Alliance speaks with growing business voice

LAKEWOOD RANCH --- The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is a group whose mission is to provide a voice for Lakewood Ranch business.
In its fourth year, the Alliance has grown to 250 members and that voice is getting louder and louder."The members are very loyal," said Robin Parsons, the Alliance's business development director.

Alliance membership is open to all area businesses, whether located in Lakewood Ranch or not.
The group provides its members many opportunities to network.

For one, members meet 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other month for a presentation and lunch at Fete Ballroom at the Polo Grill on Main Street.
New this year, is a series of networking meetings from 5 to 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month.

The new networking events are free to members and $10 for nonmembers.

"We select different venues throughout Lakewood Ranch to showcase," Parsons said.
The organization has also created a new breakfast series, "Executive Briefing," to help educate its members.

The briefing will always be the third Wednesday of every month from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Keiser University. It runs $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers, same as the lunch price.

Through its Web site, www.LWRBA, members can pay online, scour the membership list for networking opportunities and blog.
Membership fees for joining the Alliance range from $125 to $300 annually, depending on the size of the business, whether it is located in Lakewood Ranch or not and other factors, Parsons said.
For more information, call 757-1664.