Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Inc Logo

Friday June 30, 2023

Chamber President John Wright’s newspaper column from June 27.

Your Chamber's Got Talent

August 17th, 7pm

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Chamber Members: SHOW US YOUR UNIQUE TALENT!

Whitney Grace, last year’s winner, will open the show, but won’t be a contestant.

Join us for a fun evening of entertainment from 10 local acts sharing their talent with the community: singing, stand-up comedy, dancing, poetry reading, etc.

There is no charge to enter!

sponsored needed

We’re looking for 2 more sponsors at $300 each.

SIGN UP TODAY!

PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively For PG Chamber Members:
BOOKING FOR July!

Our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM during the Bob Alexander
Radio Show is on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. The process is simple. Bob will call you, set up a recording time and it’ll be done over the phone and inserted into the programming of this popular show. You get the option to record two slots or record one to air twice during the show. Bob will let you know during which hour it will air. The cost is $110 (payable to the PG Chamber, not iHeart). To register for the show, email John Wright. Only 10 businesses per month. It’s a great way to promote your business, advertise an event, or show community support.

Members-Only Networking Events

Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)

T.T.’s Tiki Bar is exactly what you need. Come and enjoy a great meal while having a drink in your hand and toes in the sand. We have two great bands this weekend! On Friday, we have Tropical Avenue starting at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, fan favorite 22N is back! Please get here early to get a seat, because they bring a big crowd. Please click here to see when all of your favorite bands are performing in June. The Tiki Bar is offering 6 summer lunch specials Monday through Friday for only $12.95. Enjoy them while they last! The Tiki Bar is planning their annual July 4 celebration! We will have a traditional BBQ buffet for only $19.95++. We will also feature live music all day and are hosting a cornhole tournament. Mark your calendars for this can’t miss event! The Harborside Garden, is now open for private events as well. We are currently booking weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, celebration of life, corporate events etc. It can hold up to 300 people for dinner and 500 for a reception style get together. Please call Kelly Williamson at 941-637-6770 for more information. The following are our specials:

  1. Join us for Happy Hour in the Dockside Grill from 4-7:00 pm every day of the week. We offer $3 draft beer, $4 house wine, and $5 premium cocktails
  2. Join us for Happy Hour at T.T.’s Tiki Bar from open to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday. We offer $4 drafts, $4 well cocktails, and $5 house wines. 
  3. The Dockside Grill serves Prime Rib every Saturday
  4. The Dockside Grill features a different nightly special.

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)

Open 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays..

TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Gold)

I have several links for you this week to show you what I have available:

If you have any interest and want to know more, reach out to Della Booth, Broker cell 239-699-4493

The Wyvern (Gold)

The Wyvern (Gold) – Special room offer for teachers and staff in Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, and Lee counties, $199. Based on Availability June 1-August 31 Blackout Date July 4 Valid School ID Required for Check In One Night Stay In A Standard King Room Sunset Champagne Toast for Two 10% off all Food & Beverage

Click here for a special Cinco de Mayo Special Rate! 941.639.7700 Ext 3, 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda

CAM Realty (Silver)

Virtual office available in Punta Gorda, $99/+tax per month. Provides your company with the image of an office without the cost of dedicated office space. Contact CAM Realty: 941.833.0083.

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar (Silver)

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar is Located in the Isles at 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1135. Come try our exciting NEW Summer Menu that features wraps, salads, tapas, and our famous flatbreads. Our charcuterie boards pair well with our unique wine selections too. Want an easy and tasty snack…get a charcuterie and bottle of wine to go! Join us for a delicious meal and entertainment: Trivia is every Thursday starting at 6:30 and Wine-O-Bingo is every Friday at 6 pm. Summer hours are Tuesday 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Saturday 11 am to 8 pm. Visit www.coastal-expressions.com to view the menu, events calendar and book your private party. Small or Large groups welcome! Come check us out or call 941-214-8599.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver)

We are here for your window treatments needs. Area’s only Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. Plantation shutters, blinds, shades, drapery and more. Call 941.637.0015.

Fishermen's Village (Silver)

Fishermen’s Village Independence Day Celebration, Tuesday, July 4, 12 noon-9 pm! Live music, family friendly vendors and viewing of Fireworks Display at 9 pm from west side of property (Dry Beach). Freedom Swim begins at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.fishermensvillage.com. Come celebrate with us!

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea (Silver)

Just a quick reminder, since we’ll be celebrating the nation just like you this 4th of July, our coffee shop will be closed on Tuesday the 4th. But fear not, we will be back open July 5th at 7AM. However, you’re celebrating, stay safe and don’t forget the reason for the season!   

