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From the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Accredited, US Chamber of Commerce, **** Rating
2005 Chamber of the Year, Florida Association of Chamber Professionals
Serving all of Charlotte County for more than 82 years
May 5, 2008
General Information
The Southwest Florida Region is looking forward to launching a “Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership” (SWFRTP) during their special launching event on May 22. This organization is not exclusive to IT firms, but includes firms that depend on technology and want to be a voice in the region to promote State support for technology growth and improved infrastructure within the Southwest Region of Florida. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kevin Barnhill at 239-280-7327 (or email KevinBarnhill@SWFRTP.org).Site: www.SWFRTP.org/Launch.
Peace River Elementary School is sponsoring A Bid For Student Success on May 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. with entertainment by the BoogieMen, live and silent auctions, and hors d’oeuvres. For information how you can donate an auction item (and promote your business) or on attending this free community event, please call 255-7622.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Wednesday, May 14, Networking at Noon, Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill, 2746 Tamiami Trail, PC
Wednesday, May 21, Third Wednesday Coffee, Sponsor: Edison College. Program: Enterprise Village
Thursday, May 29, Business Card Exchange, 5 to 7 p.m., Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, PG
Ribbon Cuttings
8:15 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, Microtel (behind Bob Evans), 4056 Tamiami Trail, PC
9:00 a.m., Monday May 12th, Habitat For Humanity-Builders Blitz, Corner of Lee Terrace and Taylor St., PC
Please patronize the Chamber's Sustaining Partners:
(Click on the links to go to their websites.)
· Platinum: Charlotte Herald Tribune; First Financial Employee Leasing
· Diamond: Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Buffalo Graffix; Fishermen's Village; GATES; Panther Hollow Dental Lodge, PL; Waste Management of Charlotte County; Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross & Tuttle, PA
· Emerald: BankUnited; Comcast Cablevision of West Florida, Inc.; Edison College Charlotte Campus; Fawcett Memorial Hospital; First Community Bank of America; Florida Gulf Coast University - Charlotte; Hamsher Homes, Inc.; M.B.A. Business Center; M&I Bank; PDQ Computer Services, Inc.; Jay Wunder, CPA.
Chamber Member Events
May 20th Charlotte County Young Professionals Networking Lunch at Noon at Benedetto's 300 Retta Esplanade, PG (Next to Best Western) 639-9695 $13 Cash/Check to CCYP. RSVP to Monica Luna at monicalunar@aol.com. Guest Speaker Steven Bloomberg, Executive Director of Florida Gulf Coast University-Charlotte Branch.
Tiki’s Clothing is having a special Mother’s Dale sale, May 6 to 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t know what to get mom? Brighton’s Mother’s Day promotion, purchase any necklace and bracelet and get the earrings of your choice for free. Or, how about a $100 gift certificate for only $80? Stop by 105 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, 639-4310, www.tikisclothing.com.
Jim Koinis, an Edward Jones financial advisor, will host a broadcast course for CPAs, tax professionals and attorneys titled “Cross-Border Tax and Treaty Update” at 2 p.m. on May 7 at 100 Sullivan Street, #111, Punta Gorda. The fee is $40 and will include course materials and refreshments. Call 639-1170 to register.
Come join us for a Latin Dance Workout and a party. Zumba is the dance fitness class taking the world by storm. It’s fun, different, easy, and most importantly, it’s effective. Bring your friends and come join the Higher Ground Performing Arts Studio as we party with Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and door prizes. Monday, May 5 @ 6:00PM. The studio is located at 2672 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Cost: $8/Class or you can purchase a Class Card. For more info call: 625-3622.
Jane Washburn, a financial advisor and wealth management specialist at Raymond James & Associates will host a luncheon seminar on Tuesday, May 6 at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker Joseph Imbasciani, a local attorney, will discuss estate planning insights and strategies. The event will take place at South Port Square at 23023 Westchester Blvd. in Port Charlotte. RSVP by calling 627-4774.
Don't miss the Sunset Boulevard Promotions Mother's Day Arts & Crafts Show coming to Fishermen's Village on Saturday, May 10th, 10 am-6 pm and Sunday, May 11th, 12 Noon-5 pm. This is a brand new show for the Village. . . woodworking, photography, jewelry, fine art, pottery. Free admission; free parking.
