Member News

Live-Streaming, Curated Social Content, and Branded Videos Continue to Increase in Demand on the Suncoast

 

Jim Ramer Video Productions, a full-service video production company, launches in Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL (April 6, 2022) – Jim Ramer Video Productions is a full-service video content creation solution for local businesses, not-for-profits, special events and creative agencies. Ramer launched the business in March, offering video production, post-production, and design services. He has found a niche in advising businesses and organizations on strengthening their digital capabilities across multiple streaming platforms through video storytelling. His expertise in producing shows for LinkedIn Live, YouTube Live and Facebook Live is in high demand as the request to launch vodcasts for businesses and influencers continues to rise. 

 

 

In this ever-growing visually driven world, consumption of video content has never been higher. The need for new, engaging, and impactful video content is a sought-after commodity. Whether it is for Tik-Tok or Instagram reels, company testimonials, or digital marketing assets, hiring an expert who fully understands the importance of clearly articulated and creative communication produced for the intended audience is paramount. 

 

"Engaging, authentic content should be at the heart of a brand’s strategy. My goal is to create video content that enhances an integrated campaign or marketing strategy, ultimately adding value to the brand. I am a true collaborator who produces timely and effective content, resonating with intended audiences and modified in several formats for use across many different digital platforms," states Jim Ramer, owner of Jim Ramer Video Productions. 

 

Ramer is an industry veteran with 25-plus years of live television and video production experience across many industries including real estate, financial, food and beverage, not-for-profit as well as sports and entertainment. He works with many local creative agencies in the area supporting the video needs of their clients. 

 

Deeply rooted in the Sarasota community, Jim Ramer has been a part of the video and broadcasting world since 1997, when he worked as a commercial producer and editor for SNN6. Over the last decade, he has worked for and with the area’s leading creative agencies from Fort Myers to Tampa. He has been quietly working behind the camera and worked on projects for many of Sarasota's most notable companies and not-for-profits. Most recently, Ramer was the senior manager of video production for Sykes Enterprises, a global business process outsourcing company. He managed the in-house production studio and produced their internal video communications, global digital assets and vodcasts, including One-Take, an interview-style program featuring the most innovative chief marketing officers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders across the globe.

 

For more information about Jim Ramer Video Productions, please visit jimramervideoproductions.com. 

Goodwill partners with United Way Suncoast, Step Up Suncoast to provide free tax preparation
Area nonprofits, with support of IRS VITA program, to offer free tax prep and electronic filing at Goodwill locations in north Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota has partnered with United Way Suncoast in Sarasota County and Step Up Suncoast in Manatee County to provide free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income households. Through April 14, volunteers are assisting with free tax preparation at Goodwill’s north Sarasota (5150 N. Tamiami Tr.) and Ranch Lake (8750 E. State Road 70, Bradenton) locations.

Goodwill and its partners are able to offer this service through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax help to those with annual earnings below $74,000, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own returns.  

VITA utilizes certified volunteers to help provide free and accurate tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income taxpayers. These services are provided at a variety of public locations such as libraries, schools, and neighborhood centers – such as Goodwill locations – in certain high-need areas. VITA has been instrumental in helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households receive thousands of dollars in additional refunds.

Areas of focus for this year’s VITA program will be the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for the 2021 tax year. The maximum credit amount has increased to $3,000 per qualifying child between the ages of 6-17 and $3,600 per qualifying child under age 6.

VITA tax preparers can prepare returns with credits including the Additional Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care, Education Credits, and Retirement Saver’s Credit. VITA tax preparers cannot complete forms containing: Schedule C with losses, Complicated & Advanced Schedule D (capital gains and losses), Form SS-5 (request for Social Security Number), Form 8606 (non-deductible IRA), Form 8615 (minor’s investment income), or Form SS-8 (determination of worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding).

