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PRESIDENTIAL LEVEL SPONSORS
EXECUTIVE LEVEL SPONSORS
LWRBA ANNUAL SPONSORS
Community BankFCCI Insurance Group
Greater Sarasota Chamber of CommerceGrow Financial Credit Union
Keiser University Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
MGA InsurancePolo Grill & Bar
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLPSuncoast Workforce
CORPORATE LEVEL SPONSORS
ASSOCIATE LEVEL SPONSORS
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Advantage Print & Design, LLCBright House Networks
ComCenter Lakewood RanchCornerstone Solutions GroupCortez Heating & Cooling Inc.DooleyMack Constructors, LLC
Heritage FinancialIan Black Real Estate
National Carpet Cleaning & National Dye Systems, LLC
Phoenix InkPittsburgh Pirates & Bradenton Marauders
PostNet of Lakewood RanchRitz-Carlton Members Club
Rogan & Associates Financial PlannersSuncoast Communities Blood Bank
TriNetTurner Tree & Landscape
VerizonWells Fargo
For Details on any event, and to register, please visit the Events section at WWW.LWRBA.ORGHappenings on The Ranch
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M - MembershipPR - Public Relations
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ExecutiveBriefing
ExecutiveBriefing
ExecutiveBriefing
Networking Social
Networking Social
East Meets West III
Membership Luncheon
Breakfast of Champions
Membership Luncheon
Voice, Vision, VisibilityWWW.LWRBA.ORG
SUMMER 2011
EXECUTIVE BRIEFING RECAPBy Marc Simms CPBA, CPVA ~ RPM Business Advisors, LLC
In January 2008 the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance formed their Education Committee. Th e goal of the committee was to provide timely, professional business briefi ngs to business professionals of all levels of like interests. Th e focus
was to help them grow and protect their assets and maximize their profi ts. Th e Executive Briefi ngs were held every 3rd Wednesday of the month, breakfast provided by the Keiser Culinary Institute, hosted and sponsored by Keiser University. Attendance varied per topic with members and future members in attendance to an average of 35. Th e feedback for each topic was outstanding and as one regular attendee said, “the programs have been top-notch and the speakers have been fi rst-class.” One of our goals was to provide information that could be applied or utilized in their business immediately, which refl ected many of the feedback forms in terms of “Th is was fantastic and something we can apply to our business no matter what.” Th e committee wanted to challenge the thinking of our business community which led to the February program feedback “Th is gave me the opportunity to look at my business from a 35,000 ft . level and help guide my company to supremacy.” Th e programs stayed true to course. Our March feedback was simple: “Great presenter, great detail, excellent information” with the April & May, feedback reading: “Very informative, very knowledgeable presenter” and “A lot of great information in an hour, wish we had more time.” Our October Executive Briefi ng closes out the year by “Putting on the Ritz” with the Ritz Carlton presenting “Legendary Service” an educational program that addresses what customer service should be modeled aft er. In 2009, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Education Committee will continue to do our best to provide the best programs possible. We would like to thank the following committee members for their outstanding contributions, Diane Kopczynski (CPA Associates), Vanessa Baugh (Vanessa’s Fine
Jewelry), Fran Levinson (Sarasota Boys & Girls Club), Craig Cerreta (SKY Sotheby’s International Realty) and Joseph Brannon (Axiom CPA).
BRINGING CHANGE TO THE MANATEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S OFFICEBy Paul Adamson ~ Whitney Bank
Th at’s right! Th e winners of the Manatee County Commissioner’s Election are committed to bringing change to the offi ce. Congratulations to Larry Bustle and John Chappie for their achievements. Both candidates sought out and received the endorsement of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. Th e LWRBA contributed to the campaigns by providing volunteers and support so that our message could be heard throughout Manatee County. Each candidate proposed to look at growth and development as being good for our county and the people who work and live here.
PUTTING LAKEWOOD RANCH,FLORIDA ON THE MAPBy Ron Reagan ~ District 67 State Representative
As the LWRBA continues to grow, we attract more and more businesses to our community. With these businesses come employees who need housing, furnishings and so on. We need to maintain our positive attitude towards growth.
