Dear Chamber Member,
Here are your Friday Facts – Enjoy reading them and have a great Friday and an even better weekend. If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to poliva@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
The Chamber is looking for anyone who would be willing and able to deliver guides to the airport and to drop off guides twice a week to major accounts around town. A small stipend is available for anyone willing to do this service for us. Call 941-639-3720 if you are interested.
Planning anything special for Small Business Saturday. November 30th? Please let us know and we’ll promote collectively. Email your info a.s.a.p. to poliva@puntagorda-chamber.com
PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for January 2020
Every month, your Punta Gorda Chamber teams up with local iHeart Media DJ – Bob Alexander to focus on Chamber members and what they are up to. For only $105, you get to pre-record 2 x 2 ½ minute slots (which can be the same or different) which will be inserted into Bob’s show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. This is one of the largest local radio audiences available to us. You don’t even have to go to the studio any more. Bob will call you to record your message(s)! If you are interested, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com to get you on your way. Ideal for business promotions, events or simply to get your name out on air.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Pat, Carole, Stephanie & Janet
Please remember to RSVP to:
reception@ puntagorda-chamber.com or
941-639-3720.
November 19: Business After Hours
5:30 pm – 7 pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Centennial Bank, 401 Taylor St., Punta Gorda . Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. They will be collecting for “Toys For Tots” and any non-perishable food for the Homeless Coalition. Bring something along to help make someones holidays HAPPY!
November 21: Third Thursday Wine Walk 5-8 pm
In Downtown Punta Gorda. Art-Music-Live Demonstrations-Shopping & Food! What better way to spend an evening out with old friends while you take the time to make new ones. Wine Walk works by donating $10 at the PG Chamber ( in advance or on the night) to get a wristband and passport that entitles you to a walking wine tasting – a map of all retail participants will accompany your wristband. Each location will have two different wine varietals to taste! Wristbands can also be purchased at Hipnotique on the day of the event. Not a wine drinker, you can still come and enjoy the atmosphere and shop, dine and stroll around.
November 27: Networking Luncheon 12pm-1:30pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Ct., Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com Cost is $15.00 per person. Lunch will be a buffet. Rice and and beans
Chicken stir fry, Shrimp stir fry, Vegetable stir fry
Salad (ranch and italian) and Rolls. Lunch must now be pre-paid at time of reservation. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex
City Wide Garage Sale 2019-2020 Schedule
8 am – 12 Noon, $15.00 per entrant
You get two parking spots – one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide)
Set up 7: 15am
New Location: Comfort Storage Parking Lot, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
Dates:
Please contact Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com.
All Registrants need to be pre-register with payment
There will be no admittance the day of the event.
Non-refundable, non-transferable sale held rain or shine… no rain dates.
Heritage Landing Golf & Country Club
For Chamber members only
Golf Event and Ribbon Cutting
$100 per team
Friday, December 13, 8am – 1pm
RSVP Teresa.m.brown@lennar.com or call 239-900-2262
Click Here for Major Chamber Events
Punta Gorda wine + music festival
A weekend of blues & rock
November 16, 2019, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
Gates at 12:30PM, music from 1 – 6PM
VIP tickets – $100, Regular tickets – $50
Tickets and information available online at www.puntagordachamber.com
Mission Statement
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Punta Gorda Sailing LLC
Zach Gloer
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1139 #218
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-628-7245
info@puntagordasailing.com
www.sailpuntagorda.com
Sailboat Charters – Charter Cruises
Sponsored by Pat Oliva
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.
Partners in Action News: In 2019, we reached a milestone of having 76 of our members upgrade to being a Partner in Action. Already 86% of those businesses have renewed for 2020! Thank you so much. It’s not too late to get your name out there, although the deadline is rapidly approaching. In order to get all of our marketing materials ready for January 1st 2020 as well as materials for the annual Wine & Jazz Festival’s 15th Anniversary, we ask that any business interested in participating at any level email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com before November 20th 2019. Starting at $10,000 and going to $500, there is a level for everyone to promote their business year round. Participants at the top three levels can also schedule their payments throughout the year. Please click here for the details of what each level gets in return. Don’t miss your chance to get your business showcased 24/7 for 365 days!
Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum)
Bayfront Health Punta Gorda Names Chief Administrative Officer
Andrea G. Thomas, FACHE, has been named Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Bayfront Health Punta Gorda. Andrea previously served as Chief Operating Officer at St. Cloud Regional Medical Center, an 84-bed hospital in St. Cloud, FL. Under her leadership, she led an emergency department expansion project and facility renovations to enhance facility operations and better serve patients. Through attention to process improvement, turnaround times for laboratory and imaging services were reduced and more surgeries could be accommodated. And, with the successful recruitment of physicians specializing in gastroenterology, interventional cardiology, orthopedics, family medicine and internal medicine, patients were able to secure more services close to home. Andrea earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She received two master’s degrees, one in Public Health from Florida International University in Miami, FL, and one in Business Administration-Health Services Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
“We are excited to welcome Andrea to the community,” said Tim Cerullo, CEO for Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will help us advance the experience we provide and the care we offer to local residents and visitors.”
Olsen, Lynch & Wright CPA’s (Platinum)
Olsen, Lynch & Wright, CPA’s P.A. is looking for a full-time accountant to join their Firm. The successful candidate will have experience with financial statement preparation, sales tax filings, payroll and payroll tax filings, QuickBooks and QuickBooks online a must. The Firm offers health insurance, retirement plan and paid time off. Please forward your resume and cover letter to cpa@olw-cpas.com.
Farmer’s Market (Gold)
Click Here to see the Farmer’s Market News
Captain’s Table (Gold)
Captain’s Table is now serving Brunch on Sunday from 10 AM – 2 PM. Please Come enjoy our Chef’s take on Brunch with delicious dishes while enjoying views of Charlotte Harbor. Lunch will also be available form 11 AM – 4 PM. For more information please call 941-637-1177.
Designer Purse Bingo November 19th
Click Here for all the information on this event.
Tampa Bay Rays (Gold)
Fellow Punta Gorda Chamber Members,
How about your hometown Rays! Last year was one of our best seasons yet. We finished with our second-best record ever (96-48) and were one win away from the American League Championship Series! Have you seen the Rays 2020 Spring Training Schedule? Check out the following website for more information on schedules and tickets: https://www.mlb.com/rays/spring-training
Interested in advertising with the Rays or becoming a Rays Business Partner? Please contact:
Mark Houston
Manager, Spring Training
E: mhouston@raysbaseball.com
P: 727-825-3256
Tom Colvell
Intern, Business Operations
E: tcolvell@raysbaseball.com
P: 941-235-5064
Wyvern Hotel (Gold)
On New Years Eve the Wyvern Hotel will be hosting a private dinner and a show at 88Keys Florida. Kitt Moran will be playing two shows, seating will be at 6:00pm for the first show and 8:30pm for the second. Tickets are $125.00/per person and include; a gourmet dinner buffet, access to the dessert bar, and a champagne toast. There are only 50 seats available per show. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.thewyvernhotel.com/ . Please call 941.639.7700 for more information or email to salesandcatering@edgewatergrpllc.com
Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)
Charlotte State Bank & Trust is accepting holiday donations to help brighten the season for area children in need. All six bank offices are collecting new toys, clothing and other “wish list” items on behalf of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program and the Salvation Army. The names and ages of area children in need are written on wish list cards. Customers and visitors to the bank are invited to select one or more of the cards, purchase appropriate gifts for the children, then return the unwrapped gifts and wish lists to the bank office by Dec. 6. The Punta Gorda office is collecting on behalf of the Salvation Army.
