Since first opening our doors in 2004, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has been dedicated to the delivery of quality and compassionate healthcare services, providing patients with access to the latest technology for advanced care. As we build upon our legacy of delivering exceptional care, we remain steadfast in our commitment to meeting the needs of our growing community.
OUR QUALITY RECOGNITIONS
Advanced Certification Programs
Acute Heart Attack Ready
Primary Heart Attack Center
Primary Stroke Center
Core Certification Programs
Joint Replacement - Hip
Joint Replacement - Knee Sepsis - Only acute care hospital in Florida
• Restaurants
• Hotels and motels
• Laundromats and commercial laundry facilities • Hospitals and healthcare • Manufacturing • Office buildings
Visit PeoplesGas.com/CommercialEnergyAudit for full details.
Brittany Lamont President & CEO
The Year Ahead
2025 is a big year for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary of supporting businesses in our region. Its hard to believe the growth that Lakewood Ranch and the Alliance experienced in that time. We look forward to using next year as an opportunity to share our history and story of “why,” to celebrate those companies who have been with us from the beginning and share the milestones we have achieved. I invite everyone to join us January 24, 2025 for our Annual Luncheon as we pass the gavel to Julie Fanning of Benderson Development and kick-off this yearlong celebration. Look out for more communications soon on ways your company can be a part of this monumental year!
A Year to Remember
I can’t believe this is my last column and how fast this year has gone by. As I reflect on my time as Chair of the Board, it is with great pride I recognize the growth we had this year. The Alliance has built a strong foundation for the future with the launch of our three-year stategic plan, moving into new offices, and maintaining strong governance and business practices that will provide us the opportunity to become a certified Chamber of Commerce through the Florida Assocation of Chamber Professionals. We saw our advocacy efforts increase with the support of the School Referendums in both Manatee and Sarasota Counties, our annual trip to Tallahasee to advocate on state issues and this year our first ever trip to Washington D.C. As I hand over the gavel to Julie Fanning with Benderson Development in January, I know we are positioned to continue to meet the needs of our 750+ members and expand rapidly, just as our community is. The hardworking staff and Board of Directors of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance are some of the most dedicated professionals and it’s been a true honor to work with them this year. To my Willis Smith family, it’s in our DNA to give back to our community and I appreciate the opportunity to have done so in this role.
Cheers!
MEET THE BOARD
Nick Feather, Senior Partner Capstan Financial Consulting Group Governmental Affairs Committee Chair
WHERE IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
I am proud to call Sarasota my hometown. I was born in Panama City, FL but we moved to Sarasota when I was four. There are so many reasons I love our region but I have to say my favorite is the climate and large variety of ways we can be active outside. As a true Floridian I thrive in the sunshine.
WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
Growing up I thought I was destined for a career in politics. During college I worked on a local political campaign and quickly realized a political career was not for me. Today I enjoy being involved in the political process but am grateful I found a fulfilling career elsewhere.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED? Do the right thing even when no one is looking.
Toni Perren Multimedia Advertising Specialist Observer Media Group At Large
WHERE IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
I was born in Cleveland, OH and moved to a suburb called Columbia Station when I was six. I’d say my favorite thing about the area is the intense pride and love of our sports teams even if they’re not on top and the unfathomable HOPE of winning it all one day. And of course being home to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame is pretty cool too!
WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I’m the second oldest out of six siblings and 30 first cousins just on my mom’s side...just a small family.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED? No matter what you’re doing, always do it to the best of your ability!
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Hunger can be just a house over. Each year, 70,000 people in our community look to All Faiths Food Bank for help, but nearly 200,000 are still in need of food.
As the holiday season approaches, most of us are eagerly anticipating gift exchanges and meals shared with friends and loved ones. For too many of our neighbors, financial challenges mean they will be
facing empty plates during the holidays.
