Leadership Charlotte Class of 2024 readies Denim & Diamonds Gala
May 6, 2024
The Leadership Charlotte Class of 2024 is preparing for the summer event of the year.
Its Denim & Diamonds Gala Event is set for 5:30 p.m. June 1 at Bert’s Back Porch Pavilion (behind The Twisted Fork) at 2224 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte.
You don’t want to miss this event. Tickets and sponsorships are now available. To secure your tickets and/or sponsorships, visit the Charlotte County Chamber’s website; charlottecountychamber.org, our Facebook page, or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
All event proceeds benefit the Loveland Center and the Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies (C.A.R.E.). The Leadership Charlotte class 2024 is thrilled to be partnering with both of these wonderful organizations.
Our Leadership Charlotte program is in its 35th year and since 1989, more than $900,000 has been given directly back to our community leaving a lasting legacy.
I encourage you to purchase your tickets, while having an amazing time in your best denim & diamonds gear. You’ll enjoy a cocktail reception, live music, dinner, and supporting two fabulous nonprofit organizations for the amazing work they do in our community.
CHAMBER ACTIVITIES
Networking at Noon Lunch (member event): 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, May 8 at Papa G’s (Charlotte Technical College), 18150 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte. (Follow the Chamber signs). Chef Osborne and staff will put on a delicious lunch for all to enjoy! Registration and meal selection is required.
Social Club (open to all): 5-6 p.m., Thursday, May 9 at Doughbar Restaurant & Pizzeria, 420 King St., Punta Gorda. What a great way to wrap up your Thursday in a social environment to catch up with friends, colleagues, and make some new connections. Pay your own way for food and drinks.
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event): 8–9 a.m., Wednesday, May 15 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee sponsor: Elite Hurricane Home Protection. Program: Quarterly New Member Showcase. Nothing like coming out and showing your support to our new members and getting familiar with their products and services.
Coffee & Chat (member event): 9–10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. Topic: Florida Gulf Coast University Intern Program. Presented by FGCU’s Career Development team. Find out how you can take advantage of working with interns to strengthen your business goals.
Business Card Exchange (member event): 5–7 p.m., Thursday, May 23 at Friendly Floors, 3785 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided. Fun and games of course. Bring a gift to promote your business. Don’t forget your business cards.
Registration is requested for all events. 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! Registration is requested, To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office 941-627-2222
Revive Jiu Jitsu (new location): 3–3:30 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 3:30 p.m.), Thursday, May 9 at 24610 Sandhill Blvd., Punta Gorda.
AFC Urgent Care (grand opening): 2-3 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 2:30 p.m.) Friday, May 10 at 19580 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte. Donuts, refreshments, and facility tours available .
HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital ($60M expansion/renovation grand opening): 8:30–9:30 a.m., Monday, May 13 at 21298 Olean Blvd., Port Charlotte. You will be amazed to see the result of this massive project.
Lyons Title & Trust (new member): 5:30–7:30 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 5:45 p.m.), Thursday, May 16 at 20020 Veterans Blvd., Suite 11, Port Charlotte. Music, food and refreshments will be provided.
Sharp Development & Kristine Lewis, Underwriter Insurance Corp. (grand opening): 5-7 p.m. (ribbon cutting 5:30) Wednesday, May 29 at 6035 Taylor Road, Suite 105, Punta Gorda. Appetizers, drinks and refreshments will be provided.
Pioneers Pizza Express (grand opening): noon-3 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m.) Friday, May 31 at 2686 Tamiami Trial, Unit A6, Port Charlotte. Pizza tastings from noon to 3:00 p.m. — Registration is requested, To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office 941.627.2222
SPECIAL EVENTS
13th Annual Integrity Golf Classic: 7 a.m. check-in, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start Saturday, May 25 at St. Andrews South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda. Dust off the golf clubs and fill that bag with golf balls. Foursomes and sponsorships are now available. This event is open to all. Cash prizes for first, second and third place finishes. $500 cash prize for our putting contest. We will only have the opportunity to field 30 teams. Secure your team today! To register your team or to secure your sponsorship, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office 941-627-2222.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.