April Newsletter

LWRBA Board of Directors

Allison Imre//Chair of the Board

Grapevine Communications

Amanda Parrish//Past Chair Fawley Bryant Architecture

Erik Hanson//Chair-Elect 2023 Shutts & Bowen, LLP

Darrin Rohr//Deputy Chair HH Staffing Services

Dianne Kopczynski//Treasurer/Finance Chair Mauldin & Jenkins

Ashlyn McCarty//Secretary Buffalo Lodging & Associates

Ron Beck//Governmental Affairs Chair Gulfside Bank

Annemarie Graff//Membership Chair Bank OZK

Toni Perren//Events Chair Observer Media Group

John Holz//Economic Development Chair

Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP

Julia Heide//Community Engagement Chair Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Julie Fanning//Communications Chair Benderson Development

Mark Gordon//Programming Co-Chair The Business Observer

Devin Dash//Programming Co-Chair Axiom Strategic Consulting

Javar Baity//Young Leaders Alliance Chair Take Stock in Children of Manatee County Shawna Hicks-Cranston//At-Large PostNet of Lakewood Ranch

Charlie Murphy//At-Large Bank of Tampa

David Otterness//At-Large Willis Smith Construction

Frank Morgan//At-Large Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Robert Lewis//Sarasota County Representative

Sarasota County Government

Zachary Buffington//Legal Counsel

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law Lou Marinaccio//Emeritus Gallagher Affinity

Rex Jensen//Emeritus Schroeder-Manatee Ranch

David Fink//Emeritus Family Office Services

Staff

Brittany Lamont//President/CEO BrittanyLamont@lwrba.org

Dan Sidler//Vice President DanSidler@lwrba.org

Janeth Gonzalez//Events & Programs Coordinator JanethGonzalez@lwrba.org

Kristie Calandro//Member Services & Communications Coordinator KristieCalandro@lwrba.org

Jenna Nelson//Membership Development Representative JennaNelson@lwrba.org

This

Advanced Services

• Breast Health Center

• Cardiac Electrophysiology

• Electroencephalography (EEG)

• Emergency Services

- ER at Fruitville

New Full-Service Freestanding Emergency Department

• Gastroenterology

• Heart Care (Invasive and Noninvasive)

• Laboratory Services

• Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center

• Physical Therapy

• Radiology and Interventional

• Respiratory

• Sleep Center

• Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center

• Surgical Services - Breast - Podiatry - Ear, Nose, Throat - Prostate - General - Robotic - Gynecologic - Spine - Neuro - Urologic

- Orthopaedic - Vascular - Plastic

• Women’s Center

Neonatologist Available 24/7

Birth Designer Is First in Our Community!

• Wound Care

Hospital

with

Award-Winning Quality Care

a “Best Maternity

the

Bryan

Vice President, Manatee Market Director

Blaine Morrison Vice President,

Senior Manager

2022 begins a pivotal era for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. We’ve welcomed a new CEO, celebrated growth led by our exceptional staff, engaged with our forward-thinking Board to transition from the challenges of the pandemic and collaborated with our impressive roster of sponsors and members. The Alliance is also preparing for a tremendous technology shift as we adopt and implement a new membership database and website. Because of the enormity of this innovation and resulting transformation, I feel it is vital that we return to the fundamentals of communication and connection.

Our continued development as the leading business organization in our community and the hub of the region is predicated on dedication to YOU. Our members matter most.

We are putting our words into action with proactive communication and relationship building. You may receive a phone call, personal email or handwritten letter asking for your feedback. We’ve begun sharing the stories of our members in print, online and via social media. You are the driving force behind our success.

This year, my focus as your Chair is on the Three I’s: input, insight and influence. We need your input to gain valuable insight which will influence our next steps. The flip side of that coin is the access available through the Alliance, providing YOU with resources to gather input which will provide the insight that can influence your future as an individual, a professional and a leader.

The Power of Connection is fundamental for our future and I look forward to connecting with you.

Allison Imre Chair of the Board

Happy Spring! As we turn the calendar to April, I cannot be more proud of what our team has accomplished already this year. The connections at the Alliance are in full bloom and we have some exciting opportunities to engage you this year.

Event opportunities are in full force - selling out our Annual Membership Luncheon, February Luncheon and Ranch Scramble. Truly a sign that companies are looking more than ever to engage with one another in person. The Annual Sponsors held their first Chairman’s Breakfast Roundtable where they were able to have meaningful conversation on industry and community trends impacting their businesses. These events will continue quarterly as a great way for us to keep our pulse on business issues for our investors.

