Did your business suffer financial damage after Hurricane Ian/Nicole?

Please click here to see the attached information with full details from the SBA regarding Economic Injury Disaster Loans.  

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Florida for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations for losses due to drought that began March 28, 2023.   The declaration covers the primary counties of Broward, Collier, Hendry, Lee and Palm Beach; and the adjacent counties of Charlotte, Glades, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Okeechobee in Florida. “When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities, affected by the same disaster,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions. READ THE NEWS RELEASE

In response to Hurricane Ian, the Charlotte Community Foundation activated the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund. The CCF Board of Directors pledge $500,000 in matching funds in an effort to provide financial assistance and resources to Charlotte County residents. Additionally, CCF activated the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be utilized to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations that incurred structural and/or infrastructural damage preventing them from operating. The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation has generously provided matching funds for Charlotte County.  Visit, www.charlottecf.org.

$1.3 million dollars has been raised to support employees of Charlotte County businesses. United Way of Charlotte County’s (UWCC) United at Work fund offers financial assistance for individuals who are employed by a business that is based in Charlotte County or has sites in Charlotte County. GIVE HELP: If you want to contribute to this fund – click here for information and to make your donation. GET HELP: If you are an employee in need, – click here to complete a simple form, detailing your needs. The UWCC team will direct you to resources and financial assistance you may qualify for.

~ 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.

Members, Networking at Noon on May 10, 2023 is at Hurricane Charley's in Punta Gorda. They are offering a Buffet Selection for Lunch: Chopped Mixed Greens w/Berries, Nuts, Mandarin Oranges & Strawberry's Mixed With Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing- Demi Loaf Rolls-Loaded Smoked Gouda Mac -n- Cheese- 1/2 Pan Grilled Seasoned Chicken 1/2 Pan Grilled Seasoned Shrimp-Vegetable Medley-Chef Choice Dessert. Cost is $20pp. Please RSVP in the Member Portal.

Third Wednesday Coffee on May 17, 2023 is sponsored by Hotwire Communications. Our Speaker will be Annette Bales, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor. It 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. (After the coffee, stay for the New Member Orientation.) Please RSVP.

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.

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 Friday, May 26th.

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:

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!

Grand Opening New Location & Ribbon Cutting - Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - event is 4-6pm for Community Resource Network Port Charlotte

531 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte.  5:30 Ribbon Cutting

Entertainment, refreshments, giveaways, tours. See what CRN is all about

Please RSVP in the MIC

Ribbon Cutting and 15 Year Anniversary Celebration - Friday, May, 12, 2023 - 5:30 pm - 7:30 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center for Granny Nannies Senior Home Health Agency

210 Maud St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. This will be a Dual Ribbon Cutting with the Punta Gorda Chamber - RSVP in the MIC

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.

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

Kindly remember to 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-Mornings at Seven May 12-21. Aaronetta and Ida Gibbs have lived next door to each other most of their lives. Along with Esther, all of the Gibb sisters are an open book to each other, husbands not included. Into the fray comes Myrtle Brown, perpetually engaged to Ida's son Homer. But Homer can't seem to pop the question. Taking matters into her own hands, Myrtle finally gets a proposal by compelling Homer to fly the nest. Sort of. This perennially charming portrait of small town America fifty plus years ago was revived on Broadway in 1980 and in 2002 to critical acclaim. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Third annual Celtic Fest at Fishermen's Village co-hosted by New World Celts and the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida. Join us Saturday, May 13th from 12-9pm and promises to be a celebration of Celtic heritage, culture, and traditions. . Performance Schedule: McIntyre Band 12noon-3 pm Dry Beach; Mac Tier Band 12noon-4 pm Center Court; Kellyn Celtic Dancers 2, 4 & 6pm Center Court (during band breaks, etc.); Bryne Brothers 3-6pm Dry Beach; West of Galway 5-9pm Center Court; Eireann’s Call 6-9 pm Dry Beach www.fishermensvillage.com

Charlotte Players- Kids onstage Summer Workshop Registration is open! Camp dates: June 5-9 & 12-16. Show dates are June 16th & 17th. $225 for enrollments received before May 22nd and $250 for enrollments received after May 22nd. Check out https://www.facebook.com/KidsOnStageCP/ for more information or call 941-255-1022. Sponsored by Gene Gorman’s Auto Sales. Partnership with Punta Gorda Symphony. Dolly’s Kids Grade 1&2. Stars 3-6 Grade. Thespians 7-12 Grade.

