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BUILDING EXCITEMENT

HOSPITAL EXPANSION IS UNDERWAY

What to Expect

• Increased patient bed capacity to 240

• Expansion of complex cardiology, higher acuity neurological services, lab, pharmacy and pre-admission testing

• Contemporary patient-centric design features

• Universal designs for the pivoting of rooms to accommodate patient needs in real time

This is an exciting time of growth for our community. Projected completion of the first phase of the five-story, 170,000 square foot patient bed tower addition to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is expected in December 2025. We’re dedicated to offering easy access to advanced, quality and compassionate healthcare services close to home

LWRBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Julie Fanning | Chair of the Board

Benderson Development

David Otterness | Past Chair

Willis Smith Construction

Wayne Parrish | Incoming Chair

RITE Technology

Nick Feather | Deputy Chair

Capstan Financial Consulting Group

Dianne Kopczynski | Treasurer

Mauldin & Jenkins

Kevin Cooper | Secretary

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Bryan Boudreaux | The Bank of Tampa

Zachary Buffington | Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Kathy Collums | Gulfside Bank

Courtney DePol | Manatee County Government

Tieler Gittleman | Northern Trust Company

Beth Green | Raymond James & Associates

Dr. Ryan Hale | SCF, Manatee-Sarasota

Kent Jimison | Easterseals Happiness House

Zoe Kasper | Crane Content

Dr. Brett Kemker | USF, Sarasota-Manatee

Sandy Shahinian Levins | Schroeder Manatee Ranch

Robert Lewis | Sarasota County Government

Ashlyn McCarty | Buffalo Lodging & Associates

Frank Morgan | Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Keith Pandeloglou | LWR Community Activities

Toni Perren | Observer Media Group

Philip Reber | Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Erin Watson | Game On Nation

Chris Williams | Aginto - A Digital Agency

Julie Fanning Chair of the Board

A FINAL WORD FROM OUR CHAIR

As I reflect on my year as Chair, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve during the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s 20th anniversary. It has been an honor and a privilege— and a year marked by many accomplishments we can all be proud of.

Throughout this year, the Alliance has remained steadfast in advancing key initiatives that support our mission to connect, support, and champion the business community across our region. We are now in year two of our three-year strategic plan and continue to uphold strong governance and business practices as we work toward becoming a certified Chamber of Commerce through the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.

As I pass the gavel to Wayne Parrish of Rite Technology, I do so with full confidence that the Alliance is well-positioned to meet the needs of our 750+ members and to continue growing and thriving in the years ahead.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated Alliance staff and board of directors for their unwavering commitment and support this year. And to my Benderson family—thank you for encouraging me to give back to the communities we serve. It has been a privilege to do so through this role.

LWRBA STAFF

Brittany Lamont

President & CEO | BrittanyLamont@lwrba.org

Janeth Gonzalez

Events & Programs Manager | JanethGonzalez@lwrba.org

Tim Estep

Membership Devlopment Manager | TimEstep@lwrba.org

Lisa Beckett

Executive Assitant | LisaBeckett@lwrba.org

Carolyn Rauhala

Membership Engagement Coordinator | CarolynRauhala@lwrba.org

John Robinson

Project Coordinator | JohnRobinson @lwrba.org

Brooke Russo

Marketing & Communications Coordinator | BrookeRusso@lwrba.org

Brittany Lamont President/CEO

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEW YEAR

As we enter the final quarter of 2025, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance reflects on a remarkable year—celebrating 20 years of serving and supporting the businesses of Lakewood Ranch.

We invite you to join us on January 30, 2026, at the new Mote Marine Science Education Aquarium for our Annual Luncheon! This special event will mark the closing of our anniversary year and the beginning of the next chapter in our mission.

The Alliance remains committed to providing members with unparalleled opportunities for connection, advocacy and education. If there is ever anything we can do to support your business, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we look forward to building another 20 years of strong business connections.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Dr. Miguel Rivera, a physician who started his career with Sarasota Memorial Hospital, has carved out a specialized role as the “Dementia Doc,” focusing his career on caring for patients with dementia and supporting their families. He combines clinical, holistic and caregiving strategies to improve patients’ quality of life.

Bank of America has appointed Stephenie Whitfield as the new president for its Sarasota/Manatee market. Whitfield brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, including leadership roles in SBA lending and commercial credit. In her expanded role, she’ll be responsible for connecting clients, teams and communities to the bank’s broader resources.

A real estate attorney at Dunlap & Moran has been named on the Best Lawyers in America 2025 list, an accolade based on peer review that honors legal excellence. The recognition underscores the attorney’s strong reputation in real property law and elevates the prestige of both the individual and the firm.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Kelly Caldwell, president and CEO of Caldwell Trust Co. in Sarasota, has been honored as the 2025 Trust Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association. The award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional service to both the FBA and the trust and wealth-management sector over the past year.

