Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Here are your Friday Facts.
Back in 2005, the Punta Gorda Chamber launched its highly-recognized Partners in Action program, which offers you, our members, a one-time deal to be recognized throughout the Chamber’s Program of Work for the entire calendar year. We are currently initiating our 2021 list, which will run from Jan 1st-Dec 31st 2021. Support for the PG Chamber’s program starts for as little as $500! Obviously, the greater the investment, the more benefits you will reap. Payment plans for Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze members can be arranged, upon request. Click Here to find the updated benefits of being a Chamber partner for the entire year. As we all know, 2020 has been a crazy and highly uncertain year for all of us, but so many of you have seen the benefit of Chamber support, especially during these difficult times. Our Program of Work has been hit with COVID-related cancellations, but we have strived to add additional value items to our marketing sheet to, in turn, offer you even more promotional exposure. You can rest assured that IF and WHEN the opportunities arise, the events that we have become infamous for will return and, automatically, your status will enjoy the added bonus of participating in them. The cut-off date to be included in the 2021 plan is November 20th, to allow us to get all the marketing collateral materials ready for a January 1st 2021 launch. To become or renew your Partnership level, simply email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com highlighting the level you would like. If you have any questions about the program, simply call us on 941 639 3720 and we’d be happy to help you. Here’s to a very different and prosperous year in 2021! Below are those already signed up for 2021 – thank you.
CHARLOTTE CARES FOR BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM – STAGE THREE IS NOW OPEN. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Charlotte County business community to confront immense challenges. As a result, on July 14, 2020 the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners approved the Recovery Grant Program to accelerate and assist the reopening efforts of businesses hardest hit by COVID-19. This year Charlotte County was assigned $32.9 million from the federal CARES Act approved by Congress. Twenty percent (20%) of those funds, $6,580,000, will be given to qualified Charlotte County businesses by electronic application through the Recovery Grant Program. For more information simply go to: www.Cleared4TakeOff.Com
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. On the Horizon.
From PGPD. It’s that time of the year when we cordially invite local businesses and our community to support the Charlotte County Do the Right Thing Program. Please see attached for our sponsorship levels and if you need any further information contact Lieutenant Justin Davoult, Community Services, Punta Gorda Police Department. (941) 575-5525 jdavoult@pgorda.us.
From Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller for Charlotte County. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
From CCSO. Recently, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office was notified of phone schemes with callers claiming to be members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. CCSO members will never call citizens to place them under duress, nor will our staff seek to compel citizens to pay fines or else face arrest. CCSO members will not ask citizens to purchase prepaid products, nor ask citizens for product redemption codes. For more information on these scams, visit the CCSO Blog: https://ccsoblog.org/2020/10/20/ccso-impostor-scams-2
From Brian Gleason, Communications Manager of Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners. For the past 26 years, the 1% percent local option sales tax has funded 117 projects that enhance our quality of life. The current local option sales tax expires this year, but on Nov. 3, voters will decide whether or not to extend it for six years to fund additional projects. To learn more, visit https://tinyurl.com/2020salestax. To schedule an informative presentation for your group or organization, call Brian Gleason at 941-743-1462.
Career Source SWFL. Virtual Hiring Event Nov 10.
Sullivan Street Craft Festival. November 28 & 29, 2020, 10am to 5pm. Come and enjoy over Thanksgiving Weekend, outdoors on Sullivan Street from W. Retta Esplanade to W. Virginia Ave.
Punta Gorda Chamber in conjunction with Isles Luxury Storage and Isles Fitness Presents – Drive-in Movies Nights December 3rd & 17th at Bal Harbor Shopping Plaza. Free Event BUT YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE CHAMBER.
Citywide Garage Sales are back! 1st Saturday of the month starting December 2020 to May 2021, (8am-noon) returning to our 2018 location on the Bal Harbor Shopping Plaza at the corner of Bal Harbor and Aqui Esta. Reservations can now be made by calling 941 639 3720 (9am-2pm M-F) Cost is still only $15 for two parking spaces (one for your goods, one for your vehicle). Larger spaces can be reserved depending on availability. Spaces will be allocated at check-in (7am onwards) There are no bad spaces! Bathroom facilities will be made available. In this new world, we ask for masks to be worn, sanitizer to be available and social distancing of customers to the best of your ability.
