The 2024 Sandies Awards
Every year, the Sandies recognizes members, chosen by their peers, for their remarkable talents, character, and commitment to the Alliance and community. “The Sandies” awards actively support and celebrate The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s mission to serve, help develop and unify area businesses through a powerful partnership with other community organizations and governmental institutions. LWRBA is dedicated to providing leadership, resources and business development to foster and advocate for the businesses and their employees of Lakewood Ranch.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
PRESENTED BY
THE BANK OF TAMPA
The Above and Beyond award will be given to a member who is always ready to give, and is the first person to raise their hand when help is needed.
Lee Kotwicki
State College of Florida,
Manatee-Sarasota
BEST RANCHER
PRESENTED BY
ENTECH
Awarded to the most dedicated and highly motivated member who has invited or referred the highest number of new Alliance members.
Annemarie Graff
Bank OZK
BULL BY THE HORNS
PRESENTED BY
RITE TECHNOLOGY
The Bull by the Horns award pays tribute to the person who takes control and embraces leadership, provides guidance, advice and a positive direction for others.
Maribeth Phillips
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
PRESENTED BY
WILLIS SMITH CONSTRUCTION
This award recognizes an individual who has shown strong support of the community and the LWRBA. They have humbly served our community with their outreach and exemplified "service above self."
Jamie Kahns
Bank of America
COMPANY COMMUNITY CHAMPION
PRESENTED BY
LAKEWOOD RANCH BUSINESS ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This award recognizes a Company who has shown strong support of the community and the LWRBA. They have humbly served our community with their outreach and exemplified "service above self."
SRQ Airport
NETWORKING KING
PRESENTED BY
SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTH
CARE SYSTEM
The Networking King award is presented to a male member who embodies “The Power of Connection” by connecting members with each other and provides referrals for future opportunities.
Henry Decoo
Entech
NETWORKING QUEEN
PRESENTED BY
FLORIDA BLUE
The Networking Queen Award is presented to a female member who embodies “The Power of Connection” by connecting members with each other and provides referrals for future opportunities.
Cherri Kessler
Hancock Whitney Bank
RAY OF SUNSHINE
PRESENTED BY
CORE CONSTRUCTION
The Ray of Sunshine award goes to the most uplifting, cheerful and inspirational individual who is committed to sharing positive energy.
River Yang
Mauldin & Jenkins
RISING STAR
PRESENTED BY
KERKERING BARBERIO
The Rising Star award honors an Alliance member who is already making significant professional contributions that showcase their talents, enthusiasm and dedication to our community.
Nicole Hackel
Lakewood Ranch Communities
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA
ERIC KONOVALOV
The Goal Guide
Presenting Sponsor
