SRQ DAILY Dec 12, 2022
Monday Business Edition
"Companies are in this situation for a variety of reasons."
Florida ranks lower than any other state when it comes to women on corporate boards. But a new initiative in the region aims to change that by connecting companies with qualified women and ensuring more female businesspeople have the right credentials to fill roles.
Lucie Lapovsky, the principal for Longboat Key-based Lapovsky Consulting, has worked with the University of Tampa to develop research on board make-up for companies on the Russell 3000 Index, which includes 117 Florida companies.
“I had been aware for many years that women are significantly under-represented on boards of major companies,” Lapovsky said. “I didn’t know we're bottom of the barrel.”
Less than 25% of board positions in Florida are filled by women, compared more than 28% of positions nationwide, the UT research shows. Just 7% of Florida companies have gender-balanced board, meaning at least 40% of the board make-up is female. By comparison about 11% of companies on the Russell 3000 Index meet the balance threshold.
The Florida Corporate Board Diversity Initiative aims to change the situation. Lapovsky said it wants to do so not only by spotlighting the problems but showcasing companies leading the way. The effort has publicly recognized companies in the state that have balanced boards, including Bradenton-based First Watch.
But the initiative is also reaching out to companies with underrepresentation. Last year, 11 companies were identified that had no women on boards. One of those businesses, IRadimed Corporation, worked with the initiative and now has one women on its board.
The initiative has built a list of some 750 women already eligible to serve on corporate boards and works with businesses with low representation to connect them with suitable candidates. In some cases, Lapovsky said, companies have created new positions to immediately add that diversity rather than wait for a vacancy to open up.
“We are not looking for headlines calling out companies,” Lapovsky said. “Companies are in this situation for a variety of reasons. They may not have had much board turnover. But we are working quietly with them to improve.”
Lapovsky, who also chairs the Suncoast chapter of the International Women’s Forum, also constantly works with women in the business world who could become board-eligible, thereby increasing the number of candidates who can fill positions. 
Graphic courtesy Florida Corporate Board Diversity Initiative.
In the December 2022 edition of SRQ Magazine, we interviewed Doug Feller, Chief Executive Officer of Village On The Isle as part of our In Conversation feature on aging gracefully. Below is an excerpt published in the magazine in which he shares his insights with SRQ readers.
What advice would you give or do you give to the loved ones in your life as to how to plan for the late stages of life?
I tell my kids even where they are now, find something that you love to do and go be the best at it. Everything else will fall into place. A lot of people choose careers because that's where the money is but I tell them that’s secondary. Your happiness comes first. Go find a job that you never have to take a vacation from because you love what you do every single day. I truly think that from the financial standpoint, from the planning, we as parents just need to do a good job of instilling the importance of planning. I had wonderful parents that taught me how to plan. My parents' problem is they don't get out and enjoy anything they plan so well. They don't enjoy life. You’ve gotta enjoy your life at the same time, not just prepare for the worst. That may or may not happen.
Local architect David Morrison recently launched TWO Architects; a design intensive architecture practice focused on sustainable solutions. Based in Sarasota, the practice specializes in custom residential and private commercial work. As a small practice, TWO Architects strives to provide a boutique experience: a client-driven process that provides clarity at every step of the way and integrates client feedback within the iterative design progression. With over eight years of experience at award-winning architecture and design-build firms in Sarasota, David brings his knowledge about constructability to the design process alongside his high expectations for excellence in context-responsive design. He is communicative and direct, invested in the client experience of a TWOproject, and in endless pursuit of the clear concept diagram that survives through to construction. David earned his Master of Architecture at the University of South Florida in 2014 and is a licensed architect in the state of Florida. Prior to founding TWO Architects, David completed numerous high-end custom residential and commercial projects as both the Project Architect/Manager (design) and On-Site Superintendent (build). For more information about TWO Architects, please visit www.TWOarchitects.com or call (941) 203-3535.
Join us at Financial Access Federal Credit Union, where we strive to remove barriers and provide access to capital for your business. We provide flexibility and a consultative approach to lending. You never have to feel alone when seeking capital for your business. We also provide financial and operational support from our network of partners. We are much more than a traditional lending institution. Helping your business grow with innovative and flexible loan products and non-traditional underwriting is what we strive to do. We also provide credit-building assistance along with products and strategies if needed. This is the “Financial Access Difference.”
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Contact us today at 941-748-7704 or visit our website at www.financialaccessfcu.org to start growing your access.