“Tax season can be a time of extreme stress for community members, many of whom may not fully understand the tax code or have sufficient access to supportive resources and technology,” said Donn Githens, president of Goodwill Manasota. “The IRS VITA program is a wonderful service; we’re happy to partner with United Way Suncoast to provide information, resources and expert assistance to help residents file their taxes while ensuring they receive every deduction to which they’re entitled.”

The free tax preparation will be offered by appointment only in Sarasota on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; book online via unitedwaysuncoast.org/VITA or by phone at 833-UWS-VITA (833-897-8482). Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesdays at the Ranch Lake location, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Manatee Habitat Announces the Appointment of New Board Member

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity transforms lives and communities by building and preserving affordable homes with families and by uniting all people around the cause of affordable housing. We are excited to welcome new board member Stacie Mason, who will help us accomplish our goal of safe affordable housing for everyone.

Bradenton, FL. Manatee Habitat announced today the appointment of Stacie Mason, SPHR, SHRM-SCP to the board of directors.

Roger Arnholt, Chairman of the board stated "The Manatee Habitat Board is excited to welcome Stacie Mason as a fellow Board member. Her nearly two decades of residency in Manatee County will serve the Board as an ambassador for community needs and strengths, and serve the community was an ambassador for Habitat's programs and impacts on families. Her skill set as a leader in human resources will help support Habitat as a strong organization staffed with highly effective talent."

“We are thrilled to welcome Stacie Macon, our newest Director who brings her passion, commitment and experience to the work of Manatee Habitat” stated Diana Shoemaker, outgoing President, and CEO of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity.

Stacie Mason spent seven years with a Chicago area non-profit assisting adults with disabilities before transitioning to Human Resources.  For the past eighteen years Stacie has served the City of Sarasota in the Human Resources Department.

Stacie holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology, criminology, and obtained her master’s degree in employment law in 2020. Stacie is now the Director of Human Resources for the City of Sarasota. She also serves on two advisory boards, Sarasota Technical College and Everglades University sharing her expertise in community workforce needs.

An area resident for nineteen years Stacie is looking forward to giving back to the community she loves by serving on the Manatee County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.

About Manatee County Habitat for Humanity:

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical, volunteer-based organization with the mission to provide opportunities for affordable home ownership, to help keep families safely in homes, to secure safe affordable homes for at-risk Veterans and to build better communities benefiting both homeowners and local businesses.

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is driven by the vision that everyone deserves a safe place to live. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers Dear Sir or Madam,and pay an affordable 0% interest mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, visit manateehabitat.org.

Manatee Habitat is currently building four new homes in Palmetto and will soon be breaking ground on Poling Gardens, a 16 home green community in Samoset. Additionally, Habitat for Heroes, a partnership between Manatee Habitat and Our Next Mission, continue working with at risk Veterans, placing them into safe, affordable lifelong homes. Manatee Habitat, through grant funding from the city of Bradenton and Manatee County, completes multiple critical home repairs annually for area residents in need.

Manatee Habitat Restore

A division of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Manatee Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used home furnishings, building materials, and appliances. The Manatee Habitat ReStore is located at 5108 15th St E in the City of Bradenton, on State Road 70.  To donate, just drop off your gently used items at the ReStore or call Manatee Habitat to schedule a free pickup at (941) 355-7082.

Board composed of local community leaders and business owners to support Goodwill’s mission, guide strategy and operations, and increase its impact

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota is pleased to announce its 2022-2023 board of directors. Steve Boone is in the second year of his term as the board chair. New to the board this year is Richard Cautero, who joins directors Xtavia Bailey, Betsy Benac, Debbie Douglas, Shawn Hanlon, Rod Hollingsworth, Eric Kaplan, Rob Morris, Laurie O’Loughlin, Allen Weinstein and Brad West (chair emeritus). Rae Dowling has rotated off the board; Goodwill is grateful for her service.