Starting with DIY party backdrops on Etsy, Krista Brock launched Oh What Fun Party Co. and gradually built a thriving event design business known for bold, Instagram-worthy displays. With no initial industry connections, Brock hustled her way into large-scale projects for clients. Now fully self-employed, she continues to grow her brand with an unshakable drive to turn celebrations into unforgettable experiences.

Lakewood Ranch Activities’ annual Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament at Lake Uihlein was a hit with a record-breaking 92 young anglers. Not only did 92 kids participate, four of them tied for third place in the 10-14 age group.

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

Ability to Include

Acentria Insurance

Ameriprise Financial

Ananda Farm (Associate)

As One Claim Consulting

Caldwell Trust Company (Corporate)

Children’s Cancer Center

CK YOLK LLC

Corporate Compass Consulting LLC

Cruise Planners - Nancy Snyder

Efficio Digital Marketing

Festive Lighting Pros

Finley Williams Law, PA

Florida Cultural Group, Inc.

aka Manatee Performing Arts Center

Formella Construction, LLC

FranNet of South Florida

GB Collects

Get Coastal Exteriors

Hendricks Wealth and Estate Management

HomeTrust Bank SBA

Impact100SRQ

Keller Williams Coastal Living II

Link ERP Partners

Lisa Rankin - Preferred Shore

Market Tap

McNary Law

Morgan Stanley

Relative Decor

RIGHT ACCORD Senior Home Health Care

Sarasota Memorial ER at Lakewood Ranch (Presidential)

SB Pro Roofing

Secure Network Technologies, Inc.

Sip n Brew LLC

TechChieva

The Haven

Tidy-Yup LLC dba CloudNine House Cleaning

University Park Country Club

Urban Air Sarasota

Urgent Dental Care

Valdez Veterans Alliance Services

Valley National Bank (Associate)

Voda Cleaning & Restoration of Sarasota

“When

— Dillon Miller, A.S.M. Concrete & Masonry

With

THE ALLIANCE GOES TO D.C.

Recently, the Alliance hosted its second Washington D.C. advocacy trip with members of the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) and the Board of Directors. Our mighty team met with federal representatives on key issues affecting the LWR business community.

Topics of conversation included appropriations request, affordable housing, childcare, non-profit community grants, flood insurance (FEMA), transportation and more. Meetings were held with Congressman Vern Buchanan, Congressman Greg Steube, Congressman Byron Donalds and The U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Hosting a trip like this one allows the Alliance to share the diverse voices and needs of our 750+ members, ensuring LWR has the representation it deserves.

INVESTOR WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVES

At our recent roundtable discussions, business leaders from across Florida convened to explore opportunities for stronger collaboration, regional economic development and unified advocacy.

The two sessions focused on critical issues: property tax and childcare. Such highlights how coordinated efforts can empower local, regional and national organizations to drive long-term prosperity for Florida’s business community.

These conversations underscored the vital role chambers of commerce and business alliances play in serving as a unified voice on key priorities such as workforce development, infrastructure and economic resilience.

The Alliance hopes to continue hosting roundtables like this because they provide a valuable platform for bringing together diverse business leaders to address critical issues through thoughtful rhetoric. These discussions not only strengthen regional partnerships but also help align efforts across local, regional and national levels, ultimately driving long-term economic prosperity and a stronger, unified voice for our region.

For eight years, Alliance Gives Back (AGB) has bridged the gap between non-profits and for-profit businesses by providing easy access to various volunteer opportunities to our large network of LWRBA Members. The first weekend in October, Alliance Members donated their time with friends, family and colleagues to give back to their community. Building meaningful connections between the non-profit and for-profit sectors, volunteers helped with everything from constructing a home, organizing clothes, painting the walls of an afterschool program and more!

A NOTE TO OUR SPONSORS

The Alliance extends our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of this year’s AGB.

Thanks to your partnership, the initiative continues to grow in impact and reach by bringing together businesses, individuals and non-profits in meaningful service to our community.

Your sponsorship directly supported:

+300 volunteers & over 30 non-profits

More than numbers, it’s real change felt by local organizations and the people they serve. We couldn’t be prouder to stand along side you in this effort to strengthen the region we all call home.

Discovery Point Twelve Oaks

This fall, let the adventure begin at Discover Point Twelve Oaks. Your go-to for back to school child care and exciting holiday camps! We offer:

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

From July 1–25, the Alliance hosted its first ever School Supply Drive, rallying members and community partners to support students across the region as they prepared for the new school year.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, the drive collected 83 fully stocked backpacks and raised $2,450 in donations to support elementary, middle and high school students in need. The initiative provided essential school supplies including everything from notebooks and pencils to calculators and folders. Ensuring students had the tools they need, we are proud to have helped them start their school year with confidence!

