Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Here are your Friday Facts.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR JANUARY 2021 – ONLY 1 SLOT LEFT. 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 progaming 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.
For Our Members
Important Information from Pickleball Insider regarding opportunities to advertise to those attending major Pickleball Tournaments here in Punta Gorda during December and January. Please find attached the letter explaining who to contact for these free listings.
For Our Community
PGI Lighted Boat Parade will be held on December 19th. For more information Click Here
From Office of Roger D Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller. Safely Make Contactless Payments!
From CHNEP. Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership December Events.
From CCSO. Happy Holidays from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office! We would like to remind residents to be safe while out and about shopping this holiday season. Park in well-lit areas, secure your purchases in a trunk or out of sight, get out your phone & pay attention to your surroundings and never leave your purse or wallet unattended. If you see something suspicious, say something! Non-Emergency 941-639-0013
Punta Gorda Chamber in conjunction with Isles Luxury Storage and Isles Fitness Presents – Drive-in Movies Nights December 17 FULL/SOLD OUT, LIST NOW CLOSED.
Citywide Garage Sales are back! Next Event is Saturday January 9, 2021. 8am-noon, at the Bal Harbor Shopping Plaza – corner of Bal Harbor and Aqui Esta. Reservations can now be made by calling 941 639 3720 (9am-2pm M-F) Cost is $15 for two parking spaces (one for your goods, one for your vehicle). Larger spaces can be reserved depending on availability. Spaces will be allocated at check-in (7am onwards). Bathroom facilities will be made available. In this new world, we ask for masks to be worn, sanitizer to be available and social distancing of customers to the best of your ability. Hope to see you there
Mural Tours will return in 2021. Click Here for details. Private tours can be arranged for groups of minimum 10.
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.
The Pirates are back! Pirates in Paradise Fun for all the Family on April10 1pm to 6.30pm on the Great Lawn at Four Points by Sheraton.
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 Calendar of Events Members Only
Networking Events for December.
RSVP’s are ESSENTIAL, 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 9am to 2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
December 15: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. CANCELLED
December 16: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our special Christmas Networking Lunch at Tiki at Four Points by Sheraton, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Menu – Grilled teriyaki Chicken Caesar Salad; Turkey Avocado club wrap with fries and fruit garnish; Pulled pork sandwich with fresh fruit garnish; Vegetable Wrap with fries. Don’t forget to bring a wrapped gift ($15-$20) for our gift exchange. 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.
2021
January 13: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Bayfront Health – 4th Floor Conference Room, 809 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be from the Hospital.
January 19: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours hosted by The Loveland Center, destination TBD. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!
January 27: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch (Sponsor TBD) at The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street for the traditional State of the City Address by the Mayor of 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.
All the Following Information is for Our Community.
The Holidays are Coming!
Please Shop Local!
New Member
Mission Statement
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
GMAN Home Watch of Punta Gorda
George & Barbara Martinez
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1139, #255
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 621-5254
Home Watch Services & Concierge
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
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Calling all Journey fans! You won’t believe how amazing our Journey Tribute band sounds on the big stage at Tiki on Saturday, December 12th! Please click for all of the details! Also, please check out our complete December line up, and mark your calendars when your favorite bands play. Lastly, please check out our Christmas Day Dinner menu and New Year’s Eve package. Please call us today for reservations at 941-637-6770! The Tiki Bar…The Place To Be!
Expedia Cruises (Platinum) – download your special gift voucher towards future travel here.
Sun Newspapers (Platinum Media) – The Coolest Place to Work promotion. It’s been a tough year for a lot of businesses so we wanted to end 2020 on a fun note!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Let’s talk about homes and investments in Nicaragua. Nicknamed “The land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” Nicaragua is truly a lush and exciting land. Though located in the very heart of Central America, Nicaragua is less than 2.5 hours away from Miami by plane & is home to pristine beaches, tropical rainforest, and beautiful mountains. Ranked safer than the United Kingdom by the World Economic Forum in 2017. Watch the video: https://bit.ly/3oG6HXW
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Small ensemble of the Charlotte County Concert Band will be playing Dec 12.
