Business organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties have joined forces to help connect displaced workers with employers who need to fill staffing demands brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Employers can post jobs and workers can search for them at jobfocus.com. Partners include the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp., CareerEdge, CareerSource Suncoast, Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Many residents in Sarasota and Manatee counties have lost their jobs 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. 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. For more information, click here.