Dear Chamber Member,
Here are your Friday Facts – Enjoy reading them and have a great Friday and an even better weekend. 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.
We are in need of Golf Cart for use at the Wine & Jazz Festival. If you are able to provide one for us, it can be dropped off today Friday Feb 21 and collected on Saturday Feb 22 after the event ends (early evening). Your assistance in this matter will be gratefully received. Contact the office (941) 639 3710 or please email hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com
PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking for April 2020
Every month, your Punta Gorda Chamber teams up with local iHeart Media DJ – Bob Alexander to focus on Chamber members and what they are up to. For only $105, you get to pre-record 2 x 2 ½ minute slots (which can be the same or different) which will be inserted into Bob’s show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. This is one of the largest local radio audiences available to us. You don’t even have to go to the studio any more. Bob will call you to record your message(s)! If you are interested, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com to get you on your way. Ideal for business promotions, events or simply to get your name out on air.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Pat, Carole, Hazel, Stephanie & Janet
Chamber Calendar of Events
Please remember to RSVP to (941) 639 3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
February 26: Networking Luncheon – 12 Noon – 1:30 pm. SOLD OUT – Call to get on waiting list.
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Charlotte High School, Punta Gorda, 1250 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda. Please park off of the bus loop which is on the right side of the school as you are facing the front and enter through B building into the multi-purpose room. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid or $20.00 at the door. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.
Click Here for Major Chamber Events
New Members
Mission Statement
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
DK Consultants of Florida LLC
Dave Krieger
1181 S. Sumter blvd., #280
North Port, FL 34287
941-888-2665
dkcflllc@gmail.com
www.shopaffordablehomes.com
Consultant – Developer
Sponsored by John Wright
Two D Home Watch, LLC
Dawn Greenkorn
3260 Southshore Dr, #63A
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
239-249-5801
info@TwoDHomeWatch.com
www.TwoDHomeWatch.com
Home Watch
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
Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum)
Click Here for February Events. Click Here to view Chest Pain Accreditation information. February 28 at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte, Luis Dibos, M.D., FACS, cardiac surgeon, Chief of Cardiac Surgery and member of the medical staff at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte, will lead a discussion and cover everything you want to know about TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement). Free. RSVP required. For more information and to register to attend, call 941-766-4686 or visit https://learnaboutTAVR.eventbrite.com.
Saturday Farmers’ Market (Gold) Click Here to see their February Newsletter
Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver) Free Estate, Investment Planning Seminars. Click Here.
Bank Supports Food for the Troops Drive. Receiving a care package can be a real morale booster for those serving in the military. Englewood Bank & Trust is once again serving as a collection point for the Rotary Club of Englewood’s Food for the Troops drive. For drop off places and list of needed items Click Here.
Paradise Golf (Silver) Click Here for details.
Charlotte Players (Bronze) Liberace staring Martin Preston will be at The Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda on February 25. Located at 701 Carmalita St. Martin Preston re-creates the magic of Liberace in a spectacular full-length show, complete with crystal candelabra, rhinestone-studded grand piano, and the flamboyance and excitement of Las Vegas’ greatest musical showman. Tickets are $29 for regular seating and $24 for preferred. For more information call Charlotte Players at (941) 255-1022.
Gator Wilderness Camp School (Support) Arcadia Banquet Feb 27, 2020. Click Here for details.
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) We are partnering with HipNotique in downtown Punta Gorda with a promotion for your feet…. Buy any pair of sandals ?? at HipNotique and bring the receipt to Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique for 10% off your pedicure ?~ Or get a pedicure with Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique and bring the receipt to HipNotique to get 10% off a pair of sandals like the cute reversible 2-in-1 Modzori.”
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support)
String Fever Returns to Punta Gorda. The amazing musical group Sting Fever is coming to the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association for their third year. Looking for an amazing evening’s entertainment like you’ve never seen before? String Fever is a truly original show featuring five and six stringed electric violins, called violectras, a viola, and a cello.
The fantastic culmination of the show is the group’s signature finale, “The History of Music . . . in 5 minutes.” The unique instruments and charismatic personalities of the members of the group make String Fever a truly unique and unforgettable, not to miss, musical experience. Concert will be at PGICA 2001 Shreve Street. February 23, 7:00 pm. General public is welcome. $20. Tickets may be purchased at the PGICA office, online at www.PGICA.org or by calling 941-637-1655.
The PGICA has a job opportunity. Click Here for details of the position.
Visual Arts Center (Support)
WORKSHOPS Unless otherwise noted workshops are held at the Visual Arts Center Click Here to Register for all events. The Visual Arts Center is located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 9-4 & Sat, 10-2. Calendar of Events, Classes, Memberships and Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org or call 941.639.8810.
