Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce logo
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Inc Logo

Friday August 11, 2023

Chamber President John Wright’s newspaper column from August 8.

Your Chamber's Got Talent

August 17th, 7pm

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Chamber Members: SHOW US YOUR UNIQUE TALENT!

Whitney Grace, last year’s winner, will open the show, but won’t be a contestant.

Join us for a fun evening of entertainment from 10 local acts sharing their talent with the community: singing, stand-up comedy, dancing, poetry reading, etc.

There is no charge to enter!

sponsored needed

We’re looking for 2 more sponsors at $300 each.

SIGN UP TODAY!

PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively For PG Chamber Members:
BOOKING FOR September!

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 simple. Bob will call you, set up a recording time and it’ll be done over the phone and inserted into the programming of this popular show. You get the option to record two slots or record one to air twice during the show. Bob will let you know during which hour it will air. The cost is $110 (payable to the PG Chamber, not iHeart). To register for the show, email John Wright. Only 10 businesses per month. It’s a great way to promote your business, advertise an event, or show community support.

Members-Only Networking Events

**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!

Latest Past Events

Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)

Come beat the heat at The Tiki Bar! Enjoy a cocktail in your hand with your toes in the sand while listening to the sounds of our live music. On Friday, come see the Dirty White Boys at 6:00 PM! On Saturday, we have Rivals and Villians playing at 6:00 PM. Please click here to see when all of your favorite bands will play this month. The Tiki Bar is offering 6 summer lunch specials Monday through Friday for only $12.95. Enjoy them while they last! They also have Happy Hour daily Monday- Friday from open until 6:00 PM. We offer $3 draft beers, $4 house well cocktails, and $5 house wines. Don’t forget about our Dockside Grill inside the hotel. We offer Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. We also have an AYCE Fish Fry on Friday nights and Prime Rib Saturdays. 

The Harborside Garden, is now open for private events. We are currently booking weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, celebration of life, corporate events etc. It can hold up to 300 people for dinner and 500 for a reception style get together. Please call Kelly Williamson at 941-637-6770 for more information. 

The Harborside Garden, is now open for private events. We are currently booking weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, celebration of life, corporate events etc. It can hold up to 300 people for dinner and 500 for a reception style get together. Please call Kelly Williamson at 941-637-6770 for more information. 

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)

Open 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays..

TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Gold)

Happy Friday! The 7-day rolling stat for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, 

and North Port shows: 175 new listings, 146 new contracts, and 191 new closings. Remember that the end of July is in the closings, which accounts for the higher amount. All in all, this is a great 7-day report. Have questions about the market or property you are 

considering selling? I would love to talk with you – let’s meet for coffee! Della Booth, celebrating 25 years of local real estate. 

The Wyvern (Gold)

Special room offer for teachers and staff in Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, and Lee counties, $199. Based on Availability June 1-August 31 Blackout Date July 4 Valid School ID Required for Check In One Night Stay In A Standard King Room Sunset Champagne Toast for Two 10% off all Food & Beverage

Click here for a special Cinco de Mayo Special Rate! 941.639.7700 Ext 3, 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda

CAM Realty (Silver)

Virtual office available in Punta Gorda, $99/+tax per month. Provides your company the image of an office without the cost of dedicated office space. Contact CAM Realty: 941.833.0083.

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar (Silver)

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar is Located in the Isles at 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1135. Come try our exciting NEW Summer Menu that features wraps, salads, tapas, and our famous flatbreads. Our charcuterie boards pair well with our unique wine selections too. Want an easy and tasty snack…get a charcuterie and bottle of wine to go! Join us for a delicious meal and entertainment: Trivia is every Thursday starting at 6:30 and Wine-O-Bingo is every Friday at 6 pm. Summer hours are Tuesday 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Saturday 11 am to 8 pm. Visit www.coastal-expressions.com to view the menu, events calendar and book your private party. Small or Large groups welcome! Come check us out or call 941-214-8599.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver)

