Friday Facts for April 30, 2021

Friday Facts!

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts.

For Our Community and All Our Members

From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on April 27.


For Our Members Only

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR JUNE 2021. 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 Community and All Our Members

Charlotte County Centennial Year begins. STARTS TODAY The Hibiscus Festival is set for April 30-May 2 at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda.

City Wide Garage Sale. LAST OF THE SEASON – TOMORROW May 1, 2021, 8am to 12noon at 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd (Bal Harbor Plaza). Click here for application or call Chamber office (941 639-3720) to book a slot.

From The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. The City of Punta Gorda mask ordinance has sunset. As a result, each business going forward will be individually in control of what stance they wish to take. At the PG Chamber, although we continue to encourage mask wearing for visitors, it will no longer be required. For our outdoor events, such as the Farmers’ Market, the Governor did extend the current protocols for a further 60 days beyond May 1st, so our vendors will continue with the social distancing of tents and the wearing of masks for those vending/serving until further notice is received. Masks wearing at the market is preferred.

From Punta Gorda City. The City of Punta Gorda is seeking resident and business owner comments regarding the FY 2022 City Budget. Feedback is being accepted via email at citymgr@cityofpuntagordafl.com or by calling (941) 575-3302 through the end of April.

From Punta Gorda Airport. Sun Country Announces Service from Minneapolis to PGD.
TSA PreCheck Mobile Enrollment Returns to PGD June 1-11.

From the Charlotte County Economic Development Office. In keeping with Enterprise Florida’s commitment to providing minority and small businesses with training, development and financing options, MaSBEC will launch EFI’s first ever MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS BOOT CAMP on April 7th (to occur every other Wednesday through Aug 25th). This webinar series is designed to equip minority and small businesses with various tools needed for growth.  Each hour-long session will provide small business owners, staff and team members with resources needed to create, maintain and grow a successful business.  One time registration will allow attendees to participate in all 11 sessions. Boot Camp details.

From Charlotte County School Board. We have good news to share. Free childcare is available for birth to 4 years old through our Early Head Start and Head start programs. Registration is taking place now and is based on income. Information is attached.

From CCSO. Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office offers no cost construction site no trespassing signs. Call the Crime Prevention Office at 941-613-3227. Always remember to remove all valuables, key/key fob & guns and lock your vehicle. As a friendly reminder to our business community, please remember to lock all your doors, set alarms and cameras and if possible, remove cash. If you see something suspicious, say something! Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency number is 941-639-0013.

Your Priority Appointment for COVID Vaccine at Medicine Shoppe Punta Gorda. Medicine Shoppe Punta Gorda is offering you a priority appointment to get the two-shot Moderna Vaccine. Due to the recent joint FDA and CDC statement regarding a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we have opened up more vaccine availability for the Moderna appointments. If you would like to book your priority appointment for the Moderna vaccine, please email 1441@medicineshoppe.com or simply call 941-505-1095 to book an appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Charlotte County. Preregister for a vaccination appointment online at MyVaccine.FL.gov or call 866-200-9160 (or 833-990-3549 for TTY users). More vaccine availability information online: charlotte.floridahealth.gov/events/2021/01/CharlotteCOVID-19VaccineInfo.html and www.charlottecountyfl.gov/covid-19/vaccine-faq.stml

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Where’s John Now?

Take a Tour of a Local Business and Chamber Member with John. CLICK HERE to find out where he visited this week.

This video will be shared here in Friday Facts, on our Chamber website, and on our Chamber Social Media pages. If you would like to have a visit from John please contact Tara Zajas at tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call the office (941) 639-3720 to schedule a date. [/box]


Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

Networking Events for May 2021

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 4pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

May 12: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 – 8:30 am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Four Points by Sheraton, in The Library, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda.

May 18: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours hosted by Dockside Grill (on the Patio) at Four Points by Sheraton, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!

May 26: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Village Fish Market,1200 W. Retta Esplanade, #J36, Punta Gorda. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. NOTE: Cancellations not accepted after 3pm on Friday before event. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.

