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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 July 20.
For Our Members Only
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!
Interested in assisting in to stuffing the newsletter on July 30th at 9am?Please give us a call!!
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For Our Community and All Our Members
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – Family emergency scams – “Don’t send them money!”
June 17, 2021 by Lisa Lake Consumer Education Specialist, FTC –
Instead of telling you a ghost story around a summer campfire, we have an all-too familiar tale to share: Myra’s grandson, Jon, is in Mexico for the summer. They video chat every week. One day, Myra gets a call from someone who says he’s Max, a friend of Jon’s: “He was arrested last night and needs $500 for bail.”
Max says the police took Jon’s passport, so he’ll need another $700 to get it back. He says not to tell Jon’s parents or anyone else because Jon is embarrassed. Myra is scared at first — but she’s heard a thing or two that makes her suspicious. So she thanks “Max” for his concern, hangs up, and calls Jon right away. Jon, it turns out, is on his way to class, not in jail. And “Max” is nothing but a scammer.Family emergency scams like this try to scare people into sending money to help a loved one in trouble. The fraud can play out in many ways, but the hustle is the same: the caller lies, tries to scare you, and rushes you to pay so you don’t have time to think twice or check things out before you send money. And once you do that, you’ll never get it back.To avoid family emergency scams: Resist the urge to act immediately — no matter how dramatic the story. Call or message your loved one who (supposedly) contacted you. Even though the caller says not to. But use a number you know is right, not one the caller gives you. Never send cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfers. Once the scammer gets the money, it’s gone! If you spot this or any other scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s South District –
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s South District Office invites you to join us for a discussion on estuaries and watersheds of Southwest Florida on Wednesday, August 4th at 1:30pm. Click here for more details.
Want to cheer on our fellow Americans at the Olympic Games? Click here to see the Summer Olympics schedule.
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Where’s John Now?
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
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JOB FAIR – Looking for Qualified Employees?
The Chamber, in partnership with CareerSource Southwest Florida, will be hosting a job fair at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on Tuesday, August 31st from 3-7pm. It’s just $50 for chamber members and$100 for non-members to participate. Please contact Tara at 941-639-3720or 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.
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Chamber Calendar of Events – Members Only
Networking Events for July/August 2021.
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
August 11: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am-8:30am
Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, hosted by Gator Wilderness Camp School for Business over Breakfast! Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home is located at 9400 Indian Springs Cemetery, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
August 17: Business After Hours 5:30pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Helgemo Team at Compass. 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.
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All the Following Information is for Our Community. Please Support Our Local Businesses!
Partners in Action News
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. Come back on Saturday for our Prime Rib special that you won’t want to miss! After dinner, head on down to dance the night away with one of our great bands. This Friday, we have Reverend Barry taking the stage at 7 pm. On Saturday, we have Deven Star from 1-5 pm and then TL Jentgens for 7-11 pm. The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!
Sun Media Group (Platinum) – LAST DAY! 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:
- Woman of the Year
- Business of the Year (Woman Owned)
- Community Leader of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Rising Star
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.
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – There isn’t anything stopping or slowing down the market. 125 new listings, 178 closings, 211 new contracts. This is the 7-day rolling residential statistic for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port. Thinking of selling?
Give Della a call at 239-699-4493. Your hometown Realtor for 23 years.
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) – Charlotte Players are back with a full season for 2021-2022!
Military Heritage Museum (Bronze In Kind) –
September 30th: 2021 Distinguished Civilian Award Dinner Featuring Flavors of Punta Gorda
November 13th: Salute to Veterans Golf Scramble at St. Andrew’s South Golf Club
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know that in only about a fifty-year period, beginning in the late 1870’s, over twenty post offices were established within today’s Charlotte County?
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Member Information
Valerie’s House – Fundraising Bingo Event. Saturday September 25th 6pm – 9pm. Must register by September 8th!
Divine Global Recovery – Divine Global Recovery and Neice Restoration now have a weekly radio show called “Come Together” hosted by Pete and Shannon O’Shea and it airs on WKDW 97.5 FM on Sundays at 7 PM and Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. Listen live as well at www.kdwradio.com. We bring business leaders and non profit leaders “together” to discuss why they love what they do. We showcase community pride, unity and hopefulness. We find solutions and support each other. We come together. We are always looking for good guests for the show. We have already had Christine Carey of Valerie’s House, Della Booth, Jeff Frankhauser and Marie LaBrosse as very inspirational guests and upcoming exciting guests include The Loveland Center, Habitat for Humanity and the chamber’s own John Wright. We tape the show each week on Thursdays at noon at the WKDW studios at 12737 Tamiami Trail North Port. We can also do remotes for special events. For more information on being a guest or to donate your time, talent or treasure to help victims of natural disasters, please call (844) 99 – DIVINE.
