CHAMBER STAFF
Heather Kasten
President/CEO hkasten@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050
Ed Hill Vice President ehill@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040
Dan Sidler
Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development dsidler@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4045
Isabella Alvarado
Membership & Programs Coordinator ialvarado@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4030
Pete Bartosik
Leadership Sarasota & YPG Manager pbartosik@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039
Marlon Brown
Director of Government Affairs mbrown@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4055
Kevin Golumbeck
Director of CareerEdge kgolumbeck@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4038
Zach Henkel
Membership Investment Manager zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029
Celeste Lloyd-Jones Event Manager cljones@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4035
Craig McGonigal Director of Membership Engagement cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034
Hayley Nau Strategic Brand Manager hnau@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031
Allie Petschke Communications Coordinator apetschke@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4046
Christine Seaman Accounting Coordinator accounting@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4053
Liliana Torres Executive Assistant ltorres@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051
1945 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 955-8187 sarasotachamber.com
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Can you believe we’re already stepping into a brand-new fiscal year? October 1st marks the start of the Chamber’s 106th year serving Sarasota, and I have to say—I’m feeling both grateful and excited about what’s ahead. Each year gives us a fresh slate to build on the momentum we’ve created together, and this one is no different.
September gave us such a meaningful reminder of what makes our community shine. During Fall For Sarasota, businesses and nonprofits rolled up their sleeves and worked side by side for two full days of service. Whether it was packing food, painting, or lending a hand where it was needed most, the partnerships that formed showed just how powerful it is when business leaders give back. The ripple effects from those two days will be felt long after the projects wrapped up.
And now—we’re turning the corner to one of my favorite events of the year: our Annual Meeting Luncheon on Friday, October 24th at The Ritz-Carlton. This year’s theme, Culture That Rocks, is all about celebrating what makes workplaces thrive. Culture isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s the heartbeat of every successful organization, and I can’t wait for us to explore it together with fresh ideas and inspiration.
As we launch into this new year, I’m so thankful for each of you—our members, partners, and friends—who make the Chamber what it is. Here’s to building on our strong foundation, trying new things, and rocking the road ahead—together!
With heartfelt appreciation,
Heather Kasten President/CEO
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
A Year of Impact and Achievement
As my term as Chairman of the Board comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has truly been a milestone year for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. It has been an honor to serve alongside a dedicated team of staff, board members, and business leaders who are deeply committed to the prosperity of our community.
Together, we’ve achieved accomplishments that speak to the strength and unity of this Chamber. We’ve been working diligently to address major challenges like infrastructure, child care, and workforce housing. Our efforts have focused on keeping the business community engaged with our elected and appointed representatives at both the local and state levels, allowing us to pursue the best outcomes for our community.
This year, we also welcomed a record number of new members, expanding our collective voice and bringing fresh energy and ideas into the fold.
Our dedication to excellence has been recognized on the national stage. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded us the prestigious 5-Star Accreditation, placing the Sarasota Chamber in the top 2% of chambers nationwide. Additionally, we were named a Top 3 finalist for Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. To be recognized among the best in the country is a testament to the tireless work of our staff and volunteers.
Most of all, I am grateful for the incredible engagement of our Board of Directors and Committee Member volunteers. Your vision, commitment, and willingness to step up have fueled every success. It has been a privilege to serve as your Chairman, and I know the momentum we’ve built together will carry our Chamber forward with strength and purpose. With the solid foundation we’ve built this past year and the exceptional contributions of our talented membership and staff, I am confident your Chamber will continue to strengthen our local economy, advocate for a pro-business environment, and champion our community’s unique quality of life.
