Friday Facts for August 30, 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:

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. 

Non Profits at Wine Walk

Starting on October 17th , we are again inviting up to 12 non-profits to set up between Angela’s Cafe and Ace Hardware for Wine Walk. Non-profits MUST sign up prior to the event (if space is available). No-showing will result in their name being eliminated from all future dates. Cancellations can be taken up to noon on the day of the event. Please click here for application and guidelines.

Your Chamber Staff,

John, Pat, Carole, Stephanie & Janet


Chamber Calendar of Events

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

September 5: Semi Finals & Finals of 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!

September 11: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am-8:30 am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at our breakfast sponsored by Chapman Insurance Group and held at The Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda . Please be sure to RSVP to 941-639-3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com 

September 17: Business After Hours 5:30pm-7pm

Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Profiles Boutique, 121 E. Marion Ave., #111, 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..

September 19: Third Thursday Wine Walk 5-8 pm

In Downtown Punta Gorda. Art-Music-Live Demonstrations-Shopping & Food! What better way to spend an evening out with old friends while you take the time to make new ones. Wine Walk works by donating $10 at the PG Chamber ( in advance or on the night) to get a wristband and passport that entitles you to a walking wine tasting – a map of all retail participants will accompany your wristband. Each location will have two different wine varietals to taste! Wristbands can also be purchased at Hipnotique on the day of the event. Not a wine drinker, you can still come and enjoy the atmosphere and shop, dine and stroll around. 

September 25: Networking Luncheon-12 Noon – 1:30 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at La Fiorentina, 10361 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda.  Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 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


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.

Jason R. Jones – Nix & Associates
2421 Shreve St. #111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-258-2139
nixteamjason@gmail.com
www.jasonjones.nixandassociates.com

Realtor/Commercial
Sponsored by Danny Nix

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 September Events

Captain’s Table (Gold) Captain’s Table is now serving Brunch on Sunday from 10 AM – 2 PM. Please Come enjoy our Chef’s take on Brunch with delicious dishes while enjoying views of Charlotte Harbor. Lunch will also be available form 11 AM – 4 PM. For more information please call 941-637-1177.

Tampa Bay Rays/Charlotte Stone Crabs (Gold)
Click Here for The Crab Chronicle
Connecting with the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park is a great way to advertise your business, entertain clients, reward your employees or just celebrate our national pastime. Introducing our Rays local business packages:
Click Here to see these packages. Place a $100 deposit before September 6th, 2020 towards one of these local business packages and earn a special trip to see your 2019 Rays at Tropicana Field! For more information about these and other Rays partnership options, contact your local Rays representative – Mark Houston, Rays Spring Training Manager, at mhouston@raysbaseball.com. 
Rays Up!

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

Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)
Are You Prepared?
Find Out At Free Estate-Planning Seminars In September
Trust Development Officer Kerry Hunter of Englewood Bank & Trust is offering a trio of free educational seminars in September. Hunter, a graduate of the Florida Trust & Wealth Management School, has 17 years of client service and banking experience. She will present timely information on estate and investment planning designed to help individuals achieve their financial goals for themselves and their heirs. The seminars will be held on consecutive Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon. at Englewood Bank & Trust’s main office, 1111 S. McCall Road, and Gulf Cove office, 12651 S. McCall Road.

 Are You Prepared with a Will or Trust?
Sept. 5, Main Office
Hunter explains the pros and cons of having a will or trust, which approach is more suitable for your needs, and ways these documents can influence how your estate plan is implemented, administered and settled.

Are You Prepared with Estate-Planning Basics
Sept. 12, Gulf Cove Office
This seminar will review the basic elements of an estate plan, including last will and testament, power of attorney, and health care directives, focusing on the specifics and benefits of each and the pitfalls to avoid. The seminar will also include planning tools for non-married couples and couples who have remarried, plus ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and your assets.

Are You Prepared with Asset Protection?
Sept. 19, Gulf Cove Office
Hunter will explore the pros and cons of titling your assets in your trust name or when you should title accounts in a special way to protect your assets from creditors and liabilities. She will discuss umbrella policies and what assets should be covered.
The seminars are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Reservations may be made at any Englewood Bank & Trust office or by contacting Hunter at 941-473-3629 or khunter@ebtfl.com. Additional information is available at www.englewoodbankandtrust.com

Florida Southwestern State College (Silver)
Nov 28th Turkey Trot – early registration
One Source Accounting & Tax Co. (Bronze)
IRS Releases HSA Amounts 
The IRS issued with the calendar-year 2020 inflation-adjusted figures for the annual HSA contribution limits. It also includes the minimum deductible amounts and maximum out-of-pocket expense amounts for high-deductible health plans. Click Here to see the chart. We are a phone call away and would love to help you with your tax needs!!

