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 October 5, 2021.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR NOVEMBER 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.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – Neighboring counties have reported several reports of vehicle burglaries from vehicles parked at shopping centers, gyms and day cares. Please remember to always remove your valuables and lock your car. If you must leave valuables inside the car, place them out of sight or in the trunk.
Business owners – If possible, remove cash and valuables from business when not open for customers. Periodically check all security equipment and update lighting, cameras and security system if needed. If you observe suspicious activity after hours, at a closed business please call our non-emergency number 941-639-0013
Shop with a Cop provides children with positive interaction and one-on-one time with law enforcement during the holidays. Shopping is done each year by deputies from the Sheriff’s Office along with officers from the Punta Gorda Police Department, Florida Wildlife Commission and Florida Highway Patrol. Children grades 2-5 are selected by their school counselors. This program is funded with support from our local Walmart stores, as well as donations from community members and partners. For more information, or if you wish to donate, please contact Chris Hall at 941-575-5227 or by email at Chall@ccsofl.net
City of Punta Gorda Police Department – Narcan Distribution Event for all community members Saturday, November 6th from 10am – 12pm. You can be a lifesaver and stop fatal overdoses.
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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, on yoursun.com, 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]
Make A Difference…While Having Fun!
Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox, music to raise the roof!
**Benefiting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program**
Saturday, October 16th at Gulf Theater at The Military Heritage Museum
Doors open at 6pm – Music at 7pm
Intermission by Punta Gorda’s own Calendar Girls
?!?Have you reserved your seats yet?!?
Tickets and more details can be found HERE!
October 19: Business After Hours 5:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at The Military Heritage Museum located at 900 W. Marion Ave. 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. This event is currently FULL! If you have RSVP’d that you are attending and can not make it, please let us know so we can open it up to others who would like to attend.
October 27th : Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at the Four Points Sheraton located at 33 Tamiami Trail. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Menu choices: Chicken caesar salad, veggie wrap with fries, dockside burger and fries or coconut shrimp and fries. 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
November 10: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at LeRoy’s hosted by Chapman Insurance Group for Business over Breakfast! LeRoy’s is located at 201 W. Marion Ave. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
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 Torched playing on Friday and Deven Starr and Not Guilty playing on Saturday. Also, save the date for October 23rd for a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John. VIP tickets are now on sale! Please click for more details! The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!
Bayfront Health (Gold) – Bayfront Health Port Charlotte announces that it has received certification from DNV as a Primary Plus Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical conditions.
“Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is committed to making our stroke care program the best it can be – and this means partnering with physicians for ongoing improvements in quality and clinical practices, and investing in the latest tools, techniques and innovations,” says Tara McCoy, CEO of Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. “This certification demonstrates to our community that Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is performing at the highest level, and that we are dedicated to providing the best possible stroke care.”
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – September residential numbers are released! 566 sales, 64% accepted an offer in 0-10 days, 15% accepted offers in 11-20 days, 49% cash, 40% conventional loan. 632 active listings, 1102 in pending waiting to close. How can we assist you? Give us a call at 239-699-4493 to put our 24 years of local experience to work for you.
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am until 1pm. October 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
WENG Radio (Silver in Kind) – Classic-Country Bash Slated for November 20th at Mosaic Arena!
C.A.R.E. (Bronze) – Join us for PARTY FOR A CAUSE at River City Grill November 1st at 5:30 pm. Featuring a live DJ, FREE Photo Booth, Raffle baskets, and the best cocktails in town. Tickets are $25.00, they can be purchased by contacting Susan Klein| Phone: 941-380-3186 | Email: susanklein10@gmail.com or in person at Bank of OZK or Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique. All proceeds benefit The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies.
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – TODAY! October 15th. Don’t miss our 9th annual Comedy For A Cause. It’s the funniest fundraiser around. Enjoy a delicious dinner while local business celebs entertain with side-splitting improvisational antics. The “Curtain Call-Online Auction” that debuted last year will return. Auction items will be available to view and bid on at 6 p.m. October 8th and end during the performance at 8:30 p.m. For more information and tickets check out www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. Located at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
Gulfshore Opera – GO Divas as Fresco this fall!
Military Heritage Museum (Bronze In Kind) – November 13th: Salute to Veterans Golf Scramble at St. Andrew’s South Golf Club Special events for the month of October!
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know a local entrepreneur during the 1890’s turned out to be more than she appeared?
