Summer '26 Connection Magazine

UPCOMING EVENTS, PAST RIBBON CUTTINGS & ALLIANCE UPDATES! SEE WHAT’S INSIDE.

HOW THE ALLIANCE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE LWR BUSINESS COMMUNITY ON PAGE 7.

CHECK OUT PAGE 10 FOR THE 2026 NEXT GEN AWARDS WINNERS!

ALLIANCE UPDATES

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND

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

Brooke Russo

Marketing & Communications Coordinator | BrookeRusso@lwrba.org

Sarah DiPasquale

Communications & Marketing Assistant | SarahDiPasquale@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

Dianne Kopczynski, Treasurer Mauldin & Jenkins

Kathy Collums, Secretary Gulfside Bank

David Otterness, At-Large

Willis Smith Construction

Evan Barniskis

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Bryan Boudreaux

The Bank of Tampa

Zach Buffington

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Courtney De Pol

CIP Solutions

Tieler Gittleman

Northern Trust Company

Beth Green

Raymond James & Associates

Nicole Hackel

Lakewood Ranch Communities

Jen Horvat

The Out-of-Door Academy

Kent Jimison

MCR Health, Inc.

Jamie Smith

Ashlyn McCarty

Buffalo Lodging

Jennifer Storch

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Keith Pandeloglou

LWR Community Activities

Bryan Parnell

Manatee County Government

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

Dr. Brett Kempker

University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee

Sandy Shahinian-Levins

Lakewood Ranch Communities

Robert Lewis

CHAIR

Wayne Parrish, RITE Technology

“How is your chairmanship going so far?” My answer is simple: It’s been amazing.

One thing this experience has reinforced for me is how little any one person accomplishes alone.

While the Chair has the privilege of serving in a leadership role, the success of the Alliance is driven by an exceptional staff, dedicated Board of Directors, committee leaders, and engaged members who show up every day ready to make a difference. Their passion, commitment, and willingness to serve are what make this organization so special. In fact, while I sometimes joke that I don’t feel like I’ve done much, the truth is that we’ve accomplished a great deal together. The committee refinements we implemented at the beginning of the year have launched with tremendous success. Participation is growing, discussions are more focused, and members are finding meaningful ways to connect, contribute, and build relationships.

What excites me most is that we’re only halfway through the year. The momentum we are seeing today is a direct reflection of the people who invest their time, talent, and energy into this organization.

Thank you for making my experience as Chair so rewarding. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the months ahead.

Brittany Lamont, LWRBA

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy everything our community has to offer while supporting the local businesses that help make it thrive. From locally owned restaurants and boutiques to fitness studios, entertainment venues and service providers, our small businesses create the character and energy that make our community special. When residents choose to shop local, dine local and support neighborhood businesses, they are investing directly back into the local economy, supporting jobs, families and community growth.

This season, we encourage everyone to explore local first. Try a new restaurant, attend a community event, visit a local shop or spend time enjoying the parks, trails and gathering spaces that make our region special. The choice, however small, to pick local can make a big impact for the businesses that support our schools, nonprofits and community year-round.

At the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, we are proud to support and advocate for our local business community. This summer, let’s continue to shop locally, connect locally and celebrate the businesses and experiences that make our community such a great place to live, work and play. To see our list of local businesses, visit

Emergency Care That’s Always There

Sarasota Memorial ER at Lakewood Ranch is

When emergency strikes, every moment matters. With this latest addition to the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, you and your loved ones can sleep easier knowing that the doctor is in – and just around the corner.

• 21 Exam Rooms • Full Service Laboratory • X-ray, MRI, CT & Ultrasound Imaging

• Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physicians Available 24/7

• Direct Admission to Sarasota Memorial Hospital or hospital of your choice, if needed

Sarasota Memorial ER at Lakewood Ranch

Since 1995, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has powered bold philanthropy and collaborative leadership to drive meaningful change across our region.

Guided by our values, we work side-by-side with donors, advisors, nonprofits, and neighbors to tackle our region’s biggest challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities. This is our promise to you.

TRANSFORM TOGETHER

Learn how we deliver on our promise at gulfcoastcf.org/ourpromise.

Children at The Out-of-Door Academy’s summer camp got a hands-on introduction to veterinary medicine by learning how to remove “ticks,” how to identify different eye injuries and even performed their own mock vet clinic.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has officially opened its newest facility, a $220 million project that aims to elevate outpatient cancer treatment in the region. The goal behind the new cancer center is to offer a spectrum of outpatient oncology services.

The philanthropic arm of Bradenton-based auto dealer Gettel Automotive, the Gettel Foundation, has made a $1 million donation to a local nonprofit. Funding will go toward building a career and community center for individuals with disabilities.

University Town Center is poised to welcome more than a dozen new tenants. From restaurants and retailers to a medspa, UTC is attracting online shoppers to brick-and-mortar stores with additions like Ikea or Dick’s House of Sports.

WELCOME NEW

MEMBERS!

A proposed boathouse and events center at Nathan Benderson Park received a $10 million boost from the Florida Legislature, moving the project closer to completion as officials work toward a 2028 opening ahead of the World Rowing Championships.