The new LWRBA database and website are set to launch this Summer - This industry standard platform will provide a better user experience, enhanced benefits and listings and more segmented communications. All with the goal of providing more benefits to our members and sponsors.

Our committee engagement is extremely high and important to the work we do at the Alliance. Within the pages of this publication, look out for updates on our public policy work from the Government Affairs Committee, this year’s Mentor Connect from the YLA and the various opportunities from our Programming and Events Committee.

Thank you for your investment with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, we look forward to continuing to Connect, Educate and Strengthen the business community in the Lakewood Ranch Region

Brittany Lamont LWRBA President/CEO

MENTOR CONNECT

SUPPORT / DEVELOPMENT / LEADERSHIP

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

Launch into mentorship! Mentor Connect is back.

Talk to any successful professional and they’ll likely tell you they didn’t do it alone. Throughout our careers, we’re shaped by those around us.

And while that may include colleagues, managers, friends and family, a solid, dedicated mentoring relationship can really launch a professional’s career to the next level.

For young professionals, why seek a mentor? With the support of a mentor, mentees can stay focused on their career, gain confidence, attain goals, and expand their networks. A mentor will support you, cheer you on, provide feedback, share

advice, and help you define and reach your goals. It can be a key relationship in your life and one that has the potential to impact your choices and career trajectory significantly.

Mentorship can be just as beneficial for the mentors Mentoring is an excellent way to build leadership skills, empathy, and teachings, traits that most employers love. Mentoring provides an opportunity to reflect not only on what you have achieved but also on how you got there. Which attributes and strengths were critical to your career path success? What should you be doing now to ensure you continue to learn and develop those attributes? Asking questions of a mentee often supports deeper insights on your own learning path and achievements.

So, what is Mentor Connect and how does it work?

An effective mentor relationship takes time and effort for both participants. Mentor Connect is a starting point for mentors and mentees. During the program, participants will engage in several short, but authentic discussions about the topics of your choosing, and you will receive instant guidance and professional development – all in a quick-paced and exciting environment.

Prior to the event, mentees are asked to complete a short survey to identify their areas of interest and pose up to three questions where they would like mentorship. Mentees will be paired up with three mentors in advance based on these questions. During the event, each mentor and mentee will meet with each other and be given 20 minutes to discuss their predetermined questions. The mentees will rotate stations to meet with each of their mentors and afterwards there will be time for networking as well as food and drinks to enjoy.

What is the time commitment?

We ask that mentors arrive to the event by 5:15 pm and participate until 8 pm. Additionally, we ask that the mentors accommodate one post-event meeting if requested by the mentee at a mutually agreed upon date and time.

What are the expectations?

Mentors: The expectation of mentors is to sign a mentor agreement committing you to the event and selecting the areas you are comfortable providing mentorship. We ask that you review the questions your mentees submitted and offer your experience and guidance on these questions. Mentors may also help their mentees with career development, leadership, setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources.

There is no cost to participate as a mentor. Those interested in serving in this capacity are encouraged to complete the Mentor Agreement available at www.LWRYLA.com/MentorConnect

Potential mentors will be selected and paired based on our pool of mentees and their desired areas of interest.

Mentees: The expectation of the mentee is to take advantage of his/her mentors’ backgrounds to gain insight and learn from their experiences. To maximize the mentor/mentee experience, mentees should come prepared with their questions and set specific goals for themselves. If a connection is made with a mentor at the event, the mentee should follow up with them and request an additional meeting. The more mentees put into the mentor relationship, the more they will get out of it!

How are mentors and mentees selected?

Mentors are paired with mentees based on the questions submitted by the mentees and the areas of mentorship mentors have selected to provide guidance on. Career experience and industries are also considered when pairing mentors with mentees.

When is the deadline to register as a mentee? Mentees will need to register and submit their questions by May 15.

Who can I contact for more information? Please reach out to Young Leaders Alliance Chair Javar Baity at javar@takestockmanatee.org for more information.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUILDING LANDMARKS.

PARTNERSHIP WITH

Governmental Affairs Committee Advocating on Your Behalf

The Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) has been busy these past few months working on your behalf. Chairman, Ron Beck, Past Chairman, Susan Goldstein and LWRBA President Brittany Lamont have been meeting with local commissioners in both Manatee and Sarasota County on issues that are top of mind for our membership, such as infrastructure, affordable housing, and workforce. Meetings were held with Manatee Commissioners: Vanessa Baugh, George Kruse and Carol Whitmore; as well as Sarasota Commissioners Al Maio and Mike Moran.

Sharing the voice of our 600+ members is pivotal to ensuring Lakewood Ranch has representation on these top issues. Recently, the GAC Committee heard updates from Sarasota County on Impact Fees and Surtax, as well as participating in conversation on local affordable housing projects in Manatee and Sarasota County with our Board of Directors forming an Affordable Housing Task Force.

