The retail store opening is the first glimpse of the organization’s new headquarters, which will also include corporate offices, a national training facility and a Job Connection center.
SARASOTA/BRADENTON, Fla. – Goodwill Manasota will open its latest retail store to the public during a grand opening event on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 9 a.m. at 2715 51st Ave. E. in Bradenton, Fla.
The 35,866-square-foot retail store with a 24-hour drive-thru donation center includes a boutique section and a unique “treasure island”, which showcases featured items.
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“We are excited to solidify Goodwill’s presence in Manatee County,” said Bob Rosinsky, president & CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “Shoppers who frequented the DeSoto Junction store will be greeted by the same familiar faces of the employees who embody what Goodwill is all about.”
The retail store is the first section of the corporate center headquarters to open on the 9.2-acre site at the northeast corner of 51st Avenue East and U.S. 301 in Manatee County. The corporate campus, including administrative offices, will have its own grand opening in October 2014.
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In keeping with the principles of green and energy-efficient designs, the campus will feature a variety of eco-friendly initiatives, such as electric car charging stations, a bike and scooter parking area and SCAT and MCAT transit stations.
“Goodwill’s successes are reflected by the impact we have on the community, the people we serve and the lives we change,” said Rosinsky. “When people donate and shop at Goodwill, they are helping us create jobs, and facilitating a stronger economy. The opening of our newest retail store further reinforces our mission to serve and better our community.”
The store will be open daily Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This newest store replaces the DeSoto Junction location in Bradenton, which closed on July 5. Forty-two team members from that location were transferred to the new store for training and an additional 27 new employees have been hired as a result of the opening of this location.
Fawley Bryant Architects lead the design team. NDC Construction was the general contractor and Crowley Services performed the construction management services.
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 the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2013, we served more than 16,000 people, placed 537 people in jobs and assisted 329 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $39.3 million. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill has provided opportunities through such programs as Donated Goods Employment Services, Job Connection, American Veterans & their Families Initiative, JobsPlus, Supported JobsPlus, GoodwillWorks, White Glove Services, Good Neighbor Program and Ambassadors Program. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 37 million pounds out of the landfill. Goodwill Manasota is legally organized under the laws of the United States and the State of Florida. We are accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is NOT owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit EXPERIENCEGOODWILL.ORG.
