VENTURA : Seminar to Assist Former Abex Staff

Former employees of Abex Aerospace can get help finding new jobs or opening their own businesses at an upcoming free workshop.

The Commission on Human Concerns will present the “By Your Bootstraps” seminar from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Harbortown Marina Resort in Ventura, officials said.

Todd Tanner of Ventura County National Bank will answer questions on how to obtain small business loans, and commission volunteer Marsha Timms will talk about ideas for opening a small business.

The commission, a nonprofit community organization, regularly holds workshops to help people find jobs after layoffs.

“This workshop is directly aimed at motivating and boosting the morale of former Abex workers,” said Lee Riggan, the commission’s executive director.

Abex, an Oxnard aerospace firm, announced plans last year to close its plant by this spring. The firm once employed nearly 1,000 workers.