REACH Manatee relies on many partners to share its message of the importance of post-secondary education in Manatee County.

As with all collective impact models, a “backbone organization” provides the administrative oversight and support for the work.

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce builds a positive business environment while enhancing our community’s quality of life. In 2020, the Chamber stepped up as the new backbone for REACH Manatee after a tremendous four years of leadership by UnidosNow.

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1889, tracing its roots to the Bradenton Board of Trade. With approximately 2,000 businesses/organization members with 68,000+ employees and offices in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, the Chamber recognizes the importance of education to workforce development in our region.