At Lakewood Ranch Medical Center our network of care provides highquality, individualized care for you and your family – close to where you live, work and play.
Our network includes:
• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center –Offering services ranging from cardiovascular care and orthopedics to women’s services/obstetrics and stroke.
• ER at Fruitville* – A full-service, freestanding emergency department with board-certified physicians who provide emergency care. Full-service laboratory, X-ray and CT are available onsite.
• Lakewood Ranch Medical Group –From primary care to specialty cardiac, OB/GYN and general surgery, our affiliated physicians and allied health professionals deliver quality healthcare services to all age groups.
For more information, go to lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com
For a physician referral, call 800-454-8215.
8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
*This emergency department is part of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 231419553-1421015 12/22
Erik Hanson//Chair of the Board
Shutts & Bowen, LLP
Allison Imre//Past Chair
Grapevine Communications
Darrin Rohr//Incoming Chair
HH Staffing Services
David Otterness//Deputy Chair
Willis Smith Construction
Dianne Kopczynski//Treasurer
Mauldin & Jenkins
Julie Fanning//Secretary
Benderson Development
Annemarie Graff//Bank OZK
Amanda Parrish//Fawley Bryant Architecture
Ashlyn McCarty//Buffalo Lodging & Associates
Charlie Murphy//Bank of Tampa
David Fink//Family Office Services
Diego Perilla//Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Erin Watson//Game On Nation
Frank Morgan//Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Javar Baity//Take Stock in Children of Manatee County
John Holz//Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP
Keith Pandeloglou//LWR Community Activities
Kevin Cooper//Mote Marine Laboratory
Kent Jimison//Easterseals Happiness House
Lisa Barnott//Schroeder-Manatee Ranch
Lou Marinaccio//Gallagher Affinity
Nick Feather//Capstan Financial Consulting Group
Rex Jensen//Schroeder-Manatee Ranch
Robert Lewis//Sarasota County Government
Robert Reinshuttle//Manatee County Government
Ron Beck//Gulfside Bank
Tieler Gittleman//Northern Trust Company
Toni Perren//Observer Media Group
Zachary Buffington//Williams Parker Attorneys at Law
Brittany Lamont//President/CEO
BrittanyLamont@lwrba.org
Janeth Gonzalez//Events & Programs Manager
JanethGonzalez@lwrba.org
Blake Frey//Membership Deveopment Representative BlakeFrey@lwrba.org
Kristie Calandro//Communications Coordinator KristieCalandro@lwrba.org
Lindsay Hartman//Member Services Coordinator LindsayHartman@lwrba.org
Please help us in extending a warm welcome and congratulations to the newest LWRBA Board of Directors!
Devin, Julia, Mark and Shawna have shown incredible dedication and commitment during their time on the board. Your passion and hard work to the Alliance is invaluable. Thank you for your time and effort.
Happy New Year! It’s my pleasure to serve as your 2023 Chair of the Board for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. As an attorney with Shutts & Bowen, I have seen first-hand the power of connection through the LWRBA. Seven years ago, my LWRBA journey began, and since that time, I have had the opportunity to serve in many roles within the organization. Beginning with the Young Leaders Alliance, joining the Board of Directors, chairing the Community Engagement Committee, it’s been a pleasure to see our Alliance evolve and grow. As we look forward to another great year, we will enhance the foundation we built on in 2022, including the launch of our new database and website, new membership options and increased programming and community engagement.
The Board of Directors continues to build upon the Alliance’s successes and stays focused on The Power of Connection. Looking ahead to 2023, we continue to push the envelope by:
• Advocating and spearheading for community initiatives such as affordable housing, transportation and infrastructure;
• Growing our membership base;
• Creating a strong ROI for our investors, including members and sponsors; and,
• Enhancing our networking and programming offerings.
Our mission of connecting, educating and strengthening the business community in the LWR region remains, and the heart of our organization continues to be the amazing members that form our Alliance. I am grateful for the privilege to serve as the 2023 Chair and look forward to working with our Board of Directors, Committees, members, and sponsors.
