LAKEWOOD RANCH -- The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance plans to strengthen its new legislative arm this year to shape government policy impacting its members.
The alliance has grown from primarily a networking group eight years ago to an organization now helping about 470 members achieve business success.
Alliance leaders said Wednesday the next step in their development will heavily involve the recently formed Pro Business Ranch, a break off entity that raises money for endorsed candidates and highlights issues that affect Lakewood Ranch businesses.
“Everybody’s excited about this presidential election; that’s the big thing,” said Craig Cerreta, chairman of the Business Alliance Governmental Affairs subcommittee. “But we’re not interested in that. We’re involved more locally. That’s where the rubber meets the road, and decisions are made that impact businesses.”
Hundreds of alliance members gathered Wednesday at the Polo Grill and Bar in Lakewood Ranch for the year’s first luncheon to recap 2011 and discuss the strategic plan for 2012.
With elections on the forefront, board members said the new legislative arm will become a crucial component to their success moving forward. Among others, the organization will vet candidates, raise money to get those it endorsed elected and lobby on behalf of member businesses.
The group already has endorsed a number of local candidates, including the re-election of Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube and Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight. It also has scheduled an informational seminar Feb. 8 to highlight the impact of redistricting.
“This political arm will enable us to have a greater influence on business policy,” said immediate past chairman Bobbi Larson. “What’s good for Lakewood Ranch is good for Manatee and Sarasota.”
During the luncheon, the business alliance touted the need to focus on continued membership growth while working on ways to better serve current members through enhanced education and marketing.
The group also plans to place a heavier emphasis on economic development through a more regional approach.
“When we look at some of the things going on from an economic prospective, we can all agree these have been some trying times,” Chairman Brian Volner said. “I believe we’ve seen the worst of those times.”
Josh Salman, Herald business writer, can be reached at 941-745-7095.