Joe Hembree Hembree & Associates, Inc. Chairman of the Board
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING SIGNATURE EVENTS
2025 Sporting Clays Presented by Tommy’s Express Holdings
Friday, October 17th, 2025
8:00AM – 1:15PM Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Clay’s 3445 Rustic Road, Nokomis, FL 34275
105th Annual Meeting presented by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Friday, October 24th, 2025
11:30AM – 1:15PM
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
UPCOMING NETWORKING EVENTS
Hustle Bar: You Can Negotiate Anything (2-part workshop)
Tuesday, October 7th & October 14th, 2025
5:30PM – 7:30PM
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236
Power Hour Lunch - Fleming’s
Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Lakewood Ranch
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar 8306 Tourist Center Drive, Bradenton, FL 34201
Coffee with the Commissioner
Kyle Scott Battie
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
8:30AM – 9:30AM
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236
40 Years of Leadership Sarasota Celebration
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
5:30PM – 7:30PM The Gator Club 1490 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Shumaker Chamber University: From Search to Success: Leveraging Google, Online Reputation & AI Tools for Today’s Small Business by David Altimari from Thryv
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 9:30AM – 11:00AM
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236
Hustle Bar: Budgeting for Business - How to Make Your Money Work
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025
5:30PM – 7:30PM
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236
Premier Investor Lunch Hosted by Café on St. Armands
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 11:30AM – 1:00PM Café on St. Armands 431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
Scan Here To View Our Calendar
Sarasota Business Awards
Congratulations to the 30 incredible businesses recognized as winners and finalists at the Sarasota Business Awards. These companies continue to drive innovation, growth, and opportunity, leaving a lasting mark on our community. In this Legacy Issue, we honor their leadership and the story they’re helping Sarasota write for years to come.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented by:
• WINNER: Fawley Bryant Architecture
• SRQ Med Spa
• Taco Fusion Express
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented by:
• WINNER: Sarasota Ford
• Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
• The Bank of Tampa
MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented by:
• WINNER: Swor Women’s Care, LLC
• DutchCrafters
• Sunshine Movers of Sarasota
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Presented by:
• WINNER: The Bay
• DreamLarge
• RITE Technology
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Presented by:
• WINNER: Operation Warrior Resolution
• All Faiths Food Bank
• SunCoast Blood Centers
RISING STAR
Presented by:
• WINNER: ActivAge Sarasota
• Angotti Design
• Fat Rabbit Pub
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION
Presented by:
• WINNER: Chris-Craft Corporation
• Children First
• NCN Electric, Inc.
BREAKTHROUGH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented by:
• WINNER: Castle Concierge
• Little Medical School - Suncoast
• Williams Solid Solutions
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented by:
• WINNER: Discover Sarasota Tours
• Concierge Capital
• Mystical’s Dance Company
HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented by:
• WINNER: Oysters Rock Hospitality
• Dutchman Hospitality Group
• Sarasota Jungle Gardens
ALINAKIRILENKO
Alina Kirilenko has called Sarasota home for 11 years, moving here from Nashville after college to begin her journey in the Sunshine State. She joined Berlin Patten Ebling in 2021 as Sarasota’s Business Development Director, bringing a background in service industry, real estate, marketing, and event planning. Known for her down-to-earth style, continued desire to learn and grow, along with passion for connecting people, Alina has become a trusted resource for local professionals and community partners.
She is active in the Sarasota business and real estate community, along with Women’s Council of Realtors, where she was honored with the “Strategic Partner Rising Star Award” in 2021, and elected to the 2024 Board of Directors as Membership Director. That same year, Alina was recognized as the Young Professional of the Year by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. Her work ethic, sense of humor, and welcoming nature fuel both her professional success and personal life. Alina enjoys the beach, hosting dinner parties, cheering on the Tennessee Titans, and spending time with her two Australian Shepherd fur-children.
At Gulfside Bank, our clients work with local bankers who know them and are familiar with their needs.
“When you consistently provide high quality care, that creates a higher demand for it.”
— Michael R. Dorociak, DDS As Dr. Dorociak
CAREER EDGE
CareerEdge Announces 2025 Upskilling Grant Recipients
CareerEdge has awarded its 2025 Upskilling Grants to seven local employers, with a strong focus on apprenticeships and advancing workforce skills. More than 200 employees will benefit from training that leads to higher wages, career mobility, and stronger talent pipelines in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
2025 grant recipients:
• Gold Coast Eagle Distributing
• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
• NCN Electric
• New Dawn Electric
• ROOTS Education
• Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
• Sun Hydraulics (a Helios Technologies Company)
Building Futures: Chamber Receives Barancik Foundation Grant
The Chamber has received a major investment from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to expand career training, student internships, and entrepreneurship programs. The funding will help grow opportunities for local workers, connect students with paid internships, and support entrepreneurs through initiatives like the HustleBar series.
“This investment from Barancik Foundation allows us to scale programs that connect people to opportunity—whether that’s a student getting their first internship, a worker earning a credential, or an entrepreneur building a business,” said Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development.
Internship Program Graduation Summer
On Thursday, July 31, we gathered at the Carlisle Inn to celebrate the 2025 Intern Commencement Dinner. This summer, 29 outstanding interns successfully completed the program, gaining invaluable skills, experiences, and connections with the support of 18 incredible local employers who generously opened their doors and shared their expertise.
The evening was filled with moments that truly captured the spirit of the program—from powerful employer and intern impact stories to heartfelt reflections of gratitude. The room was alive with energy as interns shared how the experience shaped their professional paths and employers expressed pride in the growth they witnessed over the summer.
This celebration wasn’t just the close of a program, it was the beginning of exciting new chapters. As we send off these talented interns, we are confident they will carry forward the lessons, relationships, and inspiration they’ve gained here.