Community members, leaders, and stakeholders with an expertise and passion for helping Sarasota County recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ian are invited to attend the Sarasota County Long Term Recovery Group Kick-off Meeting. As Sarasota County moves into the long term recovery phase our community is relying on us to be strategic and
collaborative in our approach. By establishing a Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) we can achieve just that! A Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) is a cooperative body that is made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, government, business and other organizations working within a community to assist individuals and families as they
recover from disaster. Our community rallied in the most impressive ways to meet the short term needs of basic necessities right after the hurricane and we would ask that you join us in rallying once again to meet the long term needs of our community! Community members who are interested in finding out how to help our community recover from Hurricane Ian are encouraged to attend the Long Term Recovery Group Kick-off Meeting on December 13, 2022 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. This meeting will be held at the Emergency Operations Center at 6050 Porter Way, Sarasota. Please register using the link below or by calling the United Way of South Sarasota County office at 941-484-4811. All are welcome to attend this meeting and learn more!
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman presented several awards during a ceremony Thursday to recognize employees who demonstrated exemplary service to their community. Sergeant Britton Turner and Deputy Karla Small received the Heroic Achievement Award. Deputies Josh Snow and James Barley each received a Life Saving Award. “The individuals who receive these awards are those who truly go above and beyond the call of duty,” commented Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. “Our community can be extremely proud of these heroic acts and the deputies who brought them to fruition.”
Broker-Associate Anne Thomas has joined the Sarasota office of RE/MAX Alliance Group as team leader for the Anne Thomas Group. A 17-year resident of the area, she brings extensive market knowledge, strong negotiation skills and 32 years of real estate expertise, last serving with RE/MAX Tropical Sands on Siesta Key. Thomas is a consistent top producer, earning numerous awards including the RE/MAX Platinum Club Team Award for 2021, the RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award for 2013, and the Five Star Real Estate Agent Award from 2007 to 2022. Her commitment to professionalism is reflected in her numerous designations, including Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification (SFR), and the Real Estate Owned bank-owned properties certification (REO). She received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Washington in Seattle, and attended a master’s degree program at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. Prior to becoming a Realtor, she was a loan closer in the commercial and private banking industry. She enjoys kayaking, jet skiing, snow skiing, boating and the arts, and is a purebred Brahman cattle owner. She has been active on numerous Realtor Association committees and supports Greyhound Friends, Children's Miracle Network, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and St. Matthew's House. The RE/MAX Alliance Group Sarasota office is located at 2000 Webber Street, Sarasota, Florida 34239. Thomas can be reached at (941) 993-7700 or info@sarasotapremierestates.com.
Meet the region's 35 Under 35 Awards Honorees for the 2022 program produced by SRQ Magazine to recognize young professionals who are taking a leadership position at their company and in the community. Learn more about Marissa Rossnagle, Vice President of Phycisian Relations and Marketing at US Eye!
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Marissa is responsible for conceptualizing and leading the marketing initiatives for over 60 medical practice locations across the Southeastern United States. Having started her career seven years ago as Marketing Director at Center For Sight in Sarasota, FL, the fl agship practice of US Eye, she uses her skillset and industry knowledge to amplify the marketing strategy for US Eye practices and its providers.
Amore Restaurant has decided to extend Savor Sarasota Menu through December 18th (not combined with any other offer and, not available on special occasions). Savor Sarasota is a 3 course menu dinner for $35.00 per person. The restaurant offers a Portuguese and an Italian menu. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 9PM. Fridays and Sundays 5 to 9:30pm. With indoor and outdoor seating available. Easy and free parking. Menu can be viewed here:https://www.amorelbk.com/savor-sarasota/
Sarasota Film Society is proud to present "Movies For Heroes", a year long Salute to our Military. Active, Non-Active, Retired Personnel & their family are welcomed to join us once a month at 11am at Burns Court & Lakewood Ranch Cinemas starting in January of 2022 for a year of free movie screenings. 10% of the concession sales from these screenings will go to Wounded Warrior Project. Space is limited, reserve your tickets today. Location Burns Court Cinemas 506 Burns Court Sarasota, FL 34236.
506 Burns Court Sarasota, FL 34236
A Decade of Collecting brings together a survey of artworks acquired for the permanent collection over the past eleven years. As the State Art Museum of Florida and a division of Florida State University, The Ringling’s collections are constantly expanding to provide our state and local community with access to current contemporary works in all media and thoughtful additions to our historic collections. Though the core of the collection has always been the works acquired by John and Mable Ringling, the museum’s holdings have been expanding ever since the State of Florida took full possession of the bequest in 1946. In the early years, these additions were mainly in pre-1800 European art and circus-related material, but over the second half of the 20th century, directors and curators also began acquiring works by modern and contemporary artists. A Decade of Collecting presents a unique snapshot of how The Ringling’s collection continues to evolve, allowing us to tell new stories of the past, present, and future. Visit ringling.org to plan your visit.
Museum of Art Searing Galleries
Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local schools will provide musical entertainment on the Bolger Campiello. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan, and the Circus Museum. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation. $15 Adult / $5 Child. Guests are encouraged to shop in the Museum Store, which has a large selection of toys under $20. Please enter through the Visitors Pavilion.