The May 2 Honor Flight was a huge success; we appreciate all those who came out to show their support at the Homecoming. Hundreds of pictures were taken during the day, and we’d like to make a memory book for our veterans. Cost of the book and postage could be around $3,000. If there are any businesses interested in sponsoring or co-sponsoring that book, please contact us at SWFLHonorFlight@gmail.com . We’re hoping for another flight this year on October 10.

Did you know Buffalo Graffix produces signs of various substrates and sizes to accommodate customizations for all your signage needs? Our sign department can produce printed and cut vinyl, yard and realty signs, vehicle graphics and wraps, banners and banner stands, magnetic signs, window lettering and perforated window vinyl that you can see through! With all these options to choose from we can personalize a project for your needs! For more information you can check out our website or give us a call at 941.625.2833! 

We understand. We don't like having to run from one office to the other, we like convenience. We don't want to be treated as a number, we enjoy our friendships. At Soul Dental, we care for all your dental needs in one location with our highly trusted and excellent providers. Routine Care to Full Mouth Rehabilitation we will see you through every step of the way. Why? Because you become family! Check out our Website to learn more about us and all the care we provide! SoulDentalPC.com Give us a call today to secure your next visit. (941) 629-7779

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

NEWS U can USE from DAV CH82: As of 6 January the VA Choice program transitioned into the VA Community Care Program and the many medical services available through Community Care expanded. There is a National VA Urgent Care Program with many URGENT CARE Centers and facilities located in many if not Most Communities. The availability of these URGENT CARE facilities may be more limited elsewhere. For details "Google"  VA-URGENT CARE-Community Care. The DAV CH82 is open Mo-Sa in the PCTC mall (941) 629-2833.

High temperatures are in our forecast.  It’s time to check your air conditioning system!  Are you a smoker?  Regardless, you should be aware that your car cabin’s air filter is very small.  It is important to look at the entire system to make sure you’re not sweating unnecessarily this summer, so call us at Complete Auto Repair to schedule your a/c checkup - 941-623-2926. 

Summer temperatures can be underestimated if you are packing and moving yourself.  This is especially true for our seniors.  As temperatures soar, exhaustion and dehydration can happen quickly.  Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage offers packing and loading services locally, even if you have another truck to drive.  Our team has worked through excessive heat, rain even through hurricanes.  Call Kenny Gardiner at (941) 423-5311 to discuss your packing needs. 

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

At Essential Contracts, we facilitate Cooperative Procurement contracts by helping to facilitate and administer cooperative purchasing networks (COOPs) for any public entity that falls under the General Municipal Law. Our Philosophy: If you work for a school district, government agency, higher education, municipality or any other agency or location that requires a public bid process, you know how daunting the entire process can be. We could help eliminate many of those steps all while saving money and possibly having your project being done within the same calendar year and under budget. Rob Warholic Rob@EssentialConstructs.com 607-760-2350

Have you ever lived through the headaches and challenges of handling a probate for a deceased loved one? Would you like to make things easier for your family when you’re gone? If so, 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 a Revocable Probate Avoidance Trust can save your family, time, money and headaches.

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.

Procrastination is the thief of time - Chinese Proverb

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

If Only Life Could Be Like a Computer:

- If you messed up your life, you could press "Alt, Ctrl, Delete" and start all over!

- To get your daily exercise, just click on "run"!

- If you needed a break from life, click on "suspend".

- Hit "any key" to continue life when ready.

- To "add/remove" someone in your life, click settings and control panel.

- To improve your appearance, just adjust the display settings.