2022-2023 Sustaining Partners

Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional financial support annually to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce which, in turn, provides them with additional valuable membership benefits. These contributions to the chamber allow for the continued increase of promotion, advocacy, involvement, and leadership at the local, state and federal levels. This is done to always be proactive in support of our businesses and the community we serve.

PLATINUM LEVEL: Adjuster Groups, LLC; Lesley Barton Coldwell Banker Sunstar; Buffalo Graffix*; Chapman Insurance Group; Charlotte County Ford; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center; GJC Window & Door; Integrity Employee Leasing; The Daily Sun; Suncoast One Title & Closings, Inc. and Waste Management of Charlotte County

DIAMOND LEVEL: Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPAs; Charlotte State Bank & Trust; Decker Plumbing & Drains, LLC; Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions; Farr Law Firm; The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker; The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad; Tommy's Express Car Wash and WhitCo Insurance-Alexia Martin Agency

EMERALD LEVEL: Centennial Bank; Friendly Floors;  Granny Nannies Home Health Agency; Nolan Family Insurance;  Panther Hollow Dental Lodge;  Port Charlotte Florist; Sandhill Healing Center; South Port Square; St. Andrews South Golf Club; State Farm Insurance-Mike Martin; and Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross and Young, PA.

~~ Nominations being accepted for Business of the Year and the prestigious Pacesetter Award ~~

Business Card Exchange, Thursday, August 24 will be held in the Lobby at the Family Services Center rom 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. It is hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte. It will have a Tropical Luau Theme. Remember to bring plenty of business cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Kindly RSVP in the MIC.

Wednesday, September 13th Networking at Noon will be held at Icehouse Pub. They will provide a Buffet - build your own salad with veggies & grilled chicken, cottage pie(ground beef, veggies & mashed potatoes) and fish & fries. Space for this event is limited to only 50 people, so register early. Cost is $20pp. Here is the link for the event in the MIC.

Because this is a buffet, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and go through the buffet so we can start promptly at Noon.

Third Wednesday Coffee, September 20, 2023 held at 8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m. will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Our Sponsor: Punta Gorda Rotary Club. Come a little early to get settled and do some greet and meet before the program begins at 8.Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Did you know that for a small cost members may promote their business or special event on our website with a banner. Learn more about banners. Additionally, members may upgrade from a basic online profile to an enhanced profile for a small annual fee. The difference is more content - more photos, a link to video, more description and keywords and links to specific pages on your website. Learn more about Enhancing your Membership Profile.

13th Annual Business Expo

Thank You Expo2024 Sponsors:

Print Sponsor: Buffalo Graffix

Newspaper Sponsor: The Daily Sun

Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media, Inc.

Platinum Title Sponsor: Chapman Insurance Group

Silver Sponsor: Southwest Florida Insurance Associates, Inc.

Silver Sponsor: Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

Silver Sponsor: True Fence, LLC

Bronze Sponsor: MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash

Main Stage Sponsor:

After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions

Bag Sponsor:

Refreshment Station Sponsor:

Kick off Party Sponsor:

Lanyard Sponsor:

Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Chamber member?

Businesses may join online now or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org - Thank you!

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening, Tuesday, August 22 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.

New Season Treatment Center Port Charlotte

20580 Veterans Blvd., Port Charlotte

12:00 program begins, 12:15p.m. Ribbon Cutting, 12:30 P.M. Lunch

Tours & Swag Bags.

Please RSVP in the MIC.

Thursday, August 31, 2023 5-7PM RC 5:30

Joint Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Lymphology & Aqua Sol Infusions

1620 Tamiami Trail, Suite 216, Port Charlotte

Each business is doing a separate ribbon cutting they are together in the same building

Light appetizers, refreshments, beer & wine-Raffles for baskets, IV treatments, detox massages & discounted package deals. Please RSVP in the MIC

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 5:15 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. (RC at 5:30)

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Home Star Storage

18485 Paulson Drive, Port Charlotte.

Finger food & refreshments, tours, raffle for 3 months of free storage and 2 gift baskets.

Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

Deep End IV Hydration, LLC

at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center right after the 3rd Wednesday Coffee

Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, atmosphere! Networking opportunity.

#MembershipAddsValue #OneCommunity

Members Send YOUR Member News/Events to BOL@charlottecountychamber.org and we'll share it each week. Email submissions of 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday for inclusion the following Monday. This is a free members-only benefit! (We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.)

The Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida and Fishermen’s Village present the 5^th annual International Culture Fest Saturday, August 26, 2023. Entertainment is featured 12-8; specialty vendors 12-6. Enjoy a family fun journey of international cuisine, cultural crafts, live performances, educational activities & more.  Full details at www.fishermensvillage.com.

Charlotte Players- Meet the 11th Annual Comedy for a Cause Cast. Christa Cabrera works for Soul Dental as the Director of Marketing and Relationships. She works alongside Dr Oliver Cabrera to care for the Port Charlotte Community. Show your support for Christa at https://bit.ly/CFAC-Christa. Mark Dumser is the owner of MD Pressure Cleaning and Soft Wash. Mark is looking forward to interacting with his fellow cast members and others in the community. Support Mark at https://bit.ly/CFAC-Mark. www.charlotteplayers.org.

Daxxify & Donuts at Restoration Bar! Fri Aug 25 10-noon. Learn about Botox newest competitor Daxxify! Peptide powered boasting to 6 months of wrinkle relief. 

Q&A, live demo and introductory offer! Complimentary mini consults + donuts!

Acceptance of Invitation is required by calling 941-347-7707 or email info@restorationbar.com. Additional info here https://facebook.com/events/s/daxxify-donuts/1104678300490245/

Charlotte Players- Join us for the first play of the 63rd season! The Wild Women of Winedale opens on September 7th and runs thru the 17th. This joyful and exuberant, yet ultimately touching, comedy focuses on three women at crossroads in their lives. This feisty trio have supported and cheered one another throughout their lives. Together they prove it’s never too late to take another one of life’s paths for a grand new adventure. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022. 

Boogie Oogie Oogie Silent Disco - Boogie the night away for a great cause! The Homeless Coalition is hosting their First Annual Silent Disco on Saturday, September 30th at 7:00 at The Isles Yacht Club. Tickets are $80. There are some fun sponsorship opportunities. Prizes for best costumes. It's going to be a blast! Visit www.cchomelesscoalition.org to purchase tickets and to learn more.

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser to benefit the Military Heritage Museum on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.. Held at "House of Breakfast" 502 King St., Suite A, Punta Gorda. Your $20 tickets includes: Spaghetti dinner with meatballs, salad, garlic bread and beverage. Purchase tickets at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda or online at https://tinyurl.com/478ywv5t

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic - Win a fabulous Caribbean vacation for two, 7 night stay at Upachaya Resort for two on the island of Roatan, Honduras including a snorkel or dive package $1500 voucher toward airfare and more. Only 300 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $125. Enter as often as you like. Visit www.volunteercare.org for details. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Country for a Cause Celebration, September 30, 2023.

Is there an artist in your office? The Visual Arts Center is seeking artists to donate original works on a 5”x5” canvas. Art is for everyone; we encourage businesses to hold a call for artists and create as a team. When the canvases come together as a mosaic; images will emerge. The exhibit runs from 9/14 – 10/31 with an amazing reception fundraising party on September 21^st. Save the date and support the VAC! Art due by August 30^th, sponsorship, general involvement, and other support opportunities available. Contact Shawn at engage@visualartcenter.org

Join us for Golfers Who C.A.R.E. September 23rd! Our non-profit is hosting a 4-Person Golf Scramble, bringing together golf enthusiasts of every level. Play, have fun, and support a great cause. Registration is only $125pp/ $500 per team and includes green & cart fees, driving range, breakfast, lunch, 2 drink tickets, goody bag, raffle entry, and more. Click here for more details, registration info and sponsorship opportunities!

Country for a Cause An evening of dinner and dancing featuring The BoogieMen on Saturday September 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. . Tickets $125 each. For information and sponsorship opportunities call Barbara 941-368-8863 or email bwastart@volunteercare.org https://volunteercare.org/country-for-a-cause-2023

Join us in celebrating the Animal Welfare League's momentous 60th anniversary with "Paws for a Cause" on December 3, 2023! This grand event promises a day of fun and compassion for animals in need. We invite vendors and sponsors to be a part of this special occasion, making a positive impact on the lives of our furry friends. For more details, visit AWLshelter.org/Paws-for-a-cause or reach out to events@awlshelter.org. Let's come together to support a brighter future for animals.

Look and Lease within 24 hours and receive two months off rent! Landings at Westport is a beautiful townhome community, close to shopping, entertainment, boating, fishing, and some of the most beautiful beaches! Contact us today for your personal tour of everything our community offers!  Phone:941-763-6457 www.landingsatwestport.com

Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage is your go-to for local moves in Southwest Florida.  Business moves, residential moves, multi-level apartments, condos, emergency moves, or large, awkward items that need assistance are all part of our superior service.   We also do all the packing, unpacking, and placement of all your belongings exactly where you want them.  We offer short-term storage for items you are not ready to move to your new place.  Whatever your moving circumstances, we can help.  Call Kenny at 941-423-5311. 

