Friday Facts for October 9, 2020

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts.

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! Below are those already signed up for 2021 – thank you.

For Our Businesses

CHARLOTTE CARES FOR BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM – STAGE THREE IS NOW OPEN. 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

Two important resources from the National Safety Council (NSC) Board of Directors. The first is SAFER (Safe Actions for Employee Returns) which is a robust resource to help safely open businesses and manage return from quarantine: https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/safe-actions-for-employee-returns-safer

The second is a recent state level report looking at state actions related to the pandemic with a focus on the workplace and workplace safety.  State of Response: State Actions to Address the Pandemic.

For our Community.

From Punta Gorda City. Punta Gorda Developments Fall 2020.

From Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller for Charlotte County. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

From CCSO. With Cops and Goblins 2020 officially canceled, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is inviting your children to compete in a virtual costume contest. During the last week of October, a post will be made on the CCSOFLSheriff Facebook page. All you need to do is snap a picture of your child in costume and put it in the comments section of that post. The 3 most-liked will get prizes. (Ages 12 and under only, please.)

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.

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.

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 October

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

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. Choices are Cheeseburger w/ Fries; Mahi Taco w/ Fries; Hawaiian Chicken w/ Broccoli; Apple Walnut salad – Vegan. Please be sure to RSVP with lunch choice 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


New Member

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.

Mission Statement

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

Loveland Center

Jennifer Bushinger-Ortiz

157 S. Havana Road

Venice, FL 34292

(941) 493-0016

jbushinger@lovelandcenter.org

www.lovelandcenter.org

Non Profit Disability Services

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 (Platinum) – Breast Cancer Screenings Should Not Be Delayed Due to COVID-19

Expedia Cruises (Platinum) download your special gift voucher towards future travel here.

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) Join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar for all your favorite food, drink, and live music! Please click to see our lineup for the month of October. Also, please click to take advantage of our 10% off coupon in the Dockside Grill. Just mention that you saw this ad, and we will take 10% off your meal. We look forward to serving you!

Captain’s Table (Gold) – The Fall Wine Dinner is here!

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Ambergris Caye, Belize is a top destination for sunny second home locations. You have several options when working with my American developer. Which one will you choose? Best Western Club, Marriott Club, Villa, Tiny Home, Estate Home?  Watch this video for more views of the area.  https://bit.ly/3jBm3KU Della Booth, Broker/Principal TIME Realty Services, Punta Gorda, Florida Direct/WhatsApp +1 239-699-4493

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12.

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!

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) – STARTS TONIGHT. Running Mates opening night is October 9th. This is the 2nd play of our 60th season. This fast paced political comedy brings new meaning to the phrase “family politics”. The show runs till October 18th. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling our Box Office at 941-255-1022. We are practicing social distancing in the theatre and masks are still required. Charlotte Players is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Christmas Show.

Hessler Floor Covering (Support) The Wonders of Waterproof Flooring

Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – We are supporting CARE for Domestic Violence Awareness month. Book by calling 941-889-8388 or online at PuntaGordaNails.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.


Member Information

Twin Isles Country Club – THIS WEEKEND Join Now for Our Open House on October 10 11am – 3pm.

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Virtual Coalition Meeting October 13 at 11.30am.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County – Day of Caring October 22, 2020

United Way of Charlotte County – Campaign Kickoff & Day of Caring October 22

Copperfish Books – Moving Sale Started. So much happening! 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. The October Indie List.

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – From all of us at Punta Gorda Chocolate &Wine: Thank you Patti and Steph for and creating a beautiful place to work and products we love to share with our guests! We have the best bosses ever! Don’t forget yours, next Friday, October 16th is Bosses’ Day. Show ’em some Chocolate, Cheese, Beer and Wine appreciation.

Curbside pick-up available! -941-505-0479.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – A Moment of Peace from the Gardens

Team Punta Gorda – Drive-Thru Food Drive. TEAM Builds! We need help.

Punta Gorda Symphony – Live and Livestreamed Programs

The Yoga Sanctuary (TYS) – is excited to announce the expansion of their health and wellness offerings. Throughout the month of September, TYS has brought on four new therapists to meet the needs of the community. Please see attached for a detailed press release. If you’d like to discuss these additions and learn more, please contact me, Jennifer French, at The Yoga Sanctuary by simply responding to this email or calling 941-505-9642.

Homeless Coalition – is proud to partner with Publix Super Market Charities to receive a grant of $20,000 to support our Hunger Prevention Program. Click Here for more information.

Buffalo Graffix – Are you ready for season?

Chelsea Place Home Care – We are offering a new client discount. Purchase 40 hours of service and receive 10 hours additionally at no charge. We offer meal prep, medication reminders, transportation, companions, laundry & light house cleaning. Call for complimentary consultation (941) 979-5288, available 24/7 with no minimum amount of hours.

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Get up to $30 off!

Animal Welfare League – Pawsitive Press.

Fishermen’s Village – 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.

Grand Ole Opry Punta Gorda – The Opry Resurgence!

Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – Each day is a gift, and we can never predict what the future holds. Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.

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.

Pinch a Penny – $5 off for every $50 spent!

Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services – Artist Gina Battle. Wine & Cheese Reception.

Tidewell Foundation – Virtual Turkey Trot

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.

Senior Friendship Centers – Yard Sale! Sponsorship infoCocktails for a Cause.

Military Heritage Museum – Gulf Theater is proud to present Emanne Beasha on December 12 at 7pm. For more information and to remind you of her outstanding talent and accomplishments click here. Tickets:https://ci.ovationtix.com/35397

Gulfshore Opera – Gala Announcement


Applause

Air Trek Inc Captains to Receive Prestigious Safety Award Click Here for full details. Our Congratulations to Captains Bruce Monnier and Gerald Downs.

Farr Law Firm Welcomes New Associate Kimberly N. Rubino has joined Farr Law Firm as an associate attorney becoming a member of the firm’s litigation team.


Newsletters

ARCHway InstituteOct Virtual Education & Awareness

Charlotte Arts – Newsletter

Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Our first face-to-face class!

FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers – Look Ahead with these October Classes!

Gregg’s Automotive – October 2020

Hope4Communities – Newsletter

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – Newsletter

StandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – 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

Yoga Sanctuary – October 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.

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