Friday Facts for July 3, 2020

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts.

The Chamber Office is closed today, Friday July 3, 2020 in celebration of Independence Day. We will be open again Monday July 6, 2020 at 10am.

PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for August onwards

We are very pleased to announce that our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM will be returning to its usual monthly spot on the Bob Alexander Radio Show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month (except July when the show will air July 8th and 9th to avoid the 4th July holiday). 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 July show, or any subsequent shows, 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.

An announcement from Kim Amontree, Charlotte County School Board Member – Vote by mail ballots for the primary will be sent on July 9. Election day is August 18. There are two, local offices on the ballot – School Board and Airport Authority. Voters should also know that their request for a vote by mail ballot is good for only two election cycles. They can check the status of their vote by mail request by going to https://www.charlottevotes.com/Registration/Check-Your-Registration. Thank you for encouraging citizenship at the Chamber. All politics are local!

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association information on Executive Order shutting down bars.

If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.

Your Chamber Staff,

John, Hazel and Janet

Chamber Calendar of Events

Members ONLY

Protocols for networking events:

We are in unprecedented and complicated times, but we know that as a Chamber we are the best networkers around, yet still MUST lead the community by example.

Until further notice:

1. To attend a PG Chamber event you will need to have a prior RSVP to either reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or by calling 941-639-3720 (no later than 2pm on the day prior to the event).
2. Our events will all, for now, be limited to 50 people maximum and therefore NO WALK UPS can be allowed, unless space allows – sorry. If you show up and are not on the RSVP list (unless it’s John’s fault!), you may be turned away, if space is unavailable.
3. As an example to the community, we encourage the use of masks and social distancing. We realize this is your own personal choice and we respect your personal decisions to not wear one, but please note it is in the very best interests of the Chamber to err on the side of all cautions.
4. Food and beverages will be served individually to you at events, going forward, until further notice.
5. For our After Hours, we encourage you to bring giveaways that are in the form of a local business gift card, secured in a Ziploc bag with your business card attached, so it can be sanitized prior to being given out. Alternatively, as long as your gift can be sprayed with disinfectant, you may bring along such a gift.
6. The microphone will be used by Chamber staff and/or guest speaker ONLY and will be sanitized. Others invited to speak should practice their public speaking skills and/or shout!

We want to get back together and network effectively and hope that you all will respect these safety protocols until such times as we are confident to remove them (in stages). Any questions, please call us 941-639-3720.

Here are the planned Networking Events for July.

RSVP’s are very important (limited numbers allowed and social distancing a must) so please call (941) 639-3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com.

July 8: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am.

Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at The Wyvern, 101 E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda.

July 21: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm.

Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda in conjunction with Beef O Brady’s. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!

July 29: Networking Luncheon 12.30pm – 1.30pm with networking noon-12.30pm.

Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda – Reservations Required. Menu Choices: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad; Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad; Penne Noodles with Grilled Vegetables in parmesan cream sauce. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person, pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.

Please be sure to RSVP for any of these events reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

Partners in Action News

Expedia Cruises – Air, Land & Sea Vacations (Platinum)

A new name deserves a Brand New Sale. A message from Expedia Cruises President.

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)

Please join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar to celebrate the 4^th of July! Enjoy our food and drink specials all day while maintaining social distancing in the open air on the water. We are taking extensive precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. So put a drink in your hand and toes in the sand! We look forward to serving you!

Sun Newspapers (Platinum Media)

The latest breaking news from your local newspaper.

TIME Realty Services (Gold) – Do you like numbers and statistics? So do we! Here’s some numbers to consider for the last 7 days in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte and North Port residential market. 138 New Listings. 216 New Contracts. 205 SOLD – Closed transactions. Our local real estate market is hot. TIME Realty Services is here to assist you, your friends and family with your real estate needs. We work with Covid-19 precautions to keep everyone healthy and safe. Please call if we can assist you or just answer questions. Della Booth, Broker direct 239-699-4493.

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12. Here is the July Newsletter.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – We are Open for Business.

Paradise Golf (Silver) – Casual Memberships 2021 for $99, then Golf Free this Summer!

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Charlotte Players Kids onstage – Important Update!

