JVS PRESENTS CAREER ROAD SHOW SERIES
Events Feature Prominent Speakers, Industry Tips

Six months to a year. That's the average length of unemployment. 300,000. That's the number of people currently unemployed in Los Angeles. 60%. That's the increase in people coming to JVS for services in the past year. To give people an edge in this competitive job market, JVS is offering a series of free Career Road Shows starting March 13 at Young Israel of Century City, with additional dates on April 9 at UCLA Hillel and May 8 at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles.

Open to anyone and everyone, participants will learn the secrets of breaking into a wide variety of industries, including finance, information technology, law, non-profit and arts and entertainment. Presentations by expert panelists will focus on current trends in each market, career options and job opportunities. Participants will also have a chance to talk with experts in roundtables of their industry of choice, and receive one-on-one feedback on their job search efforts and career choices.

"The response to our Career Road Show series in the Valley last year was overwhelming," said JVS' CEO Vivian Seigel, "and thanks to generous funding from The Federation's Metro/Western Region, we are now able to bring it to Los Angeles. "This job market is unlike anything we've seen. Everyone from CEOs to middle managers to blue collar workers is being affected."

Panelists for the March 13 event include: Diana Gubin, President and Founder of Tech Exec Partners LLC; Dennis Campos, Senior Vice President/Director of Human Resources for California Commercial Bank; Chaz Austin, President of Austin Digital Media; LaFern Watkins, Director of Community Affairs for the Southern California Broadcasters Association and Matthew Mallon, General Sales Manager for KABC/KDIS.

Panelists for the April 9 event include Val Zavala, Vice-President of News and Public Affairs and Anchor for Life and Times Tonight for KCET; Howard Fine, Staff Reporter for the Los Angeles Business Journal; Darren Walton, Recruiting Coordinator for American Express Financial Advisors; and Sharon E. Gerber Esq., Attorney and Recruiter for Jameson Ziskind LLC.

Panelists for the May 8 event include Meredith Blake, Esq., Founder and Executive Director of Break the Cycle; Judith Fisher, President of RJ Associates; and David Wells, Producer, Actor and Coach for West End Studios.

"The panelists for the Career Road Show have an excellent grasp on what it takes to make it in their industry. They represent a variety of fields and careers that people are interested in today," said Seigel.

To reserve seats or for more information, contact JVS at 323-761-8888 x8887.

Founded in 1931, JVS, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization, offers a wide range of vocational and human resource services to individuals and businesses throughout Los Angeles. In addition, JVS offers mentoring and career programs for women, welfare recipients, students, refugees and immigrants. Annually, JVS serves more than 13,000 people in greater Los Angeles.

On May 14th, JVS will present the 6th Annual Strictly Business Luncheon, focusing on the agency's direct services to local businesses. Arden Realty Chairman and CEO Richard S. Ziman and his wife Daphna, a leading child advocate, will be the featured speakers, and Wells Fargo will be honored as Corporate Citizen of the Year. For more information about JVS or the Strictly Business Luncheon, visit www.jvsla.org.

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