Early voting started Monday, and not only is it important to know about the candidates, but also there are a number of ballot issues that could have an impact on your business.

One is a proposed constitutional amendment, Amendment 4, which would “require taxpayer-funded referenda on all changes to local government comprehensive plans,” according to www.florida2010.org.

Earlier this year, the Chamber’s board of directors accepted a recommendation from our Government Affairs Committee and voted to oppose Amendment 4. In the Chamber’s view, requiring taxpayers to vote on all these changes will cost us money and delay projects that could create jobs.

For more information on Amendment 4, please visit www.florida2010.org. You should have received a sample ballot in the mail or you can view your ballot, polling location and more at the Supervisor of Election’s information-filled website at www.charlottevotes.com.

So, vote Charlotte.

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According to Wikipedia, an elevator speech is an overview of a product, service, person, group or organization, or project that can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride, or about 30 seconds to two minutes. That’s what we’ll be doing at our Third Wednesday Coffee this morning with our program of “speed networking.” The coffee runs from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center.

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The Bicycle Center of Port Charlotte will host the Oct. 28 Business Card Exchange at its facility at 3795 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. Remember to bring a small gift to promote your business.

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For your calendar, we’ll have our 15th annual Holiday Expo in connection with the Nov. 17 Third Wednesday Coffee. Members can “rent” a six-foot table and display their products or services with a holiday flair. You can register at www.charlottecountychamber.org or call 627-2222. It’s always a fun event, open to the public, so please plan to attend.

Julie Mathis is the executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 941-639-2222 or jmathis@charlottecountychamber.org.