Voice, Vision, VisibilityWWW.LWRBA.ORG

Spring 2012

What’s YOUR Zip Code?See page 3...

Speed Networking is Back!! p.6

“Puttin on the Ritz” p.6

Come talk hockey;play hooky. p.6

What’s YOUR Zip Code?See page 3...

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.

PRESIDENTIAL LEVEL SPONSORS

EXECUTIVE LEVEL SPONSORS

LWRBA ANNUAL SPONSORS

FCCI Insurance GroupKeiser University

Najmy Thompson, P.L.Polo Grill & Bar

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

CORPORATE LEVEL SPONSORS

ASSOCIATE LEVEL SPONSORS

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Ad-Vance Talent Solutions Advantage Print & Design, LLC

Bright House NetworksComCenter Lakewood Ranch

Cortez Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.Gator Air Conditioning

Grow Financial Federal Credit UnionHeritage Financial

Home-TechIan Black Real EstateLake Erie College of

Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)Pittsburgh Pirates & Bradenton Marauders

PostNet of Lakewood RanchRitz-Carlton Members Club

State College of Florida, Manatee- SarasotaSuncoast Communities Blood Bank

TriNetTurner Tree & Landscape

Wells FargoWillis A Smith Construction

For Details on any event, and to register, please visit the Events section at WWW.LWRBA.ORGHappenings on The Ranch

EV - Events/FundraisingGA - Government Affairs M - Membership

EP - Educacation / ProgrammingPR - Public Relations

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ExecutiveBriefing

New MemberOrientaton

ExecutiveBriefing

ExecutiveBriefing

Speed Networking

Networking Social

Membership Luncheon

LegislativeWrap Up Luncheon

4th AnnualPUTTIN’ ON

THE RITZ

Breakfast Of Champions

Sponsor Showcase

New MemberOrientation

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 • Robin@lwrba.org

2012 Board of DirectorsBrian Volner, Community Bank

Chairman of the Board

Bobbi Larson, American Red Cross Past Chair

Tommy Klauber, Polo Grill, LLC Chair Elect

Barbara Jones, Kerkering Barberio & Co Treasurer

Craig Cerreta, Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Governmental Affairs

Marc Simms, RPM Business Advisors Programming Chair

Steve Hall, Alltrust Insurance Programming

Stephen Ackoury, Synovous Bank Membership Chair

Victor Ernest, Omega Office Systems Membership

Annette Sciolino – Gueli, ProMotion Notions Events Chair

Pam Lutz, Cornerstone Solutions Group Events

Dee Zulauf, Envizage PR & Project Management Public Relations Chair

John Barnott, Manatee County Government Economic Development – Co-Chair

Ian Black, Ian Black Real Estate Economic Development – Co-Chair

Rex Jensen, Schroeder Manatee Ranch SMR Liaison

Joseph Najmy, Najmy Thompson, P.L. Legal Council

Vicki Vega, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce At-Large

Michelle Grunberg, IConnectU At-Large

Warren Simonds, Willis A Smith Construction At-Large

Lou Marinaccio, MGA Insurance Group At-Large

In this digital age, is the location of your business important? The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance says, “Absolutely.”

Lakewood Ranch has gained statewide and national recognition as a planned community that blossomed into THE place to “live, work and play.” It is the biggest master planned community in Florida and has won many awards for being a green community that features pristine neighborhoods; very favorable business growth and employment options; exceptional shopping and dining; numerous annual events and festivals; and premier health-care facilities, colleges and schools.

Lakewood Ranch is a 30,000-acre, master-planned community home to more than 1,200 local and national businesses, and includes:

• Commercial space totaling over 4 million square feet comprised of 2.5 million in office space, 800,000 in retail space and 600,000 in light industrial.

• A 97% occupancy rate along Main Street with 114,000 square feet of leased first-floor space, leaving only a 3.4 percent vacancy rate.

• Generating over $1.5 billion in local annual business sales.

