Friday Facts for November 6, 2020

Friday Facts!

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

Chamber Members ONLY

Do you want to be a Punta Gorda Chamber Partner for 2021?

Back in 2005, the Punta Gorda Chamber launched its highly-recognized Partners in Action program, which offers you, our members, a one-time deal to be recognized throughout the Chamber’s Program of Work for the entire calendar year. We are currently initiating our 2021 list, which will run from Jan 1st-Dec 31st 2021. Support for the PG Chamber’s program starts for as little as $500! Obviously, the greater the investment, the more benefits you will reap. Payment plans for Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze members can be arranged, upon request. Click Here to find the updated benefits of being a Chamber partner for the entire year. As we all know, 2020 has been a crazy and highly uncertain year for all of us, but so many of you have seen the benefit of Chamber support, especially during these difficult times. Our Program of Work has been hit with COVID-related cancellations, but we have strived to add additional value items to our marketing sheet to, in turn, offer you even more promotional exposure. You can rest assured that IF and WHEN the opportunities arise, the events that we have become infamous for will return and, automatically, your status will enjoy the added bonus of participating in them. The cut-off date to be included in the 2021 plan is November 13th, to allow us to get all the marketing collateral materials ready for a January 1st 2021 launch. To become or renew your Partnership level, simply email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com highlighting the level you would like. If you have any questions about the program, simply call us on 941 639 3720 and we’d be happy to help you. Here’s to a very different and prosperous year in 2021! Below are those already signed up for 2021 – thank you.

For Our Businesses.

EDA Cares Act. Resource for the EDA Cares Act which wants to learn about the challenges that businesses are facing in COVID-19.

For Our Community.

From CCSO. A friendly reminder from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or mind off driving. It is extremely risky behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger. Texting is one of the most dangerous of distracted driving behaviors. Please put the phone down. Focus on driving.

The Fresh Jersey Tomatoes are holding their 5th Annual Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the kids in care at Charlotte Behavioral Health Care. Toy Ideas/Suggestions. Your Chamber is supporting this wonderful cause and has a collection box at our office. The Toy Drives runs from Today through December 6th.

Career Source SWFL. Virtual Hiring Event Nov 10.

Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership. November Events.

Sullivan Street Craft Festival. November 28 & 29, 2020, 10am to 5pm. Come and enjoy over Thanksgiving Weekend, outdoors on Sullivan Street from W. Retta Esplanade to W. Virginia Ave.

Punta Gorda Chamber in conjunction with Isles Luxury Storage and Isles Fitness Presents – Drive-in Movies Nights December 3rd & 17th at Bal Harbor Shopping Plaza. Free Event BUT YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE CHAMBER.

Citywide Garage Sales are back! 1st Saturday of the month starting December 2020 to May 2021, (8am-noon) returning to our 2018 location on the Bal Harbor Shopping Plaza at the corner of Bal Harbor and Aqui Esta. Reservations can now be made by calling 941 639 3720 (9am-2pm M-F) Cost is still only $15 for two parking spaces (one for your goods, one for your vehicle). Larger spaces can be reserved depending on availability. Spaces will be allocated at check-in (7am onwards) There are no bad spaces! Bathroom facilities will be made available. In this new world, we ask for masks to be worn, sanitizer to be available and social distancing of customers to the best of your ability.Hope to see you there First Event is Saturday December 5th, 2020.

Advance Notice – Mural Tours will return in 2021. Click Here for details.

Save the Date!! The Laird’s Golf Tournament is back!! Join us at the Paradise Golf Course on January 29, 2021 – yes, you have plenty of time to practice and get ready for this awesome day! Click Here for details.

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.

Your Chamber Staff,
John, Hazel, Janet and Stephanie


Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

Networking Events for November.

RSVP’s are very important, 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 2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

November 11: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am – 8:30 am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at The Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be Christine Carey of Valerie’s House.

November 17: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours at Illusions Salon & Spa, 115 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!

November 25: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Village Fish Market, 1200 W. Retta Esplande, Punta Gorda. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.

Ribbon Cuttings for November

RSVP please! Masks are required.

It helps us and the hosts to know how many people will be attending. Call the office (41) 639 3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

November 7 – People’s Choice Storage, 150 Rio Villa Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 at 11am. To celebrate Grand Re-Opening.

November 11 – Jersey Mike’s Subs, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, (behind Starbucks), at 9.30am. To celebrate Opening of the New Store.

November 12 – The Loveland Center, 4075 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, at 5.30pm. To welcome one of our newest members.


