Friday Facts for August 16, 2019

Friday Facts!

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Dear Chamber Member,

Here are your Friday Facts – Enjoy reading them and have a great Friday and an even better weekend. If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to poliva@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.

PG Chamber radio show: (Now booking for August and September)
Every month, your Punta Gorda Chamber teams up with local iHeart Media DJ – Bob Alexander to focus on Chamber members and what they are up to. For only $95, you get to pre-record 2 x 2 ½ minute slots (which can be the same or different) which will be inserted into Bob’s show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. This is one of the largest local radio audiences available to us. You don’t even have to go to the studio any more. Bob will call you to record your message(s)! If you are interested, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com to get you on your way. Ideal for business promotions, events or simply to get your name out on air.

Your Chamber Staff,
John, Pat, Carole, Stephanie & Janet


Want to become a PG Chamber Guardian and/or Supporter in Perpetuity?

At our recent Board retreat, it was agreed to add a new page to our website puntagordachamber.com to allow for those of you who wish to become either a Guardian ($1000) or Supporter ($500) in recognition of the work that the Chamber undertakes and how we have (hopefully) positively affected your time within the Chamber’s membership.

All Guardians and Supporters will be listed on our website under the Your Chamber tab along with a picture (if you so choose).
All Guardians will also be listed in our weekly e-news bulletins – the Friday Facts and the Monday Morning Updates.

Realizing that some may not want that recognition published, inclusion will be entirely at your discretion, but from our perspective, it’s a great way to show your support being seen doing so! The idea of having such Guardians and Supporters originated with the late Alvin Gould who wanted to show his support for our efforts, but realized that being a Member of the Chamber was not an avenue for him to actively be engaged. It is our hope to continue adding names to this list going forward, but we do want to acknowledge Michael P Haymans for being the first name to be etched on this salubrious honor roll. Thank you.

To make your pledge or for further information, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com

John R. Wright
President

Click Here to see Our List of Guardians to Date
Guardians & Supporters of the Punta Gorda Chamber


Chamber Calendar of Events

Please remember to RSVP to: reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 941-639-3720.

August 20: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm

Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at The Bean on 41 Coffee Shop, 2705, Suite 413, Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

August 21: Using Financials to Manage Your Business

Harbor Advisors, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and Port Charlotte SCORE present a workshop on Using Financials to Manage Your Business The Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement are the most powerful tools you have in your management toolbox. Learn how to interpret the information in these financial statements and use that information to guide and monitor the progress of your business. Ed Davis, Mentor with SCORE Port Charlotte, will also show us how to use those reports to make decisions for future growth. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 21st from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Please note the change of date and location for this event. The workshop and lunch are available at no charge thanks to our sponsor Affordable Tax Service. You do not have to be a member of the chamber to attend. Seating is limited, you must pre-register for the workshop. Click Here to do so. The next workshop “Website Design and Maintenance” will be held on Wednesday, September 18th.

August 28: Networking Luncheon-12 Noon-1:30pm

Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid or $20.00 at the door. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex

September 5: Semi Finals & Finals of Chamber Feud

Semi-finals and finals of the chamber feud will be held on Thursday, September 5th, starting at 5pm at the PG Women’s Club 118 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda.

Semi-final line-up:

  • Chapman Insurance Agency vs Florida SouthWestern State College
  • Friendly Floors vs Re/Max Anchor Realty

Two winners will meet same night in the final with winner being given the Winner’s Trophy. Admission to this hilarious event : Only $2 at the door! Refreshments available for donation. Come and support your favorite team and enjoy a great night out!

Punta Gorda Chamber Annual Awards Banquet, September 21, 2019 at 6pm (opens in new tab)

City Wide Garage Sale 2019-2020 Schedule

8 am – 12 Noon, $15.00 per entrant

You get two parking spots – one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide) – Set up 7: 15am

New Location: Comfort Storage Parking Lot, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda

Dates:

  • October 12, 2019
  • November 9. 2019
  • December 14, 2019
  • January 11, 2020
  • February 8, 2020
  • March 14, 2020
  • April 11, 2020
  • May 9, 2020

Please contact Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com. All Registrants need to be pre-registered with payment There will be no admittance the day of the event. Non-refundable, non-trasnferable sale held rain or shine… no rain dates.