• Eight business parks designed around the historic Florida ranch land enriched by wetlands, preserves and lakes.

• An infrastructure of fiber optic communication lines, natural gas service and a non-potable reuse water irrigation system.

• Five colleges and schools of higher education, eight public and charter schools, three private schools and seven preschools.

• Selling 391 new homes last year and ranking #9 among the top-selling master-planned communities in the nation for 2011 by California-based John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

• The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance encourages all businesses, organizations and residents to join the movement and proudly use “Lakewood Ranch, FL” as their official address.

Chairman’s AddressBy Brian Volner Chairman of the Board

Are you an “In The Ranch” business? The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance has made its first 2012 initiative to encourage businesses in ZIP Codes 34202, 34203, 34211, 34212 and 34240 to use “Lakewood Ranch, FL” as their official address—in their marketing materials and websites.

Voice, Vision, Visibility is more than a mantra. It’s a commitment to you and your business to help provide leadership, business foresight and prominence. With your growing involvement in committees, programs and networking activities, YOUR Alliance will continue to add value for you and your fellow members.

Voice - Please take a moment to review the first quarter goals of each LWRBA committee on page 6 of this newsletter. Choose the one you are most interested in and join. It makes your membership more meaningful and contributes to our overall success!

Hundreds came out for our 2012 inaugural MemberFest, our way of saying thank you to our members and welcoming potential new members! MemberFest provided increased exposure for those who participated and our Main Street businesses.

Special thanks to those who set up booths and exhibits, provided great game opportunities and were brave enough to enter the “jousting ring.” Now that was fun!

Visibility - Have you read all of the exciting developments around The Ranch? Commercial and residential projects abound! New businesses are moving in and existing businesses are expanding. The importance of Lakewood Ranch continues to impact the county, state and nation.

Vision - With your involvement and support, the LWRBA will be THE business collaborative for growth, economic development and leadership!

Let’s make 2012 an awesome year for you, your business and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance!

Please take the time to share in the current LWRBA poll by going to LWRBA.org and clicking on POLLS in the list on the left (third from the bottom). E-mail Robin (robin@lwrba.org) or me (brianv@communitybanknow.com) with any comments or questions regarding The Alliance. a

Do you think a business is more credible when it identifies where it is located? The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance knows so, especially if it is in a highly regarded, influential business community like Lakewood Ranch. The first initiative for its 2012 Board of Directors is to make sure businesses in zip codes 34202, 34203, 34211, 34212 and 34240 know that they are uniquely qualified to use “Lakewood Ranch, FL” as their official address. “Since 1995, Lakewood Ranch has created a positive business environment, enabling entrepreneurs and corporations to thrive. This is a leading area for business. Using Lakewood Ranch, FL as your address enhances your image,” states Brian Volner, Chairman of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and SVP Retail Sales Manager of Community Bank, “It strengthens your business identity.”

F r o m b a c k y a r d b i r t h d a y s t o t h e black-tie social scene,

if it’s news in the community, it’s in the Observers.

Come and see what’s new on YourObserver.com, voted Florida’s #1 Weekly Newspaper Website:

• Watch our daily headlines broadcast

• Search, review, and get special offers to local businesses on Store Around the Corner

• Read daily blog content from our partner This Week In Sarasota

• Enter or vote on our Weather Photo or Pet of the Month contests

• View our photo galleries and buy your favorite images

• Play the daily crossword puzzle

• W a t c h a r c h i v e d v i d e o s o n Yo u Tu b e . c o m / YourObserverVideo

WE’D LIKE TO KNOW What ZIP Code does your business use? Go

to www.lwrba.org to mark your business’s ZIP.

Sponsor Highlight

LWRBA Networking EventsWere You There?

