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.
03//LWRBA Update
A Note from Brittany Lamont
03// A Note from Our Chair
An Update from Julie Fanning
04// LWRBA BOD
Introducing New Board Members
09//On the Calendar
Upcoming Alliance Events
07// Ribbon Cuttings
Congratulations to These Businesses!
07// Welcome to the Alliance
Q4 New Members
10// Pop The Confetti
Celebrating 20 Years of the Alliance
13// Member News
Take a Look at What Our Members are up to
14// Say Cheese
Check Out These Photos
15//2024 Sandies Winners
Congratulations to the Sandies Winners
17// Staff Update
Welcome to the Team, Carolyn
17// Young Leaders Alliance
Upcoming YLA Events
19// Thank You
Thank you to our Annual Investors
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Find Us On...
Brittany
Lamont
President & CEO
The LWRBA Turns 20!
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe the holidays are behind us, but we are excited for 2025 as we step into a new chapter - 20 years of the LWRBA!
To kickoff this year long celebration, we invite you to join us at our Annual Luncheon on Friday, January 24th, at Grove. We’ll celebrate two decades of progress, welcome our new Chair of the Board, Julie Fanning with Benderson Development and say thank you to our immediate Past Chairman, David Otterness of Willis Smith Construction. This year, we’ll reflect on our history and explore the future, focusing on four key pillars: Connection, Advocacy, Community, and Resources.
We remain dedicated to providing unparalleled access to business resources, connections and advocacy and we look forward to marking this occasion and celebrating the people that make it possible - you, our members!
Thank you for being part of the Alliance and making our community stronger. Let’s set our sights on a remarkable 2024—and another 20 years of success!
Julie Fanning Chair of the Board
The Year Ahead
It is truly an honor to serve as your Chair of the Board for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for this milestone year - our 20th anniversary. I’m Julie Fanning with Benderson Development, and I am both excited and humbled to help lead our organization as we celebrate two decades of impressive growth, service and impact.
www.facebook.com/ LakewoodRanchBusinessAlliance
www.instagram.com/thelwrba
As we look to 2025, we remain committed to advancing our three strategic priorities: Engage, Grow and Impact. Together, we will continue to expand our reach across the region, strengthen our vision for the future, andabove all - stay focused on serving the needs of our members.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our members, sponsors and volunteers. Additionally, a special thank you goes to David Otterness of Willis Smith Construction for his guidance and outstanding leadership as Chair in 2024.
LWRBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOME THE 2024 BOARD
Julie Fanning | Chair of the Board
Benderson Development
David Otterness | Past Chair
Willis Smith Construction
Wayne Parrish | Incoming Chair
RITE Technology
Kevin Cooper | Deputy Chair
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Dianne Kopczynski | Treasurer Mauldin & Jenkins
Nick Feather | Secretary
Capstan Financial Consulting Group
Annemarie Graff | Bank OZK
Ashlyn McCarty | Buffalo Lodging & Associates
Beth Green | Raymond James & Associates
Bryan Boudreaux | The Bank of Tampa
Beth Green | Raymond James & Associates
Chris Williams | Aginto - A Digital Agency
Courtney DePol | Manatee County Government
David Fink | Family Office Services
Erin Watson | Game On Nation
Frank Morgan | Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Kathy Collums | Gulfside Bank
Keith Pandeloglou | LWR Community Activities
Kent Jimison | Easterseals Happiness House
Lisa Barnott | Schroeder-Manatee Ranch
Lou Marinaccio | Gallagher Affinity
Philip Reber | Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Rex Jensen | Schroeder-Manatee Ranch
Robert Lewis | Sarasota County Government
Dr. Ryan Hale | State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Tieler Gittleman | Northern Trust Company
Toni Perren | Observer Media Group
Zachary Buffington | Williams Parker Attorneys at Law
Zoe Kasper | Sunshine Movers
STAFF
Brittany Lamont
President & CEO | BrittanyLamont@lwrba.org
Janeth Gonzalez
Events & Programs Manager | JanethGonzalez@lwrba.org
Tim Estep
Membership Devlopment Manager | TimEstep@lwrba.org
Kristie Calandro
Communications Coordinator | KristieCalandro@lwrba.org
Carolyn Rauhala
Membership Engagement Coordinator | CarolynRauhala@lwrba.org
Welcome and congratulations to the newest members of the LWRBA Board of Directors. We’re excited for our 20th year and look forward to all you will add to the organization!
THANK YOU
OUTGOING
BOARD
These individuals have shown incredible dedication and commitment during their time on the board. Your passion and hard work is invaluable to the Alliance. Thank you for your time and effort!