Hope to see you there First Event is Saturday December 5th, 2020.
Save the Date!! The Laird’s Golf Tournament is back!! Join us at the Paradise Golf Course on January 29, 2021 – yes, you have plenty of time to practice and get ready for this awesome day! Click Here for details.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Hazel, Janet and Stephanie
If you need to contact us use hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com or jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com
RSVP’s are very important, 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 10am to 2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
October 28: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Village Brewhouse, 1200 W. Retta Esplande, Punta Gorda. Reservations Required. Choices are Cheeseburger w/ Fries; Mahi Taco w/ Fries; Hawaiian Chicken w/ Broccoli; Apple Walnut salad – Vegan. Please be sure to RSVP with lunch choice to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.
November 11: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am.Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at The Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be Christine Carey of Valerie’s House.
November 17: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours at Illusions Salon & Spa, 115 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!
November 25: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Village Fish Market, 1200 W. Retta Esplande, Punta Gorda. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex
Punta Gorda Chamber Member & Visitor’s Guide 2021
In conjunction with the SUN Newspapers we are planning to have the new Chamber Member & Visitor’s Guide ready for January 4, 2021 distribution. So, please, please review all your information on the Chamber website and make sure it is correct. Also, take a look at the attached flyer for Advertising Rates.
Any questions contact Hazel at hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com
Anthony Sands previously from Right At Home and a Chamber Member passed away on October 6th. He and his family moved away months ago. He was very active in our community and his wife has asked me to pass along the details for a Tribute on October 30th. Located at West Coast Church in Englewood. The address is 240 Pine Street. The Tribute for Anthony will be at 6pm.
Re-discover our wonderful city.
Please support Our Members – The Shops, Attractions, Restaurants and Non-Profits. These are the people who make this City and the Surrounding Area the vibrant, happy place we live in!
Shop and Play Local.
Expedia Cruises (Platinum) – download your special gift voucher towards future travel here.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Please check out T.T.’s Tiki Bar events for the rest of October. Also, please click on the link for our annual Halloween party details. The Tiki Bar….The Place To Be!!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Today we explore underwater in Belize! Click here: https://bit.ly/3mbbsY3 Belize is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef (after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia) which stretches along the whole of the country’s coastline. So, it doesn’t matter where you are, you can always find somewhere to have your mind blown by beautiful marine life. Contact Della Booth to learn more about a vacation home in Belize. Cell/What’sApp +1 239-699-4493
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12.
Springhill Suites (Gold) – We are offering all 1st responders a discounted rate of $89 at the Springhill Suites Punta Gorda until 1/31/2021. We would be happy to help all first responders who may need a place to stay or are not comfortable going home at this time. If you would please make sure to pass this along to anyone who may need a clean and safe space to rest that would be wonderful. Book your corporate rate for First Responder Rate
iHeart Media (Gold in Kind) – Broadcasts Charlotte County High School Football. Under the circumstances the football stadiums can only accept 25% capacity for the games this year. As in past years iHeart Media will broadcast home games for both the Charlotte and Port Charlotte High Schools. These will be broadcast live on multiple stations this year, WKII 1070am, WCCF 1580am & FM 100.9 and on the iHeart Ap – with the ability to listen nationwide!. Call Teresa Desguin at 941-815-0324 or email teresadesguin@iheartmedia.com for more details on how your business can not only support our Local Teams, but be part of the most listened to local High School Football game broadcast!
Centennial Bank (Silver) – October Centennial Circular
Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – Our shop is open to the public however masks are required in accordance with City of Punta Gorda Ordinance #1944-2020. Check out our current Hunter Douglas Promotion, Seasons of Style Savings Event that is going on now through December 7, 2020. Call us to learn more on how you can save on qualifying Hunter Douglas Products. We have 2 convenient locations to serve you. 941-637-0015 (Punta Gorda) /941-828-0000 (Englewood). http://www.mycreativewindow.com
Paradise Golf (Silver) – Weekend Specials!
