Come one…come all!
February 5, 2024
The time has come, on Thursday, Feb. 8, our 13th annual Business Expo will be front and center at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda). The “Hottest Day in Paradise” is free and open to the public from 10a.m.–3 p.m. Savings will be sizzling so don’t miss out to shop local and meet over 100 local businesses showcasing their products and services.
The first 500 attendees will receive a complimentary goodie bag. Each attendee will have the opportunity to enter a Grand Prize drawing. There will even be noon time entertainment for everyone’s enjoyment. The Calendar Girls will grace our stage with their very entertaining song and dance routines.
We are grateful for our 107 members who are participating in our 13th Annual Business Expo as we are completely sold out! Special thanks to all our Expo Sponsors. Platinum Title Sponsor: Kittle Property Group (Swiftwater at West Port Luxury Apartments, Flats at Sundown, and Vantage Apartments of Cape Coral. Silver Associate Sponsors: Bone Dry Roofing, Chapman Insurance Group, Florida Tree & Ground Maintenance, Life Care Center of Punta Gorda, Southwest FL Insurance, and True Fence. Bronze Participating Sponsors: Better Business Bureau of SWFL, Elite Hurricane Home Protection, MD Pressure Cleaning and Soft Wash, J & J One Stop Gun Shop, Landings at West Port, Mosaic, Succentrix Business Advisors, Sage Grove on Aaron, and VIPcare of Punta Gorda. Supporting Sponsors: Carmichaeltravel.com (Main Stage Sponsor), Soul Dental (Breakfast Sponsor), Martella Law Firm (Passport Sponsor), Elite Inspections & Pest Solutions (After Hours Party Sponsor), WhitCo Insurance/Alexia Martin Agency (Goodie Bag Sponsor), The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad (Refreshment Station Sponsor), Chapman Insurance Group (Lanyard Sponsor), and the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (Kickoff Party Sponsor). Media Sponsors: Buffalo Graffix, The Daily Sun, and Iheart Media Group.
Please put this very special community event on your calendar and make sure to swing by for a wonderful experience. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you!
Chamber Activities
Networking at Noon Lunch (member event): 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14 at The Grill at 1951, 1951 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, Feb. 21 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee Sponsor: CeJay Websites & Photography. Program: Quarterly New Member Showcase. This is an optimal opportunity for our members to meet/greet our new members and get familiar with their products and services. Plus make some new beneficial connections. Registration is requested To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Business Card Exchange: 5–7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22, Recreational Warehouse, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte (Port Charlotte Town Center). Appetizers, soft drinks and water will be provided. There will be an awesome scavenger hunt throughout their showroom. 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!
Chery Childcare Center (grand opening): 5:15–6:15 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.), Thursday, Feb. 15 at 3528 Depew Ave., Port Charlotte. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Registration is requested. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Byrd Haus Market (grand opening): 5–6 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.) Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 13425 Muriel Ave., Port Charlotte. Snacks, beer/wine, and soft drinks will be provided. Raffle for attendees (Interior Design Consultation — $250 value). Must be present to win. Registration is requested. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Swiftwater at West Port Luxury Apartments (grand opening): 4–8 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.) Thursday, Feb. 29 at 16325 Franklin Ave., Port Charlotte. Music, gift giveaways, and refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Special events
Fun After 5 Events: Let’s Get Social: 5–7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 at Buffalo Wings and Rings. The Social Club of the Charlotte County Chamber will host a very relaxing informal opportunity for our members to socialize beyond our regular scheduled events and just enjoy the camaraderie and make great connections. This event will pay your own way for food/drinks. Registration is requested. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.