Community Engagement Chair Chris Williams
At-Large Bryan Boudreaux The Bank of Tampa
At-Large Dr. Ryan Hale State College of Florida
At-Large Kathy Collums Gulfside Bank
At-Large Charlie Murphy The Bank of Tampa
At-Large Darrin Rohr HH Staffing
Past Chair Erik Hanson Shutts & Bowen
RIBBON CUTTINGS
CELEBRATING NEW BUSINESSES
Congratulations to the following businesses on their recent ribbon cuttings: Gyrotonic Sunara,
Lake Michigan Credit Union, Lakewood Ranch
Deli, Rowhouse Lakewood Ranch, Synergy
Inspired Outdoor Living, The Law Offices of Stacey Maloney, PLLC., and Trademark Roofing.
New, renovated or relocated business? Let us celebrate with you! For more info visit: www.LWRBA.org/Ribbon-Cutings/
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Adobe
Age Reversal Technology Center
Better Together
BG Realty & Management LLC
Big Robot AI
Cadence Title Services
Coastal Palms Health Group
Courtyard Sarasota Airport
ElephantMark, LLC
Fehl Safe Water Systems
FlowPartner Consulting LLC
From The Heart Fundraising
Green Label Title
Her Health Gynecology
HiPo Talent Partners
Humble Hearts Caregivers
Java Shark
Lakewood Home Services INC.
Latham, The Pool Company - Executive Level
Meisner Electric
NotTooSweet
Original Wolfies Deli, Bakery and Takeaway
PK Events & Services, LLC
PopStroke Sarasota
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Project 24 Climbing LLC
Reimagine Interiors LLC
Resting Rainbow
ROOF MAXX SRQ
Saint Pauls Roofing LLC
Sarasota Orchestra
Sean Averso, PA
Selah Freedom, LLC
SHACK yoga + fitness
SRQ MEDIA
Stoneforge Consulting Group - Associate Level
Synergy Outdoor Living
The Florida Quest Hockey Organization
Tone Media Solutions
Watershed Hospitality Concepts
Waterside Insurance Solutions
Wealth Enhancement Group
Women’s Care
Interested in becoming a member? Contact: TimEstep@LWRBA.org
ON THE CALENDAR
Networking Social
Wednesday, January 8th | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Lunch with Ranchers
Tuesday, January 14th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Networking Social
Wednesday, February 12th | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Lunch with Ranchers
Thursday, February 13th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly Luncheon
Wednesday, February 26th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Breakfast with Ranchers
Thursday, February 27th | 8:00 - 9:30 am
Networking Social
Wednesday, March 5th | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Lunch with Ranchers
Thursday, March 13th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly Luncheon
Tuesday, March 25th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
2025 ANNUAL SIGNATURE EVENTS
Save the date for our biggest events of the year
20th Anniversary Annual Luncheon
Friday, January 24
Ranch Scramble Monday, February 3
Block Party Friday, April 11
8th Annual Alliance Gives Back October 2 through October 4
36th Annual Hob Nob Fall 2025
Sandies Members Choice Awards Friday, November 14
THE 35TH ANNUAL HOB NOB
This year the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hosted the 35th Annual Hob Nob Bar-B-Que for the second time after taking the event over from the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation and it was a huge success.
The event, sponsored by Seacoast Bank, saw over 400 attendees all decked out in their western wear to celebrate fall and make new connections.
The Lakewood Ranch region was just coming off the heels of three back-to-back hurricanes and the LWRBA used this as an opportunity to reset and give back. Proceeds from each ticket were donated to the local community foundations to assist with hurricane relief efforts.
It was great way to connect after the region had been through so much.
Pop the Confetti, We’re Turing 20!
Since 2005, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance has faithfully served the Lakewood Ranch business community as the go-to membership organization for local companies and their employees to interact with the community and network for professional and personal growth.
20 years later, The LWRBA works with over 750 member businesses and 3,500 business professionals across a diverse range of industries in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, and beyond.
The LWRBA looks forward to celebrating this milestone all year long talking about the four pillars that have remained the foundation of this organization with community at the forefront.
The LWRBA was created as a way to build community in a rapidly growing area. In the last two decades, Lakewood Ranch has become home to over 72,000 people. With 22,246 employees at 2,645 businesses and remains the #1 Community in the United States
The LWRBA is proud to be a part of the organizations in the region that foster that growth. With over 100+ events and meetings a year it is our hope that professionals and community members alike, won’t only walk away with helpful resources, and the assurance that the LWRBA is working for you and your business, but with new connections and great friends.
2005 The LWRBA is Established with
2008 Hosts Inaugural Ranch Scramble & East Meets West
Here’s to many more years of making connections and strengthening the business community in the Lakewood Ranch region.