Erik Hanson 2023 Chair of the BoardHappy 2023!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with those you love and are ready to hit the ground running…because your Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is.
2022 was such a successful year with all of you as we continued to grow our membership, engage our businesses with events that cater to your interests and support the business community through addressing key issues such as affordable housing and surtax renewal.
As we jump into the new year, I wanted to provide you all with a couple things you can do to ensure you are maximizing your membership benefits and starting 2023 off with a bang!
1) Make sure your information is up-to-date: Have you logged into the member portal yet? This provides you with access to all your account information - including employees on your account, your business information and directory listing. Feel free to add more of your team so they can all engage in your membership.
2) Use our online tools: Submit your events, offer a member discount, or submit your news; all of these tools come with your membership investment.
3) Check our event calendar: Attending events is a great way to connect with other members. We offer many different types of events for you to experience the power of connection
4) Consider joining a committee: Flip to page 10 for more information on our 7 committees for you to get involved in.
5) Show off your space: Do you have a new building, expansion or renovation? We would love to host your ribbon cutting or even host a networking social in your space!
Still unsure on how you can maximize your membership? That is what we are here for, we would love to meet with you and talk through how you can get the best ROI for your investment.
Brittany Lamont LWRBA President/CEO
Networking Social // Willis Smith Construction
Tuesday, January 10 // 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Willis Smith, 5001 Lakewood Ranch Blvd
Kick off the new year alongside your Alliance friends with an evening of networking at Willis Smith Construction! Enjoy lite bites and a cash bar.
Members are Free // Non-members $15
Friday, January 13 // 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Carlisle Inn, 3272 Bahia Vista St
Dragon Boat Coach at Nathan Benderson Park and breast cancer survivor, Angela Long, shares her story of resilience and mental fortitude, as she illustrates how to navigate obstacles, personalities, mind-sets, resources, and opportunities on the journey to success.
Members $35 // Non-members $45
Friday, January 27 // 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
The Ballroom at Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop
See what’s in store for the Alliance in the coming year. Our 2023 Annual Membership Luncheon will honor our outgoing board members and reflect on the successes of the past year, as well as introduce the 2023 Board of Directors.
Members $55 // Non-members $70
Wednesday, February 1 // 5:00-7:00 p.m.
OFDC Commercial Interiors, 7810 25th Ct E, Suite 104
Join us for a Valentine’s themed social at OFDC Commercial Interiors, in SRQ Commerce Park off of US 301, for and evening of networking with your Alliance friends. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine and appetizers, as well as a giveaway!
Members are Free // Non-members $15
Signature Event // The 2022 Sandies Awards
Friday, November 18 // 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 8 // 7:30-9:00 a.m.
The Ballroom at Grove, 10670 Boarddwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
Keiser University, 6151 Lake Osprey Dr
The Sandies let us come together to celebrate exceptional LWRBA volunteers who strive towards the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, devote time and energy to our community, and forge paths of leadership for others to follow.
Jamie Marco with Evolve Business Consulting, helps teams in all industries convert the Captive into Captivated. Learn a revolutionary process that gives you creative tactics that will result in your customers having a positive and memorable experience with every interaction with your company and ensure that they choose you over your competition.
Tickets $55 by 11/4 // $70 after 11/4
Members $10 // Non-members $20
Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District
Visit www.lwrba.org/events for more information on these and other upcoming Alliance events.
Wednesday, February 22 // 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Carlisle Inn, 3727 Bahia Vista St
Norman Love, founder of Norman Love Confections, will share his inspiring story of creating a business from scratch, and growing it into a globally recognized brand. Attendees will hear from Norman Love on the art of customer service and how and why brands should exceed the expectation of customers and clients every day. He’ll also share tips on how to gain customer loyalty and set your brand apart from others.
