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 August 10, 2021.
For Our Members Only
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR SEPTEMBER 2021. We are very pleased to announce that our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM has returned 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 programming 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
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau – August Update
From Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Controller, Charlotte County: Here at the Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, we’re ready to connect and share exciting news with you! That’s exactly why you’ll find us on your favorite social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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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]
Job Fair
Looking for Qualified Employees?
The Chamber, in partnership with CareerSource Southwest Florida, will be hosting a job fair at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on Tuesday, August 31st from 3-7pm. It’s just $50 for chamber members and $100 for non-members to participate. Please contact Tara at 941-639-3720 or tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com for more details or to register. Space is limited so please don’t delay!
Also, don’t forget to send Tara your weekly job listings to be included in our Tuesday employment email. Open positions are being filled! If you’re looking for a job, the listings can also be found on the chamber website HERE.
A Night Of Swing!
Make A Difference…While Having Fun!
Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox
MUSIC TO RAISE THE ROOF!
Benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program
Saturday, October 16th at Gulf Theater at The Military Heritage Museum
Doors open at 6pm – Music at 7pm
Intermission by Punta Gorda’s own Calendar Girls
Have you reserved your seats yet?!?
Tickets and more details can be found HERE!
Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY
Networking Events – August/Sept. 2021
August 17: Business After Hours 5:30pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Helgemo Team at Compass. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
August 25: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Laishley Crab House located 150 Laishley Ct.. Reservations Required. Guest Speaker: Dave Gammon, Charlotte County Economic Development Director. 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
ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR CHAMBER LUNCHEONS ARE ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE
September 8: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Beef O’ Brady’s, hosted by Punta Gorda History Center for Business over Breakfast! Beef O’ Brady’s is located at 1105 Taylor Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
Part of the program for this breakfast will also constitute the annual meeting of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. The only item on the agenda for this meeting, since there are no voting matters, will be the introduction of the 2021/20222 Executive Board of Directors. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
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.
Lowrey Mobile Notary
Beverly Lowrey
(941) 777-2552
Mobile Notary
Sponsored by: Nanette Leonard
Partners in Action News
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Lobster Pots are back! Please join us on Fridays at the Dockside Grill located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside. We offer the full lobster with all the trimmings for only $21.95. Come back on Saturday for our Prime Rib special that you won’t want to miss! Due to the storm approaching, we have canceled our live entertainment for the weekend. Be safe everyone! The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – The residential real estate market is moving!
108 New listings, 148 Sold/Closed,
175 Pending/New Contracts
Still little to no inventory. Are you thinking of selling a property? Give Della Booth a call 239-699-4493 and put her 23 years local experience to work for you. TIME Realty Services, Punta Gorda, FL
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to Noon.
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
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – The most anticipated event of the new season may be an appearance by the The Oak Ridge Boys on Tuesday, March 28, 2022, at the Charlotte Harbor and Conference Center. 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, Tickets went on sale Aug. 2.
Would you like to sponsor the Oak Ridge Boys Concert? Click here for options or click here to see other options to support the Langdon Playhouse.
Military Heritage Museum (Bronze In Kind) – September 30th: 2021 Distinguished Civilian Award Dinner Featuring Flavors of Punta Gorda
November 13th: Salute to Veterans Golf Scramble at St. Andrew’s South Golf Club
Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know that of the twenty plus post offices established in today’s Charlotte County during the 1870’s to 1920’s over half were south of the Peace River?
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (Support) – Fundraiser at the Twisted Fork Saturday, August 14th from Noon – 5pm. Music, Food, Raffles and More!