Wellen Park is lighting up the holiday season in its own signature style with a Bright Bike parade, lessons in mixology, the spirit of giving, a visit from Santa, and so much more. Throughout December, Wellen Park is hosting family-friendly and age-restricted events at its Welcome Center, which are complemented by CoolToday Park’s annual Braves Jingle Jam and Tomahawk 5K. “The holidays really capture the essence of Wellen Park and its emphasis on joy, heartfelt connections and community,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing of Wellen Park. “We have planned many fun, meaningful experiences that are unique to Wellen Park for families to create memories they will cherish for years to come.” The upcoming events take place in the Welcome Center, 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, overlooking Downtown Wellen, where the first phase of the region’s newest gathering hub is nearing completion. From the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, now through Dec. 4, to a fun-filled weekend of festivities, Dec. 16-17, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays at Wellen Park.December’s fun-filled calendar reflects the vibrant spirit of Wellen Park and foreshadows a full winter season of activities and events beginning in mid-January 2023 with the opening of Downtown Wellen’s outdoor amenities. Most activities are free and open to the public, with advance registration required for some events. For more information or to register, visit wellenpark.com/events.
Festive Food & Drink This year, the resort will be bringing back its lavish Grand Ballroom festive dining experiences – a guest and local favorite. The experiences will kick off with a Christmas Day Brunch featuring a traditional feast curated by the resort’s master chefs. Followed by an exquisite Christmas Grand Ballroom Brunch featuring chef-attended action stations. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners are also available for guest reservations at Jack Dusty and Ridley’s Porch, both serving seasonally themed menus. In the lobby, overnight guests can indulge in daily surprise and delight experiences including culinary creations from the resort’s talented chefs, après-sun hand-shaved ice-cold snow cones, decadent holiday-inspired shooters, morning fresh squeezed juices, and more. Club Lounge guests will enjoy exclusive culinary programming and offerings like Autumn Sangria, cookie decorating and hot cocoa, twelve-days of Christmas champagne pairings, and more.
Adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas. Directed by Peter Amster. Harrowing adventure, bravery, and friendship take center stage in Ken Ludwig's THE THREE MUSKETEERS, a thrilling adaptation of the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas. One of the world’s most enduring comedies, this classic tells the tale of a daring young man who finds himself in the company of the world’s greatest swordsmen, as well as some of the world’s most dangerous men and women. Directed by Peter Amster, who most recently directed Asolo Rep’s smash hit Murder on the Orient Express in 2020, this play promises to be a fast-paced, witty, swashbuckling good time. All for one, and one for all!
Asolo Repertory Theatre
The hilarious new play CHICKEN & BISCUITS introduces us to the Jenkins family, as they gather to celebrate the life of their beloved and recently deceased father and grandfather, the Revered Bernard Jenkins. When an unexpected guest reveals a secret, they all discover that nothing brings a family together like a big side of drama. This side-splitting new Broadway comedy explores the tenderness of family, the joy of reconciliation, and the nourishing power of love. Written by Broadway newcomer Douglas Lyons and directed by the talented Bianca LaVerne Jones, who was associate director of the 2021 Broadway production, CHICKEN & BISCUITS proves that while family may drive us crazy, we’re lucky to have each other.
Asolo Repertory Theatre
The 25th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival. The iconic three-day Festival, organized by and benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, is scheduled for February 17-19 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Continuous live music will be featured throughout the weekend, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor seating in front of the stage. The Festival plans to feature over 100 vendors, a 17-class bike show, a motorcycle stereo sound off competition, motorcycle freestyle demonstrations, a tented full bar area with seating, a “little riders” kid zone, a food court, “Thunder Alley” inside Robarts Arena and so much more! For tickets, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities, and a complete listing of all Festival events visit: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG | (941) 487-7904.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
Book by John Michael Tebelak. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Godspell touches on the parables and wisdom that grapple with maybe the most important mystery of all. It was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and took the world by storm led by the international hit, “Day by Day.” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.” March 9-19, 2023. For tickets visit theplayers.org, Ph. 941-365-2494, email BoxOffice@ThePlayers.org
The Players Centre For Performing Arts, Performance Venue & Box Office The Crossings at Siesta Key 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 Sarasota, FL 34239
THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN by Franky D. Gonzalez. A World Premiere. June 9 - July 9, 2023. Urbanite Theatre. Glory. Survival. Legacy. Citizenship. Four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But to get there, they must battle each other, their own battered bodies, and the universe itself. All four men walk the line between life and death in this poignant, poetic collision of combat and cosmos. For tickets and info contact - phone (941) 321-1397, email info@urbanitetheatre.com, website www.urbanitetheatre.com.
Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236
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