At a recent function here in Lakewood Ranch, I found many of our members talking about our great weather, the friendliness of our membership and the many reasons why people and businesses should be here. Let’s be that destination that continues to attract quality businesses, employees, shoppers and golfers!
We need to encourage our membership to display LWRBA brochures at their businesses, giving the LWRBA added exposure.
When I’m in Tallahassee, I speak proudly of Lakewood Ranch and your accomplishments. Lakewood Ranch is a great place to work, live and enjoy.
REAL ESTATE UPDATEby Milt Flinn ~ Lakewood Ranch Communities
In 2008 we have seen a continuation of the slowdown in real estate that started in late 2005 in Lakewood Ranch. Fortunately, the inventory level of existing homes continues to fall from its high in early 2007. Traffi c to our sales and model centers is the
highest it has been since 2005 and interest in the area in general, and Lakewood Ranch in particular, remains strong. During this three-plus year slowdown we have continued to make improvements to the Lakewood Ranch community in the form of shopping, amenities and off erings for current and future residents that have made the Ranch so successful. Th e increased signage to Lakewood Ranch on I-75 and the new post offi ce, which will be opened soon, have enhanced our visibility and sense of community. Since April our community specialist ambassadors have toured over 350 potential Lakewood Ranch residents around the community. Under this new program we give 1 to 3 hour tours of the community to potential residents and we are pleased to say that the tours have resulted in the sale of 18 homes since their inception. Many new residents in Lakewood Ranch have elected to rent the additional inventory created by speculators over the last three years and we have seen the inventory of available rentals continue to fall in the market. In 2007 as many homes were rented as were purchased in Lakewood Ranch, but we now see that trend starting to change – a good sign the market is improving. Prices and the size of homes desired have continued to moderate from the highs of early 2006, but we have also seen both interest and contracts at price points well in excess of a $1 million on the Ranch in the last 12 months. Customers in the current market are seeking value and fi nding it both in the new home and resale market. Our builders, especially at the lower price points, have taken the opportunity to renegotiate contracts with both their suppliers and subcontractors while maintaining and even upgrading their fi nished product. New homes in Lakewood Ranch have improved in energy effi ciency and wind load rating, lowering monthly costs for utilities and insurance, and also have upgraded design features not available a few years ago. Overall, the Ranch has become much more aff ordable for buyers who are seeking a lower price point than they were at the peak
of the market, which is a good indicator we will experience even stronger demand when the market turns around. Additionally, commercial development and job growth continues to be strong even in the current environment and Lakewood Ranch has been the strongest growing employment center in the region. Th is trend will further enhance the demand for housing in Lakewood Ranch for many years to come. As the overall market improves, the reasons Lakewood Ranch was the center of the housing boom have not changed and have actually improved. If a potential purchaser is seeking a great lifestyle community in a remarkable location and area, Lakewood Ranch would always be fi rst choice and we will continue our eff orts to always make it so.
LAKEWOOD CENTRE DRIby Sondra Guffey ~ Lakewood Ranch Communities
On Aug. 5, the Manatee County Commission approved the rezoning request by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. to accommodate its plans for Lakewood Centre, which will be built between Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Pope Road, immediately north of State Road 70. Many members of the Alliance wrote letters of support for the project. Th e Lakewood Centre Development of Regional Impact (DRI) rezone involves approximately 700 acres, that will be developed over the next 15 years or so. Th e plan provides for critical connections, including a north-south roadway from State Road 70 to Malachite Drive, and roadway extensions of Malachite Drive and Pope Road; environmental/recreation features, like a major trail system; and it preserves a major wetland system along with adjacent upland habitat. Th e plan calls for a community that is bicycle and pedestrian friendly. Due to the mix of uses and the intensity proposed; it will also be very walkable. On the residential side, there will be very diverse housing products, including single family attached (town homes and villas) and multi-family. Th ere will also be a minimum 10 percent of housing designated for workforce, which means teachers, police, fi refi ghters and nurses – just to name a few – will be able to live close to where they work. Th e nonresidential component of the plan will facilitate a major employment center east of I-75, between state roads 70 and 64, totaling approximately 3.5 million square feet. Th ere are plans for much needed hotel rooms, recreational opportunities such as a bowling complex, and commercial opportunities to serve people living or working in the area. Th is is an important element in Manatee County’s economic development. Th e county currently does not have this corporate park-type of center, and Lakewood Centre will help make the county more competitive.
