Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance takes a swing at networking

If Jessica Courtney of Spartan Air Solutions and Melissa Weiman of Trademark Roofing can agree on one thing, it is that roofing and air go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

That is why they handed out Uncrustables (frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches) as a vendor during the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's annual fundraiser. The Ranch Scramble took place at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club March 30. 

Both of their businesses, which are LWRBA members, work toward the same goal — educating and assisting customers to the best of their abilities.

"It's beautiful," Courtney said. "It's exciting that we can collaborate and show that individually we are great, but together we're better." 

Brittany Lamont, the president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, said the alliance is proud to bring local businesses together, both to golf and showcase their businesses. She said the tournament is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the alliance.

Chad Choate of Level Four Group said he loves the opportunity to spend time with friends. 

"The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance always puts on a great Ranch Scramble," Choate said. 

Wayne Parrish is the chair of the board of directors for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. He said it is incredible to see so many members of the community come together, whether they already do business together or are meeting for the first time.

"What I hear from other people is the alliance is different from other membership organizations around the area," Parrish said. "Everybody says it feels like more of a family."

Parrish encourages any local business members to join the alliance and join a committee in order to get the most engagement as possible.