2026 Q1 Connection by TheLakewoodRanchBusinessAlliance

“THE YEAR OF THE MEMBER!”

THE 2025 SANDIES AWARDS’ WINNERS HAVE BEEN REVEALED SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON 36TH ANNUAL HOB NOB BBQ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW COMMITTEES CHECK OUT THIS LINE-UP FIND THE ONE FOR YOU!

TOGETHER LET’S KEEP GROWING

Excitement is building at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. We’re unveiling a fresh new look and embarking on an exciting expansion.

Our new look represents more than a visual change –it symbolizes the optimism and momentum we bring to everything we do. Construction of the first phase of our new patient tower is nearing completion. The brand-new tower is designed to bring more space, more advanced care and the comfort our patients and their families have come to expect. These developments are more than ink and paper and bricks and mortar – they’re a promise to continue investing in the health of our community, today and for generations to come. LET’S DO WELL TOGETHER.

New patient tower expected to be complete in the spring of 2026.

THE ALLIANCE

Brittany Lamont

President & CEO | BrittanyLamont@lwrba.org

Janeth Gonzalez

Events & Programs Manager | JanethGonzalez@lwrba.org

Tim Estep

Membership Development Manager | TimEstep@lwrba.org

Lisa Beckett

Executive Assistant | 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

LWRBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wayne Parrish, Chair of the Board

Rite Technology

Julie Fanning, Past Chair of the Board

Benderson Development

Nick Feather, Incoming Chair of the Board

Capstan Financial Consulting Group

Kevin Cooper, Deputy Chair of the Board

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Dianne Kopczynski, Treasurer

Mauldin & Jenkins

Kathy Collums, Secretary Gulfside Bank

Bryan Boudreaux

The Bank of Tampa

Zach Buffington

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Courtney De Pol

Manatee County Government

Carlo Fassi

Teco Peoples Gas System

Tieler Gittleman

Northern Trust Company

Beth Green

Raymond James & Associates

Nicole Hackel

Lakewood Ranch Communities

Jen Horvat

The Out-of-Door Academy

Kent Jimison

Easterseals of Southwest Florida

Jamie Smith

Ashlyn McCarty

Buffalo Lodging

Jennifer Storch

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

David Otterness

Willis Smith Construction

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

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Brett Kempker

University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee

Sandy Shahinian-Levins

Lakewood Ranch Communities

Robert Lewis

Sarasota County Government

OUTGOING BOARD

Annemarie Graff 2022-2025

Dr. Ryan Hale 2025

Frank Morgan 2022-2025

Zoe Kasper 2024-2025

THE YEAR OF THE

MEMBER

Wayne Parrish, RITE Technology

It is an honor to serve as your Chair of the Board for the Alliance this year. I am excited, and humbled, to help lead an organization that serves more than 750 businesses across our region.

For 2026, I am eager to leverage my background in sales to further enhance member engagement and strengthen our value proposition through new committees, collaborative events and clear, consistent communication. Together, we will continue to expand our reach, sharpen our vision, and serve the needs of our members.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our members, sponsors and volunteers for their continued commitment and support. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Julie Fanning of Benderson Development for her guidance and outstanding leadership as Chair in 2025.

A FRESH START WITH

THE ALLIANCE

Brittany Lamont, LWRBA

Hello 2026! Wow, it’s always hard to believe another year has gone by so quickly.

Looking ahead, we want to shape 2026 into a year that centers connection, collaboration and value at the heart of the Alliance. To do so, my staff and I are now taking the steps to audit existing and moving parts to come back in January better than ever.

Even if it’s a new year, we will continue to provide opportunities for you to engage with fellow members, showcase your brand and make your next meaningful business connection. From signature events and educational programming to committees and networking opportunities, everything we do is designed to help you strengthen relationships and grow your business in the Lakewood Ranch region. We hope you’ll find a way to get involved and maximize your membership this year!

Where Regional Growth Takes Off

Fly to 65+ nonstop destinations on 11 airlines

With record passenger numbers, new nonstop destinations, and award-winning service, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport continues to support the businesses, leaders and families that make Lakewood Ranch community thrive. Let your next trip start close to home.

At Grapevine, bringing you success means stepping into your shoes, whatever they may be. We know the best marketing starts with understanding, and that comes from being side by side with you. We take the time to learn how your business works, the passion behind your purpose and what matters most to the people you serve. That insight gives us the perspective to create meaningful strategies that truly make an impact.

Artificial intelligence can sort numbers, spit out sentences and analyze data. What it cannot do is walk with you, listen closely and truly see the heart of your business. That is where we stand apart.