Cautero is a recent two-term City Council member for the City of Venice, serving as Vice Mayor in 2017, 2019 and 2021. He has held key executive leadership roles with major brands, including Kraft Foods, General Foods, Maxwell House Coffee and Post Cereal, among others. Cautero has leveraged his extensive professional background for a variety of impactful board roles encompassing the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors. His distinguished tradition of community service includes terms on the boards of local hunger relief organization All Faiths Food Bank and cancer support agency Ann’s Place (Danbury, Conn.).

In 2022, some of the top priorities to be addressed with the board’s input and guidance will include: expanding the American Veterans and Their Families program, to better support veterans’ needs in North Port and Venice and serve additional veterans with case management, career services, emergency assistance and networking opportunities; expanding the Supported JobsPlus program for team members with significant disabilities, through the hiring of an SJP program manager and adding at least 10 new SJP team members; enhancing services and increasing the number of community members served in DeSoto County through the Job Connection office located there; expanding the JobsPlus Language program to Goodwill’s Arcadia retail store; doubling the budget for educational assistance for ESOL classes, post-secondary education, market-valued certificates, and leadership programs; and the continued expansion of mission development services, which provide training and support for other Goodwills and generate additional revenue for Goodwill Manasota.

“Our volunteer board members – who live and work locally - are essential in providing guidance and expertise, ensuring the community is being served efficiently and empathetically,” said Donn Githens, president of Goodwill Manasota. “We welcome Rich and look forward to this board’s contributions to Goodwill and our community in the coming year.”

For more about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

About Goodwill Manasota Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, is proud to announce its slate of board leadership for 2022 and welcome Elenor Maxheim to the Board of Directors for her third term.

At the agency’s annual board reception on March 1, Jacqueline W. Ray, Ph.D. was formally welcomed as Board Chair. Rev. Brock H. Leach was also welcomed as Vice Chair, Katrina Otchet as Treasurer, and Lisa Giglio as Secretary. Katherine Martucci was thanked for her service throughout 2021 as she steps into her new role as Chair Emeritus.

Jacqueline W. Ray, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus and former higher education administrator and psychologist. She has served on the Board of Directors since 2018, and as former Treasurer and Vice Chair she continues to lend strategic insight into team building, strong governance, and leadership.

Elenor Maxheim, retired realtor and business owner is coming back onto the board after previously serving two consecutive terms from 2012 to 2017. She also co-chaired Children First’s successful $3.8 MM Raise Your Hand campaign that helped enhance and expand programs serving our community’s most at-risk children and families.

Other directors on the board include Barbara G. Benson, Howard Berman, Andrea Johnson, Keith G. Johnson, Michael Keebaugh, Linda Monda, Elizabeth Stamoulis, Esq., Joe Stephan, and Michael K. Suarez. The Children First Board of Directors is comprised of community members and leaders from the human services, corporate, investment, and philanthropic sectors of our region. To learn more, visit childrenfirst.net.

Goodwill Manasota receives grant for tobacco cessation
Funding from the Tobacco Free Florida AHEC Cessation Program at Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center will help community and Goodwill employees quit smoking

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL  –  According to the Florida AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Network, most adult cigarette smokers want to quit, and more than half of adult cigarette smokers report having made an attempt to quit in the past year. In an effort to help Goodwill team members and community members quit successfully, the Tobacco Free Florida AHEC Cessation Program at Gulfcoast South AHEC has made a grant to Goodwill Manasota, to support tobacco cessation services, and tobacco treatment training of Goodwill staff and volunteers.