Charlotte Harbor Dragons – Are you looking for a fun way to alleviate some of that stress? Well, I have just the thing for you. The Charlotte Harbor Dragons, a competitive dragon boat club is now accepting new members. It is a great way to clear your mind, have some fun and get some great exercise. We have paddlers from their 30’s to their 70’s, so all are welcome to try. If interested, please contact Eddie Amara at eamara1@comcast.net or 941-740-1286 for more information. You can also check us out at www.charlotteharbordragons.com.
Copperfish Books – Sea Turtles Everywhere! A talk, touch, and craft event for children! Monday, August 2nd 4-5 PM
Senior Friendship Centers – In the midst of the summer, heat and humidity have risen. You know what a blazing Florida summer feels like. But for seniors here in Southwest Florida it can be especially hard.
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – Charlotte Idol is back! Auditions will be Friday, August 13th at 6:00 p.m. and will be streamed at www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyHomelessCoalition ,40 singers will compete to have a chance to win cash prizes. Give back by dining and watching auditions at Beef O’Brady’s located at 1105 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda that evening. Will you be the next Charlotte Idol? Register by emailing CharlotteIdolHC@gmail.com. Singers must be 16 years old and a $20 registration fee. Finals will be at Kingsgate on August 28th!
For sponsorships call Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Our beautiful downtown is perfect for long walks with some amazing sights to see. We haven’t forgotten our little furry friends! Come down and enjoy a crafted coffee or tea beverage and get your furry friend a drink to. Introducing our very own Café Pupperino! This full cup of fresh hand whipped cream topped with nothing other than a dog biscuit is perfect for all our loved furry friends out there.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – National Milk Chocolate Day is celebrated next week. To celebrate, we have added some new combinations to our milk chocolate bars, including our handcrafted Itti Bitti Mini Pretzel Ba. Follow us on Facebook to get the latest updates and first glances at new items. We have a large variety of milk chocolate handcrafted molded chocolates, turtles, caramels, and more. Don’t forget about our cheese tastings (8AM to Noon) and our Wine & Craft Beer Tastings EVERY Saturday (9:30AM to 3:30PM); call ahead to reserve your spot now at 941-505-0479.
Suncoast Humane Society – Urgently Needed: Large and Extra Large Dog Crates.
We’re heating up the 2022 Pet Calendar contest with a VOTING PROMO! Promo details: receive 25 promotional votes for each $25 donated from 7/16/2021 at 5:00:00 PM until 7/18/2021 at 11:59:00 PM.
Loveland Center – Loveland Center is proud to partner with Perfectly Polished Nails – during the month of August, for anyone who gets their nails painted Maroon, Perfectly Polished will donate $5 to Loveland. Perfectly Polished will also be collecting hurricane supplies to make emergency kits for Loveland Participants. Divine Global Recovery will be helping Loveland Participants to assemble the kits and learn how to use the items in an emergency.
CDBIA – We invite you to the CDBIA REVERSE Job Fair on July 29th at 3pm. Location: CDBIA Office 17984 Toledo Blade Blvd. Port Charlotte, FL 33948.
If you are interested in attending, please reserve your seat today. Visit www.cdbia.com or call 941-625-0804.
Loveland Center – 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.
Calenda Real Estate Group – Waiting for the housing bubble to burst? You’ll be waiting for a while! Find out why in this latest market update video.
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/
New Bar Coming Soon, Destination Options & More!
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Summer Savings! $10 or $20 off orders.
Fisherman’s Village – July calendar of events. ** August calendar of events.
Punta Gorda Symphony – 21/22 Season! Save the dates. Punta Gorda Symphony returns to the stage at Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus this August with a set of new indoor chamber music concerts.
Gulfshore Opera – Season 8 Social Events!
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Step 3 –Decrease Wealth Gap By: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP. How much money would you need to live comfortably if you exited your business tomorrow?
