Leadership Charlotte Class of 2024 announced
September 18, 2023
Our Leadership Charlotte program will be entering its 35th year as the premier program of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. The program truly sets the tone of providing a phenomenal education and experience to how Charlotte County operates, meet all the amazing people that make it happen, and make strong professional and personal connections.
On Thursday, Sept. 14, we held our Leadership Charlotte Class of 2024 Reception hosted by the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. We had a strong turnout of Leadership Charlotte alumni to support and welcome the incoming class. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2024.
Ryan Barber, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office; Breanna Benevenga, Charlotte County Community Services; Peri Bluemer, Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson; Lauren Bracken, Four Points by Sheraton; Janice Chupka, Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic; Josh Deyarmin, Charlotte County Airport Authority; Jennifer Dubbaneh, Calista Kitchen & Bath; Alaina Dumas, Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association; Lisa Gallucci, Visual Arts Center; Jill Gendreau, McCrory Law Firm; Dori Holtvoigt, Big Shot Marketing & Design; Betty Kedziora, Union Home Mortgage; Bobbie Leahey, Realtor, Keller Willams Peace River Partners; Amberly Leverich, The Daily Sun; Francine Lisby, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners; Kristen Manomat, Girls on the Run of SWFL; Kylee McGloin, City of Punta Gorda; Angie Misner, Charlotte State Bank & Trust; Maureen Morgenthien, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitors & Convention Bureau; Tony Pribble, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners; Dan Revallo, Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller’s Office; Jessica Rhea, Florida Gulf Coast University; Stephanie Rusch, Charlotte Technical College; Ricky Terrazas, Achieva Credit Union; Jen Wolfe, United Way of Charlotte County.
I know the class will have a great experience under the leadership, guidance and direction of Wendy Atkinson, class chair, and TJ Thornberry, class vice-chair.
By the end of our nine-month program, the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2024 will graduate and leave a lasting impact for the betterment of our community. Since 1989, there has been just under $1 million given directly back to our local community through various class projects and fundraisers.
If you are out and about, please help us welcome and congratulate the incoming Leadership Charlotte Class of 2024.
Chamber Activities
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event): 8–9 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee sponsor: Granny Nannies, Rosa Benghtt. Guest speaker/program: Denise Dull, president of the Florida International Airshow. There will be an opportunity to win free tickets to the airshow (Thunderbirds Squadron will be showcasing their dynamic maneuvers). Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org. Immediately follow our program, we’ll have a ribbon-cutting for Deep End IV Hydration.
Business Card Exchange: There will be no Business Card Exchange in September due to our 98th Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 28.
Ribbon Cuttings
Right at Home (grand reopening): 5–6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 26 (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.), 4315 S. Access Rd., Englewood. Light snacks, refreshments, tours and raffles provided. Dual ribbon-cutting with our friends from the Englewood Chamber. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements.
Special Announcement
98th Annual Awards Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Invitations to be sent our soon to our membership. We will recognize our Businesses of the Year (Large, Medium, Small, and Nonprofit), honor our Pacesetter Award recipient, induct our incoming Board of Directors, hear the vision for the coming year from our new Board President, Nicholas Worden, Charlotte State Bank Trust. RSVP is required. To reserve your seat/table visit: charlottecountychamber.org.
45th Annual Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade: noon to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec, 9. Parade theme: 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 St. 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! To participate in the parade, visit charlottecountychamber.org to complete your registration form. Entry fee: $50 for profit and $35 for nonprofit.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.