~ Advertise in the new 2024 Community Guide and Business Directory ~

Click on https://business.charlottecountychamber.org/list now to view your profile.

~~ 2023 Community Guide Linked Here ~~

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.

Suncoast Blood Centers is holding a Blood Drive, Tuesday, May 23rd from 10:30 a.m until 1:30 p.m. at our Chamber Office, 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. To schedule your donation please click on https://donor.suncoastblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/36300

Business Card Exchange will be hosted by Lake Michigan Credit Union on Thursday, May 25th beginning at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m. Remember to bring plenty of your business cards, and if you like a small gift item to promote your business. Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Networking@Noon on Wednesday, June 14th will be at Lime Tequila. Save the date, menu is to follow. Please Register in the MIC.

Third Wednesday Coffee, June 21, 2023 will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. so please be early to get your beverage/pastry and meet and greet before it begins. Our Sponsor: Charlotte State Bank & Trust. Our Program: TBA. Please RSVP in the Member Portal.



Hurricane Ian has taken a drastic toll on may members of our community. The Leadership Charlotte Class believes it is vital to support the seniors through several of our area nonprofits. Sponsorships are available. Individual tickets to the Shagadelic Shindig are $100.

On sale through Thursday, May 25th.

Purchase Tickets for their fundraising event on Saturday, June 3, 2023 for the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2023 Shagadelic Shindig. Sponsorships Available. They are supporting Meals on Wheels, Drug Free Charlotte County, Douglas T. Jacobson Veterans, The Leadership Charlotte Fund and Junior Leadership Charlotte.

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.

Bronze Sponsor:

Main Stage Sponsor:

After Hours Party Sponsor: Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions

Bag Sponsor:

Refreshment Station Sponsor:

Kick off Party Sponsor:

Lanyard Sponsor:

NEO Home Loans

7370 College Parkway, Suite 102

Fort Myers, FL 33907

Denise Richards

(440) 487-7074

Denise@MortgageProfessional.nethttps://myhome.neohomeloans.com/homehub/signup/Denise.Richards@neohomeloans.com

T-Mobile

1720 Tamiami Trail, Suite 104

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Israel Degros, Stacy Carlson

(941) 467-3554

israel.degros@t-mobile.com

http://www.t-mobile.com

T-Mobile

2310 Tamiami Trail

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Stacy Carlson

(941) 347-9266

andrew.feldkamp@t-mobile.com

http://t-mobile.com

Georgia's Flower Shop, Inc.

140 Tamiami Trail

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Kristine Bienema

(941) 204-9482

kristine.b@staintoncorp.com

https://www.georgiasflowershop.com/

Kittle Property Group

16325 Franklin Avenue

Port Charlotte, FL 33953

Kelli Colwell

(317) 846-3111

swiftwater@kittleproperties.com

http://www.kittleproperties.com/

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!

Open House and Ribbon Cutting - Thursday, June 1st from 12:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. (RC at 5:30 p.m.) for Port Charlotte Detox

3460 Depew Ave., Port Charlotte

Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Ground Breaking-Ribbon Cutting, Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. for

Mazda Port Charlotte - 798 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953

(Should take about 20 minutes.) Please sign up in the MIC

Ribbon Cutting, Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m.

Meals on Wheels

3082 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. To celebrate the opening of their new kitchen

This will be a Dual Ribbon Cutting with the Punta Gorda Chamber

Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Ribbon Cutting new location - Thursday, June 15 - 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Hometown Title & Closing Services

2091 Tamiami Trail, Unit B, Port Charlotte

(behind the car wash by Forrest Nelson Blvd.) - RSVP in the MIC

Ribbon Cutting & 1 Year Anniversary Celebration, Thursday, June 29, 2023

at 5:30 p.m. Home Matchmaking Realty - 701 JC Center Ct., Unit 13, Port Charlotte

Please RSVP in the MIC

Kindly RSVP in the MIC (Member Portal) for these events

so that we may properly plan.

