Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on May 4.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR JUNE 2021. 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. 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.
Updates on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) & Additional COVID-19 Relief Resources (SVOG and RRF) from Ranking Member Luetkemeyer.
From The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. The City of Punta Gorda mask ordinance has sunset. As a result, each business going forward will be individually in control of what stance they wish to take. At the PG Chamber, although we continue to encourage mask wearing for visitors, it will no longer be required. For our outdoor events, such as the Farmers’ Market, the Governor did extend the current protocols for a further 60 days beyond May 1st, so our vendors will continue with the social distancing of tents and the wearing of masks for those vending/serving until further notice is received. Masks wearing at the market is preferred.
From the Charlotte County Economic Development Office. In keeping with Enterprise Florida’s commitment to providing minority and small businesses with training, development and financing options, MaSBEC will launch EFI’s first ever MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS BOOT CAMP on April 7th (to occur every other Wednesday through Aug 25th). This webinar series is designed to equip minority and small businesses with various tools needed for growth. Each hour-long session will provide small business owners, staff and team members with resources needed to create, maintain and grow a successful business. One time registration will allow attendees to participate in all 11 sessions. Boot Camp details.
TSA PreCheck Mobile Enrollment Returns to PGD June 1-11.
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
Your Priority Appointment for COVID Vaccine at Medicine Shoppe Punta Gorda. Medicine Shoppe Punta Gorda is offering you a priority appointment to get the two-shot Moderna Vaccine. Due to the recent joint FDA and CDC statement regarding a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we have opened up more vaccine availability for the Moderna appointments. If you would like to book your priority appointment for the Moderna vaccine, please email 1441@medicineshoppe.com or simply call 941-505-1095 to book an appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Charlotte County. Preregister for a vaccination appointment online at MyVaccine.FL.gov or call 866-200-9160 (or 833-990-3549 for TTY users). More vaccine availability information online: charlotte.floridahealth.gov/events/2021/01/CharlotteCOVID-19VaccineInfo.html and www.charlottecountyfl.gov/covid-19/vaccine-faq.stml
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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]
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 May 12: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 – 8:30 am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Four Points by Sheraton, in The Library, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Guest Speaker is Greg Murray, Punta Gorda City Manager.
May 18: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours hosted by Dockside Grill (on the Patio) at Four Points by Sheraton, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!
May 26: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Village Fish Market,1200 W. Retta Esplanade, #J36, Punta Gorda. Reservations Required. 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.
Bill Hinkelman – Walker Realty Group Florida
(941) 237-0406
110 Sullivan Street
Punta Gorda FL 33950
Realtor
Sponsored by Leanne Walker
Gulfshore Resoration Bar
Rae Ann Antonutcci
(941) 341-7707
122 Nesbit Street, Unit 112
Punta Gorda FL 33950
gulfshoremedicalservices@gmail.com
Health/Medical
Sponsored by Tara Zajas
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – The Dockside Grill, located inside the Four Points by Sheraton, is now taking reservations for our 3 course Mother’s Day feast (May 9, noon to 10pm). Please call 941-637-6770 for more details and to make a reservation at $29.95 per person. Don’t forget to take advantage of our AYCE Haddock Fish Fry on Fridays and our specialty Prime Rib on Saturday. After dinner, head on down to the tiki for drinks and listen to one of your favorite bands play the night away. The Tiki Bar….The Place To Be!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – April was a fabulous month for our brokerage and we want to THANK YOU to our clients for your trust and faith in our Realtors. If you are searching for an honest, caring Realtor who will answer your questions and spend time listening to your needs to assist in finding the perfect property please contact us. We are also looking for new listings as we have SOLD everything! The 7-day rolling residential statistic for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, & North Port: 119 New listings, 259 Sold (closed) listings, 247 Pending (new contracts). How can we help you? Call Broker Della Booth with all of your questions. 239-699-4493.
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. 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
PG Social House (Silver) – Join us with Peace River Harbor Heights Rotary Club for Bogies & Stogies Golf Tournament on May 22 at St Andrews South, Punta Gorda – Shotgun Start 8am
C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Bronze) – Looking to save money while giving back to the community? C.A.R.E. ReUse offers a wide variety of new/gently used items at a fraction of retail cost. All proceeds provide essentials to survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Charlotte County. Open at both locations (PC & Englewood) Tuesday –Saturday 9:00am-3:30pm.