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Robin Parsons Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
Business Development Director 941-757-1664
2010 Board of DirectorsBobbi Larson, American Red Cross Manatee Chapter
Chairman of the Board
Marc Simms, RPM Business Advisors Past Chair & Education
Brian Volner, Community Bank Chair Elect & Public Relations
Craig Cerreta, Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Governmental Affairs
Barbara Jones, Kerkering Barberio & Co Treasurer
Tommy Klauber, Polo Grill, LLC Membership Services
Stephen Ackoury, Synovous Bank Membership
Annette Gueli, ProMotion Notions Events
Michael Tullio, Blue Skye Lending Programming
Darrell Turner, Turner Tree and Landscape At-Large
Irwin Davis, Metropolitan Development Foundation At-Large
John Barnott, Manatee County Government At-Large
Marie Pender, Manatee Chamber of Commerce At-Large
Vicki Vega, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce At-Large
Ian Black, Ian Black Real Estate At-Large
Michelle Grunberg, IConnectU At-Large
Warren Simonds, Willis A Smith Construction At-Large
Rex Jensen, Schroeder Manatee Ranch SMR Liaison
Joseph Najmy, Najmy Thompson, P.L. Legal Council
Introducing The SANDIESBy: Amanda Vercheski
advocating businesses of the Lakewood Ranch community.
These awards honor those who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accompl ishment, who excel in thei r chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for other individuals and businesses to follow.
We all know someone who stands out in the community. This person may even be YOU! This is your chance to honor and identify these people, businesses or yourself that make our community a tremendous place to live and work and play.
The distinguished awards being presented are:
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award — This award recognizes one individual among the members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for best demonstrating the characteristics of entrepreneurs and the spirit of entrepreneurism.
Corporate Philanthropy — This award will be presented to a business in the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial and volunteer support encouraging others to take leadership roles in philanthropic community involvement.
Lakewood Ranch Citizen of the Year — This award honors a resident of Lakewood Ranch for their individual accomplishments and special contributions to the growth, enrichment and enhancement of the community.
Business of the Year Award — This award will honor a business in the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance that has a stellar reputation with its customers, employees and in the community; produces and/or delivers superior products and services and who has made exceptional contributions to the betterment of Lakewood Ranch beyond its business.
Nominations are now being accepted until July 29th at Lwrba.org and YourObserver.com or contact Robin Parsons at 757-1664 or [email protected] for questions and more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities and information can also be found on Lwrba.org and Yourobserver.com.
Come Help Us Celebrate Those Who Have Soared To New Heights In 2011 with The SANDIES!! a
Chairman’s AddressBy Bobbi Larson, Chairman of the Board
Green means Go and in the case of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, green means “Go-To.” When you attend an Alliance event, look for those individuals wearing a green ribbon. This ribbon designates leadership volunteers from our membership committee who are there to help you identify and maximize the many benefits of fered by your Alliance as well as make introductions to key contacts to grow your business.
For those who are new to the organization, our Alliance “Green Team” is there to help you get star ted. And for those who have enjoyed membership for a while, our mentors can help you stay connected and aware of new and improved offerings provided by our organization.
So be sure to think Green when you attend your next Alliance event! a
Sponsor Highlight VErIzoNHave you ever wondered, “What is a Verizon SmartPark”?
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a Verizon Smar tPark?” you are not alone! A Smart Park is a community and/or business park where Verizon has provisioned a high speed fiber optic network. It gives both residences and businesses the opportunity to access our FiOS network capabilities and more. Lakewood Ranch is a Verizon SmartPark!