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Did you know that Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is participating member of the Museums for All program? Show your SNAP benefit card at the ticket booth and a family up to four members can visit for just $3. If you’d like to see the other 700 parks and museums that participate, please visit https://museums4all.org/
Member Information
Valerie’s House – Valerie’s House has two amazing fundraising events coming up. We are having a Bingo Fundraising event benefitting Valerie’s House on Saturday, September 25th 6-9pm at the Charlotte Memorial Reception Center. Please purchase tickets at https://valerieshouseswfl.networkforgood.com/events/32740-bingo-for-valerie-s-house
We are also having A Night of Swing!! Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program. This event will be Saturday, October 16th at 6pm. Please purchase tickets at AudienceView Professional (ovationtix.com)
Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – Sunday, August 29th 4 course wine dinner featuring the food and wines from Sicily
Divine Global Recovery – Divine Global Recovery and Neice Restoration now have a weekly radio show called “Come Together” hosted by Pete and Shannon O’Shea and it airs on WKDW 97.5 FM on Sundays at 7 PM and Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. Listen live as well at www.kdwradio.com. We bring business leaders and non profit leaders “together” to discuss why they love what they do. We showcase community pride, unity and hopefulness. We find solutions and support each other. We come together. We are always looking for good guests for the show. We have already had Christine Carey of Valerie’s House, Della Booth, Jeff Frankhauser and Marie LaBrosse as very inspirational guests and upcoming exciting guests include The Loveland Center, Habitat for Humanity and the chamber’s own John Wright. We tape the show each week on Thursdays at noon at the WKDW studios at 12737 Tamiami Trail North Port. We can also do remotes for special events. For more information on being a guest or to donate your time, talent or treasure to help victims of natural disasters, please call (844) 99 – DIVINE.
Bayfront Health – Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda is looking for volunteers that are compassionate and caring and are willing to commit 4 hours per week for at least a 6 month time period with a minimum of 60 hours.
Our volunteers graciously donate their time and energy assisting our patients and staff. Depending on your interests and the needs of the facility, you may volunteer in areas that provide you with patient interaction, like the emergency room and information desk, or in areas like the business office, human resources and the education department. You will have the opportunity to volunteer at any of our facilities: Bayfront Health Port Charlotte or Bayfront Health Punta Gorda. Prospective volunteers are interviewed for placement, attend an orientation session and receive required training.
Apply online at https://www.bayfrontcharlotte.com/volunteer-opportunities. For more information please email heather.rozelle@bayfronthealth.com.
Charlotte Harbor Dragons – Are you looking for a fun way to alleviate some of that stress? Well, I have just the thing for you. The Charlotte Harbor Dragons, a competitive dragon boat club is now accepting new members. It is a great way to clear your mind, have some fun and get some great exercise. We have paddlers from their 30’s to their 70’s, so all are welcome to try. 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.
Suncoast Humane Society – Kayak Day! August 21st 10am – 2pm Grilling, Raffles & Fun at Glass Bottom Rentals in Placida. Clear bottom kayaks, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes.
BIG Sale Alert! Stop into our Englewood Thrift store August 10 through 17 for 50% off everything marked in red and yellow, including furniture! This is 90% off the stock that we currently have on the sales floor, so hurry in to see what treasures await you
Senior Friendship Centers – August 17 -18 Friendship Challenge! Have your gift matched.
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – TODAY! Charlotte Idol is back! Auditions will be Friday, August 13th at 6:00 p.m. and will be streamed at www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyHomelessCoalition ,40 singers will compete to have a chance to win cash prizes. Give back by dining and watching auditions at Beef O’Brady’s located at 1105 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda that evening. Will you be the next Charlotte Idol? Register by emailing CharlotteIdolHC@gmail.com. Singers must be 16 years old and a $20 registration fee. Finals will be at Kingsgate on August 28th!
For sponsorships call Darcy Woods at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 134.
Charlotte County Historical Center Society – 20th Annual Authentic Live Maine Lobster Bake Saturday, September 25th. Details here!
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Students are back to school this week! Good luck this year students, we wish you safe studies. If you need some coffee or tea to wake you up in the morning, we are here for you. We are always available for over the phone for togo orders at 941 916 9095, we also do curbside pickup.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – This we celebrate a very delicious holiday, National Creamsicle Day is this Saturday! Can you believe that this time last year we were searching for a new chocolate combination, and someone requested Orange Creamsicle. After much hard work and handcrafting we crafted our very own Orange Creamsicle White Molded Chocolate. This might be a limited flavor so stop and try one today. With over 60 different Molded Chocolate Combinations with a variety of Rich, White, Milk, and Dark Chocolate, we have something for everyone.
Loveland Center – Loveland Center is proud to partner with Perfectly Polished Nails – during the month of August, for anyone who gets their nails painted Maroon, Perfectly Polished will donate $5 to Loveland. Perfectly Polished will also be collecting hurricane supplies to make emergency kits for Loveland Participants. Divine Global Recovery will be helping Loveland Participants to assemble the kits and learn how to use the items in an emergency.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Up to $75 off heartworm, flea, and tick medication.