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – You Should Be So Lucky by Charles Busch. May 14-23. A contemporary Cinderella story set in Greenwich Village, reminiscent of the classic screwball comedies of the 1930s. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets call our Box Office at 941-255-1022 or online at www.charlotteplayers.org
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – GO is Ready for Summer! Announcing two summer camps and a workshop, for singers ranging from elementary school to professional artists.
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Punta Gorda the City of Hibiscus.
Military Heritage Museum (Support) – Battle of the BEST Golf Tournament at Paradise Golf on June 5. Registration 7.30am, Shotgun Start 8.30am. Application Form for teams and Hole Sponsors.
SCORE – TODAY Small Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE on a drop-in basis. Stop by the North Port City Hall, room 350 on Friday May 7th from 9 to noon. Certified Mentors Nils Weibulll and Thom Malkus will be available for a casual chat about your business and the challenges you are facing. SCORE is powered by the SBA and offers confidential business mentoring at no cost. Visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.
Gregg’s Automotive – TODAY Mother’s Day Raffle. Click Here for details. Memorial Day Raffle.
Drug Free Punta Gorda – NEXT WEEK Hope you can join us! Drug Free Punta Gorda Meeting Over Lunch. May 11 11.30am to 1pm.
Valerie’s House – NEXT WEEK You are invited to RED DAY!!! This year Keller Williams Peace River Partners Realty has chosen Valerie’s House as their charity of choice to raise money for in honor of RED DAY!! Red Day will be Thursday, May 13th at Laishley Park from 12-3pm (100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda 33950). There will be food and ice-cream trucks , corn hole games, and much more (all proceeds will be going to Valerie’s House). Please contact Christine Carey for more information (239-841-0382 or christine@valerieshouse.org). Valerie’s House (valerieshouse.org)
Loveland Center – NEXT WEEK Fundraiser at Panera Bread Port Charlotte, May 14th from 4 to 8 PM. 20% of all sales that present a flyer will be donated to Loveland. Please see digital flyer on Loveland’s facebook page.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates – NEXT WEEK Fort Myers Film Festival on May 14 at 7.30pm.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – With Mother’s Day right around the corner, don’t forget to stop in and get some handcrafted chocolates and some wine for those lovely ladies this year. We have a variety of 9-, 16-, and 24-Piece Chocolate Boxes and a variety of boutique style small vineyard international wines and beers. Let us craft that perfect gift basket for all those moms out there. We are open Monday through Friday 10AM to 6PM and Saturday 9:30AM to 4PM. We would also like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.
Florida Skin Center – Conducts Clinical Research Study on Eczema Medication.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Introducing our NEW Frappe for the Month of May, our Handcrafted Cherry Fudge Frappe! This is a blended espresso drink mixed with our handcrafted cherry fudge. This refreshing summer beverage is seasonal so try one before they’re gone. We would also like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.
Sunny Days Ice Cream – Starting to plan a graduation? Why not have something different for your grad? Hire the Sunny Days Ice Cream Truck for a special treat! We are mobile and can come to you wherever you are holding your party, the beach, the park, a residence, an event center. We carry pre packaged novelty ice cream. Visit our website at http://www.sunnydaysicecream.com to learn more about us. Email us at info@sunnydaysicecream.com or call 941-255-1889 to book. Hurry dates fill fast!
Charlotte Technical College – Medical Assisting Training Opportunities.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Invites you to BOOK YOUR SPECIAL EVENT HERE NOW! This wonderful, full-service venue nestled in Punta Gorda is often forgotten … meaning you could be in luck. Space includes a beautiful lobby, classy auditorium, and catering kitchen with everything needed. Auditorium style events seats 225; with tables and chair seats 160; with tables, chairs and dance floor seats 125. All audio/visual equipment, kitchen supplies, portable bar, tables, padded chairs and more are available on-site. Lovely outdoor settings available as well. teriashley@pgica.org – 941-637-1655.
Vision Quest Leadership – Would you like to play Biz Builder BINGO?
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Up to $25 off, because your pet deserves it!