Pine Needle Baskets Workshop with Kathryn Erickson
3/28 from 10am-2pm Cost: $100 ($90 VAC members). If you can sew, you can learn how to form pine needles into a piece of art. Learn to coil pine needles and finish basket on your own. Nothing but patience is needed!
Ribbon Cuttings
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.
February 24, 2020: wellBeing Acupuncture, 1401 Tamiami Trail, Suite B, Punta Gorda
February 25, 2020: Illusions Salon & Spa, 115 Taylor St., Punta Gorda
February 27, 2020: The Treasure Chest. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd., Suite 1149, Punta Gorda
March 2, 2020: Fresh Power Smoothies & Sandwiches, 205 Wood Street, Punta Gorda
March 5, 2020: Pedelec SQB, LLC, 1205 Elizabeth Street, Unit B, Punta Gorda
March 11, 2020: Pedal Punta Gorda, Laishley Park South Pavilion, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 pm
March 18, 2020: Harbor Home Builders LLC, 411 Cross Street, Unit 111, Punta Gorda
March 19, 2020: Dream Salon & Spa, 117 Herald Court, Unit 115, Punta Gorda
March 26, 2020: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.
April 3, 2020: Gator Mikes, 35 NE Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral 4 pm
Fact of the Day
E.T.’s First Choice
In 1982 Steven Spielberg released a movie that featured one of the most famous extra-terrestrial’s of all time, E.T. In the film E.T. had a liking for Reese’s Pieces. E.T.’s first choice was M&M’s. However, the Mars company passed on the opportunity to have their candy featured. The Hershey’s company did not make that same mistake.
Events for Week of February 21 – March 1
Remember to click these links to see events that are coming up
Click This Link for Events Coming in February
Click this link for Future Events
The Orange House Wine Bar
320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 941-505-8233
We are now open for breakfast and lunch!
Tuesday-Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
Fri. Feburary 21: 7pm-10pm The Orange House Band (Rory, Tony, & Richie) are back this Friday! Be sure to reserve a table early so you get a good seat!
Sat.February 22: Come see us at the Wine & Jazz Festival at Laishley Park! Gates open at 12:30 and we will have 8 tents with over 30 different wines available!
Sat. February 22: 7pm-10pm Follow us from the Jazz Festival to The Orange House Saturday night to finish out a great day with the musical sensations of the Bob Page Trio!
Punta Gorda Diner – Grand Opening Specials thru Mar 8th with coupon (one per person) which are available at Chamber office. 3941 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 or (941) 205 8966.
Players Circle at the Theatre Shell Factory – Presents Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Feb 11-Mar8. Click Here for details.
The Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation The Punta Gorda Rotary Club hosts its 13th Annual Taste of Punta Gorda and Beyond at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda from 11 AM – 5 PM on Sunday, March 1st. The Presenting Sponsor is Publix Super Markets, with major sponsors Ingman Marine and Suncoast Credit Union. The Taste features 35 restaurants from Punta Gorda and nearby communities serving “tastes” of signature dishes. 80+ arts, crafts, and nonprofit vendors, a “don’t miss” Silent Auction, a Fun Kids’ Zone, and music all day with the Charlotte HS Jazz Band, Tiki Tom & AJ, and the BoogieMen. Advance tickets available at https://TasteofPuntaGorda.org.
The Yoga Sanctuary
Introduction to Yoga Series, Mondays, February 10- March 16, 5.30-6.45pm, $108, 112 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda. No flexibility required; all ages and body types welcome! This six-week series, limited to eight students, will walk you through the basics of yoga. Each student will receive a copy of Yoga Fan: Practice Guide for Everyday as well as guidance and support in how to continue one’s practice after the completion of the series. Due to the small class size, which allows for individualized attention, pre-registration is required.
Community Acupuncture Clinic, Saturday February 22, 12 – 2pm, Sliding Scale $25 – $50.
We’re so glad to be welcoming back Rebecca Moore from Points for Health Community Acupuncture! Acupuncture is a form of medicine in which needles are inserted into the body at various locations to create a change. Community acupuncture is when acupuncture is performed in a group setting with a number of people in the same room, creating a sense of community as we gather, in a quiet space. For more information please visit www.theyogasanctuary.biz or call 941.505.YOGA (9642).
Soul Dance Temple
Sunday, Feb 23. From 3 to 5PM – Astro Logic 101 Ancient Wisdom Lecture. What you need to know that is not taught in schools. Learn the basics. Knowledge is power. $45 per person.