Springhill Suites (Gold) – From now through January 3rd, we are offering rates starting at $89! See attached flyer for information. Below is the direct booking link. Book your corporate rate for Holiday Spare Room
Centennial Bank (Silver) – The Charlotte County Commission will commemorate the installation of the Charlotte County Centennial bridge banners along the Albert Gilchrist and Barron Collier bridges with a reveal ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m., Dec. 15, 2020 at Live Oak Point, 5100 Tamiami Trail, Charlotte Harbor. The public is invited to attend. For information on the Charlotte County Centennial, visit www.CharlotteCounty100.com. For banner event information, contact Brian Gleason at 941-743-1462 or Brian.Gleason@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
Charlotte State Bank and Trust (Silver) – Vice President Christine Hause and Portfolio Manager Gregory Thomas are continuing their complimentary estate-planning seminars/webinars with “Planning for Beneficiaries with Challenges” on Tuesday, Dec. 15; “Global Markets and Your Portfolio” on Wednesday, Dec. 16; and “Estate Planning and Your Pets” on Thursday, Dec. 17. Attendees may participate in person at the bank’s Murdock office (limited seating) or online. The seminars are held from 10-11:30 a.m. You can register at any branch office, online at charlottestatebank.com, via email at rsvp@csbtfl.com, or by calling Brielle at 941-624-1943.
Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – is honored to be your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. At CWT, we also design all types of custom window treatments such as Draperies, Valances, Cornices, Bedding, Pillows, Upholstery and more. We offer free in-home consultations. Visit one of our two showrooms at 254 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Punta Gorda (941) 637-0015 or 4680 Placida Road, Suite D, Englewood (941) 828-0000. Masks are required.
Friendly Floors (Silver) – Owner Marjorie Benson will match funds up to $10,000 for all donations made to the Fred Lang Foundation by end of the year.
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) – Estella Scrooge – A Christmas Carol with a Twist. Click Here for details.
Key West Express (Bronze) – Last Days – Holiday Sale.
Hessler Floor Covering (Support) – Name-Brand Inventory Clearance Sale
Illusions Salon & Spa (Support) – At Illusions Salon & Spa, wellness is infused with red-carpet style. From arrivals marked by a glass of champagne to spaces dedicated to your relaxation, we address your mind, body, and skin. We are now offering membership packages. The holidays are coming so treat yourself or someone special to a monthly spa package. (941) 505-5777 or www.illusionsofpg.com
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – Book by calling 941-889-8388 or online at PuntaGordaNails.com.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support) – Lighted Boat Parade December 19
Visual Arts Center (Support) – “Off the Wall” on display Nov 25 – Dec 19, Art is $200 or less- take it home for the Holidays! Shop the Ornament & Holiday Gift Wall in the Gift Shop for your Xmas list. Every $10 donation receives a free VAC logo ornament! Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Store Hours: Mon & Fri: 9a-4p, Tue-Thu: 9a-7p, Sat: 10a-2p. Events, Classes, Memberships, Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org
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. December is Punta Gorda Chamber month. Any employee at the office can assist you (941) 627-1544, do not go online.
Member Information
Starts Tonight (Friday, December 11th)
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – 2nd Annual Gardens Aglow starting December 11. Must pre order tickets.
Tonight (Friday, December 11th)
Fontana Wealth Management of Raymond James presents Virtually the Peter Mayer Stars & Promises 2020 – the Somerville NJ Show, December 11 at 7.30pm. Click Here for details.
This Weekend (December 12th and/or 13th)
Copperfish Books – Will be open on Sundays! At their new location 212 W Virginia Ave. in downtown Punta Gorda (between Taylor and Sullivan Streets). We’re open Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4 and Sun 11-3. Masks are required and we sanitize often. Shop Local and Shop Early this holiday season!
Fishermen’s Village, Saturday. The Menorah Lighting.
Next Week (December 14 -20)
Smargasy Inc – I am holding a short webinar on Monday, December 14 at 4 p.m. about “How Reviews Work”. It’s a FREE webinar and will give a quick overview for those who are struggling with online-reviews, or don’t even know where to start! Here is the link to sign up: https://meeting.zoho.com/meeting/register?sessionId=1083395153
Drug Free Punta Gorda – 2020 Coalition Meeting, December 15.
GulfShore Opera – Renaissance Christmas Carols at Military Heritage Museum Theater December 17. Tickets still available.
Wreaths Across America – National Remembrance Wreath Laying December 19 at 10am, Charlotte Memorial Cemetery.
Punta Gorda Symphony – Holiday Pops Outdoors, Dec 19 Tickets still available.