Florida Southwestern State College (Silver)
Nov 28th Turkey Trot – early registration
CeJay Associates (Silver in Kind)
CeJay Associates, LLC website spotlight of the week is: svconstructionrecruiting.com. Suzanne Vigliotti Construction Recruiter is now based in Florida. A website tailored for small business. Check out the video header. Clients can also upload their resume. Our WordPress websites are Mobile Friendly, optimized for Google Search Engines, ADA compliant. We can also manage your Social Media, Newsletters, Branding and Business Graphics. Together, let’s make your Internet marketing strategy WORK for you, taking your business or organization to the next level of success! Contact CeJay Associates at 941-204-0007 * CeJayAssoc.com * Design@CeJay.com
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Bronze)
We’re back! Last year, PGICA, 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda, launched its first full season of live entertainment, and this year promises to be even more exciting and diverse. First up: as part of our Local Showcase Series on November 30 will be a fun murder mystery theatrical performance, The Red Feather Investment Club, presented by the Charlotte Players, followed on December 7 by the ever-popular Goldtones making their first appearance on our stage with their special brand of DooWop. Both these events will be cabaret style and the audience are invited to bring their own food and beverages. A New Year’s celebration on January 3 brings the second in our Local Showcase, the extraordinary vocal group Bion Cantorum, presenting a concert program of classical and popular music, directed by the amazing Roy Engler with John Renfroe at the piano. Another trip down memory lane with American Pie’s “Juke Box Time Machine” concert on January 18 promises to be as fun as their Woodstock Anniversary party was last season. February 7 brings a cabaret with the Russian Duo, the critically acclaimed piano and balalaika duo that has charmed audiences throughout the U.S. On February 23, a return concert performance of the incredible StringFever: “A little bit Classical, a little bit Rock and Roll, humorous and a whole lot entertaining”. Cahal Dunne and Choir Play join us for their entertaining annual concert on March 8, an early St. Patrick’s Day salute with the lilt of Irish laughter! Our season comes to a close with two cabarets: on March 20, the final show in the Local Showcase, the talented Peace River Trio, whose familiar folk and popular songs always get an audience to sing along and a back-by-popular demand performance by William Florian, the legendary minstrel, this year highlighting the music of Neil Diamond on April 5. Tickets may be purchased at the PGICA office, online at www.PGICA.org or by calling 941-637-1655. Tickets for the season Local Showcase performances are $15; all others are $20. All events are open to the general public. Season C&C packages are available to PGICA members.
Animal Welfare League (Support)
Click here for info on their upcoming raffle
Charlotte Players (Support)
Click Here for the Charlotte Players Happenings
Sea Grape Gallery will be having a special Holiday Market under the tent in their courtyard
Sunny Days Ice Cream will be at the Harbor Corvettes Car Show in Punta Gorda on November 30th. For customers that use their American Express card, with a purchase of $8.00 or more, we will give them a free bag of gourmet fudge!
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.
November 18: Hammer and Stain Punta Gorda, 208 Tamiami Trail Ste 112, Punta Gorda
December 5: Ribbon Cutting for Monarch Direct
It will be a big party with Punta Gorda Chamber, Charlotte County Chamber, Englewood Chamber, Venice Chamber and North Port Chamber. The ribbon cutting will be done at the Port Charlotte office, 1264 Market Circle, Suite 6, Port Charlotte. Gathering starts at 4:30 pm and the ribbon cutting will be at 5:30 pm.
December 12: Chelsea Place Home Care, 126 East Olympia Ave., Suite 301, Punta Gorda.
December 13: Heritage Lakes Golf Ribbon Cutting 8:30 am, 14701 Heritage Landing Blvd.,
Punta Gorda
January 30, 2020: Soul Dance Temple, 2705 Tamiami Trail, Suite 314, Punta Gorda (In Towles Plaza)
What is the Halo Effect? It is the phenomenon in which your mind can’t stop your heart from seeing what it wants to see in another person. More or less. Being attracted to someone or thinking they are smart and/or good looking can and will influence how you rate their abilities or skills in other areas.
Will there be food at the Brunch for Mindi Abair?
Remember to click these links to see events that are coming up
Click This Link for Upcoming Events
Click this link for Events coming up in 2020
The Orange House Wine Bar
320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 941-505-8233
We are now open for breakfast and lunch!
Tuesday-Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
Fri. November 15: 7pm -10 pm
Sat.November 16: 7pm- 10 pm
Fishermen’s Village: Annual “Lighting of The Village” to be held November 16, 2019 Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. as Santa arrives at the Village front entrance courtesy of Punta Gorda Fire Chief Ray Brigg’s Antique Fire Truck! At 5:30 pm, an official ribbon cutting will take place with Santa and City of Punta Gorda officials. Part of this year’s ribbon cutting will include a performance by Singer extraordinaire, Michael White! As the ribbon is cut, visitors will witness the reveal of the annual Lighting of the Village! Festivities continue until 9 pm! Patrons are being asked to bring toiletries and hygiene items to be donated to “Share The Blessings Ministry”, an all-volunteer, nonprofit charity benefiting those in need in Charlotte County.