Four Pillars COMMUNITY
Lakewood Ranch 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
RESOURCES
The LWRBA’s monthly luncheons and Classroom Connection series provide timely and relevant topics and resources you can apply to your business right away.
CONNECTION
The LWRBA thrives by connecting people and businesses, opening the door to 100+ events and meetings per year.
ADVOCACY
The LWRBA continues to have an active voice in community initiatives and policies, advocating for our local businesses to keep Lakewood Ranch the best place to live, work and play.
2012 LWRBA grows with 3 new employees
2014 Surpassed 500 Members 2018 AGB is
PLATINUM
EMERALD
Bank OZK
Benderson Development
Pro-motion Notions
Willis Smith Construction
SAPPHIRE
Abacus Web Services
Anthony C. Leonard Roofing
Aqua Plumbing & Air
Baacke Insurance & Financial
Services
Bay Area Aesthetics Inc.
Bayside Pet Resort at Lakewood Ranch
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
Blue Ribbon Transportation, Inc
Boyd Insurance & Investments
CareerSource Suncoast
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
Cat Depot
Cileone Jewelers
Community Foundation of Sarasota
County
Discovery Point Child Development
Center Twelve Oaks
Dogs Inc
Easterseals Southwest Florida
Elite Cooling Heating and Plumbing
Epilepsy Services of SW FL
Executive Suites of Lakewood Ranch
Fawley Bryant Architecture
Finch Roof Consulting
FSBDC at USF
Gallagher Affinity
Gilbert Design Build
Gorilla Kleen, LLC
Grand Living at Lakewood Ranch
Gulf Coast Property Management
HBK CPAs & Consultants
Homes by Towne
HOPE Family Services, Inc
Hotwire Communications
Ian Black Real Estate
2021 Brittany Lamont appointed as CEO
Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.
Keiser University
Kerkering Barberio & Company
KPC Strategies
Lakewood Financial Services, Inc
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
Lee Wetherington Homes
LT Plumbing LLC
Manatee Community Foundation
Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson, P.A.
Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP
Raining Berries, LLC Corporate
Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center at Lakewood Ranch
Sarasota County Government
Seacoast Bank
Seaport Manatee
Shepherd Insurance
Shutts & Bowen, LLP
SouthState Bank – Sarasota Tamiami Trail Branch
Southwest Florida Honor Flight Spirit Movers
State College of Florida, ManateeSarasota
TECO Peoples Gas System, Inc.
The Bank of Tampa
Southwest Florida Honor Flight Spirit Movers
State College of Florida, ManateeSarasota
TECO Peoples Gas System, Inc.
The Bank of Tampa
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
Let’s toast to 20 years! You’re invited to join The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance as we kick off our Anniversary celebration at the 2025 Annual Luncheon. Join us for a celebratory champagne toast as we reflect on the last 20 years and look forward with excitement to the future.
We will welcome Chairman of the Board Julie Fanning with Benderson Development, and celebrate the successes of Past Chairman David Otterness with Willis Smith Construction, award the coveted Chairman’s Award, honor outgoing Board Members, and welcome new Board Members. Purchase tickets today at:
www.LWRBA.org/event-calendar
Time is our most valuable commodity, so your workday should be spent managing more than just your company’s finances. That is why we are doing more with digital, so you can do more with your workday—from managing your people to your processes and everything in between.
Our new online and mobile banking experience, coming early 2025, will offer convenience, an easy-to-use interface, additional options to transfer funds, including Zelle ® for business, robust administrative tools, and more…so you can do more with your banking in less time and on the-go.
Let us show you how our digital experience will match the in-person banking experience our clients have come to know and appreciate from The Bank of Tampa.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Makes Changes to The Leadership Team GCCF promoted Kelly Borgia to director of brand engagement, hired Carol Martin Brown as CFO, and added Emily Joslin as philanthropic advisor, bolstering leadership to enhance donor experiences and deepen community impact under CEO Phillip Lanham.
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director
Kate Mulligan started as executive director of LWRCF in September. With extensive nonprofit leadership experience, she aims to strengthen partnerships, increase donations, and ensure the foundation’s growth and sustainability, enhancing community impact.
Lakewood Ranch Deli Opens
Terry and Brian Hamilton opened Lakewood Ranch Deli late summer, featuring soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. The couple, with 30 years of business experience, aims to expand their catering services while fostering a passion-driven partnership.