OneSource Accounting & Tax Co
Mary Anne Simone 315 E.Olympia Ave.,#224,Punta Gorda, 

Charlotte Players (Support)
Clean Up Day on Saturday, August 31st. Click Here for info.
The Charlotte Players 2019-20 theatrical season begins on Sept. 6 with “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” a slapstick comedy that will have eight performances at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. The play demonstrates how lies and deceit can turn a relaxing weekend away into a catastrophe, with multiple alleged affairs, cooks and cooks, mistresses, miscommunication and bribery. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for students. The six evening performances, including opening night, begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees (Sept. 8 and 15) are at 2 p.m. To order tickets and get additional information, visit at www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Animal Welfare League (Support)
Click Here for their latest news.
We have a chance at $100,000 in lifesaving funds, but we need your help!
We all know that pets brighten our lives … from longer walks to cozier naps and big wet kisses. Now, the Petco Foundation, in partnership with BOBS from Skechers, is giving us a way to brighten theirs this upcoming holiday season by granting more than $750,000 to animal welfare organizations like OURS! Click here for all of the info.

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, September. 3, 10, 17, 24 at PGI Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda: “Finish Your Book” with James Abraham Writer, editor, literary critic, columnist and owner of Book-Broker Publishers in Punta Gorda, James Abraham presents a four-class writing series “Finish Your Book”. If you have begun the adventure of writing a book, or if this is something you have always wanted to do, this is an opportunity to explore some of the key elements of making your project successful.
$80 for the entire series. Call the PGICA office 941-637-1655 for more information and reservation.
 ##########
4 – 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, September 3 through 24 at PGI Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda: “One Society: Race Relations in a Post-Racial Society” with James Abraham
9/3: Reparations: What happened to the 40 acres and a mule? Discuss the pros and cons of reparations in an engaging, fact-filled seminar.
9/10: Black Lives Matter: Just who are these people?
9/17: Interracial Dating: From the Bible to yesterday’s headlines, opinions on the subject run the gamut from hearty acceptance to violent proscription.
9/24: Multicultural Pluralism: Has a plurality of races and religions hindered or helped American progress? Includes handouts and reading list.
$80 for the entire series. Call the PGICA office 941-637-1655 for more information and reservation.

 


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.

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 5: Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda. 4 pm

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

October 1: King Fisher Fleet for their new boat “The Helen M”. Guests will be welcomed on board to tour the boat. The boat will not be leaving the dock. There will be refreshments and light hos d’oeuvres.

October 3: Burnt Store Animal Hospital, 16500 Burnt Store Rd. Bldg B, In the Turtle Crossing Plaza, 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

History of the Poodle

Did you know, that French poodles are NOT from France? Though they are popular and common throughout the history of France, this breed of dog did not originate among the French. The come from Germany. They were bred to be hunting dogs. It was believed that their water resistant coat made them the ideal duck hunting accomplice.


Question of the Week:

I am calling about my car rental at Enterprise. Can you help me with that?


Events for Week of August 30th – September 14th

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 30:  7pm -10 pm  Spend Friday night right with The Orange House Band. Call to reserve your spot today!
Sat. August 31:  7pm- 10 pm  What comes after a Fabulous Friday Night? That’s right, a Spectacular Saturday night! But only if you spend it with Tim Goodman at The Orange House!

Mindfulness Meditation: A 3-Week Series
Sundays, September 1st – 15th 12:30 – 1:45 

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. ~ Viktor E. Frankl

Many of us live our lives as if on autopilot, constantly being destabilized and reacting to what we encounter. The practices of mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools that change our relationship to what we encounter in life, providing a window of opportunity between stimulus and response. What we discover in that space is our ability to reduce our own stress, to pay closer attention while appreciating the fullness and richness of life, and to develop good will for ourselves and others. Join us for this 3-week series led by guest instructor Carl Eisen. In this series you will come to understand what is meant when we speak of mindfulness and meditation, learn various postures for meditation, and learn by direct experience vs concepts and ideas. Each week you will receive audio recordings to guide you between class sessions as well as have plenty of time for Q&A in class. Cost will be $55 for the series.
For more information call 941-505-YOGA (9642), email info@theyogasanctuary.biz, visit www.theyogasanctuary.biz or see our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/yogasanctuary/