Click Here for Major Chamber Events


New Members

Mission Statement

To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.

Pedal Punta Gorda
Amanda White
P.O. Box 510264
Punta Gorda, FL 33951
615-974-7573
pedalpuntagorda@gmail.com
pedalpuntagorda.com
Entertainment – Pedal Tavern
Sponsored by John Wright

Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.


Partners in Action News

Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum)

Click Here for August Events

Wyvern Hotel (Gold)

Click Here for Info on the Kitt Moran Trio on Sept.14th
The Passing of the Brushes- a new exhibit At the Wyvern Hotel, Tuesday September 17th at 6pm

Florida Southwestern State College (Silver)

Nov 28th Turkey Trot – early registration

CeJay Associates (Silver in Kind)

Our weekly website spotlight is: paradisepark.us, a 55+ land-owned community for Airstream/Class-A Motor Homes; the site is informational & members can log in to their portal. Let CeJay Associates help you build or update your community’s website. Easy to maintain, WordPress sites are Mobile Friendly, optimized for Google Search Engines, ADA compliant. We can also help increase your site traffic and manage your social media, branding and business graphics. Let our team make your website WORK for your business! Call 941-204-0007 * email Design@CeJay.com * see CeJayassoc.com

Animal Welfare League (Support)

Click Here for their latest news.

Profiles Nail Boutique (Support)

Save 10%. We are collecting items for the Animal Welfare League. Bring in one or more items from the Animal Welfare League’s Wish List (AWLshelter.org) and you will receive 10% off your services at Profiles Nail Boutique August 1 through August 30, 2019. Profiles Nail Boutique, 121 E Marion Ave #1111, Downtown Punta Gorda.  ProfilesBoutique.com


Ribbon Cuttings

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.

August 29: Few of My Favorite Things, 212 W. Virginia Ave., #111, Punta Gorda.

September 4: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of the New Orthopedic & Spine Unit at Fawcett Memorial Hospital. There will be Free valet parking at Main Entrance, volunteers will escort attendees to the second floor spine & orthopedic unit. Fawcett Memorial Hospital, 21298 Olean Blvd., Port Charlotte

September 12: Camelot2, 2705 Tamiami Trail Ste 313, Punta Gorda.

October 10: Yesterdays Collectables, Antiques and Vintage Clothing, 4301 Sibley Bay Street, Unit B, (Corner of Hwy 41 & Sibley Bay) Charlotte Harbor

October 24: Ribbon Cutting at Nature Park, Corner of Bal Harbor & Aqui Esta, Punta Gorda. Goes from 4:30 to 6 pm. Ribbon Cutting will be at 5:30 pm.

November 4: Ribbon Cutting at Visual Arts Center for Fun Arts Festival, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda. 12 Noon


Fact of the Day

Being Single In Hawaii

In the beautiful state of Hawaii, a flower worn by a lady behind her right ear indicates that she is single and available for dating. Married women may chose to wear a flower behind their left ear. The easiest way to remember which side is which is to think of a wedding ring. The band of matrimony goes on the left hand. Same rule applies for the flower.


Question of the Week

I have a lot of trees and plants in front of my house. Can you get them out for me?


Events for Week of August 16 – August 25

Remember to click this link to see events for these dates that are in flyer format.

Upcoming Member Events

The Orange House Wine Bar

320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 941-505-8233
We are now open for breakfast and lunch!
Tuesday-Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
Fri. August 16: 7pm -10 pm Spend Friday night right with The Orange House Band. Call to reserve your spot today!
Sat. August 17: 7pm- 10 pm
Round out another great weekend at The Orange House with with two-time Emmy winner Dave Powers. Call to reserve your spot today!