So, whether you are interested in gaming, video chat, hosting a website or downloading large applications for your business, the Verizon fiber optic network (FiOS) is strategically positioned to help you feed your need for speed. If you are a business and need assistance with data (MPLS), telecommunications,
IT Security, Computing as a service (CaaS) or other technology, Verizon can help there too!
Just call us at: 1-888-GET FiOS (1-888-438-3467) for Residential, 1-800-483-5000 for Business, or reach your closest Verizon Wireless location at: 941-752-2355.
Being a part of the Lakewood Ranch community is important for us at Verizon. We know that growing your business is equally as important as living in and improving our community. Verizon is committed to doing our part. We are 10,000 employees strong in the Tampa Bay Area. We are your friends and your neighbors! Look for us at local events in your community, or come visit us as at your nearest Verizon Plus, or Verizon Wireless store. We’ll do whatever it takes to make your experience with Verizon a great one! a
With the area’s signature sandh i l l c rane as the symbol , the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and the East County Observer are proud to present “The Sandies,” a Corporate Awards Dinner recognizing citizens and businesses for their outstanding per formance and contributions to the community. “The Sandies” awards presentation and dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Fête Ballroom at Polo Grill. The evening full of networking, dining and fun will prove to be an exciting night for citizens, businesses, and individuals in our community.
“The Sandies” Awards actively support and celebrate the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s mission of our commitment to serve, develop and unify the businesses of the community through a power ful par tnership with the local businesses, ser vice and community organizations along with the collaboration of city and governmental institutions. The Alliance is dedicated to providing leadership, resources and business development for fostering and
LWRBA Networking EventsWere You There?
April Networking Sponsor Showcase
June Networking MacAllisters Grill and Tavern
Photos courtesy of Amanda Vercheski,
Mary Gamrot & Scott Phillips
Legislative Wrap Up Dinner
May Executive Briefing Jennifer Holloway – Speaking with Style
Puttin on the Ritz Golf Outing
EXECUTIVE BRIEFING RECAPBy Marc Simms CPBA, CPVA ~ RPM Business Advisors, LLC
In January 2008 the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance formed their Education Committee. Th e goal of the committee was to provide timely, professional business briefi ngs to business professionals of all levels of like interests. Th e focus
was to help them grow and protect their assets and maximize their profi ts. Th e Executive Briefi ngs were held every 3rd Wednesday of the month, breakfast provided by the Keiser Culinary Institute, hosted and sponsored by Keiser University. Attendance varied per topic with members and future members in attendance to an average of 35. Th e feedback for each topic was outstanding and as one regular attendee said, “the programs have been top-notch and the speakers have been fi rst-class.” One of our goals was to provide information that could be applied or utilized in their business immediately, which refl ected many of the feedback forms in terms of “Th is was fantastic and something we can apply to our business no matter what.” Th e committee wanted to challenge the thinking of our business community which led to the February program feedback “Th is gave me the opportunity to look at my business from a 35,000 ft . level and help guide my company to supremacy.” Th e programs stayed true to course. Our March feedback was simple: “Great presenter, great detail, excellent information” with the April & May, feedback reading: “Very informative, very knowledgeable presenter” and “A lot of great information in an hour, wish we had more time.” Our October Executive Briefi ng closes out the year by “Putting on the Ritz” with the Ritz Carlton presenting “Legendary Service” an educational program that addresses what customer service should be modeled aft er. In 2009, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Education Committee will continue to do our best to provide the best programs possible. We would like to thank the following committee members for their outstanding contributions, Diane Kopczynski (CPA Associates), Vanessa Baugh (Vanessa’s Fine
Jewelry), Fran Levinson (Sarasota Boys & Girls Club), Craig Cerreta (SKY Sotheby’s International Realty) and Joseph Brannon (Axiom CPA).
BRINGING CHANGE TO THE MANATEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S OFFICEBy Paul Adamson ~ Whitney Bank
Th at’s right! Th e winners of the Manatee County Commissioner’s Election are committed to bringing change to the offi ce. Congratulations to Larry Bustle and John Chappie for their achievements. Both candidates sought out and received the endorsement of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. Th e LWRBA contributed to the campaigns by providing volunteers and support so that our message could be heard throughout Manatee County. Each candidate proposed to look at growth and development as being good for our county and the people who work and live here.
