Analysis shows CareerEdge works

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An independent analysis of the CareerEdge Funders Collaborative found the nonprofit workforce-development program is producing millions of dollars in new wages and economic impact for the Manatee-Sarasota region.

Conducted by Urban Market Ventures, with data review by Capital Analytics, the analysis found that $1.54 million in investments by CareerEdge in 2011 and so far in 2012 will result in nearly $3 million in annual earnings increases for employees at local businesses and more than $5.6 million in annual wages for people placed in new jobs.

The investments also pump nearly $4.3 million in new, “value added” income into the local economy.

On an individual basis, the analysis showed that 883 employees who participated in CareerEdge training programs will increase their household income by $3,376 a year.

“Each year’s investment requires about four years to bear full fruit, in terms of the pay raises and promotions that workers will earn by completing CareerEdge programs,” said Mireya Eavey, executive director of CareerEdge. “So we will see an even larger share of the impact in years two, three and four for each worker.”

Wilde Honda gets President’s Award

Wilde Honda, of Sarasota, received the Honda President’s Award given to top-ranking U.S. dealerships, based on customer service and satisfaction, sales, training and facility operation.

This is the 10th year Wilde received the honor, the company said.

Of the more than 1,000 Honda dealerships in the United States, “Wilde Honda is one of only 145 to earn this distinction for 2011,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales for Honda.

Island Real Estate work recognized

Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island Inc. received the Award of Excellence from TripAdvisor and FlipKey, according to the company.

The award is based on reviews from past guests and recognizes rental managers “with outstanding perperties who provide excellent service,” the company said.

First Watch opens 2nd in Wisconsin

First Watch, the Lakewood Ranch-based breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain, opened its second restaurant in Wisconsin.

The franchisee there, VMB Sunrise Hospitality Inc., already had one First Watch and plans a total of five in the next three to five years, the company said in a statement.