Friday Facts for May 21, 2021

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on May 18

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 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 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

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.

TSA PreCheck

Mobile Enrollment Returns to PGD June 1-11.

From PGPD.

The thieves have found a way to exploit the vulnerabilities of your vehicle KEY FOB’s. If you have a Key FOB that allows you to leave it in your pocket/purse and push or touch the door handle to unlock your vehicle, and then push a button to start your vehicle. You need to be aware of how thieves are gaining access to your vehicle to commit theft from, and theft of your vehicle. How it works…Your Key FOB is constantly broadcasting a signal that your vehicle detects once close enough to the vehicle. The thieves use an amplifier that is capable of picking this signal up even if the keys are inside of your home. Usually within 30 feet or so of their detection device. A second person stands near the vehicle to receive the signal with a second detection device. The vehicle thinks that the Key FOB is near the vehicle and allows the doors to be opened and the vehicle to be started. Once the vehicle has been stolen a new key can be programmed to operate the vehicle. I have attached a video that explains the procedure. https://youtu.be/xk_fTTlGcMA

From CCSO.

The 2021Tip A Cop is here and we have scheduled it for Thursday, May 27th from 11:30am to 9:00pm at Buffalo Wings & Rings, located at 1020 El Jobean Rd. in Port Charlotte. Last year’s event was such a big success, we could not have done it without our own uniformed celebrity waiters and waitresses from our Law Enforcement and Corrections divisions. 100% of tips raised will go to support The Law Enforcement Torch Run that benefit Special Olympics Florida.

So come on out and have some fun while being waited on by your Law Enforcement officers and lets raise money for a great cause!! 100% of the Tips raised go to support Special Olympics Florida. Thank you for supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics.


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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/June 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.

NEXT WEEK 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.

Lunch choices: Chicken Caesar Salad – bronzed chicken atop a bed of romaine lettuce tossed with house made Caesar dressing with shaved parmesan and croutons Can be served without chicken for a vegetarian option. Shrimp Milano – linguine pasta in a mushroom, pepper, white wine and garlic sauce topped with broiled gulf shrimp, with garlic bread. Can be served without shrimp for a vegetarian option. Fish and Chips – Atlantic cod lightly breaded and golden fried. Served with fries and edamame salad.

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

June 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am – 8:30am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Village Fish Market, hosted by Friendly Floors for Business over Breakfast~! Village Fish Market is located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade Ste. J36 (Fisherman’s Village). Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

June 15: Business After Hours 5:30p. Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at the Visual Arts Center hosted by WhitCo Insurance. 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.


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.

PAE Plumbing, LLC

Tim Comer

(517) 331-7442

Pae050810@yahoo.com

Individual (Relocating Soon)

Sponsored by John Wright

 

Storytelling-Images

Larry McNeff

(941) 875-5533

larry@st.images.media

Commercial Photography

www.storytelling-images.com

Sponsored by John Wright

 

F.M. Don’s

Stacey Deffenbaugh-Meyer

(941) 639-3720

stacey@fmdons.com

Restaurant

www.fmdons.com

Sponsored by John Wright

 

Emerge Gardens

Michelle Gwaltney

(941) 271-0441

info@emergegardens.com

Aeroponic Farm

www.emergegardens.com

Sponsored by Whitco Insurance

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)Come on out to the Dockside Grill located in the Four Points by Sheraton every weekend for 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) –  April was a fabulous month for our brokerage and we want to THANK YOU to our clients for your trust and faith in our Realtors. If you are searching for an honest, caring Realtor who will answer your questions and spend time listening to your needs to assist in finding the perfect property please contact us. We are also looking for new listings as we have SOLD everything! The 7-day rolling residential statistic for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, & North Port: 119 New listings, 259 Sold (closed) listings, 247 Pending (new contracts).   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

This Week 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) – BIG ANNOUNCEMENT the C.A.R.E. Ball is BACK! The hottest event of the year has been officially scheduled for Saturday January 29, 2022. This year’s theme is “Under the Big Top” featuring the traditional sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction, and casino tables. Stay tuned for ticket sales! For sponsorship opportunities please email admin@carefl.org.

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Kids Onstage is July 12-16, 19-23. Registration is open! The location this year will be at Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse. 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Students entering 1st & 2nd grade and students entering 3rd thru 6th grade camp will be 9am-12pm. Students entering 7th – 12th grade will have camp 1pm-4pm. The cost is $195 before July 5th and $220 after July 5th. Price includes T-Shirt for student. Camp ends with performances on July 23rd and 24th at 7:30pm and 25th at 2pm. For more information go to Kids OnStage Facebook Page or call Charlotte Players at 941-255-1022.