This impactful effort reflects LWRBA’s continued commitment to education, community engagement and creating opportunities for success among the next generation of leaders.

CELEBRATING NEW BUSINESSES

Congratulations to the following businesses on their recent ribbon cuttings!

New, renovated or relocated business? Let us celebrate with you! For more info visit: www.LWRBA.org/ribbon-cuttings

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Stand out amongst the crowd and increase visibility for your business by advertsing in our quarterly magazine!

Check out these quick stats!

• 3,000 copies delivered to various businesses across the Lakewood Ranch Region

• Distributed at Alliance events

• Delivered digitally on social media and through our eblasts.

That means thousands of eyes on your ad!

Questions?

Email TimEstep@lwrba.org for more information on advertising in our Connection Magazine!

Liberty Savings Bank | 6230 University Parkway

Cadence Title Services | 8470 Enterprise Cir Ste 321

AUTO-RENEW YOUR LWRBA MEMBERSHIP!

Why continue your membership into the new year?

Harness The Power of Connection – The Alliance continues to thrive by connecting people and businesses, opening the door to 150+ events and meetings per year.

Gain Business Knowledge and Tools – The Alliance’s monthly luncheons and professional development series provide timely and relevant topics and resources you can apply to your business right away.

Grow with Lakewood Ranch – LWR remains the #1 fastest-growing multi-generational community in the nation, and the growth ahead makes Lakewood Ranch the center for business opportunity on the Suncoast. Since January, over 200 new member businesses have joined the Alliance and over 750 businesses strong.

Support the Business Community – The Alliance is keeping an eye on issues affecting the business community regionally. We continue to have an active voice in community initiatives and policies to keep Lakewood Ranch the best place to live, work, and play. Our new system makes it easier than ever to renew your membership.

Need to know how to set-up auto-renewal? Here’s the “How To!”

• Log into Account.

• Click the “My Billing Info” page on the left.

• Click on Autopay & Billing.

• Membership Billing is where you would set up autopayments.

• • Click on the green manage autopay button.

• Select the Automatic Payment option.

• • All membership items (EVERY invoice).

• • Only required membership items (ONLY annual membership invoice).

• • Disable (nothing is autopay)

• Select Payment Profile (credit card you want to do the autopay).

UPCOMING YLA EVENTS

Calling all young professionals! The Young Leaders Alliance (YLA) membership is included for all LWRBA members under 40, for no additional fee. An extension of the Alliance, YLA’s mission is to empower and equip young professionals and build authentic relationships by harnessing the Power of Connection.

Interested? Check out this upcoming event and join YLA today at www.LWRBA.org/join-YLA!

YLA Networking Social Thursday, Oct. 23 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott at UTC

Will you be a victim or a suspect in our Murder Mystery?

Put on your best costume and join the Lakewood Ranch’s Young Leaders Alliance at the Courtyard by Marriott at UTC for a Halloween themed social on their courtyard terrace. Enjoy tours of their property, spooky appetizers, complimentary first drink, cash bar and help solve the murder mystery with other young professionals!

We appreciate and value your involvement with the Alliance. We are strong because of members like you, and we look forward to helping and serving your business in 2026!

What is the WORKING UNINSURED PROGRAM?

The Working Uninsured Program connects businesses leaders and their uninsured full-time or part-time employees with Florida Blue’s health solutions and local educators.

The program three pillars are education, affordability, and access.

"The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is proud to partner with Florida Blue to support our small businesses and parttime employees by expanding access to insurance and increasing education on how to effectively use their coverage.“

LWRBA Members please use password: Access2Care2025

- Brittany Lamont (CEO)

LWRBA UPDATE MEET BROOKE RUSSO

Brooke Russo Marketing &

Communications Coordinator

Growing with LWRBA, Brooke begins her career as the new Communications and Marketing Coordinator. She delivers the Alliance’s mission to Connect, Educate and Strengthen the LWR business community by developing and implementing it’s communications and marketing strategies.

Native to Florida’s Space Coast, Brooke found her second home in the Sun Coast after falling in love with it’s local community and dreamy sunsets throughout her undergrad at the University of South Florida. In her free time, she likes to read books that get the cogs in her head turning, bake all the new recipes she finds online, and find her next outfit at the nearest thrift store.

If you have any questions, shoot her an email: BrookeRusso@lwrba.org

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

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!

SAY CHEESE

The Alliance continues the year with a bang! We strengthened connections at our monthly luncheons and networking socials while diving into an exciting season of events. Take a look at the highlights below, and be sure to stay tuned for what’s coming next.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & TikTok for more photos and videos from our events!