Second Thursdays (Brown Bag Lunch Series). “Nonprofit Advocacy Techniques.” Thursday, May 8th, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Port Charlotte office. Free. Facilitated by Judy Malbuisson (executive director of the Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County), the forum discussion will center on effective and efficient advocacy techniques for nonprofit agencies, including these issues among others. RSVP no later than COB May 6th to ccf@charlottecommunityfoundation.org or by calling 941.637.0077. Participants should bring their own lunches, including drinks.
Beyond Face Lift, an educational seminar explaining eyelid surgery and forehead lift, for both men & women, May 29th, 5:30 P.M., Baroudi Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery, Promenades Surgery Center, 3222 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Hosted by: Issa F. Baroudi M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Refreshments will be served. R.S.V.P. (941) 627-5155. Website: www.baroudimd.com/seminars.php.
Monday, May 5, Tuesday, May 6, Wednesday, May 7 CPR/AED Adult, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm., Thursday May 8: CPR Child and Infant, 6:00 pm- 10:30 pm., Friday May 9 and Saturday May 10, Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Adult combination course, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. All courses are offered by the Charlotte County American Red Cross located at 866 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Please Call 629-4345 to pre-pay and register.
Florida Gulf Coast University Continuing Education and SW Florida Leadership Foundation presents Chuck Underwood author of “The Generational Imperative: Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace, Marketplace and Living Room.” Friday, May 9, 8:30 – Noon. For registration and price information, contact FGCU Continuing Education at (239) 590-1095 or visit http://www.fgcu.edu/Ced/1550.asp.
Chamber Member News
Pomegranate & Fig: Gorgeous, new, and unique, stop in to see this beautiful gift shop on W. Marion Ave., across from the town clock! Owner, Cyndee Taylor, having traveled to Israel many times, carries exquisite & original jewelry, pottery and wooden rugs as well as soft goods from that region. You will also find antiques from Turkey, jacquard linens from France, dishes and tableware from Portugal. There is so much beautiful eye candy in this store you’ll be amazed. Don’t forget Mom on May 11. Stop in and see! 205-2333.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner; still don’t know what to get for Mom? Tired of the same old gift; a trip to the restaurant, long lines, grouchy servers, so-so food. Why not treat your Mother to her own “Personal Chef”? Customized food prepared with mom’s likes and dislikes in mind. Delicious meals when she wants them in the privacy and comfort of her home. For more information Please contact Cheffy’s Sensational Dinners at 941-286-3087. Gift certificates available www.sensationaldinners.com.
For the past 20 years The Executive Network of Charlotte County has proven that networking can be profitable, fun and affordable. Find out how you can expand your business, gain new friends, and enjoy laughs over a cup of coffee. Join us at 7:30 a.m. on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at Port Charlotte's Perkins Restaurant to find out how you can become a member. For more information contact BJ Holbach at (941) 255-7500, ext. 191 or email Bonnie_Holbach@ccps.k12.fl.us.
Mother’s Day is Sunday May 11th. Pamper her with personal indulgence. We’ll treat her to her favorite body treatment (choose from any of our body wraps, scrubs, or massages)
Fresh Flowers, Mama Mimosas, $100.00 per treatment (allow 1 ½ hours). Pick up a perfectly packaged Gift Certificate today or call us at 941-766-7110 and we’ll mail the gift certificate directly to her. Kirschner Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 12687 SW CR 769 Suite 3A, Lake Suzy. www.kirschnerwellness.com.
We’ve had a great response to our new Harbor Seafood To Go menu. We started this as a lunch menu, but some are wanting it for dinner too! Because we want to keep our customers happy, we'll keep the steamer going until close. Just give us a call ahead and we'll have a "steamin" hot dinner waiting for yoo. As a reminder, our business hours are Tues-Fri 10:00 - 6:00 and Saturday 9:00 - 5:00. Stop by 3762-D Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte , 764-FISH (3474).