Through its annual “ThankFULL” campaign, All Faiths Food Bank – the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties provides Thanksgiving dinners and holiday meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
This year, the organization aims to distribute 14,000 turkeys and sides, and 3.6 million holiday meals.
Marking its 35th anniversary, All Faiths Food Bank works closely with agencies, generous donors and volunteers to reach people facing hunger year-round.
The food bank supplied more than 18 million meals in 2023 through mobile pantries and farm markets, school and family pantries, “BackPacks” of healthy food for students, summer hunger programs and partner agencies.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADS
Congratulations to the 2024 Leadership Academuy Graduates and thank you GameOn Nation and Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy for your partnership in making this event successful year after year.
Anthony Baldo, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Alyssa Barnsley, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Christine Baumann, LWR Communities
Taylor Bennett, The Mall at UTC
David Burdwood, Plunkett Raysich Architects
Adam Burnside, Good News Pest Solutions
Renee Chacon, NBP Conservancy
Lisa Charles, Embrace Your Fitness
Christina Charlotte, J.E. Charlotte Constructioon
McKenzie Clough, Discovery Point Child Development Center
Julia Davis, Discovery Point Child Development Center
Dodie Goff, GameOn Nation
Martha Goodwill, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Lindsay Hartman, LWRBA
Tiffany Hill
Laura Honors, Honors Interiors
Sarah Montgomery, Carlisle Gifts Sarasota
Angel Ortiz, Willis Smith Construction
Sai Panuganti, Willis Smith Construction
Michael Phalen, J.E. Charlotte Constructioon
Jessica Polimeni, RITE Technology
Tricia Robustelli, Grapevine Communications
Carly Seitz, Onplace
Cliff Taylor, NBP Conservancy
Bryce Tone, Tone Media Solutions
River Yang, Mauldin & Jenkins
All Faiths also works to increase financial stability by helping community members apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Social Security, as well as through wraparound services, like free tax preparation assistance.
When people are fed, futures are nourished. Together, we can end hunger! Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941.379.6333 to get involved by volunteering, donating or advocating.
It’s hard to believe that just five short years ago, Gulfside Bank opened its doors to Sarasota’s business community for the first time. We’ve been growing to meet the financial needs of a vibrant, thriving community ever since.
Today, Gulfside can do anything the big banks can do, only faster, with local decision making and a true personal touch you won’t find anywhere else. And we’re just getting started.
Come grow with Gulfside.
LWRBA UPDATE
LWRBA UPDATE
MEET TIM ESTEP
MEET TIM ESTEP
Tim Estep
LWRBA
UPDATE WE
LWRBA UPDATE WE MOVED!
MOVED!
Tim Estep
Membership Development Manager
Membership
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is pleased to welcome their newest team member, Tim Estep, as Membership Development Manager!
Development Manager
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is pleased to welcome their newest team member, Tim Estep, as Membership Development Manager!
The LWRBA officially moved to their new location, next door to their friends from LWRCA.
The LWRBA officially moved to their new location, next door to their friends from LWRCA.
Estep brings over two decades of experience in various industries and will be responsible for implementing new strategies to engage and grow
Estep brings over two decades of experience in various industries and will be responsible for implementing new strategies to engage and grow The LWRBA’s membership base. His experience serves as a great opportunity for him to connect with the diverse members of the LWRBA.
The LWRBA’s membership base. His experience serves as a great opportunity for him to connect with the diverse members of the LWRBA.
He is also passionate about community involvement, serving in significant roles in county leadership. Most importantly, he is a proud husband and father of two boys.
He is also passionate about community involvement, serving in significant roles in county leadership. Most importantly, he is a proud husband and father of two boys.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
RIBBON CUTTINGS
CELEBRATING NEW BUSINESSES
CELEBRATING NEW BUSINESSES
Congratulations to the following businesses on their recent ribbon cuttings: Gulfside Bank, Happiness House of Easterseals of SWFL, Monticciolo Family & Sedation Dentistry, Gilbert Design Build, The Out-of-Door Academy, Jazzercise LWR, USF Sarasota Manatee Student Center & Atala Residence Hall and LECOM Simulation Lab.