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

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Summer operating hours will begin on June 1st at the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens. Visitors will be able to enjoy the sculptures and plantings from 9 am to 2 pm. We continue to develop more display areas and have recently installed our newest sculpture, Laundry Daze, created and donated by seasonal resident, Paul Guilmette. For more Gardens information see our Facebook page or our website, www.peacerivergardens.org.
CLIPS FROM THE GARDEN.

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


Member Information

Promote Punta Gorda “Small Business Spotlight” – The City of Punta Gorda has launched a program entitled Promote Punta Gorda. This is a small business spotlight to focus on the businesses that are at the heart of Florida’s Harborside Hometown. Small business owners within the City limits of Punta Gorda are eligible to have their business featured on the City’s social media channels and in the Weekly Highlights Report. To sign up to be in the spotlight visit http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/i-want-to/promote-punta-gorda-business-spotlight or call (941) 575-3394 for more information.

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.

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

TEAM Punta Gorda – Volunteers needed for Pre-Event Set Up for 2021 Healing Field of Honor May 28-31.

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

Fisherman’s VillageJune calendar of events, Fourth of July Celebration

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.

SCORE – Attention Small Business Owners: Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE on a drop-in basis. Stop by the North Port City Hall, Friday June 4th from 9 to noon. Certified Mentors Michael Hantman and Nils Weibulll 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.

ZenBusiness – empowers new business owners by making it easier than ever to start, run and grow a successful business. Launch your business with our worry free services, world-class support and an all-inclusive platform delivering everything you need to be successful. Formation plans starting at $49.00. Click here to quickly and easily register your dream business.

ClenzOzoneSafe and cleaner spaces with nature’s powerful line of cleaners!

CareerSource Southwest FloridaAirplane Maintenance / Aviation Mechanic Program opportunity.

Chelsea PlaceSenior Care Conference

The Captain’s Table: Summer Series Dinners! Taste of the Mediterranean Menu

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – What are some summer flavors that you all crave? This summer we would like our Florida Family to help us create a new handcrafted flavor for our crafted beverages. Is there something you might be craving or just can’t wait for another season to roll around to have your favorite beverage? Tell us! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram and commend on our post about this exciting challenge to come up with a NEW handcrafted limited time syrup.

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Finally!! One of our favorite times of the year, National Wine Day is celebrated May 25th this year. We are excited to also share this week with National Chardonnay Day on May 27th. Call ahead and book your spot for our Wine and Craft Beer Tasting every Saturday now before all the spots are filled! We will have some exciting wines on the table to celebrate this wonderful holiday. Get the family together and stop in to try some wine or call ahead and we will run it out your order to you, curbside.

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.

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Invites you to BOOK YOUR SPECIAL EVENT HERE NOW! This wonderful, full-service venue nestled in Punta Gorda is often forgotten … meaning you could be in luck. Space includes a beautiful lobby, classy auditorium, and catering kitchen with everything needed. Auditorium style events seats 225; with tables and chair seats 160; with tables, chairs and dance floor seats 125. All audio/visual equipment, kitchen supplies, portable bar, tables, padded chairs and more are available on-site. Lovely outdoor settings available as well. teriashley@pgica.org – 941-637-1655.

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta GordaSave 15%.

Copperfish Books – Book drive to help children get ready for kindergarten.

Wreaths Across America: Nite “Under” the Museum

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.

Pinch A Penny$5 off Every $50 Spent Through June 6th.

Senior Friendship Centers – Double your impact for seniors!

Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – PART FOUR: Uncertainty PROBLEM: We all have experienced uncertainty in our personal or family relationships. Business ownership adds an entirely new dimension to relationships. Your staff and employees look to you, the business owner, for direction, guidance, and stability. Being prepared for challenges is important.

Two traits a successful business owner must exhibit is preparedness and leadership in the face of uncertainty.

For the SOLUTION: https://covenant- business.com/uncertainty/ 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.

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

TEAM Punta Gorda – Volunteers needed for Pre-Event Set Up for 2021 Healing Field of Honor May 28-31.

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

Charlotte County Meals on Wheels – Summer Solstice Soiree on June 21 at 5.30pm, Italia at River City. For tickets and all the details click here.

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


Community News

Freedom Sings on July 4

Choral music returns to Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda on July 4, 2021. The church is located at 25250 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, near the intersection with Airport Road. Please join us for this wonderful musical celebration. For more information, call 941.626.1070 or come to the first rehearsal.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – May Newsletter

Animal Welfare League – April Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – May Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Copperfish Books – May Newsletter

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

Loveland Center – Exciting Updates

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – April Newsletter

Punta Gorda Symphony – April Tempo

Sandstar Remodeling – April Newsletter

SCORE – BizSuccess Tips May 2021

Senior Friendship Centers – Spring 2021

The Yoga Sanctuary – May….You be Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful


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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