9/11/2020: On this day we remember the tragic events of 2001. We recognize all those who perished on 9/11 and those who subsequently lost their lives because of the events of that day. For those who continue to endure the sadness and heartache as a consequence of that day, we want you know we are thinking of you.
Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Here are your Friday Facts.
Not a member yet??? Know someone who is NOT?
Starting Tuesday September 1, 2020 – thanks to our friends at Expedia Cruises – Air, Land and Sea Vacations in Laishley Court, and running through to September 30, 2020, we are offering every new member the chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher towards any future travel plans managed by Expedia Cruises. Expedia don’t just do cruises, so this is a great reward that can be shared with your staff or family. Any new members joining in the month of September will automatically be entered into a drawing which will be drawn by our new Board Chair June Amara on October 1, 2020. The winner will be notified by phone on October 1, 2020. There is no better time to become a member of this incredible family of businesses that brings you so many opportunities to succeed. How to join, click right here? To qualify, payment MUST be received in full by September 30, 2020.
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 offer 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!
Your Board is putting together another wonderful Cooler of Cheer. The picture below does not do it justice – this is an amazing one of a kind ‘Football Cooler’ filled to overflowing with Cheer, Gift Cards and presents. Tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $20 and are available from any Board of Directors member and here at the Chamber Office. The winner will be drawn at our Annual Awards Dinner Celebration – you do not have to be present to win. Support YOUR CHAMBER.
Chamber Members ONLY. PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for November & December.
We are very pleased to announce that our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM will be returning to its usual monthly spot on the Bob Alexander Radio Show 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 progamming 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 July show, or any subsequent shows, 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.
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
All the Following Information is for Our Community. 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!
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.
Financial assistance program from Charlotte County Economic Development Office – Detailed information about the Recovery Grant Program (for Charlotte County Businesses) is now posted on their website: https://cleared4takeoff.com/charlotte-cares and can be accessed now for submission. Funds are available on a first-come, first serve basis while the funds last.
From Punta Gorda City – Sullivan Street Renovation. Please note that notwithstanding this work, your Punta Gorda Chamber will continue to be open for you Mon – Fri 9am to 2pm, use the main door at W.Marion and Sullivan St.
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.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau present On the Horizon.
Help assisting City Staff with signage ordinances: City staff has been working to re-write the sign code in order to more fully comply with recent US Supreme Court and US District Court decisions regarding regulations on commercial speech and to ensure the sign code remains content-neutral. The working draft of the sign code was brought to City Council as a discussion item May 20, 2020. City Council directed staff to obtain input from the community and stakeholders regarding the proposed regulations. With COVID-19, public meetings can be challenging, therefore, staff created a survey to gather public input. The following is a link to the sign code survey. Please take a moment to take the survey and please distribute to your membership. The survey will be live Friday, August 28 thru September 30, 2020. After the survey closes, staff will tally the results and take to City Council for further discussion and direction. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FGGS3M
RSVP’s are very important, as are cancellations (limited numbers allowed, masks and social distancing a must). 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
September 23: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon – 1:30pm.
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Captain’s Table, 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.
Protocols for networking events:
We are in unprecedented and complicated times, but we know that as a Chamber we are the best networkers around, yet still MUST lead the community by example.
Until further notice:
We want to get back together and network effectively and hope that you all will respect these safety protocols, until such times as we are confident to remove them (in stages). Any questions, please call us 941 639 3720.
September 17, 2020 6pm to 9pm, Dress Casual, $50 per person, cash bar
RSVP Required, Call 941-639-3720 (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
Join us for 2020 Celebration of Chamber Achievements’ during the year. We say Thank You to outgoing Chair Debra Trenholm and welcome incoming Chair June Amara and her new Board. Due to COVID19, this event has been scaled down from previous years and will be held in the large Tiki Bar at the Fourpoints with a maximum socially-distanced capacity of 140.
Menu
Tossed Caesar Salad
Homemade Potato Salad
Tropical Coleslaw
Grilled Corn on the Cob
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Brisket
BBQ Chicken
Strawberry Shortcake
If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know.
Seating is limited, RSVP early! Call 941-639-3720 (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
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
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Please click on the link to see T.T.’s Tiki Bar lineup for September. We will have our last Sizzling Summer Concert Series on Saturday featuring No Filter. VIP tickets are on sale now for $25. Also, mark you calendars for the 2nd Annual Suicide Awareness Vegas Dice Run on September 26th. The Tiki Bar….The Place to Be!!
La Quinta is now Comfort Inn and Suites (Platinum)
Captain’s Table (Gold) – The Wine Dinners are Back!
TIME Realty Services, Inc – The real estate market continues to move briskly in September.
The rolling 7-day residential statistics for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port: 161 New Listings, 144 Closed Sales, 201 New Contracts – waiting to close. Thinking of selling? I would love to speak with you, let’s talk about the current value of your property. Not quite ready? That’s okay, we can discuss the value and look at what might need to be done to get the property ready to sell. I encourage you to sign up for our monthly newsletter. It will keep you updated on the sales and real estate trends in the area. You can access the sign up using this link https://bit.ly/2F5HYuQ
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12. Newsletter.
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) – August Circular
Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – Our shop is open to the public by appointment only. Check out our current Hunter Douglas Promotion, The Smart Shades Rebate Savings Event, that is going on now through September 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) – The new Paradise Golf Course 2021 Social Golf Membership.
