Job seekers turn out in the Bluffs

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Job seekers came to the Mid-America Center in a steady stream Tuesday for the 2009 Fall Job Fair.

The event, sponsored by the Daily Nonpareil and SWIowaJobs.com, featured employers, educational institutions and services for job seekers.

“Turnout has been great so far,” said Jaimi Miller, classified advertising manager for the Daily Nonpareil. Participants included Kaplan University, Panda Inc. dba Arby’s Restaurants, Social Security Administration, University of Phoenix, the Army and Navy, AFLAC, Applied Underwriters, JTL Truck Driver Training, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Iowa Workforce Development, The World-Herald, Bellevue University and Ameristar Casino.

Mike Kolker, who was at the Bellevue University booth, said a tough economy sometimes can be the best time to return to school, “simply because you have the time ... or you might need additional education to get the jobs you want.”

Shelley L. Marsh of JTL Truck Driver Training reported increased interest in the program.

“Even with the economy the way it has been, everything has to be hauled at some point,” she said.

Ed Arlauskas, district manager for Arby’s, said the company is hiring for positions, including entry-level management jobs, at its 19 restaurants.

“There’s been a good share of applicants that have come in,” Arlauskas said. Job seeker Bradley Keith of Council Bluffs said he found a job possibility at the Tyson booth.

“They’re opening up a wastewater plant, and that’s what I’m interested in. I talked with them and got some good input. It was worth coming out.”

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