Everyone is invited to attend Chamber ribbon cutting events. Come out and support your fellow members in a casual, fun, 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 41st Annual Florida International Air Show will take place at the Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), on November 4th & 5th, 2023. This year will mark the return of the USAF Thunderbirds and a variety of performers. We will have a very interactive children's area, food trucks, and there will be plenty of cold beverages. Surprises as well with local venues throwing their own Air Show themed parties. Family friendly event, discounted tickets for children under 12, seniors over 65, and Military Veterans. Additional information for sponsorship or chalet purchases can be found at https://www.floridaairshow.com/sponsors if you are interested in volunteering visit https://www.floridaairshow.com/volunteer Ticket information to be announced just before Father's Day! 

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida has added two major sales for the month of May. On Saturday, May 20^th, Goodwill SWFL VIP Perk members can get 50% off their purchases of donated goods at all regular retail stores, 25% off donated at the two blue boutiques, and 25% off at the Goodwill Outlet at 5100 Tice Street in Fort Myers. Discounts will be applied upon using the customer’s VIP number at checkout. There is no cost to join the Goodwill SWFL VIP Perk program. Shoppers can sign up for free at www.GoodwillPerks.com. This same sale will be offered on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29^th

Charlotte Players-Kids onstage Summer Workshop June 5-9 & 12-16. Dolly's Kids-The Little Engine that Could 1st & 2nd Graders, Stars-Giants in the Sky-Musical 3rd thru 6th Graders, and Thespians-Disney's Newsies, Jr-Musical. 7th thru 12th Graders. Grades 1st thru 6th meet at 9am till Noon. 7th thru 12th graders meet at 1p till 4p. Students will have hands on experiences in all facets of theatrical production. Each workshop will culminate in a showcase production on June 16 (7pm) and 17 (2pm). Located at Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St. Punta Gorda, FL.$225.00 for enrollments received before May 22. $250.00 for enrollments received after May 22. For more information call 941-255-1022 or go to https://www.charlotteplayers.org/special-events/.

Fishermen’s Village to host First Annual Blues Fest, Saturday, June 17, 2023, 12 noon-10 pm. Event organizers for Fishermen’s Village are pleased to announce the addition of a new special event for 2023, Blues Fest! Scheduled to begin at 12noon and continue until 10pm on the Dry Beach, Fishermen’s Village Blues Fest will feature the heart and soul of blues music, showcasing the talents of the  Joey Gilmore Band - 12noon – 3pm. Dottie Kelly Band - 4-6:30pm and Rockin’ Jake - 7:30-10pm Admission/Parking are free. Visit on line at www.fishermensvillage.com or call 941 639-8721. 

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau is excited to sponsor and host the inaugural Gulf Coast Cornhole Classic June 22-24^th at various location in Charlotte County. This three-day social festival and pro-invitational is built around the competitive game of cornhole and live music. Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach will be the host site for three years so our community can look forward to this event for years to come. Cornhole players of all ages and skill level are welcome to participate with a $20,000 guaranteed prize purse. Sign up to play at https://americancornhole.ticketsauce.com/e/aco-gulf-coast-classic/tickets

Buffalo Graffix has threads! If you are looking for employee shirts, school uniforms or custom projects we can help. We can digitize your logo to embroider on shirts, jackets, hats, bags and more! Our website has our apparel catalog where you can browse all the items you can purchase directly from us. Visit our website for more information or stop by our office to see what we have to offer!

C.A.R.E. would like to say thank you to all our community partners and our private donors. Your continued generosity allows us to provide much needed victim services for the survivors in our community. There are many ways to support our efforts by donating to the Reuse Store, making a charitable gift or become part of the Circle of Compassion Legacy Society. Every donation and partnership counts. https://carefl.org/giving/donate/ for help or more information call 941-639-5499.

Did you know that the three MOST IMPORTANT Estate Planning documents you need to have while you are ALIVE are a Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate and Living Will?  To learn why and how they can protect you and your family when “life 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 how these documents can save you and your family, time, money and headaches.

Kelting's Pool Division is now serving Port Charlotte! Contact us today at 941-655-8888 for more information.

A reminder from the Charlotte County Sheriff's office - The Crime Prevention Office at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall has closed. Our services remain available to you via email (crimeprevention@ccsofl.net) or phone (941-639-2101). And always remember to Lock Your Doors!