PUTTING LAKEWOOD RANCH,FLORIDA ON THE MAPBy Ron Reagan ~ District 67 State Representative
As the LWRBA continues to grow, we attract more and more businesses to our community. With these businesses come employees who need housing, furnishings and so on. We need to maintain our positive attitude towards growth.
At a recent function here in Lakewood Ranch, I found many of our members talking about our great weather, the friendliness of our membership and the many reasons why people and businesses should be here. Let’s be that destination that continues to attract quality businesses, employees, shoppers and golfers!
We need to encourage our membership to display LWRBA brochures at their businesses, giving the LWRBA added exposure.
When I’m in Tallahassee, I speak proudly of Lakewood Ranch and your accomplishments. Lakewood Ranch is a great place to work, live and enjoy.
REAL ESTATE UPDATEby Milt Flinn ~ Lakewood Ranch Communities
In 2008 we have seen a continuation of the slowdown in real estate that started in late 2005 in Lakewood Ranch. Fortunately, the inventory level of existing homes continues to fall from its high in early 2007. Traffi c to our sales and model centers is the
highest it has been since 2005 and interest in the area in general, and Lakewood Ranch in particular, remains strong. During this three-plus year slowdown we have continued to make improvements to the Lakewood Ranch community in the form of shopping, amenities and off erings for current and future residents that have made the Ranch so successful. Th e increased signage to Lakewood Ranch on I-75 and the new post offi ce, which will be opened soon, have enhanced our visibility and sense of community. Since April our community specialist ambassadors have toured over 350 potential Lakewood Ranch residents around the community. Under this new program we give 1 to 3 hour tours of the community to potential residents and we are pleased to say that the tours have resulted in the sale of 18 homes since their inception. Many new residents in Lakewood Ranch have elected to rent the additional inventory created by speculators over the last three years and we have seen the inventory of available rentals continue to fall in the market. In 2007 as many homes were rented as were purchased in Lakewood Ranch, but we now see that trend starting to change – a good sign the market is improving. Prices and the size of homes desired have continued to moderate from the highs of early 2006, but we have also seen both interest and contracts at price points well in excess of a $1 million on the Ranch in the last 12 months. Customers in the current market are seeking value and fi nding it both in the new home and resale market. Our builders, especially at the lower price points, have taken the opportunity to renegotiate contracts with both their suppliers and subcontractors while maintaining and even upgrading their fi nished product. New homes in Lakewood Ranch have improved in energy effi ciency and wind load rating, lowering monthly costs for utilities and insurance, and also have upgraded design features not available a few years ago. Overall, the Ranch has become much more aff ordable for buyers who are seeking a lower price point than they were at the peak
of the market, which is a good indicator we will experience even stronger demand when the market turns around. Additionally, commercial development and job growth continues to be strong even in the current environment and Lakewood Ranch has been the strongest growing employment center in the region. Th is trend will further enhance the demand for housing in Lakewood Ranch for many years to come. As the overall market improves, the reasons Lakewood Ranch was the center of the housing boom have not changed and have actually improved. If a potential purchaser is seeking a great lifestyle community in a remarkable location and area, Lakewood Ranch would always be fi rst choice and we will continue our eff orts to always make it so.