Parking lot sale benefits deaf and hard of hearing
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) of Charlotte County is having a fundraising parking lot sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16. Held at the Family Services Center 21450 Gibraltar Drive, Port Charlotte, the sale will feature, furniture, collectibles, household goods, holiday items and more. All proceeds will help fund DHHS programs and services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information, contact DHHS Executive Director Kim Gaut at 941-743-8347.
Soul DANCE Temple
Sunday, Nov. 17 – SOUL CONNECTIONS – Current Planetary Positions. How the Cosmology affect us.
11AM – 12PM: Meditation & Light Rhythm Yoga.
12 to 1 PM Lecture & Discussion. Enjoy Coffee or Tea. Free for SOUL CONNECTIONS Members. $20 non-members
2705 Tamiami Trail, Suite 314, Punta Gorda.
The Homeless Coalition Holiday Food Drives
The holidays are right around the corner, and The Homeless Coalition wants to ensure that everyone in our community has a meal to eat with their loved ones this holiday season. On November 20th The Homeless Coalition will provide over 100 families in need with a Thanksgiving dinner, and we are requesting turkey donations for our annual Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway. We would need all fresh and frozen turkeys no later than Monday, November 18th. You can drop off any donations at The Homeless Coalition located at 1476 Kenesaw Street in Port Charlotte or contact Darcy Woods, Community Engagement Coordinator at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org for additional information.
‘The A, B, C and Ds of Medicare Coverage’ Free Event at Chelsea Place Event
Chelsea Place Senior Care’s ongoing series of third-Thursday free educational events will continue Nov. 21 with a timely presentation on Medicare. “We’re in the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP), also referred to as the Annual Election Period (AEP), which lasts until Dec. 7,” noted Chelsea Place owner Kris Chana. “It’s the only time of the year when seniors can review their coverage and make changes to their plans.”
“The A, B, C and Ds of Medicare Coverage” takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Chelsea Place Adult Day Care, 3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Featured speaker Dave Marziale, aka “The Insurance Guy,” will cover the following:
Marziale co-founded the Insurance Guys agency in Binghamton, N.Y., in 2010 using his Medicare experience while offering plans from multiple carriers to maximize their value to his clients. Marziale moved to Charlotte Harbor in 2013 and opened a Southwest Florida office serving Charlotte, Sarasota and Lee counties. Marziale is licensed in Florida, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Arizona. For more information or to RSVP, contact Chelsea Place Senior Research Specialist Amie Conti at 941-787-0687 or aconti@chelseaplacecare.com.
Fashion Alert! The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic Fashion Show & Luncheon is coming up soon – Thursday, Nov 21, 11 am to 2 pm. This is the BEST of the area’s Fall fashion shows – featuring Florida fashions from the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club Ships Store. Amazing Silent Auction items: Designer Handbags (Coach, Kate Spade, Brahmin), a surprise trip, along with many other items worth at least $100! And, join our 50/50 raffle. Someone will go home with a lot of loot! It’s a lovely girls-day-out, full of fun, fashion, and even a little gift shopping to kick off the Holiday Season. Purchase your tickets now! $45 p/p, sponsor tables (8) for $500 (get your support noticed in our program) www.volunteercare.org/fall-into-fashion or call Noreen Chervinski at 941-276-1014.
2019 Parade of Homes™- Homes for the Holidays at Babcock Ranch begins Friday, Nov. 22
Join us as we celebrate the inaugural 2019 Parade of Homes™ – Homes for the Holidays at Babcock Ranch. The Parade of Homes will be held from Friday, November 22 through Sunday, December 8. View the nation’s most innovative new homes as we showcase twelve spectacular model homes and sales centers. During this unique event, the area’s top builders are rolling out holiday décor and welcoming all to this festive and FREE experience. Presented by the Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry and Babcock Ranch, the Parade of Homes features new homes ranging from the low $300,000s to more than $700,000 open daily Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to -5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine! Plus, admission is FREE!