Saddlestone Expands Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch Forestar Group Inc. announces Saddlestone, a new 570-acre, 1,300-homesite addition to Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch, making it the largest community in the area. Saddlestone emphasizes multi-generational living, natural beauty, and diverse housing options.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Makes the Grade LWRMC earned an “A” grade in the fall 2024 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, recognizing its commitment to patient safety and high-quality care. The honor reflects efforts to prevent medical errors, infections, and injuries.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport CEO, Rick Piccolo is Retiring
Rick Piccolo will retire in 2025 after 30 years as SRQ Airport’s CEO. Celebrated for driving record growth, he oversaw major projects like Concourse A’s expansion and solidifying the airport as one of the fastest-growing in the nation.
Goodwill Manasota hosts Community Ambassador of the Year Awards
Goodwill Manasota celebrated advocates, leaders, and partners at the 2024 Community Ambassador of the Year Awards. Honorees included Janine Lutz - Veteran Advocate, Cliff Walters - Community Leader, All Faiths Food Bank and Meals on Wheels PLUS of ManateeCommunity Partners of the Year. Sherry Hendrickson received the Robert W. Rosinsky Achievement Award for her inspiring career growth at Goodwill.
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Together isn’t just a word in our mission, it’s how we get things done. Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) was created in 1995 with proceeds from the sale of The Venice Hospital. Together with our donors, we transform our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. Today, over 850 generous philanthropists call Gulf Coast home and have partnered with us to realize over $575 million in community impact. Serving our region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast works closely with donors, professional advisors, nonprofit partners, and the community to support strategic initiatives to advance thriving communities with opportunities for all. If bold and proactive philanthropy resonates with you or your client – let’s transform, together.
SAY CHEESE
This fall was buzzing with energy at the Alliance! We strengthened connections at our monthly luncheons and networking socials while diving into an exciting season of events. From the 35th Annual Hob Nob BBQ to the Sandies and so much more, it’s been an unforgettable season packed with meaningful moments. Take a look at the highlights below, and be sure to stay tuned for what’s coming next!
> Find us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos from all of our events.
CONGRATULATIONS SANDIES WINNERS
Volunteer of the Year
Eric Konovalov, The Goal Guide
Presented by: Bank of America
Company Community Champion
Sarasota Bradenton
International Airport
Presented by: LWRBA Board
Above & Beyond
Lee Kotwicki, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Presented by: The Bank of Tampa
Best Rancher
Annemarie Graff, Bank OZK
Presented by: Entech
Bull by the Horns
Maribeth Phillips, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
Presented by: RITE Technology
Community Champion
Jamie Kahns, Bank of America
Presented by: Willis Smith Construction
Networking King
Henry Decoo, Entech
Presented by: Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Networking Queen
Cherri Kessler, Hancock Whitney Bank
Presented by: Florida Blue
Ray of Sunshine
River Yang, Mauldin & Jenkins
Presented by: Core Construction
Rising Star
Nicole Hackel, LWR Communities
Presented by: Kerkering Barberio
Company
DESIGN YOUR AD
Select your package and let Chamber Concierge take care of the rest at no additional cost to you
EXPOSURE
The LWRBA saw nearly 80,000 unique visitors in 2024. That’s 80,000 opportunities for your business to grow.
EXCLUSIVITY
There are limited opportunities available providing you the exclusive opportunity to reach your target market in an impactful way.
LWRBA YOUNG LEADERS ALLIANCE
As an extension of the LWRBA, the Young Leaders Alliance provides a platform which engages young professionals in the Lakewood Ranch region. The YLA’s mission is to increase professional competency, give back to the community and build authentic relationships by harnessing the Power of Connection. Check out these upcoming evets!
Networking Social Thursday, January 16th | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Networking Social Thursday, February 23rd | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Networking Social Thursday, March 20th | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
LWRBA UPDATE WELCOME CAROLYN
Carolyn Rauhala Membership Engagement Coordinator
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is excited to welcome Carolyn Rauhala as the new Membership Engagement Coordinator.
With over a decade of experience in member engagement, B2B initiatives, and community-driven programs, Carolyn has a proven track record of fostering connections and driving growth.
Originally from Florida, she brings a strategic approach and passion for helping others to her role, making her a valuable addition to the team. Welcome, Carolyn!
If you need asistance, please contact: CarolynRauhala@LWRBA.org
THANK YOU SPONSORS
MEET THE BOARD
Tieler
Gittleman, Portfolio Manager
Northern Trust
Company
At Large
WHERE IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
My Hometown is Westchester, New York
WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I like to DJ in my (limited) free time.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
The best advice I’ve ever received is that you never know someone’s full story; judge them accordingy.
Zoe Kasper, Marketing Director
WHERE IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
I am from Plainfield, Illinois.
WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I can name all the presidents in order from first to last.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning. It’s OKAY if you’re not the smartest person in the room, and if you are... it’s time to find a new room.
