Michelle Fleig-Palmer
(308) 865-8404
Learning about the many free career resources in Kearney is the subject of a Career Development Workshop set for 7 p.m. Monday, April 12, at the Kearney Public Library.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney and the Kearney Public Library are co-sponsoring the workshop titled Free Help. One in a series of career development workshops being held the second Monday of each month, the program is free and open to the public. Stan Zimbelman, employment service manager for the Nebraska Workforce Department’s Department of Labor, and Odee Ingersoll, director of the Nebraska Business Development Center, which is located on the University of Nebraska at Kearney West Campus, will be the main workshop presenters.
“Anyone looking for employment or a change in careers should consider this workshop,” Zimbelman said. Zimbelman has been with the Department of Labor for 13 years. Before his experience with the Labor Department, he worked in the private sector where he was involved with hiring.
Zimbelman emphasized that, “All services provided by Nebraska Workforce Development are free to the public.” His goal for the workshop is to give people a good understanding of what is available here in his office. Zimbelman went on to explain some of the services that will be discussed at the workshop.
“I will be showing participants our Web site, and how to do job and career searches,” he said. “We will also be discussing our résumé and cover letter programs.” In addition, his office provides printed materials including books for the public to check out.
Two associates of Nebraska Work Force Development will accompany Zimbelman. One associate will discuss the department’s training program, and the Veteran representative will discuss services and guides available for veterans.
Ingersoll, who is in his fourth year with NBDC, formerly owned and operated a hotel/restaurant business for more than 20 years. He is currently obtaining certification as an economic specialist and business appraiser.
When discussing his involvement with the workshop, Ingersoll said, “I’ll be presenting information about becoming an entrepreneur, and the steps to starting your own business. We provide free services to the public and operate seven centers across the state.
“Our office works with new and existing businesses,” he said, adding, “And we deal with many aspects such as marketing, loans, market research and business forecasting. We also provide assistance with procurements and government contracts.”
Ingersoll added that last year his office, “…handled 300 customers with a 50/50 ratio of new and existing businesses. His office also originated 7.6 million in loan requests.”
Both men will be presenting their information and then answering questions for participants.
