Fall 2022 Alliance Newsletter by LWRBA

The Power of Connection.

SANDIES AWARDS

Help us recognize our talented and dedicated volunteers.

ON THE CALENDAR See what’s coming up and mark your calendar today. PG 6

PG 17

EXECUTIVE ACADEMY IS BACK Take a look at the 2022 class of leaders. PG 16

WELCOME NEW LWRBA MEMBERS Welcoming new members to the Alliance family. PG 13

the

BETTER TOGETHER.

Fall 2022

Our 5th Annual Alliance Gives Back was Bigger & Better Than Ever! PG 10

8430 Enterprise Circle, Suite 140 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 info@lwrba.org | 941-757-1664 | www.lwrba.org

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 Impact Chair Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP Julia Heide//Community Engagement Chair Julie Fanning//Communications Chair Benderson Development Mark Gordon//Programming Co-Chair Observer Media Group 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 Robert Reinshuttle//Manatee County Representative Manatee 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 Janeth Gonzalez//Events & Programs Manager JanethGonzalez@lwrba.org Jenna Nelson//Membership Development Representative JennaNelson@lwrba.org Kristie Calandro//Communications Coordinator KristieCalandro@lwrba.org Lindsay Hartman//Member Services Coordinator LindsayHartman@lwrba.org

thealliance//Fall 2022

In this issue 05//Board Chair Address An update from Allison Imre, 2022 Chair

05//LWRBA Update

A word from President/CEO Brittany Lamont

06//On the Calendar Upcoming Alliance events

08//Photo Gallery Say Cheese

10//Alliance Gives Back!

A recap of our 5th Annual Volunteer Days

13//Ribbon Cuttings

Congratulations to these businesses!

13//Welcome New Members The newest additions to the Alliance

15//Staff Update

Welcome our New Membr Services Coordinator

16//Young Leaders Alliance Don’t miss these upcoming YLA events!

16//Executive Academy Get a look at the class of 2022

17//2022 Sandies Awards

Don’t miss our volunteer awards luncheon!

18//Thank you Annual Sponsors We couldn’t do what we do without you!

Find Us On... www.facebook.com/ LakewoodRanchBusinessAlliance www.instagram.com/thelwrba Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

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thealliance//Fall 2022

SARASOTA & MANATEE

An Unprecedented Opportunitiy

The Path of Uncertainty…..

On Its Fifth Anniversary, Alliance Gives Back Introduces a Bold New Partnership I fondly remember serving on the Board of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance when Ryan McIntyre – then the Allison Imre chair of the Community Chair of the Board Engagement Committee – introduced a simple yet impactful idea to align our for-profit members with our nonprofit partners in the spirit of giving. This powerful vision quickly became the framework for the inaugural Alliance Gives Back program. Since its inception just over five years ago, Alliance Gives Back has grown exponentially. More nonprofits come to the table with volunteer opportunities. More business leaders vie to participate. And, when the Alliance Gives Back registration page opens on our website, every year you can count on a rush to sign up before the volunteer window closes. What a remarkable “problem” to have. But, this year, we’ve again taken the program to a groundbreaking new level. 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 nonprofit members. Alliance members who are certified 501(c)(3) organizations will have exclusive access to grants. By filling out a simple application, nonprofits can be awarded a portion of the funds generously raised by our members. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian our timeline has changed. We plan to continue accepting donations into 2023, open the application cycle in February and recognize the grant recipients and volunteer leaders 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. I’m proud to be a part of this group, which is so eager to donate time, talent and treasure.

The theme of this issue very much feels like gratitude. As we set to layout and publish this quarter’s publication, there was Brittany Lamont President / CEO much uncertainty. Many of our fellow Floridians were severely impacted by Hurricane Ian. It gave perspective on the importance of communities and our non-profit partners. It was the week after the hurricane , LWRBA’s Alliance Gives Back took place. Within these pages, you will see the true spirit of volunteerism that was shown during the 5th Annual event! As we go into the holiday season, we know many of you are planning for 2023. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is also planning for the new year. We look forward to rolling out our new membership levels, continuining to enhance programming and keeping our eye on the issues affecting our businesses. If you are looking to enhance your presence in the LWR market and regionally, I would love the opportunity to chat with you about your goals and how we can engage you with your target market. On behalf of myself, our team and the Board of Directors, we wish you a beautiful holiday season with those you love the most. Thank you for your investment with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. Brittany Lamont LWRBA President/CEO

Allison Imre 2022 Chair of the Board

thealliance//Fall 2022

On the Calendar Members-Only Event // Lunch with Ranchers There’s something to be said about doing business with people you know, you like and you trust. Bring your business cards and connect with other professionals dedicated to promoting one another. This is a perfect opportunity to expand your network & build a rapport with like-minded individuals. Tuesday, November 8 // The Meadows Country Club Thursday, December 1 // Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch

