Dutton Shares Vision for Suncoast Community Capital During Mixer with Community Leaders

November 9, 2013 | By
Dave Gustafson, John Colon, Tom Barwin, Casey Colburn and Felipe Colon

Dave Gustafson, John Colon, Tom Barwin, Casey Colburn and Felipe Colon

This article was originally published on Bradenton Patch (November 9, 2013).

On Tuesday, Suncoast Community Capital (SCC), an organization committed to the financial independence of people and communities of low income in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, hosted a networking mixer at the Manatee Central Banquet Hall to introduce its new executive director, Tim Dutton, to the community.

Over 40 residents, business owners, community leaders and elected officials from Manatee and Sarasota Counties attended the event sponsored by the Central Community Redevelopment Agency (CCRA), ERG Law Firm and Najmy Thompson, PL to meet Dutton and to learn more about the organization’s long-term goals for serving the community.

“When such a diverse and enthusiastic group of people come together around this mission, the possibility of really making a difference seems assured. This community is ready and this organization is poised to really impact broad-scale financial well-being and equity,” said Dutton.

Doug Ross, Dave Auxier and Tim Dutton

Doug Ross, Dave Auxier and Tim Dutton

Dutton shared some of his vision during the event, which includes expanding SCC’s role in helping small businesses obtain micro-loans through local lenders, as well as exploring the feasibility of a community co-op in Bradenton. He also stressed the importance of growing awareness of the free financial services and educational programs currently being offered though SCC, such as “Bridges to Careers”, an employment preparation program funded by CareerEdge, and VITA, a free tax preparation program available to people of low or moderate incomes.

Prior to working with SCC, Dutton served for 12 years as the executive director of SCOPE, a civic engagement organization in Sarasota County, where he developed a reputation as a convener and facilitator and was responsible for the creation of multiple reports and data products aimed at improving community well-being.

“Tim was incredibly successful in bringing the community together to tackle issues involving affordable housing, race and cultural relations, school drop out and aging during his tenure at SCOPE, which is why we are anxious to see what he’s able to accomplish through SCC,” said Felipe Colon, chair of SCC’s Board of Directors.

Suncoast Community Capital creates “Pathways to Success” through business coaching, business micro-loans, free tax prep (VITA), financial education and a very successful “Bridges to Careers” program. For more information, visit www.suncoastcc.com.

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