We are here for your window treatments needs. Area’s only Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. Plantation shutters, blinds, shades, drapery and more. Call 941.637.0015

Fishermen's Village (Silver)

Fishermen’s Village is hosting the Seventh Annual Tiki Fest on August 5th from 12 Noon – 6pm 🎉

Scheduled performances to include:

  • The Hawaiian Band of Orlando
  • Napua Polynesian Dance Troupe
  • Peter Coleson Hawaiian Way Ukulele performer
  • Hula Connection performance

Variety of Vendors will be displaying along the Village promenade. Family friendly, free admission and free parking!

August Calendar of Events

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea (Silver)

Give the gift of Chocolate, Wine, Cheese, Craft Beer, Coffee, & Tea and more to your team for holidays…or any time! Wow your clients and staff with elegant corporate gifts from either PGCW or PGCT customized for your business needs! We know you are busy, so take the work out of shopping! Check out our website for more information. Corporate Gifts – Haley Handcrafted Chocolate (pgchocolateandwine.com)

Military Heritage Museum (Silver in Kind)

Patriots Gala November 11 – Sponsorship Opportunities

Animal Welfare League (Bronze)

Join us in celebrating the Animal Welfare League’s momentous 60th anniversary with “Paws for a Cause” on December 3, 2023! This grand event promises a day of fun and compassion for animals in need. We invite vendors and sponsors to be a part of this special occasion, making a positive impact on the lives of our furry friends. For more details, visit AWLshelter.org/Paws-for-a-cause or reach out to events@awlshelter.org. Let’s come together to support a brighter future for animals.

Charlotte Players (Bronze)

Join us for the first play of the 63rd season! The Wild Women of Winedale opens on September 7th and runs thru the 17th. This joyful and exuberant, yet ultimately touching, comedy focuses on three women at crossroads in their lives. This feisty trio have supported and cheered one another throughout their lives. Together they prove it’s never too late to take another one of life’s paths for a grand new adventure. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Support your local theater and advertise with Us! If you have ever gone to a play, you know as you enter the theater you are handed a Playbill. Within that playbill you can learn about the Actors and Production Staff. You should also know that many local businesses have different size ads on many of those playbill pages. What a great way to support Charlotte Players and get your name out there. Those playbills go home with our patrons. We have 8 plays between September and May. Each play has a range from as few as nine shows to as many as fifteen. Think of 10,000 people that will be able to see your ad locally. Our ads have a price for every budget. From $150 for an 1/8 Page ad to an Back Cover Page in color ad for $1,300. Increase Your Reach. For more ad details click here https://www.charlotteplayers.org/support/ways-to-give/. If interested contact lori.wagner@charlotteplayers.org for contract submission or questions.

PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda (Bronze)

Reservations are necessary for Monday Night Guided Practice. Sign up by 9 am Mondays. The first 26 registered may attend. New players, please email gloria.reilly@pickleplex.org

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Support)

Reminder: Bowling for C.A.R.E is quickly approaching! Join us August 5th at Treasure Lanes for an evening of bowling fun, great company and friendly competition. We also have a limited number of lane sponsorships available. Register your team of 4-6 players for $25 per person here!

Member Information

The Yoga Sanctuary – StressLESS with Yoga Saturday, August 12, 12 – 2pm $40 

Stress is an unfortunate part of our daily lives, and it takes an on-going toll on our bodies. Join us in this special workshop that will give you a practical guide on how to relax, unwind, let go of anxiety, and stress less over things out of your control both on and off the mat. Click here for more!

D.I.S.Tech Services Inc. – We manage IT systems for other companies. Whether you have 5 computers or 150, we have the tools and management skills to help your business succeed. Give us a call at 941-867-9772 or 217-492-8042 to see how we can help you.

