Excitement is building at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
We’re excited to share our optimism for everything we’re looking forward to together. This includes nearing completion of our modern patient tower.
The new patient tower is designed to bring more space, more advanced technology and the comfort our patients and their families have come to expect. Completion of the first phase, anticipated in spring 2026, marks a significant step forward in expanding care for our growing region.
These developments reflect our commitment to continue investing in the health of our community, today and for generations to come.
LET’S DO WELL TOGETHER.
Watch us grow at lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com/ expansion
As we step into Quarter 2, I want to highlight the strong momentum we are seeing from the committee refinements implemented at the beginning of the year.
These changes were not about structure alone. They were about keeping members engaged. Connected. Involved. Building relationships and creating opportunity.
We sharpened committee purpose, strengthened leadership alignment, and clarified outcomes. The result is increased participation, focused discussion, and meaningful collaboration already taking place.
Our committees are where engagement becomes impact. They are where relationships deepen, ideas take shape, and members find their place within the Alliance.
Whether your interest is member engagement, events and programming, growth and development, or you are a small business owner looking for a tribe of like-minded professionals, there is truly a place for you here.
If you have not yet participated this year, I encourage you to explore a committee in Quarter 2. Review the options and find where you fit at www.lwrba.org/committees/.
This is where opportunity starts.
WHERE TRUST TURNS INTO REFERRALS
Brittany Lamont, LWRBA
There’s a phrase we hear all the time in our community: “I have a guy/girl.”
Need a roofer? I have a guy. Looking for a lender or marketing expert? I know a lady. Pediatrician, A/C company, contractor? Let me get you connected.
It’s a simple sentence; yet, it’s one of the most powerful forms of marketing. Why? It’s built on trust.
At the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, we see word-of-mouth marketing every day. In a world driven by online searches and social media ads, a referral from a trusted friend or co-worker still carries the most weight. People don’t just want options; they want reassurance. They want to know who shows up, who follows through and who others confidently recommend. That’s where Chambers and Business Alliances matter.
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building credibility through consistency. It’s about attending events, serving on committees, supporting fellow members and showing up for your community. Over time, familiarity becomes trust. Then, trust turns into referrals.
The strongest marketing strategy isn’t a campaign, its connection. That connection is exactly what we work to cultivate, every day, at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has joined a global clinical trial to study a new heart pacing approach for patients with heart failure. The study will compare this experimental method to standard treatments to see if it can improve outcomes and quality of life.
Benderson Development plans to renovate a vacant former Tampa Electric Co. headquarters building in downtown Tampa. The 300,000-square-foot property, empty since the utility relocated, will be repositioned with modern office space and ground-floor retail.
Hosana Fieber has been named chief operating officer at Williams Parker, bringing roughly two decades of regional executive experience to the role. She will guide the firm’s operations and continued growth as one of Sarasota-Manatee’s established law firms.
Bank of America has reopened its Gulf Gate branch in Sarasota after more than a yearlong closure caused by hurricane damage and renovations. The upgraded financial center features modern technology, private offices and on-site specialists.
WELCOME NEW
MEMBERS!
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation named Out-of-Door Academy student Tom Bergerat its 2026 Junior Humanitarian of the Year, recognizing his academic achievements and extensive volunteer work in the community.
The School District of Manatee County has broken ground on its eighth high school in the Lakewood Ranch area to address rapid growth and overcrowding. The $144 million campus is expected to open in 2027, starting with ninth and 10th graders before expanding.
About 136 participants gathered at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch for a “Mindful Triathlon.” Organizers and participants emphasized the event’s inclusive, low-pressure focus on wellness and community, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels.
Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. has named Amanda Parrish as interim CEO. Parrish, a partner and COO at Fawley Bryant Architecture, will lead the organization while a search is conducted for a permanent chief executive.
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
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!
COUNTY DAY
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Governmental Affiars Committee (GAC) participated at the 2026 Manatee County Day in Tallahassee, which brought together local leaders and organizations to represent the region at the state Capitol.
In the same trip, members of the Governmental Affairs Committee met up with the Sarasota Delegation to connect with Rep. Fiona McFarland, Sen. Joe Gruters, Rep. James Buchanan and Rep. Danny Nix on policies that affect our businesses.
Topics of the trip included property tax, capital projects in our region, insurance and workforce.
No matter if it’s a day dedicated to our region, the Alliance will continue it’s efforts to advocate for LWR and it’s business community.
WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
During the 2026 Annual Membership Luncheon, the Alliance shared it’s new committee structure, their past successes and what they are looking forward to in the coming year. Additionally, they welcomed the 2026 Board of Directors, publicly announced the 2026 Board Chair and brought together over 300 hundred Alliance members!
Over great food, laughs about “turning 21” and excitement for a year focused on membership, the Annual Membership Luncheon was a great start to 2026.
CORPORATE SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD LEGACY AWARD
CENTERPIECE SPONSOR
VALET SPONSOR
VIDEO SPONSOR DESSERT SPONSOR A/V SPONSOR
DECOR SPONSOR
GOLD TABLE
The Alliance thanks you for your generous support of the 2026 Annual Membership Luncheon! THANK YOU, SPONSORS Benderson Development Blalock Walters
PHOTOGRAPHY PRINT SPONSOR
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Manatee County Government
Mote Marine Laboratory
School District of Manatee County Florida & Manatee Technical College
SILVER TABLE
Riggs & Ingram
There was also much to celebrate as we awarded
Kevin Cooper, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, the 2025 Chairman’s Award and Lou Marinaccio the Lakewood Ranch Legacy Award!
The Alliance kicked-off 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?
Follow us on social media!
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for more photos, videos and live updates from our events.
SPOTLIGHT
For more than 90 years, Suncoast Credit Union has been guided by a simple yet powerful philosophy: People Helping People.
Few leaders embody that commitment more clearly than Dom DiMaio, vice president of commercial services at Suncoast Credit Union. A deeply rooted member of the Lakewood Ranch community, DiMaio previously served as president and chief executive officer of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for two and a half years. His leadership experience gives him a unique perspective on the role collaboration plays in strengthening local economies.
“The Alliance has always been about more than events — it’s about building genuine connections,” DiMaio says. “When business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members come together with a shared purpose, real impact happens. That spirit of connection is why Suncoast continues to invest in the Alliance and its mission.”
As a Platinum Investor, Suncoast’s support reflects a long-standing dedication to local business growth, regional advocacy, and economic development. With more than 90 branches statewide, including four in Sarasota County, and a recently relocated, state-of-the-art Fruitville Service Center, Suncoast remains focused on meeting members where they are and evolving to serve their needs.
As Florida’s largest credit union, Suncoast Credit Union remains committed to building meaningful relationships that go far beyond everyday banking.
Learn more about Suncoast’s commitment to members, businesses, and the region at Suncoast.com.
LAKEWOOD RANCH
BLOCK PARTY
Come see us at the Presenting Sponsor
APRIL 10 | 6 - 9 P.M.
Congrats to the following businesses on their recent ribbon cuttings!
Networking Social — LWRMC Tower
Wednesday, April 1 | 8 - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch with Ranchers — Glory Days Grill
Tuesday, April 14 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
YLA Social — Sarasota Polo Club
Thursday, April 16 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Monthly Luncheon — LWRGCC
Wednesday, April 22 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Breakfast with Ranchers — Der Dutchman
Thursday, April 30 | 8 - 9:30 a.m.
Networking Social — CoWork LWR Wednesday, May 6 | 5 - 7 p.m.
Lunch with Ranchers — EVEN Hotels
Tuesday, May 12 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monthly Luncheon — LWRGCC
Tuesday, May 19 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Networking Social — State College of Florida Wednesday, June 3 | 5 - 7 p.m.
YLA Rise & Grind — Juice Pod Thursday, June 4 | 8 - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch with Ranchers — Gecko’s on Fruitville Thursday, June 11 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monthly Luncheon — LWRGCC
Wednesday, June 24 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
KLA Schools of Lakewood Ranch | 5725 Lorraine Rd
Lake Michigan Credit Union | 8704 State Road 70 E
Sunshine Movers
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, and Ultrasound Imaging
• Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physicians Available 24/7
• Direct Admission to Sarasota Memorial Hospital or hospital of your choice, if needed
Imaging services availableWalk-Ins Welcome
24 HRS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK
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
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!
ADVERTISE IN THE
CONNECTION!
Stand out amongst the crowd and increase visibility for your business by advertsing in our quarterly magazine!
Check out these quick stats:
• 1,000 copies delivered to various businesses across the Lakewood Ranch region.
• Distributed at all Alliance events.
• Delivered digitally on social media and to our email subscribers.
