Goodwill Manasota Expands, Adds 160 Jobs In Bradenton

Bradenton’s Goodwill Manasota has a brand new master plan and is set to expand its corporate headquarters while adding 160 fulltime operations and retail employees over the next five years.

The 18-month expansion project includes the development of nearly 80,000 square feet on a 9.2-acre site that will accumulate employees from several administrative offices throughout Bradenton and house them under one roof. The growth plan also includes 35,866 square feet dedicated to a new retail store with a drive-through donation center as well as a 16,000-square-foot outparcel for future site development.

After serving at Goodwill for 40 years, President Bob Rosinsky made the transition to CEO in January and placed a heavy emphasis on educational programs specific to employee and organizational growth.

"We have an extensive program that helps our employees advance. We want our employees to become role model workers," says Veronica Miller, VP of Goodwill Manasota’s Foundation.

The new developments and expansion are an extension to Goodwill’s educational and workforce improvement initiative that is centered on employee growth and career advancement while strengthening the organization’s partnerships with international Goodwill operations.

The new 27,000-square-foot corporate offices and Goodwill You Learning Center will feature classrooms, meeting rooms and a computer work space, allowing the organization to expand its existing online training program, offer career development resources to employees, and host on-site training for national and international Goodwill employee groups.

"We consult with other Goodwills around the world to help them become better at donation success. We have a lot of expectations for the Goodwill You Learning Center, and we’re in a great position to help Goodwills throughout the country that may be in the red or about to close their doors," says Miller.

The developments also include a new Job Connection location, a community service initiative dedicated to preparing candidates and collaboratively aligning them with employers having career opportunities.

The expansion project will also incorporate green and energy-efficient design that capitalizes on the use of space.

"We envision a range of game-changing green and eco-friendly initiatives, as well as electric car charging stations, bike and scooter parking, and SCAT and MCAT transit stations," says Steve Boone, chair of the Goodwill Manasota board of directors.

For information on hiring opportunities and unique business partnerships, visit Goodwill Manasota’s website.

Writer: Kaye Brown
Sources: Veronica Miller and Steve Boone, Goodwill Manasota