Paradise Golf Course – All First Responders – Fire Fighters, Police, EMT, Retired or Active Duty Military, $19.95 +tax – All can you play, all day, everyday! Price includes a pint of draft beer, wine or soda, Proper ID required. offer expires November 1, 2023

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor – Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, opening October 2023, is the first completely new-build resort of its size to open in Southwest Florida in over 13 years. This premier resort destination features a signature list of 785 coastal-inspired guest rooms including 189 luxurious Sunsuites™ that are perfect for those looking for a longer-term stay or just to feel at home a little extra space while on vacation. Guests will discover the magic of limitless bliss with some of the finest amenities on the gulf coast. Whether you are looking to soak up the sun at one of our two breathtaking pools, recharging at the spa & salon, or savor the flavors of our 20 food & beverage concepts offering cuisines from around the globe, Sunseeker Resort has something for everyone.

 

Big Shot Marketing & Design – We are committed to providing tangible results for our clients. That means generating leads, increasing online purchases or reaching any digital marketing goal you’re looking to achieve. Your website should be making you money. It’s that simple. If your website isn’t generating leads or closing sales, then it’s time to rethink your digital marketing strategy. In order to have truly effective marketing strategies, you need to understand who your ideal client is, and how to reach them.

Punta Gorda Elks – Wednesday August 16, 6-9pm 3 hour cruise with Gilligan Costume Contest! Private Charter aboard the King Fisher Flee launching from Fishermen’s Village. Entertainment by Misty Memories Duo. Cold Hors d’eourves. Cash Bar. Tickers $55 or two for $100. Call 941-457-5551 or 616-862-0750 for tickets. Also available at the Lodge Tiki Bar.

Southwest Florida Honor Flight – – Hungry?!? Make plans to dine out at Monty’s Restaurant & Pizzeria on Wednesday, August 9, 4-9pm. A portion of the proceeds from that night goes towards funding a future Honor Flight! If you would like to learn more about our program, or submit an application for a flight as a veteran or a guardian, please visit our website. #ItsAllForTheVeterans

Suncoast Humane Society – You’re invited to the Art for Animals Auction event to benefit Suncoast Humane Society. Join us at The Waverly Restaurant and Bar on September 30th from 5pm – 8pm for a fun-filled evening of art, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Take advantage of the discount ticket pricing of $65 available until August 31st – tickets are limited so don’t wait! Sponsorships are available! Please click here for more information.

Punta Gorda Historical Society – VISIT THE MARKET – The Sunday Market and Artisans Village at History Park, 501 Shreve Street. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday!

Charlotte County Boys & Girls Club – Clubs for Kids Golf Tournament Saturday September 16, Riverwood Gold Club $600 Foursome or $150 Individuals includes green fees, cart, breakfast, BBQ lunch, 2 beverage tickets per player, soft drinks and more. Click here for more details.

Martella Law Firm – Have you been putting off preparing a Last Will and Testament until next year? Well, the year is more than half over and your next year is here! It is so important to have the right documents in place BEFORE a medical emergency happens. Give Mark Martella, Esq., of the Martella Law Firm, PLLC a call at 941-867-6865 (or e-mail him at mark@martellalaw.com) to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss your options to be prepared for when “life happens.”

Peace River Wildlife Center – The Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC) will present “What a Hoot,” an evening of comedy starring Mark Evans and Al Ernst. Tickets can be purchased by going to prwildlife.org. The event, set for Saturday, August 26 at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (2001 Shreve St, Punta Gorda) will benefit the PRWC’s future state-of-the-art education center on Henry Street, Punta Gorda.

Suncoast Humane Society – Join us for the Art for Animals Auction event to benefit Suncoast Humane Society at The Waverly Restaurant and Bar on September 30th from 5pm – 8pm for a fun-filled evening of art bidding, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Take advantage of the discount ticket pricing of $65 available until August 31st – tickets are limited so don’t wait!

