Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance presents its annual Sandies awards

Lakewood Ranch's Cherri Kessler remembered being a part of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance committee that created the Sandies. 

She explained the Sandies are named after the Sandhill cranes that roam around Lakewood Ranch. 

After 18 years as a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Kessler was awarded with her own Sandies award during the annual awards luncheon Nov. 15 at the Grove. 

She received the Networking Queen award, which is given to a "female member who embodies the 'power of connection' by connecting members with each other and provides referrals for future opportunities."

Kessler said winning the award was overwhelming. 

"It's just very flattering," she said. "I'm very honored because I've just been a part of this organization for so long. It's like family."

Kessler said initially, to her, networking was about simply going into the community to obtain more business. But it has evolved into building connections and relationships and using all the businesses as tools for her clients, family and neighbors. 

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance handed out 10 awards in total. 

Eric Konovalov with The Goal Guide won the top award, the Volunteer of the Year. 

Volunteer of the Year goes to "a volunteer who has shown the most extraordinary dedication and commitment to the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and its mission throughout the last year."

Konovalov said the alliance reminded him of the U.S. Marine Corps., which he joined at 17 years old. 

"The reason why I don't even feel like I'm volunteering here is because (Alliance President and CEO) Brittany's (Lamont) leadership and her small but mighty team embody all those values," he said. "It's like I'm working with the Marines again. They get the mission done no matter what."

Maribeth Phillips, who has been guiding Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee through post-hurricane recovery, was awarded the Bull by the Horns award, and Lakewood Ranch Communities' own Nicole Hackel was presented with the Rising Star award.

The other winners were:

• Lee Kotwicki of State College of Florida, Sarasota-Manatee (Above and Beyond)
• Jamie Kahns of Bank of America (Community Champion)
• Henry Decoo of Entech (Networking King)
• River Young of Mauldin & Jenkin (Ray of Sunshine)
• Annemarie Graff of Bank of OZK (Best Rancher)
• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (Company Community Champion)