Congratulations to our 2025 interns! We wish you all the best in everything you do. You are the future of our community and beyond.
AFFINITY PARTNERS
Kjell Purnell Financial Consultant
Steve Lane, AWMA®, CFP® Financial Planner
LEADERSHIP
Announcing the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026! These talented professionals represent a diverse mix of industries and organizations across our region, from education and healthcare to business, arts, and government
Class of 2026 participants include:
Kelly Addington, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, Inc.
Jennifer Barbaro, Keiser University
Megan Baxter, Teen Court of Sarasota
Taylor Bennett, The Mall at University Town Center
Will Bobbitt, Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC
Tyler Brown, Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.
Kassandra Burdwood, Willis Smith Construction, Inc.
Michael Butler, J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp.
Hunter Carpenter, Visit Sarasota County
Lisa Charles, Yes! Coach Lisa
Terry Connor, Sarasota County School District
Read Corley, The Corley Company, LLC
Susan Courter, Wessell Construction
Jerry Dakin, Dakin Natural Soils
Alex Davis, AGA Tax and Consulting Services LLC
Cameron Dees, Mariner Wealth Advisors
Brett DeHart, First United Methodist Church of Sarasota
Renee Di Pilato, Sarasota County Government
Austin Dickinson, PNC Bank
Luis Dynia Sanchez, S-One
Miles Fox, RITE Technology
Cassie Friedman, Horizon HR & Bookkeeping
AJ Fritsch, Tandem Construction
Darren Gambrell, USF Sarasota - Manatee
Alia Garrett, City of Sarasota
Dan Greenwald, J.L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc.
David Hall, Michael Saunders & Company
Victoria Hasselbring, All Faiths Food Bank
Zach Henkel, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Jeanine Johnson, SailorGirl Companies
Heather Koester, Engel & Voelkers Sarasota
Xavier Koffman, Sunwest Bank
Ariana Laboy Mena, Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A.
MaryEllen Mancini, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC)
James O’Donnell, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Kaitlyn Perez, KPC Strategies
David Plotkin, Unwind Massage & Wellness Studio
Jeffrey Pourchier, New College of Florida
Arianne Roberts, Children First
Lane Ruise, Creative Arts Academy
Amber Rylak, Education Foundation of Sarasota County
Kristin Scarborough, SunCoast Blood Center
Kyle Sebastian, Four Winds IT
Virginia Shearer, Sarasota Art Museum
Jamie Smith, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Devin Smith, Diamond Banc
Kevin Thompson, Gecko’s Hospitality Group
Stacy Van Buren, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Stephen Wells, JPL & Associates
Carrie Wilks, Compass Business Solutions
We look forward to seeing this accomplished group grow as leaders, strengthen connections across our community, and make a lasting impact in Sarasota.
Featured Image: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
From Left to Right: The Center for Asian Art at the Ringling Museum of Art; Mote SEA; Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch
DESIGN
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Let our mail department help you to determine the most successful method of distributing your next marketing or fundraising campaign.
Corporate CORNER
Anderson Chief Executive Officer
A Letter from the CEO at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Rooted in Community, Growing for the Future
I cannot be more excited to be part of the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center family. From the moment I arrived, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed by this amazing community. This is a big year for our hospital, not just in how we deliver care, but in how we’re expanding and growing right alongside the families, businesses, and neighborhoods we proudly serve.
On Friday, June 20, we celebrated a huge milestone, the topping-off ceremony for our new five-story, 170,000 sq. ft. patient tower! The final beam going up marked the completion of the building’s framework, and it’s another step closer to opening in early 2026. This $120 million expansion is a game-changer and will help us continue to meet the needs of our fast-growing region with even more advanced care.
There’s a lot to be proud of here. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center continues to earn recognition for high performance in key service areas, and we were just awarded another “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group this Spring. These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of our entire team and their deep commitment to safe, highquality care.
But we’re not stopping there, we’re growing our service lines and expanding access through our affiliation with Lakewood Ranch Medical Group, an incredible network of primary and specialty care providers. These doctors and care teams don’t just treat symptoms — they partner with you to keep you and your family well, close to home.
The momentum we’re building is thanks to the support of our patients, care teams, and this entire community. I’m truly energized about what’s ahead, and I look forward to growing together.
As always, Let’s Do Well Together.
Rob Anderson Chief Executive Officer
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Rob
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Exterior renderings of the new patient tower at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
A topping-off ceremony at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center on June 20 celebrated the placement of the final structural beam on the hospital’s new, fivestory patient tower, scheduled to open in early 2026.