Manatee County Government is investing $125 million in federal disaster recovery funds to strengthen roads, drainage, utilities and other public infrastructure damaged by recent hurricanes, aiming to improve long-term storm resilience.

Local, family-owned mobile coffee trailer, Sip n Brew, is celebrating its one-year anniversary on August 1 at Nathan Benderson Park. Having become a community pillar with its specialty beverages, the team hopes to continue to bring people together with this celebration.

Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. has appointed a new president and CEO, Shirar O’Connor, who will oversee efforts to attract new businesses, support local employers, and drive long-term economic growth in the region.

Have good news? Share it with us! Connect with Brooke Russo, BrookeRusso@lwrba.org.

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

African Firefly Travel

All Faiths Food Bank

Atlas Insurance

Bn Euroview

Bubble Binz

Capstone Associates

Carol Vojt Robbins Commercial Realtor

Center for Brain and Spine

Chris-Tel Construction

CMEDDS, LLC

Courageous Consulting

Epoch Roofing

Excel Foot & Ankle

Fifth Third Bank

Fleet Kleen Painting and Pressure Washing

Florida Provisions Co.

Forayna Watercolor Place

Franchise Consulting Company

Guardian Legal Counsel, P.A.

Innovative Dining

LaPensee Plumbing, Pools, & Air (Associate Level Investor)

Largo Capital, Inc.

LECOM Suncoast Classic

Luxivantee

Maury Donnelly & Parr

NEAT METHOD

Needles and Knots LLC

North South Wealth Management

Palm Aire Renovations & Painting

Raining Berries UTC

Right Performance Management

Sky Track

Sparkles & Seashells Fairy Hair LLC

Summit Fire & Security

Thurber Financial Group LLC

Titan Placement Group

True Insurance Advisors

True North Tax Advisory Group

United Community Bank

Woofie’s of Lakewood Ranch-Parrish

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

The Alliance’s Careers in the Classroom, hosted at The Out-of-Door Academy, connected students with industry professionals in business, finance, professional services and healthcare.

Through firsthand insights and thoughtful conversation, students explored a wide range of career possibilities while gaining knowledge of soft and hard skills that help set the stage for their early careers.

At the Alliance, the team strives to support the business community, including the young leaders of Lakewood Ranch’s future.

WHO JOINED THE ALLIANCE FOR CAREERS IN THE CLASSROOM?

Alliance members from Aginto - A Digital Agency, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Easterseals Southwest Florida, Fawley Bryant, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, MCR Health, Manatee County Government, Northern Trust Company, RITE Technology, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Shumaker, SouthState Bank, Tableaux Wealth and Tandem Construction helped ODA seniors navigate early career options and alternatives to traditional pathways.

SMALL BUSINESS

ROUNDTABLE

The Lieutenant Governor of Florida, Jay Collins, joined the Alliance for a small business roundtable on policies like workforce housing, property tax

Because Life Belongs

In Print.

Techniques, Finishes & Print Effects To Impress

DESIGN

Rely on our graphic designers for all of your business needs. Our creative team can start from scratch or apply your existing design to new projects.

PRINT

With decades of print experience, we have the expertise to complete your digital, offset or large format projects on time and within your budget.

MAIL

Let our mail department help you to determine the most successful method of distributing your next marketing or fundraising campaign.

with

create one-of-a-kind

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

Sarasota Christian School is expanding with a new dedicated high school facility—made possible with support from Gulfside Bank—to meet growing

and

THE 2026 YOUNG LEADERS ALLIANCE

NEXT GEN AWARDS

Over 120 guests joined the Young Leaders Alliance to celebrate the young professionals in the region who demonstrate excellence in both their personal and professional lives. The award ceremony was a powerful celebration of talent, innovation and leadership — highlighting the Alliance members who have made meaningful contributions to the business community and have paved the way as the next generation of leaders.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 finalists and award winners on this well-deserved recognition!

COMMUNITY IMPACT

AWARD WINNER

OLIVIA GARCIA

SERVICE CONTRACTING SOLUTIONS

SPONSORED BY:

ENTREPRENEUR AWARD WINNER

KAITLYN PEREZ

KAITLYN PEREZ

COMMUNICATIONS

SPONSORED BY:

CONNECTING CHAMPION

AWARD WINNER

FELIPE ROJAS

SARASOTA PARADISE

SPONSORED BY:

NEXT GEN AWARD WINNER

JACOB KINSEL

MANATEE COMMUNTY FOUNDATION

SPONSORED BY:

EMERGING LEADER

AWARD WINNER

GREGORY ALEXANDREA

AGINTOA DIGITAL AGENCY

SPONSORED BY:

YLA MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

JESSLYNNE QUAKKELAAR

LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION

SPONSORED BY:

THANK YOU,

SAY CHEESE!

The Alliance is keeping it’s momentum into their second half of the year! We strengthened connections at our monthly luncheons and networking socials while prepping for an exciting season of events. Take a look at the highlights below!

Want more of the Alliance? Follow us on social media! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for photos, videos and live updates.

INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT

At The Bank of Tampa, commercial banking is built on personal connection, because strong relationships lead to better outcomes for our business owners. That philosophy guided our approach when we opened our Lakewood Ranch office in 2023. Rather than relying on a large, centralized banking model, we staffed the office with experienced local bankers who understand the Lakewood Ranch market, the regional business environment, and the challenges leaders face as they grow their organizations.

From the beginning, our goal was simple: to be present, engaged, and invested in Lakewood Ranch. We believe the best banking decisions are made locally by people who understand the unique needs of nearby businesses and their owners. That is why our bankers are empowered to make decisions close to the client, without unnecessary bureaucracy or reliance on distant headquarters. This local authority allows us to move quickly, provide clarity, and deliver customized financial solutions aligned with each client’s goals.

In a world where business banking can feel impersonal and transactional, The Bank of Tampa continues to redefine relationship - driven commercial banking by staying local, responsive, and connected. Our presence in Lakewood Ranch is about supporting business success and contributing to a thriving local economy.

TO KNOW

GET TO KNOW OUR

INCOMING CHAIR

Nick Feather, Capstan Financial Consulting Group

Incoming 2027 Chair of the Board

I am thrilled to be the Incoming Chair of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. I grew up in east Sarasota just five miles south of Lakewood Ranch and have watched the region transform over the last 40 years. I have been attending Alliance events for over ten years, but have been truly involved since joining the Board of Directors in 2023.

I became Chair of the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) in August of 2023 and have served on the Executive Committee for the last two years.

My day job is as a Financial Consultant and Co-Founder of Capstan Financial Consulting Group. Capstan just celebrated our 16th anniversary serving clients across Florida — all from six locations. I believe the Alliance is the best business networking organization on the Gulf Coast and that we serve a special sweet spot straddling Manatee and Sarasota counties. My goal is to continue growing our influence within the political landscape of the region and to facilitate communication and connections between the membership and our elected officials.

As Incoming Chair, you will find me attending as many events as time permits and I look forward to meeting more of our members. I welcome any feedback about how the Alliance can better serve our members and in particular look forward to the upcoming business survey about what issues our members struggle with on a daily basis.

An Incoming Chair refers to the person who has been elected to lead on the Alliance Board, but has not yet officially started their term. Their role allows them to shadow the current chair to ensure a smooth, well-planned transition of leadership.

ALLIANCE TEAM

UPDATE

Meet our new Marketing & Communications Assistant, Sarah DiPasquale!

Sarah is a recent graduate of the University of South Florida. During college, she gained experience in event planning and leadership through Kappa Delta sorority, along with working in agency marketing and sales. Outside of work, she is passionate about health and fitness and is currently finishing her yoga teacher training. In her free time, she enjoys live music and sports, cooking and finding new restaurants, and exploring the outdoors in beautiful Sarasota! As a Bradenton native, she is especially excited to be joining the team this summer during such an exciting time of growth in Lakewood Ranch.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OCTOBER 1 – 3

IN IT’S 9TH YEAR, THE ALLIANCE GIVES BACK VOLUNTEER DAYS CONTINUES TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN NON-PROFIT & FOR-PROFIT BUSINESSES BY PROVIDING VARIOUS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.

LEARN HOW TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE TODAY!

Congrats to the following businesses on their recent ribbon cuttings!

Networking Social — Sirius Day Spa Wednesday, July 8 | 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Aginto - A Digital Agency | 2803 Fruitville Rd. Suite 145

RIBBON CUT ON APRIL 23

Fleet Kleen | 188 Tall Trees Ct.

RIBBON CUT ON APRIL 24

Envision Counseling Services | 9015 Town Center Pkwy Suite 106

RIBBON CUT ON MAY 15 J. Myrtle Training & Development Partners RIBBON CUT ON MAY 21 THANK YOU TO THE RIBBON CUTTING SPONSOR:

Lunch with Ranchers — UPCC Tuesday, July 14 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Meet the Candidates: 2026 Primary Elections Thursday, July 16 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Summer Sales, AI & Marketing Series — LWRBA Friday, July 17, 24, 31 | 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Monthly Luncheon — LWRGCC

Wednesday, July 22 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

YLA Networking Social — Cat Depot Thursday, July 23 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Breakfast with Ranchers — Mission BBQ Thursday, July 30 | 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Networking Social — Keiser University Wednesday, August 5 | 5 - 7 p.m.

YLA Rise & Grind — Lake Michigan Credit Union Thursday, August 6 | 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Lunch with Ranchers — Homewood Suites Thursday, August 20 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

YLA Networking Social — PopStroke Thursday, August 20 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Monthly Luncheon — LWRGCC

Wednesday, August 26 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

To register for these events, visit: members.LWRBA.org/event-calendar

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Lakewood Ranch through community engagement and healthy programming. Our mission is to create and support community events that promote social connections, physical well-being, and inclusivity.

We provide a diverse range of Parks and Recreation programming designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and foster community involvement. Our community events serve as vibrant platforms for residents to celebrate together and build meaningful relationships.

As our community continues to grow, LWRCA strives to foster inclusive opportunities and enhance the vibrant quality of life for all residents.