As we move towards the fall elections, now more than ever, it’s important our voice is heard, and our pulse remains on the business issues in our region. That is why GAC is working with our local partner organizations on the 2022 Meet the Candidates event. We invite you to join us on July 12th from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. This event will provide an opportunity to the business community to meet and mingle with the candidates running for public office in the two county region.

Banking for what’s next.

Perkins

Vice President

Renee Brady

Vice President

Ribbon Cuttings Celebrating new businesses!

Fifth Third Bank Gulfside Bank LWR

Farmer’s InsuranceBob Adams Agency

Gifts & More at the Paper Store

Tidewell Treasures Sarasota

On the Calendar

Networking Social // SMART

Wednesday, April 6 // 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, 4640 County Rd 675

Join us for an evening of networking with your Alliance friends and the SMART horses at the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, appetizers and hayrides around their 23 acre property.

Free for LWRBA Members // Non-members $15

Alliance ACES // Tee Off at PGA TOUR Superstore

Thursday, April 7 // 5:00-7:00 p.m.

PGA TOUR Superstore, 8563 Cooper Creek Blvd

Practice your golf swing with your Alliance friends at the PGA TOUR Superstore practice center. Compete in the putting and closest to the pin contest for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Short golf clinics will be offered and an annual membership with unlimited use of the practice bays and free re-gripping included will be raffled off.

Free to Attend // Members Only

Alliance LEADS// Analyzing Personality Styles

Wednesday, April 13 // 7:30-9:00 a.m. SCF Lakewood Ranch, 7131 Professional Parkway

The workplace can be a volatile, uncertain, and complex environment. As leaders, we feel this more acutely when our teams are out of sync. In this LEADS event, Devin Dash, a REACH Certified Practitioner, will share how personality assessments can support leaders to increase collaboration and curb added complexity.

Members $10 // Non-members $20

Signature Event // Ranch Scramble Golf Tournament

Friday, April 22 // 11:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Boulevard Join us at the beautiful Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club for an afternoon on the links with your Alliance friends. Ideal for golfers of all skill levels! Includes lunch, awards reception, fun games, and raffles. Prsented by Ian Black Real Estate.

Sponsorships Available // Golfer Sold Out

Luncheon with SHRA// Casting Light or Shadow

Wednesday, April 27 // 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Ballroom at Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop

Cord McLean, Director for Leadership Development and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Bloomin’ Brands (Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s), will explore leaders’ responsibility to drive D, E & I and learn meaningful ways to effect change at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. This event is in partnership with the Sarasota-Manatee Human Resources Association. Presented by Alltrust Insurance.

Members $35 // Non-members $45

12 thealliance//spring 2022

Visit us online for a full calendar

Networking Social

Wednesday,

Bank OZK

Alliance LEADS

Wednesday,

Why Salespeople Fail

Breakfast of Champions

Wednesday,

Building a Winning Culture

Luncheon

Tuesday,

Networking Social

on the Suncoast (EDC Update)

Robert Toale & Sons

Read All About It! Members in the News

Our mission is to connect, educate and strengthen the business community and the region has a lot to report on! Check out the latest news stories!

SRQ Airport reported that February was their highest month of passenger travel. Passengers increased from more than 159,000 in February 2021 to more than 340,000 passengers just one year later. This is a 113% rise and marks the highest number of travelers for the month of February in the Airport’s history.

Tidewell Foundation recently celebrated the opening of its newest Tidewell Treasures Shop at 5441 Palmer Crossing Circle (Clark Road). Offering goods such as home décor, clothing and accessories, the shop’s proceeds support Tidewell’s mission of caring for more than 10,000 patients across four counties.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital was honored as one of the Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals”. SMH was recognized as one of the best medical institutions across 27 countries including 414 hospitals in America. This is SMH’s fourth time making it on the global list.

Purvis Gray expands their firm to the Tampa Bay region and promoted, Robert White to Partner. This will be their seventh location, other locations are in Lakeland, Ocala, Orlando, Sarasota and Tallahassee with their headquarters in Gainesville.

Willis Smith Construction recently promoted John LaCivita to President of the company. LaCivita has been with Willis Smith since 1996 and most recently served as their Executive Vice President.

The Bank of Tampa announced their expansion into Lakewood Ranch February 7th, 2022. The new location will be at 10650 Boardwalk Loop in Lakewood Ranch. With plans to renovate, their expected open date is this fall. Market Director Bryan Boudreaux is tasked with expanding the brand’s presence into the Lakewood Ranch region.