The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad (Silver) – Check out our newly updated website www.thepurplehousesalon.com. Shawn Gilstad, 941.830.4746 – Cell, 941.205.8603 – Salon
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Tribute to Lynne Ziegler
Hessler Floor Covering (Support) – The Wonders of Waterproof Flooring
Illusions Salon & Spa (Support) – At Illusions Salon & Spa, wellness is infused with red-carpet style. From arrivals marked by a glass of champagne to spaces dedicated to your relaxation, we address your mind, body, and skin. We are now offering membership packages. The holidays are coming so treat yourself or someone special to a monthly spa package. (941) 505-5777 or www.illusionsofpg.com
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – We are supporting CARE for Domestic Violence Awareness month. Book by calling 941-889-8388 or online at PuntaGordaNails.com.
Visual Arts Center (Support) – Come and see “Falling for Art” on display until Nov 18 and “Portrait Studio” on display until Oct 29 – Winners Are. Exhibits are always free to view now open Tue-Thu until 7pm! Paint a Masterpiece LIVE on Zoom -Virtual Wine & Painting sessions begin Oct 14 with Marki Raposa. To sign up visit our website: www.VisualArtCenter.org. Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Store Hours: Mon & Fri: 9a-4p, Tue-Thu: 9a-7p, Sat: 10a-2p
From our AAA Member. Punta Gorda Chamber Members please Click Here to get the flyer and information for a fundraising promotion through AAA. Any employee at the office can assist you (941) 627-1544, do not go online.
Team Punta Gorda – TODAY Drive-Thru Food Drive.
Copperfish Books – THIS SATURDAY Zoom Event with 3 Children’s Book Authors. Move Update! We are open for safe shopping Mon – Sat 10 am – 4 pm. Face masks are required. You can also shop online at www.copperfishbooks.com . We offer contact-free pickup, free local delivery, and shipping services. (941) 205-2560. Celebrating Elena Ferrante – Tues Oct 20.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – THIS SATURDAY Plant Sale! Halloween is just around the corner! And so is our garden birthday! Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens are having a BOOO-day Party at the gardens! Oct 31, 2 pm- 6 pm. Come in costume and join the fun. Candy, games, scavenger hunts. Masks and social distancing required. Tickets: $8 for Non-members $6 for Garden Members, $5 for all children 2-12, FREE for infants under 2. Visit www.peacerivergardens.org for more information.
1st United Methodist Church – announces outside worship services
Charlotte Harbor Dragons – A competitive dragon boat club is now recruiting new members. If you are a fitness minded man or woman and looking for a new challenge this may be for you. If interested please contact Eddie Amara at eamara1@comcast.net or 941-740-1286 for more information. You can also check us out at www.charlotteharbordragons.com.
Tobacco Free Partnership – Quarterly Meeting October 27.
Military Heritage Museum – 2020-21 season kick-off event, Car Show on Saturday October 31.
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – It’s American Beer Day- Check us out on UNTAPPD! Discover new beers or locate your go-to brew! Steph has curated the best Stouts, IPAs, Lagers, Ciders, and Sours to create the perfect 6/12 pack or case (we have select mini kegs too!) Case (24) discount, may be mixed. In a time crunch? Staying close to home? We have curbside pick-up. Give us a call to create your mix-941-505-0479.
Thryv – We are excited to be having Connect 20 in November. It’s an online event that is targeted to small local businesses across the country. It focuses on how they can build, grow and modernize their business in today’s COVID-19 environment. As a current member, we would welcome any help the chamber could do in helping us get the word out. We’ve included a discount code for chamber members. Click Here for details.
Jersey Mike’s Subs – known for its fresh sliced, grilled subs, is coming soon! The store is located at 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda in the Cross Trails Plaza next to Starbucks. On November 11, Jersey Mike’s will hold a grand opening and free sub fundraiser supporting St Vincent de Paul. www.jerseymikes.com
Chelsea Place Senior Care – Together we can Change the World!
Don Gasgarth’s Charlotte County Ford – October Flyer
The Grill at 1951 – Upcoming events
USA Dance #6126 – October Dances. Masks required.
Gulfshore Opera – GO Divas celebrating the art of singing.
Punta Gorda Symphony – Season Update – The Music Plays Outdoors!
Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – A New Season
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Save up to $50
C.A.R.E. – Back by popular demand C.A.R.E Auxiliary presents the Wheelbarrow of Cheer. Tickets are $10.00 or 5 for $40.00. Available for purchase at Bank of OZK (three locations); Laishley Crab House; Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique. Drawing November 20th. Follow us on social media! @carecharlottecounty for additional locations on tickets!
