LAKE COUNTY – In the midst of this recession, Lake County employers and employees alike have to get creative and find new, innovative ways to keep businesses running and paychecks in their pockets.

Lake One-Stop Inc. recently hosted two workshops. The first was designed specifically for employers and was Thursday, Feb. 25. Job seekers attended their version on Wednesday, March 3.

Lake County Department of Social Services and Arbor Education presented their various programs along with the Business and Workforce Center within Lake One-Stop Inc.

Nine interested employers attended the employer workshop, which was hosted at the Lake One-Stop office on 55 First St. in Lakeport. They learned many important facts such as how subsidized employment programs work and what benefits they offer.

For example, employers learned that these subsidized employment programs are funded using federal stimulus monies, such as money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

As a result of the workshop, several employers are corresponding with Lake One-Stop Inc. representatives and are considering utilizing their services.

The workshop only lasted about an hour, but that one hour may have broadened the horizons for several local businesses.

Employers are welcome to call or visit the Lake One-Stop Inc. Business and Workforce Center for more information. The main office is the Lakeport location and their phone number is 707-263-0630.

The Clearlake office address is 4477 Moss Ave. and the phone number is 707-994-0633, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Job seekers also are encouraged to call or visit either office and enroll in our services. The job seeker workshop was a big success, attracting 22 audience members. There was a mixture of nonenrolled and currently enrolled clients.

Job seekers also spent about one hour learning about the various different programs and services that Lake One-Stop and other agencies have to offer.

For example, The Business and Workforce Center runs weekly workshops for basic computer skills, resume tips, software tutorials and GED preparation.

If anyone is interested in these no cost services, call or visit the office nearest you to enroll. Visit the One-Stop Web site, www.lakeonestop.org , for more general information.