It’s December, time to embrace the season
December 2, 2024
As we step into December, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for your continued support and engagement throughout this year.
This is a time of celebration, reflection, and community, and the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is excited to share in the joy of this season with all of you.
We encourage you to embrace the festive spirit, support local businesses, and take part in the various events happening throughout our community this month.
Together, let’s make this December one filled with love, connections, and happiness.
We have an amazing schedule of holiday events for December. We know December is extremely busy with work, holiday events, and parties. I encourage our membership family to attend as many events as your schedule allows.
It will be a wonderful time filled with Christmas spirit, camaraderie, good eating, gifts and even Santa Clause.
Happy December.
CHAMBER ACTIVITY
- Holiday Business Card Exchange (member event), 5-7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Four Points by Sheraton/TT’s Tiki Bar, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Let’s all come together in the holiday spirit and network with the best. You’ll enjoy delicious appetizers and beverages. Please bring a gift to promote your business and plenty of business cards to make productive connections. Registration is requested at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
- Holiday Networking at Noon Lunch (member event), 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at Unwind Wine & Beer Bar, 320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda. We’ll keep our tradition alive and have a fun and spirited gift exchange. We ask each attendee to bring a gift ($20 value/wrapped). Registration is requested at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
- The 46th Annual Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14 in Punta Gorda. The parade theme is “Characters of 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 Street to the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. We will have a special visitor all the way from the North Pole. Thousands of folks will line the route. Whether you are a member of our chamber or not, you are able to participate in our parade. Visit charlottecountychamber.org to complete a registration form. Entry fee is $50 for profit organizations, $35 for nonprofit.
- Third Wednesday Coffee (member event), 8-9 a.m. Dec. 18 at (location change) the Realtors Association, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Punta Gorda. Coffee sponsor is The Daily Sun. Program is the 46th Annual Christmas Parade Awards. All parade award winners will be announced to receive their coveted trophies. Registration is requested at charlottecountychamber.org or 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. Registration is required at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
- Live Your Strength, 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at 22119 Elmira Blvd., Port Charlotte. Beer, wine, and snacks will be provided.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The 14th Annual Consumer Marketplace Expo, “The Hottest Business Day in Paradise,” is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 13, 2025 at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. This is free and open to the public. Market your business in an 8-by-10-foot booth (piped/draped) with 1,000 plus visitors and residents seeing your products and services. You can see more folks in five hours than you may see in a month. This will be an excellent environment for maximum business exposure for sales, lead generation and develop great connections. Plus, there will be more than 100 other exhibitors for business-to-business to develop client/customer relationships. Deadline to reserve your booth is Jan. 31. No late entries will be accepted. To reserve, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and may be reached at bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.