Ribbon Cuttings in May

NEXT WEEK May 3: Ribbon Cutting for Take Me There Sailing at 5.30pm. Join us at Burnt Store Marina, slip I-5, for “Take me There Totally” cocktail and discount coupons for attendees. RSVP IS ESSENTIAL to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720, by Friday, April 30, due to limited space on the dock. Sign up early for this unique experience.


All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Please Support Our Local Businesses!


New Members

Mission Statement

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

Epiphany Health

Anne Horner

(941) 423-9936

2975 Bobcat Village Ctr. Road, Ste 100

North Port FL 34288

anne@epiphanyhealth.org

www.epiphanyhealth.org

Physician/Primary Care

Sponsored by Tara Zajas

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) –  The Dockside Grill, located inside the Four Points by Sheraton, is now taking reservations for our 3 course Mother’s Day feast. Please call 941-637-6770 for more details and to make a reservation at $29.95 per person. Don’t forget to take advantage of our AYCE Haddock Fish Fry on Fridays and our specialty Prime Rib on Saturday. After dinner, head on down to the tiki for drinks and listen to one of your favorite bands play the night away. The Tiki Bar….The Place To Be!

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) –  Do you want to know the latest in local real estate statistics? Find out that and more in our monthly newsletter. Sign up now: https://bit.ly/32WeUyg TIME Realty Services is your local hometown Realtor for the last 23 years. How can we help you? Call Broker Della Booth with all of your questions. 239-699-4493

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Latest Newsletter.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) –  is your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. We offer all types of custom window treatments for any business or commercial setting with 2 locations to serve you. Call for your FREE In-Home consultation! 941-637-0015 / 941-828-0000

PG Social House (Silver) – Join us with Peace River Harbor Heights Rotary Club for Bogies & Stogies Golf Tournament on May 22 at St Andrews South, Punta Gorda – Shotgun Start 8am

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Bronze) – SATURDAY C.A.R.E. Auxiliary Society partners with the Yoga Sanctuary to present Yoga & Wine on May 1st, 2021 11:00AM at the beautiful History Park located near downtown. Keep calm and get your yoga & wine on with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary! NEXT WEEK If you can’t join us there, then come with us to Vasani on May 6 at 8pm.

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – The 21-22 Season is on sale now for Series Renewal! Series A gets you a package deal for all Langdon Shows. May 10th any single tickets can be purchased. Go to Charlotte Players Facebook Page to see the lineup and to print the subscription form. You can mail it in to 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33953 or call 941-255-1022. You can always drop off the form at the office. We have a great line-up for our 61st season!

Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – GO is Ready for Summer! Announcing two summer camps and a workshop, for singers ranging from elementary school to professional artists.

Animal Welfare League (Support) – NEXT WEEK Invites all animal lovers to attend its Mask-R-Aid event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 6 at the Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Road. Join us, along with our presenting sponsor, Gettel Automotive, for this outdoor casual fundraising event that will help support the life saving work of the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. For more information, visit www.awlshelter.org or call 941-625-6720.  Pets of the Week. Contact us at 3519 Drance St, Port Charlotte, FL 33980. (941) 625-6720.

Fabulous Finds, Homeless Coalition (Support) – SATURDAY The 1st Annual “Hope for Homeless” Spring Golf Scramble event to benefit The Homeless Coalition will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Deep Creek Golf Club located at 1260 San Cristobal Avenue in Deep Creek. Check-in is at 7:30 am and shotgun is at 8:30am. The cost is $85 and includes: 25 chance auction tickets, 2 drink tickets, a continental breakfast, a delicious lunch and mulligans for your team. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot.

Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Punta Gorda the City of Hibiscus.

Military Heritage Museum (Support) – Battle of the BEST Golf Tournament at Paradise Golf on June 5. Registration 7.30am, Shotgun Start 8.30am. Application Form for teams and Hole Sponsors.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Clips from the Garden.

Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Show your support and during your appointment with us, choose teal as the color for your nails and we will donate $5 to C.A.R.E. (Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies). Post your nails on Facebook or Instagram and you will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a $100 Visa Gift Card. Call 941-889-8388 to book your appointment.


Member Information

Suncoast Humane Society – TODAY Adopt ‘Em All adoption event EXTENDED to April 30. Also April 30 we will be celebrating National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day.