The Firm 360 Photography – Don’t forget The Firm 360 Photography when they’re gone. Who is “they” you might ask? Snowbirds! They are leaving soon. Remind them of what they have looked at with a Virtual Tour. They are great for real estate and businesses alike and they give people inside views right from their phones and laptops. We can do that for you. Call us today to arrange a Virtual Walking Tour for your business or homes for sale. 941-347-8198. www.thefirm360.com
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.
Copperfish Books – Your Next Great Read.
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.
Rossman Realty Property Management – manages over 1300 properties annual, seasonal, Vacation, and commercial accounts. We are offering top dollar to other property management companies wanting to sell their rental contracts in Southwest Florida. Email Corey Meldahl @ corey@rossmanrealty.com or call 239-333-7357.
Senior Friendship Centers – Double your impact for seniors!
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – PART TWO: The Nature of Operations. In the business world this is referred to as “what is the nature of this business.” What is this business all about? What will we produce? Who will be our customer? To continue reading please click here: https://covenant-business.com/2536-2/ Covenant Business Planning & Solutions is here for you and your business. Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!
Sea Grape Gallery – Presents Artists of the Month for May-June 2021. They will be featuring two of their artists, Vicki Glynn, watercolorist, and Sam Harris, custom hand carved knife designer.
Pinch A Penny, Pool, Patio, Spa – We’re More Than a Pool Store!
Fishermen’s Village – May Events Calendar. Celtic Music Day Event on May 15.
1st United Methodist Church/Life Center – Former NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers Randy Grimes is special Guest Speaker at Today Matter’s Mental Health Ministries on Saturday May 15, 2021 at 4pm.
Charlotte Community Foundation – Charlotte County Non-Profits Virtual Town Hall on May 18 at 4pm.
Suncoast Humane Society – Virtual Walk May 22, Tails On Trails.
TEAM Punta Gorda – Volunteers needed for Pre-Event Set Up for 2021 Healing Field of Honor May 28-31.
Punta Gorda Rotary Club – Healing Field of Honor, May 28-31. Opening Ceremony May 28, 10am at Laishley Park. Click Here for Details. Flyer.
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
The Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) announces that Gary E. Duncan, C.M. has joined the Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) as its Director of Airport Operations/Projects. Gary will work under CEO James W. Parish, P.E. and COO Ron Mallard, C.M., ACE and have oversight of PGD’s Bailey Terminal operations, facilities, FBO and airside operations. Gary will also assist with air service development and marketing, vendor relations, grants and special projects. Gary has a strong history of airport leadership, most recently as the Deputy Executive Director, Aviation for the Lee County Port Authority where he managed operations at both Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY). Gary also served as the General Aviation Manager of the Jacksonville Port Authority and gained extensive experience in planning and grants, operations and special projects. “In addition to his extensive aviation experience, Gary Duncan is a highly effective communicator, consensus builder, listener and speaker,” said CEO Parish. “We are excited to welcome Gary to the team as he helps us leverage our success and implements new ways to improve efficiency, safety and customer service at PGD.” The CCAA has approximately 38 full-time employees, 43 part-time employees and 11 seasonal positions – along with $27 million capital improvement projects slated for fiscal 2021. The Director of Airport Operations/Projects is a new position that was created to support the leadership team and the airport’s continued growth. Gary is a U.S. Navy Veteran who served at Cecil Field as an Aviation Electrician and earned his B.S. degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. He is active in the American Association of Airport Executives, Airports Council International and Florida Airports Council.
Freedom Sings on July 4 – Choral music returns to Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda on July 4, 2021. The church is located at 25250 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, near the intersection with Airport Road. Please join us for this wonderful musical celebration. For more information, call 941.626.1070 or come to the first rehearsal.
Calling all SkyDivers – 9/11 Memorial, Flyers in the Air
ARCHway Institute – May Newsletter
Animal Welfare League – April Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – May Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Copperfish Books – May Newsletter
Lennore Shubel, Realtor Coldwell Banker Sunstar – Why Aren’t You Living in Florida?
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – April Newsletter
Punta Gorda Symphony – April Tempo
Sandstar Remodeling – April Newsletter
SCORE – BizSuccess Tips May 2021
Senior Friendship Centers – Spring 2021
The Yoga Sanctuary – May….You be Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful
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
© 2023, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
