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
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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]
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 13: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center for Business over Breakfast! The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is located at 10941 Burnt Store Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Reservations Required-limited seating
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. Reservations Required-limited seating
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
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 Not Guilty playing on Friday and Zombie University 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!
Sun Coast Media Group (Platinum Media) – It’s time to vote for your favorite business and service providers in more than 175 categories in the Best of Charlotte reader poll! Vote through October 17th HERE!
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) – Can you feel it? The change in the weather! It’s not as great as our northern neighbors, so I am sure we will see them heading this way soon. The 7-day rolling residential stats: 108 new listings, 189 closed, 205 pending (new contracts). Watch for the September sales numbers to be released next week. Call for coffee and discussion! Della Booth 239-699-4493
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
C.A.R.E. (Bronze) – Join C.A.R.E. on October 14th at noon for a FREE Lunch and Learn about Domestic Violence. Attendees will hear from domestic violence advocates, Charlotte County Sheriff’s office, and legal professions. Help us raise awareness around domestic violence in our local community and reserve your spot today. For more information visit https://carefl.org/ or call 941-639-5499.
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – 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, of the two rivers emptying into Charlotte Harbor, it took the most time to settle on a name for the longest?
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!!
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, & 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 coming up! 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.
Suncoast Humane Society – Hurricane Ida Pups looking for homes!
Carmelo’s – An Enhanced Dining Experience! Carmelo’s has partnered with Uncorkd to deliver an enhanced dining experience. Guests will have access to our complete wine list alongside pairings, tasting notes, photos, and more! Dine-in guests will have access to our new app through our in-house iPads.
Loveland Center – 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.
Fawcett Memorial Hospital – Fawcett Memorial Hospital will offer a screening mammogram special throughout the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for a self-pay rate of $75 for 2D mammograms and $129 for 3D mammograms.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Are you looking for someone to cater your next event? With a variety of 20 different coffee beans and a large variety of muffins, pastries, bars, cookies, bagels, and more we can put together the perfect arrangement for any event. Our Black Gold To Go’s hold 8 cups of coffee or tea! Call ahead and order yours now and keep that party going all day long. (941-916-9095)
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Christmas is right around the corner; Corporate Hand-Made Baskets are already being ordered for the holidays. Give us a call and we can put together the perfect gift for anyone, 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 this season. (941-505-0479)
Charlotte County Concert Band – Artistic director Bob Miller, the board and individual band members are excited to return to performing quality concert band music for the Charlotte community. Our musicians have been practicing, our music has been selected and we look forward to presenting the following concerts to you: Click here for dates and details.
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.
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.
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.
The Shipping Post – The Shipping Post recently wrapped up their Coins for Kids Program, whereby they raised over $3,200.00 to help Chell Pender’s efforts in helping kids in need – right here in Charlotte County at Murdock Middle School. Among her many other duties at the school, Chell Pender runs a program that provides new shoes, clothes, and food to children in need at Murdock Middle School. Click here for more.
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.
Copperfish Books – Join us for a very special event on Monday, October 25 when New York Times bestselling authors Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Patti Callahan will be in conversation with New York Times bestselling author Kristin Harmel! They will speak to us and and sign copies of their upcoming books at a brunch at F.M. Don’s restaurant in Punta Gorda. There will also be fun activities and prizes, and a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Friends of the Punta Gorda Library. We will have the entire restaurant, which not only makes it safer during these unusual times, but also adds to the fun!
Sea Grape Gallery – Sea Grape Gallery is proud to announce that during the month of October they will be showcasing the artwork of guest artist Birgit Tode, resin artist. Birgit Tode was born and raised in Germany and over the years worked and lived in many countries in Europe before moving to Sarasota, Florida in 2012. Birgit’s beautiful and unique resin artwork can be viewed on Sea Grape’s website at www.seagrapegallery.com.
Punta Gorda Airport – The IdentoGo TSA PreCheck Mobile RV will be coming to Punta Gorda Airport from Monday, October 18 – Friday, October 22, 2021. The Mobile Enrollment Center will be located in the in the short-term parking lot across from the Snack Shack. TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience. For TSA PreCheck travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. Today, TSA PreCheck has more than 450 lanes at 200+ U.S. airports. Click HERE for more details.
The Punta Gorda History Center – Southern Supper 1920’s Style Saturday November 20th, 5pm at Hurricane Charley’s.
Drug Free Punta Gorda – Coalition Meeting Tuesday, October 12th 11:30am – 1:00 pm either in person or via Zoom. In person registration required by October 11th.
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!
Senior Friendship Centers – Hats Off To You Virtual Gala Thursday October 14thth 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Fisherman’s Village – October 9th – Throwback to the 50’s! October calendar of events.
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.
Punta Gorda In Bloom Wins Video Contest!
Congratulations to Punta Gorda in Bloom on their winning video created by volunteer Bruce Tompkins. The project was awarded $1,500 after garnering 39.6% of all votes. Thanks to everyone for voting! See more here.
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.