ARCHway Institute – TONIGHT Virtual Gala & Auction on at 7.30pm EST.

Charlotte County Historical Center Society – THIS WEEKEND The 16th Annual Hibiscus Festival April 30 – May 2.

Punta Gorda Kiwanis – SATURDAY presents Whitney Grace performing a Broadway Review choreographed by Mark Santoro (owner of Port Charlotte Hot Yoga), on May 1 at 3pm at First Baptist of Punta Gorda, 459 Gill Street. They have generously donated their time and talent to benefit Kiwanis which supports kids of Charlotte County. Please donate generously for this Win Win endeavor.

St Vincent de Paul – SATURDAY WE ARE BACK! The first St Vincent de Paul rummage sale the pandemic is back. The people of Charlotte County have been very generous donating clothing, household items, tools, furniture, linens, toys, books and whatever else you can think of. 25200 Airport & Taylor Road, Saturday May 1st from 9:00 to 12:00. Rain date Saturday May 8. Please join Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in our continuing efforts to assist those in need. Masks are required for shoppers and all St Vincent helpers.

Twin Isles Country Club – STARTS TOMORROW Summer Promotions 2021 May 1 to September 30. Golf. Tennis.

Charlotte Behavioral Health Care – TOMORROW Upcoming Mental Health Walk on May 1, 2021. Bee Heard.

SCORE – NEXT WEEK 4-Part Marketing & Technology Live Stream Series begins May 3, Noon to 1pm. Also, Small Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE on a drop-in basis. Stop by the North Port City Hall, room 350 on Friday May 7th from 9 to noon. Certified Mentors Nils Weibulll and Thom Malkus will be available for a casual chat about your business and the challenges you are facing. SCORE is powered by the SBA and offers confidential business mentoring at no cost. Visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.

Copperfish Books – NEXT WEEK Kids Superhero Activity on Tuesday May 4 – Reading is My Superpower. Virtual Author Events. Great Upcoming Books We Know You’ll Love.

Divine Global Recovery – NEXT WEEK is having a “Mother Nature Art Contest” on Thursday May 6th from 5 – 7 PM at PG Social House – 124 Cross St. Punta Gorda. Submissions can be a photo, drawing or a painting and can be no larger than 11 1/2 by 17 and must be family friendly. Submissions must be turned into PG Social House no later than 5 PM on May 5th. Must be 12 and over to enter and must be present to win. For more info call 844 – 99 – DIVINE.

Gregg’s Automotive – Mother’s Day Raffle. Click Here for details. Memorial Day Raffle.

Florida Skin Center – Conducts Clinical Research Study on Eczema Medication.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Mother’s day is right around the corner. Get Mom a Handcrafted Coffee and Tea Gift Basket this year with a variety of Tea’s, Coffee’s, Steeper’s, Mug’s and more. Let us handcraft a basket and even add items from our sister shop, the variety couldn’t get any better. We have everything from AM to PM!

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – National Truffle Day is THIS WEEK! We have our Haley Handcrafted Chocolate Truffles from a variety of White, Milk, Rich, and Dark Chocolates. Our Chocolates are Handcrafted and Hand-Painted right here in our own Chocolate Factory right behind our Coffee & Tea Shop in Downtown Punta Gorda. Our Chocolatiers are hard at work crafting our NEW summer chocolates that will be coming soon out soon. Come down and help us celebrate this amazing and delicious National Holiday. This is also the week for International Viognier Day (April 30th)! We have Yalumba Organic South Viognier, a refreshing South African White that for a relaxing addition to your day! See our assortment of International Wines and pair them with our world-class chocolates & cheese! Smaaklite ete! (Bon Appetit in South African!).

Pinch A Penny – Get up to $250 on Pool Cleaners!

Sunny Days Ice Cream – Starting to plan a graduation? Why not have something different for your grad? Hire the Sunny Days Ice Cream Truck for a special treat! We are mobile and can come to you wherever you are holding your party, the beach, the park, a residence, an event center. We carry pre packaged novelty ice cream. Visit our website at http://www.sunnydaysicecream.com to learn more about us. Email us at info@sunnydaysicecream.com or call 941-255-1889 to book. Hurry dates fill fast!

