The following is shared from Oregon Employment Department (OED) Business & Employment Specialist, Kim Laugsand:

“I started talking with WinCo in March 2025 regarding WorkSource Klamath services. I let them know how we could help them with their hiring. WinCo stated they definitely wanted and needed our help with the hiring process (hiring event). They sent some people to look at our office to make sure it would accommodate potentially over 200 people at one time. Unfortunately, our office wasn’t going to be able to do that. I let them know about some different locations in Klamath Falls that has accommodated large hiring events/job fairs in our community.

We promoted and supported the application process by having people apply using the resource lobby and promoted on Facebook and other platforms. In addition to what OED did, Klamath Works also promoted the application process, stating that most of their participants applied. WinCo stated they were worried about not having enough job seekers showing up, but they quickly became overwhelmed by the interest.

WinCo decided on the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Tim, Nahum, and I attended the hiring event. We met with WinCo corporate staff and over 300 job seekers. We met face to face with the job seekers and let them know about WorkSource services. We were also fortunate to have the WorkSource van be at this location. I didn’t talk about specifics regarding the van but made sure to point it out to everyone for future use.

I want to thank Laura Lausmann, Shelly Forsberg, Joe Milazzo, Bend and Redmond offices for their virtual assistance, Randy, Nahum (and the van), Tim, Klamath Works and all of our staff for pulling together to make this work. With the office being very busy I was worried we might not have the staff to help me with this hiring event. I’m so thankful for our partners and team. Way to Go!!!”