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From the Publisher
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shared a portion of this story in the last
month’s issue, but for those of you who missed it, I would like to share it again. Several years ago we came up with an idea to feature the businessmen and businesswomen of Lake and Sumter counties. It seemed fi tting because Style magazine is all about the people, places, and events that make this community an incredible place to work, play, and grow.
Well, we found ourselves in a pickle when we began discussing which businessperson should be featured on the cover. Our dilemma? How could we choose just one person? Each man was interesting, successful, and deserving of being on the cover, but there was simply no way to select one over the other. Then, one day, we had a light bulb moment and decided to do a reverse drawing for the cover.
That way we wouldn’t be choosing; fate would be making the selection for us. Each man or woman who participated in our special section would have their name entered into the drawing. The winner would be last man/woman standing.
Beginning then, we held elaborate parties for the businesswoman featured in our May issue and the businessman featured in our June issue. These events continue to get bigger and better! This year we were able to host both events in our new banquet hall at the Opera House in Leesburg. Both events were no doubt a success. In fact, I hope you were able to attend one or both of them. If not, be sure to do so next year.
Now back to the cover. As you can see, our very lucky cover winner is Joe Ciceri, owner of
Electrical Works of Florida. Joe and I go way back, as I remember him as the shy, withdrawn little boy who sat behind me in our World Government class at Leesburg High School. I was always the loud kid in front of him, and he would occasionally smile at or laugh at my obnoxiousness. A lot has changed since then. Joe and his wife Sabrina have become great friends of mine, and I have seen fi rst-hand what an awesome person Joe has grown up to be.
Although he still laughs at my obnoxiousness, he is no longer the shy boy in the corner. He is a fantastic businessman.
Joe works tirelessly to provide a great environment for his employees and a great life for his wife and his family. He is a wonderful friend and a man of his word. I am so excited to see someone of such amazing character grace the cover of this magazine.
He truly represents our area’s businessmen with STYLE!
Sincerely,
Kendra Akers
Kendra Akers
PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com Doug Akers PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com Jamie Ezra Mark
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com
Editorial // Design // Photography Leigh Neely MANAGING EDITOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com James Combs STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com Theresa Campbell STAFF WRITER theresa@akersmediagroup.com Chris Gerbasi STAFF WRITER chris@akersmediagroup.com Jason Fugate CREATIVE DIRECTOR jason@akersmediagroup.com Josh Clark SENIOR DESIGNER josh@akersmediagroup.com Volkan Ulgen DESIGNER volkan@akersmediagroup.com Michael Gaulin PRODUCTION DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com Fred Lopez CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER fred@akersmediagroup.com
contributors Mary Ann DeSantis Jessica Flinn Diane Dean Fred Hilton Vincent Niglio
sales // marketing Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING tim@akersmediagroup.com Tatianna Geliga
SALES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT tatianna@akersmediagroup.com Mike Stegall SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE mike@akersmediagroup.com Cree Howard SALES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT cree@akersmediagroup.com
Administration Deb Matlock OFFICE MANAGER deb@akersmediagroup.com Aubrey Akers ADVERTISING COORDINATOR aubrey@akersmediagroup.com
distribution Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com
digital social media Garrett Reardon DIGITAL SPECIALIST garrett@akersmediagroup.com Lake & Sumter Style is a proud member of
Florida Magazine Association Leesburg Partnership Leesburg Chamber of Commerce Tavares Chamber of Commerce South Lake Chamber of Commerce
Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce Sumter County Chamber of Commerce American Advertising Association
WINNER OF 150+
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2017 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media. Hot Off The Press! The latest editions of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style, Healthy Living and Welcome to Lake County.
June 2017 VILLAGES EDITION
The Villages (area) welcomes plastic surgeon and author of ‘The Brown Fat Revolution’ and ‘Lose the Fat, Lose the Years,’ DR. JAMES LYONS
MEET THE 2017 BUSINESS MEN
OF STYLE
MEN’S
ALTH
THROUGH THE DECADES
Look and feel great at any age +
LAKE COUNTY’S AGRICULTURE
Let the good times grow
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Just what the doctor ordered
SPONSORED BY
TO LAKE COUNTY
IT’S NO FISH TALE Lake County has the largest bass in the state! RAISING THE BAR The NTC is a gold mine for Olympians! DISC GOLF A new spin on an old sport!
Get yours
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $72. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $85 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. BACK ISSUES: Order a single issue by mail for $7, or 2 or more single issues for $9. To pick up a back issue from our off ice, please call 24 hours in advance.
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2017
NOMINATIONS! IT IS TIME TO VOTE FOR THE 2017 HOT LIST NOMINEES!
go to:
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to see all of the HOT LIST categories for nominations!
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