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Friday Facts for June 11, 2021

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. Normally, John’s column printed in the newspaper is here. However, Tara took over this week! Here’s a copy of Tara’s column printed in the newspaper on June 8.

For Our Members Only

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR JULY 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 progaming 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.

For Our Community and All Our Members

From PGPD. The thieves have found a way to exploit the vulnerabilities of your vehicle KEY FOB’s. If you have a Key FOB that allows you to leave it in your pocket/purse and push or touch the door handle to unlock your vehicle, and then push a button to start your vehicle. You need to be aware of how thieves are gaining access to your vehicle to commit theft from, and theft of your vehicle. How it works…Your Key FOB is constantly broadcasting a signal that your vehicle detects once close enough to the vehicle. The thieves use an amplifier that is capable of picking this signal up even if the keys are inside of your home. Usually within 30 feet or so of their detection device. A second person stands near the vehicle to receive the signal with a second detection device. The vehicle thinks that the Key FOB is near the vehicle and allows the doors to be opened and the vehicle to be started. Once the vehicle has been stolen a new key can be programmed to operate the vehicle. I have attached a video that explains the procedure. https://youtu.be/xk_fTTlGcMA


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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. [/box]


Interested In Earning Some Extra $$$?

The Chamber is looking for someone to deliver our Members and Visitor Guide to key locations throughout the market. This only involves the occasional trip to locations that are frequented by our residents and visitors. Want to know more? Give us a call at 941-639-3720


Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

Networking Events for June/July 2021

RSVP’s are ESSENTIAL, as are cancellations. We are not able to take bookings through the website for these events at the moment, so please call (941) 639 3720 (during office hours 9am to 4pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

NEXT WEEK!

June 15: Business After Hours 5:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at the Visual Arts Center hosted by WhitCo Insurance. 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.

June 23: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm.  Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Burg’r bar located at 317 Tamiami Trail! Lunch choices are: hamburger, veggie burger or chicken caesar salad. Reservations Required. Guest Speaker: Sean Doherty; Tourism Director for the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau

July 14: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am – 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber Beef O’Brady’s hosted by Chelsea Place for Business over Breakfast! Beef O’Brady’s is located at 1105 Taylor Rd Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

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


All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Please Support Our Local Businesses!


New Members

Mission Statement

To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.

Isles Remodeling LLC

Samantha Zaworski

Evin Trinque

(941) 249-5264

sam@islesremodeling.com

Remodeling

www.islesremodeling.com

Sponsored by: Tara Zajas

 

Mark Kuharski

(925) 580-6643

Kuharskiforcouncil@gmail.com

Individual

www.kuharskiforcouncil.com

Sponsored by: Lynne Matthews

 

Global Vacation Rentals

Jessica Tucker

(407) 728-6038

Jessica.Tucker@globalfl.com

Short-Term Vacation Rentals

www.globalresorthomes.com

Sponsored by: Tara Zajas

Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.


Partners in Action News

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)Come on out to the Dockside Grill located in the Four Points by Sheraton every weekend for our AYCE Haddock Fish Fry on Fridays and our specialty Prime Rib on Saturday. Saturday night, we have the fan favorite Gas House Gorillas playing at the Tiki, so get here early for a great seat! Please see the attached with our June line up for bands and 4th of July! The Tiki Bar….The Place To Be!

Sun Media Group (Platinum)You’re invited! Join us for an informative review of how to successfully market and advertise your business using digital solutions, vital to being competitive in today’s market. Choose from one one two sessions, June 22nd at 8:30am at the Military Heritage Museum or June 23rd at 11:30am at The Waverly Restaurant and Bar. Reserve your seat today by calling 941-205-6406 or emailing cynthia.acevado@yoursun.com.

Sun Media Group (Platinum) leadHERship… a celebration of influential women in Charlotte County. It’s time to celebrate the influential women in our county and we want to share who you are, what you do, where you came from and more!

