SARASOTA, Fla. – Nov. 9, 2020 – The Regions Foundation, the nonprofit initiative of Regions Bank that supports community investments, announced Monday a $50,000 grant to CareerEdge, the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
“CareerEdge is changing the landscape in how to prepare people for jobs that are in high demand across Southwest Florida,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “The financial support from Regions Foundation will help more students find their purpose, train for better jobs and connect to employers ready to hire. Regions Foundation is pleased to support CareerEdge and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce to help further its mission.”
The Regions Foundation grant will help CareerEdge provide salary reimbursement to employers for on-the-job training, provide internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and increase existing workforce talent by offering salary reimbursement for those that complete CareerEdge’s Fast Track Training (FTT). The training is a way for employers to quickly fill in-demand openings and create access to career pathways with opportunities for future promotions.
Our workforce here in Southwest Florida is second to none, thanks to the great work of CareerEdge.
Gerhard Toth, Sarasota market executive for Regions Bank
“CareerEdge is honored to receive this investment and community partnership from the Regions Foundation to expand our impact in advancing individuals into higher wage careers,” said Mireya Eavey, executive vice president of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce/CareerEdge.
The grant also allows CareerEdge to hire a Program Coordinator dedicated to the successful completion and employment of participants in the FTT program. The coordinator will work closely with participants, coaching and mentoring them throughout the program. Additionally, the position will help with soft skills training by preparing applicants to apply for jobs.
“Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are deeply committed to investing in opportunities that help our communities grow and prosper,” said Gerhard Toth, Sarasota market executive for Regions Bank. “Our workforce here in Southwest Florida is second to none, thanks to the great work of CareerEdge. We are proud of this grant and the opportunities for growth it provides.”
About CareerEdge Funders Collaborative
CareerEdge Funder’s Collaborative is an innovative partnership of business, government, and philanthropic organizations that leverages public and private dollars to provide opportunities for better jobs and wages in Manatee and Sarasota counties. CareerEdge is the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. For more information about CareerEdge and its partners, please visit www.careeredgefunders.org or call 941-556-4029.
About the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to cultivate Sarasota’s prosperity and quality of life through our member businesses. CareerEdge Funders Collaborative is the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. For more information please call 941-955-8187 or visit us at www.sarasotachamber.com.
About Regions Foundation
The Alabama-based Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
About Regions
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $145 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,400 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.