The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is committed to improving the local business climate, because we believe that, when your business succeeds, our community also prospers.
The true value of the Chamber is its diverse membership, which is made up of both large and small businesses. There’s a lot to discover about YOUR Chamber and the many opportunities available to enhance your own business. We invite you to come and join us and to learn about how the Chamber operates to assist you.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Justin Brand
Pesident
Lee Health Foundation
(239) 343-6067
Justin is a strategic leader with over 10 years of experience in nonprofit development, community engagement, and organizational growth. As Director of Development at Golisano Children’s Hospital, he drives fundraising efforts and builds key partnerships to support impactful programs. Formerly Chief Development Officer at Charlotte Community Foundation, Justin advanced donor relations and strengthened community initiatives. Active in his community, he has served on boards including the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and Charlotte Estate Planning Council. Holding a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from SUNY Delhi, Justin is committed to creating positive change through collaboration and innovative solutions
Zarita Dixon
Secretery
Kingdom Life – Center of H.O.P.E.
(732) 644-2691
Dr. Zarita F. Mattox-Dixon inspires others to achieve their purpose and live their best life. She is the Founder and Dean of God’s Word First School of Christian Counseling and President of The Kingdom Center for H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Excel). Presently, Dream Chasers and Dream Maker is the Flagship program of The Kingdom Center for H.O.P.E. mentoring girls 10 years old and up. No Turning Back is a re-entry support for women coming out of prison. Dr. Zarita F. Mattox-Dixon believes that community service and involvement is an honor and a privilege and vital to every growing community.
Marjorie Benson
Past Chairwoman
Friendly Floors
(941) 624-0077
Marjorie Benson has been the owner and President of Friendly Floors for 30 years, a flooring company focused on excellence for the homeowner’s experience both in the showroom and in their own homes. Voted the #1 store for the last twenty of those years, Marjorie recently sold the business to focus on family and her passion for community involvement and support, particularly the not-for-profit sector.
Kim Weger
President Elect
Michael Saunders & CO
(941) 639-0000
With over 20 years of experience selling real estate in Punta Gorda, FL, Kim Weger offers unmatched expertise and a deep local connection. As a Managing Broker and a Broker Associate specializing in luxury properties, she provides personalized, top-tier service. Before her real estate career, Kim spent 18 years in the commercial airline industry and was able to gain a valuable education traveling the globe.
A dedicated community leader, Kim serves in key roles on the Board of Directors for the Punta Gorda Chamber, on several non-profit and community committees and as VP of Membership for Charlotte County Toastmasters International. She embraces servant leadership in all aspects of her life.
Carlton Hughes
Treasurer
Florida Premier Contractors
(941) 205-1400
Carlton Hughes is a Construction Executive with over 20 years’ experience in the commercial sector. As Partner and VP of Operations for Chalotte County based firm, FPC, Carlton has participated in some of the highest profile projects in the area. He is a long-time supporter of the Punta Gorda Chamber and its mission to promote the expansion of business activity in the City. Carlton lives in Punta Gorda with his wife and two daughters and can be found camping or boating in his free time.
Directors
Jacqueline Benjamin
Crews Bank & Trust
(941) 235-4444
Jacqueline Benjamin moved to Charlotte County in the 1970s and attended PGJHS, Charlotte High, and Manatee Community College. She joined Crews Bank & Trust in 2006 and is VP and Retail Banking Officer. Active in the community, Jacqueline is a director of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and chairs its Membership Committee. She also serves on the boards of the Punta Gorda Housing Authority, Fred Lang Foundation, and Friends of the Port Charlotte Public Library. She mentored students through Take Stock in Children with the Charlotte Local Education Foundation and helped oversee renovations of the Parkside Community Redevelopment Area.
Brett Hawker
Illusions Salon & Spa
(941) 505-5777
Brett Hawker moved to Florida from Michigan in 2003 and has called the Punta Gorda area home since 2009. His commitment to community service is evident through his roles on several local boards, including the North Port Young Professionals and the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition. Brett’s background also includes four years of service in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman, during which he supported humanitarian missions in Haiti and served at Camp Lejeune.
Currently, Brett and his wife run their salon & spa, Illusions, and he has been a dedicated member of the Punta Gorda Chamber board for the past four years. As chairman of the Downtown Merchants Association, Brett advocates for local businesses and works to enhance the downtown Punta Gorda area while supporting local charities.
Jennifer Beane
Beane Atkinson Financial Services
(941) 627-2236
Born in Memphis, TN, and raised in Naples since the age of 2, Jennifer considers herself a Florida native. She has been visiting Punta Gorda since 1994 and officially moved here in 2008 after college. She started working as a teacher in the Charlotte County Public Schools, but ultimately joined her family in 2015 to work in the family business. Jennifer serves as the Marketing & Client Relations Director and as an Administrative Assistant for Beane Atkinson Financial Services.
She sits on the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Resource Development Committee and just joined their board, incoming President for the Charlotte Players, and is in charge of the weekly Punta Gorda Pub Run.