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine (Silver)

Wishing you and your family a blessed Independence Day! May the freedom we celebrate bring you and your loved one’s good tidings. Enjoy the holidays. We will be closed on July 4th and will re-open July 5th at 10AM! Have a safe and happy holiday! 

CeJay Associates (Silver In Kind)

New service: Website Rescue. Did you lose your website? Has your website been hacked? When it comes to rescuing a website, time is important. Contact us to discover your recovery options. Learn more by calling 941.204.0007 or go to https://cejaywebsites.com/services/

Military Heritage Museum (Silver in Kind)

2023-2024 Gulf Theater Season 5! Summer camps for 4th-8th graders begin June 26. Space is limited; registration required. Click here for information.

Patriots Gala November 11 – Sponsorship Opportunities

Animal Welfare League(Bronze)

John Ski’s is hosting a super scrumptious spaghetti dinner for AWL on AUGUST 4th, at 5PM & 7PM and tickets are now up for grabs! Click here for more information.

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital (Bronze

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital has announced the opening of a second freestanding emergency room serving patients in Port Charlotte, North Port and surrounding communities. The new emergency center, HCA Florida Tamiami Trail Emergency, is located at 150 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953

PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda (Bronze)

Reservations are necessary for Monday Night Guided Practice. Sign up by 9 am Mondays. The first 26 registered may attend. New players, please email gloria.reilly@pickleplex.org

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Support)

Charlotte County Foodies, it’s your night! C.A.R.E. Auxiliary presents their annual Cooking with C.A.R.E. event on June 21. Join Chef Keith Meyer at FM Don’s and watch as he prepares a delicious meal for all of our guests to enjoy. Contact C.A.R.E. office for details and ticket purchase. 941-639-5499.

Frank Desguin Family (Support)

Did you know the first “named” hurricane to strike this area was Donna? As stated in my previous column, the United States didn’t begin naming tropical storms and hurricanes, using only female names, until 1953.  

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)

The exhibit “Caribbean Colors” is on display at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, Tuesday – Sunday through August 31, and features world renowned artist Leoma Lovegrove’s art amongst whimsical horticulture displays. 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. www.peacerivergardens.org or call 941-621-8299 for more information. Come paint Leoma Lovegrove inspired artwork with Vino’s Picasso artists outside in the Gardens. Class is held outdoors near the gift shop. $69 for members, $89 for non-members. Beverages will be available for purchase. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/639422970317 for more information. 

Valerie's House - Charlotte County (Support)

SAVE THE DATE!! Valerie’s House will be participating in “Pizza for a Cause” Tuesday, July 11th (11am-10pm) at Bocca Lupo. Proceeds from all 3 locations will be going to Valerie’s House Charlotte County (dine-in or take-out). Locations: Port Charlotte: 1900 Tamiami Trail, 33948 North Port: 4301 Aidan Lane, 34297 West Villages (Venice): 12105 Mercado Drive, 34293) Valerie’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps children and families who have lost a loved one. To learn more about our program, please visit Valerie’s House (valerieshouse.org).

Virginia B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support)

Save the date: Country for a Cause, Saturday, September 30, 6 pm Charlotte Harbor Event Center. Featuring the Boogie Men.

Visual Arts Center (Support)

The Visual Arts Center is announcing our “5×5 Mural Fundraiser” Call to Artists – Donate your talent to help the Visual Arts Center for our inaugural 5×5 Mural Fundraiser. We are inviting artists to participate by creating original works of art, in a variety of mediums on 5×5 canvases. Collected canvases will be hung together to create a beautiful mural during the months of September and October. A sneak peek exclusive pre-sale reception will be held in September. It will be on display from September 14 – November 7, 2023 and is a wonderful event to support the arts in our community! Call or stop in the Visual Arts Center for more information. 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 639-8810  www.VisualArtCenter.org

Member Information

D.I.S.Tech Services Inc. – We manage IT systems for other companies. Whether you have 5 computers or 150, we have the tools and management skills to help your business succeed. Give us a call at 941-867-9772 or 217-492-8042 to see how we can help you.

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – Thursday, July 20 6:00pm Dart Tournament at the Icehouse Pub. Induvial registration $25 or 4 player teams for $80. Sponsorships available. Click here for more information.

White Pine Services – Hate cleaning? We love it! Looking for a professional commercial cleaning company? Look no further. Clean Here for details.

Big Shot Marketing & Design – We are committed to providing tangible results for our clients. That means generating leads, increasing online purchases or reaching any digital marketing goal you’re looking to achieve. Your website should be making you money. It’s that simple. If your website isn’t generating leads or closing sales, then it’s time to rethink your digital marketing strategy. In order to have truly effective marketing strategies, you need to understand who your ideal client is, and how to reach them.