Gator Wilderness Camp School (Support) – Turkey In The Hole Saturday, November 20th. Food! Games! Tours! Auction!
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (Support) – The Giving Circle is an organization that donates $500,000 every year to non profits. The top 20 charities receive a portion of the grant every quarter. It doesn’t cost anything to vote, and you can vote every 7 days. Please sign up and vote for Octagon! Please use this link that will take you directly to our voting site Please vote and share with all your friends on FB, email, Instagram, etc…. Thanks so much for your support!!
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Plant Sale! October 23rd 9am-1pm. Boo-Day! October 30th 1pm-6pm.
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. PLAYER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Registrations limited, sign up now! The tournament kicks off on Friday night with a Sponsor/Player Party. Match play Saturday & Sunday. Food & prizes!! SPONSORSHIPS with benefits now available at www.VivanteTennisTournament.com. Contact Barb Robinson, at 941-628-3664.
Visual Arts Center (Support) – The public and members of the media are invited to an Artist’s Reception of the Wyvern Art Exchange October 19 at 6:00 p.m. The reception is at the Wyvern Hotel, located at 101 E Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda. The event will showcase “Passing of the Brushes” from current exhibiting artists to the new exhibiting artists. The exhibit of VAC artists at the Wyvern is part of their community partnership. There is no better way to support the arts of Punta Gorda than to come to Passing of the Brushes and welcome the new artists of the Wyvern Hotel!
Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving children & families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier County. Please contact Christine Carey to find out ways to volunteer, mentor, refer families, fundraising opportunities, go on tours, & donate to our Valerie’s House families (christine@valerieshouse.org, 239-841-0382, www.valerieshouse.org) A Night of Swing event is this Saturday! Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers & Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program. This event will be 10/16/21 @ 6pm. Purchase tickets at www.militaryheritagemuseum.org
Nanette Leonard Public Relations – The 40th anniversary of Asbury Shorts USA will be celebrated on Friday, November 12th at the Gulf Theater, Military Heritage Museum (900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, Florida), it was announced today by Doug LeClaire, Founder/Director. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in person at the Museum or online by going to https://gulftheater.org.
Connect Print & Promotions: We are proud to serve the Punta Gorda Chamber Community:
Commercial Printing
Logo & Graphic Design
Next-Level Promotional Swag
Branded Apparel
Signs & Graphics
(888) 978-3437
kim@connectpromo.net
www.connectpromo.net
Loveland Center – TODAY! Loveland Center’s Painting with A Purpose at Painting with a Twist Port Charlotte October 15th! Seating is limited and this event WILL sell out so don’t wait to make your reservation. Reservations can be made here. Class will begin promptly at 7:00 pm so we recommend arriving no later than 6:45 pm as this will give you time to get settled in and ready to paint! If you have any additional questions or concerns about the venue, please contact Annette at 941-764-3914.
Pedelec – Join us for the inaugural Full Moon Friday Night Bike Ride! This is a slow paced social ride for all ages. The ride starts and ends at the Gilchrist Park Gazebo, with a stop for ice cream along the way.
Friday, October 22, 2021 at 7pm to 9pm. Starting at Gilchrist Park Gazebo. Helmets, lights, wests and other equipment are welcome.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Christmas is right around the corner; Corporate Hand-Made Baskets are already being ordered for the holidays. Give us a call and we can out together the perfect gift for any occasion, or even the whole office. Gift Baskets are made to order unless reserved for a pickup so don’t get stuck, let us create the personalized basket everyone deserves.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Halloween is just a couple weeks away! Do you need something spooky to take to your party, or even to surprise the kids in the family? We have a variety of HHC Chocolate Tombstones, Chocolate Spider Pops, and Chocolate Caskets. What a perfect hosing gift that anyone will enjoy. These are limited so call ahead or stop in today to pick yours up.
King Fisher Fleet – An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics to be covered include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh and salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment will be demonstrated during the class and there will be a number of useful handouts issued to students. The class is geared towards beginning anglers, but more experienced fishermen may pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen who might even reveal the locations of a few local hotspots! The course is open to all members of the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday October 20, 2021. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
Englewood Beach Waterfest – Waterfest is BACK – and this year we are on track with multiple events all weekend culminating with the 2021 OPA World Championship Powerboat Races! We kickoff the weekend with PowerUP, the kickoff party at The Lighthouse Grill on Thursday, Nov 18th 5-9pm. 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
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.
