Lakewood Ranch community leaders are saluted with Sandies awards

Brittany Lamont, the president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, said she loves the annual Sandies awards program because its presents an opportunity to spread positively.

Indeed, there was plenty of positivity to go around Nov. 14 when the Sandies returned to the Grove in Lakewood Ranch.

"Every year we recognize people who give their time and talent," Lamont said. "I like it because it gives us a chance to not just recognize the businesses, but to recognize the people behind the businesses."

Willis Smith Construction's David Otterness, the former board chair for the nonprofit, collected the Bull by the Horns award, then told the packed room at the Grove, "I've gotten more out of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance than it ever got out of me."

Bree Carotti of Carotti Engineering, picked up the Networking Queen award, then gave her fellow LWRBA members a couple of tips.

"If you see someone who is shy and alone, why not walk up and start a conversation?" she said. "And act with confidence. Make sure you meet three new people at an event."

Steve Shenbaum was awarded the Ray of Sunshine award and he made sure to thank his team at Game On Nation.

"I am not a Ray of Sunshine every day with them," he said.

Other winners were Ashlyn McCarty (Above and Beyond), Shawna Hicks-Cranston (Community Champion), Thomas Machuga (Networking King), Marcus Walfridson (Rising Star), Lori Abramson (Best Rancher), and Dianne Kopczynski (Volunteer of the Year).