As part of the agreement, starting in April, Goodwill will offer monthly GSAHEC tobacco cessation groups at the following locations: Ranch Lake (8750 E. State Road 70, Bradenton), Honore (1704 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota) and North Port (14879 Tamiami Tr.); community members can also participate virtually. The dates are: Honore – April 12, May 10 and June 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Ranch Lake – April 13, May 11 and June 15, 1-3 p.m.; and North Port – April 14, May 12 and June 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Groups will include clients or former clients, vendors, volunteers, staff and/or board members, and retail store shoppers. As part of the program, participants would receive a free month’s supply of Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

“The Gulfcoast South AHEC and Goodwill Manasota already enjoy a strong partnership and Goodwill’s territory overlaps our service area as well,” said Ansley Mora, Gulfcoast South AHEC executive director. “With Goodwill’s access to the community through its workforce, clients and shoppers, we look forward to spreading the tobacco cessation message and helping smokers to find their way to healthier futures.”

The benefits of quitting smoking are many, with health improvements seen almost immediately. There are tremendous financial benefits for tobacco cessation as well: smoking-related illness in the U.S. costs more than $300 billion each year, including direct medical care and lost productivity. And, at today’s prices, smoking one pack per day for 10 years will cost an individual over $130,000.

“Goodwill’s most important resource is the people within the communities we serve – if we’re not investing in their well-being, then we are not achieving our mission,” said Margie Genter, vice president of mission services. “We believe it is our responsibility to offer opportunities, guidance and resources to enable our team members, their families and the wider community to make healthy choices. We look forward to working with the Gulfcoast South AHEC to create a healthier community together.”

To learn more about the tobacco cessation program or register for a class, call the Gulfcoast South AHEC at 941-361-6602 or visit gsahec.org. For more about Goodwill Manasota, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

Photo ID: Goodwill Manasota will provide tobacco cessation services, thanks to a grant from the Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center

About Goodwill Manasota Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

While America's favorite pastime is on hold F45 training is still keeping Sarasota fit.

F45 Training Unlocks its doors for the Oriole’s Families, and Friends.  We have come to an Agreement to offer a discounted price to show our support and appreciation of the game. 

F45 hits a home run when it comes to keeping the community active and fit while having fun. Let's keep the game alive so come join the F45 team as we help to keep Sarasota in top shape.

For more information please contact, Shannon Hunt. 

941-702-2272
shunt@f45training.com

We are honored to announce Manatee Habitat is the recipient of grant funding from the PUBLIX SUPERMARKET CHARITIES, which will be directed to the next “Women’s Build” in memory of Carol Jenkins Barnett, former Chair and President of Publix Super Markets Charities, and daughter of Publix founder George W. Jenkins, and Anne MacGregor Jenkins.

Diana Shoemaker, President CEO of Manatee Habitat said, “We are grateful for Publix Charities long time generous support of the work of Manatee Habitat and for their commitment to helping us build affordable housing for our community.”

Our “Women’s Build” provides the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities and is also a terrific way to involve your friends and family in crucial work with a lasting impact. Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message and is a great way make new friends. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly. This “Women’s Build” will be a four-bedroom 2 bath home in Palmetto. There will eventually be five homes in total on the “Triangle” property across from our construction depot and conveniently located within walking distance of local shopping.

Manatee Habitat is welcoming groups who would like to join the “Women’s Build” by volunteering, sponsoring, or donating. For information on the “Women’s Build” sponsorships, or donations, please contact Emily Lane at elane@manateehabitat.org

About Manatee County Habitat for Humanity:

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical, volunteer-based organization with the mission to provide opportunities for affordable home ownership, to help keep families safely in homes, and to build better communities benefiting both homeowners and local businesses.

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is driven by the vision that everyone deserves a safe place to live. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable 0% interest mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, visit manateehabitat.org.

Manatee Habitat will soon be breaking ground on Poling Gardens, a 16 home green community in Samoset. The Poling Family reached out to Manatee Habitat several years ago indicating they wished their former tomato farm to be utilized for helping families improve their lives. The plan to build housing in this area fits with our goal to provide affordable housing opportunities in neighborhoods looking to increase the financial stability of their residents.