For us, AI means Always Involved and All In for you. Let’s take the next step together.

NEWS

The 20th annual Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive saw donations surge past 1,600 boxes for homebound seniors. What began in 2006 with just 37 shoeboxes has grown into a record-setting, community-wide effort led by Meals on Wheels Plus.

Lakewood Ranch High School revived its science fair after a decade, giving students a chance to showcase their projects and advance to regional competition. Staff said the event renewed excitement for hands-on science learning and student innovation.

After surviving a dramatic fall from a horse that crushed several vertebrae and required surgery, a University of South Florida professor was successfully treated with help from Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s professional team.

Achieva Credit Union has named Ryan Cooke their new market president overseeing its branches and growth efforts in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, bringing nearly 30 years of banking leadership experience to the role.

WELCOME NEW

MEMBERS!

Benderson Development is expanding their reach with their recent purchase of the Clearwater Shoppes retail center attached to Countryside Mall. This buy includes a Whole Foods Market, a Nordstrom Rack and a Target under development.

LWR President and CEO, Rex Jensen, was awarded the C. John A. Clarke Community Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. The award is given annually to those whose leadership has made a lasting impact.

A new, 60-room Kompose Hotel is planned just off Airport Circle at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport with a vision that includes a business center, fitness facility and a 100-seat restaurant for the four-story project.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium opened its new Science Education Aquarium (SEA). The aquarium will offer free, hands-on STEM learning opportunities for more than 70,000 students yearly and serve as a hub for research, education and community engagement.

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

PNC Private Bank

Advanced Rejuvenation

Beauty Lounge Lakewood Ranch

Canandaigua National Trust Company

Circle Chiropractic

Coastline Therapy Services

Cogent Bank

Darvish Interiors

Davis Developments Electrical Contractors

Duque Roofing

Epic Fundraising Events

Florida Wine Fest & Auction

Forecast Capital Management LLC

Fortis Home Watch Lakewood Ranch

GYMGUYZ Suncoast

GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch

Integrity Bookkeeping Pros

Jamie Marco

Jared Hermann- Morgan Stanley

Jill Stone Studios

JPL & Associates

Kelly Dunlop, Realtor

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

KLA Schools of Lakewood Ranch

Mike’s Auto Glass

MT Signature Homes dba G.J. Gardner

Parkstone Travel

Perle Consulting Inc.

Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida LLC

Preferred Settlement Services

Properties Title, LLC

PuzzleHR

Salora Med Spa

SavePoint

Semkhor

Sirius Day Spa, Salon, and Med Spas

Sisterhood For Good

Spartan Air Solutions, LLC

Staybridge Suites Sarasota Bradenton Airport

Strategic Roofing

Suncoast Charities for Children, Inc.

Suncoast Therapeutic Equine Partners, Inc.

Tax with Integrity

The Love Vault

The Maternal Anesthesia Consultants

Truist Bank

Interested in becoming a Member? Contact Tim Estep, TimEstep@lwrba.org!

TALLAHASSEE

The Alliance’s Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) just returned from Tallahassee after a productive and impactful advocacy trip. Throughout the visit, committee members engaged directly with key state leaders, including Representative Bill Conerly, Representative Will Robinson, Representative James Buchanan, Representative Fiona McFarland and Senator Jim Boyd, as well as representatives from the Florida Chamber.

By speaking with our state Representatives, Senators and members of the Florida Chamber, our Committee siezed the opportunity to advocate on behalf of all of the Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch businesses a part of the Alliance. We also differentiate our voice amongst the rest by putting a face to the local perspectives and priorities that shape the Alliance.

GAC helps to ensure that the needs of our business community remain a part of the legislative conversation while reinforcing the Alliance’s commitment to proactive advocacy and strong partnerships at the state level.

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Join a Committee! The Alliance has various Committees; however, they all have one similarity: they make a difference. Either locally or across regions, becoming a volunteer is the best way to make your mark in our community. Take a look at page 12 for more info.

OF THE POWER

PARTNERSHIP

Commercial

Treasury

SANDIES AWARDS

Nearly 300 LWRBA members and guests were in attendance as the Alliance honored volunteers who strive towards the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, devote time and energy to our community and forge paths of leadership for others to follow.

Thank you to those who joined us to celebrate the nine winners of the 2025 Sandies Member’s Choice Awards!

THANK YOU, SPONSORS

The Alliance thanks you for your generous support of the 2025 Sandies Awards!