Members $39 // Non-members $49
Wednesday, March 1 // 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Florida Center for Early Childhood, 4620 17th St
Join us at The Florida Center for Early Childhood, in their sensory garden, for an evening of networking with your Alliance friends at our monthly networking social on the first Wednesday of the month from 5:00-7:00pm. Enjoy a cash bar, appetizers and tours of their building.
Free for Members // Non-members $15
March Luncheon // The Future of Lakewood Ranch
Wednesday, March 22 // 11:30a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The Ballroom at Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop
Ranked the fastest growing multi-generational community, LWR is the ideal place for businesses to thrive, community to grow and residents to enjoy. Join us for a panel discussion led by SMR and the four organizations responsible for continuing the vision and growth of Lakewood Ranch in the future.
Members $39 // Non-members $49
Friday, April 28 | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ranch Scramble Golf Tournament
Thursday, September 21 | 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. East Meets West Regional Business Expo
Friday, October 20 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Annual Block Party
Friday, November 17 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. The Sandies Awards
This fall can be described with two words, busy and fun! We celebrated our volunteers at The Sandies awards to a sold out crowd, we spread some holiday cheer at our December Social and brought back our annual Block Party! It was a fantastic end to a great year and we can’t wait to kick 2023 off strong with you!
> Find us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos from all of our events!
The phrase “you get what you put into it” is especially true when it comes to the LWRBA. By investing your time on a committee, you’re able to showcase your skills, engage with community leaders who have similar interests, and help put into action programs and events that have a positive impact on the region.
Julie Fanning LWRBA Board Secretary & 2022 Volunteer of the Year Sandies Winner
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Joining the Alliance, getting involved in a committee, is not a selfish endeavor. It is a mutually beneficial relationship, between you and all members of the Alliance. When you commit to getting invloved and engaging, you not only commit to connecting, educating and strengthening your own business, but you offer your time and talent to connecting, educating and strengthening our community too. We need what you and your business bring to the table and we have various opportunities for you to showcase your skills to start your year off with momentum! Whether it’s planning events, connecting us to great speakers, or providing creative ideas to share our mission in communications, you are needed. You are a valubale member of this community and we want your input! Take a look at our volunteer opportunities below.
This committee is focused on all communications and technology that help our members connect with each other, with the Lakewood Ranch Community and our region as a whole. The committee is integral in working to protect our brand by overseeing both internal and external communications across all platforms, media, website, social media, eblasts etc.
The Community Engagement Committee works directly with our nonprofit members helping to foster relationships between nonprofit and corporate members and generating awareness of nonprofit members’ needs. The committee is also responsible for the annual Alliance Gives Back event, a volunteer initiative connecting business members and their families with our nonprofit members through fun activities.
This committee is focused on strengthening Alliance relationships with the local Economic Development Corporations, with SMR and with local business owners. This committee is a resource of community knowledge and connection for any Alliance member and new businesses looking to relocate to LWR.
The Events and Programming Committee’s role is to plan and implement educational programs that strengthen your business through education by identifying relevant business topics, and vetting potential speakers. They also create unique and special occasions that provide opportunities for our members to connect and engage with one another. This committee focuses on creating exciting and relevant LEADS, luncheons, networking socials and signature events. Committee members have the opportunity to volunteer at Alliance events and programs.
The GAC committee is responsible for strengthening Alliance relationships with the all local, regional and state government officials. This committee stays at the forefront of all governmental issues that could impact our members or business community. This committee is full and is on an invitation only basis.
The Membership team is focused on engaging and retaining our current members, as well as identifying and inviting new prospective businesses to become members of the Alliance. This committee shares the benefits of the Alliance, welcomes new members, hosts membership appreciation events, assists with member ribbon cuttings and identifies potential new members.
The purpose of this committee is to provide opportunities for young professionals to enhance their leadership, communications and project management skills by creating events and programs specifically for the YLA organization.
Adobe ADP
Battaglia Law, PLLC
Clive Daniel Home Family Legacy Care
Forward Force - App Development Studio
Jack Dean Flooring, LLC.