The Lavender Tangerine has five gift ideas for mom: Lavender essentials gift basket, our new garden-in-a-pails, gardening gift baskets, our classic lavender wreath or a gift gertificates. Stop by 1900 Tamiami Trail,#118, Port Charlotte, 235-2121, www.lavendartangerine.com.
Solid Ground Decorative Concrete is giving away 4 passes to Deep Creek Golf Club. These passes include greens fee and cart and can be used any time through October, 2008. To register, simply go to www.SolidGround.biz and look for the "Golf Giveaway" link on our home page. Register today and you just might be treating 3 of your friends to a round of golf this Summer. Solid Ground specializes in creating authentic-looking handcrafted flagstone driveways, pool decks, lanais and more. Call today for a free estimate or visit us online at www.SolidGround.biz.
Port Charlotte Florist has unique gift items to show your appreciation for Nurse's Day and Teacher's Week. Our brand new selection of latte mugs are a great keepsake and can be filled with fresh flowers to enjoy. We also have many garden gift items, religious tributes, pottery, candles, gourmet foods and wine, and much more. All items are delivered in gift bags and choose a personal greeting card. And of course, Mother's Day is May 11th, visit our web site at www.theportcharlotteflorist.com to get ideas and place your orders.
Don’t wait too long to think about Mom. The Perfect Caper is serving a brunch and dinner menu on Mother’s Day from 12 to 7 p.m. Phone 505-9009 for reservations.
Kudos
Horizon Gymnastics and Dance had over 50 athletes compete in the Florida State Championships in April. The gymnasts ranged in ages from five to sixteen and all faired very well in their perspective levels and age groups. Six of Horizon’s gymnasts took first place all-around and are now state champions in their level. Horizon’s level seven team also took the first place team award out of all the level seven teams in the state. For information regarding gymnastics classes and summer specials please call our office at 941-627-5342.
Owen-Ames-Kimball Company announces that project manager Dan Adams has been designated a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accredited professional by the U.S. Green Building Council. A Fort Myers native, Adams graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in building construction from the University of Florida. He has been involved with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the United Way Allocations Committee, the United Way Loaned Executive Program and the Senior Friendship Corporate and Steering Committees. Adams holds a state of Florida general contractor’s license and a real estate agent license.
Local Cataract and LASIK specialist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, has been selected for inclusion in the new 2008 Edition of the “Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists.” This is the fourth consecutive year that Dr. Frantz has earned this prestigious recognition from the Consumers’ Research Council of America, an independent research company based in Washington, DC, that evaluates professional services throughout America. For more information about Florida Eye Health visit www.bettervision.net or call the main office at (239) 418-0999.
The Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County has chosen photographer Ruth Spies as artist of the month for May. A free exhibit of Spies’ work is on display at the Eye Centers of Florida, 3941 Tamiami Trail, Ste 3151, Punta Gorda. For more information on Artist of the Month Ruth Spies or the Art in Public Places program of the Arts & Humanities Council, call (941) 764-8100 or e-mail charlottearts@daystar.net.
New Kids On The Block
The Punta Gorda Club is very pleased to announce the hiring of Ashley Brooke Hall as its new Marketing Director. Ashley is a native of Charlotte County and a graduate of Port Charlotte High School. She attended Florida Atlantic University on a golf scholarship while earning her degree in marketing with an emphasis on management. The Punta Gorda Club is located at 2905 Tamiami Trail (corner of US 41 and Aqui Esta). For further information please contact the club at 941-505-0999 or on the web at www.puntagordaclub.com. Ashley can be reached directly at 941-456-0020.
Do you have exciting information about YOUR business? Send it to the Chamber and we'll share it with our other members! Email news about your business to Julie Mathis at jmathis@charlottecountychamber.org. Please keep it to 90 words or fewer. We reserve the right to publish as well as edit any posting. BOL goes out weekly on Mondays; please email your news by the preceding Friday.
Just For Fun
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up puke laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, 'It's okay honey, Mommy's here' . Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football, hockey or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, 'Did you see me, Mom?' they could say, 'Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world,' and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand)mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read 'Goodnight, Moon' twice a night for a year. And then read it again. 'Just one more time.'
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jumpshot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls 'Mom?' in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children t |