Charlotte Technical College – Medical Assisting Training Opportunities.

Florida Gulf Coast University – Start a Rewarding Career in the Medical Field!

Vision Quest Leadership – Would you like to play Biz Builder BINGO?

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – This will put a spring in your step.

The Firm 360 Photography – Don’t forget The Firm 360 Photography when they’re gone. Who is “they” you might ask? Snowbirds! They are leaving soon. Remind them of what they have looked at with a Virtual Tour. They are great for real estate and businesses alike and they give people inside views right from their phones and laptops. We can do that for you. Call us today to arrange a Virtual Walking Tour for your business or homes for sale. 941-347-8198. www.thefirm360.com

Valerie’s House – is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier County. Contact Christine Carey to volunteer, mentor, refer families, fundraising opportunities, and/or donate (christine@valerieshouse.org or 239-841-0382). We can also schedule Valerie’s House Tours. Valerie’s House’s website: www.valerieshouse.org

Take Me There Sailing – is now based in Burnt Store Marina offering all- inclusive day sails or overnight charters on a 60-foot sailboat. Sail, kayak, snorkel, fish, lounge on deck, and sail under the stars. Licensed to provide food and alcohol, all meals and drinks are included. Charters are customized to exceed your expectations and create unforgettable memories. Book online or call to discuss your special event. https://takemetheresailing.com or 941-259-0977.

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

Rossman Realty Property Management – manages over 1300 properties annual, seasonal, Vacation, and commercial accounts. We are offering top dollar to other property management companies wanting to sell their rental contracts in Southwest Florida. Email Corey Meldahl @ corey@rossmanrealty.com or call 239-333-7357.

Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – PART ONE: Fundamentals of the Operations Process. The military’s framework for exercising mission command is the operations process— the major mission command (business owner) activities performed during operations: planning, preparing, executing, and continuously assessing the operation. Commanders (business owners), supported by their staffs, use the operations process to drive the conceptual and detailed planning necessary to understand, visualize, and describe their operational environment; make and articulate decisions; and direct, lead, and assess military (business) operations. Continue reading at: https://covenant-business.com/fundaments-of-th…erations-process/ Next blog, Part Two: The Nature of Operations. Covenant Business Planning & Solutions is here for you and your business. Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!

Sea Grape Gallery – Presents Artists of the Month for May-June 2021. They will be featuring two of their artists, Vicki Glynn, watercolorist, and Sam Harris, custom hand carved knife designer.

Loveland Center – fundraiser at Panera Bread Port Charlotte, May 14th from 4 to 8 PM. 20% of all sales that present a flyer will be donated to Loveland. Please see digital flyer on Loveland’s facebook page.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Fort Myers Film Festival on May 14 at 7.30pm.

Fishermen’s Village – May Events Calendar. Celtic Music Day Event on May 15.

1st United Methodist Church/Life Center – Former NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers Randy Grimes is special Guest Speaker at Today Matter’s Mental Health Ministries on Saturday May 15, 2021 at 4pm.

Charlotte Community Foundation – Charlotte County Non-Profits Virtual Town Hall on May 18 at 4pm.

Suncoast Humane Society – Virtual Walk May 22, Tails On Trails.

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – Healing Field of Honor, May 28-31. Opening Ceremony May 28, 10am at Laishley Park. Click Here for Details. Flyer.

CDBIA – Join us at the Icehouse on July 10 for Darts! Team Registration Form


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – April Newsletter

Animal Welfare League – April Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – Newsletter

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Copperfish Books – April Newsletter

Hope4Communities – Newsletter

Lennore Shubel, Realtor Coldwell Banker Sunstar – Why Aren’t You Living in Florida?

Loveland Center – Newsletter

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – April Newsletter

Punta Gorda Symphony – April Tempo

Sandstar Remodeling – March Newsletter

Senior Friendship Centers – Spring 2021

The Yoga Sanctuary – What is your why?

TIME Realty Services – March Newsletter


Community News

Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP)
Invitation to attend the Climate Summit on May 6 at 9am
2021 Southwest Florida Climate Summit

Calling all SkyDivers: 9/11 Memorial, Flyers in the Air.


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 tzajas@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!