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2025 Grand Expo Sparks Connections and Community
On the night of August 28th, Robarts Arena buzzed with energy as the 2025 Grand Expo brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the region. More than 80 Chamber member booths showcased their businesses, while attendees enjoyed light bites, exciting door prizes, and countless opportunities to build new relationships.
This annual event remains one of the Chamber’s largest and most anticipated networking gatherings, connecting members and fostering collaboration across industries.
A special thank-you to Mike Douglass Plumbing, Inc., our Presenting Sponsor, whose support helped make this year’s Expo a tremendous success, and to all of our sponsors whose contributions made the event possible.
2025 Grand Expo
Presenting Sponsor
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
June 2025 – August 2025
Please help us in welcoming the following new members joining our Chamber family! We are excited to have these talented individuals and businesses join our vibrant community, and we look forward to fostering strong connections and collaboration with them as we continue to grow and thrive together.
301 Granite and Marble Inc.
Acentria Insurance
Advanced Rejuvenation
American Medical And Trade Institute
Assist2Build, Inc
Aviva Senior Living
Behavioral Teaching Solutions LLC
Bernie’s Book Bank
BioLIT Spa
Calista Homes
Cerus Realty
Chasing Aces Golf
Children’s Home Society of Florida
Coach Candace Yaeger
Compass Business Solutions
Courtyard Modern Development LLC
Darvish Interiors
Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A.
Disaster Recovery Pros
Drain Clean Heroes LLC
DreamBig Creative
Drybar Sarasota Midtown
DryPro Inc.
DTM TECH INC.
Dynasty Dance Clubs
Edla VIP Cleaning of Sarasota
Everence Financial
EZ Slider
First Tee - Sarasota/Manatee
Fitness Premier
Floor Coverings International of Bradenton
Freedom Fun Sarasota
From The Heart Fundraising
G Fried Flooring America
Galloway Roofing
Gerber Collision & Glass
Ginter Family Dentistry
Give Me A Smile Pediatric Dentistry
Golden Girls Solutions
High Tower Roofing
Holliday Group
HOME Agency
HOTWORX Sarasota
Injury Pain MD & Aesthetics
Isaiah 117 House
JCM Roofing & Restoration
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Kilwin’s
L.E.B.S. Electric, Inc.
LendUFinance Mortgage Advisors
Lifeline Productions
Limitless Curb and Turf
Live Tampa Bay
Manatee Air Heating & Cooling, Inc.
McNary Law
Metro Protection Service
MRA Property Management
NEUAGE Health + Wellness
Niche Electronics
Optimum Hearing Care
P.F. Chang’s
Pause Sarasota
RBC Wealth Management
Restored Image
Rooster Roofing, LLC
Russell & Russell Construction, LLC
Sarasota Painters
Sarasota Sharks Inc.
SB Pro Roofing
Scandinavian Wallpaper
SRQ Screens LLC
Steele T. Williams, P.A.
Swag4Brands
Techchieva
The Goal Guide
The Grout Medic of Sarasota
The Pickleball Club at LWR
The Tervis Store
The Trust for Public Land
Thomas P. Kirwan - Wells Fargo Private Wealth
Advisor
Tikka Indian Cuisine
TNET Technologies LLC
Tried and True Consulting
Tri-Town Construction, LLC
Tropical Gardens Landscape
Unwind Massage & Wellness Studio
Urban Canvass
Vives Digital
Waffle Monkey Sarasota
Worksite America
YOU CAN DO IT!
A Stage for Elevated Living
BIG MOMENTS CELEBRATING
Congratulations to the amazing businesses that recently celebrated their milestones with us! The photos below showcase our June, July, and August ribbon cuttings, where we welcomed new businesses, expansions, and major renovations into the Sarasota community.
1700 Ranch Road, Nokomis, FL 34275
1534 State Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
2701 Prince Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916
2031 Synergy Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240
Aura Apartments
B&I Contractors, Inc.
Comida
The Concord
CUTTINGS
Kerkering, Barberio & Co. 1605 Main Street, Suite 600, Sarasota, FL 34236
Freedom Fun Sarasota 12640 Cades Bay Cir., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
Raining Berries Southside Village 1935 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239
Barber Co. 6972 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34238
NewGate School 5237 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34233
Roofing, LLC 1858 Ringling Blvd., Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34236
Fellow
The
Rooster
ANNIVERSARIES MEMBER
Honoring 25+ Years of Chamber Membership
Some partnerships stand the test of time—and these members prove it. We’re proud to celebrate the incredible businesses and organizations that have been with the Chamber for 25 years or more. Through seasons of growth, challenge, and change, your support has helped shape the Sarasota we know and love today. Thank you for being part of our story for more than two decades—and counting.
CHAMBERCHAMPIONS