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) – “Comedy for a Cause” is looking for Sponsors! The “Comedy for a Cause” All Stars will continue its fundraising tradition with the 8th Annual Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser on September 25th from the Langdon Playhouse, live via Livestream, on Facebook. Sponsorships start at $100.00 and offer a wide variety of opportunities to share your business with thousands of viewers. And there is more! CFAC will be hosting an Online Silent Auction and needs silent auction items. For Sponsorship and Auction Information: Lori.wagner-ryan@charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022 Deadline is September 21st.
Key West Express (Bronze) – Come see what’s new in Key West! Key West Travel Voucher’s are on SALE Now!
Hessler Floor Covering (Support) – Reliable Products Despite an Unreliable Time
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – Cindy and Stan Grigiski welcome chamber members to get the nails on fingers and toes perfectly polished and relax with an essential oil pedicure. Our summer essential oil is vanilla. All chamber members will receive 15% off services totalling $30 or more. Cannot be combined with other discount. Mention that you are a Chamber member when booking. Book by calling 941-889-8388 or online at PuntaGordaNails.com.
Visual Arts Center (Support) – Color and Black & White Exhibit Open Soon. Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery, Art Supply Store & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 10-2. Events, Classes, Memberships, Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org
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.
Meals on Wheels – Our Thrift Store, now known as ‘Finders Keepers’ will be having a Grand Re-Opening on Saturday September 19th, 10am to 2pm. We have totally redone everything in the store and want all of Charlotte County to come and see the amazing deals.
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – One of the most popular red wine grapes worldwide, Grenache is an earthy, spicy grape, similar to Syrah, and as wine it has a naturally high alcohol content and strong, varying flavors. Grenache is a very popular grape for rosé production all over the world. Stop by to choose your favorite(s) today! In a time crunch? Staying close to home? We have curbside pick-up. Give us a call to create yours-941-505-0479.
Copperfish Books – 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. Robert N. Macomber’s Word of Honor Virtual Launch 10/7.
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – Have your creditors stopped working with you during COVID-19? Are you worried about a possible foreclosure? Are you confused about your options and the CARES Act? Is debt consolidation, debt negotiation or bankruptcy best for you? To get answers to all your questions, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a confidential, complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation to come up with a plan to eliminate your debt and enjoy a stress free, debt free life.
Animal Welfare League – AWL’s Pawsitive Press.
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.
Vision Quest Leadership – Upcoming Event, When Life Gives You Lemons…September 23
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.
Suncoast Humane Society – Back to Pet School – Sign up your dog today!
USA Dance #6126 – Come back and Dance! September Calendar.
Fishermen’s Village – September Calendar of Events. Now available for reservations! The Suites at Fishermen’s Village, your stay and play destination on Charlotte Harbor! Perfect “Staycation” getaway! Call 941 639-8721 for rate/booking info. or visit on line at www.fishville.com/resort. Suites are 1,000 sq. feet, sleep up to four, located on the 2nd level above Fishermen’s Village shops, boutiques and restaurants.
Buffalo Graffix – Our New Normal.
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Fall has returned! Enjoy a seasonal favorite, our Haley Handcrafted Pumpkin Spice, added to your latte, cappuccino, or frappe. Don’t forget some fresh baked fall pasties including Apple Crumb Cheesecake Bars, Apple Custard Leaves, and even Cinnamon Buns.
Calenda Real Estate Group – Punta Gorda Real Estate Update and Announcement.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Village Fish Market – The Village Fish Market is proud to announce that breakfast is now being served daily from 8am to 12pm.
Valerie’s House – Launches Giving Campaign
John Bothwell P.A., eXp Realty – 4 Steps to Choosing the Right Bid
Drug Free Punta Gorda – You are Invited – Will You Join Us?
Military Heritage Museum – New Events
SCORE – Women in Business 2020 Forum.
Rick’s Estate & Jewelry – Gold and Silver prices are rising quickly and Rick’s is aggressively buying these metals in all forms including jewelry, coins, and watches. We have a large selection of gold and silver coins for those looking to invest in these metals as well. Rick’s is also buying/selling diamonds of all sizes and shapes. We are open during our normal hours of M-F 10-5.
Twin Isles Country Club – Join Now for a low Introductory Rate for Golf & Tennis
Carmelo’s & Hipnotique – “Who doesn’t love a meal at Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante?!”. $10 buys you a complete dinner with salad (to go/pick up only) AND supports the 11U North Port Rivals Traveling baseball team! Once again, your $10 supports TWO local businesses/organization PLUS a great meal to eat in your home~we call that a WIN WIN WIN! 5 Dinner choices shown below~Mangia! Tickets now available at Hipnotique (cash only please). Vouchers sold thru 9/19/2020 and are valid for redemption thru 10/30/2020.
The Yoga Sanctuary – We are looking to fill one or two massage therapist positions. Please click here for link to the website with further information.
Labor Solutions – Port Charlotte Job Openings
ARCHway Institute – September Recovery Month Kick-Off
Centennial Bank – August Circular
Charlotte Arts – Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – Mid Year Report 2020
Copperfish Books – News & Events for September & Beyond
Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know
FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Congrats that you have decided to take classes with us
FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers – Don’t Miss Out!
Gregg’s Automotive – September 2020
Hope 4 Communities – August Newsletter
Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz – New Routes
SandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – The SandStar Insider
TIME Realty Services Inc – Newsletter
United Way of Charlotte County – Newsletter, We’re Fine.
The Yoga Sanctuary – All That’s Happening
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.