Bill Comber
Superior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
(941) 575-9818
Born in Queens, New York, Bill moved to Punta Gorda in 1992 at the age of eighteen. After taking a few months to get settled, he started Superior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Inc. and has been servicing the residents of Southwest Florida ever since. Superior is an IICRC Certified firm that specializes in cleaning carpet, upholstery, tile/grout, area rugs, leather, window treatments and more. In April, Bill and his wife celebrated their one-year wedding Anniversary. Additionally, he has two children ages 26 and 28, plus a “bonus” child that will soon be 21 years old. The big baby of the Comber clan, is their “spoiled,” 140lb Neapolitan Mastiff, affectionally named Minne.
Stacy Schmidt
Sunseekers Resorts
(941) 867-3671
Director of Retail & Vendor Partnerships, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor
With over 25 years in luxury retail, grocery, wine, and spirits industries, Stacy Schmidt oversees Sunseeker’s unique retail offerings and develops local partnerships to create authentic guest experiences. Certified with a WSET Level 2 in Wine & Spirits, she excels in product selection, merchandising, and client relationships. Always seeking new adventures for guests, Stacy highlights the best of Southwest Florida. Her community engagement includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, where she represents Sunseeker Resort and supports local business growth.
Teresa Desquin
Meals on Wheels
(941) 639-8810
Teresa Desguin was born in south Central Minnesota and moved to Punta Gorda 28 years ago. She worked for iHeartRadio for 25 years and retired two years ago. She was president of the board of Meals On Wheels of Charlotte-County for many years and has retired from that. Teresa volunteers for the Punta Gorda Chamber and has been part of the board of directors for years. The chamber has always been a big part of her careers and she appreciates the support and family vibe the chamber has always provided. She is back on the Punta Gorda historic preservation board as an alternate as history and preservation are her passion along with her husband, grandchildren, and the rest of her family.
Melissa Bergey
Gator Wilderness Camp School
(941) 639-7722
Melissa Bergey was born and raised in Pennsylvania and found her way to Florida in 2017 to work at Gator Wilderness Camp School where she had volunteer at for 7 years prior. Her roles at Gator Camp consists of Family Worker, Marketing, and Public Relations. Melissa loves her boys and their families and most importantly, the Lord.
Wendy Tirado
Dream Salon & Spa
(941) 621-8311
Although born in Caguas, Puerto Rico Wendy definitely considers herself a Florida local. She’s been in Florida since she was three years old. “Everyone says we’re like unicorns!!” She’s a Charlotte Tarpon. Wendy’s goal was to bring a different experience, vibe, and energy when you stepped into Dream Salon & Spa. Dream Salon & Spa has won numerous awards including best hair salon, nail salon, spa, massage, and permanent make up. In 2021 she had the honor of winning Best of the Best for Charlotte County! She has built a team full of talent that is a force to be reckoned with and plans to continue to grow and serve Charlotte County.
Isaac James
Military Heritage Museum
(941) 575-9002
Isaac James is the Executive Director of the Military Heritage Museum and the Music Director at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. With a background as the former Manager of the Gulf Theater and former Executive Director of the Florida Philharmonic, Isaac moved to Punta Gorda from New York in December 2018 and is deeply committed to his community. He is dedicated to promoting the tourism industry in Charlotte County and is a strong advocate for small businesses and the local economy. Isaac also volunteers for numerous organizations in the county, contributing his expertise and passion to support the local community.
Kathy Robinson
Centennial Bank
(941) 347-3344
Kathy Robinson relocated to Florida in 2005, with her husband Mark. With over 22 years of banking experience, Robinson joined Centennial bank in 2015, she currently serves as the Vice President, Charlotte County Market Leader. She is committed to Charlotte County, and has held significant positions in a variety of Non-profit organizations, such as, the American Cancer Society, Virginia B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, and the Charlotte County United Way. She is a graduate of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce “Leadership Charlotte Program” class of 2009, she also served as the Charlotte County Chamber, President in 2018 – 2019.
Ed Wotitzky
Wotitzky Law Office
(941) 639-2171
Ed was born in Punta Gorda, and returned to practice law in 1981. He is board certified in real estate law, and devotes the bulk of his practice to real property sales, business transactions, and community association matters. Over the years Ed has been involved with a number of community associations; serving on the boards of Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, Fred Lang Foundation, Cultural Center of Charlotte County, and Punta Gorda History Center. As Chairman of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce for the 2011-2012 year he attests to the benefits Chamber membership has provided him from business, professional and personal levels.
Associate Directors
Jackie Stover
J Meraki Beauty Emporium
(941) 347-8287
Jackie has over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry. Her passion is creating, and she wanted to create a space where artists would feel inspired. When people are inspired it brings out their best work. She wants clients to have an amazing experience from the moment they walk in to the moment they walk out. She has always been a creative person and knew from a very young age that she would choose an industry that could create beauty. When she decided to create J. Meraki Beauty Emporium she knew that her vision was going to focus on creating beauty all around from the salon decor, staff and our clients.! Jackie is a native and loved growing up here.