The Gulf Coast Partnership has asked us to share with you that the Economic Recovery Corps in partnership with the International Economic Development Council is engaged in Host Recruitment. They are now accepting applications from organizations interested in hosting a full-time fellow for 2.5 years (30 months). To learn more visit www.iedconline.org/ERC

No matter the situation, there is always help and there is always hope. Mental Health Awareness Month is a perfect time to focus on your own mental health and wellness. This time of year is often associated with growth, renewal, hope and positivity. Let C.A.R.E. help support you as a sexual abuse or domestic abuse survivor. Call the Hotline at 941-627-6000 to get more information about our services. We all play a part in one another’s mental wellness.

If you retained five or more employees anytime during the 2020 to 2021 time period, you may qualify. The ERC is part of the Cares Act, it's a refundable tax credit on the payroll taxes paid by the employer. Our CPA's will calculate exactly how much you qualify for at no cost or obligation.  The ERC allows for up to $26,000 to be paid per W-2 employee, For more information, please contact Bill Moeshlin at 941-276-4020 or you can also visit my web site, www.ercfundsforbusiness.com  

Price comparisons are often “apples to oranges.”  At Complete Auto Repair we hear from owners who have already been quoted a repair price, and want a better deal.  If you aren’t comfortable enough to move forward on the original diagnosis, you can understand why we aren’t, either.  Misdiagnosis of the problem is a leading cause of failed repairs.  Because we warranty all repairs for 2 years or 24,000 miles, we cannot afford to be wrong.  For an accurate diagnosis and repair, call Mary at 941-623-2926. 

Like you, we are hoping hurricanes pass us by this year.  Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage takes pride in being able to move through any weather situation.  Summer is a busy time for any mover and a weather emergency adds to our workload.  If you plan to move during the second half of 2023, call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311 now to schedule your move and secure a little peace of mind.   

Cedar Point Environmental Park is excited to announce its summer camp program! Florida boasts some of the most incredible biodiversity in the world, and our camp offers a unique experience for children to immerse themselves in exciting and educational activities that will help them discover the wonders of nature. We offer weekly themes from marine exploration to stone-age fossilized fun, and our experienced staff ensures a safe and fun environment, providing an unforgettable summer of science and adventure! Fee: $150. Address: 2300 Placida Rd Englewood Fl 34224. Melissa Robinson, Office 941-475-0769  http://www.checflorida.org/

Better choices = a healthier and happier lifestyle, give your employees that option! Starting April 1, 2023, Gulfcoast South AHEC will begin offering $50 gift cards* to Group Quit participants who attend in-person or virtual sessions. FREE tobacco cessation counseling and FREE Nicotine Replacement in the form of patches, gum and/or lozenges are also available 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. *while supplies last

Murdock Stones Etc. has finally got in White River Rock! Our 3/4-1" White is coming in more like 3/4"...Normally $275 per cubic yard, we will be selling it for $250 through May (or while supplies last)  590 Prineville St. in Port Charlotte (behind Walmart). 7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd. …World’s Largest Mailbox). www.murdockstonesetc.com. 941-629-6651

~ New Kids on the Block ~

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau announce that Aimee Blenker has joined as their new Domestic and International Leisure Sales Manager. Aimee will be responsible for promoting Charlotte County, FL as a preferred vacation destination through attendance at various domestic and international consumer trade shows and be responsible for creating and enhancing relationships with tour operators and other travel professionals to sell our destination to their clients. Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is expanding our reach to international travelers and Aimee will be the main point of contact with our international representation firm. 

Members may create Member-to-Member deals, Hot-Deals, post Jobs and News Releases using the MIC (Member Portal). There is no additional cost to to create these items! We recommend that you check these links each week to see what members are offering.

“If something stands between you and your success, move it. Never be denied.” —Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase your business? A great opportunity would be sponsoring one of our Third Wednesday Coffees. Sponsors receive recognition in Business Online, on Facebook and in the Chamber calendar.  Sponsors may place marketing materials on the tables at the event and will have 4-5 minutes to introduce yourself/staff/business. Available slots are limited. Please contact Jami Joannes jjoannes@charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222 for details. Cost to sponsor is $300.

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

We were driving in my friend Larry's new car. I asked him about its features.

He listed the usual, then added: "It tells me to slow down as I approach the speed limit. It warns me when I have to stop. It points out solid no-passing lines."

I expressed my amazement.

"But," he explained, "these features work only when my wife is in the car."