Sunday, Mar 1. From 1 AM to 12PM – Metaphysical Lecture, “Unseen Forces.” Learn about the unseen forces that influence us. Create healthy thoughts. Break thought patterns that cause us pain.
Register online at www.souldancetemple.com, call 941-347-7280.
Member Information
Click Here for General Info Flyers
FGCU – Celebrating Black History Month Click Here for all details.
The Charlotte County-Punta Gorda-Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will be holding a series of Community Outreach Workshop Events to solicit public opinion, ideas, and comments. Click Here for more details and event schedule.
Punta Gorda Symphony Click Here for details of the Dvorak New World Symphony and Fuchs Piano Concerto!
WENG – We will be holding a “Listener & Advertiser Appreciation” event at the Military Heritage Museum on March 20th to celebrate our new 98.1 frequency.
Charlotte Technical College – Spring Job Fair on April 8 at 11am-2.30pm. Click Here for more details.
Are you looking for somewhere to volunteer? C.A.R.E. (The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergences) helps victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and violent crimes. We have outreach and awareness, answering the phones, hospital response team and two Re-Use stores. Looking for compassionate, listening and caring individuals. For more information, please contact Julie Dennis at 941-639-5499 or julie.dennis@carefl.org, or go to carefl.org/volunteer for more information.
Valerie’s House Launches Grief Support Program for Young Adults – Podcast Aims to Reach Those Grieving in the Shadows. Valerie’s House’s “Grieve Love Heal” Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Google. Valerie’s House, the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission to help children grieve the loss of a loved one, is now helping thousands more people struggling with grief through its monthly podcast, “Grieve Love Heal.” The Valerie’s House podcast is now listed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Listeners can subscribe and receive alerts on their devices when Valerie’s House posts a new episode each month. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grieve-love-heal/id1497602393 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3GFLfSHmNxDMHsOpAY5poJ Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2SEvtcD
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill
We all recently experienced what happens when someone passes suddenly and unexpectedly. Each day is a gift, and we can never predict what the future holds. Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.
Copperfish Books Click Here for their best new books this month.
The Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda meets the first three Thursdays of each month, 11:45, Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, PG. If you’re interested in giving back to your community and helping children, check us out. Folks can also visit us on Facebook.
Sea Grape Artists Gallery is proud to announce that during the month of February they will be showcasing the artworks of both Joy Dibble, acrylic and watercolor artist, and Karen Cohen, enamel, beads and metal artist. Click here for all info. In addition they are featuring Beverly Yankwitt, mixed media artist, and Marlene Jones, horsehair pottery artist. Click here for all info.
FRANTZ Eye Care Botox special. Click here for all info.
Howard Spielman – Artist. As a result of a Charlotte Arts showcase my work is now displayed in the
lobby of the administration building in Port Charlotte for February. In conjunction with that display, I had a video interview with C.C. T.V. which was aired locally January 16. Click Here for the interview. I also belong to The COCO Art Gallery at Coconut Point. Spotlight Magazine saw my work at the gallery and interviewed me at my home studio with a featured article about me and my work including the cover of the magazine to be published in the next few weeks.
United Way of Charlotte County has done presentations to over 1500 people here in Charlotte County during the last few months. Won’t you help us make it to our 2000 person goal of sharing the good work being done? We are mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty through individuals sharing their time, talents & treasures and getting businesses engaged. Local lives are being transformed. Please call our office (941) 627-3539 to schedule a 5-25 minute presentation for your group or business.
Gator Mike’s
Gator Mike’s is sponsoring a Gator Fest 2020, on March 6th, Featuring the band Buckcherry. There are sponsorship opportunities available. Click Here to see all of the info. Click Here to see Latitude 78 flyer.
The BEAN on 41 invites all members to stop by and pay a visit to the newly transformed coffee shop in Towles Plaza. The BEAN recently made headlines when disclosing its support for President Donald Trump, and the shop is open to all. Fresh pastries baked daily, great lunch specials, and good company with other deplorables. www.thebeanon41.com . 239.314.6808
Senior Friendship Center
Many businesses in our community have been sponsors of Senior Friendship Centers’ birthday club. Thanks to these gracious sponsors, our birthday celebrations have truly been special events for our senior clients and have also provided them with valuable resources and information. Sponsorship of a monthly birthday celebration at our Harbour Heights location involves providing treats for approximately 20 guests and a 15 minute presentation of your business, services, or any topic of interest relevant to seniors age 60+.
If you would like to become a sponsor in 2020 or know of a business that might be interested, please contact Jeanne DeLauro at 941-255-0723 or email jdelauro@friendshipcenters.org. Many and heartfelt thanks!!
Sincerely,
John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
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