Congratulations to the following businesses on their recent ribbon cuttings: Gulfside Bank, Happiness House of Easterseals of SWFL, Monticciolo Family & Sedation Dentistry, Gilbert Design Build, The Out-of-Door Academy, Jazzercise LWR, USF Sarasota Manatee Student Center & Atala Residence Hall and LECOM Simulation Lab.
This new space comes fully equipped with a full service conference room that will accommodate the many committees, clubs and groups. Additionally, the new office will allow their teams room to expand and thrive as they continue to help connect, educate and advocate for the community and businesses in Lakewood Ranch region.
This new space comes fully equipped with a full service conference room that will accommodate the many committees, clubs and groups. Additionally, the new office will allow their teams room to expand and thrive as they continue to help connect, educate and advocate for the community and businesses in Lakewood Ranch region.
To celebrate this occasion nearly 200 people joined the LWRBA and LWRCA at a ribbon cutting in July.
To celebrate this occasion nearly 200 people joined the LWRBA and LWRCA at a ribbon cutting in July.
New, renovated or relocated business? Let us celebrate with you! For more info visit: LWRBA.org/
New, renovated or relocated business? Let us celebrate with you! For more info visit: LWRBA.org/ Ribbon-Cutings/
For seven years, Alliance Gives Back has bridged the gap between non-profits and for-profit businesses by providing volunteer opportunities.
The first weekend in October, Alliance members donated their time with friends, family and colleagues to give back to 31 non-profits, across nearly 50 projects! Volunteers helped with everything from gardening, and making cards to planning for galas, organizing food and preparing hygiene kits for needy communities.
Thank you to all the sponsors, participaing non-profits, and the more than 400 volunteers for making it a huge success!
THANK YOU SPONSORS
SAY CHEESE
This summer was hot at the Alliance! New connections were made at monthly luncheons and networking socials. Members of the Board got to tour the new Mote Marine Aquarium and we kicked off the busiest season of the year with Tradeshow Tailgate! Check out all the fun below and don’t miss out on the events ahead.
November Breakfast with Ranchers | Mission BBQ Tuesday, November 5th | 8:00 - 9:30 am
Networking Social | RITE Technology Thursday, November 7th | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
The Sandies Awards | The Ballroom at Grove Friday, November 15th | 11:30 am - 1:15 pm
Lunch with Ranchers | The Pickelball Club Tuesday, November 19th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Holiday Social | Willis Smith Construction Wednesday, December 4th | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Lunch with Ranchers | Location TBD Tuesday, December 10th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Luncheon | The Ballroom at Grove Friday, December 13th | 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Claire Hoffman-Flores
Commercial Banker
Sarasota, Fl. (May 22, 2024)— Sarasota/Bradenton area banker C la ire Hoffma n-Flores has joined Hancock Whitney one of America’s strongest, safest banks as a Vice President, Commercial Banker.
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Claire will help build and maintain strong, lasting relationships, discover financial needs and tailor product and service solutions to meet the overall financial needs of Hancock Whitney commercial clients with her white-glove service and consistent followup to customers and referral sources alike.
“We are very pleased to welcome Claire to our team. She is passionate about the local community and about building relationships through a strong personal and professional network,” said Hancock Whitney Regional President Tim Coop.
Hoffman-Flores began her banking career in 2005 with Wells Fargo Bank in Alaska prior to moving to Florida in 2017 as a Commercial Banker. Most recently, she worked as a Commercial Banker with First Citizens Bank, where she spent two years building a new portfolio of loan and deposit clients in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Claire is a 2005 graduate of Washington State University, earning a Microbiology B.S., and a 2013 graduate of the University of Alaska, where she earned her Master of Business Administration.