Southwest Florida Honor Flight – Golf Tournament Saturday October 28 at Riverwood Golf Club. Details HERE. Registration form HERE. Sponsorship opportunities HERE.

Martella Law Firm – It’s very easy to start a business by getting on Florida’s Sunbiz website and filling out a form. However, did you know that the form is only step one in a multi-step process necessary to protect your personal assets from business debts. If you have questions, give Mark Martella, Esq. of the Martella Law Firm PLLC a call at 941-867-6865 to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss how to properly set up your business and protect your family’s assets. 

Peace River Wildlife Center – The Peace River Wildlife Center’s Engraved Brick Fundraiser to benefit their new education center has begun. Bricks are available in 4”x8” and 8”x8” sizes and with a variety of clip art options. You may also select a 4”x4” replica tile for your home or office. For more information, please call PRWC (941) 637-3830 or visit https://prwildlife.org/prwc-capital-campaign-fundraising/

Carmelo’s – Join us for Outdoor Dining in the Pavilion! 

Our Garden Dining area is closed for the summer, but you can still dine outdoors in our Pavilion. And if you join us on Fridays or Saturdays, you will have Live Music too! (live music is weather pending)

Punta Gorda Symphony – The Punta Gorda Symphony eagerly introduces our esteemed new Artistic/Music Director, Richard Stoelzel, and invites our patrons to discover his inspiring plans firsthand.

Punta Gorda Family Physical Therapy – We are now accepting Florida Blue Insurance. Medicare is coming very soon! Give us a call at 941.548.6131 or click here.

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC – you’re print marketing will light up like a firecracker 🧨 this July when you hashtag connect, Punta Gorda!

YOU are the brand | we are the STANDARD

commercial printing ✅

logo/graphic design ✅

next-level promotional swag ✅

branded apparel ✅

signs & graphics ✅

888.978.3437 📞

info@connectpromo.net 📧

www.connectpromo.net 🖥 

www.Facebook.com/connectpromo

www.Instagram.com/connectprintpromotions

… it’s ALWAYS about the 👊🏻 people! 

#connect 💚🖨💚 #fortheloveofprinting

St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart is thrilled to announce that it has received a $50,000 grant, funded by the Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF) Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund. This generous grant will be used to support our neighbors in need who are struggling with past due rent or utility bills, or completing essential repairs to make their homes habitable and safe

Punta Gorda Elks – Sunday, July 9 7:00 pm, Straight from the Local Comedy Theatre. Comedian Mutzie! Under the Tent. VIP Tickets $30 Cash Bar, Food available for purchase. Click here for more details.

Punta Gorda Boat Club – Sunset Social. Do you have your own boat? Interested in swapping stories with other boaters? Want to learn more about boating in Charlotte Harbor? Well then, come join us for our Sunset Social which is held every fourth Friday from 5 to 7pm at our Clubhouse 802 W Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda. We’ll be happy to tell you more about our Club as well. Bring an appetizer to share and the beverage of your choice. Call Jan at 941-743-2472 for more information, or check us out at puntagordaboatclub.com. Hope to see you there!

ERC Refund – I’m looking for a few people who can refer local businesses to me that qualify for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC Refund). I pay Referral Fees based upon the number of W-2 employees the business retained during the pandemic. Click here for more information.

ARCHway Institute – Mark your calendars! ARCHway’s discovery dinner is October 20, 2023

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Parlade Schaefer Schortz CPAs

Tax Associate
Primary responsibility is preparing Income Tax Returns including forms 1040, 1065, 1120, 1120S, and 1041, along with some state returns. The person will review client accounting, make necessary adjustments and prepare financial statements. This position will also assist clients with IRS issues and write responses to the IRS. There will also be some payroll reporting, year-end reporting and administrative work as needed.
For more information, click here.

Florida Premier Contractors

Florida Premier Contractors is hiring. We are a commercial general contractor located in Punta Gorda, FL. We are hiring for the following positions: Assistant Superintendent, Project Superintendent, Project Assistant, Project Manager & estimator. Please send your resume to admin@fpcbuilds.com

Fishermen's Village

Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda’s premiere shopping and dining destination, is currently seeking full time and part time maintenance employees. Join our team!
For full details and to apply, Visit: https://www.Indeed.com/cmp/fishermen’s-village/jobs

The Suites at Fishermen’s Village (luxury accommodations located on the second level) is seeking Custodial and Housekeeping team members. For full details and to apply visit: Https://www.indeed.com/cmp/the-suites-at-fisherman’s-village/jobs 

United Way of Charlotte County

Resource Development Director
We work with a great team, and serve an incredible community. All we need is someone to help us obtain the resources to continue making an impact! Click here for more information:
https://www.unitedwayccfl.org/…/now-hiring-resource

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar

Kitchen Help
Are you looking for a part-time position with a limited menu for easy prepping and execution? Flexible shifts? Excellent opportunity to learn culinary skills. Week days and/or evenings plus Saturdays. Occasional special events. 12-20 hours/week. $12/hour plus tips. Please send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941.214.8599.