Yoga Month Bingo Challenge
A Benefit for the Peace River Wildlife Center
September 1st – 30th 
September is National Yoga Month! During Yoga Month, designated by the Department of Health & Human Services, festivities occur across the country. Hundreds of studios, teachers, and students join in. Come celebrate with The Yoga Sanctuary and discover the transformational power of a consistent yoga practice. Participate in our month-long game of Yoga Month Bingo and see the difference yourself! In addition to feeling stronger, more relaxed, and less stressed, you will also be supporting the Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC). Our August 29th Community Class at PRWC kicks off the Bingo game, which culminates with a celebration for all participants and supporters on Wednesday, October 2nd. See you on the mat and in the world. For more information call 941-505-YOGA (9642), email info@theyogasanctuary.biz, visit www.theyogasanctuary.biz or see our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/yogasanctuary/

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

MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM HOSTS 9/11 REMEMBRANCE TRIBUTE CONCERT
The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda will be host to a 9/11 Remembrance and Patriotic Tribute by the Sun Coast Wind Ensemble, in the Gulf Theater on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 7 p.m. The cost for admission will be $15 online or at the door. In remembrance of September 11, the wind ensemble will perform a selection of music to commemorate those souls who died on that day. Selections will include “Flight of Valor” which will salute the heroes of United Flight 93, and “For Our Heroes” which will honor our first responders. The wind ensemble will also perform a wonderful selection of patriotic pieces such as “God Bless America” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and many more selections. Sun Coast Wind Ensemble is comprised of 50 plus musicians from surrounding cities and counties. Musicians from Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, and Arcadia combine their talents to perform at various venues throughout the year. The concert wind ensemble has performed at Island Walk Community, Patriot’s Park in Venice, Venice Yacht Club, Suncoast MC Church and many other locations. The wind ensemble is directed by Ms. Lynn Cleary, who is entering her second year as the director of the group and brings with her many years of teaching experience in music. Ms. Cleary taught instrumental music at the secondary level as well as being a school administrator in Michigan before retiring to Florida. The Military Heritage Museum is located at 900 West Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. For more information, please call 941-575-9002 or go to our website at www.freedomisntfree.org.

Fishermen’s Village is proud to once again host Nick’s Kids Show/Safety Day on Saturday, September 14, 12 noon-4 p.m.  Interactive, fun shows, safety displays and information. Free admission/free parking. Visit www.fishville.com/events for full details.


Member Information

Click Here for Member Info

Please Click Here for Sponsorship Opportunities

Homeless Students Gap Fund of Charlotte County
Mentoring Matters: Why Not You? Have you ever wanted to make a difference in someone’s life? Please click here for the info

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 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.

Charlotte County Info
Show Us Your Charlotte is a call to submit your best photos of Charlotte County to the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. Share your best images of the area—the beach, the harbor, an adventure–we want to see what you’ve got! Photos submitted by Sept. 27 will be considered for the 2020 Show Us Your Charlotte calendar. Submit your photos online: www.ShowUsYourCharlotte.com.

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

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.

Island Flavah News
It’s Michael White, and recently I competed in Las Vegas, NV at Karaoke World Championships in August against 109 other contestants from all across the country, representing their respective states. The grueling 3-day competition was tough, but….I WON! This was a major win, as 9000 hopefuls had tried out, with 109 other hopefuls like myself battling it out in Las Vegas. The next step is the WORLD FINALS which are being held in Tokyo, Japan. KWC is paying for my flight and lodging, but I will need to provide my own food and transportation while I’m there. I’m looking to put on a fundraiser, where I’ll be performing Live at Downtown Gatorz, 502 King Street, Punta Gorda, Florida on October 26th, 2019 at 3pm-7pm. We’re looking for businesses to please donate anything they can: Gift Certificates, baskets to raffle, whatever. Would you please help me by donating anything to help us raise enough money? Our goal is 1300 before November 13th. Every little bit helps. We appreciate you and in return, we’d like to advertise your business or organization with your logo. Please email a copy of your logo to: mianji@gmail.com and we will add to all of our flyers and at the venue on the big screens as well. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, and if you are even interested in sponsoring, we’d like to chat about that at your convenience, if you want. 

Jaguar Concours d’Elegance (Car Show)
See the most beautiful car design in the world…“JAGUAR”
Jaguar Cars from the early 1950s to current models.
Saturday, October 26, 2019 at The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St. Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 from 9:30 am To 4:00 pm. Click Here for all of the info.

