~ 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.

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: Patrick Fuller, Director of Charlotte County Emergency Services - "Hurricane Season is Upon Us". Please RSVP in the Member Portal.



Business Card Exchange on Thursday, June 22 will be at Coldwell Banker Sunstar, 19700 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte. The BCX will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Remember to bring plenty of Business Cards, and if you like a small gift to promote your business. Kindly RSVP in the Member Portal.

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:

Charlie Foxtrot Brewing

1700 Tamiami Trail, Suite A5

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Nicolas York

(941) 564-9312

charliefoxtrotbrewing@gmail.com

http://www.charliefoxtrotbrewing.com

On Call Electric of SW/FLA LLC

17588 Winding Wood Lane

Babcock Ranch, FL 33982

Marc Candels

(239) 220-6597

sales@oncall-electric.com

http://www.oncall-electric.com

Crazy Conez Inc.

2686 Tamiami Trail, Unit 4

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Jonathan Godfry, Debroah Godfry

(941) 447-4675

crazyconez1@gmail.com

Stay Dry Roofing

9160 Forum Corporate Parkway, Suite 350

Fort Myers, FL 33905

Josh Lyon, Janice Westfall

(239) 236-3071

jwestfall@staydryroofing.com

http://staydryroofing.com

Gail McKee Realtor - Coldwell Banker, Sunstar Realty

19700 Cochran Blvd.

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Gail McKee

(585) 590-7018

gail.mckee@cbsunstar.com

TranStar Ambulance Service

13180 North Cleveland Ave., Suite 236

North Fort Myers, FL 33903

Alana Lacy

(901) 530-2015

divory@transtarambulance.com

http://www.transtarambulance.com

Priscilla Bagley Voice Studio

1347 Beacon Dr

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Priscilla Bagley

(407) 212-5542

Prisdiva@aol.com

http://www.PriscillaBagley.com

Sunrise Plumbing and Water Filtration

6299 Tropicaire Blvd

North Port, FL 34291

Jason Tart

(941) 875-2309

sunriseplumbingandwater@gmail.com

https://www.sunriseplumbingandwater.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

POSTPONED_- 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.)

Charlotte Players/Charlotte County Imagination Library are looking for 4 more cast members to be a part of our 11th Annual Comedy for A Cause Fundraiser on September 29th. Rehearsals begin the week after the 4th of July. The event is an entertaining night of dinner and Improv led by Dr. Chris Constance. Located at The Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. For more information email Lori at lori.wagner@charlotteplayers.org or Chris at chris@charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org.

Gulf Theater Season 5 tickets are available. You won't want to miss any of these great shows. They are so much fun, camaraderie and certainly good times had by all. Every dollar spent in ticket sales goes towards the Military Heritage Museum and all of its many programs, ranging from History Camp for local children to offsetting complimentary theater rentals for veteran's organizations or organizations that support our cherished local veterans! We are offering two different season ticket packages. Click here for a preview of shows and to purchase tickets.  

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

We are thrilled to announce the ground-breaking ceremony for Mazda of Port Charlotte, and we cordially invite you and the members of the charlotte County Chamber of Commerce to join us in this momentous occasion. Date:June,8^th Time: 11:00 AM Location: 798 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL. Your presence at this event will help us celebrate the commencement of construction for our state-of-the-art Mazda dealership in Port Charlotte. This facility will not only provide our customers with an exceptional automotive experience but also contribute to the local economy and job growth.

Carolyn & I would like to share something very exciting with you and the entire Chamber family! We are getting closer to getting our Funeral Home construction underway and we wanted to personally invite you, and all Chamber Members to our Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 16^th, 2023 at 11am. The location is the site of our old building and soon to be new building, Johnson-Taylor Funeral & Cremation, 1515 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda.  We will have guest speakers, sandwiches, & drinks. Eri

Fishermen’s Village announces our inaugural Blues Fest, Saturday, June 17^th 12 noon-10 pm at our scenic Dry Beach/Tiki Bar! Performances to be presented by the Joey Gilmore Band, Dottie Kelly Band and Rockin’ Jake! Enjoy a mini weekend getaway to enjoy Blues Fest by booking your stay at The Suites at Fishermen’s Village! Visit www.fishermensvillage.com for full details!