Community News

ATTENTION VOTERS!

Vote-by-mail ballot requests must be RENEWED after each General Election Cycle. To vote by Mail in 2023-2024, you must submit a new Vote by Mail Request.

Click here for more information.

FutureMaker's Coalition 2023 Workforce Employer Survey

The FutureMaker’s annual Workforce Employer Survey is now available. As in past years, the Survey helps FutureMaker Coalition and its network of SWFL partners to better understand the issues our businesses and organizations have in recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified employees. Collecting data on an annual basis helps to track changes over time (especially as they relate to external forces like COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian) and to identify trends that may be the foundation for future efforts. Please find below a link to the Workforce Employer Survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BTMCPKV

Charlotte County Residents Urged to Attend Meeting with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to Discuss Hurricane Ian Recovery and Community Needs

Charlotte County residents are urged to participate in a crucial meeting hosted by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to voice their needs and aspirations for the post-hurricane recovery efforts.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced it will host a series of public workshops to hear directly from Floridians about their unmet disaster recovery needs following Hurricane Ian, providing an overview of the CDBG-DR program and upcoming State of Florida Action Plan that will detail how this funding will address unmet recovery and mitigation needs, and offering impacted Floridians an opportunity to provide their input.

During the meeting, participants will have the chance to express their concerns, share personal experiences, and propose innovative ideas to enhance the effectiveness of the ongoing recovery efforts. The input received from community members will directly inform decision-making processes and help allocate resources to areas most in need.

All concerned citizens, homeowners, business owners, community organizations, and individuals passionate about the future of our community are strongly urged to attend the DEO meeting. Together, we can ensure that no voice is left unheard and that our collective vision for a resilient and thriving community is realized.

Event details: Date: July 12, 2023, Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Location: Charlotte Harbor and Conference Center. For more information, please contact: Department Of Economic Opportunity Email: CDBG-DR@DEO.MyFlorida.com

4th OF JULY KIDS CELEBRATION!

History Park Sunday Market

July 2 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Hosted by the Sunday Market Vendors

Face Painting, Popcorn, Games, Arts, Crafts, Music and Food!

32nd ANNUAL FREEDOM SWIM!

This year’s Freedom Swim will start at 2:30pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2023, Discussion with swimmers before the start with occur at 2:20pm. There will be no Troll Service. As always, this is intended to be a happening rather than a race. For the route and more information, click HERE.

THE BOO BALL FAMILY REUNION

October 21, 2023 – benefitting The Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County & Crossroads Hope Academy.

Click HERE for more information.

Kudos!

Charlotte County is the overall winner in the recent annual Florida Economic Development Council Awards, taking home the Melissa Medley Creativity Award for the county’s team response to Hurricane Ian. This recognition, known as a “best in show” award, represents achievement across the state’s economic development cities and counties. 

“To be judged by our peers in economic development and come away with this award is a tremendous recognition of the job countywide that was done on behalf of all our businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. It is an honor that reflects well on every department that helped make Charlotte County’s recovery efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible,” stated Kay Tracy, Business Recruitment Manager of Charlotte County’s Economic Development team.

On top of the grand prize, Charlotte County also won two additional trophies. Click here for more!

Newsletters

Animal Welfare League – May Pawsitive Press

Archway Institute – Newsletter

Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County – Newsletter

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County – Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – June Newsletter

Charlotte County Habitat For HumanityMay/June Newsletter

Charlotte County Sherriff’s Office – June Crime Prevention Newsletter

Copperfish Books – June Newsletter

Drug Free Charlotte County – Summer Newsletter

Downtown Farmers Market – June Newsletter

EnVision Quest – May Newsletter

Loveland Center – Summer is Here!

Military Heritage Museum – Happenings & Highlights

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – June Gardens at a Glance

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyJune Newsletter

SandStar Remodeling – Newsletter

Senior Friendship CentersNewsletter

Suncoast Humane Society – Humane Connection Newsletter

TIME Realty Services Inc. – Newsletter

Valerie’s HouseNewsletter

YMCA Of Southwest Florida – President’s Newsletter

The Yoga Sanctuary – June Newsletter

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New Executive Director Position

We are excited to announce our search for a new Executive Director of Punta Gorda Chamber!