Punta Gorda Woodstock August 16-18

Tickets for this week’s Punta Gorda Woodstock are available for purchase at The BEAN on 41 Coffee Shop . Tiki Tom Entertainment has lined up a three-day festival of “peace, love, and music” this weekend at the AIR-CONDITIONED Charlotte Harbor Event Center. Bands are coming from around Florida to join our amazing local talent to celebrate the 50 Year Anniversary of the incredible 3-day original Woodstock. For complete main (only) stage line-up or learn more, please visit puntagordawoodstock.com. Tickets are also available at the Event Center box office.

Visual Arts Center

Arts in August is 8/24 from 10a-30p at Fishermen’s Village. VAC Closed until Aug 25. Come in Aug 26-31 to register for classes and visit the Gift Shop and Art & Supply Store. Visit the Open house Sept 5 from 1-7pm, Sept 6 from 9a-3pm and Sept 7 from 10a-1pm to meet our NEW Instructors. The Visual Arts Center is located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 9-4 & Sat, 10-2. Calendar of Events, Classes, Memberships and Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org.


Member Information

Click Here for Member Info

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans 2020

Those of us old enough to remember the Vietnam war, should also remember the way our brave American men and women were treated when they returned home. There were no applause or cheers when they walked through the airports, only name calling, and ugly treatment by the very Americans they were serving, and doing the job that uncle Sam asked them to do.
The ugly stories are far too numerous to talk about.

Now it is time to finally give the Vietnam veterans the welcome home they deserved, but never received.
On march 28, 2020, there will be a welcome home parade through downtown Punta Gorda with a welcome home ceremony at the Vietnam memorial wall of southwest Florida.

Following the ceremony, there will be a welcome home music festival at Laishley Park. Music will be provided by local favorites the Boogiemen, our own Nashville recording artist Jack Michael, and finally the greatest patriotic singer of our generation, lee greenwood.
The festival will be free for veterans from all across America, we are going to be using all of the different veterans magazines to advertise this event.

We are expecting national news coverage of this, it is time for Punta Gorda and southwest Florida to shine, and show the world that we care about those veterans that were so mistreated by what at the time, was an ungrateful nation.
Vietnam veterans as a group, are dying at a faster rate than surviving WWII veterans because of complications from agent orange. We are asking for your support to finally give these brave men and women, the thanks and welcome home they deserve.
We hope to see you there.

Visit our website for sponsorship opportunities


Life Long Learning Institute Needs Your Help

LLI is looking for a Treasurer!
• Are you a retired bookkeeper or accountant with time to attend monthly Board meetings and coordinate with our office manager (a maximum of 15 – 20 hours per month)?
• Have you worked in Quick Books and are you comfortable with online data systems?
• Do you have the abilities to monitor daily receipts, make disbursements and keep documentation of these transactions to produce monthly financial reports?
• Would you be able to advise and explain to the members of our Board of Directors various accounts, transactions and reports?
• Are you able to file appropriate and timely tax and other required forms to maintain our 501 (c) 3 and charitable status?
If you answered these questions “yes”, then we want to meet and talk with you!!!! Our Board of Directors is a great team of members who are dedicated to putting quality programs together at affordable prices — we have new committees who are putting the fall and winter schedules together . . . “everything’s coming up roses!”
Please consider joining this team as Treasurer to provide financial support and guidance!
Please contact: 941-637-3533 or charlotte.lli@fsw.edu

The Charlotte Education Foundation

The Charlotte Education Foundation is looking for volunteers for light duty office and mentors for students. A background check is required. Contact: Sara Wierhake at 941-255-7500, ext. 294 or email Sara.Wierhake@yourcharlotteschools.net.

Gulfshore Opera

Season 6 Brings Exciting Changes and Audience Favorites
Click Here for all of the info.

Golfers Who C.A.R.E. Scramble- Saturday, October 12, 2019, St. Andrews South Golf Cub

Come support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Charlotte County during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, cart and green fees. $90/person – $360/Foursome Raffles, challenges with prizes, and more!
Email chris.hall@carefl.org or call 941-639-5499 for more information.