If you sold your business tomorrow, do you know how much money is it worth? The difference is called the Wealth Gap. Continue reading: https://covenant-business.com/steps-before-you…-your-business-3/
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 4 – Research Exit Options
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.
Englewood Beach Waterfest – Englewood Beach Waterfest is back, and this year’s event promises to be one for the record books! The Englewood Beach Waterfest (EBW) Board of Directors is excited to announce that North Myrtle Beach (NMB) RV Resort and Dry Dock Marina will be the 2021 Keystone Sponsor of the event scheduled for November 18-21, 2021 in Englewood, Florida.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Edison and Ford Winter Estates has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Association of Children’s Museums, to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. Starting August 1, individuals and families (up to four people) receiving food assistance benefits will be admitted for a self-guided tour when they present their SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic –
M*A*S*H Annual Appeal Kick-Off party. Friday, October 8th. More Info & Tickets Here: https://volunteercare.org/mash/
2021 3rd Annual ‘Tis the Season Tennis Tournament November 19-21
C.A.R.E. – C.A.R.E. Auxiliary presents our first annual Corn Hole Tournament on Saturday July 31st at Beef O’ Brady’s Punta Gorda, 1105 Taylor Rd. Cost is $20.00 per player. Enjoy fun with friends, good eats & drinks, and rock your inner cornstar with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary. For more information visit www.carefl.org/events or call 941-639-5499 #SummerofFun2021.
July 18-Pool Tournament Scotch Doubles 8 Ball
August 22 – Dart Tournament
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
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Applause
Punta Gorda Airport Wins FDOT’s 2021 Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently named PGD’s Runway 15-33 Rehab & Extension its 2021 Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year. The honor was bestowed to PGD’s CEO James W. Parish, P.E. at the Florida Airports Council Annual Conference held in Jacksonville this week.
Each year the FDOT presents awards honoring superior achievement in the categories of Aviation Professional of the Year, Distinguished Aviation Service, Commercial Service Airport of the Year, Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year, General Aviation Airport of the Year, and General Aviation Airport Project of the Year.
In order to be considered for the Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year, the project had to demonstrate a significant contribution to airport development, sustainability, efficiency, capacity and/or safety.
Both Runways 15-33 and 4-22 were identified in PGD’s Master Plan as high-priority projects essential to the local economy and to meeting the FAA’s minimum service levels. By extending Runway 15-33 by 593 feet to provide a length of 6,286 feet, PGD will be able to maintain existing air carrier operations when Runway 4-22 is closed for rehabilitation later in 2021.
The Charlotte County Airport Authority’s innovative project team also incorporated essential safety and operational improvements to maximize the airfield for all its users, including GA pilots, onsite flight schools, medical air transport, charter services and public services. The Airport Authority partnered with Kimley-Horn on the engineering and design, and contracted with Ajax Paving Industries of Florida for the construction.
“I am proud of how our team took a holistic approach to project management. They worked together to implement additional safety improvements while maximizing resources,” said Parish. “The project also required close coordination with federal and state funding partners, tenants, inspectors and contractors to ensure milestones, budgets and grant assurances were met.”
PGD’s Runway 15-33 Rehab & Extension project also included the following enhancements:
• Runway 15-33’s improved design eliminated a known FAA “hot spot” at the intersection of Runway 9 and 15. For decades Runways 9 and 15 were connected, posing collision/runway incursion risks. The new design not only decoupled the runways, it added Taxiway Connector E1 for safe and easy access to Runway 9.
• It also realigned Taxiway D to have a full 90-degree connection to Runway 4, which greatly improved visibility for pilots.
• Taxiway H was added as a connector to the new extension, and Taxiway A was realigned to run parallel with Runway 4-22.
• This project also included new blast pads to reduce erosion from jet blast, and runway grooving and drainage improvements to reduce standing water.
• Approximately 14 acres of airfield wetlands were filled to minimize wildlife attractants – resulting in a 50% reduction in strike reports over similar timeframes in the previous two years.
• In addition, a T-Hangar access road was realigned to avoid safety area encroachments due to revisions to the displaced threshold for the Runway 15 End.
• At the Runway 33 End, a roadway was realigned to avoid encroachment into the new Runway Protection Zone.
Community News
Ave Maria University Hosting Career Expo
Career Services at Ave Maria University is hosting a Business Career Expo on Tuesday, September 28 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Online registration takes place through Handshake.
Sincerely,
John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
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