January 26, 2024, Othello, WA – In 2023 the mayor of Othello, Shawn Logan, visited the SkillSource Learning Center to better understand how the programs and services serve the local community. The Mayor was curious about what opportunities there might be to help more people take advantage of the education and training resources available through SkillSource and the workforce development system. This week, SkillSource hosted the Othello Hiring Event with the support of workforce partners, employers, and the City of Othello.

Staff members were readily available to support employers and career seekers.

Thirteen local businesses set up tables at the event, which was held at SkillSource’s Thieme Career Development Center at 165 N. First Ave in Othello. These employers are actively hiring! Job seekers were encouraged to show up prepared with their resumé, and to visit SkillSource in advance if they needed help preparing resumés or practicing their interview skills. A flyer for the hiring event was included in utility bills sent to Othello residents, and was heavily promoted on social media to local community groups, as well as to the local high school.

Career and Training Manager Emily Anderson greets job seekers as they walk into the Othello Hiring Event.

Two smiling job seekers who learned of the event through the high school head off to meet with employers.

Though the event was advertised to begin at 10 am, job seekers were already enthusiastically at the door well ahead of time, ready to go with their resumés in hand! Over 150 people attended this first hiring event, and most left with strong employer connections, and new job opportunities just on the horizon. There was a palpable sense of community as staff, partners, businesses, and job seekers of all ages came together for an incredibly successful event.

A huge thank you to the Mayor of Othello and to SkillSource staff for launching this inaugural event. We are already looking forward to next year! We would also like to thank the following people for contributing their time and energy to planning this successful day:

Adams County Development Council: Kyle Niehenke
Employment Security Department: Lora Wood, Crysie Kluth
Othello Food Bank: Jose Garza
Lighthouse: Angela Kudsk
Bethel Assembly of God: Sam Garza

An additional thank you to our partners and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success:

Employment Security: Luis Castillo
DSHS: Maria Segura
OIC of Washington: Angela Vasquez
Student Volunteer: Javier
Community Volunteers: Mr. Gama, Mrs. Jenkins 
Othello School District: Amy Parris