Karen B. Schapira, PLLC d/b/a Schapira Health Law
Kelly’s Roast Beef KW Commercial
Landes Emergency Training Services, LLC
Lawrence Advisory, PLLC
Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court Monkee’s of Lakewood Ranch
Red Door Painting, LLC
Radiology Regional Soltive Hydration Spa, LLC.
Suddath
Suncoast Precision Services
Susan Goldstein
Town Square Bradenton at University Parkway
Transform HR Consulting Vida Lakewood Ranch
With eleven airlines and 50+ nonstop destinations, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is proud to be a vital resource for growth through tourism. We’re honored to be a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and provide a service that enhances the economic well-being of our community.
Updating your Member Portal is vital to populate your member directory listing! Here are a few steps to get you started;
1. After creating your profile and setting up a password, log in!
2. Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be directed to your member portal.
3. Click, the ‘My Info’ tab and update your bio with information about you, your business and how you can help people in our community!
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is pleased to announce Blake Frey has joined the team as the Membership Development Representative. In this role, Blake will be responsible for growing our membership base and onboarding memberbusinesses.
Blake brings a strong sales background to the Alliance team and we look forward to seeing all he has to offer to our organization. Blake holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing and a minor in Professional Selling from Florida Gulf Coast University. Shockingly, he is a Lakewood Ranch Native and is excited to get further involved in the community. “We are so excited to welcome Blake to the team. His prior experience is a perfect match to continue growing our organization with our ever growing community,” said LWRBA President/CEO, Brittany Lamont.
Interested in membership? You can reach Blake at BlakeFrey@lwrba.org or 941-757-1664 ext. 105
Thursday, January 25 / 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Ed’s Tavern & Fish Hole Members $15 & Non-Members $25
As an extension of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, the Young Leaders Alliance provides a platform which engages young professionals in the Lakewood Ranch area.
Build meaningful relationships and meet new friends at the January Young Leaders Alliance social! Mark your calendar today!
Knowing what you want to do with your life at the mere age of 17 can be daunting. Stacey Rosenburg, an LWRBA committee member understood this firsthand. Having kids in school and being regularly involved in our business organization, she knew that a relationship would be beneficial. After brainstorming, meetings and execution, “Careers in the Classroom” was born!
The Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) recently finalized the 2023 legislative agenda, which sets the public policy initiatives for the LWRBA. Focusing on local issues, such as affordable housing and workforce issues. In February, the committee will head to Tallahasee to meet with state officials and conduct local meetings with both Manatee and Sarasota County Commissioners.
For a full look at our legislative agenda, please visit our website at www.LWRBA.org
Email Kristie Calandro at KristieCalandro@LWRBA.org for more information on advertising in the Alliance Newsletter
Justthree months ago, we were gearing up for our biggest Alliance Gives Back to date, where nearly 30 non profits and over 200 volunteers were looking forward to a weekend full of giving back to their community. But then, tragedy struck and we decided to refocus our efforts towards hurricane relief, after Hurricane Ian hurdled towards Florida with an unrelenting force, leaving many of our friends to the south displaced.
We were still able to host AGB volunteer opportunities, but we had to postpone the new financial giving component. So it is with great joy that as we enter the new year, we bring the financial initiative of Alliance Gives Back to the forefront!
Through our valued partnership with the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, an organization which has been the pillar of regional impact for two decades, we’ve opened a fundraising arm of Alliance Gives Back. Members are donating dollars through the Fund’s website – and 100% of these investments are earmarked for grants to be awarded to Alliance non-profit members.
Alliance members who are certified 501(c)(3) organizations will have exclusive access to grants. By filling out a simple application, non-profits can be awarded a portion of the funds generously raised by our members. Applications will be opening in February and the grant recipients will be recognized at our April luncheon.
This is an exciting, pivotal moment for both the Alliance and an initiative that has impacted so many volunteers, nonprofit members and – most of all – the people they serve.