Special Member Notice

Punta Gorda Chamber Member & Visitor’s Guide 2021

In conjunction with the SUN Newspapers we are planning to have the new Chamber Member & Visitor’s Guide ready for January 4, 2021 distribution. So, please, please review all your information on the Chamber website and make sure it is correct. Also, take a look at the attached flyer for Advertising Rates. Any questions contact Hazel at hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com


All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Re-discover our wonderful city.

Please support Our Members – The Shops, Attractions, Restaurants and Non-Profits. These are the people who make this City and the Surrounding Area the vibrant, happy place we live in!

Shop and Play Local.


New Member

Mission Statement  To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.

The Preserves

Jim Hatcher

12116 Kings Highway

Lake Suzy, FL 34269

(844) 935-0264

jhat99999@aol.com

www.thepreserveflorida.com

55+ Manufactured Home Community

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

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) –  Please join us at T.T’s Tiki Bar and Dockside Grill located at the Four Points by Sheraton. Please click to see our November line up of all our live music. Take advantage of our Fish Fry on Friday’s and Prime Rib Special on Saturday’s. Lastly, click to see our Thanksgiving menu. Please call the hotel at 941-637-6770 to make your reservation today!

Expedia Cruises (Platinum) download your special gift voucher towards future travel here.

Captain’s Table (Gold) – Take Home Thanksgiving Feast!

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – If you are interested in owning a piece of property that is just a quick walk along the beach to the town of San Pedro and offers competitive pricing for the market, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity! Grand Baymen Gardens is an exclusive community located only two blocks from the beach. It offers a unique combination of affordability, convenience, and comfort to owners and renters alike. Amenities are already in place and ready to enjoy, including a newly renovated fitness center and tennis courts, and pool featuring a swim-up bar! Ownership of a suite here is ideal for those who wish to live full/part-time in their suite, and for those who understand the rising demand for short- and long-term rentals on the island, and want to benefit immediately. This is an ideal property for someone who wants ultimate rental flexibility/owner usage and may be considering spending more time/living on Ambergris Caye. To see more CLICK HERE: ttps://bit.ly/3mcnznP TIME Realty Services, Direct/What’sApp +1 239-699-4493

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12. November Newsletter.

Springhill Suites (Gold) – We are offering all 1st responders a discounted rate of $89 at the Springhill Suites Punta Gorda until 1/31/2021. We would be happy to help all first responders who may need a place to stay or are not comfortable going home at this time. If you would please make sure to pass this along to anyone who may need a clean and safe space to rest that would be wonderful. Book your corporate rate for First Responder Rate

iHeart Media (Gold in Kind) – Broadcasts Charlotte County High School Football. Under the circumstances the football stadiums can only accept 25% capacity for the games this year. As in past years iHeart Media will broadcast home games for both the Charlotte and Port Charlotte High Schools. These will be broadcast live on multiple stations this year, WKII 1070am, WCCF 1580am & FM 100.9 and on the iHeart Ap – with the ability to listen nationwide!. Call Teresa Desguin at 941-815-0324 or email teresadesguin@iheartmedia.com for more details on how your business can not only support our Local Teams, but be part of the most listened to local High School Football game broadcast!

Centennial Bank (Silver) – October Centennial Circular

Charlotte State Bank and Trust (Silver) – Free Trust Seminars in November.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – Our shop is open to the public however masks are required in accordance with City of Punta Gorda Ordinance #1944-2020. Check out our current Hunter Douglas Promotion, Seasons of Style Savings Event that is going on now through December 7, 2020. Call us to learn more on how you can save on qualifying Hunter Douglas Products. We have 2 convenient locations to serve you.  941-637-0015 (Punta Gorda) /941-828-0000 (Englewood). http://www.mycreativewindow.com

Paradise Golf (Silver) – Weekend Specials!

The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad (Silver) – Check out our newly updated website www.thepurplehousesalon.com. Shawn Gilstad, 941.830.4746 – Cell, 941.205.8603 – Salon

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Join us Nov. 6-15 for our 3rd play of the season, Mom’s Gift. In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. One by one the family’s secrets are peeled away revealing a shocking truth that surprises even our ghost. Located at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Tickets can be purchased by calling our Box Office Monday thru Friday 10am- 4pm or online at www.charlotteplayers.org. Tickets are $22. Masks are required. Temperatures will be taken upon arrival. Social distancing in the theatre.

