From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on July 6 .
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!!
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:
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.
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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]
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.
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. 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. 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.
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – 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 son.
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) – 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 tarpon were not considered “game fish” until 1885?
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.
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.
Senior Friendship Centers – Friendship Challenge! Join us for a 24-hour giving event to support seniors in our community, and have your gift matched by our generous donors August 17-18.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – This is one HOT Florida summer! Come and try one of our new Fresh Protein Smoothies! We have two amazing, creamy, and refreshing protein powders which include a Whey or a Vegan. With everyone getting out this summer keep yourself hydrated and feeling fresh with real ingredients and fresh fruit.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Next week is National Cow Appreciation Day, of course we want to thank not only our cows, but also the sheep, buffalo, and goats…well and OF COURSE the Farmer’s. We focus on farmstead cheese’s, meaning that the Artisan cheeses are farmed at the same location that the animals are taken care of and milked. To celebrate this wonderful day come down see the huge variety of Artisan Cheese’s we carry. DON’T FORGET, if you are ever looking for a specific Artisan Cheese you can always give us a call at 941-505-0479!
Suncoast Humane Society – Suncoast Humane Society is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a new design of the 2022 Pet Calendar! We are now accepting ads for every calendar month. This is a great chance to support Suncoast Humane Society’s lifesaving work while advertising your company. Follow this link to secure your ad spot by July 31: www.petcalendar.givesmart.com. Your pets can also be a part of our special calendar! Submit their photo and vote at the same link above.
Animal Welfare League – Pets of the Week!
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.
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) – Busy students can now enroll in Fast Flex classes at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) this fall.
Fast Flex scheduling splits the semester into two mini terms, allowing students to take two classes during the mini A term and two classes during the mini B term.
Copperfish Books – Kristin Harmel In-Person “Meet & Mingle” Saturday, July 10th at 4pm.
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.
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!
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – Eirinn Abu Concert July 25th.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Seven safety tips to get your pet through the summer.
Fisherman’s Village – July calendar of events.
Punta Gorda Symphony – 21/22 Season! Save the dates.
Gulfshore Opera – Season 8 Social Events!
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Five steps you as a business owner must take to exit your business successfully. Step 2 – Mitigate Risk In The Business
By: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP
No business is completely void of risk, but in order to achieve your personal and business goals, minimizing the large risks in your company is a necessary step in your Exit Planning process.
Begin by identifying the risks in your business and sort them into the following categories,
continue at: https://covenant-business.com/steps-before-you…-your-business-2/
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 3 –Decrease Wealth Gap
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 –
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. presents the third annual Paula Hess Humanitarian Scholarship Luncheon on Wednesday July 21st, at 12:00pm at the Isles Yacht Club located at 1780 W. Marion Ave Punta Gorda. Tickets are $50.00 per guest. Reservations can be made by calling 941-639-5499 (must be placed by July 14th). For more information visit www.carefl.org.
July 18-Pool Tournament Scotch Doubles 8 Ball
July 31-Corn Hole Tournament
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Hodges University and Achieva Credit Union announce a scholarship giveaway. Two scholarships each of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000 will be awarded to a total of six individuals.
To enter, visit 1029bobfm.com or gatorcountry1019.com and fill out the free form. Entries must be received by July 11 and the winners will be announced July 31 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the Fort Myers campus of Hodges University.
“It made sense for us to work with Achieva to give away scholarships,” said Dr. John Meyer, president of Hodges University. “Both of our organizations are engaged with the community, and we provide pathways for people to better their lives.” And, we’re neighbors, after all!”
Achieva Credit Union, whose branch locations extend along Florida’s west coast from Pasco County south to Collier County, has a strong history of supporting the education community.
“We are proud to help members of our communities gain access to further education that can in turn help provide fresh perspectives and opportunities in life,” said Achieva’s Chief Marketing Officer David Oak “Our founding members were teachers and theirs is a mission we continue to believe strongly in.”
Hodges University, a regionally accredited, private nonprofit institution founded in 1990, prepares students to leverage higher learning in their personal, professional, and civic endeavors. With over 12,000 graduates having continued success in careers, Hodges is recognized for developing programs that are uniquely designed and delivered to serve a diverse adult learner population. With a campus in Fort Myers, Florida, Hodges provides flexible day, evening, and online classes taught by world-class faculty for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Hodges is also designated as a Hispanic serving institution, and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). More information about Hodges University is available at Hodges.edu.
Achieva Credit Union was founded in 1937 in Pinellas County. Today, it is rated a Superior 5-Star credit union by Bauer Financial and has more than $2 billion in assets and 22 branches serving more than 153,000 members. Anyone who lives or works in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties, or whose family member has an Achieva Credit Union account can bank with Achieva. For more information, visit https://www.achievacu.com/.
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
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