Manatee Habitat Restore

A division of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Manatee Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used home furnishings, building materials, and appliances. Profits from the ReStore are used to help Manatee Habitat build more affordable housing in Manatee County. The Manatee Habitat ReStore is located at 5108 15th St E in the City of Bradenton, on State Road 70.  To donate, just drop off your gently used items at the ReStore or call Manatee Habitat to schedule a free pickup at (941) 355-7082.

Purvis Gray opens new location in Tampa and adds a partner

(GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, February 21, 2022) – The Partners of Purvis Gray announce their newest location in Tampa, Florida. This represents the seventh location for Purvis Gray, a Florida based Certified Public Accounting firm that began serving clients from their Gainesville, Florida headquarters in 1946. With the addition of this location, Robert White is the newest partner with the firm. Mr. White is a certified public accountant with over 40 years of service in various industries in the greater Tampa area.

“We are very excited to finally place roots in the Tampa area after many years of serving clients there.”

shares David Gaitanis, Managing Partner of Purvis Gray. “We remain one firm, now with seven locations, and our dedicated team remains focused on serving the clients of Purvis Gray.”

Purvis Gray employs over 110 committed partners and associates serving clients in six other locations across the state of Florida: Gainesville, Ocala, Tallahassee, Sarasota, Orlando, and Lakeland. Our Tampa office will support the current growth of our services across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

A full-service CPA firm, Purvis Gray offers services that include auditing, tax planning and preparation, accounting, peer review, IT assurance and consulting across the State of Florida and beyond. Purvis Gray is an independent member of the BDO Alliance USA, a nationwide association of independently owned, local and regional accounting, consulting, and service firms with similar client service goals.

Purvis Gray

222 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 www.purvisgray.com

Leadership in a nonprofit is hard enough, but adding a pandemic was more than we could have ever imagined. Luckily Manatee Habitat had Diana Shoemaker, a strong, strategic thinker, to lead the way through uncharted waters. It is with great sadness that we announce her departure to join a national advocacy organization. Manatee Habitat has retained the services of MBJ Group, Inc. to lead the search for the organization’s next CEO.

In announcing her departure Diana stated “During my tenure with Manatee County Habitat for Humanity I have had the great privilege of working alongside passionate and committed staff, board members and volunteers.   Together we have grown an organization that has earned the praise of community leaders, businesses, civic and faith organizations while we have continued to tangibly address the critical need for affordable housing in Manatee County.”

In the 11 years with the organization, serving as Family Services Manager, Executive Director and eventually President and CEO, the organization helped over 35 families achieve affordable home ownership and has laid the groundwork for 20 more homes to be built.   Programs addressing the critical repair needs of the existing affordable housing stock have expanded, increasing the number of seniors and disabled homeowners served throughout the county.  Services to local veterans seeking homeownership and much needed home repairs were expanded following a partnership with the nonprofit Our Next Mission.

Of highest priority has been the building relationships with local city and county leaders advocating for Manatee Habitat and the critical need for affordable housing in the community, making sure Habitat was at the table in these important conversations.   Ms. Shoemaker also served as Chair of the Manatee County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and on the City of Bradenton Affordable Housing Committee and Habitat Florida State Advocacy Team.

Under her direction, Manatee Habitat developed a strategic plan that will continue to build essential partnerships with the community municipalities and residents to continue to address the need for more affordable housing.    Having weathered many of the initial challenges of the pandemic, the organization is stronger than ever and preparing to get underway building more Habitat homes with 4 homes in Palmetto and another 16 homes in Samoset. 

In announcing her departure, Diana Shoemaker stated, “I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served as a leader for Manatee Habitat for Humanity and for being part of an organization that has cared so deeply for the needs of our neighbors.” Although Ms. Shoemaker will be leaving Manatee Habitat, she will continue in her leadership position on a part time basis until a replacement has been found.

MBJ Group, Inc. has been retained to lead the search for Ms. Shoemaker’s replacement. Go to MBJGROUP.com under Current Searches for full job description.  Send your resume, cover letter with salary expectations to karen@mbjgroup.com by March 8, 2022.