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.

Sun Events is bringing some of your favorite bands and artists to the Cultural Center of Charlotte County!
Click Here for September & October Schedule

Sea Grape Gallery’s Artists of Month for September 2019 From September 5 to October 3, 2019 Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Vicki Glynn, watercolorist, and Nancy Giffin, Nantucket basket and Shaker box artist. Vicki Glynn is one of Sea Grape Gallery’s longest member artists. However, prior to Hurricane Charley she decided to open her own gallery and framing business and left Sea Grape only to return after realizing she wanted to spend more time on creating her own art rather than running a full-time business. Vicki is well known in the community for her beautiful nature inspired watercolors focusing on birds, fish, landscapes, seascapes and flowers. Her art has been purchased by many business owners in the area where they proudly display her work in their places of business. When discussing her art, Vicki explains that she has always been inspired by observing nature and all of Florida’s wonderful wildlife. She truly captures this love of nature in all her beautiful paintings. Nancy Giffin moved to Florida from Massachusetts where the true Nantucket and Shaker traditions and cultures abound. As Nancy explains, she has always been inspired by American history and wants to preserve that time-honored American tradition. Her artistic creativity has inspired Nancy to create replicas of authentic Nantucket and Shaker baskets and boxes from that time in our history. Nancy has truly succeeded in helping pass on this unique tradition. Her award-winning creations are both beautiful and functional and certainly can hold a prominent place in any home. Many of Vicki’s wonderful watercolor paintings and Nancy’s beautiful and unique baskets are prominently on display at the Sea Grape Gallery. In addition, more of their art and the artworks of all Sea Grape artists can be viewed at www.seagrapegallery.com. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda and can be reached at 941-575-1718. In addition to their regular hours, the Gallery is always open until 8 p.m. during downtown Punta Gorda’s “Third Thursday Wine Walk”.


Point to Ponder

Watch This Everyday and Change Your Life


Thought for the Week

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.


Member Newsletters

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Animal Welfare League

Charlotte Arts & Humanities

Charlotte County Economic Development

Charlotte County Sheriff

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Charlotte Players 

2019-2020 Season

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Upcoming Season

Chelsea Place, Senior Care Conference

Cooper Street Recreation Center

Copperfish Books

Drug Free Charlotte County

Edison Ford Winter Estates

FGCU Renaissance Academy Ft. Myers

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda

Florida International Air Show

Gulfshore Opera Season 6 2019-2020

Key West Express

Military Heritage Museum

Port Charlotte Score Lunch & Learn Workshops

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society

SandStar Remodeling & Interior Design

Spa One Day Spa

Suncoast Humane Society

The Cocoa Exchange

The Yoga Sanctuary


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 @ 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

Twelve Bees

I went into a pet shop and asked for twelve bees. The shopkeeper counted out thirteen and handed them over.
“You’ve given me one too many.”
“That one is a freebie.”


Applause Section

Charlotte State Bank & Trust

The Florida Bankers Association announced that Michael Aloian has been elected to serve as chair of the Florida Bankers Educational Foundation (FBEF) Board of Trustees. A 1982 graduate of Harvard University, where he majored in economics, Michael has 37 years of experience in the trust industry, working for more than a decade at Crews Banking Corporation. He currently serves as chief investment officer of Crews Banking Corporation and also serves as a director of Charlotte State Bank & Trust, Crews Bank & Trust, Englewood Bank & Trust and Wauchula State Bank. The FBEF serves as a financial resource for bankers seeking to advance their careers through the FBEF Scholarship/Loan program and the FBEF Career Development program.

Named an assistant vice president in January, Elizabeth Hernandez recently was awarded a full vice presidency of Charlotte State Bank & Trust. In addition, her title of Retail Operations Officer was elevated to Branch Administration Manager. “Elizabeth has been doing a great job with all the retail projects we have been deploying as well as working with the various branch managers to ensure we stay on top of all retail banking initiatives,” said bank President Craig DeYoung.

Elizabeth is supervising the managers of all six Charlotte State Bank & Trust branch offices: Charlotte Harbor (Sara Perri), Murdock (Kim Maddy), North Port (Kelly Louke), Parkside (Jacqueline Benjamin), Peachland (Polly Johnson) and Punta Gorda (Alyson Burch). “It is an honor for me to work with these six outstanding women,” Elizabeth said. “Our common goal is to continue to provide exceptional service and products designed to make banking more convenient and secure for all our customers.”


Sincerely,

John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce

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New Executive Director Position

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