January Luncheon

March Networking Social LWR Holiday Inn/Alamo

Memberfest

February Networking Social Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Photos courtesy of Amanda Vercheski

January Networking Social

Polo Grill & Bar

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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Welcome New Members!Anytime Fitness Lakewood Ranch

Applied Telecom SolutionsApproved Home Health

Bay Group Associates, LLCBetsy Benac, Republican for County Commission, District 7

Blue Door Spa & Salon | Buffalo LodgingCadence Bank | Central Payment | Certigy Inc.

Charles H. Wilson Construction CompanyCladdagh Home Watch LLCComplete Music of Sarasota

Conley Buick GMC | Contingency Telecom AuditingDefined Process

DOCTORS monthly news magazineDOSH Technology Partners, LLC

Eco Technologies, Inc. | Firkins Nissanj2 IT Services | JSC Services, Inc.

Jules Touch Hair SalonKeeton’s Office Supply Co, Inc. | Kirk-Pinkerton, P.A.

KnDino Social Media Marketing for Your BusinessLegacy Golf Club | Lost Creek Resort Apartments

Macys Termite and Pest Control CoMaduro’s Cigar & Bar

Mary Kay Independent Beauty ConsultantMediaVision Solutions

Montgomery’s CarpetsPlus ColortileNBI Suncontrol | Professional Advisory Group

Robert Moates for Manatee County School BoardSam’s Club | Sarasota Catering Company

Sarasota Orthopedic AssociatesSKYBOX Asset Management | SpringFin

Strategic Employee Benefit Services of Tampa Bay Inc.Suddath Relocation

The Anzellini Team at Keller Williams RealtyThe Center of Integrated MedicineTroyer’s Dutch Heritage Restaurant

Viking Private CapitalWorkplace Solutions Pros

April 4th – Wednesday 5:00-7:00pm – Networking Social / Annual Sponsor Showcase Polo Grill / Fete Ballroom Our generous sponsors will fill the Fete Catering Ballroom in April during their annual opportunity to exhibit their products and services to fellow Alliance members. Come on out and learn a bit more about what they offer and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be provided. Members FREE / Non-Members $20.

April 11th – Wednesday 7:30-9:00am – Breakfast of Champions: “Building a World Class Sports and Entertainment Brand” Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Tod Leiweke, CEO of Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, which includes the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Storm and the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Join Tod Leiwke, the man responsible for all business operations of the Lightning, Storm and the Times Forum. He will speak about the new Tampa Bay Lightning Identity, Tampa Bay Times Forum Upgrades and Community Focus. Members $20 / Non-Members $30. Thank you to our Event Sponsors: Ad-VANCE Talent Solutions, Inc., Boyd Insurance & Investment Services, Tidemark Financial Services & Insurance, and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP.

April 12th – Thursday 11:30am-1:30pm – Joint Legislative Wrap Up Luncheon Polo Grill / Fete Ballroom TIn the joint partnership of the HBA Manatee-Sarasota (HBA), Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (LWRBA) and the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange (GCBX) has scheduled its 3rd annual joint Florida Legislative Update forum for the 2012 legislative session. The Government Affairs Committees’ from each of the three organizations will serve as hosts for this annual event. Members of the three organizations are encouraged to attend and hear the comments from the local delegation giving their perspective on the just completed session and also the special session on redistricting matters. As time allows the delegation will take questions from the audience. The legislative delegation will consist of Senator Mike Bennett, District 21, House Representatives, Jim Boyd, District 68, Greg Steube District 67, Ray Pilon, District 70 and David Ramba a Tallahassee lobbyist. Members $25 / Non-Members $35.

April 18th – Wednesday 7:30-9:00am – Executive Briefing: “Networking that Works- The Ins & Outs, Do’s & Don’ts” Keiser University Marc Simms, CPBA, CPVA, RPM Business Advisors. Members $15 / Non-Members $25.

2nd Quarter 2012 - April / JuneFor more info or to RSVP for all events visit...www.lwrba.org

April 27th – 4th Annual “Puttin on the Ritz” Golf Outing Ritz Carlton Members Golf Club THIS ONE SELLS OUT FAST!! Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this great event! There are a limited number of opportunities available for sponsorships and player registrations, be sure to register soon. 1pm shotgun start.