Hessler Floor Covering (Support) Name-Brand Inventory Clearance Sale

Illusions Salon & Spa (Support) – At Illusions Salon & Spa, wellness is infused with red-carpet style. From arrivals marked by a glass of champagne to spaces dedicated to your relaxation, we address your mind, body, and skin. We are now offering membership packages. The holidays are coming so treat yourself or someone special to a monthly spa package. (941) 505-5777 or www.illusionsofpg.com

Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – We are supporting CARE for Domestic Violence Awareness month. Book by calling 941-889-8388 or online at PuntaGordaNails.com.

Visual Arts Center (Support) – Annual Peace River National Art Festival. Dec 5&6 9am to 4pm. www.VisualArtCenter.org. Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Store Hours: Mon & Fri: 9a-4p, Tue-Thu: 9a-7p, Sat: 10a-2p.


Special Member Notice

From our AAA Member. Punta Gorda Chamber Members please Click Here to get the flyer and information for a fundraising promotion through AAA. Any employee at the office can assist you (941) 627-1544, do not go online.


Member Information

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – Give the gift of Chocolate, Wine, Cheese, Craft Beer, Coffee, & Tea and more to your team for the Holidays. Wow your clients and staff with elegant corporate gifts from either PGCW and PGCT customized for your business needs! We know you are busy, so take the work out of shopping! Preorder yours now at 941-505-0479. Curbside pick-up available!

Sunny Days Ice Cream – has just BROUGHT THE ICE CREAM TRUCK TO THE MALL! We have opened up a location in the Port Charlotte Town Center. We have all the novelties you can get from our trucks. We carry items like Good Humor Magnum Bars, Good Humor Toasted Almond, Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Eclair. Bring the kids! We have Sponge Bob, Spiderman, popsicles, snow cones and SO MUCH MORE! We are located in the food court. We will continue to specialize in our ice cream catering with the trucks. For ice cream catering we can be reached at http://www.sunnydaysicecream.com or call 941-255-1889

Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea – Give the gift of Coffee, Tea, French Presses, Grinders, and more for your team for the holidays! Wow your clients and employees with a custom gift basket with items from either PGCW and PGCT. They are completely customizable! We know you are busy thus time of year, so take the work out of shopping and give us a call today to craft a premium quality basket for you for the holidays…or anytime of the year.

Copperfish Books – Copperfish Books has moved! Our new location is 212 W Virginia Ave. in downtown Punta Gorda (between Taylor and Sullivan Streets). Come enjoy our same great selection of books, gifts, and cards, along with our friendly service. We’re open Mon-Fri 10-5 and Sat 10-4. Masks are required and we sanitize often. Shop Local and Shop Early this holiday season! Indie List Nov 2020.

Rick’s Estate & Jewelry – Not only is Rick’s the top destination in SW Florida to buy and sell estate jewelry and coins, we are also actively buying and selling designer handbags, crystal, and sterling silver flatware sets. Whether you are looking for an unforgettable Christmas gift or looking to sell a luxury purse, stop by our store and see us today. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, #1141.

Chelsea Place Senior Care – Together we can Change the World!

Rossini Tratoria Gastronomica – 4 Course Wine Dinner

Senior Friendship Centers – Weekly Events & Activities Calendar.

The Cocoa Exchange – Time to Get Gifting!

Punta Gorda Diner – The Punta Gorda diner has been resurrected with new chef, new staffing, a new menu and lower pricing that will excite our community.  The Punta Gorda Diner offers generous portions, convenient prices, a warm and friendly service with a home like feel, that will surely make it a local favorite hangout. In addition, delivery is available to a limited area to assist others in this time.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Opens Retail Store in Edison Mall.

FGCU Academy – Virtual Open House November 9.

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Virtual Meeting November 10. Zoom Link Details.

Jersey Mike’s Subs – known for its fresh sliced, grilled subs, is coming soon! The store is located at 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda in the Cross Trails Plaza next to Starbucks. On November 11, Jersey Mike’s will hold a grand opening and free sub fundraiser supporting St Vincent de Paul. www.jerseymikes.com

C.A.R.E. – Yoga and Wine on November 14. Also, Back by popular demand C.A.R.E Auxiliary presents the Wheelbarrow of Cheer. Tickets are $10.00 or 5 for $40.00. Available for purchase at Bank of OZK (three locations); Laishley Crab House; Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique. Drawing November 20th. Follow us on social media! @carecharlottecounty for additional locations on tickets!

Drug Free Charlotte County – Night Vision Special Event for Families Nov 17 at 7pm.