PG Social House – Events in Dec
Loveland Center – Upcoming Events.
USA Dance – Dance Party, Dec 23 December Calendar
Holiday 4 Heroes – Designer Purse Raffle.
King Fisher Fleet – Christmas Light Canal Cruises Now Available to Book!
Fishermen’s Village – Annual Festival of Lights features more than one million holiday lights and decorations throughout the Village! Daily viewing through December 31st! Free parking/free admission. Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort & Marina, home to 40+ independently owned shops/boutiques/waterfront restaurants! www.fishville.com January Calendar. 941 639-8721. Located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda!
Florida Guardian ad Litem Program – Christmas Gifts needed for children in foster care. The Salvation Army are collecting new toys, clothing and other “wish list” items to help brighten the season for area children in need. All six branches of Charlotte State Bank & Trust are serving as drop-off locations for these two prominent local charitable organizations, so drop by any bank office and pick up a “wish list’ or two. Bank lobbies are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. The Punta Gorda office, 2331 Tamiami Trail, is collecting for the Salvation Army.
Promotional Marketing Online – Toys for Tots.
Kays Ponger & Uselon Funeral Home – have teamed up with Toys for Tots to bring hope to disadvantaged children. Please drop off new, unwrapped toys to one of our locations by December 15th 2020. 2405 Harbor Blvd. Port Charlotte / 635 E. Marion Ave. Punta Gorda /. For more information please visit our website www.kays-ponger.com or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/kaysponger
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and friends. From your Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine and Haley Handcrafted Chocolates friends & family: “Happy Hanukkah!”
Event Elements Catering – Event Elements Catering@the Orange House. Voted in Harbors Hottest in 2019-2020 in Harbor Style Magazine. Preparing Wednesday Night Dinners for curbside or Free delivery. Fresh Menu changes weekly, posted on our Facebook page, Event Elements, on Saturdays. Call or text to (941) 268-5801 for orders.
Charlotte Community Foundation – Final Days to Help Share End of Year Cheer.
Brookdale Punta Gorda isles – Count on Us, Even on Holidays! Join us on Jan 5, 10am -11am.
The Firm 360 Photography – The Firm 360° Photography invites you to take a look inside and see the 3D Virtual Walking Tour we did for Leroy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar. We can do this for your business too and include it in your online Google listing. Visit our website or call us today for details. 941-347-8198.
Covenant Business Planning Solutions – Managing Cash Flow. Cash flow is essential to small business survival, yet many business owners struggle to pay the bills (let alone themselves) while they’re waiting for checks to arrive… More Information: https://covenant-business.com/everyday-business-challenges-series/
The Cocoa Exchange – Prep Your Pantry!
Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Classes and Camps.
Military Heritage Museum – The Military Heritage Museum/Gulf Theater is offering an opportunity for you to use our beautiful facility. Located on Punta Gorda’s harbor, the museum offers space on our veranda, theater and club indoors with the ability for a cash bar and catering. Your event is our event!
Rick’s Estate & Jewelry – Not only is Rick’s the top destination in SW Florida to buy and sell estate jewelry and coins, we are also actively buying and selling designer handbags, crystal, and sterling silver flatware sets. Whether you are looking for an unforgettable Christmas gift or looking to sell a luxury purse, stop by our store and see us today. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, #1141.
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – December 31, 2020 marks the end of many Bank and Credit Card foreclosure and collection moratoriums. Don’t wait until the last minute to think about what you are going to do to deal with your creditors once collections and foreclosure actions start up again. Call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill to help you deal with your creditors and protect your assets and homestead. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com. Learn more at https://icardmerrill.com/money-matters/ .
Virginia B Andes Volunteer Clinic & Pharmacy – Making our Community Healthier. Right Here. Right Now.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Gulfshore Opera – Gala Announcement Season 7 Announcement
Tidewell Foundation – Signature Luncheon on Friday, February 5, 2021, 11.30am at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
Newsletters
ARCHway Institute – National Newsletter
Animal Welfare League – November Newsletter
Charlotte Arts – Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – End of Year Cheer
Copperfish Books – Newsletter
Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know
Gregg’s Auto – December Newsletter
Hope4Communities – November Newsletter
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – November Newsletter
SCORE – November Newsletter
StandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – Insider for November
TEAM Punta Gorda – Newsletter
Virgina B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – December Newsletter
Yoga Sanctuary – December 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.