A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Babcock Ranch and our Platinum Sponsors Divco Custom Homes and Florida Lifestyle Homes and Gold Sponsor, Meritage Homes. Homebuyers can explore several floor plans to view the most creative designs and latest building techniques that incorporate Smart Home technology and energy efficiency. In addition, all featured builders are experienced, ethical professional of the building industry. The official 2019 Parade of Homes™ Homes for the Holidays at Babcock Ranch Model Home Tour booklet will be available on Friday, November 22 at the Babcock Ranch Discovery Center inside Woodlea Hall at 42850 Crescent Loop. While here, enter to win great prizes at all of the stops on the Parade of Homes route! Please visit www.BabcockRanchParadeofHomes.com for more information.
Gator Wilderness Camp School Turkey in the Hole
November 23rd. Click Here for all of the info. This is an amazing event.
Military Heritage Museum Hosts Service Academy Information Day
The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda will host representatives from all five of the U.S. Military service academies for a Service Academy Information Day, on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are considering joining the military, please stop by to meet with admissions representatives from the United States Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Coast Guard Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy, to find out about admissions requirements and information about curriculum, as well as what student life is like. This event is open to all high school students who are interested in learning more about or who are planning to apply to one of our nations’ service academies. Parents and educators are also welcome to attend. You may RSVP for this event by calling the museum or going online to sign up. The Military Heritage Museum is located at 900 West Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. For more information or reservations, please go to the website and sign up at by calling 941-575-9002 or www.militaryheritagemuseum.org
Edison and Ford Winter Estates to Host Annual Fall Garden Festival On November 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold its annual fall Garden Festival. More than 40 garden vendors from around the state of Florida will have tropical and native plants and trees for sale. Sponsored by Best Value and Humana, the festival will also feature food trucks and live music. “If you’re looking for a really unique plant that you don’t already have, this is the place to find it,” said Debbie Hughes, Horticulture Director with Edison and Ford Winter Estates. “Vendors and staff will be available to answer questions and help visitors find plants for their gardens.” Vendors will have many types of plants and trees, including palms, fruit trees, bromeliads, hibiscus, butterfly plants, African violets, orchids, air plants, herbs, succulents, cacti and many hard-to-find species. Vendors will also offer garden supplies, such as mulch and special fertilizers. The Edison Garden Shoppe will be open and have unusual tropical and Florida native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida. Ceramic flower pots, vegetable and flower seeds, garden art, and gardening gift items will also be available for purchase. A limited number of carts will be available, so guests are encouraged to bring a cart or wagon for transporting plants. A designated plant holding tent and loading spot will be offered for anyone needing assistance. Parking and admission to the festival is free (tours of the homes, museum and lab are not included). For more information, call 239-334-7419 or visit www.edisonford.org
Dancing on the Water USA Dance #6126
Date: Monday, November 25, Time: 6:00-8:00PM
Location: Fisherman’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL, Contact Fisherman’s Village: 941-639-8721
Fees: Free Admission. Social Dancing Music.
Contact: 330-501-2366(Laura) Email: usadance6126@gmail.com(Laura)
Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #6126 Charlotte Harbor, FL
Meetup: Charlotte Harbor Ballroom Dance Meetup USA Dance DJs: Nathalie & Franck Lemoine. This is a beautiful location to enjoy an evening of dancing. See you there.
Looking for Part Time Work?
Kingsway Country Club is looking for workers. Please click here for all of the info.
Chelsea Place
Ultimate Care Givers Gift Card. Click Here for all info.
USA Dance Chapter Charlotte Harbor #6126 Ballroom Dance Lessons
Welcome All Levels of Dance-Open to the Public
Due to your past support, we discovered there was a need for our own USA Dance Chapter. We are no longer a part of #6049. We are a new chapter #6126. We can’t wait to see the friends we know, and the friends we will meet.
“Physical exercise can reduce the signs of aging in the brain, and dancing has the most profound effect.” (Frontiers in Human Neuroscience). This is a recent study.