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Harvest for the Harbor 2019
Click Here for all of the details

4th Annual Job & Education Fair

Thursday, September 12, 2019 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, FL
Click Here for complete info

Sunny Days Ice Cream

Are you the type of person that likes to give unique gifts? Gifts that are special and memorable? Sunny Days Ice Cream truck specializes in premium ice cream catering service. Send our ice cream truck for a special treat to your clients, customers, students or friends in business. Great way to say thank you for a job well done or for referrals. We carry premium novelty ice cream and provide excellent service! Visit our website at sunnydaysicecream.com for more information regarding our services. Call 941-255-1889 to book now!

National Library Card Sign-Up Month

King Fisher Fleet, located at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, supports National Library Card Sign-Up Month by offering free Sunset Cruises to everyone who gets a new library card during the month of September. Interested library borrowers in Charlotte and Desoto Counties may sign up for a new library card at the front desk at any Charlotte or Desoto County library. When signing-up, borrowers will receive a voucher for a free Sunset Cruise which is valid for use during September or October. The Sunset Cruise is a 90 minute sightseeing cruise that allows passengers to enjoy a glorious Florida sunset over Charlotte Harbor while touring the residential waterfront. Advance reservations are recommended. For the current schedule, more information, and reservations, call 941-639-0969. King Fisher Fleet offers eight cruises including daylong cruises to the islands of Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Boca Grande, narrated tours of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, as well as sunset cruises and Christmas light canal cruises. King Fisher Fleet also offers charter fishing with some of the best fishing guides in southwest Florida, departing every day from Fishermen’s Village Marina. Gift certificates for cruises as well as for fishing charters are available at the King Fisher Fleet office.

Wheelbarrow of Cheer!

The C.A.R.E. Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for a wheelbarrow full of liquor! Tickets are $10 each or 5 for $40, and all proceeds benefit survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Charlotte County. The winner will be pulled on October 12 at the Golfers Who C.A.R.E. event. Winner is not required to attend. Call or email Chris to purchase your tickets! (941) 639-5499, chris.hall@carefl.org.

2019 Florida International Air Show

Patty Wagstaff Performing at the 2019 Florida International Air Show, November 1st-3rd Punta Gorda FL (PGD) Airport Click Here to read all about it.


Job Opportunities

Hessler Floor Covering is seeking talented people to join our sales team in multiple locations-Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and Naples. We are experiencing continued sales growth in all locations with opportunities to increase sales even more with you! Hessler Floor Covering has been serving customers in all of South West Florida since 1951 and continues to be a 5 Star rated company by our customers. Together with our parent company, Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings, we have 4 retail locations. We offer: company provided health and basic life insurances; dental and vision are available.
401K plan after 1 year with the company.
Potential for the right candidate(s) to achieve $60,000/annually with unlimited earnings potential.
Previous sales experience with flooring and tile industry experience preferred, however, we will train the right candidate(s). Please email your most recent resume for consideration and start your new career with us today!
Attention Rich Lancette at rlancette@hesslerfloors.com.
We are a drug free workplace! Backgound check and drug testing required.


Special Offers for Chamber Members

Air Trek Click Here for Special Key West Offer

Storm Smart Click Here for a special offer for Chamber Members.

Sleep Inn & Suites Click here for a special offer for Chamber Members.

Twin Isles Country Club Click Here for Offer, Click Here for Offer

LaQuinta Inn & Suites Click Here for Summer Special


Joke of the Week

How to Use A Chainsaw

A farmer walks into a hardware store and asks for a chainsaw that can cut down 6 trees in one hour. The salesman recommends the top of the line model. The farmer is suitably impressed, and buys it.

The next day he brings it back, complaining that it would only cut down 1 tree and it took ALL DAY!

The salesman takes the chain saw, starts it up to see what’s wrong, and the farmer says, “What’s that noise?”


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 websites.

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New Executive Director Position

We are excited to announce our search for a new Executive Director of Punta Gorda Chamber!