Charlotte County Chamber winds down a phenomenal 98th year
September 2, 2024
They say, “time fly’s when you’re having fun.”
Yes, we’ve had a year like many other businesses and organizations; challenges, obstacles, resiliency, strategic performance, and victories.
Our membership has remained strong, engaged, and achieved success through perseverance. We are truly grateful for our chamber family and makes me feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.
As we wind down our 98th year, September is going full speed ahead to provide multiple opportunities for our members to collaborate, be a resource, having a presence, and building business connections. Along with our monthly chamber activities, the Charlotte County Chamber has three very special events happening this month.
On Sept. 12, we will have a reception for the Leadership Charlotte Class of 2025 at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Our Leadership Charlotte Program will be entering its 36th year. All Leadership Charlotte alumni and members are encouraged to attend to show their support for the incoming class.
On Sept. 13, we will have our 11th Annual Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame Awards Lunch. Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame nominees are alumni who have made significant contributions to the betterment of our community and to the Charlotte Chamber. Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame nominees for the Class of 2024 are: Angie Hogan, Gulf Coast Partnership, Sheriff Bill Prummell, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, David Holmes, Farr Law Firm, Denise Dull, P.O.R.C.H., Jill McCrory, McCrory Law Firm, Bob White, Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Leah Valenti, Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections, Nick Worden, Crews Bank & Trust, Tony Smith, Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPA’s, Steve Lineberry, Premier Photographic Events, and Melissa Bergey, Gator Wilderness Camp School.
To cap off the month, on Sept. 27, the chamber will have its 99th Annual Awards Lunch at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. This will be a special event as we award our large, medium, small, and nonprofit Businesses of the Year. The prestigious Pacesetter Award will be given to one very deserving recipient who has set the bar to a level of excellence. We will have the honor of welcoming our incoming board president, Kevin Graham, Suncoast One Title & Closing. We will recognize our 2024-2025 Sustaining Partners, whom I refer as our “Chamber Champions.”
I am looking forward to all the strategic initiative ahead as we roll into our 99th year!
CHAMBER ACTIVITYNetwork at Noon Lunch (member event), 11:45 a.m. Sept. 11 at Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, 201 W. Marion Ave. Enjoy a delicious selection of lunch options. Registration is required at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
Third Wednesday Coffee (member event), 8-9 p.m. Sept. 18 at the (note the location change) Realtor Association, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. Coffee Sponsor is Gulf Coast Partnership. Guest speaker is Denise Dull, President of the Florida International Air Show, who will share news about the Air Show coming November. After the presentation, we’ll have a ribbon-cutting for Clique Photo Booth Rental. Registration is requested at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
RIBBON CUTTINGSRibbon-cutting ceremonies are an effective way to meet the business owners and fellow chamber members in an informal atmosphere and develop great connections. All are invited. Registration is requested at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
- Tulips Flower Shop, 5-6 p.m. Wednesday at 2171 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Raffle for a wrap bouquet for one lucky attendee.
- GFWC Port Charlotte Women’s Club, 5-6 p.m. Friday, at 20271 Tappan Zee Drive, Port Charlotte. Ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m. Fruit, cheese/crackers, beer/wine, and soda will be provided. Bring non-perishable items. Donations will benefit Kidz Needs, Charlotte Care Center, and local food ministries.
- Del Taco grand opening, 4:30-5:3 p.m. Sept. 16, 19011 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte. Ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m.
- Sandhill Healing Center, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 24, 2484 Caring Way, Suite D, Port Charlotte. Ribbon-cutting at 6 p.m. Food, refreshments, and facility tours will be provided.
Visit www.charlottecountychamber.org for more information and events. Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.