Friday Facts for August 6, 2021

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 3, 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

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
Tickets and more details can be found HERE!


Chamber Calendar of Events

Members ONLY

Networking Events for August 2021.

August 11: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am-8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, hosted by Gator Wilderness Camp School for Business over Breakfast! Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home is located at 9400 Indian Springs Cemetary Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

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


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

Crossed Keys Realty

Cristin Beverly

(941) 875-4691

207 Cross St.

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

crossedkeysrealty.com

Real Estate Brokerage

Sponsored by: Alexia Martin

Fur to Feathers Pet Sitting Services

Lesley Baber

(941) 661-2476

4810 Adeline Ave.

North Port, FL 34288

fur-to-feathers.com

Pet Sitting Services

Sponsored by: Tara Zajas

Paradise Pointe

Prashant Patel

(941) 269-2681

1425 Park Beach Circle

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

liveatparadisepointe.com

Condominium

Sponsored by: John Wright

Up in Smoke Punta Gorda

Tina Blair

(941) 626-7614

1105 Taylor Rd. Suite A

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Smoke Shop

Sponsored by: Tara Zajas


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! After dinner, head on down to dance the night away with one of our great bands. The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) –  Let’s talk about 2021 Q2 statistics! Charlotte county saw 2347 residential sales up 73%. *Cash sales were 50%(1173), *1422(61%) were under contract in 0-10 days on the market. The median price is $281K up 22%. How can I be of assistance to you? Put my 23 years of local experience to work – Let’s Sell Something Della Booth, 239-699-4493 TIME Realty Services

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

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.

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) – Clips from the Garden


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)

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 DragonsAre 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.

Copperfish BooksSea Turtles Everywhere! A talk, touch, and craft event for children! Monday, August 2nd 4-5 PM
Jason Vuic, In-person book talk Friday, August 6th.

Suncoast Humane Society – National Feed a Rescue Pet Week! Help feed their bellies.

Senior Friendship Centers – In the midst of the summer, heat and humidity have risen. You know what a blazing Florida summer feels like. But for seniors here in Southwest Florida it can be especially hard.

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – 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 – Book Lover’s Day is next week! Did you know that we have a small book corner where anyone can come in and borrow, trade, or keep a book on the shelf? We always have a variety of books from adult and even some children’s books. These change every day so come in and see what might be intriguing. We even have some book lovers who will return the book and sign their name and date it to see the history of where this book has gone. Don’t forget to try our NEW Frappe of the Month, our Coconut Almond Avalanche before it’s gone.

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Teachers and students are back to school this month! With this, we would like to remind all Teacher’s that we give a 15 Percent Discount at both of our shops, YEAR-ROUND. So come down and get yourself some wine, beer, chocolate, cheese, some fresh breakfast or even a nice hot cup of coffee in the morning. Don’t forget to come down to our Wine and Beer Tastings on Saturdays and get yourself something nice. Just show us your teacher badge and we will gladly give you the discount that all our teachers deserve.

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 – Soak up the sun and save up to 15%!

Fisherman’s VillageAugust 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 OperaSeason 8 Social Events! A Night in Italy on Tour March 31 – April 5, 2022

Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Step 3 –Decrease Wealth Gap By: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP How much money would you need to live comfortably if you exited your business tomorrow?

  • If you sold your business tomorrow, do you know how much money is it worth? The difference is called the Wealth Gap. Continue reading: https://covenant-business.com/steps-before-you…-your-business-3/
  • 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 4 – Research Exit Options

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 WaterfestEnglewood 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 EstatesNational Honey Bee Day Celebration and Plant Sale at Edison and Ford Winter Estates on August 21st.

Florida International Air Show – The 2021 FIAS Performer Lineup is Finalized for October 16th and 17th!

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 at www.VivanteTennisTournament.com. 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 https://volunteercare.org/mash OR Call/Email Karen: 941-276-4075 – kamador@volunteercare.org

C.A.R.E. – C.A.R.E. Auxiliary presents Round II of their annual Dart Tournament on Sunday August 22nd at 4:00pm located at the Ice House Pub in Punta Gorda. Who will be crowned champion? Will it be you? Join us for your chance to win!

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

Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Cooperfish BooksAugust Newsletter

Five Star Realty – July SandStar Insider

Loveland Center – Exciting Updates

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.

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