The Power of Connection for Young Professionals

Build meaningful relationships and meet new friends at these upcoming Young Leaders Alli ance events! Mark your calendar today!

April Networking Social Thursday, April 28 / 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard (Rescheduled from March) Free for YLA Members; Non-members $10

May Networking Social Thursday, May 26 / 5:30-7:30 p.m. Northern Trust - Lakewood Ranch Free for YLA Members; Non-members $10

Mentor Connect Thursday, June 9 / 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Members $25; Non-members $40; Students $15 Read more about this event on pages 6-7.

Serving Up Connection - Networking Lunch Thursday, June 23 / 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m Gecko’s Grill & Pub - Cattlemen $25 per person

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.LWRYLA.COM

15thealliance//spring 2022

LWRBA YOUNG LEADERS ALLIANCE

WAGNER COMMERCIAL

W

The Wagner Realty Business Brokerage Group is knowledgeable, experienced and discreet

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Please help us in welcoming the newest additions to our Alliance family of businesses!

Allison James Estate & Homes

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Complex Bell & Arch Consulting, LLC

Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Blalock Walters, P.A. Board & Brush Lakewood Ranch BODYBAR Pilates Brown & Brown Core Financial DuCon LLC EG-Solutions Inc Elling Eide Center Fairway Funding Group Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee Gifts & More at The Paper Store Griffin Waste Services Grover’s Axe Jim Ramer Video Productions Knights of Columbus - The DeBlauw Practice KW Suncoast

Medicare Insurance Advisors LendUS Literacy Council of Sarasota, Inc LT Plumbing LLC Marc Bokoff - Cruise Planners Medicare Insurance Advisors Medicare Lab Services Nutrition Initiative of Manatee N2 Publishing

Onplace PopStroke Revoures, LLC Rivendell Associates, Inc Russo’s Restaurant Equipment & Supply Schooley Mitchell of Sarasota / Greater Tampa Bay Succentrix Business Advisors Seaport Manatee TGP (The Granite Place)

Trilogy Chiropractic Tru by Hilton Velocity Works Wellness Concepts of Florida Worldwide Merchant Services W3 Insurance

For a complete member list, visit www.lwrba.org/MemberDirectory.

THE RANCH SCRAMBLE

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

LUNCH SPONSOR

DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR

CIGAR & SCOTCH SPONSOR

SPONSORS

CARD SPONSOR

SPONSOR

WATER SPONSOR

GOLF CART SPONSOR

AUTOMOTIVE & GOODIE BAG SPONSOR

SIGN SPONSORS

SIGN SPONSOR

CART SPONSOR

SPONSOR

RANCH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR

Say Cheese!

WOW! It’s been a while since our events were this loaded! After nearly two years of pandemic era, socially distanced events, we were thrilled to see full rooms, packed networking socials, and SOLD OUT luncheons again. It’s good to be back!

Find us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos from all of our events!

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© 2022 Regions Bank.

The LifeGreen color is a

of Regions Bank.

PROUD PRINTER

Non-Profit Connector. Online Engagement Tool.

Get connected to the nonprofits, doing great work in our community!

We know that our nonprofit members have specific needs throughout the year and we’re here to help. The LWRBA Community Engagement Committee has created the Non Profit Connector form to help you as a nonprofit organization take full advantage of your membership. The goal of the Community Engagement Committee is to assist in creating relationships between our nonprofit and corporate members. Need volunteers? Looking to fill a board member role? Let us help you connect.

Each month, forms will be reviewed by the Community Engagement Committee. If we see a fit, we’ll make an introduction to a corporate member. Otherwise, your request will be included in a shared eblast sent to the entire LWRBA membership. We’re here to foster relationships, create partnerships and help you spread the word.

You can find this form on our website! Head to www.LWRBA.org/ConnectingNonProfits today.

Non-Profit Spotlight. Restore Global.

Restore Global helps nonprofit agencies, already doing good work, to serve better all over the globe.

We provide critically needed assets such as clothing, hygiene items, pet supplies, medical supplies, furniture - anything needed to serve the community, and we help agencies reduce their cost when purchasing items necessary for dayto-day business.

Join us in serving nonprofits in the Lakewood Ranch Community and beyond. By donating, whether through volunteering or monetarily, you’re giving back to all the nonprofits that you already supporthelping them DO better.

Visit www.RestoreGlobal.org to learn more!

GOING

Save the Date! The 5th Annual Alliance Gives Back is set for October 6th, 7th and 8th.

Not only are we strengthening our community by working together, but volunteering has been prov en to foster strong connections between people because of the shared core values that bring them together in the first place.