Answering the question WIIFM -– what’s in it for me?
March 10, 2025
As the executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with our dedicated board of directors, it is imperative that our strategic foresight and diligence delivers optimally beneficial avenues to best serve our 1,000 plus members most effectively.
We continually review, alter, and set the stage to what is important for our members and the success of their businesses.
We all have heard the acronym WIIFM — What’s in it for me?
What’s in it for each member, the opportunity to place an even brighter spotlight on their business, increase their networking footprint, further develop their client/customer base, and navigate the level of their participation and engagement to ensure desired results.
Every member of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce has the ability to reach 3,000 people each week by utilizing our Business Online e-newsletter to promote their business, special event, or look for the right candidate to fill an open position.
There are three staple events each month to accommodate our members. Each event gives our members the opportunity to meet new members and catch up with friends and colleagues.
In addition, there are essential educational opportunities and fun and productive social events.
The future of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce is strategically executed by leadership, wisdom, and the wherewithal to be the premier business membership organization in the region.
To get the WIIFM, contact the chamber office today at 941-627-2222
MEMBER EVENTSHere are some upcoming chamber member events. Register for these at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
- Network at Noon Lunch, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12 at Event Groupie, 483 Collingswood Blvd., Port Charlotte. Enjoy a delicious lunch and network with the best.
- Third Wednesday Coffee, 8-9 a.m. March 19 at the Realtors Association, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. (Note the location change.) Coffee sponsor: Pool Boy. Guest Speaker is Shelley Strickland, CEO, Charlotte Community Foundation. This will be an excellent opportunity for our members to get a full understanding of the tremendous impact the Charlotte Community Foundation makes locally. Immediately following our program, we’ll have a ribbon-cutting for Pelican Patrol Home Watch Service
- Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. March 27 at Fedora’s Cigar & Wine Bar, 2177 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided for this big party. There will be a fun icebreaker game for everyone. Please bring a gift to promote your business. Don’t forget your business cards.
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. Registration is required at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222
• March 25, 5-8 p.m., Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes and Cremation Services grand reopening, 625 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. The ribbon-cutting is at 5:30 p.m.. Food and refreshments will be provided. This will be a dual ribbon cutting with our friends from the Punta Gorda Chamber.
SPECIAL EVENTS
F.U.N. Force Line Dancing will be 5:15-10 p.m. March 13 at the Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte. The Charlotte County Chamber’s “social committee” — commonly known as F.U.N. Force (Fostering Unique Networking) — is ready to kick off our first social event for 2025. There will be line dancing, and prizes will be awarded for biggest hair, biggest hat and biggest belt buckle. The cost is $10, which includes cheese and supreme pizza, tater tots, and soft drinks. Special thanks to our sponsor, Elite Hurricane Home Protection. Registration is required at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222. All are welcome
The 14th Annual Charlotte County Chamber Classic is set for May 10 at the Aileron Gulf Club, 11274 SE Aileron Way, Lake Suzy. This is your opportunity to golf at Sunseeker Resort’s exclusive golf course. Check-in is at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. All are welcome to participate is our golf tournament which funds our Junior Leadership Charlotte Program for high school juniors. Sign up your foursome today. Contact the chamber office at 941-627-2222 or visit charlottecountychamber.org to register your team.
Bob White is executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and may be reached at bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.