Claire is also involved in numerous community projects and local organizations. She currently serves on the finance advisory committee for the Country Club Edgewater Village Association and volunteers with organizations such as Feeding Tampa Bay and The Twig. She and her husband, Enrique, reside in Lakewood Ranch, FL with their two French Bulldogs, Bruce and Allie, and enjoy traveling or salsa dancing in their free time.
THE LWRBA GOES TO DC
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is committed to supporting the success of our members through unparalleled access to business connections, resources, and advocacy. Recently the LWRBA launched its first Washington D.C advocacy trip with members of the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) and the Board of Directors.
This trip allowed them to meet with federal representatives on key issues affecting our business community in the Lakewood Ranch region. Topics of conversation included infrastructure, affordable housing, workforce, childcare, insurance and more. Meetings were held with, US Congressman Vern Buchanan, US Congressman Greg Steube, US Senator Rick Scott and The US Chamber of Commerce.
This summer, the LWRBA also worked with our local partner organizations on the 2024 Meet the Candidates event. This event provided an opportunity to businesses in the community to meet and mingle with the candidates running for public office in the two county region.
Hosting these events and providing opportunities to share the voice of our 750+ members is pivotal to ensuring Lakewood Ranch has representation on these top issues.
The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, known as the ELC, is a nonprofit that connects you, your employees, and all area families with high-quality childcare. Let us take the stress out of your search!
PROUD PRINTER
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Age Reversal Technology Center
All U Need Pest Control
Angell Media House
BayFirst
Bishop West Real Estate
Braden River Soccer Club / FL Premier SWFL
Brea Lakewood Ranch Apartments
CFO Integrity
Chase Carpenter - KW Realty Select
Clarke Communication LLC DBA The UPS STORE 6659
Coastal Breeze Advisory
Combined
Communica PRO
Courtney and Michael Chenkus - LPT Realty | LWR
Business Communications
Mail Marketing
Commercial Printing
Promotional Products
Publishing
Courtyard Sarasota Airport - Network Membership
Custom Concepts Painting
DEX Imaging
Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County
Associate Sponsor
Elite Cooling Heating and Plumbing
ENGEL & VÖLKERS
Fehl Safe Water Systems
Network Level Membership
FP Property Restoration
Green Label Title
GulfShore Drywall - Network Membership
Gyrotonic Sunara
Hall Darling Design Studio
Hudson Pierce Loan Officer powered by Loan Factory
Humble Hearts Caregivers - Network Membership
Independent Jones
JH Global, Inc.
Kid Potential Florida
KPC Strategies
L Squared Cleaning Services
Ladies Executive Golf Society Sarasota
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lakewood Ranch Deli LLC.
Landmark Payroll
Metrotel Networks
Michael Zappone - Professional EOS Implementer at EOS
Worldwide
Music Compound
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company
Oh What Fun Party Co
Original Wolfies Deli, Bakery and Takeaway
Paint Srq
PopStroke Sarasota
Real Property Management Horizons
Requisite Talent Partners
Resting Rainbow - Network Membership
Row House Lakewood Ranch
Southern Values Cooling and Heating Inc
Southwest Florida Honor Flight
Synergy Outdoor Living
The Law Office of Stacey Maloney, PLLC
The Wellness Way - Sarasota
Trademark Roofing - Network Membership
TWEEDS
ViperByte LLC
Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill Manatee River
Women’s Care - Network Membership
Contact
Join Discovery Point Twelve Oaks this fall for your back to school child care needs, and Holiday camps! Field Trips
Thanksgiving Break Camp: 11/25 - 11/27 Winter Break Camp: 12/23 - 12/24, 12/27, 12/30 - 1/6 *12/31 will be half day camp and excludes New Years Day* *11/27 will be half day camp*
Your Gateway to the World
We have 50+ nonstop destinations.
With over 50 nonstop destinations and connections to the world, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is proud to provide a service that enhances the economic well-being of the Lakewood Ranch community. Discover new places or book your favorite destination and let the fun takeoff!