Granny Nannies of Port Charlotte (Bronze) – We are open, and moved to our new location. We are an essential business. We are busier than ever given the best care to our clients, as well as taking care of our caregivers.  Professional in-home senior care services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Granny NANNIES  is dedicated to ensuring you receive the home health care you or your loved one require and deserve. https://grannynannies.com/Port-Charlotte Our new address is 2616 Tamiami Trail Unit 1 Port Charlotte, Florida 33952. Phone: 941-743-7606.

Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – We are offering restaurant employees 25% off between June 30 – July 3, 2020. Call 941-889-8388 for appointment or book online on our website at puntagordanails.com.

Hessler Floor Covering (Support) – “Business as Usual”.

Visual Arts Center (Support) – View the Member’s Showcase at The VAC and online via Virtual Tour July 2-Aug 6 (exhibits are always free). Watch the Live Facebook Awards Reception July 9 @ 2pm. Open Studios for 2D art & Pottery happening weekly- Register online at VisualArtCenter.org. Our Gift & Art Store are open! Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery, Art Supply Store & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 10-2. Events, Classes, Memberships, Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org.

Member Information

The latest “WE ARE OPEN“ spreadsheet – provided to all those who inquire at the Chamber.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – July 4th Announcement.

Military Heritage Museum – Celebrates the 4th of July

Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea – Our goal at Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea is to make you “Your” Perfect cup of Coffee & Tea. We are able to craft your coffee the way you want your coffee to be, let us know what you love, and we will craft that Perfect Cup for you. This Saturday is Independence Day! We will be OPEN from 8AM to 2PM for all your needs. We are introducing our new Orange Creamsicle Frappe! Blended with our Haley Handcrafted Orange Creamsicle White Chocolate. This frappe is only available until supplies last. Parking is free in the Herald Court Centre Garage; we are located on the bottom floor facing Olympia. You can contact us at (941)-916-9095 Monday through Friday. Keep an eye out! Next month we are celebrating Coffee Week! During Coffee Week we are celebrating by crafting coffee and tea beverages from around the world. Let us bring their cultural classics and favorites to you. Take a tour of the world right here is Downtown Punta Gorda! We will be posting more details throughout the month on our Facebook page (Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea) and on our Instagram (@pgcoffeeandtea).

ARCHway Institute – 2020 Helicopter Golf Ball Drop 2 for 1 Promotion.

Chelsea Place Homecare Services – Remain Available.

The Orange House Wine Bar – OPEN for Take Out

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to stock up on all your celebration supplies. The Farmer’s Market will also be open. Stop by to fill up your cooler, chiller, and belly! In a time crunch? Staying close to home? We have curbside pick-up. Give us a call to create yours-941-505-0479.

John Bothwell PA, Realtor, eXp Realty – Holding off on buying or selling?

Drug Free Punta Gorda – What Substances Do Kids Use?

Fishermen’s Village – July Calendar of Events.

Copperfish Books – Bookstore news, info and events for July and beyond. Indie Next List for July.

Creative Concepts – Since reopening, Florida has become a COVID-19 hot zone. Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees are advising Floridians to wear masks in public and enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible. Let’s all wear Face Masks to cool off Florida as a hot zone and prevent closing businesses again.  To get your reusable 100% Cotton Face Masks, email Jim Cantoni, (not the weatherman) at jim@ccpromos.com or call 414.367.6937. Over 3,000 in stock. $3 each 25/pack =$75. Single Use Face Masks $1 each 50/pack=$50. Plus tax. Ask for customization and bulk discounts.

The Homeless Coalition – Charlotte Idol 8.

Gulfshore Opera – GO Opera Break.

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

United Way – Press Release.

John Bothwell PA, Realtor, eXp Realty – Are you staying safe online?

SandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – Tips on Keeping Your Refrigerator in Tip-Top Shape!

Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – If you have re-opened your business but now face the prospect of pressure from your creditors, call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill, to help you deal with them while you rebuild your business income. Having gone through four economic downturns as an attorney and small business owner, Mark can assist you in your restructuring and advise you how to avoid the fatal mistakes made by past clients in similar circumstances. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com.

SCORE – Close, Survive or Thrive?

Storehouse Point (our newest member) – Click here for details.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Summer Camp Openings.

Newsletters

AAA – Attention First Responders! Please Share with those working on the FRONT LINES!

Charlotte Community Foundation – Gifts & Gab

Drug Free Charlotte County – Heading into Summer

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Join us for a gripping movie of injustice and discussion.

United Way of Charlotte County – Newsletter

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – July Newsletter

Yoga Sanctuary – July 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 hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.