LWRBA & YLA Social // Coastal Orthopedics Wednesday, November 2 // 5:00-7:00 p.m. Coastal Orthopedics, 8000 SR 64 East, Bradenton Enjoy a social evening alongside fellow Alliance members at the new Coastal Orthopedics building in Lakewood Ranch with light bites, beer and wine. This event is in partnership with our Young Leaders Alliance, as we celebrate our 2022 Next Gen Recognition honorees! Free for LWRBA & YLA Members // Non-members $15

Signature Event // Road Show: Education to Innovation Friday, November 4 // 1:30-5:30 p.m. RND Automation, 3155 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 110, Lakewood Ranch Get a behind the scenes look of businesses in our region! Join us as we visit RND Automation, East County Library and Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy to take a look at the education and innovation they’re bringing to the Ranch! Members Only // $45

Breakfast of Champions // What I Didn’t Learn at Harvard Business School Wednesday, November 9 // 7:30-9:00 a.m. EVEN Hotels, 6231 Lake Osprey Dr, Lakewood Ranch Retired Rear Admiral Brian McCarthy USNR(Ret), who served from Vietnam to Desert Storm, joins us to share leadership lessons learned from 30 years of military service and how they impacted his entrepreneurial career after graduating from the Harvard Business School. Members $35 // Non-members $45

Signature Event // The 2022 Sandies Awards Friday, November November 18 18 // // 11:30 11:30 a.m.-1:15 a.m.-1:30p.m. p.m. Friday, The Loop, Lakewood Lakewood Ranch Ranch The Ballroom Ballroom at at Grove, Grove, 10670 10670 Boarddwalk Boarddwalk Loop, The The Sandies Sandies let let us us come come together together to to celebrate celebrate exceptional exceptional LWRBA LWRBA volunteers volunteers who who strive strive towards towards the the highest highest levels levels of of personal personal and and professional professional accomplishment, accomplishment, devote devote time time and and energy energy to to our our community, community, and and forge forge paths paths of of leadership leadership for for others others to to follow. follow. Tickets Tickets $55 $55 by by 11/4 11/4 / // / $70 $70 after after 11/4 11/4

thealliance//Fall 2022

ROADSHOW

Visit us online for a full calendar

Visit www.lwrba.org/events for more information on these and other upcoming Alliance events.

ACES // Holiday Hosting with Fantasy Flowers Tuesday, November 29 // 5:30-8:00 p.m. Fantasy Flowers, 8111 Lakewood Ranch Main St, Lakewood Ranch Get ready to host for the holidays with Fantasy Flowers! Come learn tips on hosting and decorating for the holidays, watch a tablescape demonstration and make a holiday bow to take home at Fantasy Flowers on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Enjoy wine, light bites and holiday cheer! Members Only // $20

LWRBA & YLA Holiday Social // NBP Rowing Tower Wednesday, December 7 // 5:00-7:00 p.m. Nathan Benderson Rowing Tower, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota Let’s celebrate the holiday season! Join us for an evening of networking with your LWRBA and YLA friends at this special holiday social. Complimentary first drink and hors d’oeuvres will be served, along with plenty of holiday cheer! Members $10 // Non-members $25

Luncheon // Innovations in Workplace Culture Wednesday, December 14 // 11:30a.m.-1:00 p.m. The Ballroom at Grove, 10670 Boarddwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch Effective businesses know that culture matters. And it’s the people at your organization who carry your culture. Join us for a panel discussion with three businesses and how they are innovating their workplace culture. Members $35 // Non-members $45

Breakfast of Champions // Steer Your Team to Victory Friday, January 13 // 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Carlisle Inn, 3727 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota Dragon Boat Coach and 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

2023 Annual Membership Luncheon // Save the date! Friday, January 27 // 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. 2023 Annual Membership Luncheon / The Ballroom at Grove 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 thealliance//Fall 2022

Say Cheese! It’s the busiest and most wonderful time of year at the Alliance! Our members had the opportunity to get in front of hundreds of potential clients at the East Meets West Expo, give back to their community with Alliance Gives Back, learned a thing or two at our Luncheons and got to kick back at our Monthly Networking Socials! We had the best times, see for yourself! > Find us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos from all of our events!

thealliance//Fall 2022

2002

2003

2004

2005

GRAPEVINE IS FOUNDED

2007

2006

20 NEW OFFICE IS BUILT IN LAKEWOOD RANCH

2008

2009

NAMED AMONG “TOP 500 COMPANIES ON THE GULF COAST OF FLORIDA” - 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

2010

2011

WINS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD (SARASOTA CHAMBER)