King Fisher Fleet – Christmas Light Canal Cruises Now Available to Book!

Fishermen’s Village – November Calendar. Festival of Lights.

Loveland Center – Upcoming Events.

Thryv – We are excited to be having Connect 20 in November. It’s an online event that is targeted to small local businesses across the country. It focuses on how they can build, grow and modernize their business in today’s COVID-19 environment. As a current member, we would welcome any help the chamber could do in helping us get the word out. We’ve included a discount code for chamber members. Click Here for details.

Gulfshore Opera – GO Divas Coming to Charlotte County!

Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – 

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

Guardian ad Litem Foundation – Virtual Voices of Hope Gala

Mullet Fest – Our very own Eddie Amara (Creative Window Treatments) will be one of the judges at the Mullet Fest 2020.

Valerie’s House – The Virtual Hero 5k will take place Nov 19-26.

United Way Beaujolais Nouveau virtual tasting event November 19.

Twin Isles Country Club – Neighborhood Dinner Night on November 19, 2020 5-8pm

Tidewell Foundation – Virtual Turkey Trot

Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County – The 9th Annual “Driving Out Hunger” Fall Golf Scramble event will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Riverwood Golf Club located at 4100 Riverwood Drive in Port Charlotte. This event is a four-person mixed flight. There will be a continental breakfast and southern-style barbeque lunch. The cost is $95. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and shotgun is at 8:30 a.m. Please contact Darcy Woods at (941)627-4313, Ext. 134 or email Darcy.Woods@cchomelesscoalition.org to reserve a spot. Your support assists the Homeless Coalition in continuing to drive out hunger in our community.

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Movies and a Discussion.

Charlotte County Concert Band – is a wind ensemble, under the direction of Robert Miller, that presents a six-concert season each year at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Carmalita Street. The Concert Band also provides three scholarships to music students at all three Charlotte County high schools. Although this concert season is still uncertain, a small band will entertain holiday shoppers at the Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market on two Saturdays, December 5 and December 12 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Stop by and sing along.

Senior Friendship Centers – Cocktails for a Cause on Dec 9, a Virtual Gala. Sponsorship infoSponsorship Levels.

Wreaths Across America – National Remembrance Wreath Laying December 19 at 10am, Charlotte Memorial Cemetery.

Gulfshore Opera – Gala Announcement


For Our Veteran’s

Military Heritage Museum – Hosts Veterans Day Events Nov 7-11. In addition, Happenings and Highlights, Events for Nov & Dec.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture GardensFree admittance for our Veterans on Nov 11 (military ID or proof of service required). We will also be showing the artwork of a Marine Combat Artist Veteran, Elize McKelvey for the week Nov 8-14.

Welcome Home Vietnam Vets 2020 – Schedule of Events Nov 16 to Nov 20, 2020. Friday Night Free Kick-Off Party Celebration November 21, 2020. Jack Michael Band. Mike Riley & Boogiemen.

Florida International Air Show – Presents “Wings Over Charlotte County” – “A Salute to 1st Responders and Welcome Home Vietnam Vets 2020”. November 21st.


Newsletters

ARCHway InstituteNovember Newsletter

Animal Welfare League – November Newsletter

Charlotte Arts – Newsletter

Charlotte Community FoundationEnd of Year Cheer

CCSOStar Newsletter

Copperfish Books – Newsletter

Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know

FGCU – Continuing Education

FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Webinars, On Demand, and Face-to-Face!

FGCU Renaissance Academy Fort Myers – Something New for You!

Gregg’s Automotive –

Hope4Communities – October Newsletter

Punta Gorda Airport – Buzz

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – Newsletter

SCORE – November Newsletter

StandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – Insider for October

United Way of Charlotte County Newsletter, We’re Fine.

Yoga Sanctuary – November Newsletter


Job Opportunity

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity is hiring! We’re looking to hire a framer to join our construction team in building our new construction homes. This is a full-time hourly-paid position working 7:30am-4:00pm Tuesdays thru Saturdays. Experience preferred but willing to train the right candidate who has drive and motivation to learn. The ideal candidate must possess excellent people skills, be a motivated self-starter, and must possess the ability to work in a team environment. After initial 90-day introductory period, the successful candidate is offered an optional health benefit package, an optional 401k plan, NINE paid holidays per year, and eligible for FIVE paid vacation days and FIVE paid sick days annually. This is a drug-free work environment. Valid FL driver license required.

Contact Kristy at 941-268-5331 or construction@charlottecountyhfh.org


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 hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

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New Executive Director Position

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