Belinda Campbell
Pomegranate & Fig
(941) 205-2333
Belinda, owner of Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique for over 13 years, has seamlessly blended her corporate fashion expertise with her passion for small businesses to create a one-of-a-kind shopping destination. Her boutique has consistently been recognized, winning numerous awards as the best gift shop in the area. The goal of Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique is to provide the best customer service and personal shopping experience for all guests. A proud Charlotte County native, Belinda is deeply committed to her community. Through her involvement with Women United, she dedicates her time and talents to organizing impactful events and fundraisers that support women and families. In her free time, Belinda enjoys exploring new places and traveling with her family.
Molly Wright
Suncoast Beverage Sales
(239) 332-5467
I have worked at Suncoast Beverage Sales since May 1996.I am the VP Corporate Affairs, where she works with the Marketing Department with key initiatives helping with and delivering the message. I sit on the Cape Coral Chamber Board as well as a few others in the Fort Myers -Naples market. Suncoast Beverage Sales acquired Peace River Distribution 3 years ago, I began exploring the Punta Gorda area and soon realized I wanted to become better involved. I am very excited to sit on the Punta Gorda Chamber board to help bring ideas from other markets to a growing community.
Past Chairs
2023-2024 Marjorie Benson
2022-2023 Cherie George
2021-2022 Alexia Martin
2020-2021 June Amara
2019-2020 Debra Trenholm
2018-2019 Melanie Markel
2017-2018 Sue Randall
2016-2017 Mike Martin
2015-2016 Brenda Lynch
2014-2015 Della Booth
2013-2014 Jose Morillo, Ron Monck, Della Booth
2012-2013 Ron Monck
2011-2012 Ed Wotitzky
2010-2011 Dorothy Strunk
2009-2010 Ron Olsen
2008-2009 Kathy Silverberg
2007-2008 Rick Wright
2006-2007 Patti Pierron
2005-2006 James Roland
2005-2004 Glenn Larson
Chair Emeritus Connie Kantor
Ex-Officio Appointees
- Chief Pamela Davis – Punta Gorda Police Dept.
- Dave Gammon – Director of Economic Development for Charlotte County
- Greg Murray – Punta Gorda City Manager
- Nancy Johnson – TEAM Punta Gorda
- James Parish – Charlotte County Airport Authority
- Kim Amontree – Charlotte County School Board
- Hector Flores – Charlotte County Administrator
- Sean Doherty – Tourism Director, Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau
- Tyler Canfield – Punta Gorda Fire Department
- David Lane – Charlotte County Clerk of the Court
Our Staff
Val Edmunds
Interim Executive Director
vjohnson@puntagorda-chamber.com
Diane Ford
Office Manager
reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
Chamber Committees
- Works with the Chamber staff to execute business seminars that benefit the wider PGCC membership.
- Proposes programs to increase membership. To attend and present to local and county groups, with a view to explaining the benefits of PGCC membership. To mentor new members. To act as introducer to new members at BAHs, BOBs and networking luncheons. To propose and assist in implementation of membership drives.
- Suggests relevant topics of interest that effect Chamber members which can be addressed by seminars or other similar programs.
- Provides guest speakers at BAHs , BOBs and seminars that can address members issues.
- Puts together a membership assistance pack – showing the expertise that the Chamber has already within its members.
- Provides referral assistance to new businesses looking at Punta Gorda as a destination.
- Prepares relevant information for the PGCC website.
- Works with the Chamber Staff to invite political candidates to meet the PGCCmembership at BOBs and lunches.
- Recommends and organize profitable events that bring local, state and federal issues to the attention of our membership i.e. Hob Nob
- Encourages participation of local politicians in our Chamber.
- Writes Chamber policy on local and state issues for Board approval.
- Represents the Chamber in conjunction with the Chamber President at relevant Government affairs meetings i.e. City Council meetings
- PGD’s seasonally-adjusted passenger activity fell to 158,505 in March 2024, down 3 percent from February 2024 and 5 percent over March 2023.
- Seasonally-adjusted real tourist tax revenues in Charlotte County rose to $760.1 thousand in February 2024, up 11 percent from the January 2024 measure and 32 percent over February 2023
- Seasonally-adjusted real taxable sales in Charlotte County totaled $339.5 million in February 2024, down 10 percent from January 2023 and 5 percent below January 2024
- Charlotte County’s unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in March 2024, unchanged from the prior month and a 0.4 percentage point increase from March 2023.
- Charlotte County recorded 377 permits issued in March 2024, up 33 percent from March 2023 and 7 percent over February 2024.
Chamber Guardians & Supporters
The following people have pledged in perpetuity their individual support to the Punta Gorda Chamber and its work and are forever recognized for their contribution. Thank you!
Hazel & Rev. Bill Klossner
Michael Haymans
Danny & Carla Nix
Elaine & Pat Martin
Cherie George