LAKEWOOD CENTRE DRIby Sondra Guffey ~ Lakewood Ranch Communities
On Aug. 5, the Manatee County Commission approved the rezoning request by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. to accommodate its plans for Lakewood Centre, which will be built between Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Pope Road, immediately north of State Road 70. Many members of the Alliance wrote letters of support for the project. Th e Lakewood Centre Development of Regional Impact (DRI) rezone involves approximately 700 acres, that will be developed over the next 15 years or so. Th e plan provides for critical connections, including a north-south roadway from State Road 70 to Malachite Drive, and roadway extensions of Malachite Drive and Pope Road; environmental/recreation features, like a major trail system; and it preserves a major wetland system along with adjacent upland habitat. Th e plan calls for a community that is bicycle and pedestrian friendly. Due to the mix of uses and the intensity proposed; it will also be very walkable. On the residential side, there will be very diverse housing products, including single family attached (town homes and villas) and multi-family. Th ere will also be a minimum 10 percent of housing designated for workforce, which means teachers, police, fi refi ghters and nurses – just to name a few – will be able to live close to where they work. Th e nonresidential component of the plan will facilitate a major employment center east of I-75, between state roads 70 and 64, totaling approximately 3.5 million square feet. Th ere are plans for much needed hotel rooms, recreational opportunities such as a bowling complex, and commercial opportunities to serve people living or working in the area. Th is is an important element in Manatee County’s economic development. Th e county currently does not have this corporate park-type of center, and Lakewood Centre will help make the county more competitive.
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Pittsburgh Pirates. Catch the latest breaking news on the Marauders, Pirates, McKechnie Field, and Pirate City. Trevor will be talking about new projects and exciting developments with some of the facilities, and quite possibly bringing a player or two by our breakfast buffet. $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Networking and breakfast from 7:30-8:00, Program from 8:00 – 9:00 am. This event is being sponsored by Synovus Bank.
August 17th – Wednesday 7:30-9:00am – Executive Briefing: “Search Engines & the Death of the Phone Book” Keiser University Webtivity Design Solutions, the 2011 Manatee Chamber Award Winner will discuss how to attract new business and build passive income. Learn about social media and your rankings, how to rank higher, what is the “Panda” from Google and what it could mean to you as well as common SEO scams to avoid. Member $15 / Non-Member $25. This event is being sponsored by Keiser University.
September 7th – Wednesday 5 : 00-8 : 00 pm – Networking Social: East Meets West III Sarasota Municipal Auditorium See article above for more details.
September 14th – Wednesday 11:30-1:00pm – Luncheon: Turn Your Change Into Dollars Polo Grill / Fete Ballroom Pat Neal of Neal Communities is a long standing resident, family man and businessman. A former Florida Legislator and Senator, Pat embraced the economic challenges facing homeowners, buyers and developers, and came out stronger than ever.
July 13th – Wednesday 11:30am-1:00pm – Luncheon: Incorporation and Business Polo Grill / Fete Ballroom See article left column for more details. Members $25 / Non-member $35. This event is being sponsored by ADP.
July 20th – Wednesday 7:30-9:00am – Executive Briefing: “Business Expo Excellence” Keiser University In preparation of our East Meets West Expo, this presentation will demonstrate how to maximize your trade show experience. You can expect to learn pre-show strategies, capturing the floor, getting noticed, being remembered and how proper follow up equals big payoffs. Member $15 / Non-Member $25. This event is being sponsored by Keiser University.
August 3rd – Wednesday 5:00-7pm – Networking Social: Speed Networking Polo Grill / Fete Ballroom Back by popular demand…Speed Networking! 80 people will be eligible to par ticipate, this means each member will be introduced to 20 members. Each pairing will have 3 minutes to talk about who they are and what they do, then you’ll have 30 seconds to move to next member. This is a great way to practice your 30 second elevator speech! Complimentary Hor D’ eouvers and cash bar will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity. Members are $10 to participate / General admission for members is FREE / General Admission for Non-members is $20. Space is limited and RSVP is required. This event is being sponsored by Manatee Herald Tribune and Polo Grill.
August 10th – Wednesday 7:30-9:00am – Breakfast of Champions: “Pirate Invasion!” Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Trevor Gooby, Director of Florida Operations
July 13 Luncheon: Incorporation and Business By Craig Cerreta
One of the hottest topics around the Ranch is whether or not to incorporate as a city, but the focus of debates and presentations to date has been primarily directed at the voting residents of Lakewood Ranch not the business community. The Business Alliance, specifically the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC), is out to change that by hosting a unique panel discussion on incorporation with a focus on the impact to our business community.