Fishermen’s Village – October Calendar. November Calendar. Festival of Lights.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Gardening Classes Return Holiday Nights Opens
Grand Ole Opry Punta Gorda – The Opry Resurgence!
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – Each day is a gift, and we can never predict what the future holds. Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – is seeking great volunteers to help build homes and work in our ReSale Stores! Please call Jill at (941) 639-3162.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Welcome Home Vietnam Vets 2020 – Schedule of Events Nov 16 to Nov 20, 2020. Friday Night Free Kick-Off Party Celebration November 21, 2020.
Guardian ad Litem Foundation – Virtual Voices of Hope Gala
Mullet Fest – Our very own Eddie Amara (Creative Window Treatments) will be one of the judges at the Mullet Fest 2020.
Twin Isles Country Club – Neighborhood Dinner Night on November 19, 2020 5-8pm
Tidewell Foundation – Virtual Turkey Trot
Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County – The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. This event is a four-person mixed flight. There will be a continental breakfast and southern-style barbeque lunch. The cost is $95. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and shotgun is at 8:30 a.m. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941)627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot. Your support assists the Homeless Coalition in continuing to drive out hunger in our community.
Charlotte County Concert Band – is a wind ensemble, under the direction of Robert Miller, that presents a six-concert season each year at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Carmalita Street. The Concert Band also provides three scholarships to music students at all three Charlotte County high schools. Although this concert season is still uncertain, a small band will entertain holiday shoppers at the Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market on two Saturdays, December 5 and December 12 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Stop by and sing along.
Senior Friendship Centers – Cocktails for a Cause on Dec 9, a Virtual Gala. Sponsorship info – Sponsorship Levels.
Military Heritage Museum – Gulf Theater is proud to present Emanne Beasha on December 12 at 7pm. For more information and to remind you of her outstanding talent and accomplishments click here. Tickets:https://ci.ovationtix.com/35397
Gulfshore Opera – Gala Announcement
Charlotte State Bank & Trust
James Coalwell brings nearly two decades of experience in community bank lending and finance to his new position as vice president of commercial lending at Charlotte State Bank & Trust. A resident of Punta Gorda, James has filled similar positions locally, as well as in the Lee County area and his native Minnesota. He graduated with honors from the Florida School of Banking in 2011 and completed the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and the Farr Leadership Institute in 2014. He currently serves as an instructor and Education Council board member with the Florida School of Banking, member of the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, and board member of the Charlotte County Industrial Development Authority. He also is a board member and former two-term president of the Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership. James is also involved with many local community support groups, including the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, Bayfront Port Charlotte Hospital, and Habitat for Humanity. Based at the Charlotte State Bank & Trust Punta Gorda office, 2331 Tamiami Trail, he can be reached at 941-639-2704 or jcoalwell@csbtfl.com.
ARCHway Institute – Oct FL Regional Newsletter
Charlotte Arts – Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – End of Year Cheer
CCSO – Star Newsletter
Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know
FGCU – Continuing Education
FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Webinars, On Demand, and Face-to-Face!
FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers – Something New for You!
Gregg’s Automotive – October 2020
Hope4Communities – Newsletter
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – Newsletter
StandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – Newsletter
TIME Realty Services Inc – Newsletter
United Way of Charlotte County – Newsletter, We’re Fine.
Valerie’s House – Sep/Oct Newsletter
Virginia B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – Sep/Oct Newsletter
Yoga Sanctuary – October Newsletter
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity is hiring! We’re looking to hire a framer to join our construction team in building our new construction homes. This is a full-time hourly-paid position working 7:30am-4:00pm Tuesdays thru Saturdays. Experience preferred but willing to train the right candidate who has drive and motivation to learn. The ideal candidate must possess excellent people skills, be a motivated self-starter, and must possess the ability to work in a team environment. After initial 90-day introductory period, the successful candidate is offered an optional health benefit package, an optional 401k plan, NINE paid holidays per year, and eligible for FIVE paid vacation days and FIVE paid sick days annually. This is a drug-free work environment. Valid FL driver license required. Contact Kristy at 941-268-5331 or construction@charlottecountyhfh.org
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 hklossner@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.
