10th Annual Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame Awards
October 16, 2023
On Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce held its 10th Annual Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame Awards Lunch. We had 100-plus Leadership Charlotte alumni showing their support for all the nominees. It was a wonderful awards ceremony and special thanks to Marcia Cullinan, Michael Saunders & Co. for being our Master of Ceremony. Marica is a Past Board President (2012) and a Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame recipient (Class of 2022).
To be eligible for nomination for the Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame, one must be a Leadership Charlotte alumni for at least five years. Those who have distinguished themselves in leadership and service to Charlotte County through civic, philanthropy, service to the community, and/or the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. We had a stellar slate of nominees that were up for consideration for this prestigious honor. The nominees were: Bob Roberts (Leadership Charlotte Class of 1989), Kevin Graham, Suncoast One Title & Closings (Leadership Charlotte Class of 2000), Cheyenne Young, Wotitzky Law Firm (Leadership Charlotte Class of 2010), Roger Eaton, Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller (Leadership Charlotte Class of 2015), Nick Worden, Crews Bank & Trust (Leadership Charlotte Class of 2016). Danny Nix, The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Leadership Charlotte Class of 2016), Justin Brand, Lee Community Foundation (Leadership Charlotte Class of 2017), and Cathi Dryburgh, Suncoast One Title & Closings (Leadership Charlotte Class of 2018).
Congratulations to the Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Bob Roberts, Kevin Graham, Cheyenne Young and Roger Eaton.
Chamber Activities
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event): 8–9 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee Sponsor: Soul Dental. Program: Quarterly New Member Showcase. This such a great opportunity for our members to meet our new members and get familiar with their products and services and build strong beneficial connections. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charltotecountychamber.org.
Business Card Exchange (member event): 5–7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, ActivAge Daytime Senion Care, 3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Who’s ready for Halloween networking gathering? Feel free to wear your best costume. Appetizers and refreshments provided. There will be a Halloween themed icebreaker. 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.
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!
Planet Fitness (grand reopening): 4–6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18 (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.), 1825 Tamiami Trial, Port Charlotte. Light snacks, refreshments provided. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements.
Lily Lou’s Specialty Foods (grand opening): 5–6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19 (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.). Giveaways and samples of local honey provided. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements.
ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda (celebration of their renovated lobby and patient care areas): 5–7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25 (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.). Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements.
Special Announcement
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.