COLUMN:Stay busy in July with the Punta Gorda Chamber

I am almost a month in the position of interim executive director at our Punta Gorda Chamber. We are elevating our responsibilities to have a greater impact on our chamber and members.

You’ll notice over the coming months, we will have a deeper focus on members, events, development and consistency, and leveling up our marketing to increase membership and attendance.

We’ve been busy working with our board leaders and planning for the upcoming months and year.

POLITICAL HOB NOB

Tomorrow is the day for the Political Hob Nob! Stop in and meet the candidates.

This event is open to the public and is set for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center.

This is your opportunity to meet and greet the qualified candidates that have been confirmed with the Supervisor of Elections in Charlotte County. This is an educational opportunity to learn about the candidates and ask questions.

Please note: The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce does not endorse any political candidates.

EVENTS FOR MEMBERS

Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Patrice Weston State Farm Insurance Agency, 1946 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. Members can bring a gift to exchange. Don’t forget your business cards.

Networking Luncheon, July 24 at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. Our speaker will be Police Chief Pam Smith. Starts at noon.

Members must RSVP online or by calling the chamber office at 941-639-3720.

PUBLIC EVENTS

July 18, Poker Walk @ downtown Punta Gorda from 4-7:30 p.m. Participating businesses will be UnWined, Pomegranate & Fig, Illusions Salon & Spa, Hypnotique, Leroy’s, Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine, J Meraki Beauty Emporium, Becky’s Garden Shoppe (wild card location), and final stop will be at the Winesett House. Start at any of these businesses to get your scorecard!

July 23, Cash Mob at Fresco Gelato & Coffee, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., 321 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Stop in that day, make a purchase, take a photo, make a social media post with #pgchambermob. Invite your friends. Other businesses have given their employees $10 to join the mob. It’s a great way to support a local business.

Oct. 19 (new date) Flip Flop Ball. To make this event even better, we have rescheduled it for October. The Flip Flop Ball will be 6-9 p.m. at The Tiki’s, 33 Tamiami Trail. This is going to be a really fun event that has tropical music, dances, hula, flame throwers, and more! Purchase tickets by going to

As you see, we have a lot of fun events coming up! Visit www.puntagordachamber.com for all things chamber or give us a call 941-639-3720.