Tis the season
December 5, 2022
We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday weekend a couple of weeks ago. With all the hustle and bustle going on in our community this holiday season, not to mention so many are still in recovery mode in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian; dealing with insurance companies, bids, contractors, repair scheduling, etc., there is still so much to be thankful for. As we go out and about during this time, let’s be mindful of what our family, friends and business connections are going through. Let’s continue to shop local and keep our business community thriving.
There is no shortage of business activity going on for the month of December. Now is the time to become a member of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. To be able to promote and market your business during the holiday (actually, all year round), and let our community know you are here and open for business! If you are a business owner and/or gatekeeper and not currently a Charlotte County Chamber member, I encourage you to call our office at 941-627-2222 and find out how our chamber membership will be one of the best investments you can make to drive a strong return on investment.
Don’t forget to come out to our 44th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10. This will be a great family experience to enjoy our 50-plus entries and to see Santa himself. The parade route goes along Carmalita and then south on Taylor St. and disbands at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. The parade kicks off at noon. Come out early to ensure you get a great view.
Chamber Activity
Holiday Business Card Exchange (member event): 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5827 Riverside Dr., Punta Gorda. Bring a gift to promote your business & bring your holiday spirt (Christmas attire encouraged).
Networking at Noon (member event): 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, Italia at River City Grill, 127 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Registration and meal selection is required.
Lunch & Learn (member event): noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, Charlotte County Chamber Office. Topic: “Understanding Your Insurance Policy” Presented by: Mike Martin-State Farm, Mike Martin Agency.Registration and lunch selection required. $10pp.
Third Wednesday Coffee: 8–9 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee sponsor: The Daily Sun. Program: 44th Annual Christmas Parade awards will be presented. Come on out and share the celebration with our best floats, cars, pickup trucks, and band/marching performance entries.
Ribbon Cuttings
Ribbon cuttings are an effective way to meet the business owners (and fellow chamber members) in an informal atmosphere and develop great connections. Plus, you get familiar with their products and services provided. Please take the time to show your support and attend our ribbon cuttings!
Succentrix Business Advisors (Grand Opening): 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6, 25080 Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda. Refreshments, light appetizers and branded cookies will be provided.
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court (new annex location): 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6868 San Casa Dr., Englewood. Refreshments will be provided. Registration requested.
Mathnasium (Grand Opening): 5–7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15 (ribbon-cutting to take place at 5:30 p.m.), 1808 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Free face painting for the kids. Food trucks and ice cream will be provided. RSVP to: portcharlotte@mathnasium.com by Friday, Dec. 9.
Special Events
12th Annual Business Expo (Hottest Business Day in Paradise): 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Imagine, marketing your business in an 8’ x 10’ booth (piped/draped) and having 1,000-plus visitors and residents see the products and services you provide. You will have the opportunity to see more folks in a matter of 5 hours than you may see in a month. This will be an excellent environment for maximum business exposure for sales, lead generation and develop great connections. Plus, there will be 107 other exhibitors for business-to-business to develop client/customer relationships. To reserve your booth or secure your sponsorship today, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Toys for Tots: Once again, our Chamber is a dropoff location site for new unwrapped toys for the youth in our community who are in need. Please feel free to come by our office to drop off the much needed toys. Toys will be collected through Friday, Dec. 16. There is no better way to put a smile on a child’s face during Christmas time than receiving a brand new toy. The chamber is located at 2702 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.