Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
**Please note that all entries for the Friday Facts email for the week of Friday, November 26th are due to Tara (tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com) by Monday November 22nd at 5pm due to the holiday week.
Thank you!
From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on November 16, 2021.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR DECEMBER 2021. Our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM during the Bob Alexander Radio Show is 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.
Holiday shopping online this year? Here are some tips to avoid scams.
Charlotte County distributes a monthly report via email. The report contains information about ongoing facility projects, programs and services, construction industry activity, employee head counts and vacancies, economic development initiatives, professional development accomplishments, department awards, mosquito control efforts, tourism events and statistics and more. It can be delivered right into your email inbox at the end of the third week every month. All you need to do is sign up. Send an email requesting to be added to the distribution list to: PublicInformation@CharlotteCountyFL.gov
Roger Eaton: Are you or someone you know planning a wedding ceremony, or applying for a marriage license? If so, the Charlotte County Clerk’s office is here to help! Our hassle-free marriage services make it easy for you to say, “I do!”. Start by applying online for a marriage license or scheduling your marriage ceremony at the Justice Center in Punta Gorda.
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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]
November 24: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Isles Yacht Club located at 1780 W. Marin Ave. Menu choices are: fruit plate with chicken salad or French dip sandwich. 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
ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR CHAMBER LUNCHEONS ARE ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE
December 8: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association with breakfast provided by Gator Wilderness Camp School. PGICA is located at 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
December 14: Business After Hours 5:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Friendly Floors located at 3785 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte. 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.
8am – 12 noon, $15.00 per entrant, Parking Lot at 1133 Bal Harbor, Punta Gorda FL
You get two parking spots – one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide.) Setup 7am. Trailers require 2 spaces (4 parking spots) – $30
Dates:
December 11, 2021
January 8, 2022
February 12, 2022
March 12, 2022
April 9, 2022
May 14, 2022
Please contact the Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com.
Please Support Our Local Businesses!
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 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 the tiki and dance the night away to one of your favorite bands. Also, we ae now taking reservations for Thanksgiving Dinner. Please call 941-637-6770 for more information and to secure your reservation. The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Happy Friday! Rolling 7 day residential market stats for our area: 131 new listings, 193 pending(new contracts) 143 sold (closed listings). Thinking of selling after the new year? Let’s talk Della Booth, cell 239-699-4493
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am until 1pm. October Newsletter!
The Parrot Entertainment Magazine (Gold In Kind) – Latest issue.
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
Isles Yacht Club (Silver) – IYC Charity Cup Series! The Isles Yacht Club Series is a multi-faceted fundraising competition for the benefit of Valerie’s House and Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. For more information or to see sponsorship opportunities, click here.
WENG Radio (Silver in Kind) – Classic-Country Bash Slated for November 20th at Mosaic Arena!
C.A.R.E. (Bronze) – Ladies and Gentlemen the greatest event of all time is FINALLY BACK! The 2022 C.A.R.E. Ball is officially scheduled for Saturday January 29, 2022 |6:00pm | located at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in downtown Punta Gorda. This year’s theme is “Under the Big Top” featuring a traditional three course sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction (fan favorite), and casino tables. To purchase your tickets/ sponsorship opportunities visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/mDF/. Come one, come all to hottest event in town!
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Unlike anything ever presented at the Charlotte Players’ Langdon Playhouse, “Squawk! The Show” features a group of incredibly talented parrots displaying some amazing skills. These beautiful birds show they aren’t turkeys as they demonstrate painting, mind reading, performing card tricks, solving math problems, and much more in a fast-paced show that appeals to people of all ages.
The feathered company takes the stage two days after Thanksgiving, on Saturday, Nov. 27, for shows at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Children three and younger will be admitted free. Order tickets at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-255-1022. The Langdon Playhouse is located at 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte.
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – Join the GO Maestro Club!
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know that Jacob Wotitzky, an early merchant in Trabue (Punta Gorda), initiated a unique “home delivery” system?
Gator Wilderness Camp School (Support) – Turkey In The Hole Saturday, November 20th. Food! Games! Tours! Auction!
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Peace River Gardens Annual Gardens Aglow tradition is back and better than ever! Join us for 10 nights in December as we light up the Gardens with thousands of lights, roast s’mores, sign carols, and even visit with Santa. This evening walking tour is fun for the whole family! Purchase your tickets now on Eventbrite. Come see the Gardens in a whole new light!
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support) – TENNIS TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER – ‘Tis the Season Vivante Tennis Tournament – Benefiting Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, will be held Friday to Sunday, November 19th– 21st, 2021, at the Vivante Tennis Center, Punta Gorda FL.
