CareerEdge Funders Collaborative has invested $30,000 to provide job-readiness training to local job seekers.

Suncoast Community Capital will operate CareerEdge's "Bridges to Careers" program, which helps low-income individuals improve their skills and retool their abilities so they can successfully and permanently enter the workforce, in Bradenton and Sarasota County.

"Part of our strategy for effective workforce development is building capacity in other organizations to sustain the successful approaches we pilot," said Mireya Eavey, executive director of CareerEdge. "Suncoast Community Capital already works with low-skilled and underemployed individuals to offer them pathways to success, so it makes a lot of sense for SCC to take over the proven 'Bridges' model."

The agency expects to offer six to eight classes this year.

Since CareerEdge launched Bridges to Careers in April 2011, the initiative has helped 481 people earn more than 1,020 certifications, leading to 297 job placements. More than 80 percent of job seekers who completed the training got jobs.

The program is supported in part by Microsoft, Jane's Trust, Bank of America, the Bradenton Central CRA, and the Bradenton 14th Street CRA.

"One way SCC empowers people to achieve financial independence is by providing workforce-readiness training," said Mike Kennedy, president and CEO of SCC. "We are honored that CareerEdge chose us to deliver its 'Bridges' model and help our clients better equip themselves to land a job and experience financial stability."

SRQ promotional video wants to go viral

Sarasota Bradenton International is launching an unusual video to promote the airport.

The one-minute piece features a local Parkour specialist and American Ninja Warrior competitor traversing the terminal with an array of incredible moves -- the kind that might get others stopped by security.

Sean Morris, a 25-year-old Sarasota resident and 4-year competitor of NBC's American Ninja Warrior program, is featured in the minute long video. Sean is also a personal trainer and fervent enthusiast and participator in Parkour, a free expressive movement sport based around the interaction with urban obstacles and surrounding terrain.

"Our vision was to create a unique and fast moving piece to compliment the Do You SRQ Campaign showing the convenience and ease of traveling through SRQ," said Fredrick J. Piccolo, CEO of SRQ. "We were lucky enough to have an incredible talent in town that could take that vision and turn it into reality and in such a way that anyone of any age can enjoy." The video was a collaborative effort of SRQ staff and Jane Bennett, Owner and Marketing Strategist from Be Creative Studios. Both SRQ and Be Creative are hoping the

video will go viral.

You can view the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erHLC5aDFLY.

Gateway Bank walks for the dogs

Gateway Bank raised $1,215 for Southeastern Guide Dogs during the service agency's Feb. 23 walkathon in Bradenton.

Gateway Bank employees formed a corporate team and participated in the walkathon.

Recognized by the American Heart Association as a "fit friendly" company, Gateway Bank encourages employees to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. The walkathon helped meet that mission while allowing employees to give back to the community.

-- Herald staff reports