Alliance, Observer Partner for new awards

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and the East County Observer’s parent company, The Observer Group Inc., have partnered to recognize outstanding businesses and citizens in Lakewood Ranch.

As the organizations gear up for a special awards ceremony, dubbed the Sandies Awards, they are seeking the help of the community in recognizing Lakewood Ranch businesses with awards including Corporate Philanthropy, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

“We want to showcase all of Lakewood Ranch because it truly is a place where you live, work and play,” Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President Bobbi Larson said. “We’re encouraging people from the community to nominate (businesses and people).”

Nominations will be accepted through July 29.

“I’ve always felt like it would be a good thing to do in the Lakewood Ranch area — to recognize good deeds, good achievements,” The Observer Group Editor and CEO Matt Walsh said. “A few months ago, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance was wanting to do the same thing (and asked us about getting involved).

“We think that it’s a good thing for the newspaper to recognize people who are making good contributions to the community,” Walsh said.

Organizers also are seeking sponsors for the Sandies Awards event, which will be a corporate awards dinner at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 5, at The Polo Grill and Bar’s Fête Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop. Tickets are $65.

“We don’t want it to be your normal business awards luncheon,” Larson said. “Think Grammys — a glamorous feel.”

Larson noted many organizations, including the Manatee Community Foundation, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and both the Manatee and Sarasota county economic development groups, already have awards programs in place but said the Sandies give the alliance a chance to recognize its members specifically.

Alliance Business Development Director Robin Parsons agreed, noting the alliance is a member-driven organization and much of its growth and accomplishments can be attributed directly to the involvement of its members.

“Partnering with The Observer Group on this endeavor has allowed us to create synergy between the residents of Lakewood Ranch and our members which we feel will be a win-win for all involved,” she said.

Organizers hope to make the Sandies an annual event, Larson said.

The alliance currently boasts about 440 members with 1,300 associate members.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

The Sandies
Businesses eligible for nomination must have been in business for at least three years and members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. Individuals selected for the Lakewood Ranch Citizen of the Year also must be residents of Lakewood of at least three years. For more, visit www.LWRBA.org or www.YourObserver.com.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
Award recognizes one individual for best demonstrating the characteristics of entrepreneurs and the spirit of entrepreneurism. Individual must be an owner, partner or top executive of the business, must demonstrate leadership in his or her company, and must demonstrate integrity, a commitment to excellence and a proven record of success.

Corporate Philanthropy Award
Award recognizes an organization or business that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial and volunteer support, encouraging others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and volunteer service.

Lakewood Ranch Citizen of the Year Award
Award honors a resident of Lakewood Ranch for his or her individual accomplishments and special contributions to the growth, enrichment and enhancement of the community.

Primary consideration should be exemplary service to the local/county community in a single or multiple initiatives over multiple years, and service should be beyond what is recognized in his or her job description.

Business of the Year Award
Award recognizes a business that has an exemplary reputation with its customers, employees and the community. Business should have consistent sales growth and profitability, deliver superior products or services and make exceptional contributions to the betterment of Lakewood Ranch.