Grapevine Goes Platinum 2012

2013

REACHED $1.2 MILLION IN SERVICES DONATED TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

2017

2014

2015

WINS SMALL BUSINESS AWARD (MANATEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)

2018

2019

2016

2020

2021

FINALIST FOR GROWFL TOP COMPANIES TO WATCH LIST

ALLISON IMRE BEGINS ROLE AS OWNER/PRESIDENT

2022 ADVERTISING | MARKETING | PUBLIC RELATIONS | DIGITAL | SOCIAL MEDIA

GRAPEVINE GOES PLATINUM

We’re celebrating 20 years of bringing record-shattering success to our clients... and the party’s just getting started. Learn more about our 2+ decades of topping the charts at Grapevine20.com. thealliance//Fall 2022

2022 ALLIANCE GIVES BACK VOLUNTEER DAYS! Alliance Gives Back Shifts Focus to Assist with Hurricane Relief Effort This year, we hosted our 5th Annual Alliance Gives

with projects that could assist the participating

Back Volunteer Days. This initiative, started by the

non-profits and community with hurricane relief

Community Engagement Committee, strengthens

efforts.

our community by using volunteers to foster strong connections between people because of the shared

So while this year’s Alliance Gives Back was different

core values that bring them together.

than previous years, in a way it was even more impactful.

This year’s volunteer days fell one week after Hurricane Ian, which left many in our community

After all, this is exactly what Alliance Gives Back is all

impacted. While we had to pivot to re-evaluate

about - connecting our businesses to non-profits and

the needs of the non-profits, knowing many of the

positively impact the community.

participating businesses themselves were damaged and their employees were dealing with their own

Thank you to this year’s sponsors for making this

struggles, it became even more clear this was the

event possible: Benderson Development, Fawley

perfect time for us to host Alliance Gives Back.

Bryant Architecture, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, Kerkering Barberio & Company, Limitless

Many of our volunteers were still willing and ready to

Investigative Solutions, ME&S General Contractors,

help, despite their own circumstances in the wake of

Inc., Willis Smith Construction

Hurricane Ian. We were able to match our volunteers

thealliance//Fall 2022

“

e had volunteers from the LWRBA help us pack boxes of canned goods and non perishables. This was so helpful, because we are a major part of helping with disaster relief efforts! The work they did helped us get food to those impacted by Hurricane Ian in Northport, Venice and Englewood!

“

Volunteer greets a new friend while helping with relief efforts at Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy

Victoria, Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator All Faiths Food Bank

Volunteers from various companies helped the Humane Society of Manatee beautify their grounds. Volunteers played with the kids at Easterseals and architects put on their hard hats to help build houses for Habitat for Humanity! thealliance//Fall 2022

INTERNET MOBILE PHONE TV

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO RE-EVALUATE YOUR BUSINESS SERVICE & FIND WAYS TO CUT COSTS. ON AVERAGE, CUSTOMERS CAN CUT THEIR BILL IN HALF WHEN SWITCHING. 12

thealliance//Fall 2022

ILA VANRUDEN

SENIOR BUSINESS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Local Rep to all of Manatee County, Tampa, Sarasota

941-274-2106 Ila.vanruden@charter.com

Ribbon Cuttings

Celebrating new businesses!

Phase 1 Chiropractic

Soluency

Trilogy Chiropractic

Hornback Chiropractic

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Please help us in welcoming the newest additions to our Alliance family of businesses! AEGIS Elder Advisors Aloha Party Experts Altez Vacations, LLC Ameniti Bay Amick Roofing, Inc. BatheABin C. K. Cleaning Specialists, Inc Catalist Realty Chicken Salad Chick Clark Financial Partners Concierge Health and Aesthetics D.R. Horton Dunlap Moran Attorneys At Law Early Learning Coalition - Manatee Fehl Safe Water Systems FINE Properties FranNet GINOVERSITY Hale Law Hanlon Law Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Heartland, A Global Payments Company High Point Planning Partners - LPL Financial James Keefe Johnny Szabo Entrepreneur LLC Keiser University Keller Williams Suncoast Knock Out Marketing, LLC Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble LECOM Legler, Murphy, & Battaglia Loving Hands Ministry Machuga Financial Malibu Fox Boutique MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Oasis Home Collective One Day Doors and Closets of Sarasota Paychex Payroc PHALANX Solutions Premier Garage Experience Rapid Mortgage Ronto Realty Row House-UTC Sarasota Sign Shop Sarasota Stories Podcast Scout & Molly’s Lakewood Ranch Sertoma of Greater Sarasota SERVPRO of East Bradenton/ Lakewood Ranch Solmart Media Suncoast Window Films & Shades Tailwind Title & Escrow The Altier Group @ Preferred Shore The Paxton Group at Keller Williams On The Water TriNet Verbatim DS, LLC

For a complete member list, visit www.lwrba.org/MemberDirectory. thealliance//Fall 2022

STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING Siesta Key Campus Pre-K - Grade 5 Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch Grades 6 - 12

LEARN MORE 941-203-3640 ODA.edu/discover

$ t Up o Se

t Y How O PA

AUT

Renewing your membership is just a few clicks away! Automatic membership renewal can be accomplished in four easy steps, pictured below.