Date: November 6, 2019 and every Wednesday until further notice. THERE WILL BE NO LESSONS ON NOVEMBER 27. ENJOY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SAFE TRAVELS.
Time: 6-7 Beginning East Coast Swing( 3 weeks)
7-8 Intermediate Rock & Swing: East Coast Swing, Lindy, Jive, Rock & Roll
8-9 Intermediate/Advanced Ballroom Dance Team
Learn show dances, exciting ballroom and Latin techniques
Location: Punta Gorda Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda, FL Fees: $10 USA Dance Members $12 Non-members Contact: 614-439-8545(Robin)
Email: usadance6126@gmail.com(Laura)
Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #6126 Charlotte Harbor, FL
Meetup: Charlotte Harbor Ballroom Dance Meetup USA Dance Instructors: Nathalie & Franck Lemoine
Professional Dance Instructors from Paris, France
They have lived and taught in SWFL since 2018
Additional Information: Historic Building, Wooden Floors
Sign up to Take Your Marketing Dollars Further
The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) markets our beautiful destination to visitors from around the world. The VCB’s strategic marketing plan positions the area as a leading vacation destination in Florida through a variety of different advertisements, such as print, video, social media, and digital. The new and improved co-op program offered by the VCB gives your business the opportunity to be a part of these national, strategically-placed advertisements, reaching millions of potential visitors, for a price you can afford. Don’t miss your chance to put your business in front of more potential visitors than ever before, and make the most of your marketing budget.
Co-Op Opportunities are First Come, First Serve.
SIGN UP TODAY
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
Visitors will embrace the beauty of the outdoors while enjoying the Garden’s sculptures and lights and creating a cherished holiday memory with family and friends by attending the 1st annual Gardens Aglow. Attractions and festivities include a stroll around the North Gardens full of thousands of lights and music and featuring photos with Santa on select evenings, S’mores roasting over the fire pit (for a small fee), and storytime for children during select times. The Garden Gift Shop will be open each evening with a wonderful holiday selection. (Expected attendance between 1000 – 3000) Click Here for Sponsorship Opportunities
Event Dates: December 6-8, 13-15, 20-23 6 PM – 9 Pm each evening (last admission at 8:30) Tickets: $8 Member, $10 non-members, $5 Youth~ ages 5-18, 4 & under free! Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is happy to present the following opportunities for sponsorship of what is sure to become a premier event in the community.
Girls on the Run 5k
We are looking for volunteers to help 150 girls cross the finish line. If you are able to give us a few hours on Saturday, December 7 at Laishley Park to cheer our girls on, we would be very appreciative! Please click below and find the area that suits you best. From the bottom of my heart ❤ the girls and I thank you. Girls on the Run 5k Volunteer Sign Up
Aura Salon on 115 Taylor St., Punta Gorda ( formerly Spa One Day Spa & Salon) is now hiring experienced Hair Stylists for booth rentals : exceptional opening deals now available. Aura Salon is now open featuring Hardy Whidden, Rick Bissonette and Tabitha Chen as Experienced Stylists , open Monday through Saturday Call 941-505-6111 or 239-300-3190. Aura Salon is not in anyway connected to Spa One as the former owner closed that business.
Message In A Bottle Weddings And Vows
Tell Her That You Love Her All Over Again… Renew Your Wedding Vows At Message In A Bottle Weddings And Vows, In The Secret Wedding Chapel, In Port Charlotte, Florida, And Receive A $30 Gift Certificate For Dinner (Just The Two Of You!) At Las Margaritas De Camila Mexican Restaurant! Call 941-623-5467 for more info.
The BEAN on 41 Coffee Shop
is now serving cold-brew Nitro ! – Stop by and enjoy a free slice of sweet potato pie with any specialty coffee or tea now through November 15th. Just mention your chamber membership for a free taste of Sweet Shari’s pie! Tuesday nights are open bible group at 6pm with music, prayer and bible discussion with Moni and friends. We are looking forward this season and attracting our folks to the “green” BEAN. Our water is triple filtered. Our beans are locally roasted for freshness. www.thebeanon41.com. Need a coffee cater? 239.314.6808 direct line.
