More than 4,000 workers over the past years completed training through the CareerEdge Funders Collaborative over the past seven years, resulting in more than $20 million work of increased earnings, according to a regional economic impact study released last week. “It’s evidence to show the system changes we have made in the community,” says Mireya Eavey, CareerEdge executive director.

As the program continues, continued efforts in boosting credentials within the nursing profession will drive efforts at the collaborative, according to Eavey. The study noted that 52 percent of nurses at Sarasota Memorial Hospital now hold bachelor’s degrees, putting the hospital ahead of the state average. CareerEdge in particular helped enrolled 88 nurses in bachelor’s programs, and has seen 52 graduate since CareerEdge launched in 2010. 

Health care became the first major industry targeted by CareerEdge because at the peak of the recession, that professional field was among the only ones in the region with high demand for more employees. Eavey notes that as participants in CareerEdge programs build their credentials and get promoted into higher positions on the career ladder, it creates more entry-level job openings in fields as well.

“Wage increases then translate into economic impact in our community and help determine whether someone can buy a house, build assets, have greater savings,” Eavey says. “The wages help the economy all around.” In health care in particular, she says, the improvements also help the overall health of the community, producing additional economic and cultural benefits to the Gulf Coast. It’s helped further the reputation of Sarasota Memorial, Eavey says, and contributed to the public hospital being one of the highest rated institutions in the state.

The report also noted gains in young adult learning, with the program helping to cover the cost of internships for 90 interns at 44 area employers. Surveys of the interns showed satisfaction in the learning provided at employees and confidence in their own professional futures.  

The Herald-Tribune has a new home at 1777 Main St. in Downtown Sarasota. The space is comprised of three floors and almost 30,000 sq. ft. of extensive renovations resulting in an industrial-style open concept work environment. Jackson & Associates General Contractors was employed by GateHouse Media (owners of the Herald-Tribune) to manage the construction and interior finishes due to its vast experience in restoration and renovation projects. The new organic floor plan, with its raised ceilings intentionally exposed, allows the client to take advantage of the highly sought-after downtown views as well as providing for natural light via the expansive windows. A sense of preservation was adopted on the ninth floor with the restoration of eight original solid mahogany doors, along with the trim and woodwork throughout. The fourth floor is home to advertising employees, the fifth floor to newsroom employees and the ninth floor houses the administrative and executive offices, along with a large 1,300 sq. ft. community room. The community room was designed for both internal as well as community use, with audio/visual equipment and prep areas. 

Jackson & Associates General Contractors

Jennifer Fowler-Hermes, a board-certified specialist in labor and employment law with Williams Parker, recently participated as a co-presenter at the Florida Association of Legal Support Specialists’ 19th Annual Membership Meeting, held in Sarasota. The presentation, “Beyond the Hemline: Using Fashion to Recognize Employment Law Issues in the Workplace,” addressed several labor and employment law issues, including religious accommodation, Florida domestic violence leave, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the transgender workforce, gender bias, medical marijuana and employment policies. Fowler-Hermes represents private, public, for-profit and not-for-profit employers of all sizes in litigation matters and assists employers in managing risks to avoid litigation. Her experience includes representing clients before state and federal courts and administrative agencies in many employment matters, including claims under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Florida Uniform Trade Secrets Act, whistleblower/retaliation laws and employment law torts. She also serves as a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit mediator and as editor of The Williams Parker Labor & Employment Blog. 

Williams Parker

Manatee County Utilities and Public Works departments will host a meeting Tuesday for the public to learn more about a major underground waterline replacement coming to Anna Maria Island this fall. The meeting will be held at CrossPointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach from 4:30–6pm. The Anna Maria Island Force Main Pipe Replacement Project will begin during the summer of 2017. A brief presentation begins at 4:30 p.m. after which guests are invited to view the project design boards. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide additional information related to this project. The major project will replace aging water and sewer lines and other utility work along Gulf Drive from Cortez Road to just north of Manatee Avenue. Additional details will be posted beginning June 1 to the project website below. The presentation, project fact sheet, and applicable graphic images from the meeting will be available for download. 

Anna Maria Island Pipe Replacement