1 4 When clicking on the button in step 4, make sure that out of the 3 options you select, ‘Only Required Membership Items’.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to the LWRBA!

thealliance//Fall 2022

Signature

EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR 2023 SIGNATURE EVENTS

Friday, January 27 // 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. 2023 Annual Membership Luncheon / The Ballroom at Grove Friday, April 28 // 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ranch Scramble Golf Tournament / Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club Thursday, September 21 // 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. East Meets West Regional Business Expo / Robarts Arena Friday, October 20 // 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Block Party / Lakewood Ranch Main Street Friday, November 17 // 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. The Sandies: Members Choice Awards / The Ballroom at Grove

STAFF UPDATE WELCOME LINDSAY The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is pleased to announce Lindsay Hartman has joined the team as the Member Services Coordinator. As the LWRBA’s Member Services Coordinator, Lindsay will be responsible for member engagement to build positive lasting relationships with our members and community. Prior to joining the Alliance team, Lindsay gained over ten years of experience in customer service, account and project management. Lindsay holds an MBA from Indianapolis Weslayan. She moved to Florida in 2018 from Indiana with her husband Mike, two kids, Haley and Lucas and their dog Molly. “We are so excited to welcome Lindsay to the team. Her prior experience is a perfect match to continue engaging and servicing our members” said LWRBA President/CEO Brittany Lamont.

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thealliance//Fall 2022

THE EXECUTIVE ACADEMY CLASS OF 2022 Thank you for your exceptional leadership and devoted service to the Lakewood Ranch region. We can’t wait to see where this takes you!

LWRBA YOUNG LEADERS ALLIANCE

The Power of Connection for Young Professionals 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 these upcoming Young Leaders Alliance events! Mark your calendar today! October Networking Social Thursday, October 27 / 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bridges Restaurant at Embassy Suites Free for YLA Members / Non-members $10 November Networking Social Wednesday, November 2 / 5:00-7:00 p.m. Coastal Orthopedics LWR YLA Members $10 / Non-members $15 December Networking Social Wednesdsay, December 7 / 5:00-7:00 p.m. TBD YLA Members only $10

thealliance//Fall 2022

Brad Githens, Fawley Bryant Architecture Cameron Thorp, Asolo Repertory Theatre Cara Misiewicz, Grapevine Communications Carey Leichter, Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch Carla Cummings, SouthState Bank Crayton Kasten, SouthTech a Thrive Company Emily Mruczek, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Geoffrey Silpa, Manatee County Government Jacob Kinsel, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC Jake Mersch, Big Earth Landscape Supply Janeth Gonzalez, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Jeff Hoogeveen, Bradenton Christian School Jeffrey Signor, Former Business Owner/ Self Employed Kameron Rice, Manatee County Government Karen Pharo, JFCS of the Suncoast, Inc. Kurtis Pelto, BGE, inc. Nicole Miller, Grapevine Communications Patrick Smith, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Patti Prince, SouthState Bank Sarah Kupiec, Nathan Benderson Park Shannon Sutton, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Todd Luttrell, Big Earth Landscape Supply Ty Brewer, Willis Smith Construction Veronica Thames, Gulf Coast Community Foundation

COMMUNITY SUPPORTER:

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! Join us for the 2022 Sandies Awards on November 18th at Grove. This is an opportunity to recognize our volunteers, their incredible talent and dedication to making our community great.

AWARDS

Friday, November 18th 11:30 a.m. - 1:15p.m. Ballroom at the Grove $55 before November 4th | $70 after November 4th ABOVE & BEYOND BEST RANCHER BULL BY THE HORNS COMMUNITY CHAMPION NETWORKING KING NETWORKING QUEEN RAY OF SUNSHINE RISING STAR VOLUNTEER OF THER YEAR YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

SPONSORS Limited sponsorships are still available! Get your name in front of thousands of potential customers in the build up to the event. More information is available on our website. ATTENDEES Buy your tickets before November 4th and pay $55. Prices after November 4th will be raised to $70. Tickets can be purchased on our website at www.lwrba.org/Sandies

R A NCH R EWA R D S

FIRST CLASS

free

SCAN ME

SHARE THE POWER OF CONNECTION FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $100