates will be open July 4th. The historic homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford will be decorated with red, white and blue bunting for Independence Day.
Take Me There Sailing – is now based in Burnt Store Marina offering all- inclusive day sails or overnight charters on a 60-foot sailboat. Sail, kayak, snorkel, fish, lounge on deck, and sail under the stars. Licensed to provide food and alcohol, all meals and drinks are included. Charters are customized to exceed your expectations and create unforgettable memories. Book online or call to discuss your special event. https://takemetheresailing.com or 941-259-0977.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – The Homeless Coalition has exciting news!! We have launched the 2021 Vision Club to pay off our mortgage and become debt-free once and for all! The Pat Moran Family Foundation will match every dollar donated up to $200,000. Your business’s involvement will make an impact in our community opening the door for the Homeless Coalition to provide more services through its programs. To join the 2021 Vision Club and to “match our vision to fund our mission”, visit www.cchomelesscoalition.org or contact Tina Figliuolo at tina.figliuolo@cchomelesscoalition.org.
CDBIA – Join us at the Icehouse on July 10 for Darts! Team Registration Form.
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – Current happenings and information!
Charlotte State Bank & Trust
Charlotte State Bank & Trust Vice President and Retail Banking Officer Polly Johnson is retiring on July 2 after 18 years with the Hometown Bank. “Polly has done an outstanding job at our Peachland office, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her customers, her team members, and the community,” said Bank President Craig DeYoung. Hired as the Peachland branch manager in 2003, she had spent some 15 years in what she calls the “big bank world,” which she left to join a community bank dedicated to customer service.
A Leadership Charlotte graduate in 2005, Polly served on the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition board of directors for many years and was the finance chair of Special Olympics Florida-Charlotte County. She was extensively involved in community events, walks and fundraisers for many nonprofits, as well as both the Charlotte County and Punta Gorda Chambers of Commerce. For her many hours spent volunteering with the United Way, she recently received the organization’s Ambassador in Action Award for 2020-2021.
Kim Maddy, Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Officer at the Charlotte State Bank & Trust Murdock office, is celebrating 15 years with the bank. “Kim is a joy to work with,” said Vice President and Branch Administration Manager Elizabeth Hernandez. “She is totally committed to her customers, her team, and her community, and she makes long-time friends with everyone she comes in contact with.”
A Leadership Charlotte Class of 2015 graduate, Kim serves as a Charlotte County Chamber Ambassador and was the 2017-18 Ambassador of the Year for both the Chamber and United Way. She also serves as vice president of the Yah Yah Girls, which operates the Back Pack Kidz program providing. backpacks of food for underprivileged school children to take home over weekends. In addition, Kim participated in the Habitat for Humanity “Women Build” events in 2014 and 2016, and she is a member of the Hospitality Team at Fellowship Church of South Biscayne in North Port.
ARCHway Institute – June Newsletter
Animal Welfare League – June Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E – June Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Copperfish Books – June Newsletter
Five Star Realty – June SandStar Insider
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Punta Gorda Mural Society – June Newsletter
The Yoga Sanctuary – July
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.