Is this a business issue or is this a resident issue? It is both. Residents vote, but every resident, employee and business owner will be impacted by incorporation because at its root incorporation is really about who influences the future for Lakewood Ranch, a county commission or a city council. Who makes decisions about future developments, land use plans, budgets and much much more.
You either have a business in Lakewood Ranch or do business on the Ranch because you believe it is the land of opportunity. In some way your future success is tied to the future of Lakewood Ranch and the two counties it is based on. We are all counting on the continued vibrant success that has made Lakewood Ranch the special place it is today, so we all need to pay attention, learn and have a say.
You have a voice on incorporation whether you are a voting resident or not. You can vote with your influence as the business community does on so many topics. You can help fund the message and educate your employees and coworkers who are residents on how incorporation may impact the future of our business community.
What makes this event different from other incorporation meetings? The LWRBA GAC panel discussion will host representatives from each side, pro and against, but in addition our panel will host several individuals who are not associated with either group but who bring a unique skill set or experience to the table to help put things into perspective: newspaper editorial writers and past council members from another city. Wednesday, July 13 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Fete Ballroom a
Welcome New Members!American Diabetes Association
Arbonne International | Arrow BookkeepingAtchley International Realty | Bouchard Insurance
Capstan Financial Consulting GroupCarter HRM Group LLC | Comcast Spotlight
Comisky & Associates, LLCDevcon Security Services Corp.
Eckerd College, Program for Experienced LearnersEnvironmental Rx
Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel & Home InteriorGator Air Conditioning | Grayhawk Systems
Hanson Professional Services Inc.Harrison, Kirkland, Pratt & McGuire, P.A.
Home Services Review of Florida Inc.Jeff Bartlett of Suncoast Market Research
Lakewood Ranch Office CleaningLakewood Ranch Telecomm, Inc.
Lewis Longman & Walker, P.A. | Marketing In FocusMerchant Services Consulting Group, Inc.Mount Vernon Property Management, Inc.
Nicole Onorato Independent Agent Representing AflacOmega Office Systems | Paradise Homes of Sarasota
Perron & Low | Resource Management, Inc.Sandler Training | Suncoast Waiting Game
Sure Footed Flooring, LLCTrack 1 Benefits LLC | VIP Networks
Hear how he and his team changed to meet the needs of the customer and community, and the lessons you can learn for your business. Networking from 11:20-12:00, program and lunch from 12:00-1:00pm. Member $25 / Non-Member $35. This event is being sponsored by Synovus Bank.
September 21st – Wednesday 7:30-9:00am – Executive Briefing: “Securing Capital” Keiser University Raymond Reher, President of Innovative CFO Solutions, Inc. will discuss types of capital available, different lenders and different qualifications as well as how to read financial statements. He will discuss when, where, and how to obtain capital. This event is being sponsored by Keiser University.
East Meets West Expo III
July 6th – Wednesday 5:00-7:00pm – Networking Social Holiday Inn / Alamo - Lakewood Ranch Join us for our monthly networking social and an opportunity to win a Week-end in an Executive Suite. The Holiday Inn/ Alamo is located at 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240. Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar will be provided. Members- FREE / Non-Members $20.
3rd Quarter 2011 – July/SeptemberFor more info or to RSVP for all events visit...www.lwrba.org
By Annette Sciolino Gueli
Come out and enjoy members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, The Longboat, Lido, St. Armands Key, The Siesta Key & The Gulf Coast Latin Chambers of Commerce. Join us at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium located at 801 Nor th Tamiami Trail in Sarasota from 5-8 pm on
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011. Enjoy over 75 vendors including complimentar y tasting samples from some area restaurants. A cash bar will be provided. Goodie bags provided to the first 500 guests. Join us for an incredible opportunity to network among Sarasota & Manatee County’s finest professionals. $8 for pre-registered members / $10
for walk-ins and guests. EXHIBITOR Space is SOLD OUT!
For more information, please call Annette Sciolino Gueli at (941) 952-1119 or email [email protected]. To register to attend, please visit our website at www.lwrba.org a
