Friday Facts for September 4, 2020

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts.

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!


Punta Gorda Chamber Board of Directors Annual Fundraiser Cooler of Cheer 2020

Your Board is putting together another wonderful Cooler of Cheer. The picture below does not do it justice – this is an amazing one of a kind ‘Football Cooler’ filled to overflowing with Cheer, Gift Cards and presents. Tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $20 and are available from any Board of Directors member and here at the Chamber Office. The winner will be drawn at our Annual Awards Dinner Celebration – you do not have to be present to win. Support Your Chamber


Chamber Members ONLY.

PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for October, 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 progamming 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 July show, or any subsequent shows, 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 Community

Labor Day Holiday Sanitation. The City of Punta Gorda government offices will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Residents and commercial customers of the City of Punta Gorda will notice NO change in trash, recycling or yardwaste collections. If you have any questions please contact Public Works pubworks@pgorda.us or (941)575-5050 during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Financial assistance program from Charlotte County Economic Development Office – Detailed information about the Recovery Grant Program (for Charlotte County Businesses) is now posted on their website: https://cleared4takeoff.com/charlotte-cares and can be accessed now for submission. Funds are available on a first-come, first serve basis while the funds last.

From Punta Gorda City Halloween and Christmas.

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.

Update from Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau.

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

Charlotte County Residents Only. Message from Chief Pam Davis of Punta Gorda Police Department. I know many of you are unable to attend the September 9, 2020 Community Presentation. We do have seats reserved for those who told us they could attend. If your plans change, please use the below link to register. We would love it if you could also share the link with anyone else you think may be interested in attending. We still have several seats open. We have restricted it to Charlotte County residents only to make sure we have input for local law enforcement. Let me know if you have any questions.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cost-of-bias-and-its-impact-on-policingcommunity-tickets-115345804406?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-source=cp&utm-term=destsearch

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 September

RSVP’s are very important, as are cancellations (limited numbers allowed, masks and social distancing a must). 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

September 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at St. Andrews South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be Sean Doherty, Interim Director for Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau.

September 15: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. CANCELLED

September 23: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon – 1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Captain’s Table, 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.

Protocols for networking events:

We are in unprecedented and complicated times, but we know that as a Chamber we are the best networkers around, yet still MUST lead the community by example.

Until further notice:

  1. To attend a PG Chamber event you will need to have a prior RSVP to either by calling 941 639 3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com (no later than 2pm on the day prior to the event).
  2. Our events are limited to 50 people maximum and therefore NO WALK UPS can be allowed – sorry. If you show up and are not on the RSVP list (unless it’s John’s fault!), you may be turned away, if space is unavailable.
  3. The wearing of a mask is mandatory. We will continue to encourage social distancing.
  4. Food and beverages will be served individually to you at events.
  5. For our After Hours, we encourage you to bring giveaways that are in the form of a local business gift card, secured in a ziploc bag with your business card attached, so it can be sanitized prior to being given out. Alternatively, as long as your gift can be sprayed with disinfectant, you may bring along such a gift.
  6. The microphone will be used by Chamber staff and/or guest speaker ONLY.

We want to get back together and network effectively and hope that you all will respect these safety protocols, until such times as we are confident to remove them (in stages). Any questions, please call us 941-639-3720


Special Member Notices

Annual Awards Dinner Celelbration

Join us for 2020 Celebration of Chamber Achievements’ during the year. We say Thank You to outgoing Chair Debra Trenholm and welcome incoming Chair June Amara and her new Board. Due to COVID19, this event has been scaled down from previous years and will be held in the large Tiki Bar at the Fourpoints with a maximum socially-distanced capacity of 140.

September 17, 2020 6pm to 9pm, Dress Casual, $50 per person – cash bar

Menu

Tossed Caesar Salad

Homemade Potato Salad

Tropical Coleslaw

Grilled Corn on the Cob

BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Smoked Brisket

BBQ Chicken

Strawberry Shortcake

RSVP Now! Seating is limited Call 941-639-3720 (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

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


All the Following Information is for Our Community. 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.

New Members

Mission Statement

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

Lennore Shubel, Realtor – Coldwell Banker, Sunstar

(631) 741-4589

1200 W. Retta Esplanade

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

lennore@liveswflorida.com

www.liveswflorida.com

Real Estate

Sponsored by Elaine Martin

 

Suncoast Web Pros Inc

Doug Heavener

(800) 743-1304, (941) 447-4685

158 Morgan Lane SE

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

info@suncoastwebpros.com

www.suncoastwebpros.com

Web Design/Online Marketing

Sponsored by Rex Koch,

Koch & Co. CPA, PA

 

Your 941 News

Jim Gouvellis

(863) 969-7454

2280 Aaron Street

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

gouvellis@your941.com

www.your941.com

Media – News & Advertising

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) T.T’s Tiki Bar located on the Charlotte Harbor at the Four Points by Sheraton is the place to be! Click to see our music line up each weekend, including No Filter on September 12th. Also, don’t miss out on our daily food specials that are the best in town. We look forward to serving you!

Captain’s Table (Gold) – The Wine Dinners are Back!

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!

Centennial Bank (Silver) – August Circular

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – Our shop is open to the public by appointment only. Check out our current Hunter Douglas Promotion, The Smart Shades Rebate Savings Event, that is going on now through September 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) – A Shot in the Dark.

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 – Come and discover the Dance Fusion craze with instructor Carla Peralta in a FREE class via Zoom or at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association location at 2001 Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Mark your calendar for September 8th from 10 to 10:30 AM and get ready to dance your way to a new body and attitude? This fun, medium to high intensity workout incorporates familiar dance steps to favorite international and American dance tunes. You must register at the PGICA by calling 941-637-1655 or emailing info@pgica.org. Be sure to indicate if you will be Zooming or attending in person. All levels welcome; no jumping impact; FREE! Limit 10. Come and dance, dance, dance!

Visual Arts Center (Support) Join us for the Live Virtual Open House Sept 9-11 at facebook.com/VACPuntaGorda. Open Studios & Zoom Online classes begin Sept 14. Onsite classes will begin Oct 8. To view a Class Schedule and Register visit www.VisualArtCenter.org. 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


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.


Members Information

Copperfish Books – Open Mon – Sat 10 am – 4 pm. Shop safely in-person by private appointment, or, if we have space available, you can come in to shop! We allow up to 4 shoppers in the store at one time. 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. Indie List for September.

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.

Gulfshore Opera – New Website Launch.

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – Saturday Wine Tastings are BACK….with a twist. To follow CDC guidelines, our tastings are by reservations only. Book your group of six or less today at 941-505-0479. Cheers!!!

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.

USA Dance #6126 – Come back and Dance! September Calendar.

Fishermen’s Village – September Calendar of Events.

Buffalo Graffix – Our New Normal.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Fall has returned! Enjoy a seasonal favorite, our Haley Handcrafted Pumpkin Spice, added to your latte, cappuccino, or frappe. Don’t forget some fresh baked fall pasties including Apple Crumb Cheesecake Bars, Apple Custard Leaves, and even Cinnamon Buns.

Calenda Real Estate Group – Punta Gorda Real Estate Update and Announcement.

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

Village Fish Market – The Village Fish Market is proud to announce that breakfast is now being served daily from 8am to 12pm. For an extra special Chamber discount join us Monday to Friday until September 4th and enjoy Sue’s Special Discount of Buy One Get One, of equal or lesser value, 50% off. Not to be combined with any other offer.

John Bothwell P.A., eXp Realty – 4 Steps to Choosing the Right Bid

Promotional Marketing Online –  2021 Florida Wall Calendars on Sale https://www.promotionalmarketingonline.com/p/XPYDM-SNJPW/florida-calendar
Promote your business with Set of 2 Vehicle Magnets https://www.promotionalmarketingonline.com/p/DAZKF-XZHSS/set-of-2-vehicle-magnets—12×18 Contact Karen Reed, 941.347.8564 www.promotionalmarketingonline.com

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Virtual Coalition Meeting September 15

Military Heritage Museum – New Events

Phoenician Treatment Spa – Reopening!

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Save up to 30% on your pet’s food!

The Yoga Sanctuary – All That’s Happening at the Yoga Sanctuary.

Peace River Wildlife Center – Re-Opening TODAY, September 4, 2020.

Charlotte Community Foundation – Engaging opportunity for Charlotte County Non-Profits

SCORE – Women in Business 2020 Forum.

Connect Print & Promotions – YOUR source for events & promotional gift ? swag, branded apparel & commercial printing — website www.connectpromo.net

or contact us for a personal recommendation tailored specifically for your business & branding: office phone (888) 978-3437 email: kim@connectpromo.net … it’s ALWAYS about the people ??? #fortheloveofprinting

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

Vision Quest Leadership – Upcoming Event, When Life Gives You Lemons…September 23


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 SolutionsPort Charlotte Job Openings


Newsletters

ARCHway InstituteSeptember Recovery Month Kick-Off

Centennial Bank – August Circular

Charlotte Arts – Newsletter

Copperfish Books – News & Events for September & Beyond

Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Convenient Access

FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers – Don’t Miss Out!

Gregg’s Automotive – September 2020

Hope 4 Communities – August Newsletter

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz – New Routes

SandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – The SandStar Insider

TIME Realty Services Inc – Newsletter

United Way of Charlotte County Newsletter, We’re Fine.

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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New Executive Director Position

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