Charlotte County Chamber plays a vital role in supporting the local economy
November 6, 2023
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organization that brings together local businesses, professionals, and community leaders to promote economic growth and development.
The Charlotte County Chamber provides a platform for businesses to network and establish connections with other local businesses.
These connections often lead to partnerships, collaborations, and increased business opportunities within the community. By facilitating networking events, business expos, and learning opportunities our chamber helps foster a vibrant and interconnected local business environment.
Our organization serves as an advocate for the local business community.
We represent the interests of local businesses by lobbying for favorable policies, regulations, and legislation at the local and regional levels.
We work closely with our local government officials to ensure that the needs and concerns of the business community are considered when making decisions that impact the local economy.
The Charlote County Chamber actively engages in economic development initiatives aimed at attracting new businesses and tourists to our local area. Tourism in our area has unique strengths, resources, and business opportunities.
The Charlote County Chamber plays a crucial role in building the local economy by facilitating networking, advocating for business interests, driving economic development initiatives, providing resources and support to businesses, engaging with the community, and promoting tourism.
Our efforts help create a favorable business environment, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the overall prosperity of Charlotte County. Not a member our of dynamic organization? I invite you to be a part of our growth, success, and building productive and beneficial connections with our 1,000 plus members.
Chamber Activities
Networking at Noon Lunch (member event): 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Village Brewhouse, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Registration and lunch selection required. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event): 8-9 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee sponsor: Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. Guest speaker/program: Mark Vianello, superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools. You don’t want to miss this. Hear from our new superintendent about his vision and his strategic trajectory for our school system. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charltotecountychamber.org. Immediately follow our program, we’ll have a ribbon-cutting for True Fence (1 year anniversary). Quarterly New Member Orientation: 9:15-10 a.m. Great opportunity for our new members to get a firm understanding how to utilize their benefits to ensure success.
Business Card Exchange (member event): 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16 at Centennial Bank, 401 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Their grill will be fired up for their famous hot dogs, beer/wine, and refreshments provided. Toys for Tots Gift Drive. Everyone, please bring one unwrapped gift. Fun Icebreaker game. Bring a gift to promote your business.
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!
Dandelion Behavioral Health (1 Year Anniversary) — 5:30 p.m. Thursday at 1777 Tamiami Trail, Suite 500, Port Charlotte. Snacks and refreshments provided. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements.
Special events
The 45th Annual Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9. This year’s theme is “Tropical Christmas.” We welcome the entire community to come on out and bring the kids, grandkids, and the entire family to enjoy one of the best community events of the year.
The parade kicks off at noon at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center and then goes south on Taylor Street to the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. We will have a special visitor all the way from the North Pole. Thousands of folks line the sidewalk of the parade route.
Make sure come out early to get a great view of the parade. Whether you are a member of our chamber or not, you are able to participate in our parade. Visit charlottecountychamber.org to complete your registration form. Entry fee is $50 for for-profit entries, $35 for nonprofit.
Our 13th annual Business Expo (Hottest Business Day in Paradise): 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Free and open to the public. Imagine marketing your business in an 8-by-10-foot booth 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 five 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 over 90 other exhibitors for business-to-business to develop client/customer relationships. Deadline to reserve you booth is Tuesday, Jan. 23. There will be no late entries accepted. To reserve your booth, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.