May 3rd – Wednesday 5:00 – 7:00pm Networking Social : “Speed Networking” Polo Gri l l / Fete Ballroom Join Us for SPEED NETWORKING, Co-sponsored by the Manatee Herald-Tribune and Polo Grill. Participation in Speed Networking will only be open to Members at $10 each. General Admission is FREE for members and General Admission for Non-Members is $20. We will facilitate this timed event where each participant will have 1 minute to talk about who they are and what they do. Learn a bit more about your fellow Alliance members and then follow up with them to get to know them better. Don’t feel like participating… come out and watch. General networking will be going on during and after the event. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar will be provided. To participate, please arrive no later than 5pm, advance registration is REQUIRED.

May 16th – Wednesday 7:30-9:00am – Executive Briefing: “Protecting Your Intellectual Property - 10 Fatal Mistakes to Avoid”- Keiser University Presented by Doug Cherry, Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick. Members $15 / Non-Members $25.

May 30th – Wednesday 7:30am-9:00am – New Member Orientation Keiser University As we continue to grow, we are eager to meet some of the newest additions to the family. This is a chance to meet our Board of Directors and other fellow members. Come learn about all of the added value associated with your new LWRBA Membership, as well as upcoming events, website features, etc. New Members – FREE.

June 6th – Wednesday 5:00-7:00pm – Networking Social Lakewood Ranch - Broken Egg Mark your calendars. The Broken Egg in Lakewood Ranch is very excited to sponsor our monthly networking social from 5-7pm. Enjoy wonderful Food, Drinks and LIVE Music! Plus, there will be a fun twist that has “never been dared” at an event to allow our members to learn more about one another in a non-threatening way! More to come… Please dress as weather indicates. Event will be both indoors and outdoors on The Broken Egg’s beautiful patio. Advanced online registration is suggested as a courtesy to The Broken Egg who will be providing wonderful complimentary appetizers. A cash bar will be provided. Members – FREE / Non-Members $20.

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance CommitteesTake a look at the following LWRBA committees. Each chair has identified initial goals for the first quarter of this year. If you would like to join a committee, please email the committee chair(s) listed. Direct any questions to Robin Parsons, LWRBA Business Development Director, 941.757.1664 or Robin@LWRBA.org.

Membership Committee Stephen Ackoury (stephenackoury@synovusbankfl.com), Chair Victor Ernst (vernst@omegaofficesystems.com), Co-chair • Revamp the membership welcome kits to clearly provide membership benefits and opportunities. • Finalize membership policies and procedures. • Improve the mentorship program. Events Committee Annette Gueli (annette@notionsunlimited.com), Chair Pam Lutz (plutz@cornerstonesolutionsgroup.com), Co-chair • Create a tracking system for volunteer opportunities and responsibilities. • Streamline the monthly social event planning process to ensure value for members attending and increase visibility for sponsors. • Collaborate with other local organizations to create a networking partnership for members and to expand The Alliances’ reach. Programming Committee Marc Simms (msimms@rpmba.com), Chair Steve Hall (Shall@alltrustinsurance.com), Co-chair • Bring high quality dynamic speakers to the membership. • Leverage the Board and members for contacts to further The Alliance’s reach for speakers. Public Relations Committee Dee Zulauf (envizageink@gmail.com), Chair • Continue compiling and analyzing data from the Board of Directors and member surveys. • Help identify three initiatives for the 2012 year. • Develop the PR plan with measurable goals and implementation strategies. Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) Craig Cerreta (craig.cerreta@sothebysrealty.com), Chair • Define and share processes and procedures with The Alliance membership. • Seek more members for the GAC committee. • Promote legislative and candidate activities

Please reference the calendar on the back of this newsletter for the latest committee meetings if you’d like to get involved.