Board Members
Larry Bell
President
Larry Bell was locally raised and owns several businesses including Powered By Belltech and Belltech Computer Solutions. Larry believes supporting and participating in the community is and always has been important. Belltech is the online marketing agency and web developer for large restaurant, property groups such as The Crabby Bill’s Family Brands and the Decade Group while focused on municipalities like the City of Belleair Bluffs as the cities IT Specialist and Webmaster.
Belltech also supports local politicians through this effort, such as being the Public Relations Specialist for the Mayor of Belleair Bluffs, Chris Arbutine. Larry also works closely with the local Chambers of Commerce and is the North Beaches Representative for the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber and member of the FACP (Florida Association of Chamber Professionals).
Dr. Kimberly Bender
Vice President
Dr. Kimberly Bender is a graduate of Clearwater High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of South Florida in 1990. She attended Life University graduating magna cum laude as she received her Doctorate in Chiropractic in 1994. There she was awarded high achievement status as she served as a senior intern.
Dr Bender also is a professor at SPC where she teaches Nutrition and Anatomy & Physiology. She opened her practice in Belleair Bluffs in 1995 and has been serving Belleair Bluffs and the surrounding communities for 25 years.
Stacy Myers
Secretary
Stacy Myers serves as the Ambassador Chair for the Bluffs Business Association. She is a dynamic and influential business leader with a strong presence in the community. As the owner of Party Pirates on The Rocks, a local non-profit that supports the Florida Sheriffs Ranch, 50 Legs, and other local charity & non-profit, and Vista Beds and Beaches, Stacy has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills and a commitment to fostering local business growth.
With her extensive experience and deep community connections, Stacy plays a pivotal role in the BBA. Her leadership and dedication are instrumental in driving our initiatives and supporting our mission to empower local businesses. Stacy’s passion for community service and her proactive approach to business development make her an invaluable asset to our organization.
Kyle Blakeman
Treasurer – Bluffs Business Association
Kyle Blakeman proudly serves as the Branch Manager of Regions Bank in Belleair Bluffs, where he leads with integrity, financial expertise, and a strong commitment to relationship banking. With a passion for helping local businesses grow and individuals achieve their financial goals, Kyle has become a trusted resource within our community.
As an active member of the Belleair Rotary Club, Kyle believes in service above self and understands the importance of leadership, stewardship, and community engagement. His dedication to local businesses and community organizations has made him a valued member of the Bluffs Business Association.
Kyle has consistently supported the BBA and its mission to empower local businesses through collaboration, networking, and education. We are proud to welcome him into the leadership role of Treasurer, where his financial insight and commitment to accountability will serve our members well.
Branch Manager – Regions Bank, Belleair Bluffs
Patty Ruppel
Membership Development
Patty Ruppel is a 47 year resident of the Belleair area. After moving to Belleair from Indiana Patty began a 10 year long career in banking working as an officer in the Foreign Exchange and Money Management areas of the bank and later serving as a Banking Center Manager and Vice President of Consumer Lending. While in banking she met her husband David and started their family raising 4 children all of which live in this area.
Patty is currently the Advancement Coordinator for St. Patrick School and serves on their School Advisory Council. She overseas their major fundraising efforts including their annual Fun Fair Carnival and Pot O Gold Silent Auction.
Dr. Kathie Erwin
Community Outreach
Dr. Kathie Erwin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Professor in Masters Counseling for Divine Mercy University. She came to Florida on scholarship to Eckerd College and never wanted to leave! As a Master Field Traumatologist, Dr Erwin trains student teams and local providers in psychological first aid during international deployments including Romania, India, Trinidad and Ukraine.
She is also a Fulbright Specialist serving at University of Iceland (her “second home’). She has a MA Counseling (Liberty University) and EdD in Counseling Psychology (University of Sarasota). She is a PROFESSOR in Masters Counseling for Divine Mercy University. Dr Erwin and family have lived in the Bluffs communities for 30 years.
PATRICK J LEPEAK DDS
Communications Director
Born and raised in Michigan in the Bay City area. Earned a degree – B.S. Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Employed by Dow Corning Corporation, working there for nearly 10 years. Returned to the U of Michigan and earned a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Moved with wife and three children to Florida to begin the practice of dentistry. Located in Belleair Bluffs and began a solo practice in dentistry.
I love: God, family, music, sports, & giving back. Favorite saying:
“For everyone to whom much if given, of him shall much be required”, -Bible, Luke
Website Sponsors
We are grateful for the support of our website sponsors. Their contributions help us maintain and enhance our online presence, allowing us to provide valuable resources and information to our members and the community. Thank you to our sponsors for their dedication and support.