Fisherman’s Village – August calendar of events.
Punta Gorda Symphony – 21/22 Season! Save the dates. Punta Gorda Symphony returns to the stage at Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus this August with a set of new indoor chamber music concerts.
Gulfshore Opera – Season 8 Social Events! A Night in Italy on Tour March 31 – April 5, 2022
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Step 4 – Research Exit Options By: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP As a business owner, you have several options for how you would like to exit your business. Walking To Destiny describes seven of the most popular exit options in inside and outside ways. The inside exit options include: intergenerational transfer, management buyout, sale to existing partners, and an ESOP. The outside options include: sale to a third party, recapitalization, and orderly liquidation. Continue reading: https://covenant-business.com/steps-to-take-be…it-your-business/
Our client objectives include: INCREASING YOUR INCOME DECREASING YOUR TAXES IMPROVING YOUR NET WORTH
Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night! Next week: Step 5 – Plan For Your Third Act
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – We’re looking for VOLUNTEERS for our construction sites and ReSale Stores. This is an amazing opportunity for you and your staff to get out into the community and give back and collaborate together with a team-building activity. See how more details HERE.
Drug Free Punta Gorda – **Change in August 17th Meeting!! Due to Community Health Precautions, we are changing this Coalition meeting to a VIRTUAL FORMAT ONLY. We sincerely hope you will be able to join us. Promising information you won’t want to miss! Details can be found HERE.
Englewood Beach Waterfest – Englewood Beach Waterfest is back, and this year’s event promises to be one for the record books! The Englewood Beach Waterfest (EBW) Board of Directors is excited to announce that North Myrtle Beach (NMB) RV Resort and Dry Dock Marina will be the 2021 Keystone Sponsor of the event scheduled for November 18-21, 2021 in Englewood, Florida.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – On October 29, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host the acoustic ensemble, Appalachian Road Show, for the first Rhythm on the River performance of the season. The group performs bluegrass and folk music, as well as original songs. The event will take place on the Ford lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m
Punta Gorda Airport – Allegiant announces new service to Austin and Bentonville.
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – TENNIS TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER – ‘Tis the Season Vivante Tennis Tournament – Benefiting Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, will be held Friday to Sunday, November 19th- 21st, 2021, at the Vivante Tennis Center, Punta Gorda FL. The 3rd Annual Tournament will include 2 days of play for tennis player levels 6, 7, 8 & Open. The tournament kicks off on Friday night with a Sponsor/Player Party. SPONSORSHIPS with benefits now available HERE. Contact Barb Robinson, at 941-628-3664.
It’s a M*A*S*H Party & FUN*draiser!! – The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic hosts its Annual Appeal Kick-off Party on Fri, OCT 8, 2021, 6-10 PM * Special Guest “Pvt. Igor Straminsky” (TV series Chef) Jeff Maxwell * Emcee: Stacey Deffenbaugh * MASH Costume Contest * Games * Food * Cash Bar * Holy Trinity Banquet Hall (Port Charlotte). $75 /pp. RSVP by Sept. 30, 2021. Get tickets online HERE OR Call/Email Karen: 941-276-4075 – kamador@volunteercare.org
C.A.R.E. – Want to learn how YOU can help make Charlotte County a safer community? Join us for our NEW Bystander Intervention training seminar on August 27th at 9:00am or 3:00pm located at our Englewood office 6868 San Casa Drive. You will learn techniques to safely diffuse/intervene in moments of conflict/violence tailored to your personal boundaries. Seminar will last 90 minutes with light refreshments provided. No one has to do everything, but everyone CAN do something. Register today HERE.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Community News
Ave Maria University Hosting Career Expo
Career Services at Ave Maria University is hosting a Business Career Expo on Tuesday, September 28 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Online registration takes place through Handshake.
Newsletters
ARCHway Institute – Newsletter
Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – August Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Copperfish Books – August Newsletter
Five Star Realty – July SandStar Insider
Lifestyles After 50 – What’s Happening in August
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Punta Gorda Mural Society – August Newsletter
The Yoga Sanctuary – August 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 tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.