PRESENTING

PROGRAM

THE 2025 SANDIES’ WINNERS

Above & Beyond

Ashlyn McCarty | Buffalo Lodging

Best Rancher

Lori Abramson | LegalShield / IDShield

Bull by the Horns

David Otterness | Willis Smith Construction

Community Champion

Shawna Hicks-Cranston | PostNet of LWR

Networking King

Thomas Machuga | Machuga Financial

Networking Queen

Bree Carotti | Carotti Engineering

Ray of Sunshine

Steve Shenbaum | Game On Nation

Rising Star

Marcus Walfridson | Sarasota Paradise

Volunteer of the Year

Dianne Kopczynski | Mauldin & Jenkins

GrownHome

From Sarasota . For Sarasota .

That’s Gulfside Bank.

What does homegrown mean to you?

At Gulfside Bank, we think it means taking pride in our roots. Supporting the community that’s always supported us. Doing everything we can to help it grow and thrive. And as the area’s only locally-owned community bank, we’ve been putting our money where our mouth is since 2018, delivering financing for local businesses and projects with fast, ultrapersonal service.

Sarasota is our home and our community. Gulfside is your homegrown bank.

GET ENGAGED! JOIN A COMMITTEE.

Get the most out of your Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (LWRBA) membership by joining a committee! It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with members while devoting your time and talents to expanding our organization. Find a committee that best fits your skills and meet once a month with that team!

Not sure if a committee is right for you? We encourage anyone to join us for a meeting on a trial basis to get a better idea of how a committee operates.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Workforce Development Committee connects businesses, educators, and community partners to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline and support long-term economic growth.

Meets Quarterly | Fourth Tuesday of the Month @ 4 p.m.

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS (CLOSED)

The Governmental Affairs Committee monitors legislative activity, develops advocacy positions, and builds relationships with elected officials to ensure the local business community’s needs are represented at every level of government.

Meets Second Wednesday Each Month @ 4 p.m.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

The Growth & Development Committee is dedicated to driving the strategic expansion of the Alliance by recruiting prospective members, cultivating growth-focused relationships, and strengthening the Alliance’s overall impact.

Meets First Wednesday Each Month @ 8:30 am

FINANCE (CLOSED)

The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial health and stability of the LWRBA. This includes developing and reviewing financial policies, budgets, and strategies to ensure the Alliance’s financial integrity, transparency and sustainability.

Meets Quarterly | Fourth Tuesday of the Month @ 8:30 a.m.

SMALL BUSINESS COLLABORATIVE

The Small Business Collaborative Committee supports and empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing access to education, resources, and peer collaboration that help them grow and thrive.

Meets First Wednesday Each Month @ 4 p.m.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

The LWRBA Connectors are a select group of member leaders who represent the Alliance’s mission by welcoming new members, fostering involvement, and strengthening relationships across our business community.

Meets First Tuesday Each Month @ 4 p.m.

EVENTS & PROGRAMMING

Committee members brainstorm, develop, volunteer at, and help deliver high-quality events and educational programs that bring members together, provide relevant resources, and strengthen their businesses – from monthly networking socials to standout annual signature events.

Meets First Monday Each Month @ 4 p.m.

YOUNG LEADERS ALLIANCE (YLA)

The Young Leaders Allaince supports the growth of young professionals by providing leadership development, skill-building programs, and networking opportunities throughout the region.

Meets Second Monday Each Month @ 4 p.m.

To learn more about our committees or get involved,

Coordinator, Carolyn Rauhala, at

The Alliance ended 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!

WANT MORE OF THE ALLIANCE?

Congrats to the following businesses on their recent ribbon cuttings!

Networking Social — Wednesday, January 14 | 5-7 p.m.

Lunch with Ranchers — Thursday, January 22 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

YLA Social — Thursday, January 22 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Annual Membership Luncheon — Friday, January 30 | 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Networking Social — Wednesday, February 4 | 5-7 p.m.

Lunch with Ranchers — Thursday, February 12 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

YLA Social — Thursday, February 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Monthly Luncheon — Wednesday, February 18 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Networking Social — Wednesday, March 4 | 5-7 p.m.

Lunch with Ranchers — Thursday, March 12 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

YLA Social — Thursday, March 19 | 5-7 p.m.

Monthly Luncheon — Wednesday, March 18 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sip n Brew | 6514 Rosehill Farm Run

Circle Chiropractic | 8120 Lakewood Main Street

Mattamy Homes | 4107 Crescent Park Dr

Cardiac Catheterization Lab | 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd

OUR 36TH ANNUAL HOB NOB BBQ

The Alliance and friends had a hog-killin’ good time at our 36th Annual Hob Nob BBQ!

Our premier networking event rounded-up the business community from the Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch regions for an unforgettable evening of finger-licking barbeque bites, loud and proud country tunes and a crowd dressed in southern flare.