Punta Gorda Women’s Club – “Tis the SeaSun Lunch” Sunday, December 5th Noon – 3pm at Nino’s bakery and Restaurant. Donation $45For tickets or information call 941-815-1901 or email dorothypolson1@gmail.com
Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier County. Contact Christine Carey to volunteer, mentor, refer families, fundraising opportunities, and/or donate (christine@valerieshouse.org or 239-841-0382). We can also schedule Valerie’s House Tours. Valerie’s House’s website: www.valerieshouse.org
Nino’s – Thanksgiving Dinners for the community – Do you know someone who is struggling to make ends meet, or a shut-in? Would they enjoy a donated Holiday Meal? Nino’s Bakery & Restaurant is now offering their annual “Take n Heat” Thanksgiving meal. You can donate the cost of a meal. Our local Southwest FL Boy Scout Council scouts will help with delivery. You can also purchase meals for yourselves! RESERVE NOW for pick up Nov. 24th (noon to 8 PM). To reserve, call the Bakery at 941-833-8912. See more info on our website.
Divine Global Recovery – Thanksgiving Art Contest for students Saturday, November 20th at Los Dos Cristianos at The Orange House from 9am- 11am.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Next Thursday is Thanksgiving! Stock up on coffee beans, loose leaf tea, mugs, and more for the whole family. We will be closed for Thanksgiving, Thursday the 25th and will re-open Friday 26th at 7AM.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Next Thursday the 25th is Thanksgiving, we will be closed on the 25th and will re-open on Friday the 26th at 10AM. Stock up on Wine, Beer, Cheese, Crackers, Charcuterie Boards, and more before it’s too late!
Englewood Beach Waterfest – Waterfest is BACK! Friday night is our Block Party, this year held at the Englewood Shopping Center, right in front of Obee’s. Our Race Weekend includes the World Championship Races on Saturday, and Sunday, our Family Conservation Center (FCC), and multiple food and drink vendors. Tickets are available online, and at select locations – visit our website for more information today www.EnglewoodBeachWaterfest.com
King Fisher Fleet – King Fisher Fleet is now accepting reservations for Christmas Light Canal Cruises. Christmas Light Canal Cruises run every evening from December 1st to December 31st. For reservations or more information on Christmas Light Canal Cruises, call (941) 639-0969, or visit https://kingfisherfleet.com/christmas-light-canal-cruise/.
Blenz Nutrition – Check out this month’s Yellowstone themed tea’s or stop in for this month’s Apple Pie shake! So good for you, you can even have it for breakfast!!
Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda – Hampton Manor Premier Assisted Living and Memory Care of Punta Gorda offers support of activities of daily living while enabling our residents to remain as independent as possible. Our community should open their doors by the last part of this years quarter, however we are actively taking reservations to offer a locked in pre-opening rate for the first two years. Please contact Amie Conti, Community Development Manager at (941) 201-8053 or email amie@hamptonmanor.co. Visit our website at www.hamptonmanor.co to view our virtual tour of our Cape Coral community that is similar to Punta Gorda.
Punta Gorda Pub Crawl – THE 11th Annual PUNTA GORDA PUB CRAWL & FOOD DRIVE FOOD TO BENEFIT THE HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK. puntagordapubcrawl@gmail.com www.puntagordapubcrawl.com
The 11th Annual Pub Crawl and food drive in downtown Punta Gorda is looking to have hundreds of participants help by bringing canned goods to the event. Date: Feb. 26th 2022, Time: 10:30AM- 1PM Food drive & Pub Crawl Sign in on Virginia St. in front of The Ice House PubCrawl starts at 1:30 last hour 7:30- 8:30PM. Click here for more details!
Punta Gorda Symphony – Punta Gorda Symphony is resuming activities of two popular adult enrichment programs: the Composers Luncheons organized and run by its volunteer affiliate group Symphony Friends, and the Behind the Notes lecture series featuring Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti and guest musicians. The 2021/2022 season awaits! Subscriptions and seating for single tickets are now available online.
Creston’s Marimba Concertino & Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2 Charlotte Performing Arts Center • NOV 21 • 7:30PM, Pre-Concert Talk @ 6:30PM $65 Adult • $15 Youth/Student Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti and Punta Gorda Symphony return to the concert hall next Sunday for an evening of celebratory masterworks. Creston’s Concertino for Marimba & Orchestra features your Punta Gorda Symphony’s own Principal Percussionist Dean Anderson in a starring role, while Verdi’s Overture from La forza del destino highlights some of the most recognizable operatic openings of all time. The alluring Ukrainian folk tunes and scintillating runs of Tchaikovsky’s 2nd Symphony are sure to have you on the edge of your seat – join us and bring your friends!
The Grill at 1951 – The latest happenings!
Team Punta Gorda – Help us Restock the First Macedonia Church Food Pantry! Come to this critical “contactless” drive through event Friday, November 19th 9:00 am -12:30 pm Charlotte Community Foundation, 227 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda. Make this drive a huge success; collect from friends and neighbors – bring a carload of donations!
Fisherman’s Village – December calendar of events.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates – On Friday, November 26 at 6 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 46th annual Holiday Nights celebration with a tree lighting ceremony. Guests can participate in the countdown with Dave Elias from NBC-2 when the historic Mysore Fig on the Ford property will be lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music. Female vocalists, The American Sirens, will perform shortly after the tree lighting.