Covenant Business Planning and Solutions: Uneven Pay by: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP
Like uneven workloads, when a partner takes more money from the business than another partner, trouble begins if there is no agreement on compensation. Agreement on uneven compensation? Yes, very often one partner agrees that the other does more work and deserves more money. Continue reading: https://covenant-business.com/business-partnership-series-4/ INCREASING YOUR INCOME DECREASING YOUR TAXES IMPROVING YOUR NET WORTH Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!
PattiVanTonder.com – The “Share Healthy…Be Wealthy” Seminar Thursday November 11th at 6 PM Punta Gorda Woman’s Club 118 Sullivan St. Punta Gorda, Fl 33950 – This is a FREE informational seminar that will explain how you can get healthy and change your families lives for generations to come. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired and you want a better life…you need to be there.
Team Punta Gorda & Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Join Team Punta Gorda & the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association as we co-sponsor an event from 5-7pm on Thursday October 21st to discuss local water quality. Click here for more details.
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – Driving Out Hunger Fall Golf Scramble Saturday November 6th. Click here to register or here for sponsor opportunities.
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – Burnt Store Presbyterian Church invites you to join us Sunday, November 7th, at 3 p.m. for a Patriotic Sing-Along event to honor Veterans who have so faithfully served our country. The program will feature our Praise Team, Chancel Choir, special musicians and our audience, who will be able to participate by joining us in song. We look forward to welcoming you at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda. 941-639-0001.
Twin Isles Country Club – Saturday, November 13th 11am – 3pm Open House. Come join us and experience being a golf, tennis or social member at Twin Isles Country Club!
Women’s Council of Realtor’s – Living the Florida Lifestyle Fashion Show October 20th 5:00 – 8:00 pm to support the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition.
The Punta Gorda History Center – Southern Supper 1920’s Style Saturday November 20th, 5pm at Hurricane Charley’s.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Vendor space is available at the annual “Art and Craft Fair,” Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, to be held on Saturday, November 6, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is your opportunity to show and sell your wares to hundreds of guests. For more information, please visit PGICA Art and Craft Fair or call 941-637-1655. The 5th Annual BOB – The Beyond Ourselves Bash Benefitting the Peace River Wildlife Center and The Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County, Tuesday, November 9th at Twin Isles Country Club. More details here!
Fisherman’s Village – October calendar of events. The 53rd International CultureFest Saturday, October 16th.
Punta Gorda Elks Lodge 2606 – November 6th Veterans Parade. For information or to register, contact Charles Moores 860-595-7482
Wreaths Across America – Nite Under the Museum! Thursday October 14th 7-10pm at the Military Heritage Museum
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK
Saturday, October 23rd 2021
Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
www.afsp.org/CharlotteCo
Funds raised from the Out of the Darkness walks allow for funding of research, create educational programs, advocacy for public policy and support of survivors of suicide loss.
For more information please contact:
Amy Vogel, Walk Chairperson
Southwest Florida Chapter
941-202-3105
CharlotteCoOOTD@gmail.com
The Homeless Coalition Receives $170,000 Grant for Emergency Shelter and the Bridges Out of Poverty Programs.
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – [The Homeless Coalition] recently received a $170,000 grant from United Way of Charlotte County to support the Emergency Shelter and Bridges Out of Poverty Programs. This grant award is part of a distribution of community funding to local health and human service programs on behalf of the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners. Award recipients were vetted through the Community Impact Panel process by local volunteers who were asked to evaluate programs based upon community needs, measurable outcomes, financial transparency, and accountability.
The Coalition’s Emergency Shelter provides safe, supervised shelter for up to 30-days. On any given day 18-25 children and their families call the Emergency Shelter home. The program philosophy is to quickly move newly homeless clients from Emergency Shelter back into permanent housing through intensive case management services. The number one service provided is stability. The Bridges out of Poverty curriculum consists of multiple services that assist families and individuals with financial education and resources. The curriculum offers permanent and realistic solutions to long-term financial issues. Our goal is to lift people out of poverty.
A complete list of agency recipients and their programs is available at www.unitedwayccfl.org/fundedpartners.
ARCHway Institute – Newsletter
Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – October Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Cooperfish Books – October Newsletter
Lifestyles After 50 – What’s Happening in August
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Gardens at a Glance News
Punta Gorda Mural Society – September Newsletter
Team Punta Gorda – Team Talk
The Yoga Sanctuary – October 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.
