Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Here are your Friday Facts.
Chamber Members ONLY. Do you want to be a Punta Gorda Chamber Partner for 2021?
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.
For Our Businesses. 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
For Our Businesses. Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. Partners in Tourism. Destinations Florida: Economic Impact Survey.
For Our Businesses and Community. 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
For Our Community. From Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller for Charlotte County. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
For Our Community. 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.
For Our Community. Career Source SWFL. Virtual Hiring Event Nov 10.
For Our Community. 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.
For Our Community. 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.
For Our Community. 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.
For Our Community. Advance Notice – Mural Tours will return in 2021. Click Here for details.
For Our Community. 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.
If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
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 9am to 2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
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.
RSVP please! It helps us and the hosts to know how many people will be attending. Call the office (41) 639 3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com.
Masks are required.
November 7 – People’s Choice Storage, 150 Rio Villa Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 at 11am. To celebrate Grand Re-Opening.
November 11 – Jersey Mike’s Subs, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, (behind Starbucks), at 9.30am. To celebrate Opening of the New Store.
November 12 – The Loveland Center, 4075 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, at 5.30pm. To welcome one of our newest members.
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
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!
New Member
Mission Statement
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Inspire Consulting & Management Group
Tiffany Pringle
3596 N. Tamiami Trail, Ste #107
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(404) 308-5868
Training & Development
Sponsored by Hazel Klossner
Penny’s Diner
Penny and Gordon Rowe
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Ste #1133
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 347-8106
Restaurant
Sponsored by Hazel Klossner
Riviera Bar & Grill
John Hershey
5500 Deltona Drive
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-2633
www.rivierabarandgrillpuntagorda.com
Restaurant and Bar
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard
The Punta Gorgeous Store
Denise Henry
PO Box 510940
Punta Gorda, FL 33951
(941) 786-0774
hello@thepuntagorgeousstore.com
Retail & E-Commerce
Sponsored by John Wright
The Refindery Market
Leo and Dawn Viggiano
117 Herald Ct, Ste #1111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(302) 218-4155
Retail/Resale
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard
Trippin on Pizza
Bianca Hannigan
117 W. Marion Ave
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 258-4424
Food Truck
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard
Wildwood Pizza
Bianca Hannigan
117 W. Marion Ave, Unit 112
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 205-8818
Restaurant
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Please join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar for our annual Halloween party. Also, make sure to mark your calendars of when all your favorite bands are playing in November. Lastly, we are now taking Thanksgiving reservations. Be sure to reserve your seat, because we are filling up fast.
Expedia Cruises (Platinum) – download your special gift voucher towards future travel here.
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Our residential real estate market is still as hot as ever. The 7-day rolling stats for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port: 120 new listings, 135 sold – closed listings, 207 pending – newly accepted contracts. October will be a large month for sales. If you are thinking of selling now could be the time. Have questions? Call Della Booth, Broker TIME Realty Services. Put her 22+years of local real estate experience to work for you. cell +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
Charlotte State Bank and Trust (Silver) – Free Trust Seminars in November.
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) – Join us Nov. 6-15 for our 3rd play of the season, Mom’s Gift. In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. One by one the family’s secrets are peeled away revealing a shocking truth that surprises even our ghost. Located at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Tickets can be purchased by calling our Box Office Monday thru Friday 10am- 4pm or online at www.charlotteplayers.org. Tickets are $22. Masks are required. Temperatures will be taken upon arrival. Social distancing in the theatre.
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.
Military Heritage Museum – THIS SATURDAY. 2020-21 season kick-off event, Car Show on Saturday October 31.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – THIS SATURDAY. 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.
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – THIS SATURDAY. Happy Halloween-we’ve planned a wine tasting for Saturday that’s all Treat and no Trick! Call 941-505-0479 or stop in on Saturday to check availability. Eat, drink and be scary!
FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Movies and a Discussion.
FGCU Academy – Virtual Open House November 9.
Drug Free Punta Gorda – Virtual Meeting November 10.
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
C.A.R.E. – Yoga and Wine on November 14. Also, 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!
Rick’s Estate & Jewelry – Not only is Rick’s the top destination in SW Florida to buy and sell estate jewelry and coins, we are also actively buying and selling designer handbags, crystal, and sterling silver flatware sets. Whether you are looking for an unforgettable Christmas gift or looking to sell a luxury purse, stop by our store and see us today. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, #1141.
Welcome Home Vietnam Vets 2020 – Schedule of Events Nov 16 to Nov 20, 2020. Friday Night Free Kick-Off Party Celebration November 21, 2020. Jack Michael Band. Mike Riley & Boogiemen.
King Fisher Fleet – Christmas Light Canal Cruises Now Available to Book!
Loveland Center – Upcoming Events.
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.
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.
Chelsea Place Senior Care – Together we can Change the World!
Rossini Tratoria Gastronomica – New Menu!
Don Gasgarth’s Charlotte County Ford – October Flyer
The Grill at 1951 – Upcoming events
Gulfshore Opera – GO Divas Coming to Charlotte County!
Punta Gorda Symphony – Season Update – The Music Plays Outdoors!
Fishermen’s Village – October Calendar. November Calendar. Festival of Lights.
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
Punta Gorda Diner – The Punta Gorda diner has been resurrected with new chef’s, new staffing, a new menu and lower pricing that will excite our community. The Punta Gorda Diner offers generous portions, convenient prices, a warm and friendly service with a home like feel, that will surely make it a local favorite hangout. In addition, delivery is available to a limited area to assist others in this time.
Mullet Fest – Our very own Eddie Amara (Creative Window Treatments) will be one of the judges at the Mullet Fest 2020.
United Way – Beaujolais Nouveau virtual tasting event November 19.
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
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 Airport – Buzz
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.
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.
