Businesspeople from across Sarasota and Manatee counties gathered at Robarts Arena for the seventh annual East Meets West Business Expo on Sept. 2.
By
Kristen Herhold
| 11:19 a.m. September 3, 2015
Longboat Key
Business
Share
“It’s a great partnership and an opportunity not only for businesses but also for members and residents.” — Heather Kasten, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance executive director
Businesspeople from across Sarasota and Manatee counties gathered at Robarts Arena for the seventh annual East Meets West Business Expo on Sept. 2.
More than 90 exhibitors had booths at the event, which was sponsored by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, and guests were treated to food, prizes and networking opportunities.
“It brings two important areas of Sarasota and Manatee counties together,” Gail Loefgren, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce president said. “It’s a nice thing.”
Adam and Jessie Miller, of Lakewood Ranch Living
Laurie Kelly and Kathleen Cucci, of Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota Urgent Care
Karen Conkel, of Rodan & Fields, with Levi, a Southeastern Guide Dog in Training
Executive Chef Victor Ruiz and Owner Darrin Simone, of the Ranch Grill
Penelope Mabrey, of SERVEPRO of Bradenton, and Vince LaPorta, of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce
Amy Ploegstra, of Sarasota County Tax Collector
President David McCulla and Crystal Grim, of International Construction Consultants
Owner Leslie Harb and General Manager Gillian McClellan, of Fast N Fresh
Kyanne Merrill and Missy Oberly, of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities
Chris Pfeffer, of Gallagher MGA
Rachel Merz, of Culver’s, with Scoopie
Debbie Shaffer, of Henson Mechanical
Gina Sauer and Eboni Curri, of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida
Kristin Fourie and Shirley Gallo, of Lighthouse Property Management
Jason Russell, Executive Chef Stephanie Klos and Veronica Bicarro, of Chart House
Marketing Director Elizabeth Reynolds and President and CEO Tina Darling, of High Impact Target Marketing
Gail Loefgren, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce president, and Heather Kasten, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance executive director