Copperfish Books – Each year, we invite you to help Deep Creek Elementary School children in need get new books for Christmas. New this year: we’re supporting ALL Charlotte County K-8th Grade schools! Deep Creek Elementary will coordinate the distribution of collected books. Every book you purchase from us for these kids will also earn another 5%, which we’ll turn into more books for the kids.
You can come select books that we have in stock, or select a gift amount below and we’ll choose for you (you can adjust the quantity of the gift when you check out).
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Mindi Abair received the Mayor’s Ambassador Award in Wednesday’s City Council Meeting.
Bianca’s Friendsgiving Special
Friday, November 19th – 7:00 pm – 10:00pm
118 Sullivan St. Punta Gorda
Join the shenanigans with Bianca as she welcomes stand-up comedian Steve Miller, Drag Queen Beneva Fruitville, and Drag King Nick D’Cuple to help her throw one of the best FRIENDSgiving’s Punta Gorda has ever seen! Click here to order your tickets TODAY!
Charlotte County Master Gardener Volunteers:
Charlotte County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold a Plant Sale Expo from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2021. The event will take place at Centennial Park, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte, 33953. There will be hourly gardening workshops and landscape plants propagated by Master Gardeners, rain barrels, garden art, books and used gardening equipment for sale. Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions and provide University of Florida, IFAS/ Extension research based, unbiased gardening information. All funds collected benefit community horticultural outreach education programs in Charlotte County.
For information, contact Holly Bates at 941-764-4340 or holly.bates@charlottecountyfl.gov
Light Up The Night
December 3rd – 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Downtown Punta Gorda – Corner of Marion Ave. & Taylor St.
Christmas Celebration & Tree Lighting
The Fresh Jersey Tomatoe
6th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
Benefitting children receiving services from Charlotte Behavioral Health Care
November 3rd – December 6th
Holly Days Garden Tour:
December 3 and 4, 2021 10am – 5pm
Tour 6 decorated gardens in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte
Refreshments offered
Poinsettias and hand crafted items for sale
Tickets ($20) available from club members, by email at puntagordagardenclub@gmail.com, or at 6 gardens locations on the day of the tour
Further information: www.pggc.org, or the club’s Facebook page
The Punta Gorda Rotary Club and its Charity & Education Foundation, presented several charitable donations recently totaling $8,160. Dr. Stephen Schroering received $2,660 to pay for the delivery of 50 boxes of medical supplies to his medical clinic in Haiti. Representatives of Southwest Florida Honor Flight accepted a donation of $1,000 to help fly aging veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials in our nation’s capital. Valerie’s House received $500 to help with their providing ongoing grief support programs for children and families grieving the death of a loved one, Goodwill Microenterprises received $500.00, and $2,500 went to Rotary District 6840 (Louisiana) to assist in relief from Hurricane Ida. Finally, Rotary presented $1,000 to Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, which has now built over 100 homes in our community. The Punta Gorda Rotary Club is a part of Rotary International, a worldwide organization dedicated to “Service above Self. Contact Alyson Burch, President, at aburch@csbtfl.com or 941-205-2720.
Port Charlotte’s Rick Ilmberger Named FHBA 2021 Associate of the Year
The Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) has named Rick Ilmberger of Suncoast Glass & Mirror as the recipient of the 2021 Associate of the Year Award; a recognition awarded by over 8,000 FHBA members across the state.
Selected by a council of industry leaders, this award encourages expertise in the industry and outstanding leadership qualities. This recognition was presented during the FHBA Fall Leadership Conference at The Westin Sarasota Hotel on October 29.
Ilmberger’s company, Suncoast Glass & Mirror, Inc., has been a part of the Southwest Florida community since 1997. Located in Port Charlotte, the company also serves surrounding communities including Punta Gorda, North Port and Englewood.
With more than a decade of membership in the FHBA through his membership at the Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association, Ilmberger has served the association on their Associate Trades Councils, Membership Committee, and the Board of Directors. A defender of workforce development, he is also giving of his time and talent to the Future Builders of America. “Rick is a leader in building the voice for the building industry and a huge advocate for subcontractors and associate members. We are so proud to see Rick received the well-deserved recognition for his dedication” stated Caryn Huff-Sufferling, CDBIA President
About two thirds of the membership of the building industry associations are associate members. Rick has been a leader in both his local builders association, CDBIA and FHBA. In 2014-2015 Rick was the 2nd Vice President for the CDBIA and 2nd Vice President of FHBA 2017-2018, which are the top positions locally and in our state for an associate member.
“The association is pleased to present this award to Rick as a token for his passion for membership, his continued investment in the next generation of the industry and his never-ending enthusiasm for the association,” said Rusty Payton, FHBA CEO.
ARCHway Institute – Newsletter
Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – November Newsletter
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Cooperfish Books – November Newsletter
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Gardens at a Glance News
Punta Gorda Mural Society – September Newsletter
SandStar – Newsletter
The Yoga Sanctuary – November Newsletter
Sincerely,
John Wright, President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
Every effort has been made to accommodate guests of all abilities. The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for the presentation, format or accessibility of customer submitted documents, images and links. For assistance with this document, please email 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.