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) –  Hello June! Who can believe it’s June? Not me. The 7 days residential rolling stat for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port shows 92 new listings, 220 closed sales, 220 new contracts. Today there are 389 single-family homes and 80 condo/townhomes/villas available in the MLS. If you are thinking of selling whether it’s land, homes, or commercial buildings I hope that you will think of TIME Realty Services and let their 23 years of local experience guide you in the market. 239-699-4493

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) – Men Are Dogs by Joseph Simonelli, June 11-20. Final play of 20-21 season! As a therapist who runs a support group for single and divorced women, she must listen to a number of relationship problems from her unusual cadre of patients as well as dealing with the unsolicited advice of her live in mother on subjects ranging from dating to cooking recipes. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 941-255-1022.

Frank Desguin Family (Support)Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know that since 1830, Florida has experienced more than 200 tropical storms with over 100 classified as hurricanes?

Military Heritage Museum (Support) – The Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum is excited to announce our 2021-2022 season! From a fantastic Elton John Tribute to an 18 piece jazz orchestra, a Tom Petty tribute band to a Blues Brothers Tribute with Tina Turner, Bob Hope Christmas Show with the Motown Girls to Emanne Beasha, and many, many more!

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Summer operating hours will begin on June 1st at the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens. Visitors will be able to enjoy the sculptures and plantings from 9 am to 2 pm. We continue to develop more display areas and have recently installed our newest sculpture, Laundry Daze, created and donated by seasonal resident, Paul Guilmette. For more Gardens information see our Facebook page or our website, www.peacerivergardens.org. Clips From The Garden (newsletter)


Member Information


Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House is needing volunteers to help assist our grief support groups twice a month in Charlotte County. We work with families in peer support groups. We rely on the use of the arts to help express/process their grief. Click on the link for more volunteer information: Volunteer — Valerie’s House (valerieshouse.org) Contact Christine Carey for tours/fundraising opportunities/to donate (christine@valerieshouse.org 239-841-0382).

Divine Global Recovery Volunteering and Making a Difference! Students can get hours for their Bright Futures Scholarship applications. For more info, call (844) 99 – DIVINE. Check out their Free Storm Preparation Seminar on June 12th.

Illusions Salon & Spa – Open house 20th Anniversary Celebration! Wednesday, June 16th Noon-6pm. 20% off all products purchased that day! T-shirts celebrating our 20th year for $20, food/drinks from local restaurants and cake! Ribbon cutting a 5:30 pm.

Punta Gorda Short Film Festival – If you were not able to attend our RETRO DRIVE-IN SHOW, presented by the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB & Asbury Shorts/USA and hosted by the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce on March 2nd Or… if you did attend and would like to watch it from the comfort of your living room, we hope you will subscribe to the Special “Viral” Presentation of the 7th Annual Punta Gorda Short Film Thursday, July 1st. Purchase tickets here!

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/

Suncoast Humane Society – Can you be a hero? Foster Homes Needed!

Fisherman’s VillageJune calendar of events Fourth of July Celebration

Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral and Cremation Services – You are invited to a complimentary Wine & Cheese reception on June 24th from 5 – 7 pm. Stop by and support our local arts and humanities and meet our local artist of the month.

Drug Free Punta Gorda Prevention Works Breakfast at Village Fish Market, Tuesday June 15, 7:30am

Cultural Center of Charlotte County – Golf Tournament Saturday, June 26th at Riverwood Golf Gulf to benefit the Cultural Center. Must register by June 24th.

The Dellutri Law Group – COVID-19 has served as a reminder that we never know what life may bring us and why we need to be prepared for when the unexpected happens. If you have been thinking about an estate plan and would like to sit down for a complimentary consultation, please contact Mark Martella, Esq. He will explain the BIG SIX documents everyone needs, five of which you may need to use while you are alive. Please call 941-206-3700 to schedule a confidential, complimentary consultation.

