Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Here are your Friday Facts.
To ALL our Chamber Members. In what has been a very different year for us all the Chambers of Charlotte County have decided that you are all the 2020 Business of the Year. We encourage you to download the attached certificate, complete it, print it and hang it with pride. You are all to be congratulated. Here is the Press Release quoting our own June Amara, Chair of the Board of Directors. If your company has a long name then use this Certificate for Long Name. If your company has a short name then use this Certificate for Short Name.
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 $1000 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!
For our Business Community
From Punta Gorda City. BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT RENEWAL DEADLINE APPROACHING Business Tax Receipt Renewal Notices have been emailed to all City businesses for the upcoming 2020/2021 Fiscal Year. September 30th is the last day payment can be made without a late penalty. Payment can be made over the phone with a credit card by calling (941) 575-3369 or by mailing a check to 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda FL 33950. If your business is currently active but did not receive a Renewal Notice, please contact the City Clerk’s office at pturner@cityofpuntagordafl.us. If your business is no longer operating in the City, please let us know so that we can inactivate your tax receipt.
Charlotte Cares for Business
RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM – STAGE THREE OPENS AT 8:00AM ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2020.
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
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
Chamber Members Only
All the Following Information is for Our Community. 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.
PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking – LIMITED SLOTS 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 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.
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.
From Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau – Sean Doherty named Tourism Director.
From CCSO – The 2020 CCSO Shop With A Cop is coming soon! This event, funded entirely through community support and donations, provides 10 students from each elementary school in Charlotte County with a $100 gift card to do Christmas shopping for their families. CCSO partners with local Walmart stores, CCPS, and several other agencies to provide this impactful event annually. Please contact Chris Hall, Community Affairs Specialist, (575-5227) to help make a difference in a child’s life.
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.
TODAY (9/25) North Port Chamber is hosting a Virtual Job & Career Fair with CareerSource Suncoast on September 25 9am to 12pm. Job Seekers can participate at no cost. Job Seekers Sign-In: : https://premiervirtual.com/event/register-jobseeker/1105-suncoast-north-port-chamber-september-2020 Employers click here for details.
. 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
Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY
Networking Events for October.
[box type=”info”]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[/box]
October 14: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber to be hosted by Chapman Insurance at LeRoy’s Southern Kitchen, 201 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be Barbara Dolleschal, Smargasy Inc. and then Rob Humpel, addressing the One Cent sales tax extension
October 20: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours the Wyvern Hotel, 101 E. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!
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. 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.
Special Member Notice
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
Special Member’s Only Promotion
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.
New Members
Mission Statement
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Coastal Expressions & Wine
Lori Sandage
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1135
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 214-8599
HomeDecor, Gift Store & Wine Bar
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard
Delta Hearing LLC
Dennis DeMaria
525 E Olymia Ave, Suite 7
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 205-8815
Hearing Aids & Hearing Health
Sponsored by John Wright
LMB Baking Co.
Patricia Higgins
145 West MaKenzie Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 621-8496
Bagel Shop
Sponsored by Nanette Leonard
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.
Partners in Action News
Bayfront Health (Platinum) Important Information regarding Visitors to Bayfront Health Facilities. Welcomes Dr. Albezargan and Opens New Location
Expedia Cruises (Platinum) – download your special gift voucher towards future travel here.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) Please click on the link to see T.T.’s Tiki Bar lineup for September. Please mark you calendars for the 2nd Annual Suicide Awareness Vegas Dice Run on September 26th. Please call the Four Points by Sheraton to book a room at the discounted rate of $99 per night. The Tiki Bar….The Place to Be!!
TIME Realty Services, Inc – Thinking of a second home? vacation rental property? moving to another country? Let’s talk about Belize! Ambergris Caye is beautiful. You would be working directly with the American developer. Several property and price points to choose from. See the video on my YouTube Channel TIMERealtyServices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YPJ0pexnL4 Contact Della Booth, Broker +1 239-699-4493 Cell/WhatsApp
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 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) – 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) – TODAY “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.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support) – Isles Girls and Guys Estate Sales, TODAY will be on Friday, September 25 from 8 AM to 11 AM and continues Saturday, September 26 from 8 AM to 10 AM at 200 Lido Dr. There is something there for everyone: furniture, kitchenware, glassware, home decor, tools and so much more!
Visual Arts Center (Support) – View new exhibits “Color” and “Black & White” on display until Oct 2. Exhibits are always free to view M-F, 10a-2p. Online Classes, 2D and Pottery Open Studios happening all September. Onsite classes will begin Oct 8, Registration is now open! To view a Class Schedule and Register visit VisualArtCenter.org. Paint a Masterpiece LIVE on Zoom-Virtual Wine & Painting sessions begin Oct 14. 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.
Member Information
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – The Cows Have Come Home! Come to the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens on Oct. 3-4, from 9am to 2pm, to see our newest sculpture installation, “Milk Factory”. Sunny Days Ice Cream truck will be here and we have fun activities for the whole family. Call 941-621-8299 or check www.peacerivergardens.com for more information. Bromeliads by Cate Class.
Copperfish Books – Moving Sale Started. We are moving in late October! 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.
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – Huzzah! It’s Drink Beer Day!!! We can help you achieve that goal-from Mini-kegs, to Stouts, Double IPAs, Farmhouse Saissons, to Sours, Ciders, and Meads. Celebrate with your favorite(s) today! 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.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Orchid Sale & Symposium Annual Quilt Show
Drug Free Punta Gorda – Outreach Short-Term Action Team
Charlotte County Concert Band – Season Update
Twin Isles Country Club – Join Now for Our Open House on October 10 11am – 3pm.
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.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Save up to 30%, our treat!
The Yoga Sanctuary – Renovation of Sullivan Street – We Are Still Open!
Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services – Artist Gina Battle. Wine & Cheese Reception.
Tidewell Foundation – Virtual Turkey Trot
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.
Fishermen’s Village – September Calendar of Events. October Calendar. 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.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County – Your coffee purchase for September 20-26, at Race Trac, will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Florida.
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 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.
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
Job Opportunity
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.
Newsletters
ARCHway Institute – September Recovery Newsletter
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 – October classes are ready for registration!
FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers – Online Programs for SWFL Residents and Snowbirds!
Gregg’s Automotive – September 2020
Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz – New Routes
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – 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
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