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

Call for VENDORS!!! Display your products/services at Fishermen’s Village during one (or several!!) of our upcoming special events: Independence Day Celebration (July 4^th), TikiFest (August 5^th), Key Lime Fest (September 23^rd). For information / registration form, contact: Kathy Burnam, kburnam@fishermensvillage.com!

June is Pride Month. Let’s bring awareness to the fact that the LGBTQ+ population has a higher rate of sexual violence and domestic violence, including rape, physical violence and/or stalking. C.A.R.E. is here for EVERYONE. Call the DV Hotline 941-627-6000 or the SV Helpline 941-637-0404. If you or someone you love is a survivor, we are here to provide Help, Healing & Hope! 

Whoops, Murdock Stones's supplier made a big mistake...they sent us White Salt & Pepper Rip Rap....in our opinion it looks A LOT BETTER than Florida Rip Rap....this material should go for $325 per cubic yard...we're selling it for $75 per yard. Material is located at our South Gulf Cove location:  7621 Sawyer Circle (off Gasparilla Rd)  941-629-6651.

As Florida converges on hurricane season, remember to add a car inspection to your preparation list. Mechanical problems cause unexpected delays and expenses.  Many of these problems can be avoided because signs of wear will be discovered in an inspection from Complete Auto Repair.  For peace of mind this summer, call Mary at 941-623-2926 for an appointment. 

If you need to “harden” your property against hurricanes, Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage can help.  We can pack and store your outside items.  If you have large items that will need to be protected, call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311 to talk about options.  With four major hurricanes in the forecast, now is the time for strategic planning!   

Florida basks in year-round sunshine, and the sun’s rays are most intense during summer. In fact, the mean UV Index in Southwest Florida is either high, very high or extremely high in nine of the 12 months. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to remember three sun-safety tips heading into summer: (1) Refrain from outdoor activities between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (2) Wear a wide-brimmed hat or stay in the shade during the midday; and (3) Always use sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors more than five minutes. Advocate Radiation Oncology: AdvocateRO.com. 

As I begin my 18th year of owning Monarch Direct, I am continually amazed by how technology has changed the business. I have especially seen apparel decorating come a long way. In the past, it was traditional screen printing and embroidery. Today, we also have Heat Set Transfers, Dye Sublimation, and Direct to Garment. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, but all can really help promote your business. Be on the lookout this month to learn more about these really cool processes. Details can be found on our social media pages! Mike Bladorn info@monarchdirect.com

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.

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

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  

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

~ Job Spot ~

Come be a part of a dynamic organization that provides value to its members and the business community overall. The Digital/Social Media Marketing & Leadership Charlotte Program Manager is responsible for all activities related to our social media/digital presence for our events, initiatives, promotion of our chamber members, and community partners. In addition, this role will be pivotal in enhancing our Leadership Charlotte Program to increase participation value. Includes Medical and Vacation benefits. Send cover letter and resume to Bob White BWhite@charlottecountychamber.org

Kelting's Pool Division is looking for a full-time pool service technician! Our pool service technicians are held to a high standard. In this customer-facing role, you will be servicing and maintaining pools, inspecting equipment, and managing customer expectations daily. This position does include benefits and vacation time. Resumes can be sent to office@keltinginspections.com or call Merci Hotchkin 941-655-8888.

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.

“What makes something special is not just what you have to gain, but what you feel there is to lose.” —Andre Agassi

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

A famous model is going on a vacation in Africa. She takes her little bag dog Foofie along with her because she never went anywhere without her. As the model goes off exploring, Foofie wanders away on her own and soon gets lost; the little dog becomes very scared, looking all around her for any familiar sights, upon which she suddenly sees a leopard ready to pounce!

Noticing a pile of bones nearby, Foofie strolls over and begins chewing on one of the bones. "Mmm, what a tasty leopard. I wonder if there's another one around." The leopard immediately turns pale and runs fearfully back into the jungle. A monkey, who had happened to see everything, climbs down from a branch and whispers in the leopard's ear; furious, the leopard begins storming back out with the monkey on his back.

Upon seeing the leopard returning, Foofie knows what must have happened and quickly begins looking all around. "Where is that monkey? I told him to bring me another leopard hours ago but he never came back."