Car batteries last only about 3 years in our heat.  At Complete Auto Repair, we install AAA batteries.  Why?  They have a 3-year warranty.  Most other batteries have a 2-year replacement and then after 2 years they prorate the cost to replace it.  Only AAA approved shops can carry these AAA batteries.  Having a well-charged battery in hurricane season is part of your hurricane preparedness.  Call us at 941-623-2926 to make an appointment to have your battery checked. 

Weekly Trivia: 1. Florida shares a land border with what state that also immediately follows it on an alphabetical list of the U.S. states? 2. The 2000 U.S. presidential election was officially decided by a controversial Supreme Court decision following a recount of votes in what state? The recount determined that George W. Bush had defeated Al Gore in that state by a mere 537 votes. 3. What public research university in Orange County was founded in 1963, with its mascot being the Knights, with black and gold school colors?4. Florida Panthers mascot ___ C. Panther is named for the biggest prize in the NHL. What seven-letter first name goes in the blank? Dellutri Law Group 239-210-7253 (call/text).

Looking for something different to do on the water? How about a relaxing sunset cruise or a fun day at the sandbar? A birthday or celebration coming up? Celebrate a special event with Gasparilla Boat Tours! If you are a Chamber member, receive 15% off a private cruise booking. Come see our beautiful area, water and meet our awesome Captains & Crew, they would love to meet you all! Call us 833-786-8687 or go online to GasparillaBoatTours.com and check us out!

Have you been putting off preparing a Last Will and Testament until next year? Well, the year is more than half over and your next year is here! It is so important to have the right documents in place BEFORE a medical emergency happens. Give Mark Martella, Esq., of the Martella Law Firm, PLLC a call at 941-867-6865 (or e-mail him at mark@martellalaw.com) to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss your options to be prepared for when “life happens.”

Better choices = a healthier and happier lifestyle, give your employees that option! Gulfcoast South AHEC offers FREE tobacco cessation counseling and FREE Nicotine Replacement in the form of patches, gum and/or lozenges at no cost for qualifying participants. As part of Tobacco Free Florida’s in-person/virtual Group Quit sessions, we are here to help. Call 866-534-7909 or visit gsahec.org to register today.

~ Job Spot ~

The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is seeking a highly motivated, creative, outgoing, organized, and professional individual to serve as our Director of Business Development. This position covers a wide-range of responsibilities while working in a collaborative and pleasant environment. Medical and vacation benefits provided. For all serious inquiries, please email cover letter and resume to bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org

Members, the option to post Deals, Jobs and News Releases is a FREE benefit!

“The key to success is to learn to do something right and then do it right every time”. ~ Pat Riley

~ Resources ~

LOCAL-

Please call 2-1-1 for any resource needs.

Charlotte County Economic Development Office- www.cleared4takeoff.com

Community Organizations Active in a Disaster- https://coadfl.org/

Career Source of Southwest Florida online resources include available jobs- https://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/immediate-southwest-florida-job-openings/

Charlotte County Department of Health- www.Charlotte.FloridaHealth.gov

City of Punta Gorda- http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/

Charlotte County Administration - https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/dept/admin/Pages/default.aspx

Charlotte County Public Schools- https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/

My Neighborhood, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click My Neighborhood in the top menu. See property information and county and/or city services and public facilities in the property’s neighborhood.

United Way of Charlotte County Disaster Relief page at www.unitedwayccfl.org/ian. 

STATE AND FEDERAL-

Florida Chamber of Commerce- www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320.

Small Business Administration- www.sba.gov/disaster

Federal Emergency Management Association - www.FEMA.gov or 1-800-621-3362

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association- https://frla.org/covid-19/

Florida Retail Federation- http://www.frf.org/index.php/news/covid-19

Florida Dept. of Health- http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

Visit Florida- www.visitflorida.org

Governor's Office- www.flgov.com

Center for Disease Control- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Small Business Development Center - www.fsbdcswfl.org

On a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon my buddy and I stood on the first tee of our Golf Club. He had just pulled out his driver when a young woman in a wedding dress came running up to him, crying.

She slaps him in the face, turns, and runs away.

My buddy turns to me and says calmly, "I don't know what her problem is. I distinctly told her only if it rained."