Happy New Year
January 1, 2024
As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the promising dawn of 2024, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. The past year has been a journey filled with numerous challenges and triumphs, and as we stand on the threshold of a new year, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of our incredible chamber family.
Together, we have weathered storms, celebrated victories, and grown stronger as a collective force. As we embrace the opportunities that the new year brings, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, resilience, and compassion that defines our community. Let us continue to uplift and inspire one another, and work hand in hand to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
In the coming year, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce has an exciting array of initiatives, events and opportunities planned, all of which are tailored to empower and enrich our members. I am eager to witness the remarkable achievements that each of you will undoubtedly accomplish in the days and months ahead.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous, prosperous and fulfilling New Year. May 2024 be a year of boundless possibilities, personal growth and collective success.
Here’s to a spectacular year ahead!
Chamber Activities
Networking at Noon Lunch (member event): 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10, IHOP Port Charlotte, 1789 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Registration and meal selection is required. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event): 8–9 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee Sponsor: CeJay Websites & Photography. Guest Speaker/Program: Status of the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. There has been an impact study as well as focus groups. We’ll hear from the Charlotte County administration as to what the future holds for the property. Registration is requested. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Business Card Exchange (member event): 5–7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, Lake Michigan Credit Union, 2120 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. Birthday Themed Party (plus, it’s Natalie Proctor’s B-Day). Contest for the Best Birthday Hat, with prizes. Bring a gift to promote your business. Don’t forget your business cards. Registration is requested, To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
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!
SimpliFi Home Loans: 5–6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11, 425 Cross St., Suite 116, Punta Gorda (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.). Food and beverages will be provided. Business card raffles for basket giveaways and grand prize for $200 gift card to Carmelo’s .Registration is requested. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Gasparilla Boat Tours: 4:30–5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, 779 W. Wentworth St., Englewood. It’s never a bad day when you’re by the water. This will be a joint ribbon-cutting with our friends from the Englewood Chamber. Registration is requested, To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Soul Dental (grand reopening): 5:30–6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, 911 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.). Appetizer and drinks will be provided. Raffle baskets. Registration is requested, To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Brighter Than Ever Salon (grand opening): 5–6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 425 Cross St., Suite 212, Punta Gorda (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.). Appetizer and beverages will be provided. Raffles for attendees (Hair Blow Out, Nails Gel Manicure, and Men’s Haircut). Registration is requested. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Special events
Decades Pop Trivia: 5:30–7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25 at Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte. Hosted by the Charlotte County Chamber Social Club. Test your music trivia knowledge from the 50’s-80’s. Open to the Public. $20 per person Food/drinks available for purchase. To sign up, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
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 your 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.