“It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”
Click Name of Business for their latest news
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Chelsea Place, Senior Care Conference
FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda
Fiduciary Management Certificate Program
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society
Copperfish Books
Click Here for great gifts
Key West Express Holiday Sale
Click Here for Offer
LaQuinta Inn & Suites
Click Here for Offer
Sleep Inn & Suites
Click here for a special offer for Chamber Members.
At my granddaughter’s wedding reception, the DJ polled the guests to see who had been married longest. It turned out to be my husband and me. The DJ asked us, “What advice would you give to the newly married couple?”
I said, “The three most important words in a marriage are, ‘You’re probably right.'”
Everyone then looked at my husband. He said, “She’s probably right.”
Olsen, Lynch & Wright, CPA’s P.A. is looking for a full-time accountant to join their Firm. The successful candidate will have experience with financial statement preparation, sales tax filings, payroll and payroll tax filings, QuickBooks and QuickBooks online a must. The Firm offers health insurance, retirement plan and paid time off. Please forward your resume and cover letter to cpa@olw-cpas.com.
Florida Gulf Coast University named best school in Florida for undergraduate entrepreneurship by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine FGCU also makes The Princeton Review’s “Best Southeastern,” “Green Colleges” lists
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is the top college or university in Florida for undergraduate entrepreneurship studies, according to The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine. Coming in at No. 30 out of more than 300 schools, FGCU ranked higher than entrepreneurship undergraduate programs at Florida State University, Drexel University, the University of Saint Thomas, Boston University and American University, among others. “We tried a new model with an independent School of Entrepreneurship, and it works!” said Sandra Kauanui, director of FGCU’s School of Entrepreneurship. “This ranking by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine sets us apart from other entrepreneurship schools, especially those in Florida. It’s nice to be recognized for the hard work we have all contributed to reaching our goal.” Since its founding three years ago, FGCU’s entrepreneurship program has grown exponentially. Its mission is to infuse entrepreneurial spirit throughout the university with an interdisciplinary entrepreneurship major and minor. These are the fastest-growing degrees on campus with 1,800 students currently enrolled in entrepreneurship classes. “This ranking demonstrates FGCU’s commitment to entrepreneurship,” said Jim Llorens, interim provost of FGCU. “The significant growth in the past several years shows we have created a program the region wants and needs. This recognition is the result of a commitment by Dr. Kauanui, her leadership team and the Southwest Florida community. Without that support, this would not happen.” Beyond degrees, FGCU’s School of Entrepreneurship is home to the highly successful Runway Program, which helps students develop a business model and a viable product while earning their degree. Other features include the Mentor Program, through which faculty and outside business experts offer guidance and advice, and the Faculty Fellows Program, which integrates entrepreneurship into academic departments across campus. Additionally, the School of Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Veterans Florida, helps U.S. military veterans develop their business plans and obtain seed funding. “We pride ourselves on setting our goals high and achieving them. Each faculty member we have hired has placed students first in their work. We listen to our students and take their feedback and incorporate it into our program. That approach has made all the difference for the School of Entrepreneurship,” Kauanui added. The ranking comes at an important time for FGCU. The university is raising money to build the new Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, which will house the School of Entrepreneurship, the Small Business Development Center and the Regional Economic Research Institute. The 27,000-square-foot facility will have a business incubator, flexible meeting rooms and expanded faculty and office space. It will be a central location for advancing the culture of entrepreneurship, business development and market analysis that are essential to growing Southwest Florida’s economy.
In addition to its No. 30 placement in the “Top 50 Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies for 2020” ranking, FGCU is listed in The Princeton Review’s “2020 Best Colleges: Southeastern” list. The university is also one of 413 “green colleges” featured in The Princeton Review’s “Guide to Green Colleges: 2019 Edition.” Colleges and universities in the guide have “strong commitments to green practices and programs,” according to a release from The Princeton Review. The Princeton Review revealed the entrepreneurship ranking lists for 2020 on https://princetonreview.com/entrepreneur. Entrepreneur magazine posted the ranking lists on https://entrepreneur.com/topcolleges. The magazine will publish a feature article on the rankings in its December issue. For more information about the FGCU School of Entrepreneurship, visit https://fgcu.edu/soe.
Sincerely,
John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
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