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.

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 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP in the Member Portal...And please remember only the Sponsor and Program Speaker may distribute literature on the tables at the event.

Thursday, September 28, 2023 Annual Awards Luncheon - Cost is $65pp or Tables of 8 at $455.00 sign up 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: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

Lanyard Sponsor:

Know of a business who would also benefit from being a Charlotte County

Chamber member?

Businesses may join online now or please recommend a business to

Jami Joannes JJoannes@CharlotteCountyChamber.org - Thank you!

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.

Friday, September 8, 2023 from 10:00 - 2:00 pm (RC at 10:00)

Tile & Carpet World

3427 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

Celebrate their new location. Cookout with refreshments, TV and gift basket raffle.

Please RSVP in 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.)

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.

Charlotte Players- Meet the 11th Annual Comedy for a Cause Cast. Cole Kelly. Cole is a copywriter and an email marketing strategist, as well as a manager at Water Thrills Jet Ski Rentals. Show your support for Cole at https://bit.ly/CFACCole. Tammy Madden- McKee has been an English and Theater teacher for over 25 years. She is a published playwright and loves theater more than almost anything else!  Support Tammy at https://bit.ly/CFAC-Tammy. www.charlotteplayers.org.

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.

In need of rescreening/screen repairs on your pool cage or lanai? Call CV Screening - a family owned screen repair company in Port Charlotte, Florida. Whether it's just 1 panel or an entire screen enclosure, we’re the company to do it! We can also paint your enclosure, add pet doors, replace your door hardware and more. Every panel is guaranteed. Call 941-539-6868 or email CVScreeningLLC@gmail.com for your FREE ESTIMATE today! Visit www.CVScreeningLLC.com for more information.

The Charlotte County Jazz Society is looking for Community Partners! We will be presenting seven concerts and various other musical events next season and your support will help promote more live jazz and assist more music students throughout Charlotte County. By partnering with one of the area’s most active arts organizations, you can obtain positive publicity, increased community involvement, and pride in helping to bring a major source of musical artistry to the area. There are many benefit levels of commitment! For more information contact Jordan@buffalograffix.com.

Promotional products are a fun way to get your brand out in the wild! Buffalo Graffix offers imprinted products of all kinds. If you are reading this, send me an email – jordan@buffalograffix.com and you will get a little gift from us!

This hurricane season has been light so far.  But if you’re moving, heat is a big concern as well.  While the movers at Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage are not superhuman, we are able to work through triple-digit temperatures.  Don’t endanger yourself or your friends by moving in the heat.  If you are planning to move before it gets cooler, call Kenny at 941-423-5311.  When quality counts, call Gardiner & Sons. 

Hurricanes are late this year.  It can be easy to focus your preparation on your home, but remember your car too.  Check your fluids and top them off, properly inflate all tires (spare tire too), and locate your owner’s manual.  If you’re on the road and need information, that little book will help you in a jam, even without cell service.  If you want our help checking your car, call Mary at Complete Auto Repair 941-623-2926 for an appointment.   

Ready for a Confidence Booth? A Brighter Smile Awaits! Whitening options to fit ANY lifestyle: In-Office BOOST - Now only $299 (regularly $420) a brighter smile with only two or three 20 minute treatments in-office at one visit. Custom Take-Home Trays - Now only $199 (regularly $280): With teeth whitening trays hand sculpted to fit your smile to whiten when you want, day or night. Already have custom trays? 2-Pack Refills now only $20 (regularly $25): limit of 3. Give us a call to reserve a Whitening Screening Visit to determine specific needs and create an individualized plan for your Brightening Goals. Offer Valid through September 29th (941) 629-7779 https://www.souldentalpc.com/contact-us/appointment-request/

From September 7 to October 5, 2023, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Donna Pape, oil painter, and Nancy Giffin, Nantucket, and Shaker style basketry artist. Many of Donna’s beautiful and vibrant paintings and Nancy’s wonderful basketry, carved gourds, and jewelry are prominently on display at www.seagrapegallery.com. Come visit the Gallery and its many talented award-winning artists who are on hand to welcome and assist visitors. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda and can be reached on 941-575-1718. 

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.

Weekly trivia from the Dellutri Law Group: 1. Angering many Key Lime Pie lovers, what alliterative red-fruit treat became Florida's official state dessert in March 2022, an act signed by governor Ron DeSantis? 2. Located on the Manatee River south of Tampa, what Florida city is home to the Bishop Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium? 3. "From Florida With Love" is a track from "Dark Lane Demo Tapes," a 2020 album by what rapper more often associated with Canada than with Florida? 4. What Tampa, Florida theme park, which first opened in 1959, was originally developed as a marketing vehicle for the owner's beer business, and featured stables housing some of the world's most famous Clydesdales?

Elizabeth Etnoyer eetnoyer@dellutrilawgroup.com

~ Kudos ~

Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association has been recognized for its outstanding dedication, receiving two Awards of Excellence from the Executive Officers Council (EOC) of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  

“It is truly an honor for the hard work and professionalism of the CDBIA and our councils to be recognized with this Association Excellence Award,” said  CDBIA President Adam Riley, LTD Contracting. “I applaud their dedication to representing the building industry members and preserving the American Dream of homeownership for our community.”

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

"Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world. Set a goal and don’t quit until you attain it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don’t quit until you reach it. Never quit." - Bear Bryant

~ 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

Just as I arrived home after working the night shift, my wife told me to go checkout our five-year-old son's bed. When I entered Jimmie's room, I saw that his bed had collapsed and the mattress was sitting on the floor. 

"What happened?" I asked him. 

He responded, "God did it." 

Interesting, I thought, and went back to tell my wife. Laughing she said that when she had heard the crash, she ran into Jimmie's room, saying, "Oh God, what have you done now?"