 

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC – we’re proud to serve the the greater Punta Gorda Community, and are celebrating 30 years of Commercial Printing in 2023 …

 

YOU are the brand …

 

We are the STANDARD

 

commercial printing ✅

logo/graphic design ✅

next-level promotional swag ✅

branded apparel ✅

signs & graphics ✅

888.978.3437 📞

info@connectpromo.net 📧

www.connectpromo.net 🖥 

www.Facebook.com/connectpromo

www.Instagram.com/connectprintpromotions

Archway InstituteHelicopter Golf Ball Drop December 2

Punta Gorda Boat Club – Sunset Social. Do you have your own boat? Interested in swapping stories with other boaters? Want to learn more about boating in Charlotte Harbor? Well then, come join us for our Sunset Social which is held every fourth Friday from 5 to 7pm at our Clubhouse 802 W Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda. We’ll be happy to tell you more about our Club as well. Bring an appetizer to share and the beverage of your choice. Call Jan at 941-743-2472 for more information, or check us out at puntagordaboatclub.com. Hope to see you there!

ERC Refund – Get paid to help your Local Businesses!

I work with Bottom Line Concepts where we help local businesses get ERC Refund Money if they retained their employees during the pandemic. Click here to find out more!

ARCHway Institute – Mark your calendars! ARCHway’s discovery dinner is October 20, 2023

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

D.I.S. Tech Services Inc.

IT Support Technician (Part-time)

Hiring part-time I.T. Technician.  If interested, contact Josh at 941.867.9772 or email jmontgomery@distechusa.com

Parlade Schaefer Schortz CPAs

Tax Associate
Primary responsibility is preparing Income Tax Returns including forms 1040, 1065, 1120, 1120S, and 1041, along with some state returns. The person will review client accounting, make necessary adjustments and prepare financial statements. This position will also assist clients with IRS issues and write responses to the IRS. There will also be some payroll reporting, year-end reporting and administrative work as needed.
For more information, click here.

Florida Premier Contractors

Multiple Positions
Florida Premier Contractors is hiring. We are a commercial general contractor located in Punta Gorda, FL. We are hiring for the following positions: Assistant Superintendent, Project Superintendent, Project Assistant, Project Manager & estimator. Please send your resume to admin@fpcbuilds.com

Fishermen's Village

Multiple Positions

Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda’s premiere shopping and dining destination, is currently seeking full time and part time maintenance employees. Join our team!
For full details and to apply, Visit: https://www.Indeed.com/cmp/fishermen’s-village/jobs

The Suites at Fishermen’s Village (luxury accommodations located on the second level) is seeking Custodial and Housekeeping team members. For full details and to apply visit: Https://www.indeed.com/cmp/the-suites-at-fisherman’s-village/jobs 

COMMUNITY NEWS

ATTENTION VOTERS!

Vote-by-mail ballot requests must be RENEWED after each General Election Cycle. To vote by Mail in 2023-2024, you must submit a new Vote by Mail Request.

Click here for more information.

THE BOO BALL FAMILY REUNION

October 21, 2023 – benefitting The Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County & Crossroads Hope Academy.

Click HERE for more information.

Newsletters

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County – July Newsletter

Calenda Real Estate Group – Newsletter

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Prevention Newsletter

Copperfish Books – August Newsletter

Drug Free Charlotte County – Summer Newsletter

Downtown Farmers Market – August Newsletter

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – July Member Magazine

EnVision Quest – August Newletter

Military Heritage Museum – Gulf Theater August Newsletter

The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty Market Update

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Sweet to the Core!

Punta Gorda Historical Society – August Newsletter

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyJuly Newsletter

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – Newsletter

Sandstar Remodeling – July Newsletter

Senior Friendship Centers – Connections

Suncoast Humane Society – Humane Connection Newsletter

TIME Realty Services Inc. – Newsletter

Valerie’s HouseNewsletter

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – Quarterly Newsletter

The Yoga Sanctuary – July Newsletter

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Support Partners