Business organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties have joined forces to connect displaced workers with employers who need to fill staffing demands brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Employers can post jobs and workers can search for them at JobFocus.com, a service hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Additional partners are Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp., CareerEdge, CareerSource Suncoast, Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County and Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.


Also supporting the initiative are Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce, North Port Area Chamber of Commerce and Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. Many residents in Sarasota and Manatee counties have lost their jobs through no fault of their own as business operations have been adversely affected by the pandemic. The hospitality sector has been especially hard-hit. At the same time, other businesses that are struggling to meet increased demand for products and services need employees now. Examples include grocers, health care supply businesses, distribution and logistics, and some types of manufacturing. Many employers are willing to train new employees.

The JobFocus.com partners are cooperating on an information campaign to get the word out about the web platform to encourage employers in Manatee and Sarasota counties to post jobs and workers to search for them.

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