Happy 4th of July
Jul 4, 2023
On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, we wish all our members and the entire community a fun, safe, and happy 4th of July holiday celebration! The 4th of July is celebrated across our country with various festivities, including fireworks, barbecues, and family gatherings. It serves as a reminder of our country’s history, the struggles endured to secure independence, and the values of freedom, democracy, and individual rights that form the core of the United States.
Here are some fun and family friendly activities happening on the 4th. Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim: The 30-plus-year tradition begins at 2:30 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 5100 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. The Freedom Swim traditionally attracts 1,000-1,500 participants, including kayakers, paddle boards, boaters, and 400-500 swimmers. Fishermen’s Village Independence Day Celebration: The festivities begin at noon with live music. From 5-9 p.m. you’ll enjoy a unique blend of country, rock, and dance music. At 9 p.m. the incredible firework display will begin. King Fisher Fleet: If a water view is more to your liking, King Fisher Fleet is offering a Sunset/Firework cruise at 7:30 p.m. at Fishermen’s Village.
Whatever you may do, be safe and enjoy your time with family, friends, and loved ones!
Chamber Activities
Networking at Noon Lunch (member event): 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, July 12 at Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, 201 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Registration and meal selection required. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Lunch & Learn (member event): Noon–1 p.m., Tuesday, July 18 at the Charlotte County Chamber office, 2702 Tamiami Trail, PC. Topic: E-Verify Compliance Training for Small Business Employers. Speaker: Christina Faro-Pilliteri, Charlotte County Society of Human Resource Management. Learn the rules and responsibilities associated with the new E-Verify requirement, practical methods for streamlining your hiring process and how to avoid common pitfalls and legal risks. This comprehensive session is designed to provide you with the tools and information required to successfully obtain and maintain compliance and protect your business from legal risks. Registration/lunch selection required.To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org. $10pp.
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event): 8–9 a.m., Wednesday, July 19, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Quarterly New Member Showcase: This is a productive and effective opportunity to meet our new members, get familiar with their products and services, and build those strong business connections. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charltotecountychamber.org.
Business Card Exchange (member event): 5–7 p.m., Thursday, July 27 at Neal Communities (Kings Gate), 1622 Royal Court, Port Charlotte. Bring a gift to promote your business and bring plenty of business cards. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
New Teachers’ Breakfast (member event): 7:30–9 a.m., Monday, July 31 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Charlotte County Public Schools will be welcoming 225 new teachers this year. We are looking for 225 members to sponsor each teacher. $45 to sponsor a teacher. You can provide 225 items for the new teachers goodie bags. Deadline is Friday, July 14. Special thanks to our title sponsor: Lake Michigan Credit Union.
Special Announcement
Sunrise Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project: The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce will once again be a collection site for the Shoes for Kids Project. The Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project collects new athletic shoes for children (pre-K through High School) in the Charlotte County Public School System. The need for the 2023-2024 school year is 4,100 pairs of new sneakers.
Please consider helping in this much-needed community project. For more information about the project or to make a monetary donation, visit www.pcsunrisekiwanis.org or call 941-336-2411. The Charlotte County Chamber is located at 2702 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte for shoe drop-off.