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.

The Sky Family YMCAThe Sky Family YMCA renames to YMCA of Southwest Florida.

CareerSource Southwest FloridaAirplane Maintenance / Aviation Mechanic Program opportunity.

Chelsea PlaceSenior Care Conference June 12th.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Are you hosting a party, special occasion, birthday event, employee appreciation party, business meaning, etc.? We have our Black Gold To go Coffee or Tea Carafe. These hold 96 oz. of your select coffee roast or brewed tea. Perfect for everyone in the party! This comes with everything you need including cups, straws, sugar, and cream. Keep the meeting alert or get ready to party with caffeine for everyone. Give us a call at 941-916-9095 to order one now.

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Father’s Day is NEXT WEEK! Let us help you craft dad a special basket filled with craft beer, wine, chocolates, bar, turtles, and more. We are a one stop shop for everything you need to get Dad the perfect gift this holiday. With a large variety of handcrafted chocolates, small brewery craft beers, and small boutique vineyard wines we are able to put anything together. We also have Gift Certificates available, so they are able to step into the shop and see everything we have. Give us a call at (941) 505-0479 and let us craft his perfect gift.

Wreaths Across AmericaNite “Under” the Museum

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.

Charlotte County Meals on Wheels – Summer Solstice Soiree on June 21 at 5.30pm, Italia at River City. For tickets and all the details click here.

CDBIA – Join us at the Icehouse on July 10 for Darts! Team Registration Form.

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society Current happenings and information!


Applause

Charlotte State Bank & Trust

With Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer Maryann Mize, CCIM, set to retire in July after 32 years with Charlotte State Bank & Trust, the bank has named Todd R. Rinehart as her successor. Todd, who has more than 40 years of experience in all aspects of the banking industry joined Charlotte State Bank & Trust as vice president of commercial real estate lending in March of 2019. He may be reached at 239-560-0375 or trinehart@csbtfl.com.

The commercial lending team also includes Nicholas Worden, recently joined the bank as an assistant vice president. He has been involved in banking for a dozen years, serving as a commercial lender in Charlotte, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota counties. Nick served as president of Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class 2016 and is chairing the 2022 class. He also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, North Port Area Little League, Charlotte Community Foundation, City of North Port, and Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association.


Community News

Arts in the Parks at McGuire Park

The Charlotte County Community Services and Human Services departments are partnering with the Charlotte Community Foundation and the Punta Gorda Symphony to present Arts in the Park at McGuire Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 12, 2021. The event features live music performed by the Punta Gorda Symphony Wind Ensemble. There will be outdoor activities, community poem writing, Orange STEM lab, Highwaymen Art in the Park, and Decades of Charlotte County, a centennial static display. Reading programs will be conducted by the Charlotte County Public Library and the Charlotte County Imagination Library.

McGuire Park is located at 21125 McGuire Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – June Newsletter

Animal Welfare League – June Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – May Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Copperfish Books – June Newsletter

Lennore Shubel, Realtor Coldwell Banker Sunstar – Why Aren’t You Living in Florida?

Loveland Center – Exciting Updates

Sandstar Remodeling –Newsletter

Senior Friendship Centers – Spring 2021

The Yoga Sanctuary – June – Let’s Walk Forward Together.

Vision Quest Business BuildersIt’s a new week with new opportunity!


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.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Animal Welfare League

Calenda Real Estate Group

Centennial Bank

Charlotte Community Foundation

Charlotte Players

Denise Henry –ReMax Anchor Realty

Farr, Farr, Emerich,Hackett, Carr, and Holmes Law Firm

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital

Granny Nannies Home Care

Gulfshore Opera

Hoff’s Air Authority

Pickleplex of Punta Gorda

State Farm Agency -Mike Martin

Superior Carpet & Upholestry Cleaning

Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, & Young, PA

Port Charlotte Florist (In Kind)

Support Partners